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all_plot_and_bothered's Reviews (89)
Max Monroe have struck rom-com gold once again with Best Frenemies. Katy is a neurotic, Type A to the max math teacher, and she loathes her carefree, easy going coworker, Mack. After a mistake by the management results in them both booking the same condo during spring break, hilarity, tension, and steam ensues.
Tropes:
✔ Work rivals to lovers
✔ Forced proximity
✔ Only one bed
✔ Secret fling
✔ Opposites attract
✔ He falls first
Katy’s character got off to a rocky start with me. I can appreciate a neurotic heroine, but she primarily came across as uptight and judgmental, and she never gave Mack a break even in the smallest of things. However, we learn pretty early on that she is the way she is due to her childhood and past experiences, and I quickly began to see past those issues. Mack, on the other hand, was sweet, charming, and thoughtful from the get go. And while he enjoyed purposely pushing Katy’s buttons at times, Katy figured out that he was not the jerk she thought he was. Their chemistry and banter were superb, especially once Katy let her hair (and her walls) down.
While we get to see the development of Katy and Mack’s physical relationship, which is
Tropes:
✔ Work rivals to lovers
✔ Forced proximity
✔ Only one bed
✔ Secret fling
✔ Opposites attract
✔ He falls first
Katy’s character got off to a rocky start with me. I can appreciate a neurotic heroine, but she primarily came across as uptight and judgmental, and she never gave Mack a break even in the smallest of things. However, we learn pretty early on that she is the way she is due to her childhood and past experiences, and I quickly began to see past those issues. Mack, on the other hand, was sweet, charming, and thoughtful from the get go. And while he enjoyed purposely pushing Katy’s buttons at times, Katy figured out that he was not the jerk she thought he was. Their chemistry and banter were superb, especially once Katy let her hair (and her walls) down.
While we get to see the development of Katy and Mack’s physical relationship, which is
3.5 ⭐️s. Hoarding Gold is a fairytale reimagining mashup of Goldilocks & the Three Bears and Robin Hood. The FMC, Eddie, with the help of her best friend, Lex, robs wealthy businesses and donates most of her take to help those less fortunate. Things take a turn when she is caught by one of those businesses, which just so happens to be owned by 3 bear shifters. When the men decide to hire Eddie and Lex rather than turning them in to the authorities, they unknowingly get wrapped up in an ancient feud between shifters. Eddie’s world changes when she learns that not only are supernaturals real, but maybe things are not always as black and white as she’s believed.
This was my first Goldilocks retelling, and it was a refreshing change to read a story that isn’t done often. It was a light, fun read with humor, action, and medium spice.
I had trouble connecting with Eddie at first. Her dedication to help those in need was certainly admirable, but there was just something that put me off a little. Even now, I’m not really sure what it was. Maybe it was that her beliefs allowed no room for gray and she clung to those beliefs even when faced with evidence to the contrary. Whatever it was, she did grow on me as the story progressed and we learned more about her background. And I really enjoyed her friendship with Lex. He wasn’t afraid to call her out or disagree with Eddie, but no matter what, he was her ride-or-die.
As for the MMCs, each had his own unique personality that went along with his type of bear (including chair, food, and bed preferences
This was my first Goldilocks retelling, and it was a refreshing change to read a story that isn’t done often. It was a light, fun read with humor, action, and medium spice.
I had trouble connecting with Eddie at first. Her dedication to help those in need was certainly admirable, but there was just something that put me off a little. Even now, I’m not really sure what it was. Maybe it was that her beliefs allowed no room for gray and she clung to those beliefs even when faced with evidence to the contrary. Whatever it was, she did grow on me as the story progressed and we learned more about her background. And I really enjoyed her friendship with Lex. He wasn’t afraid to call her out or disagree with Eddie, but no matter what, he was her ride-or-die.
As for the MMCs, each had his own unique personality that went along with his type of bear (including chair, food, and bed preferences
**Potential slight spoilers ahead.**
All the Chaos of Constellations is the first in a new series of interconnected standalones. A mix of regency and fantasy romance, it definitely has a Bridgerton feel but is set in the fae world where the women are a little (lot) less virginal and the family matriarch may be scheming more than just how to get all of her children married.
Novalise Starstorm is the darling of Aeramere and the epitome of a lady; she is passive, pleasant, and always does what is expected of her without complaint, all the while longing to be wanted and loved for herself instead of for her position and magic. When she gets that chance in the form of a fated mate, she is determined to win the heart of the man who refuses to accept their bond. As the story progresses, Novalise begins to realize what she has allowed herself to become and what it might cost her, and she really comes in to her own by the end of the book. I loved seeing her character arc, watching her own her power, and take charge of her future.
