this book had everything i wanted and more. i'm so glad my impatient ass bought the book instead of waiting for the 11 people who haWHAT THE FUDNJSXMK
this book had everything i wanted and more. i'm so glad my impatient ass bought the book instead of waiting for the 11 people who had this book on hold in the library. rtc after my last final exam <3...more
You see that 4.60 average rating? Well, numbers don't lie.
Binding 13 and Keeping 13 have some of the best character building I've seen yet. C5+ Stars
You see that 4.60 average rating? Well, numbers don't lie.
Binding 13 and Keeping 13 have some of the best character building I've seen yet. Chloe Walsh takes the time to write the little details that result in big relationships, big development, and big love. I actually love how long these two books are because we get to really dive into how the bonds between Johnny and Shannon, Shannon and Joey, Johnny and Gibsie, Gibsie and Claire, the Lynches and the Kavanaghs (I can really go on forever) grow and flourish. The author gave this series/duet lots of TLC and it shows.
Johnny Kavanagh has joined my harem of book boyfriends. In spite of always being the top-dog in school and sports, Johnny was genuine, thoughtful, and just kind. He was driven to be the best he could be not only in rugby—but the best he could be as a person. His loved ones were under his perpetual protection, especially Shannon. Johnny was head-over-heels in love with Shannon, and there was no doubt about it. Actually, that almost seems as an understatement. Rugby was his love, but Shannon was his life. And for a seventeen year old, he was extremely introspective and selfless.
I was humbled to read Shannon Lynch's story. I can't imagine what it would be like to be persecuted for my entire life. Shannon was encumbered by constant anxiety and hopelessness. The cliffhanger of the first book and the opening chapter of this one were heartbreaking. I wasn't sure how Shannon would bounce back from it, but with Johnny's help, she did. She survived. She won. Now, she was better than ever before.
My favorite part about many romance books is seeing how main characters bond with the family of their significant others. Following Johnny and Shannon's love, the newfound relationship between the Lynch and Kavanagh families was the best part of Keeping 13. We didn't get to see much of Shannon's younger brothers, Tadhg, Ollie, and Sean in the first book—but their characterizations here were amazing. (Even though Tadhg was a little shit.) And Mr. and Mrs. Kavanagh? One of the best goddamn parents to grace the romance genre. They were fiercely protective, driven by morals, and generous and giving in spite of their overwhelming wealth. And seeing them welcome the entire Lynch family with open arms was everything I didn't know I needed.
Now, I want to make a quick honorable mention: Gerard "Gibsie" Gibson, Johnny's best friend.
I don't laugh out loud to books that often. Yeah, I'll smile—but that's easy to get out of me. But a laugh? Now that's as scarce as hen's teeth. But it happened here, and it happened with Gibsie. He was hilarious. Oh God, I'm here mentally recounting his scenes and I'm grinning like a dope. He was Johnny's ride-or-die, accomplice when need be, and was really the perfect Robin to Johnny's Batman. Just look:
"Oh Jesus, his mother's going to kill me," Gibsie groaned. "It's bad enough that I took him out behind her back, but now he's going to be arrested, and then I'll be arrested because I'm a good friend and it's just bad form to let him go to prison on his own, but she won't see it that way. No, she'll see her baby in a cell and I'll be the dead, ball-less eejit beside him. Ugh!"
A friend who is willing to go to jail with you? A friend who gives you shit 24/7, but you know that shit is always, always out of love? This bromance was one of the best I've ever seen in books.
I loved these two books with everything inside me. I can't wait to read Joey and Aoife's story in Saving 6. I hope Chloe Walsh, indeed, saves my babies.
Notes on safety (SPOILERS): ➛ No other partners after meeting. ➛ (Almost nonexistent) OW drama: H's ex makes a couple of appearances and causes trouble for the h. ➛ No OM drama. ➛ No cheating.
Merged review:
5+ Stars
You see that 4.60 average rating? Well, numbers don't lie.
Binding 13 and Keeping 13 have some of the best character building I've seen yet. Chloe Walsh takes the time to write the little details that result in big relationships, big development, and big love. I actually love how long these two books are because we get to really dive into how the bonds between Johnny and Shannon, Shannon and Joey, Johnny and Gibsie, Gibsie and Claire, the Lynches and the Kavanaghs (I can really go on forever) grow and flourish. The author gave this series/duet lots of TLC and it shows.
