Brighton Fairbrook and Charlotte Donovan were instant best friends at age twelve when Brighton moved in next door. From frReviewed for Wit and Sin
Brighton Fairbrook and Charlotte Donovan were instant best friends at age twelve when Brighton moved in next door. From friends to lovers to fiancées, everything seemed to be going perfectly until their wedding day when Brighton left Charlotte at the altar. It’s been five years since then and the two haven’t spoken…until they find themselves going home with a friend for Christmas and discover themselves in the same place. The love, the spark, and the longing are all still there no matter how much Charlotte in particular tries to deny it. Is there a holiday miracle in the cards for two women who are so far apart yet so clearly made for each other?
Sometimes a book grabs your heartstrings from the first and doesn’t let go and that’s exactly what Make the Season Bright did for me. With Charlotte and Brighton’s story, Ashley Herring Blake has delivered a second chance romance that is bright, joyful, bittersweet, and just so lovely that I couldn’t put it down for a minute.
Charlotte and Brighton – Lola and Bright – endeared themselves to me from the very first. Charlotte is so achingly lonely that she broke my heart. She sees herself as forgettable and easy to leave and has put up walls to try and protect her fragile heart. She’s professionally incredibly successful but personally struggling. Brighton grew up with love, but she too is hurting. She’s at a crossroads, having lost her passion for music after her band dumped her. When the two of them meet again, it throws each off their stride. The love, the memories are strong and present even as they pretend not to know one another.
Brighton and Charlotte are both lovely, messy, flawed, and completely engaging heroines. They’ve made mistakes in their lives and with each other and continue to do so while they learn and grow. I loved their imperfections as much as their charms – it made them human and made me wish they were real so I could be friends with them. While Charlotte and Brighton have smoking chemistry everyone can see, that won’t solve anything (though it does make for some delicious tension). Love isn’t even enough to solve things and Herring Blake makes her heroines work for their happily ever after.
Make the Season Bright is about love, growth, letting down your walls and opening up in order to live a full life. It’s fun, sensual, joyfully queer, and sparkling with Christmas cheer. Quite simply, I loved this book. Charlotte, Brighton, and their friends all made me wonderfully happy and Herring Blake’s writing fully immersed me in their world. I cannot wait to enjoy Lola and Bright’s love story again and again and again.
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review....more
In the City, humans never know that Fae, gods, goblins, and more live among them. Richard Stone, a Fae viscount, has a somewhat thriving county (aka: In the City, humans never know that Fae, gods, goblins, and more live among them. Richard Stone, a Fae viscount, has a somewhat thriving county (aka: a slum) and inspires the fantasies of many in his acting career (in other words, he’s a porn star). He also is the keeper of the Azure Blade, one of the five magical swords in the City. He’s not too thrilled about his arranged marriage, but his knight of a bride seems nice enough. Things go wrong on his wedding day, though, when the Azure Blade loses its magic and the shame threatens Richard’s noble standing. He has a little over a week to solve his not-so-little problem, and Richard’ll need all the help he can get. Good thing his manservant, Simaron, is there to see to Richard’s every need.
Action, adventure, magic, and some hot male/male action all combine in House of Stone. Yet, though it had all the necessary ingredients to make one hell of an exciting book, House of Stone fell far short of what I’d hoped. The pacing was slow and Vaughn R. Demont constantly pauses to explain things, rather than weave the necessary information into the tale. Though he does grow up a bit over the course of the story Richard, isn’t particularly likeable and his voice becomes a bit tiresome at times. Since the book is written in the first person, that’s a bit of an issue. I also didn’t get to know Simaron, the love of Richard’s life, as well as I’d have liked. The character I was intrigued by was Jen, Richard’s wife, who sadly plays a minor role in House of Stone. I honestly wanted to like House of Stone, but the story dragged and it felt like Mr. Demont was trying to throw too much in without a plan.
Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed.
Merged review:
In the City, humans never know that Fae, gods, goblins, and more live among them. Richard Stone, a Fae viscount, has a somewhat thriving county (aka: a slum) and inspires the fantasies of many in his acting career (in other words, he’s a porn star). He also is the keeper of the Azure Blade, one of the five magical swords in the City. He’s not too thrilled about his arranged marriage, but his knight of a bride seems nice enough. Things go wrong on his wedding day, though, when the Azure Blade loses its magic and the shame threatens Richard’s noble standing. He has a little over a week to solve his not-so-little problem, and Richard’ll need all the help he can get. Good thing his manservant, Simaron, is there to see to Richard’s every need.
Action, adventure, magic, and some hot male/male action all combine in House of Stone. Yet, though it had all the necessary ingredients to make one hell of an exciting book, House of Stone fell far short of what I’d hoped. The pacing was slow and Vaughn R. Demont constantly pauses to explain things, rather than weave the necessary information into the tale. Though he does grow up a bit over the course of the story Richard, isn’t particularly likeable and his voice becomes a bit tiresome at times. Since the book is written in the first person, that’s a bit of an issue. I also didn’t get to know Simaron, the love of Richard’s life, as well as I’d have liked. The character I was intrigued by was Jen, Richard’s wife, who sadly plays a minor role in House of Stone. I honestly wanted to like House of Stone, but the story dragged and it felt like Mr. Demont was trying to throw too much in without a plan.
For ten years, Quinn kept his partner’s secret while Peter stayed firmly in the closet. In return,Blue Ribbon Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Original Review Link
For ten years, Quinn kept his partner’s secret while Peter stayed firmly in the closet. In return, he gets sucker punched by Peter when he informs Quinn that he not only cheated on him, but that he is leaving Quinn to marry the woman he got pregnant. Quinn, who has been a part of Peter’s family for a long time, is expected to put up a good front and keep Peter’s secret. Quinn dutifully does…until he’s asked to be the baby’s godfather. With the baptism only a day away, Quinn has had enough. He’s going to show up and make a statement – and what better statement can there be than showing up with the young, gorgeous, eyeliner-wearing guy he picks up at a club?
Eli is nothing like Peter, which doesn’t just mean good things for Quinn in bed. Eli’s quick, kinky and can put on a good show. He convinces Peter’s family that he and Quinn are madly in love. What neither man expects is for Eli’s lie to slowly turn to truth. But each man has baggage from their past that just might ruin their shot at a future.
“What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger” is a saying that holds true for both heroes in BAD BOYFRIEND. Author K.A. Mitchell puts both Quinn and Eli through the wringer, but manages to do so without ever dragging the buoyant BAD BOYFRIEND down. Quinn has a horrible ex that definitely deserves to be punched – repeatedly. Eli’s background is even harder. He’s been on his own since high school when his parents threw him out for being gay. He’s made his own way in the world, refusing to play by any rules but his own and – when he’s with Quinn – he is never anyone but his true self. I love all these things about Eli. Ms. Mitchell broke my heart and then made me smile with both Eli and Quinn. It was easy to become invested in BAD BOYFRIEND because I wanted these two to get the happily ever after they deserve with one another. The only thing that pulled me out of the story a bit was the emphasis on the age gap between Eli and Quinn. Quinn is thirty-five to Eli’s not-quite-twenty-three, but maturity-wise, they aren’t too far apart. Still, a number of people – including those that know Eli best – harped on their ages which drew me out of the story after a while. It didn’t lessen my interest in Eli and Quinn’s love story, however.