Asher is bookish and broody, and spurns the notion of love entirely. But he isn't selfish or heartless; he is haunted by the trauma of his past and predictions of his future. While past drives him to protect his heart, it is the fear of what the future could hold for himself and the woman he allows himself to love and be loved by in return that is the driving force behind his rejection of Novalise. After all, the stars never lie. But that doesn't mean that others don't. I enjoyed the glimpses we got of his true wants and feelings throughout the book, and it was amazing to watch how he finally owned them after grappling with them for so long. The man just has a way with words, and my highlights are full of his swoon-worthy lines.
The chemistry and tension between these two build right from the start, even before their first kiss. There is a constant push and pull as Asher repeatedly tries to fight the bond and Novalise is determined to make him lose that fight. They both make mistakes and have their own issues to overcome while dealing with their unexpected pairing. It is messy and sometimes painful, but their bond only grows stronger the more it is tested.
And Drake, the alluring and notorious shadow prince/assassin, is just there working behind the scenes and serving up even more drama. He obviously has his own agenda, but it’s difficult to figure out exactly what his true intentions and motivations are. Is he really trying to help in his own twisted way or is he just trying to push Novalise and Asher further apart? I honestly still don't know. Either way, there is just something so likable about him, even though I know he isn't good.
There is a lot more to this book than just romance though. All of the characters are complex and compelling, even those that act as more side characters in this story. And where there are powerful fae, there are also power hungry ones; this is no exception. There are schemes against the queen, rumors of squashed rebellions, threats of war, and political and magical intrigue. This book really is captivating, and the world building is exquisite. With this being the first in fantasy-based series, there is a lot of information to get through, but I thought Hillary Raymer did a great job laying it out without it being overwhelming. Her writing is so wonderfully descriptive and the imagery is so rich and vivid; this is a great example of what it means to be shown and not just told. I also thought Hillary did a fantastic with the anxiety representation. Novalise’s struggles with anxiety were so on point and well written that I could feel what she was feeling, so much so that I could sense my own anxiety rising in relation with hers. The only thing that stopped this from being a total 5 star read for me was that the ending felt a bit rushed. There was a lot of build up for it to be resolved as quickly as it was, and it left me wishing there would've been a more time and development spent there. I'm also hoping that, later in the series, we get to see more in terms of what Novalise's power means for the realms and the potential conflict that is touched upon in this book.
While technically a standalone, there are questions that remain unanswered and overarching issues that appear to span later books in the series. All the Chaos of Constellations is a fantastic book in its own right, but it also really sets the stage for the remainder of the series. The next couple is set up in the epilogue, and it looks like their story is going to be fire. I can’t wait to read it!
I received a free, advanced copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
All the Chaos of Constellations is the first in a new series of interconnected standalones. A mix of regency and fantasy romance, it definitely has a Bridgerton feel but is set in the fae world where the women are a little (lot) less virginal and the family matriarch may be scheming more than just how to get all of her children married.
Novalise Starstorm is the darling of Aeramere and the epitome of a lady; she is passive, pleasant, and always does what is expected of her without complaint, all the while longing to be wanted and loved for herself instead of for her position and magic. When she gets that chance in the form of a fated mate, she is determined to win the heart of the man who refuses to accept their bond. As the story progresses, Novalise begins to realize what she has allowed herself to become and what it might cost her, and she really comes in to her own by the end of the book. I loved seeing her character arc, watching her own her power, and take charge of her future.
Asher is bookish and broody, and spurns the notion of love entirely. But he isn't selfish or heartless; he is haunted by the trauma of his past and predictions of his future. While past drives him to protect his heart, it is the fear of what the future could hold for himself and the woman he allows himself to love and be loved by in return that is the driving force behind his rejection of Novalise. After all, the stars never lie. But that doesn't mean that others don't. I enjoyed the glimpses we got of his true wants and feelings throughout the book, and it was amazing to watch how he finally owned them after grappling with them for so long. The man just has a way with words, and my highlights are full of his swoon-worthy lines.
The chemistry and tension between these two build right from the start, even before their first kiss. There is a constant push and pull as Asher repeatedly tries to fight the bond and Novalise is determined to make him lose that fight. They both make mistakes and have their own issues to overcome while dealing with their unexpected pairing. It is messy and sometimes painful, but their bond only grows stronger the more it is tested.
