It's been a really long time since I've read anything by Aleatha Romig, and I really enjoyed Ricky and Marilyn's story in One String.
Years ago, when MIt's been a really long time since I've read anything by Aleatha Romig, and I really enjoyed Ricky and Marilyn's story in One String.
Years ago, when Marilyn and her best friend Devan graduated high school, she slept with Devan's older brother, Ricky, whom she always had a crush on. There is a 10-year age difference between Marilyn and Ricky, and it seemed so huge when she was 18 and he was 28. They agreed to one night with no strings… but Marilyn still had her feelings hurt when Ricky ghosted her afterwards. In the years since, she's given him snarky attitude when she's seen him. The book starts at Devan's wedding, where Marilyn is the maid of honor and Ricky is the best man. They put aside their differences for the night, and come to a truce of sorts.
A year and a half later, Ricky (who has since gone on to college as a later-in-life student) is up for a job at Marilyn's firm and asks her to be his plus-one at a recruiting dinner. She reluctantly agrees, and during a catch-up dinner with Ricky before the dinner party, she finds out that she actually quite enjoys spending time with him. A stupid mistake from Ricky's past derails their renewed friendship, but he does some major groveling and Marilyn agrees to give him yet another chance.
But just as Marilyn and Ricky are finding their footing as a couple, another tragedy threatens to tear them apart again.
I liked the connection between these two characters, and the larger group of family and friends surrounding them. I thought the journey of Marilyn and Ricky's relationship was well-paced, and he did prove himself in the end after making numerous mistakes when it came to breaking her trust.
I received an advanced copy and voluntarily left a review. ...more
Roe is my favorite kind of hero! Bitter, prickly, grumpy... and secretly in love with the one girl he can't have.
Row and Cal are such broken characterRoe is my favorite kind of hero! Bitter, prickly, grumpy... and secretly in love with the one girl he can't have.
Row and Cal are such broken characters. They each have past trauma that left them shattered and unable to trust easily. And it is that trauma that draws them together, because there is a very thin line between love and hate, and Row doesn't hate Cal at all. There is such growth from both of these characters as they face their fears and find the strength to move forward.
One of my favorite things about this book was just how hopelessly in love Row is with Cal, even all these years later, and his inner monologue every time he interacts with her. He comes across as a major jerk in order to protect his heart from breaking once again, but it's just always been her for him. And she can't fathom a world where he could be into someone as odd and quirky as her.
The playlist that Shen included with this book -- each chapter is marked by a classic 1990s song -- was the soundtrack of my college days. I loved that little extra and found myself humming each song with every new chapter.
This book has quite a few trigger warnings, so check the content list provided by Shen before diving in. It's dark and gritty, but a gripping story and I was so satisfied by the time Row and Cal got to their well-deserved HEA.
I am so excited to see what comes next in the Forbidden Love series. I really liked the connections and friendships between the group of characters, and would love to see them all find their HEA. I am especially shipping Kieran and Dylan!! I received an advanced copy and voluntarily left a review....more
Charlie had plans to be a physician when she got sidetracked by a brief career as a kicker for a pro football team. She happens to end up on the team Charlie had plans to be a physician when she got sidetracked by a brief career as a kicker for a pro football team. She happens to end up on the team that her best friend’s older brother, Collin, plays for and ends up as his roommate. Oh yeah, Charlie has always had a crush on Collin…
Collin isn't exactly thrilled when he's asked to mentor the team's new kicker. And he's absolutely stunned to find out that the kicker is the first female in the league. The awkwardness between Charlie and Collin is delicious at first, and it evolves into sizzling sexual tension before they eventually start to fall for each other.
When the unexpected happens and Charlie is forced to make a life-changing decision, will she decide that Collin is her future or her dream is still to go to med school? (There's a lovely full-circle moment with a motivational quote that I adored.)
I loved the concept of this forced proximity, football romance, and I enjoyed the cameos from the other characters in this series. I received an advanced copy and voluntarily left a review.
Merged review:
Charlie had plans to be a physician when she got sidetracked by a brief career as a kicker for a pro football team. She happens to end up on the team that her best friend’s older brother, Collin, plays for and ends up as his roommate. Oh yeah, Charlie has always had a crush on Collin…
Collin isn't exactly thrilled when he's asked to mentor the team's new kicker. And he's absolutely stunned to find out that the kicker is the first female in the league. The awkwardness between Charlie and Collin is delicious at first, and it evolves into sizzling sexual tension before they eventually start to fall for each other.