BAD BOYFRIEND shines when Ms. Mitchell focuses on her heroes, but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t secondary characters worth smiling over. Kellan and Nate, the heroes of Ms. Mitchell’s first BAD IN BALTIMORE book, BAD COMPANY, are there for Eli when he needs them the most. You don’t have to read BAD COMPANY to enjoy BAD BOYFRIEND, but if you have, you’ll no doubt enjoy – as I did – revisiting Kellan and Nate.
BAD BOYFRIEND is a fast-paced, entertaining romance with red-hot love scenes and two heroes who are sure to win readers’ hearts. I adored this book, and I can’t wait to re-read Eli and Quinn’s story soon!
Note: My review was written for Romance Junkies and is cross-posted here courtesy of Romance Junkies.
For ten years, Quinn kept his partner’s secret while Peter stayed firmly in the closet. In return, he gets sucker punched by Peter when he informs Quinn that he not only cheated on him, but that he is leaving Quinn to marry the woman he got pregnant. Quinn, who has been a part of Peter’s family for a long time, is expected to put up a good front and keep Peter’s secret. Quinn dutifully does…until he’s asked to be the baby’s godfather. With the baptism only a day away, Quinn has had enough. He’s going to show up and make a statement – and what better statement can there be than showing up with the young, gorgeous, eyeliner-wearing guy he picks up at a club?
Eli is nothing like Peter, which doesn’t just mean good things for Quinn in bed. Eli’s quick, kinky and can put on a good show. He convinces Peter’s family that he and Quinn are madly in love. What neither man expects is for Eli’s lie to slowly turn to truth. But each man has baggage from their past that just might ruin their shot at a future.
“What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger” is a saying that holds true for both heroes in BAD BOYFRIEND. Author K.A. Mitchell puts both Quinn and Eli through the wringer, but manages to do so without ever dragging the buoyant BAD BOYFRIEND down. Quinn has a horrible ex that definitely deserves to be punched – repeatedly. Eli’s background is even harder. He’s been on his own since high school when his parents threw him out for being gay. He’s made his own way in the world, refusing to play by any rules but his own and – when he’s with Quinn – he is never anyone but his true self. I love all these things about Eli. Ms. Mitchell broke my heart and then made me smile with both Eli and Quinn. It was easy to become invested in BAD BOYFRIEND because I wanted these two to get the happily ever after they deserve with one another. The only thing that pulled me out of the story a bit was the emphasis on the age gap between Eli and Quinn. Quinn is thirty-five to Eli’s not-quite-twenty-three, but maturity-wise, they aren’t too far apart. Still, a number of people – including those that know Eli best – harped on their ages which drew me out of the story after a while. It didn’t lessen my interest in Eli and Quinn’s love story, however.
BAD BOYFRIEND shines when Ms. Mitchell focuses on her heroes, but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t secondary characters worth smiling over. Kellan and Nate, the heroes of Ms. Mitchell’s first BAD IN BALTIMORE book, BAD COMPANY, are there for Eli when he needs them the most. You don’t have to read BAD COMPANY to enjoy BAD BOYFRIEND, but if you have, you’ll no doubt enjoy – as I did – revisiting Kellan and Nate.
BAD BOYFRIEND is a fast-paced, entertaining romance with red-hot love scenes and two heroes who are sure to win readers’ hearts. I adored this book, and I can’t wait to re-read Eli and Quinn’s story soon!
Note: My review was written for Romance Junkies and is cross-posted here courtesy of Romance Junkies....more
Owen Han has a new lease on life after surviving cancer. He’s making his way through his bucket list, determined to live hReviewed for Wit and Sin
Owen Han has a new lease on life after surviving cancer. He’s making his way through his bucket list, determined to live his life for himself while he discovers what he really wants. His latest stop is volunteering alongside park rangers for the winter in Alaska. The gorgeous vistas are nothing to sneeze at, but the real beauty is his partner: stoic Ranger Quill Ramsey. Owen would never want to be in a relationship with someone buried as deeply in the closet as Quill, but sharing a little body heat never hurt anyone, right?
Annabeth Albert proves that the warmest of personalities can win over even the most guarded of hearts in Arctic Heat. Ms. Albert’s third entry in the Frozen Hearts series is a slow burn romance that will melt your heart by the end.
Owen has a sunny personality and a determination to win people over that made me smile. He’s the opposite of Quill, a quiet, authoritative ranger who struggles with his attraction to Owen. Quill has had a host of negative life experiences that have impacted him and it’s easy to understand why he struggles to keep his relationship with Owen professional even while the sizzling attraction keeps drawing them together. I liked Quill a lot; his shyness, loneliness, and vulnerability called out to me and I was looking forward to seeing him find joy, companionship, and love with Owen. I liked that Owen was bold and sexy and brought Quill out of his shell, though at times Owen seemed to lack patience and empathy. It’s understandable in a way because his life prior to their meeting was vastly different from Quill’s. Neither man is perfect, but their flaws make them interesting. Their romance is slow burn, which is both good and bad. On the one hand it felt like they really got to know one another, on the other the book did move at a glacial pace for the first half of the story.
The life of an Alaskan park ranger is as important to the story as the romance and the research Ms. Albert did really shows. Quill and Owen’s duties, the beauty they see, and the dangers they face are fascinating. All in all, I enjoyed Arctic Heat. I struggled with the slow pace in the beginning, but Owen and Quill’s happily ever after at the end felt earned.
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Owen Han has a new lease on life after surviving cancer. He’s making his way through his bucket list, determined to live his life for himself while he discovers what he really wants. His latest stop is volunteering alongside park rangers for the winter in Alaska. The gorgeous vistas are nothing to sneeze at, but the real beauty is his partner: stoic Ranger Quill Ramsey. Owen would never want to be in a relationship with someone buried as deeply in the closet as Quill, but sharing a little body heat never hurt anyone, right?
Annabeth Albert proves that the warmest of personalities can win over even the most guarded of hearts in Arctic Heat. Ms. Albert’s third entry in the Frozen Hearts series is a slow burn romance that will melt your heart by the end.
Owen has a sunny personality and a determination to win people over that made me smile. He’s the opposite of Quill, a quiet, authoritative ranger who struggles with his attraction to Owen. Quill has had a host of negative life experiences that have impacted him and it’s easy to understand why he struggles to keep his relationship with Owen professional even while the sizzling attraction keeps drawing them together. I liked Quill a lot; his shyness, loneliness, and vulnerability called out to me and I was looking forward to seeing him find joy, companionship, and love with Owen. I liked that Owen was bold and sexy and brought Quill out of his shell, though at times Owen seemed to lack patience and empathy. It’s understandable in a way because his life prior to their meeting was vastly different from Quill’s. Neither man is perfect, but their flaws make them interesting. Their romance is slow burn, which is both good and bad. On the one hand it felt like they really got to know one another, on the other the book did move at a glacial pace for the first half of the story.