Johnny Kavanagh has joined my harem of book boyfriends. In spite of always being the top-dog in school and sports, Johnny was genuine, thoughtful, and just kind. He was driven to be the best he could be not only in rugby—but the best he could be as a person. His loved ones were under his perpetual protection, especially Shannon. Johnny was head-over-heels in love with Shannon, and there was no doubt about it. Actually, that almost seems as an understatement. Rugby was his love, but Shannon was his life. And for a seventeen year old, he was extremely introspective and selfless.
I was humbled to read Shannon Lynch's story. I can't imagine what it would be like to be persecuted for my entire life. Shannon was encumbered by constant anxiety and hopelessness. The cliffhanger of the first book and the opening chapter of this one were heartbreaking. I wasn't sure how Shannon would bounce back from it, but with Johnny's help, she did. She survived. She won. Now, she was better than ever before.
My favorite part about many romance books is seeing how main characters bond with the family of their significant others. Following Johnny and Shannon's love, the newfound relationship between the Lynch and Kavanagh families was the best part of Keeping 13. We didn't get to see much of Shannon's younger brothers, Tadhg, Ollie, and Sean in the first book—but their characterizations here were amazing. (Even though Tadhg was a little shit.) And Mr. and Mrs. Kavanagh? One of the best goddamn parents to grace the romance genre. They were fiercely protective, driven by morals, and generous and giving in spite of their overwhelming wealth. And seeing them welcome the entire Lynch family with open arms was everything I didn't know I needed.
Now, I want to make a quick honorable mention: Gerard "Gibsie" Gibson, Johnny's best friend.
I don't laugh out loud to books that often. Yeah, I'll smile—but that's easy to get out of me. But a laugh? Now that's as scarce as hen's teeth. But it happened here, and it happened with Gibsie. He was hilarious. Oh God, I'm here mentally recounting his scenes and I'm grinning like a dope. He was Johnny's ride-or-die, accomplice when need be, and was really the perfect Robin to Johnny's Batman. Just look:
"Oh Jesus, his mother's going to kill me," Gibsie groaned. "It's bad enough that I took him out behind her back, but now he's going to be arrested, and then I'll be arrested because I'm a good friend and it's just bad form to let him go to prison on his own, but she won't see it that way. No, she'll see her baby in a cell and I'll be the dead, ball-less eejit beside him. Ugh!"
A friend who is willing to go to jail with you? A friend who gives you shit 24/7, but you know that shit is always, always out of love? This bromance was one of the best I've ever seen in books.
I loved these two books with everything inside me. I can't wait to read Joey and Aoife's story in Saving 6. I hope Chloe Walsh, indeed, saves my babies.
Notes on safety (SPOILERS): ➛ No other partners after meeting. ➛ (Almost nonexistent) OW drama: H's ex makes a couple of appearances and causes trouble for the h. ➛ No OM drama. ➛ No cheating....more
“If I’d known what pain you’d cause me, I never would have taken you.”
Full disclosure, I went into a Dramione spiral back in 20165+ Stars
“If I’d known what pain you’d cause me, I never would have taken you.”
Full disclosure, I went into a Dramione spiral back in 2016. Now it’s 2021, and my brother is finally starting a Harry Potter binge. Once I watched that pivotal scene of Hermione decking Draco right in the face in Prisoner of Azkaban, my Dramione brain rot started up again. Silly me thought those days were over. But my obsession with them was never gone, it was simply dormant.
Manacled is my re-entry into the Dramione universe, and I have gone positively feral over this headcanon couple again. Dark just got a whole lot darker with this one. The characterization of Draco and Hermione, the depiction of war, the visceral suffering and melancholy—this fan fiction is absolutely phenomenal. The quality of the writing and plotting rivals books that are actually published to this day. Sen Lin Yu’s talents know no bounds, and I can’t wait to explore more of her works. But this one—this one is truly unforgettable. ...more
“We love you—I love you—because you’re mine. Because being around you is like being around the sun. Because seeing you happy makes m
5++ Stars
“We love you—I love you—because you’re mine. Because being around you is like being around the sun. Because seeing you happy makes me happy, and seeing you sad makes me want to do anything I have to to get that look off your face.”
