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alliereadsromance's reviews
37 reviews
The Scoring Secret by Ainsley Booth
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
I love Ainsley Booth’s writing in general and I was very excited for this one after reading The Girl in the Hockey Jersey and The Playing Game. It did not disappoint.
Ty Connor is a player, both on and off the ice. When he’s traded from Miami to Hamilton, Ontario he’s convinced his life as he knows it is over. He struggles to find his footing on the ice and off of it, accidentally insulting the fans and falling on his face with Kiley (Bestie of the FMC in book 1 and sister to the team doctor).
Kiley is in her Slut Era (no insult intended), determined to enjoy pleasure and dating and not get hung up on another mistake of a man. And she sees Ty as the possible biggest mistake yet. But as much as he annoys her and she is determined to stay away, she can’t help but be attracted to him.
There is little I love more than when a Player meets his match and suddenly he’s no longer interested in anyone but that person. Even before they’re hooking up. I especially love it when the person they’re after continually turns them down. I don’t know, maybe I just like to see grown men on the verge of begging. Whatever the reason, it’s one of my favorite things and Booth knocked it out of the park.
I typically do not enjoy books where people know each other anonymously online and have a relationship there and in person. It almost inevitably leads to one of the parties finding out the truth and hiding it. Lying about one’s identity is a huge red flag for me and just pisses me off. So color me pleasantly shocked when one person figures it out and immediately informs the other person without hesitation. There was no hesitation to do the right thing and it made me love the book even more.
I cannot wait for more of this series!
Bred by the Wolfman by Lyonne Riley
medium-paced
5.0
I usually go out of my way to avoid pregnancy in my books but wolfmen are kind of my thing and I had faith in Lyonne Riley to do a good job. And she nailed it! At times Dee was so infuriatingly dense about herself that I wanted to reach into the book and shake her, Russ is a walking red flag. Together, they're kind of perfect. This book is both steaming hot and sweet and cozy in a way only Lyonne can manage. 10/10 do recommend.
Faulty by Nicole Parker
funny
fast-paced
5.0
I'm not sure which is more horrifying, the fact that the image of a 7' tall furby is now in my head or the fact that I absolutely loved this book. While furby scares the ever loving crap out of me, Flurbo is somehow sexy in the silliest way possible. This one is short, steamy, and so much fun!
Handle Me by Unfortunate Reads
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
5.0
As far as sentient object romances go, this one was super fun! Short and sweet and spicy, there's a lot packed into this story. Stick's love and devotion, Jace's growing awareness that there's something more. The ending with Jace admitting his feelings is just *chef's kiss* I'm definitely looking forward to what the author comes up with next!
SPF Me by Holly Wilde
funny
fast-paced
5.0
This book is perfect for pool side or hitting the beach this summer. Short, spicy, and a lot silly, this was a really fun and quick read. I love how FMC just rolls with the premise that her sunblock has come to life and it's just a fun time.
Be My Cupcake Valentine by Ames B. Winterbourne
funny
fast-paced
4.0
I don't even have words for this one. It was good. It was weird. It was fun, funny, steamy, strange. Also, it made me want cake. Maybe have your favorite kind on hand before you pick this one
The Dating Contract by Stacey Agdern
slow-paced
4.0
I very much enjoyed this story. I'm not often a fan of second-chance romances but this sweet, slow-burn proved to be an exception. Though, to be fair, fake dating is like catnip to me and that alone made me excited to read it. I loved how Leah and Samuel's history was a major factor but it did not define them. The focus wasn't constantly on what broke them up as kids and they had both grown as individuals from that event. I also very much appreciated the Jewish culture and traditions that were woven into the story and the character's lives. The Dating Contract is a very slow-burning, heartwarming, sweet romance that will leave you feeling good.
Black Hat, White Witch by Hailey Edwards
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
This book is everything I love about urban fantasy/paranormal romance. It has characters you're ready to die or kill for, a singular arc within the book with an overreaching arc you know is going to take you somewhere you'll never expect, and rich world-building. Black Hat White Witch feels like the older early 2000s paranormal books, which is when I fell in love with the genre and I've been chasing that feel ever since. Rue is a strong, determined, complex female lead. Her cast includes a nearly indestructible golum who loves her like a sister, an adopted daughter, and a love interest with amazing hair who KNITS! There is nothing not to love about this book.
Partying with Pixies by Hazel Mack
medium-paced
5.0
Immediately adding to my list of books to suggest to new monster lovers. It's the perfect blend of cozy and sweet with hot spice. I love the Haven Ever After series and I can't wait for more.