The life of an Alaskan park ranger is as important to the story as the romance and the research Ms. Albert did really shows. Quill and Owen’s duties, the beauty they see, and the dangers they face are fascinating. All in all, I enjoyed Arctic Heat. I struggled with the slow pace in the beginning, but Owen and Quill’s happily ever after at the end felt earned.
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review....more
As with Mainly by Moonlight, I wrestled with rating this book. I may do a full review later on, but for now here's a quick and dirty list of what workAs with Mainly by Moonlight, I wrestled with rating this book. I may do a full review later on, but for now here's a quick and dirty list of what worked for me and what didn't. Spoilers are all in spoiler tags.
Likes: - Cosmo - he's a kindhearted witch with a bright personality and an interesting voice. I adored him and want to see him get the happily ever after he deserves. - (view spoiler)[When Cosmo acknowledges that his marriage to John isn't one of equals. I loved when he finally stands up for himself instead of letting John steamroll him (more on that below). (hide spoiler)] - Josh Lanyon's writing, which sucked me in. I read I Buried a Witch in one sitting and can't believe how fast the pages flew by.
Dislikes: - John. He's judgmental, unyielding, domineering, and occasionally condescending toward Cosmo. - Cosmo ceding all the power in their relationship because he's afraid of losing John. - The foundations of the romance were shaky to begin with and the more I saw of John the more the fine cracks in the romance developed into dangerous faults. A non-spoiler example: John decides they're going to put a pool in the backyard. Cosmo objects because he's terrified of water. Rather than asking him why or showing any interest in his feelings at all, John dismisses Cosmo and declares they're getting a pool and he wants Cosmo to deal with the contractor. - (view spoiler)[I hated that - since this is a romance - it seemed to me like Cosmo would be better off without John. The fact that in one scene he's actually physically afraid of him? No matter that the fear is short-lived, this is a huge red flag for me. - I loved that Cosmo acknowledges the faults in their relationship and starts to stand up for himself, but it felt like he forgave John quickly with so little give on John's part. - John's version of compromise at the end made me feel even more unsettled about their future; I feel like he hasn't really changed and he still doesn't accept who Cosmo is. (hide spoiler)]
Neutral: - The mystery involving who was murdering Wiccans was interesting, if understated - The ongoing mystery plus some witch politics are also interesting (I know I keep using that word, but it really fits this story and it's part of why I rated it as high as I did), but there are a lot of threads to be tied up in the third book. I'm looking forward to seeing what happens.
All in all, I Buried a Witch is an engaging second installment to the Bedknobs and Broomsticks series. Josh Lanyon's writing is as addictive as ever (which bumped this rating up one star for me), but as this really feels like part 2 of 3 of a larger book, I'm waiting to see what happens in Bell, Book and Scandal before I can decide how I feel about Cosmo's journey as a whole. The fact that the romance is so deeply flawed is interesting, so long as the love story is ultimately resolved in a satisfying manner. I'm optimistic and I hope Cosmo comes into his own and John becomes a husband worthy of him.
Merged review:
As with Mainly by Moonlight, I wrestled with rating this book. I may do a full review later on, but for now here's a quick and dirty list of what worked for me and what didn't. Spoilers are all in spoiler tags.
Likes: - Cosmo - he's a kindhearted witch with a bright personality and an interesting voice. I adored him and want to see him get the happily ever after he deserves. - (view spoiler)[When Cosmo acknowledges that his marriage to John isn't one of equals. I loved when he finally stands up for himself instead of letting John steamroll him (more on that below). (hide spoiler)] - Josh Lanyon's writing, which sucked me in. I read I Buried a Witch in one sitting and can't believe how fast the pages flew by.
Dislikes: - John. He's judgmental, unyielding, domineering, and occasionally condescending toward Cosmo. - Cosmo ceding all the power in their relationship because he's afraid of losing John. - The foundations of the romance were shaky to begin with and the more I saw of John the more the fine cracks in the romance developed into dangerous faults. A non-spoiler example: John decides they're going to put a pool in the backyard. Cosmo objects because he's terrified of water. Rather than asking him why or showing any interest in his feelings at all, John dismisses Cosmo and declares they're getting a pool and he wants Cosmo to deal with the contractor. - (view spoiler)[I hated that - since this is a romance - it seemed to me like Cosmo would be better off without John. The fact that in one scene he's actually physically afraid of him? No matter that the fear is short-lived, this is a huge red flag for me. - I loved that Cosmo acknowledges the faults in their relationship and starts to stand up for himself, but it felt like he forgave John quickly with so little give on John's part. - John's version of compromise at the end made me feel even more unsettled about their future; I feel like he hasn't really changed and he still doesn't accept who Cosmo is. (hide spoiler)]
Neutral: - The mystery involving who was murdering Wiccans was interesting, if understated - The ongoing mystery plus some witch politics are also interesting (I know I keep using that word, but it really fits this story and it's part of why I rated it as high as I did), but there are a lot of threads to be tied up in the third book. I'm looking forward to seeing what happens.
All in all, I Buried a Witch is an engaging second installment to the Bedknobs and Broomsticks series. Josh Lanyon's writing is as addictive as ever (which bumped this rating up one star for me), but as this really feels like part 2 of 3 of a larger book, I'm waiting to see what happens in Bell, Book and Scandal before I can decide how I feel about Cosmo's journey as a whole. The fact that the romance is so deeply flawed is interesting, so long as the love story is ultimately resolved in a satisfying manner. I'm optimistic and I hope Cosmo comes into his own and John becomes a husband worthy of him....more
Childhood best friends falling in love is one of my favorite tropes so I was excited to dive into The Vica3.75 stars - Reviewed for Wit and Sin
Childhood best friends falling in love is one of my favorite tropes so I was excited to dive into The Vicar and the Rake. Annabelle Greene’s debut shows lots of promise and it was easy for me to fall into Gabriel and Edward’s story.
Edward is a rake whose exploits have gone too far this time and landed him in trouble. The kind of trouble that has even his powerful brother scrambling to protect him. Having no other choice, Edward has to return to his childhood home, a place of nightmares thanks to his abusive father. And who should he find in his flower beds, delirious with fever? His childhood best friend, Sir Gabriel Winters. Gabriel is now a reverend, one working himself nearly to death trying to do as much good as possible in an effort to balance the scales against his hidden desires. Though it’s been years since they last saw each other, the attraction is instantaneous. There’s quite a bit of push-pull in this romance, though fortunately it’s not because either feels shame or denial when it comes to their sexuality. I liked the clash, the passion, and unfettered longing.
A powerful duke determined to kill Edward is only one obstacle in the romance as Edward’s sins come home to roost. Edward plays the careless rake and it’s not entirely a façade, but I loved getting deeper into his character. He’s more intelligent than he lets on and he has much more in him to give than he believes. He’s also deeply scarred and seeking to fill a void, which sometimes leads to destructive behavior. I enjoyed watching him become a better man, one who is the perfect match for Gabriel. Gabriel is kind and understanding, which makes him easy to like. He doesn’t let Edward walk all over him, which I respected. The two of them simply fit, but they’ll definitely need assistance in order to live long enough to get their happily ever after. Their siblings are on-hand to rescue them and I adored them. Gabriel’s sister, Caroline, is a take-charge widow determined to protect her brother’s heart from the man who could easily break it. And Edward’s younger brother, Maurice, is fascinating. The man is a puppet master, holding the strings of many in power by collecting secrets. He and Caroline make a formidable team and I would love to see them get their own book. And it would be remiss of me to write about this book and not mention Buttons, the adorable rescue cat who melts hearts and threatens to steal the show at every turn. Rounding out the story are Edward’s fellow “Beasts,” men who co-founded the Society of Beasts, a London club where gay men can simply be themselves without fear. I leave it to readers to discover the delights Edward’s friends offer, but suffice it to say that I cannot wait to see what Ms. Greene has planned for future books.