When the unexpected happens and Charlie is forced to make a life-changing decision, will she decide that Collin is her future or her dream is still to go to med school? (There's a lovely full-circle moment with a motivational quote that I adored.)
I loved the concept of this forced proximity, football romance, and I enjoyed the cameos from the other characters in this series. I received an advanced copy and voluntarily left a review....more
SWOON! Dash and Ari's story is definitely at the top of my Melanie Harlow favorites! I adored everything about these two and their friends-with-benefiSWOON! Dash and Ari's story is definitely at the top of my Melanie Harlow favorites! I adored everything about these two and their friends-with-benefits story!
Ari has always been in love with Dash, her best friend Mabel's older brother. One night eight years ago, she asked him to take her V card; but she was just 16 and Dash turned her down. Ever since, Ari has avoided Mabel's brother. That was pretty easy since Dash was off in Hollywood, working as an actor on a hit teen soap. But now, Dash's career is kind of a dumpster fire, and he's back in Cherry Tree Harbor for a month for Lexi and Devlin's wedding.
After a *very* awkward yet hilarious reunion, Dash and Ari rekindle their friendship. He keeps showing up for her again and again as she has car troubles, is short-staffed at her family diner, and cuts her hand. In return for his kindness, Ari agrees to help Dash get in touch with his feelings in the hopes of getting a sought-after movie role. Once they cross the line from friends to fling, both Dash and Ari agree that it will only be for as long as he is in town... but as their time together comes to an end, they both realize they don't want it to be over. But with her in Michigan and him in California, how could they possibly make it work?
Small Town Swoon is just one of those feel-good books. There was no major drama, no Third Act breakup, and lots of big feelings. The Hollywood Heartthrob doesn't just fall in love with small-town waitresses in the movies — it happens in books, too!
I received an advanced copy and voluntarily left a review....more
I enjoyed Simon and Greer so much! More Than Write is a feel-good, no-fuss, no-angst romance that checks off all kinds of tropes: Neighbors, single daI enjoyed Simon and Greer so much! More Than Write is a feel-good, no-fuss, no-angst romance that checks off all kinds of tropes: Neighbors, single dad, best friend's brother, grumpy/sunshine, nanny, and fake relationship.
Unlucky in love Greer decides to take off the summer from dating. As all of her friends have paired off, she's feeling kind of lonely. So the timing is perfect when her grumpy next-door neighbor Simon -- who is her best friend's older brother -- is on a deadline with his next romance novel and needs some help managing his house and shuttling his kid around to various sports camps. Greer gets to hang out with Grey, and Simon gets the help he desperately needs. As Greer spends more time with father and son, she not only builds a lovely friendship with Grey, but a sizzling chemistry forms between her and Simon.
I loved watching these two fall for each other. Simon lost the woman he thought he'd spend the rest of his life with, so he was very hesitant to let himself feel anything for Greer other than friends-with-benefits. And she knows his reservations, but falls for him anyway. It was a joy to see Simon realize just how deep his feelings for her run, despite his best intentions.
More Than Write is a standalone within a connected series, each book featuring a different male romance writer. I love that concept! This is the first book of the series that I've read, and I will have to go back and read the others now!
I received an advanced copy and voluntarily left a review....more
Loner is a gripping and heartbreaking story of grief, friendship, and forgiveness. Theo and Lily seemed like an unlikely match, but their shared traumLoner is a gripping and heartbreaking story of grief, friendship, and forgiveness. Theo and Lily seemed like an unlikely match, but their shared trauma created a solid bond between them and a lovely romance was born out of their heartbreaking common tragedy.
Lily and Theo both had so much depth to their characters. After the accident, Lily really struggled with her position on the swim team, and all of those fears were wonderfully written by Ginger Scott. She felt like an outsider with her roommates, and I adored the scene where the other B's told Lily just how much she mean to them. Theo is carrying around so much anger and hurt, and there was a lot of growth on his part as he comes to terms with what happened last summer and learns out to let it go.