And Drake, the alluring and notorious shadow prince/assassin, is just there working behind the scenes and serving up even more drama. He obviously has his own agenda, but it’s difficult to figure out exactly what his true intentions and motivations are. Is he really trying to help in his own twisted way or is he just trying to push Novalise and Asher further apart? I honestly still don't know. Either way, there is just something so likable about him, even though I know he isn't good.
There is a lot more to this book than just romance though. All of the characters are complex and compelling, even those that act as more side characters in this story. And where there are powerful fae, there are also power hungry ones; this is no exception. There are schemes against the queen, rumors of squashed rebellions, threats of war, and political and magical intrigue. This book really is captivating, and the world building is exquisite. With this being the first in fantasy-based series, there is a lot of information to get through, but I thought Hillary Raymer did a great job laying it out without it being overwhelming. Her writing is so wonderfully descriptive and the imagery is so rich and vivid; this is a great example of what it means to be shown and not just told. I also thought Hillary did a fantastic with the anxiety representation. Novalise’s struggles with anxiety were so on point and well written that I could feel what she was feeling, so much so that I could sense my own anxiety rising in relation with hers. The only thing that stopped this from being a total 5 star read for me was that the ending felt a bit rushed. There was a lot of build up for it to be resolved as quickly as it was, and it left me wishing there would've been a more time and development spent there. I'm also hoping that, later in the series, we get to see more in terms of what Novalise's power means for the realms and the potential conflict that is touched upon in this book.
While technically a standalone, there are questions that remain unanswered and overarching issues that appear to span later books in the series. All the Chaos of Constellations is a fantastic book in its own right, but it also really sets the stage for the remainder of the series. The next couple is set up in the epilogue, and it looks like their story is going to be fire. I can’t wait to read it!
I received a free, advanced copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
3.5 stars! The Timeless Trials is a dystopian, fantasy romance with a medieval feel and major Hunger Games vibes. It has soulmates and insta-love mixed with action, magic, curses, royal politics, and some serious brotherly conflict.
In the kingdom of Orogi, time is not only valuable but life itself, and the high king controls it all. The royals and elite have time in abundance, while those in the poorer sections of the kingdom struggle to earn enough time to get by, to keep from running out and being killed by the poison residing in their time pacers, and, of course, to pay the tithes required by the high king. Those without enough to offer the king are deemed time wasters and are “retired” early. And when the tithes as a whole are insufficient, the high king invokes the Timeless Trials, a brutal and deadly competition where only one survives to be showered with wealth and gifted with immortality. Through a series of unfortunate events, Oraelia “Rae” Fenix becomes the first woman forced to compete in the trials and catches the attention of the cruel and dangerous high prince, Flint. If Rae can win, not only will she be granted the prize of immortality, but she will also be awarded a marriage to the high prince (whether she wants it or not). However, in the lead up to and during the trials, Rae continually finds herself drawn to the prince’s mysterious brother, Rydar, and she begrudgingly accepts that she must trust him to help her survive the trials and protect her family from the high prince.
There were a lot of things I really enjoyed about this book, but there were also some things that I felt needed stronger development. The plot was interesting and entertaining, and the concept of time as the basis for everything was intriguing. The time element was set up in a way and fleshed out enough that it was easily understood, but there was still enough mystery behind it and the high king's "Good Work" that the author has more she can do with it later in the series.
I adored Rae and her warrior spirit. She is strong, protective, and loves fiercely. She is a force all her own; in her own words, "Stay small, stay alive. If I had ever truly understood that life lesson, I would not be here in the first place." She also has no filter and is constantly putting her foot in her mouth in the best way. I loved it! I also loved Rydar. He is a broody, mysterious, and tormented soul. A fallen heir forced to protect his younger brother at all costs, he allows himself no friends, no one to care about, and no one that can be used against him. That is until his finds his almatae, the one thing he never wanted and the one thing he can't resist. The tension and push and pull between him and Rae was palpable; I could feel Rydar's struggle and inner turmoil, which made the glimpses of his true feelings all the sweeter.
Flint, the high prince, on the other hand was wonderfully easy to dislike and root against. He is a villain through and through - dangerous, calculating, and cruel. There was some insight into why he is the way he is, but I'm hoping to see more to him than just being evil for evil's sake. I'm also hoping to see more development of some the side characters (particularly Alia, Nell, and Trystan), which really did not happen in this book.