As I previously mentioned, Edward’s life is in danger and one plot begets another as a mystery arises. I loved the intrigue but did struggle with The Vicar and the Rake as the puzzle pieces came into play as they didn’t seem to quite fit. There was a plot hole and a few convenient twists of fate that nagged at me after I finished the story. Still, I enjoyed The Vicar and the Rake overall and I’m looking forward to the next Society of Beasts book.
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Childhood best friends falling in love is one of my favorite tropes so I was excited to dive into The Vicar and the Rake. Annabelle Greene’s debut shows lots of promise and it was easy for me to fall into Gabriel and Edward’s story.
Edward is a rake whose exploits have gone too far this time and landed him in trouble. The kind of trouble that has even his powerful brother scrambling to protect him. Having no other choice, Edward has to return to his childhood home, a place of nightmares thanks to his abusive father. And who should he find in his flower beds, delirious with fever? His childhood best friend, Sir Gabriel Winters. Gabriel is now a reverend, one working himself nearly to death trying to do as much good as possible in an effort to balance the scales against his hidden desires. Though it’s been years since they last saw each other, the attraction is instantaneous. There’s quite a bit of push-pull in this romance, though fortunately it’s not because either feels shame or denial when it comes to their sexuality. I liked the clash, the passion, and unfettered longing.
A powerful duke determined to kill Edward is only one obstacle in the romance as Edward’s sins come home to roost. Edward plays the careless rake and it’s not entirely a façade, but I loved getting deeper into his character. He’s more intelligent than he lets on and he has much more in him to give than he believes. He’s also deeply scarred and seeking to fill a void, which sometimes leads to destructive behavior. I enjoyed watching him become a better man, one who is the perfect match for Gabriel. Gabriel is kind and understanding, which makes him easy to like. He doesn’t let Edward walk all over him, which I respected. The two of them simply fit, but they’ll definitely need assistance in order to live long enough to get their happily ever after. Their siblings are on-hand to rescue them and I adored them. Gabriel’s sister, Caroline, is a take-charge widow determined to protect her brother’s heart from the man who could easily break it. And Edward’s younger brother, Maurice, is fascinating. The man is a puppet master, holding the strings of many in power by collecting secrets. He and Caroline make a formidable team and I would love to see them get their own book. And it would be remiss of me to write about this book and not mention Buttons, the adorable rescue cat who melts hearts and threatens to steal the show at every turn. Rounding out the story are Edward’s fellow “Beasts,” men who co-founded the Society of Beasts, a London club where gay men can simply be themselves without fear. I leave it to readers to discover the delights Edward’s friends offer, but suffice it to say that I cannot wait to see what Ms. Greene has planned for future books.
As I previously mentioned, Edward’s life is in danger and one plot begets another as a mystery arises. I loved the intrigue but did struggle with The Vicar and the Rake as the puzzle pieces came into play as they didn’t seem to quite fit. There was a plot hole and a few convenient twists of fate that nagged at me after I finished the story. Still, I enjoyed The Vicar and the Rake overall and I’m looking forward to the next Society of Beasts book.
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review....more
With her husband, Rico, becoming a workaholic, Annie decides a weekend at the Jolly Roger Inn is exactly what the pair needs. Not one to believe in ghWith her husband, Rico, becoming a workaholic, Annie decides a weekend at the Jolly Roger Inn is exactly what the pair needs. Not one to believe in ghosts, Annie dismisses the rumors that their room at the inn is haunted by “Naughty Nate” Hawkins, the ghost of a bisexual pirate. She’s much more interested in playing pirates with her handsome husband. Little does Annie know that the tales of “Naughty Nate” are true.
Captain Nathaniel Hawkins has been haunting the same room for over two hundred years and he can’t help but be aroused by Rico and Annie’s play. There’s something about the two that remind him of the two lost loves of his life. Using his ghostly powers to conjure up a dreamscape in which to play with the couple, Nate finds that his scheme to “play pirates” with Rico and Annie may have a greater impact than he ever could have imagined.
Set sail on a lusty adventure with Playing Pirates. Mimi Riser has written a devilishly entertaining tale of love both old and new. I hesitate to say too much about the story’s plot or characters for fear of revealing spoilers. I can say, however, that Ms. Riser has created three interesting characters that I liked immensely and want to learn more about. Though Playing Pirates is a deliciously erotic read, it does feel like the first leg of an intriguing journey. I enjoyed Playing Pirates, and am greatly looking forward to reading its sequel, Pirates Do It With Passion.
Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed.
Merged review:
With her husband, Rico, becoming a workaholic, Annie decides a weekend at the Jolly Roger Inn is exactly what the pair needs. Not one to believe in ghosts, Annie dismisses the rumors that their room at the inn is haunted by “Naughty Nate” Hawkins, the ghost of a bisexual pirate. She’s much more interested in playing pirates with her handsome husband. Little does Annie know that the tales of “Naughty Nate” are true.
Captain Nathaniel Hawkins has been haunting the same room for over two hundred years and he can’t help but be aroused by Rico and Annie’s play. There’s something about the two that remind him of the two lost loves of his life. Using his ghostly powers to conjure up a dreamscape in which to play with the couple, Nate finds that his scheme to “play pirates” with Rico and Annie may have a greater impact than he ever could have imagined.
Set sail on a lusty adventure with Playing Pirates. Mimi Riser has written a devilishly entertaining tale of love both old and new. I hesitate to say too much about the story’s plot or characters for fear of revealing spoilers. I can say, however, that Ms. Riser has created three interesting characters that I liked immensely and want to learn more about. Though Playing Pirates is a deliciously erotic read, it does feel like the first leg of an intriguing journey. I enjoyed Playing Pirates, and am greatly looking forward to reading its sequel, Pirates Do It With Passion.
A fake relationship quickly becomes something much more in The Servant and the Gentleman. Annabelle Greene4.5 stars - Reviewed for Wit and Sin
A fake relationship quickly becomes something much more in The Servant and the Gentleman. Annabelle Greene’s third Society of Beasts novel shows that not everything about the beloved gentlemen’s club is as good as it seems and the book is the richer for it.
Josiah Balfour is the head administrator of the Society of Beasts. He’s used to cleaning up messes, even as members of the club snub him for it because he’s not a gentleman. Josiah is hardworking and kind but he sometimes gets frustrated with the elitist society members he works for. One of the snobbiest is William Hartley, one of the club’s founders. Despite this, Josiah can’t quite stop himself from thinking about the gorgeous man. And when Hartley has a panic attack, Josiah is the one to calm him, which forges the beginnings of a bond between the two. When a rival club threatens the Society of Beasts and Josiah and Hartley pretend to be a couple in order to uncover the leader behind this new club, things become real all too quickly.