A classic Mariana Zapata book. A.K.A. a fantastic slow burn filled with a lot of heartfelt moments, authentic characters, and laughter. But on top of that, you have the grumpy/sunshine trope (and we all know MZ delivers that every single time), a 9-year age gap (can 42-year-old silver foxes be an official thing now?), a single dad in the best way possible, a sweet-as-can-be heroine who knows her worth, and just a whole lot of domestic bliss.
This book was so good. So good, I stayed up until 5 AM reading it. So good, that I returned this book on KU after completion and bought my own copy.
My only critique for this book was one of the nicknames Rhodes had for Aurora. Angel/angel face? I went positively feral when he first called her that—it was adorable! But when that second nickname, "Buddy," came out of nowhere.
[image]
Gave me flashbacks to "kiddo" in Hands Down. And while the explanation for "Buddy" made sense, it just wasn't needed? But obviously, the nickname didn't bother me that much because this book was perfect to me all things considered. Still though.
Overall, Mariana Zapata still reigns supreme as Queen of Slow Burn. And this book is one of the many reasons why she's up there in my top 5 favorite romance authors ✨
Notes on safety (MAJOR SPOILERS): ➛ No other partners after meeting. No cheating. ➛ No OW drama. H has never been in a long-term relationship because he was focused on his career. ➛ Minor OM drama (at the start of the book, h had been divorced from her husband for a ~year). ➛ H is not a single dad in the typical sense (he was a sperm donor for his friend and his wife)....more
When it comes to toxic romances, I’m usually like:
[image]
But when it’s done well, and the heroine and hero’s past is just too intriguing...
[ima5 Stars
When it comes to toxic romances, I’m usually like:
[image]
But when it’s done well, and the heroine and hero’s past is just too intriguing...
[image]
Jasmine and Roth are one of the most unique and intoxicating couples I've ever come across. The fact that this book was so well written, it's no wonder I'm so addicted to them. The chemistry is INSANE and palpable. Bitter Heat is one of the few second-chance romances that I love. Roth is utterly, irrevocably obsessed with Jasmine and isn't afraid to do dirty work to get what he wants (i.e., blackmailing his ex-wife into remarrying him). And Jasmine knows how to get back. When we find out that homegirl was out having fun during their separation, I knew I was bound to love her.
When they come together, it's like seeing two meteors collide. Fantastic book, and I can't wait to continue this series!...more
This mammoth of a book killed me slowly, but sweetly. Seriously, it gave me all the feels. I was swooning the entire time. Although the length5+ Stars
This mammoth of a book killed me slowly, but sweetly. Seriously, it gave me all the feels. I was swooning the entire time. Although the length of Binding 13 was daunting at first, Chloe Walsh used every page, every word, and every letter with care and great execution. I never skimmed. There was development happening everywhere—in the newfound relationships and especially in the characters. The emotions were so poignant that it felt real.
As a victim to relentless severe bullying for as long as she could remember, fifteen-year-old (soon to be sixteen) Shannon hoped for a new start at Tommen College. However, shadows still lingered, and Shannon hadn't quite escaped all of her tormenters.
"You are so concerned with fighting the bullies at school, Mam," I sobbed, tears streaming down my cheeks. "When the biggest bully of them all lives under this roof."
Shannon was an absolute sweetheart. Hearing about her trials, broken spirit, and the complete loss of her self-esteem was utterly heartbreaking. Also, I loved the frankness of her naïvety and innocence—it just went to highlight how Shannon's childhood/adolescence was one of survival, rather than being a carefree girl. What appeared as weakness was the kind of quiet strength that endured years of physical and verbal harassment, whether it be from classmates or her own father.
I just wanted to protect this girl at all costs. But woe is me, and I can't possibly protect a fictional character. That's where a special seventeen-year-old rugby star came in. Johnny was Shannon's perfect counterpart. With the prestige that comes with being a rugby phenomenon, as well as his natural charisma, Johnny was there for her since her very first day. He embodied all the qualities I look for in a hero: loyal, protective, and possessive.
Also, I just have to input this scene.
No wonder the blonde was pissed, I thought to myself. The dark-haired gimp was clearly going out with her and yet he was staring at Shannon like she was dinner. My dinner, prick, I wanted to roar.