Loner deals with off-page abuse and self-harm, so reader beware. Also, I'm not sure if this book is a spinoff of another series or not that I didn't read, because I felt like there were some pieces of the backstory missing as far as the history Lily and her roommates shared with Anika. Especially the accident. Still, I enjoyed the progression of Lily and Theo's relationship and how these two tortured and lonely souls found solace and a companion in the other.
I received a complimentary copy and voluntarily left a review.
Merged review:
Loner is a gripping and heartbreaking story of grief, friendship, and forgiveness. Theo and Lily seemed like an unlikely match, but their shared trauma created a solid bond between them and a lovely romance was born out of their heartbreaking common tragedy.
Lily and Theo both had so much depth to their characters. After the accident, Lily really struggled with her position on the swim team, and all of those fears were wonderfully written by Ginger Scott. She felt like an outsider with her roommates, and I adored the scene where the other B's told Lily just how much she mean to them. Theo is carrying around so much anger and hurt, and there was a lot of growth on his part as he comes to terms with what happened last summer and learns out to let it go.
Loner deals with off-page abuse and self-harm, so reader beware. Also, I'm not sure if this book is a spinoff of another series or not that I didn't read, because I felt like there were some pieces of the backstory missing as far as the history Lily and her roommates shared with Anika. Especially the accident. Still, I enjoyed the progression of Lily and Theo's relationship and how these two tortured and lonely souls found solace and a companion in the other.
I received a complimentary copy and voluntarily left a review....more
Hooked is a sweet best friend's brother romance set in Jacob Chance's Boston Terriers hockey world. The book starts over the summer when Marshall and Hooked is a sweet best friend's brother romance set in Jacob Chance's Boston Terriers hockey world. The book starts over the summer when Marshall and Clover then goes into the school year where they are both at Boston U, trying to juggle their romance, studies, and his hockey schedule. It's sweet and romantic with a bit of alpha male mixed in!
Clover has always had a crush on her best friend's brother Marshall -- but he is a bit of a playboy. There was one night where she thought he might see her the same way, but her hopes were crushed when she saw him with his hookup of the week the next day. For his part, Marshall *has* always felt something for Clover (and I love that he calls her Lucky!), but he's kind of scarred from his mom leaving his dad, and doesn't want to open up his heart in the same way. But when he rescues Clover from a sticky situation at the beach house one day and then whisks her away to his family's cabin shortly afterwards, everything changes between them. Marshall has the chance to prove to Clover that he's not the cad she thinks he is, and he starts to fall head over heels.
Things get complicated when they return to school not having defined their relationship status, and their classes and his hockey schedule pull them in different directions. There isn't any big drama that leads to them breaking up, but more of lack of communication. But once Marshall realizes that he's in love with Clover, he is all in.
Hooked is a lighthearted, slow-burn romance full of feels. There's sizzling chemistry between Clover and Marshall, and I was rooting for them early on. Especially after he played knight in shining armor and rescued her from a disastrous date. Their banter is witty and fun, and I really thought they were likable, well-defined characters. There are plenty of appearances by Marshall's sister/Clover's best friend Maddie and her boyfriend, Marshall's best bud Shaw, who were the focus of the previous book. But Hooked is a standalone story.
I received an advanced copy and voluntarily left a review.
Merged review:
Hooked is a sweet best friend's brother romance set in Jacob Chance's Boston Terriers hockey world. The book starts over the summer when Marshall and Clover then goes into the school year where they are both at Boston U, trying to juggle their romance, studies, and his hockey schedule. It's sweet and romantic with a bit of alpha male mixed in!
Clover has always had a crush on her best friend's brother Marshall -- but he is a bit of a playboy. There was one night where she thought he might see her the same way, but her hopes were crushed when she saw him with his hookup of the week the next day. For his part, Marshall *has* always felt something for Clover (and I love that he calls her Lucky!), but he's kind of scarred from his mom leaving his dad, and doesn't want to open up his heart in the same way. But when he rescues Clover from a sticky situation at the beach house one day and then whisks her away to his family's cabin shortly afterwards, everything changes between them. Marshall has the chance to prove to Clover that he's not the cad she thinks he is, and he starts to fall head over heels.
Things get complicated when they return to school not having defined their relationship status, and their classes and his hockey schedule pull them in different directions. There isn't any big drama that leads to them breaking up, but more of lack of communication. But once Marshall realizes that he's in love with Clover, he is all in.