I’ll say up front, Hartley isn’t easy to like at first and that’s on purpose. He’s a snob who is rude to servants and anyone he thinks is beneath him. He’s rich, beautiful, and connected and can’t see beyond his own privilege. I wasn’t sure how Greene would make me like him but she did. Josiah opens Hartley’s eyes to his attitude and Hartley isn’t too thrilled with what he sees in himself. I enjoyed watching the peacock become a person, albeit one who is still wholly himself. Josiah is a great hero from the start but he learns to assert himself over the course of the story. Mutual desire helps he and Hartley find common ground and there’s no imbalance of power in their romantic relationship. Greene treads a fine line with this and does so excellently. Josiah gives back as good as he gets and consent is at the forefront of every sensual encounter. The love story between Josiah and Hartley is surprisingly romantic given their beginnings and it was delightful to discover how sweet Hartley could be.
A rival club that is open to men of all classes threatens the Society of Beasts but opens our heroes’ eyes to the flaws of the club. I won’t spoil what happens but suffice it to say I really enjoyed that Greene didn’t sugarcoat that Hartley and his co-founders were elitist. They’re not bad men at heart but with Josiah’s help they come to see how to become better people.
The Servant and the Gentleman is an entertaining romance with well-crafted characters and a wonderfully satisfying ending. I hope Greene pens more books set in this world as there are definitely secondary characters I would love to see get their chance to shine.
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
A fake relationship quickly becomes something much more in The Servant and the Gentleman. Annabelle Greene’s third Society of Beasts novel shows that not everything about the beloved gentlemen’s club is as good as it seems and the book is the richer for it.
Josiah Balfour is the head administrator of the Society of Beasts. He’s used to cleaning up messes, even as members of the club snub him for it because he’s not a gentleman. Josiah is hardworking and kind but he sometimes gets frustrated with the elitist society members he works for. One of the snobbiest is William Hartley, one of the club’s founders. Despite this, Josiah can’t quite stop himself from thinking about the gorgeous man. And when Hartley has a panic attack, Josiah is the one to calm him, which forges the beginnings of a bond between the two. When a rival club threatens the Society of Beasts and Josiah and Hartley pretend to be a couple in order to uncover the leader behind this new club, things become real all too quickly.
I’ll say up front, Hartley isn’t easy to like at first and that’s on purpose. He’s a snob who is rude to servants and anyone he thinks is beneath him. He’s rich, beautiful, and connected and can’t see beyond his own privilege. I wasn’t sure how Greene would make me like him but she did. Josiah opens Hartley’s eyes to his attitude and Hartley isn’t too thrilled with what he sees in himself. I enjoyed watching the peacock become a person, albeit one who is still wholly himself. Josiah is a great hero from the start but he learns to assert himself over the course of the story. Mutual desire helps he and Hartley find common ground and there’s no imbalance of power in their romantic relationship. Greene treads a fine line with this and does so excellently. Josiah gives back as good as he gets and consent is at the forefront of every sensual encounter. The love story between Josiah and Hartley is surprisingly romantic given their beginnings and it was delightful to discover how sweet Hartley could be.
A rival club that is open to men of all classes threatens the Society of Beasts but opens our heroes’ eyes to the flaws of the club. I won’t spoil what happens but suffice it to say I really enjoyed that Greene didn’t sugarcoat that Hartley and his co-founders were elitist. They’re not bad men at heart but with Josiah’s help they come to see how to become better people.
The Servant and the Gentleman is an entertaining romance with well-crafted characters and a wonderfully satisfying ending. I hope Greene pens more books set in this world as there are definitely secondary characters I would love to see get their chance to shine.
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review....more
Body Rocks is a great mix of sweetness, eroticism, and angst. What starts out as a sexy story about two young men from rival bands develops into something much more. Trey and Dom are endearing heroes who both possess an innate goodness and optimism that made me smile more than once over the course of the story. It’s easy to root for them because they’re likeable, and I became invested in the story because there’s so much joy to be found in their burgeoning romance. When they meet onstage at an open mic night – not knowing they’re each from rival bands – things heat up fast. Yet even though Body Rocks is a hot and heavy story, there’s an innocence about Trey and Dom, and the lack of cynicism keeps the story buoyant even through its darker moments.
Trey and Dom fall fast and hard for one another, but the rivalry between their bands isn’t all that threatens to keep them apart. This is where (strangely enough) the story’s strongest point is also its weakest. A.M. Arthur makes this book stand apart with her diverse cast and how they cope with heavy issues. However, though I loved this about the book, the sheer abundance of issues Dom and Trey face also took the story down a notch for me. Body Rocks tackles abuse, sexual assault, attempted suicide, blackmail, self-harm, special needs, coming out, and more. Don’t get me wrong: I loved that Ms. Arthur isn’t afraid to approach serious topics and she treated each one with honesty, emotion, and respect. However, with so many serious issues packed into the story, I didn’t feel like any of them were given the depth they deserved; there were simply too many topics and not enough time to delve into them properly.
Body Rocks is a compelling read that’s packed with action and emotion. Even with all the hard topics woven into the story, Body Rocks never feels weighed down by angst. This is a story of love (romantic, familial, and between friends) and healing. Trey and Dom are such vibrant characters that the book moves at a fast pace and the families they have made for themselves are simply wonderful. I can’t wait to read the next Off Beat book, Steady Stroke!
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Body Rocks is a great mix of sweetness, eroticism, and angst. What starts out as a sexy story about two young men from rival bands develops into something much more. Trey and Dom are endearing heroes who both possess an innate goodness and optimism that made me smile more than once over the course of the story. It’s easy to root for them because they’re likeable, and I became invested in the story because there’s so much joy to be found in their burgeoning romance. When they meet onstage at an open mic night – not knowing they’re each from rival bands – things heat up fast. Yet even though Body Rocks is a hot and heavy story, there’s an innocence about Trey and Dom, and the lack of cynicism keeps the story buoyant even through its darker moments.
Trey and Dom fall fast and hard for one another, but the rivalry between their bands isn’t all that threatens to keep them apart. This is where (strangely enough) the story’s strongest point is also its weakest. A.M. Arthur makes this book stand apart with her diverse cast and how they cope with heavy issues. However, though I loved this about the book, the sheer abundance of issues Dom and Trey face also took the story down a notch for me. Body Rocks tackles abuse, sexual assault, attempted suicide, blackmail, self-harm, special needs, coming out, and more. Don’t get me wrong: I loved that Ms. Arthur isn’t afraid to approach serious topics and she treated each one with honesty, emotion, and respect. However, with so many serious issues packed into the story, I didn’t feel like any of them were given the depth they deserved; there were simply too many topics and not enough time to delve into them properly.
Body Rocks is a compelling read that’s packed with action and emotion. Even with all the hard topics woven into the story, Body Rocks never feels weighed down by angst. This is a story of love (romantic, familial, and between friends) and healing. Trey and Dom are such vibrant characters that the book moves at a fast pace and the families they have made for themselves are simply wonderful. I can’t wait to read the next Off Beat book, Steady Stroke!
