Reviews

Thrive by Shain Rose

bookboyfriendandhusbandmake3's review against another edition

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5.0

This is my first book by this author, book 3 in the Stonewood Brothers series. I never felt as though I missed anything but it certainly made me curious about the other brothers. I downloaded book 1 before I was even halfway into Thrive, I was hooked and I needed more of this world.

The very first chapter had me emotionally invested in Jay and Mikka. Even under the undesirable circumstances the chemistry between Jay and Mikka was electrifying that was only a taste of what was to come.

It only took a few chapters before I was fully immersed in this world. The pain and circumstances these characters were living had a strangle hold on my emotions that held me captive until the end.

One moment, one kiss, set off a domino effect that changed the course of their lives. Mikka went through a painfully rough time over several months that ultimately destroyed pieces of her. My chest ached with tears going down my cheek as I felt all of her pain directly in my heart.

One moment, one hug, Jay knows there’s something amiss with his head clear he makes it his mission to get to the bottom of it. You could feel the intensity of their connection igniting the air around them at times. It was as if their heart spoke to one another without the need to verbalize what was running through their head. They had both just come out the other side of traumatically heartbreaking situations making it hard for them to navigate the intensity between them.

I felt like the author portrayed the pain, guilt, and devastation of these very serious situations in a way that made them feel genuine, as it could have been someone we know. These characters showed an incredible amount of self-healing as they worked their way towards making what they had into much more than friends.

This was an all-consuming read. Jay and Mikka had a connection that was so deep they were seared on each other’s souls. An impeccable balance of witty banter, angst, heartbreak, healing, steam, and the quirkiness of a small town.


The small town of Greenville is full of quirky, entertaining and especially lovable characters that I’m looking forward to spending more time with.

mylie577's review against another edition

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emotional funny lighthearted reflective fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

jordanwilson3's review against another edition

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medium-paced

4.0

leighannashton's review against another edition

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3.0

The book showcased real issues of addiction and abuse. It showed the background of how people live with their addiction and abuse and how their mindset is and changes throughout and the complications of going through things like that. I’m glad Jay didn’t relapse when it was looking like he did in the book. Mikka was kind of wishy washy when it came to wanting to be with Jay or not. One second she would be all for it then the next she would be saying how they weren’t going to work when they got back to LA. I hated that they kept saying porn shop. I feel like there is definitely a better name for it. The conclusion to the series was great.

bookmom331's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful tense

4.5

read_on_reader's review against another edition

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4.0

Jay and Mikka have a great friendship but she also works for him as his personal assistant. They both have issues going on in their lives but Jay has some more serious problems. The story follows both of them as they try to navigate feelings for each other while fighting the demons that haunt them. Their road is not an easy one but it keeps getting harder and harder to fight the attraction. I love the story as is deals with issues that are so real and I loved how well the two main characters are great together. I don't want to give too much away because the book should be experienced and not just told about. Another great story by this author!!!

gabb3129's review against another edition

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3.0

3,5 stars, I liked that serie less ans less as I read it. I had a pet peeve about the stonewoods calling everyone "women" all the time I don't like that

katieray427's review against another edition

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2.0

good but not special. My main issue was that when every man addressed a female character, he called them “woman”. It was just weird. Like it’d be one thing for one character to do it as if that’s their thing, but like all the men did it. *ick*

but I mean I enjoyed the plot enough and that it was a quick 297 page read. She cute

er_inreads's review against another edition

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5.0

a great binge read

If you like friends to lovers, possessive “I’d die for you” men, then this book is for you. A great quick read, binge worthy, pulls you in and you really feel the characters. It had me wanting to yell at my screen on many occasions and really fangirling the building relationship. Definitely a book I would reread.

batesbreanna0's review

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challenging medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5