Hooked is a lighthearted, slow-burn romance full of feels. There's sizzling chemistry between Clover and Marshall, and I was rooting for them early on. Especially after he played knight in shining armor and rescued her from a disastrous date. Their banter is witty and fun, and I really thought they were likable, well-defined characters. There are plenty of appearances by Marshall's sister/Clover's best friend Maddie and her boyfriend, Marshall's best bud Shaw, who were the focus of the previous book. But Hooked is a standalone story.
I received an advanced copy and voluntarily left a review....more
I've read a bunch of Kenedy Fox books over the past few years, but Bless Your Heart is the first solo book I've read by Lyra Parish. And I am a fan! BI've read a bunch of Kenedy Fox books over the past few years, but Bless Your Heart is the first solo book I've read by Lyra Parish. And I am a fan! Beckett and Summer's story is a great unrequited love, enemies-to-lovers, best friend's brother romance. I really enjoyed these two characters and how competing over a property in their small ranching town of Valentine, Texas, brought them together and made them face their true feelings for one another.
Bless Your Heart is the start to a new series set in this quaint ranching town, and I loved the tease at the end for Summer's best friend, Kinsley, and her ex. I am looking forward to more of this series!
I received an advanced copy and voluntarily left a review....more
Let Me Love You is the second book in the 425 Madison Series -- interconnected standalones each written by different authors. I absolutely adored the Let Me Love You is the second book in the 425 Madison Series -- interconnected standalones each written by different authors. I absolutely adored the first one, Must Love Coffee, and had such high hopes for Let Me Love You, since I was kind of intrigued by Mallory and Malachai's sudden secret relationship in the previous book.
Unfortunately, this one fell a little flat for me. I'm okay with instalove stories, but the rest of their relationship was then too rushed. There are so many other couples that are introduced in this book -- presumably the couples for the remainder of this series -- but I felt like they were taking away from Mallory and Malachai.
The characters themselves were likable enough. He has a bit of a past and some baggage, she doesn't really make a big deal out of it, and he's a fierce protector. I liked that they were both virgins, rather than just one of them wanting to lose their V-card. That's rare in contemporary fiction, I find. But overall, this story had a lot of potential, but all the extra characters took away from my enjoying the H/h and their romance.
I received an advanced copy and voluntarily left a review.
Merged review:
Let Me Love You is the second book in the 425 Madison Series -- interconnected standalones each written by different authors. I absolutely adored the first one, Must Love Coffee, and had such high hopes for Let Me Love You, since I was kind of intrigued by Mallory and Malachai's sudden secret relationship in the previous book.
Unfortunately, this one fell a little flat for me. I'm okay with instalove stories, but the rest of their relationship was then too rushed. There are so many other couples that are introduced in this book -- presumably the couples for the remainder of this series -- but I felt like they were taking away from Mallory and Malachai.
The characters themselves were likable enough. He has a bit of a past and some baggage, she doesn't really make a big deal out of it, and he's a fierce protector. I liked that they were both virgins, rather than just one of them wanting to lose their V-card. That's rare in contemporary fiction, I find. But overall, this story had a lot of potential, but all the extra characters took away from my enjoying the H/h and their romance.
I received an advanced copy and voluntarily left a review....more
Where I Belong is a hot enemies-to-lovers story between virginal Mia and her best friend's brother, Ben. The night before Mia is about to spend the suWhere I Belong is a hot enemies-to-lovers story between virginal Mia and her best friend's brother, Ben. The night before Mia is about to spend the summer with her bestie, Tessa, she stops at a bar and has a one-night stand with a hot guy, never exchanging names. To her shock, the guy who blew her mind turns out to be Tessa's brother, the guy who made her life miserable 9 years ago when they were kids.
Immediately smitten with Mia, Ben is determined to prove to her that he's not the same guy he used to be. But will Mia give him a chance to prove that he really has changed?