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review....more
August Weatherby is a desperate man. His sister is ill and he’s made a muck of trying to get enough money to 4.25 stars - Reviewed for Wit and Sin
August Weatherby is a desperate man. His sister is ill and he’s made a muck of trying to get enough money to take care of her. He’s indebted to a vicious blackmailer who has it out for the founders of the Society of Beasts. In order to save himself and his sister, August has to bring down Captain Benjamin Frakes, the head of the Society. It was supposed to be a simple task: seduce the man, uncover his secrets. But sparks fly instantly between August and the curt captain and the longer his ruse goes on, the more divided August’s loyalties become. How can he betray the good man he’s falling for? Yet with enemies closing in on him, how can he do anything but?
There’s no sophomore slump in Annabelle Greene’s Society of Beasts series. The Soldier and the Spy is even more engaging than The Vicar and the Rake. I was sucked into August and Benjamin’s story from the first and wound up devouring it in one sitting.
Benjamin is the perfect soldier, which makes living in peacetime hard. After the events of The Vicar and the Rake Benjamin is left alone and in charge of the Society of Beasts. He’s heartbreakingly lonely and used to men who only want him for his reputation. August throws him off his game and though he wants to reject the arrogant young pup, he can’t stop thinking about him. As for August, he’s gotten himself into a total mess and he honestly doesn’t know what to do. He’s been raised to play roles which is the only tool in his arsenal left when the money runs out and his sister needs care. So when a blackmailer corners him and he feels he has no way out, he puts on a mask to complete the task.
I loved how fun and flirtatious August could be. He’s got a wicked sense of humor and it made me laugh to see him vex Benjamin so thoroughly. If it weren’t for the deception underneath everything, theirs would be a bright and bubbly romance full of banter. There is lightness in it, but underneath it all there are two types of mounting tension. The sexual tension as Benjamin tries to resist the lure of August is utterly delicious. When Benjamin finally gives in and takes what he wants, things get steamy. But it’s the heart and vulnerability both men show that really made me smile and sigh. The tension over August’s lies – his mission being to ruin a good and honest man – isn’t as pleasant. Normally this would be a big turnoff for me, but Greene makes it work in this story. There’s good character growth for both men as they fall in love and I couldn’t stop reading because I wanted to see what would happen next for them as individuals and as a couple.
The Soldier and the Spy is the second book in the Society of Beasts series and Greene provides enough background information that if you don’t mind major spoilers for the first book you can jump in here. I loved seeing more of the Society and the whole secret world its members inhabit. I finished August and Benjamin’s book a well-satisfied reader and I’m very much looking forward to the next Society of Beasts book!
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
August Weatherby is a desperate man. His sister is ill and he’s made a muck of trying to get enough money to take care of her. He’s indebted to a vicious blackmailer who has it out for the founders of the Society of Beasts. In order to save himself and his sister, August has to bring down Captain Benjamin Frakes, the head of the Society. It was supposed to be a simple task: seduce the man, uncover his secrets. But sparks fly instantly between August and the curt captain and the longer his ruse goes on, the more divided August’s loyalties become. How can he betray the good man he’s falling for? Yet with enemies closing in on him, how can he do anything but?
There’s no sophomore slump in Annabelle Greene’s Society of Beasts series. The Soldier and the Spy is even more engaging than The Vicar and the Rake. I was sucked into August and Benjamin’s story from the first and wound up devouring it in one sitting.
Benjamin is the perfect soldier, which makes living in peacetime hard. After the events of The Vicar and the Rake Benjamin is left alone and in charge of the Society of Beasts. He’s heartbreakingly lonely and used to men who only want him for his reputation. August throws him off his game and though he wants to reject the arrogant young pup, he can’t stop thinking about him. As for August, he’s gotten himself into a total mess and he honestly doesn’t know what to do. He’s been raised to play roles which is the only tool in his arsenal left when the money runs out and his sister needs care. So when a blackmailer corners him and he feels he has no way out, he puts on a mask to complete the task.
I loved how fun and flirtatious August could be. He’s got a wicked sense of humor and it made me laugh to see him vex Benjamin so thoroughly. If it weren’t for the deception underneath everything, theirs would be a bright and bubbly romance full of banter. There is lightness in it, but underneath it all there are two types of mounting tension. The sexual tension as Benjamin tries to resist the lure of August is utterly delicious. When Benjamin finally gives in and takes what he wants, things get steamy. But it’s the heart and vulnerability both men show that really made me smile and sigh. The tension over August’s lies – his mission being to ruin a good and honest man – isn’t as pleasant. Normally this would be a big turnoff for me, but Greene makes it work in this story. There’s good character growth for both men as they fall in love and I couldn’t stop reading because I wanted to see what would happen next for them as individuals and as a couple.
The Soldier and the Spy is the second book in the Society of Beasts series and Greene provides enough background information that if you don’t mind major spoilers for the first book you can jump in here. I loved seeing more of the Society and the whole secret world its members inhabit. I finished August and Benjamin’s book a well-satisfied reader and I’m very much looking forward to the next Society of Beasts book!
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review....more
A prank war between two neighbors turns out to be something special The Rivals of Casper Road. Roan Parri3.75 stars - Reviewed for Wit and Sin
A prank war between two neighbors turns out to be something special The Rivals of Casper Road. Roan Parrish returns to Garnet Run in this sweet Halloween-time romance of finding your heart and home.
Bram is a sweetheart who sees the best in people. After having his heart broken, he made his way far from everything and everyone he ever knew and finds himself in Garnet Run. He quickly fits into his new neighborhood, but the one person who isn’t immediately won over is his neighbor, Zachary Glass. Zachary is a man who likes routine, order, and everything as he thinks it should be. He’s the six-time winner of the Casper Road Halloween decorating contest and there’s no way this newcomer is going to break his streak. Though Parrish never explicitly states it, Zachary appears to be neurodivergent and is stressed when things don’t go how he plans. He’s also a man who is very alone and convinced no one will stay with him. His wounds broke my heart and even though he makes mistakes with Bram, I was looking forward to seeing him get his happily ever after. Bram’s gentleness and understanding help Zachary branch out and Zachary’s straightforward honesty makes Bram feel safe. Their romance is engaging and the happily ever after heartwarming.
The Rivals of Casper Road is the fourth book in Parrish’s Garnet Run series but it can easily be read as a standalone. Fans of the first three books will delight in revisiting their favorite characters and seeing what they’ve been up to since their happily ever afters. I liked the friendly residents of Garnet Run and how they filled out the world Parrish created. There are some campy moments in this story (and some flaws in the more adorable moments of creating shelters for feral cats), but overall I found it a comfortable read with imperfect characters whose flaws make them all the more interesting. I finished Zachary and Bram’s story a satisfied reader and I’m looking forward to catching up on the Garnet Run books I’ve missed.
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
A prank war between two neighbors turns out to be something special The Rivals of Casper Road. Roan Parrish returns to Garnet Run in this sweet Halloween-time romance of finding your heart and home.
