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bee_thebibliophile's reviews
1951 reviews
Covington Acres by Riley Hart
slow-paced
3.0
I love the Briar County crew and was excited for this new installment but Colby and Vince’s story just fell kind of flat for me.
Colby and Vince are friends and roommates and opposites in a lot of ways. Colby has always felt like there was something wrong with him when he didn’t want all the things other people did - a wife, kids, romantic relationships - but when Vince moves in, he starts to question a lot of things about himself and his interests. Vince is confident in himself in a way that’s endearing and incredibly attractive. He’s funny and incredibly supportive of his friends, recognizing the things that they need before maybe they even know.
These two are roommates and best friends who turn into more after a little back and forth as Colby starts to realize he’s interested in more than just friendship with Vince. I liked how their relationship developed, how Colby was so sincere about learning more about himself and Vince’s support of Colby. But, ultimately, this one felt bland to me. I wanted more from these two and wanted to see more of the other Briar County guys. Not my favorite of the series, but it was an easy read.
Colby and Vince are friends and roommates and opposites in a lot of ways. Colby has always felt like there was something wrong with him when he didn’t want all the things other people did - a wife, kids, romantic relationships - but when Vince moves in, he starts to question a lot of things about himself and his interests. Vince is confident in himself in a way that’s endearing and incredibly attractive. He’s funny and incredibly supportive of his friends, recognizing the things that they need before maybe they even know.
These two are roommates and best friends who turn into more after a little back and forth as Colby starts to realize he’s interested in more than just friendship with Vince. I liked how their relationship developed, how Colby was so sincere about learning more about himself and Vince’s support of Colby. But, ultimately, this one felt bland to me. I wanted more from these two and wanted to see more of the other Briar County guys. Not my favorite of the series, but it was an easy read.
Humility by Lark Taylor
funny
medium-paced
4.0
Idiots to lovers is one of my new favorite tropes. Danny and Riley definitely fit that description and these two had me pulling for them from the very beginning.
Danny and Riley share one hot night together and promise to never think or talk about it again, preferring one night stands to lasting relationships for two very different reasons, but becoming best friends along the way. They love each other but are convinced they’re not in love with each other until fate decides to intervene.
These two are the sweetest, most oblivious men, thinking they can be mates who are just best friends. But when things get real, they realize how perfect they are for each other, helping each other process their pasts and move on to create a life together that’s just as co-dependent, funny and sweet as their friendship has always been.
I loved the moments where we saw the rest of the supe crew and would have loved a bit more of that here. Also can’t wait to read the new series Lark teases in this book - it’s going to be wild…I already know!
Danny and Riley share one hot night together and promise to never think or talk about it again, preferring one night stands to lasting relationships for two very different reasons, but becoming best friends along the way. They love each other but are convinced they’re not in love with each other until fate decides to intervene.
These two are the sweetest, most oblivious men, thinking they can be mates who are just best friends. But when things get real, they realize how perfect they are for each other, helping each other process their pasts and move on to create a life together that’s just as co-dependent, funny and sweet as their friendship has always been.
I loved the moments where we saw the rest of the supe crew and would have loved a bit more of that here. Also can’t wait to read the new series Lark teases in this book - it’s going to be wild…I already know!
Pretty Buoy by DJ Jamison
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
3.5
Back to Swallow Cove for more small town shenanigans and sweet characters.
Skylar Addison is in Swallow Cove to escape a toxic relationship and figure out who he is outside of that. While he’s in town, he’s checking up on his father’s investments to get out of the house but he doesn’t expect to get caught up in the bar manager even though he’s not ready for a relationship at all. Brooks Riggins is the straight, flirty, sweet and attractive bar manager who catches Skylar’s eye. He’s working hard to make ends meet for him and his grandmother but burning the candle at both ends, working more than he should and not having much of a life outside of that.
These two go from adversaries to friends to fake boyfriends to real boyfriends in a short span of time and seem to hit it off even though Brooks has never been with a man and Skylar is hesitant about intimacy after his past experiences. I liked these two together, but I feel like this was way more Skylar’s story than Brooks’ - there was so much more character growth and depth there and I felt like Brooks was just a convenient side character at times. But seeing Skylar regain his confidence with Brooks’ help and unwavering support was really heart warming.
I really like the Swallow Cove crew and I’m looking forward to reading more stories in this kooky but adorable lakeside town.
Skylar Addison is in Swallow Cove to escape a toxic relationship and figure out who he is outside of that. While he’s in town, he’s checking up on his father’s investments to get out of the house but he doesn’t expect to get caught up in the bar manager even though he’s not ready for a relationship at all. Brooks Riggins is the straight, flirty, sweet and attractive bar manager who catches Skylar’s eye. He’s working hard to make ends meet for him and his grandmother but burning the candle at both ends, working more than he should and not having much of a life outside of that.
These two go from adversaries to friends to fake boyfriends to real boyfriends in a short span of time and seem to hit it off even though Brooks has never been with a man and Skylar is hesitant about intimacy after his past experiences. I liked these two together, but I feel like this was way more Skylar’s story than Brooks’ - there was so much more character growth and depth there and I felt like Brooks was just a convenient side character at times. But seeing Skylar regain his confidence with Brooks’ help and unwavering support was really heart warming.
I really like the Swallow Cove crew and I’m looking forward to reading more stories in this kooky but adorable lakeside town.