While there were some moments in the beginning of this story where I rolled my eyes and definitely some icky conversations, I did enjoy it. I didn't get why Mia felt like she needed to lose her V-card before spending the summer with Tessa. The ONS with Ben would have been enough, I thought. And some of the early conversations between Mia and Tessa about Ben the morning after were ick-worthy. Tessa was asking questions about her brother that were…… *shudder*
Once I got past that, I enjoyed this story. Ben is not the same guy he was as a teen; he's come a long way since they were kids, and his son Nolan is a big part of that. The guy is a great dad! As a boyfriend, Ben really is patient as he waits Mia out and convinces her that he's changed. ...more
I can't believe Forget Me Not is a debut novel. Jess Taylor blew me away with this beautiful, deep, emotional romance between Kade and Logan.
This bookI can't believe Forget Me Not is a debut novel. Jess Taylor blew me away with this beautiful, deep, emotional romance between Kade and Logan.
This book was not easy to read -- both Kade and Lo have some major trauma in their past. But their souls seek out one another because they are each other's other half. And together, they find a way to heal. What starts out as a fake date becomes a consuming passion as they understand one another on a level that they haven't found with anyone else. But Kade is keeping a secret from Logan that will threaten to destroy the happiness they've found together.
These two characters go on a lovely journey together. And there is such a nice development in Kade's relationship with his sister/Lo's roommate Demi. (I really hope that Demi and Asher get a story, because WOW!) The characters that Jess Taylor introduces us to are wonderful. There is a tight bond between the friends, and I loved getting to know the supporting characters as much as I loved getting to know Kade and Lo.
I received an advanced copy and voluntarily left a review....more
How did I not suspect that Addie Calloway would find the love of her life with one of the McQuaid brothers?? I have loved Addie's spunk since I first How did I not suspect that Addie Calloway would find the love of her life with one of the McQuaid brothers?? I have loved Addie's spunk since I first met her in the Calloway Brothers series, and appreciated that she and her best friend Holland had developed a friendship in spite of the rivalry between their families. Then I met Hawk McQuaid -- this couple had me hooked from the start!
I love a story where the cocky hero is brought to his knees, and we got that in spades with Hawk. That character really went on quite the journey in this book, and he grew immensely. Meeting and falling for Addy really brought out a different side to Hawk, and the cocky bastard from Chapter 1 was not the same devoted husband and father who brought me to tears in the epilogue. Hawk was an unexpected surprise of a character!
Samantha Christy wrote a beautiful story with these two characters. Especially when it came to Addie's prosthesis. While she's confident and doesn't let her disability stop her from doing anything, there was one part where she's really made to feel less-than because of her lost limb. With Hawk, however, he almost revered her for the warrior she is for having survived what she had. Both characters have literal physical scars, and I loved how their vulnerability bonded them.
No Small Bet was a fantastic start to a new series about the McQuaid brothers. This was a beautiful story of finding love in an unlikely place, the healing power of true love, self-forgiveness, and redemption. I honestly don't know how SC is going to top Hawk and Addie with the rest of the boys!
I received an advanced copy and voluntarily left a review....more
When I read The Girl in the Front Row, I really, really hoped that Kelsey Kingsley would write Tarryn and Connor's story. Sibling's best friend storieWhen I read The Girl in the Front Row, I really, really hoped that Kelsey Kingsley would write Tarryn and Connor's story. Sibling's best friend stories are one of my favorites, and everything about Tarryn and Connor's story checked off all the boxes for me.
This book starts off as enemies-to-lovers, but what is really simmering underneath is hate fueled by years of unrequited love. It's obvious to Connor's teen daughter, Sammy, that they are head over heels for one another way before it's obvious to Connor and Tarryn.
The Hero in Her Story is a beautiful slow burn, friends-to-lovers, celebrity/average Joe romance. KK really took the time to develop the friendship between Connor and Tarryn as they shifted from antagonizing one another to becoming so much more.
I received an advanced copy and voluntarily left a review....more
Wow, Camden and Oaklyn's story was scorching hot! The Bachelor was definitely the spiciest of the bunch in the Dalton Family series! But underneath alWow, Camden and Oaklyn's story was scorching hot! The Bachelor was definitely the spiciest of the bunch in the Dalton Family series! But underneath all of the smexy lessons that Camden gives his sister Hannah's best friend is a lovely romance between a playboy bachelor and the girl he didn't even realize he'd been in love with since he was 12.