This book is action packed and fast paced, and while I enjoyed that, it was bit too much at times. The jump from one big moment/trial straight to another made for a quick, exciting read but more depth and explanation would've allowed for a greater emotional impact. A little more world building also would have gone a long way. And as I mentioned before, The Timeless Trials has heavy Hunger Games vibes, which is both good and not so good. I don't want to give too much away, but there are definite, clear parallels between the trials and the games. At times, the similarities between this book and the Hunger Games series was edging on too close, but there were enough differences in the plot that it didn't feel like a rip-off.
Overall, I thought The Timeless Trials was a fun and enjoyable read. It was engaging and ended with a twist that made me want to throw my Kindle while also making me impatient for book 2. I am very impressed that this was A.C. Guess's first novel. It was a solid debut, and I think she has tremendous potential. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of this series!
I received a free, advanced copy of this book, and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
In the kingdom of Orogi, time is not only valuable but life itself, and the high king controls it all. The royals and elite have time in abundance, while those in the poorer sections of the kingdom struggle to earn enough time to get by, to keep from running out and being killed by the poison residing in their time pacers, and, of course, to pay the tithes required by the high king. Those without enough to offer the king are deemed time wasters and are “retired” early. And when the tithes as a whole are insufficient, the high king invokes the Timeless Trials, a brutal and deadly competition where only one survives to be showered with wealth and gifted with immortality. Through a series of unfortunate events, Oraelia “Rae” Fenix becomes the first woman forced to compete in the trials and catches the attention of the cruel and dangerous high prince, Flint. If Rae can win, not only will she be granted the prize of immortality, but she will also be awarded a marriage to the high prince (whether she wants it or not). However, in the lead up to and during the trials, Rae continually finds herself drawn to the prince’s mysterious brother, Rydar, and she begrudgingly accepts that she must trust him to help her survive the trials and protect her family from the high prince.
There were a lot of things I really enjoyed about this book, but there were also some things that I felt needed stronger development. The plot was interesting and entertaining, and the concept of time as the basis for everything was intriguing. The time element was set up in a way and fleshed out enough that it was easily understood, but there was still enough mystery behind it and the high king's "Good Work" that the author has more she can do with it later in the series.
I adored Rae and her warrior spirit. She is strong, protective, and loves fiercely. She is a force all her own; in her own words, "Stay small, stay alive. If I had ever truly understood that life lesson, I would not be here in the first place." She also has no filter and is constantly putting her foot in her mouth in the best way. I loved it! I also loved Rydar. He is a broody, mysterious, and tormented soul. A fallen heir forced to protect his younger brother at all costs, he allows himself no friends, no one to care about, and no one that can be used against him. That is until his finds his almatae, the one thing he never wanted and the one thing he can't resist. The tension and push and pull between him and Rae was palpable; I could feel Rydar's struggle and inner turmoil, which made the glimpses of his true feelings all the sweeter.
Flint, the high prince, on the other hand was wonderfully easy to dislike and root against. He is a villain through and through - dangerous, calculating, and cruel. There was some insight into why he is the way he is, but I'm hoping to see more to him than just being evil for evil's sake. I'm also hoping to see more development of some the side characters (particularly Alia, Nell, and Trystan), which really did not happen in this book.
This book is action packed and fast paced, and while I enjoyed that, it was bit too much at times. The jump from one big moment/trial straight to another made for a quick, exciting read but more depth and explanation would've allowed for a greater emotional impact. A little more world building also would have gone a long way. And as I mentioned before, The Timeless Trials has heavy Hunger Games vibes, which is both good and not so good. I don't want to give too much away, but there are definite, clear parallels between the trials and the games. At times, the similarities between this book and the Hunger Games series was edging on too close, but there were enough differences in the plot that it didn't feel like a rip-off.
Overall, I thought The Timeless Trials was a fun and enjoyable read. It was engaging and ended with a twist that made me want to throw my Kindle while also making me impatient for book 2. I am very impressed that this was A.C. Guess's first novel. It was a solid debut, and I think she has tremendous potential. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of this series!
I received a free, advanced copy of this book, and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
3.5 stars. Fair Catch is the 1st book in a series of interconnected standalones centered around the students and football players of North Boston University. As a big fan of both NCAA and NFL football, football romance books can be hit or miss for me. I've read some where it was clear that the author did not know much about the sport, which completely took me out of the book. That absolutely was not the case here. Thank you, Kandi Steiner, for knowing the game and writing a college football-based romance series that kept me engaged in the stories!