The fact that he could be quite standoffish to others but was always sweet on Shannon was a total plus. But not only did Johnny help Shannon, Shannon had Johnny opening up in ways he'd never did before. He was so much more than just a rugby star, and there was more to life than just the sport. However, revelations don't always make life easier, and there was lots of teenage angst, lots of push and pull, and lots of Shannon telling Johnny what's up (you go girl).
Again, the book was long, but it never felt that way. The side characters, banter, and underlying flirtatiousness made me insatiable. Did I mention the side characters? The humor between all the friends—Gibsie, Claire, Lizzie, etc.—had me smiling like a complete dork. And the families—from Shannon's older brother, Joey, to Johnny's parents—were heartwarming to a tee.
For a book with so much sex talk—there was surprisingly no sex. Now, I don't want to come off as some kind of sex-crazed cougar because I'm a little older than the main characters... but man, I've got some serious blue balls. Anyways, I can't wait to move on to Keeping 13, because that last chapter got me choked up.
Notes on safety (SPOILERS): ➛ h is virgin while H was quite the manwhore for years, who had a penchant for older women. ➛ OW drama: H had a fuck-buddy for eight months. However, H hadn't touched the OW for two months before breaking it off (this was after meeting h). This OW continuously pursues H throughout the story and causes many problems. ➛ Some OM drama: Nothing specific; many OM show interest in the h that causes jealousy from the H. ➛ Once h and H meet, there is no one else....more
Moonlight played across her body as if it loved her. Venomous snakes had stripes; Mila glowed. The only shadows that touched her wer
5++ Stars
Moonlight played across her body as if it loved her. Venomous snakes had stripes; Mila glowed. The only shadows that touched her were mine.
The Darkest Temptation is by far the most humorous book in the Made series, and it was loaded with every single trope that's a guilty pleasure of mine: a 12-year age gap, near-death scenes, endearments in a foreign language, dirty talk in a foreign language, fantastic steam, and a hero who goes positively feral when the heroine is hurt. Like come on:
“Because you’re so sweet you fucking glow.” His eyes darkened. “And I’ll kill anyone who tries to take that light from you.”
I adored every single aspect of this story, especially Mila's sunshine self against Ronan's darkness. I thought they made the most perfect pair. Despite Mila's initial naivety, she was no doormat; despite having no experience with sentimental feelings, Ronan inevitably fell for Mila—every yellow, rebellious, heart-on-her-sleeve inch of her. It's hard to put into words how much I adored these two main characters individually and together, but I've decided that Mila Mikhailova is my daughter and Ronan Markov is my candy-crush-playing king.
Loved, loved, loved! I am now a complete simp for Danielle Lori's books. ...more
I've always had a weak spot for the student/teacher trope ever since I discovered it on Wattpad (guilty as charged, but I'm unashamed to admit it). Dark Notes is by far my favorite student/teacher romance of all time. The angst, sexual tension, and chemistry between the twenty-seven-year-old music instructor, Emeric Marceaux, and the seventeen-year-old piano protégé, Ivory Westbrook, are incredible and instant.
Although Emeric and Ivory come from vastly different backgrounds, they've both been hurt by the very people who they were supposed to trust. Both are jaded by love and what it has failed them; but both become connected by the magic of the music. In spite of his efforts and past mistakes, Emeric can't stay away from Ivory. In spite of being a target to unwanted male attention, Ivory isn’t immune to Emeric either. And when they finally give into each other—it’s the kind of devotion and passion the like I’ve never seen.
“We’re a timeless concerto.” I kiss his lips. “A musical masterpiece.”
There are many triggers in this book, and Pam Godwin holds nothing back. She elicits raw emotions with the dark subject matter, all the while giving us an erotic and exciting romance. And there are two particular aspects in Dark Notes that she masterfully explored and conquered (beware of some some spoilers ahead):
BDSM: I don’t care for dominant/subordinate dynamics; I never go searching for it, nor do I avoid it. But I really liked how BDSM was depicted here, highlighting the subordinate’s full control with the power of a single word. (In layman’s terms, the safe word.)
The power is mine. I bask in it. His hands tremble, and I grab them, hold them, our fingers intertwined. I have him.