Hannah basically forbade her twin from ever dating any of her friends, so when Oaklyn propositions him to give her love lessons and take her V-card, it's very much on the down low, since neither of them wants to let Hannah know what's happening between them. While Camden agrees to teach Oaklyn a thing or two, he also plans to never let things go all the way between them. However, the joke is on him because the more time Camden spends with Oaklyn, the more he craves to be around her. When Camden and Oaklyn decided to make their relationship legit, how will Hannah react?
This story is super sexy, super spicy, but also very sweet. I have a soft spot for a story where a playboy meets the girl who makes him fall to his knees, and that's exactly what Marni Mann delivered with The Bachelor!
I received an advanced copy and voluntarily left a review....more
Well, I read this book in a single sitting three days ago and I am still trying to wrap my head around what I want to write about Maddox and Josie's sWell, I read this book in a single sitting three days ago and I am still trying to wrap my head around what I want to write about Maddox and Josie's story.
Like the others in the Coastal Chronicles Series, KA Linde manages to write a beautiful, heartbreaking masterpiece of angst. The back and forth between Maddox and Josie is a maddening rollercoaster of emotions. The story goes back and forth between the present and the past, and the years jump around as their story slowly unfolds. It's hard to keep it straight in mind, chronologically, but it all comes together in a whopper of a reunion for this couple, a brilliant grumpy graphic artist and the television star he's loved since they were teenagers.
The secondary story with Josie's mother left me speechless. How that dovetailed with healing the relationship between Josie and her mom, as well as her mom and her dad, and sparking Josie's next career move was brilliant.
Second to None takes place at the same time as Hold The Forevers and At First Hate -- I loved seeing scenes play out from Josie and Maddox's POV. And the nuggets that were dropped between Amelia and Ash left me wanting their book pronto!
I received an advanced copy and voluntarily left a review....more
Second Chance Mine is a steamy enemies-to-lovers boss romance that closes out the Second Chance series by M. Robinson. Told in dual POV between the paSecond Chance Mine is a steamy enemies-to-lovers boss romance that closes out the Second Chance series by M. Robinson. Told in dual POV between the past and the present, Adrian and Paige's is full of so many ups and downs as we get to see the heartbreak that tore them apart 10 years ago and how they come back together again.
Overall, this story is pretty low angst, and I hate when a best friend's brother is "forbidden" just because it would go against some kind of bro code and the brother says she's off limits. But that is the situation we have here with Paige and Adrian. However, when Paige and Adrian imploded all those years ago, she also lost her friendship with Cade. And to be honest, I didn't like Cade all that much, so while I felt bad for Paige, I didn't think it was a great loss.
Anyway.... it's 10 years later and Paige is pushed into a situation where she is working as Adrian's executive assistant thanks to her friend Belle (Second Chance Vow). As she stuffs down the feelings that return, Adrian decides that he has been given the opportunity to win back the one that got away. At first, winning her over isn't so easy. But as he tries to protect Paige from a stalker, the dangerous situation pushes them closer together and Paige finds herself letting down all of those barriers that she'd built up to protect her heart.
Overall, this is a steamy second-chance romance with an alpha hero who is borderline obsessive, a healthy dose of dirty talk and suspense, and a whole lot of tension between the hero and heroine.
I received an advanced copy and voluntarily left a review....more
Wow. Macon and Lennon’s story is a doozy. I read this book in a day because it was one of those stories that I just had to keep reading “one more chapWow. Macon and Lennon’s story is a doozy. I read this book in a day because it was one of those stories that I just had to keep reading “one more chapter” — and the next thing I knew, it was 1 am.
This story is definitely not sunshine and rainbows. It’s dark and gritty, and Macon does some despicable things. Not that it’s an excuse for his behavior, but the dude has some serious demons.
The push and pull between these two drove me crazy, which I’m sure was Benson’s intention. Two steps forward, five steps back. Mostly because Macon is such a broken hero… and don’t we all secretly love that? I felt every emotion that these two went through. How conflicted Lennon was about her feelings for Macon, how he struggles with falling for his sister's best friend when he shouldn’t. I felt so much for these two with the life twist that affects them just when things are going well and the betrayal that follows. So much angst and family drama wrapped up in a slow-burn romance!
UPDATE FOR AUDIO: JF Harding and Lidia Dornet did a great job in telling Macon and Lennon's story. This was the second book I've listened to by JF (the first being Meghan Quinn's A Long Time Coming) and he is moving to the top of my favorite male narrators list!)