Fair Catch is Riley and Zeke's story. Tropes: brother's best friend, friends to enemies (on her side) to roommates to lovers, forced proximity. Spice: 3-3.5/5. Zeke and Riley grew up together. He has been her brother's best friend since childhood, but after a mistake on Zeke's part has tragic consequences, Riley loathes him. When they end up as teammates and roommates, the lines between love/attraction and hate become majorly blurred. Especially once Riley agrees to let Zeke help her in the mental aspect of the game in exchange for tutoring him. I enjoyed seeing Riley's POV as the only female kicker in college football, but at times, her character was hard to like. I loved Zeke though. He worked hard to redeem himself, and his faith in Riley was beautiful; it never faltered, even when she rebuffed his compliments and struggled to let him help her. Overall, I enjoyed Fair Catch, but it was my least favorite of the four books. Part of that could be due to the narrators. They were often a little monotone and sounded like they were reading, and I just didn't care for them much as the others in the series.
Fair Catch is Riley and Zeke's story. Tropes: brother's best friend, friends to enemies (on her side) to roommates to lovers, forced proximity. Spice: 3-3.5/5. Zeke and Riley grew up together. He has been her brother's best friend since childhood, but after a mistake on Zeke's part has tragic consequences, Riley loathes him. When they end up as teammates and roommates, the lines between love/attraction and hate become majorly blurred. Especially once Riley agrees to let Zeke help her in the mental aspect of the game in exchange for tutoring him. I enjoyed seeing Riley's POV as the only female kicker in college football, but at times, her character was hard to like. I loved Zeke though. He worked hard to redeem himself, and his faith in Riley was beautiful; it never faltered, even when she rebuffed his compliments and struggled to let him help her. Overall, I enjoyed Fair Catch, but it was my least favorite of the four books. Part of that could be due to the narrators. They were often a little monotone and sounded like they were reading, and I just didn't care for them much as the others in the series.
4.5 stars. Blind Side is the 2nd book in the Red Zone Rivals series, and my favorite of the series. Tropes: fake dating, virgin heroine, "teach me," opposites attract. Spice: 3.5-4/5. Clay is a dream-boat and one of the top safeties in the country, and Giana is the shy, quirky public relations intern for the NBU football team. After Clay goes through a tough breakup with his long term girlfriend, Giana is assigned the task of wrangling him for the media. At a meeting with her, Clay realizes that Giana has a major crush on the coffee shop performer and comes up with a plan to help get Giana's crush to notice her and help Clay to get his girlfriend back. The two agree to fake date, but things take a turn for for the steamy when Giana asks Clay to take her virginity and give her lessons on how to please a man. When the feelings each has for the other begin to change, the relationship doesn't feel as fake as it used to. I LOVED both of these characters and the chemistry they had together. Giana is so sweet, but fierce when she needs to be, and doesn't realize just how brightly she shines. Clay is a caretaker, always putting the needs of those he cares about above his own. He is just an overall good guy (with a wonderfully dirty mouth). Giana and Clay complement one another and help each other to see parts of themselves that they didn't before, and it had me feeling all of the things. I was a goner for this couple and this book.
Quarterback Sneak was a close second for my favorite book of the Red Zone Rivals series. It is Holden and Julep's story. Tropes: forbidden relationship (coach's daughter), reverse grumpy/sunshine, neighbors to lovers. Spice: 4/5. Both Holden and Julep have suffered tragedies in their pasts; while Holden has managed to move forward despite his grief, Julep is struggling to do the same. She is drowning in pain and guilt, and Holden sees that. They can see things in one another that others don't and understand each other's pain. In spite of being continually drawn together, they are both are off limits to the other and try to fight their growing attraction and feelings. As their relationship progresses from trainer-athlete and neighbors to secret lovers, Julep learns that she can count on Holden and begins to see she can still have happiness in her life despite believing that it was no longer possible. Their relationship is sweet, steamy, and healing, and their banter is top notch. This story is emotional, full of angst, and really well done.
Hail Mary is Leo and Mary's story, and the final book in the Red Zone Rivals series. Tropes: enemies to lovers, forced proximity (neighbors then roommates), second chance, slow burn. Spice: 3-3.5/5. Mary and Leo are next door neighbors, and she despises him from the beginning. When a burst pipe at her house ends up with her begrudgingly moving in with Leo and 2 other football players, to say Mary is unhappy about it is an understatement. The guys grow on her, but her grudge against Leo persists. He just cannot understand why that is, especially when he knows she feels the same attraction to him as he does to her. Things eventually come to a head, and Leo is floored by Mary's revelation. I don't want to spoil anything, but this is a big part of their story which you will have to read for yourself.