Bram is a sweetheart who sees the best in people. After having his heart broken, he made his way far from everything and everyone he ever knew and finds himself in Garnet Run. He quickly fits into his new neighborhood, but the one person who isn’t immediately won over is his neighbor, Zachary Glass. Zachary is a man who likes routine, order, and everything as he thinks it should be. He’s the six-time winner of the Casper Road Halloween decorating contest and there’s no way this newcomer is going to break his streak. Though Parrish never explicitly states it, Zachary appears to be neurodivergent and is stressed when things don’t go how he plans. He’s also a man who is very alone and convinced no one will stay with him. His wounds broke my heart and even though he makes mistakes with Bram, I was looking forward to seeing him get his happily ever after. Bram’s gentleness and understanding help Zachary branch out and Zachary’s straightforward honesty makes Bram feel safe. Their romance is engaging and the happily ever after heartwarming.
The Rivals of Casper Road is the fourth book in Parrish’s Garnet Run series but it can easily be read as a standalone. Fans of the first three books will delight in revisiting their favorite characters and seeing what they’ve been up to since their happily ever afters. I liked the friendly residents of Garnet Run and how they filled out the world Parrish created. There are some campy moments in this story (and some flaws in the more adorable moments of creating shelters for feral cats), but overall I found it a comfortable read with imperfect characters whose flaws make them all the more interesting. I finished Zachary and Bram’s story a satisfied reader and I’m looking forward to catching up on the Garnet Run books I’ve missed.
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review....more
The Deeper He Hurts is a dark, emotional romance that captivated me from start to finish. There’s no sophomore slump to Lynda Aicher’s Kick series – Ash and Sawyer’s rocky road to a satisfyingly kinky happily ever after is completely addictive.
One of the things I liked best about the first Kick book, The Harder He Falls, was that the heroes weren’t perfect. Ms. Aicher delivers up two more fantastic, flawed heroes in Ash and Sawyer. Ash is an incredibly intelligent, confident man who comes across as almost icy, but actually has a warm and loving heart. Yet for all that Ash is comfortable with who he is, he’s terrified of coming out to his deeply religious family and has to live with the torment of not being himself around those he loves the most. Asher is also a sadist, one who is becoming less and less enamored with play partners who don’t satisfy or match his needs. Sawyer, in turn, is a man who can’t escape the ghosts of his past. He suffered a tragedy that marked him at an impressionable age and he’s never fully coped. He’s reckless with himself, a self-described “pain slut” who plays without limits. He and Ash click immediately, but even though Ash demands that their encounters have rules, Sawyer’s lack of concern for his own safety scares him.
What starts as a temporary arrangement where pain can be doled out and taken turns into something much more very quickly. Sawyer’s need for pain isn’t sexual, but the unexpected attraction between he and Ash makes him actively want something from a sadist other than pain for the first time. I absolutely loved the intensity mixed with the quiet moments as Ash and Sawyer grow close. Sawyer is quick to smirk and even quicker to run, so it’s not easy for he and Ash to fall in love. The angst of their internal battles was fantastic, and this is coming from a reader who can generally take or leave angst in her romance. It’s no simple matter for either man to find peace or to open themselves up to the possibility of the future they could have. That being said, there was a wealth of quiet, intimate moments and even a few spots of levity that balanced out the heavy emotion and kept The Deeper He Hurts from ever feeling weighed down.
The Deeper He Hurts isn’t for the faint of heart. Ash and Sawyer aren’t Dom and sub, but they are sadist and pain slut. There’s heavy, graphic pain play in this book that won’t appeal to everyone. As a trigger warning, there are also references to self-harm. All of this is part of Ash and Sawyer’s characters and I appreciated that Ms. Aicher showed sensitivity to the subjects and didn’t pay lip service to safety.
I highly recommend The Deeper He Hurts. It’s not an easy read by any means, but Sawyer and Ash’s love story is compelling, emotional, and memorable. I loved it and I can’t wait to read the next Kick book, The Farther He Runs.
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The Deeper He Hurts is a dark, emotional romance that captivated me from start to finish. There’s no sophomore slump to Lynda Aicher’s Kick series – Ash and Sawyer’s rocky road to a satisfyingly kinky happily ever after is completely addictive.
One of the things I liked best about the first Kick book, The Harder He Falls, was that the heroes weren’t perfect. Ms. Aicher delivers up two more fantastic, flawed heroes in Ash and Sawyer. Ash is an incredibly intelligent, confident man who comes across as almost icy, but actually has a warm and loving heart. Yet for all that Ash is comfortable with who he is, he’s terrified of coming out to his deeply religious family and has to live with the torment of not being himself around those he loves the most. Asher is also a sadist, one who is becoming less and less enamored with play partners who don’t satisfy or match his needs. Sawyer, in turn, is a man who can’t escape the ghosts of his past. He suffered a tragedy that marked him at an impressionable age and he’s never fully coped. He’s reckless with himself, a self-described “pain slut” who plays without limits. He and Ash click immediately, but even though Ash demands that their encounters have rules, Sawyer’s lack of concern for his own safety scares him.
What starts as a temporary arrangement where pain can be doled out and taken turns into something much more very quickly. Sawyer’s need for pain isn’t sexual, but the unexpected attraction between he and Ash makes him actively want something from a sadist other than pain for the first time. I absolutely loved the intensity mixed with the quiet moments as Ash and Sawyer grow close. Sawyer is quick to smirk and even quicker to run, so it’s not easy for he and Ash to fall in love. The angst of their internal battles was fantastic, and this is coming from a reader who can generally take or leave angst in her romance. It’s no simple matter for either man to find peace or to open themselves up to the possibility of the future they could have. That being said, there was a wealth of quiet, intimate moments and even a few spots of levity that balanced out the heavy emotion and kept The Deeper He Hurts from ever feeling weighed down.
The Deeper He Hurts isn’t for the faint of heart. Ash and Sawyer aren’t Dom and sub, but they are sadist and pain slut. There’s heavy, graphic pain play in this book that won’t appeal to everyone. As a trigger warning, there are also references to self-harm. All of this is part of Ash and Sawyer’s characters and I appreciated that Ms. Aicher showed sensitivity to the subjects and didn’t pay lip service to safety.
I highly recommend The Deeper He Hurts. It’s not an easy read by any means, but Sawyer and Ash’s love story is compelling, emotional, and memorable. I loved it and I can’t wait to read the next Kick book, The Farther He Runs.
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review....more
Hairpin Curves is a sexy and sweet road trip romance that’s impossible to resist. Childhood best friends who have fallReviewed for Wit and Sin
Hairpin Curves is a sexy and sweet road trip romance that’s impossible to resist. Childhood best friends who have fallen out but are making amends? Check. Secret crushes? Check. Layered characters? Check. Sizzling sexual tension? Check. A sex-positive romance that makes your heart sing? Check. Elia Winters hits all the right notes and more in this story. Every bit of Megan and Scarlett’s romance worked for me and it was a delight from beginning to end.
Megan is at a crossroads in her life at the beginning of this book. She’s been in almost a holding pattern for years and her life seems as unexciting as, well, her beige home. When Scarlett approaches her about doing a road trip to Québec for a friend’s wedding, Megan is uncertain. She and Scarlett had a falling out right before college and they haven’t spoken since. But somehow Scarlett convinces her and they start of on an adventure that leads to more than either could have imagined.