There are trigger warnings that Benson lays out for the readers, so beware that this story deals with some sensitive subjects. And that ending was a fabulous cliffhanger to set up the rest of this duet!
I received an advanced copy and voluntarily left a review....more
It's been a year or two since I've read a book by Kaylee Ryan and I'd forgotten how much I enjoyed her writing style! Deacon and Ramsey's story was abIt's been a year or two since I've read a book by Kaylee Ryan and I'd forgotten how much I enjoyed her writing style! Deacon and Ramsey's story was absolutely charming, with the right amounts of sexy simmer and sweet affection!
I adored the meet-cute with these two on a strangers photoshoot! Sure, it was a total set-up by Ramsey's best friend/Deacon's little sister, Palmer, but every time I see one of those strangers photoshoots on social media, I always think that would be such an awesome "how we met" story. Deacon is a workaholic who barely leaves the office and Ramsey is a former pampered princess who refuses to be dependent on anyone again, so she works three jobs herself. Sparks fly immediately once they meet, and neither notices the ten-year age gap between them.
I thought that KR really handled the trauma of Ramsey's emotionally and physically abusive past well. Deacon is so patient and gentle with her, and the way he always, always asked for her opinion and wants -- knowing that she had so few choices over her own life previously -- was swoon-worthy. She didn't have to be afraid or be worried about speaking her mind with Deacon. AKA "Never with me."
These two characters really brought out the best in one another, and I was kind of sad to see their story come to an end, even though it ended with a wonderfully happy epilogue. I will definitely be checking out the next series by Kaylee Ryan because I am dying to spend more time with Ramsey's nine cousins and Deacon's sisters!
I received a complimentary copy and voluntarily left a review....more
Stacy Stone is a new-to-me author, so I wasn't sure what I'd be getting in It Went Viral. What I read was a captivating, steamy, enemies-to-lovers/sisStacy Stone is a new-to-me author, so I wasn't sure what I'd be getting in It Went Viral. What I read was a captivating, steamy, enemies-to-lovers/sister's best friend romance that was absolutely charming.
Bryan and Isla have a really sticky past stemming back to a mortifying walk of shame she was forced to do after they slept with each other back in college. When she's hired to plan his family company's big social event, they both get a second chance to right a wrong. There are several issues that they have to work through before they stop hating each other and realize just how perfect they are for one another, however. The road is rocky, but it's a lovely journey as they go from sparring partners to forever.
It Went Viral was a sweet surprise! I received an advanced copy and voluntarily left a review....more
It's been a while since I've read a book by AK Evans. And after devouring Complication in a single evening, I wish I'd read the books in this series tIt's been a while since I've read a book by AK Evans. And after devouring Complication in a single evening, I wish I'd read the books in this series that came first. I was totally hooked on Roscoe and Sienna's story from the prologue, and as her unplanned pregnancy progressed and he bent over backward to prove to her that he wanted to be a part of her life, I fell in love with this couple as they fell in love with each other.
Sienna has always had a crush on her best friend's older brother, but after he inadvertently hurt her feelings when she was a teenager, she's kept her distance from Roscoe for the past 15 years. When they are reunited as partners in his sister's wedding, sparks fly and they spend a hot and steamy night together. They parted ways the next morning before Roscoe returned to his band's tour, with Sienna thought she'd see him again when the tour ended. But that didn't exactly happen, and Sienna was left with a little souvenir of their night together.
I really felt for Sienna as this story unfolded. She is broke, scared, and facing a future of raising a baby completely on her own. Roscoe does not handle the news well at first, and Sienna has every right to be upset after his reaction. But even after he came around, she held him at arm's length rather than be understanding of the shock the baby was to him. Eventually, they get on the same page to co-parent, and they enter into a new kind of friendship.
When Roscoe decides that he wants to really try being a partner to Sienna in every sense, he really goes all out. I was surprised by how many times I got teary reading Roscoe and Sienna's story. It really was a heartwarming romance, and for a guy who wanted nothing to do with a committed relationship or having a family at the start of this book, Roscoe was surprisingly swoony when it came to wooing Sienna.
I am definitely putting the rest of this series on my TBR list! I received an advanced copy and voluntarily left a review....more
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