Hail Mary is a slow burn, and the tension between Leo and Mary is intense. There is plenty of angst, pining, and banter, and once the the spice hits, it delivers in a big way. I liked Mary and the way she had grown to become unapologetically herself, and Leo was the sweetest golden retriever MMC with a filthy mouth and just the right amount of cockiness. He worked hard to break down Mary's walls, and what a payoff for the readers when he finally did. Hail Mary was a great book and a wonderful ending to the series.
Hail Mary is a slow burn, and the tension between Leo and Mary is intense. There is plenty of angst, pining, and banter, and once the the spice hits, it delivers in a big way. I liked Mary and the way she had grown to become unapologetically herself, and Leo was the sweetest golden retriever MMC with a filthy mouth and just the right amount of cockiness. He worked hard to break down Mary's walls, and what a payoff for the readers when he finally did. Hail Mary was a great book and a wonderful ending to the series.
4.5 stars! Romantasy meets Love is Blind in A Game of Love and Betrayal. In the Republic of Balance, every 10 years, they hold The Choosing, a blind dating process where the male contestants choose a bride after a series of both phone and in person, blindfolded dates. For most, it is an opportunity to find a powerful partner with the right connections. For Ryker, it is the way to keep a promise to his ailing father, and for Brynleigh, it is the chance to get revenge on the Fae responsible for killing her family. But Brynleigh never imagined the man she'd been planning to assassinate could be so good and kind and make her feel things she never thought possible.
We really get to know Ryker and Brynleigh as they get to know one another, and as they begin to fall for each other, we fall for them too. Ryker realizes pretty early on that Brynleigh is the one for him, while Brynleigh fights her emotions and the pull she feels toward Ryker. How she can want the man who murdered her entire family? How can someone evil be so sweet, caring, charming, attentive, and protective? As she struggles to reconcile the man she has gotten to know and the monster she thought him to be, she begins to question whether she can follow through on her plans and if there is more to the story than what she has always been told.
AGOLAB is very character driven, but don't let that fool you into thinking there isn't a whole lot of plot to go with it; there is plenty going on in the background and the dating show isn't the only source of drama. Despite its name, the Republic of Balance isn't all that equal anymore, and rebel activity is on the rise. There are attacks during The Choosing that demonstrate how emboldened and organized these rebels have become. The question remains as to how this has happened and why they have chosen now to escalate their activities.
A Game of Love and Betrayal is engaging from start to finish. This book is an emotional, slow burn full of enough political scheming, explosions (literally and figuratively), and twists to keep things interesting while still letting the characters be the stars of the show. The ending ripped my heart out and left me wondering how in the world I'm going to wait until November to finish Brynleigh and Ryker's story. I'm ready for Book 2!
I received an advanced review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
We really get to know Ryker and Brynleigh as they get to know one another, and as they begin to fall for each other, we fall for them too. Ryker realizes pretty early on that Brynleigh is the one for him, while Brynleigh fights her emotions and the pull she feels toward Ryker. How she can want the man who murdered her entire family? How can someone evil be so sweet, caring, charming, attentive, and protective? As she struggles to reconcile the man she has gotten to know and the monster she thought him to be, she begins to question whether she can follow through on her plans and if there is more to the story than what she has always been told.
AGOLAB is very character driven, but don't let that fool you into thinking there isn't a whole lot of plot to go with it; there is plenty going on in the background and the dating show isn't the only source of drama. Despite its name, the Republic of Balance isn't all that equal anymore, and rebel activity is on the rise. There are attacks during The Choosing that demonstrate how emboldened and organized these rebels have become. The question remains as to how this has happened and why they have chosen now to escalate their activities.
A Game of Love and Betrayal is engaging from start to finish. This book is an emotional, slow burn full of enough political scheming, explosions (literally and figuratively), and twists to keep things interesting while still letting the characters be the stars of the show. The ending ripped my heart out and left me wondering how in the world I'm going to wait until November to finish Brynleigh and Ryker's story. I'm ready for Book 2!
I received an advanced review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
The Almost Romantic is a cute, lighthearted, and quick read with a swoon-worthy MMC, a lovable FMC, great banter, and plenty of spice (4/5