As someone who had been abused by her own mother and brother, raped on multiple occasions, and prostituted herself out of need—Ivory was a clear victim to sexual trauma and domestic violence. Consequently, Ivory suffered from helplessness, was weary of the opposite gender, and the thought of sex made her sick to her stomach.
I never felt like Emeric was a predator. (Before they got together, I would even say Ivory was the main pursuer at one point, albeit briefly.) He emphasized that Ivory was always the one with control, and trust was a top priority for him. For the first time, Ivory had the power to stop anything from happening with a mere word. Instead of being the usual smut device, the BDSM brought a new and necessary dimension to Emeric and Ivory’s sexual relationship, as well as Ivory's development.
Plus, it was really hot.
Ex Drama: I despise other-woman drama when it overshadows the love between the hero and heroine. I actually think a hero who’s still in love with his ex is worse than a hero who’s an avid manwhore. Unfortunately, it was the former here (maybe even a little of the latter too).
Emeric had a four-year relationship with a fellow teacher at a music prep school he used to be the Head of. However, this was against the non-fraternization policy. He loved her and cared for her in secret, but when they were found in a compromising position after hours, she accused him of rape to save her career. In the end, she stole his job and left him alone. Yet, he still loved his ex, but he hated her just as much.
I was nervous. One of his off-page hookups even revealed that she pretended to be his ex when they had sex. And don’t even get me started on the baby daddy drama (don’t worry, he ended up not being the father). So the constant question on mind was: Was Ivory doomed to be second-best to this other woman?
But whenever Emeric inevitably compared Ivory to his ex, it was obvious who he was more crazy for. Most importantly though, he assuaged all my worries with this:
Two months ago, I would’ve been devastated by the proof that Joanne so callously cheated and pissed away our life together. But now? I’m floating on a cloud of liberated emotions, and the chief of those is gratitude. I want to thank her for being a traitorous cunt. If she hadn’t betrayed me, I would still be with her, completely oblivious that the deepest, strongest love shines from brown eyes and a selfless, seventeen-year-old heart.
Thank you Pam Godwin because Emeric’s love for Ivory totally demolished whatever he had with his ex.
To this day, Emeric and Ivory are one of my favorite couples ever. This is a book I can always come back to and never get bored of. The story was beautifully well-written, compelling, and hypnotic. I couldn’t have asked for more.
Notes on safety (SPOILERS): ➛ Not safe overall. ➛ Ten year age gap. ➛ H is celibate since meeting the h. ➛ OM drama: Multiple OM at school pursue the h, causing anger and jealousy from the H. There is an on-page sex scene and a blowjob scene with one OM, who pays h to do his homework and for coerced sex. This occurs before H and h get together. ➛ There’s a five week separation after the H and h kiss for the first time. One night, H plans on having sex with two subs but doesn’t go through with it. There’s another scene with the OM where he tries to force h to have sex, but H stops it in time. ➛ Rape: There's another OM who has raped h multiple times. There are two rape attempts on page. ➛ Ex drama: H is still in love with his ex for ~50% of the book. H’s ex insists she’s pregnant with H’s child and tries to get back with him (this happens after the H and h are together). H is not the father. ➛ OW drama: H manipulates an OW (teacher at school) into masturbating in front of him so he can record it (unbeknownst to her), using it as blackmail since OW saw h on H’s lap. One of H’s former subs shows up at his house for business/pleasure, causing h to get jealous....more
Original rating (August 2019): 5++ Stars First reread rating (April 2020): 5++ Stars
This book—my love, my schnecke. I have read Kulti twice no5++ Stars
Original rating (August 2019): 5++ Stars First reread rating (April 2020): 5++ Stars
This book—my love, my schnecke. I have read Kulti twice now, and the rereads will only accumulate from here. I am a sucker for sports romances, but when the MCs are well-respected, authentic, hardworking athletes—it’s a total game changer. There was nothing superficial about this book at all....more
Original rating (January 2019): 5++ Stars First reread rating (June 2020): 5++ Stars
It’s been over a year since I’ve read this gem, and only G5++ Stars
Original rating (January 2019): 5++ Stars First reread rating (June 2020): 5++ Stars
It’s been over a year since I’ve read this gem, and only God knows how many books I’ve read in that time frame. Yet, this is still the quirkiest and most fun romance book I’ve ever read. Cute as a button....more
Loading...
