beatha_82's reviews
151 reviews

Bean by Nora Phoenix, E.M. Lindsey

emotional hopeful inspiring fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

“Bean” is the second book in the honorably discharged series. Each book can be read as a standalone but I highly recommend reading them in order because this series is absolutely phenomenal.

I adored Bean in the first book and I was really looking forward to his story. His book was everything I had hope for and then more. It’s very obvious that the authors did a lot of research about Bean’s TBI and I really liked how they portrayed him. He struggled a lot and he had many obstacles to overcome but he was strong and determined and he fought to build a great life for himself. I loved him and I cared for him and I admired him.

I already loved Bean but I fell in love with Jarek’s character too. From the first chapter with his pov I knew I was going to adore this kind and sensitive man. And I couldn’t think of anyone better for Bean. I loved how their relationship started and how it slowly progressed. It felt very realistic and it was beautiful. The two of them warmed my heart. And I really really loved their chemistry.

The found family theme in the book is another thing that made this book perfect for me. The friendship between Creek, Bean, Tameron and Nash was heartwarming and wonderful. I also really love the friendship between Ivy and Jarek.

I loved this book even more than the first one and I absolutely adored the first book. I can’t recommend it enough. It’s a very emotional and beautifully written romance. I promise you’re going to love it, it’s one of my favorite books of the year and I know I’m going to reread it again soon. I can’t wait to read more books in the series. 

Alfie: Part One by Cara Dee

emotional

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

The author has an amazing ability to write realistic characters. Alfie and West are real in my heart. I love them both so so much and I deeply care for them. I want them to be happy together.
Alfie is a flawed character, he makes mistakes and sometimes I wanted to yell at him but at the same time I understood him and I felt for him and I really connected with him.
West is very relatable, I can see myself reacting in the same way if I was in his place.
Their story is a second chance slow burn romance. The tension and the chemistry between them is exquisite. I was rooting for them from chapter one. They are meant to be together.
Alfie and West are stunning characters and I wish I had the second book right now. I need to know how their story is going to end and I need to read their happily ever after.
I devoured this book, I couldn't put it down and I highly recommend it. Just keep in mind that it ends with a cliffhanger but we won't have to wait too long to read the conclusion.

Our Little Sebastian : An MMM Christmas Daddy Romance by Myf Wren

hopeful lighthearted relaxing fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Loveable characters? Yes

4.0

This was such a sweet and fluffy romance. It was fast paced, I finished it in one sitting and the characters were wonderful.
Sebastian was adorable and Roman and Marco were caring and protective. I loved them together and their chemistry was delicious.
I also really loved seeing Rhys and Simon again.
This book warmed my heart and put a smile on my face. I had a great time reading it, I just wish it was a little bit longer, I wanted more! 

Bad Call by Raquel Riley

funny hopeful lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

"Bad call" is the second book in the series but it can be read as a standalone. I haven't read the first book and didn't feel lost. After reading this book though I really really want to read the first one too.
I finished Baylor and Casey's story in one sitting. I just couldn't put it down. The chemistry between them was absolutely explosive and their dynamic simply delicious. Some scenes made me blush. It was really good. I adore bratty characters and Baylor was such a brat, he was so much fun and Casey knew exactly how to treat him.
Casey and Baylor were wonderful characters, I loved getting to know them and seeing them explore their desires and finding their happily ever after. I had a blast reading this book. 

His Prince by Cora Rose

mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

 "His Prince" is the second book in the series but you can read it as a standalone. I haven't read the first book and didn't feel lost. Everything you need to know is explained.
This book combines suspense and romance. I really enjoyed the suspense plotline, there's a twist in the end that surprised me and I love it when books surprised me.
We follow Mikhail and Angel who get married in the beginning of the book. It's an arranged marriage but Angel is very happy with the arrangement and wants to marry Mikhail. When they start living together Mikhail 's behavior towards Angel changes and Angel tries to understand why.
I loved Angel, he was strong and clever and very resilient. I connected with him instantly. It took me a while to warm up to Mikahail but as the story progressed and we found out more about his past I understood his motives.
The chemistry between the two of them was incredible.
I had a fantastic time reading this book. 

Celebrating the Season by Nora Phoenix

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

 "Celebrating the season " is a fluffy and festive romance set in a small town. I really liked the meet cute between Boaz and Ellery, I'm not going to spoil it but it was really fun. I loved Boaz's personality, he was playful, full of joy and energy and I appreciated the ADHD representation, I felt seen. Ellery was wonderful, very caring, with a comforting strength. I adored them together, their chemistry was absolutely explosive and the dynamic between them delicious.
I read it in one sitting and had an amazing time. I highly recommend it, it's fast paced, well written and the characters are complex and relatable. 

Only the Small Bones by C.P. Harris

emotional

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This was such an emotional book. It broke my heart, it made me cry, it surprised me and it made me care deeply for our two main characters. It is the story of two men who have been through hell and are trying heal. It's not an easy book to read and it will make you cry but it is worth the tears, I promise.
And I just loved that music played such an important part in their healing and helping them get closer.
I honestly don't know if I can do this book justice with my review. Just read it. It's amazing. I loved every single word. 

Ice & Sweet by Charlie Novak

hopeful lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

"Ice & sweet" is an angst free, heartwarming and festive contemporary romance. We follow Luke who used to be and actor and is now a baker and Andre who used to be in a boy band. The two of them have known each other for years and when they get snowed in at a mutual friend's wedding sparks fly and they end up spending all their time together.
Andre and Luke were wonderful people. I really liked them and found them relatable. I absolutely adored the chemistry between them, delicious, and I loved seeing them fall in love and get their happily ever after.
The Christmas setting was great. Really put me in the mood for the holidays and I just lovedthe snowball fight scene. So much fun!
Wonderful story, I had a brilliant time reading it.

 

Anson's Awakening: An M/M Christmas Daddy Romance by Anna Sparrows

hopeful lighthearted relaxing fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

This book was absolutely adorable, so sweet and festive and just pure sunshine. I love Christmas books where the characters are snowed in, it makes everything more fun and cozy. I also like it when two characters that have known each other for a while and have secret crushes finally admit their feelings. And I really really love reading about people discovering new things about themselves. This book had so many things I enjoy and the author wrote everything so beautifully.  I had a blast. I loved Anson's personality, I connected with him right away, and Drake was so cuddly and caring. I adored them together and their chemistry was chef's kiss. Their story gave me joy and put a smile on my face. I can see myself rereading this book every Christmas.
 

Gambler's Conceit by R. Phoenix, Adara Wolf

dark emotional fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix

5.0

This book had me hooked from chapter one. I couldn't stop reading it and I finished it in a day. It helped me escape and I really really needed it. I cared deeply for Seven and I connected immediately with him. I wanted to learn about his past and I wanted him to be safe and happy. Havoc was another favorite character, really well written and complex and he had redeeming qualities. It took me a while to warm up to Caleb and Vortex but I still found them interesting and I liked being in their pov. The four of them had an intriguing dynamic and I can't wait to see them explore it more in the next books. I really wish I had book two right now. I'm very invested in the story and I want more of these characters. It's a very dark book so please check the warnings before reading. I personally had an absolutely amazing time reading it, it was exactly the kind of book I needed right now.