What I loved most about Hairpin Curves is the layers Megan and Scarlett have. Megan seems staid and boring on the surface and on some levels she is cautious, responsible, and extremely risk-averse. That doesn’t mean she doesn’t dream of more. I enjoyed seeing her hidden talents come out and I was even more entertained seeing her dirty side revealed. Megan is a realistic mix of seeming contradictions and I loved that about her. And Scarlett…oh, she tugged on my heartstrings at times. Scarlett is a bombshell who seems to have all the confidence in the world. She loves with her whole heart and isn’t afraid of that. But Scarlett is also vulnerable in many ways. She doubts herself, her intelligence, and there are moments when she broke my heart. I desperately wanted to see Scarlett and Megan fall in love and get their happily ever after because I liked these two interesting, complex women.
It isn’t easy for Megan to let go of the past and the hurt Scarlett caused her, but Scarlett is determined to repair their friendship. Their road trip from Florida to Québec is filled with fun stops and quiet, intimate moments. The stops they make along the way bring out new sides of them and I loved watching Scarlett and Megan let their walls down and fall for each other. The sexual tension that simmers is hot and when it boils over… Well, I wouldn’t expect Ms. Winters to deliver anything but deliciously erotic love scenes and she doesn’t disappoint.
In Hairpin Curves the road to happily ever after has a some detours in the form of old wounds, insecurities, and a lack of communication, but each of these is presented in a way that’s logical to the characters and their situation. I enjoyed watching Scarlett and Megan overcome these internal obstacles because their love story was worth the work. Ms. Winters had me hooked from beginning to end. Hairpin Curves made me smile and sigh throughout and the pitch-perfect ending charmed the heck out of me.
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Hairpin Curves is a sexy and sweet road trip romance that’s impossible to resist. Childhood best friends who have fallen out but are making amends? Check. Secret crushes? Check. Layered characters? Check. Sizzling sexual tension? Check. A sex-positive romance that makes your heart sing? Check. Elia Winters hits all the right notes and more in this story. Every bit of Megan and Scarlett’s romance worked for me and it was a delight from beginning to end.
Megan is at a crossroads in her life at the beginning of this book. She’s been in almost a holding pattern for years and her life seems as unexciting as, well, her beige home. When Scarlett approaches her about doing a road trip to Québec for a friend’s wedding, Megan is uncertain. She and Scarlett had a falling out right before college and they haven’t spoken since. But somehow Scarlett convinces her and they start of on an adventure that leads to more than either could have imagined.
What I loved most about Hairpin Curves is the layers Megan and Scarlett have. Megan seems staid and boring on the surface and on some levels she is cautious, responsible, and extremely risk-averse. That doesn’t mean she doesn’t dream of more. I enjoyed seeing her hidden talents come out and I was even more entertained seeing her dirty side revealed. Megan is a realistic mix of seeming contradictions and I loved that about her. And Scarlett…oh, she tugged on my heartstrings at times. Scarlett is a bombshell who seems to have all the confidence in the world. She loves with her whole heart and isn’t afraid of that. But Scarlett is also vulnerable in many ways. She doubts herself, her intelligence, and there are moments when she broke my heart. I desperately wanted to see Scarlett and Megan fall in love and get their happily ever after because I liked these two interesting, complex women.
It isn’t easy for Megan to let go of the past and the hurt Scarlett caused her, but Scarlett is determined to repair their friendship. Their road trip from Florida to Québec is filled with fun stops and quiet, intimate moments. The stops they make along the way bring out new sides of them and I loved watching Scarlett and Megan let their walls down and fall for each other. The sexual tension that simmers is hot and when it boils over… Well, I wouldn’t expect Ms. Winters to deliver anything but deliciously erotic love scenes and she doesn’t disappoint.
In Hairpin Curves the road to happily ever after has a some detours in the form of old wounds, insecurities, and a lack of communication, but each of these is presented in a way that’s logical to the characters and their situation. I enjoyed watching Scarlett and Megan overcome these internal obstacles because their love story was worth the work. Ms. Winters had me hooked from beginning to end. Hairpin Curves made me smile and sigh throughout and the pitch-perfect ending charmed the heck out of me.
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review....more
Dirty good fun, but it could have gone from good to great if it were a bit longer and the characters/relationships had more time to develop (view spoiDirty good fun, but it could have gone from good to great if it were a bit longer and the characters/relationships had more time to develop (view spoiler)[(especially since this is a trio and Luca and Olivia didn't have any history, nor did they spend much time together) (hide spoiler)].
Merged review:
Dirty good fun, but it could have gone from good to great if it were a bit longer and the characters/relationships had more time to develop (view spoiler)[(especially since this is a trio and Luca and Olivia didn't have any history, nor did they spend much time together) (hide spoiler)]....more
Fake dating leads to much more than a real relationship in Hers for the Weekend. Helena Greer wraps up her4.5 stars - Reviewed for Wit and Sin
Fake dating leads to much more than a real relationship in Hers for the Weekend. Helena Greer wraps up her Carrigan’s Christmasland trilogy with Tara, the Southern debutante lawyer/ex-fiancée of Miriam Bloom, and Holly, a waitress and baker with wanderlust in her veins.
I absolutely loved Tara. She’s an ice queen on the outside and wields her Southern charm like a whip, using her power and connections to do as much good as possible even though it’s slowly breaking her down. Inside, Tara is lonely, vulnerable, and doesn’t believe anyone could truly love and care about her. When she goes to Carrigan’s for her ex-fiancée’s wedding, Tara is immediately enveloped by people who it’s easy for readers to see care about her. I really loved watching Tara realize her value, that she doesn’t have to be needed to be wanted. It was a delight to see Tara come into her own over the course of the story.
Holly is the catalyst for that change. She sees Tara for who she truly is and appreciates the woman as a whole, even though she would never want to put up with the life Tara leads (and would require any wife of hers to navigate as well). Holly is sassy and sweet, easy to like and has great chemistry with Tara. But Holly has issues of her own that she’s never addressed and those are obstacles she will have to overcome as well.
Holly and Tara have fantastic chemistry and the sexual tension is delicious between them. It’s a bit disappointing with all the buildup to have things fade to black, but oh well. I really enjoyed watching Holly and Tara fall for each other. Their relationship grows in small moments and large as the two team up during the wedding festivities at Carrigan’s. And speaking of the winter wonderland of a locale, the Carrigan’s crew is heavily involved in this story. You don’t have to have read Season of Love or For Never and Always in order to follow along, but it does add to the world. Everyone adds to the story, especially when it comes to Tara’s personal journey.
Hers for the Weekend is fun and has some large personalities, but Greer doesn’t let those characters pull focus from Tara and Holly. I really enjoyed this romance and watching Tara and Holly learn that they could build a life that is what they want rather than what they think they should do to run for or make amends for the past. Tara in particular spoke to me and was a stand-out character. All in all, I found Hers for the Weekend to be a heartwarming read with a joyful queer romance and an abundance of welcoming characters.
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review....more
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