Something Borrowed by Lily Morton
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
4.0
Something Borrowed is a little piece of happiness, snark and humor that I’ve come to expect from Lily Morton - Rafferty and Stan made me smile even with all of their miscommunication along the way.
Rafferty Kendrick is a charismatic and charming wedding planner, but he’s also chaotic and is allergic to committed relationships. He’s great at his job and loves living with his best friend Stan more than anything, even though their relationship has been a bit strained recently. Stan Mortimer owns a funky record shop, is snarky and funny and is gradually losing his vision, relying on his guide dog Hump to get him around London. He loves music more than almost anything and is learning to thrive with his vision loss.
These two have been best friends for years and know each other better than anyone else. They’re roommates and have figured out how to live together and support each other in such sweet and perfect ways. But their biggest flaw in this whole story is their miscommunication - they’re so afraid of ruining their now strained friendship that they’re not honest with each other, something that bugged me so much. I really enjoyed them together, seeing them navigate the world in their own unique way, full of snark and sass, but their lack of communication started to grate on me. I also wanted a bit more of their HEA once they finally talked - things wrapped up so quickly and I wanted more of them being happy and in love once they finally got there!
Really looking forward to more Confetti Hitched stories in the future! They’re so much fun and the wedding planning craziness adds a ridiculous layer of entertainment to the already adorable but chaotic characters themselves.
Rafferty Kendrick is a charismatic and charming wedding planner, but he’s also chaotic and is allergic to committed relationships. He’s great at his job and loves living with his best friend Stan more than anything, even though their relationship has been a bit strained recently. Stan Mortimer owns a funky record shop, is snarky and funny and is gradually losing his vision, relying on his guide dog Hump to get him around London. He loves music more than almost anything and is learning to thrive with his vision loss.
These two have been best friends for years and know each other better than anyone else. They’re roommates and have figured out how to live together and support each other in such sweet and perfect ways. But their biggest flaw in this whole story is their miscommunication - they’re so afraid of ruining their now strained friendship that they’re not honest with each other, something that bugged me so much. I really enjoyed them together, seeing them navigate the world in their own unique way, full of snark and sass, but their lack of communication started to grate on me. I also wanted a bit more of their HEA once they finally talked - things wrapped up so quickly and I wanted more of them being happy and in love once they finally got there!
Really looking forward to more Confetti Hitched stories in the future! They’re so much fun and the wedding planning craziness adds a ridiculous layer of entertainment to the already adorable but chaotic characters themselves.
Method Acting by N.R. Walker
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
4.0
This was such a fun addition to the second season of Franklin U! I love N.R. Walker’s writing, so reading Chase and Amos’s story was a treat.
Chase Soria is a loveable, goofy, flirty golden retriever who’s also an actor, so everything is over the top with him. He’s cute and oblivious in the best ways but has always seen relationships as something he wasn’t interested in. Amos Beddington is quiet, introverted and serious, pretty much the opposite of Chase in almost every way except he’s also an actor. He keeps to himself, works at a cafe near campus and doesn’t love social situations or being the center of attention.
They get paired together for a drama class project where they have to pretend to be long-term boyfriends for a reality TV show on campus, which requires them to get really comfortable with each other really fast. Even though things are supposed to be fake, they start to cross the line really fast, making them both question what’s real and what’s acting. Chase and Amos shouldn’t work together, but they definitely do. If anything, I wanted to get to know them more as characters - this felt a little quick/rushed to me, especially once filming for the show started.
Definitely recommend this FU installment if you’re looking for something fun and sweet to read this summer!
Chase Soria is a loveable, goofy, flirty golden retriever who’s also an actor, so everything is over the top with him. He’s cute and oblivious in the best ways but has always seen relationships as something he wasn’t interested in. Amos Beddington is quiet, introverted and serious, pretty much the opposite of Chase in almost every way except he’s also an actor. He keeps to himself, works at a cafe near campus and doesn’t love social situations or being the center of attention.
They get paired together for a drama class project where they have to pretend to be long-term boyfriends for a reality TV show on campus, which requires them to get really comfortable with each other really fast. Even though things are supposed to be fake, they start to cross the line really fast, making them both question what’s real and what’s acting. Chase and Amos shouldn’t work together, but they definitely do. If anything, I wanted to get to know them more as characters - this felt a little quick/rushed to me, especially once filming for the show started.
Definitely recommend this FU installment if you’re looking for something fun and sweet to read this summer!
Felix by Emmy Sanders
adventurous
funny
fast-paced
4.0
Finally Emil’s story…I couldn’t pick it up fast enough!
Emil Reed (aka Felix) has a secret admirer in his new apartment who quickly becomes one of the people who know him best. He’s a psychology masters student and an adult film star to safely indulge his exhibitionist ways. Emil is incredibly sweet and thoughtful but is hiding some uncertainty about his likes and his family underneath his studious exterior. Christian Ducat (aka Vixen) is Emil’s secret admirer and his new co-star, something neither of them expect but something they’re both excited about. He’s femme, loves to make his own clothes (especially skirts) and enjoys a good belly accessory. After getting fired from his last serving job, he happens upon Elite 8 Studios and the rest is history.
These two were so much fun to read together. They were unexpected but in the best way - they complemented each other and supported each other through new things, tough things and fun things. Emil and Christian push the boundaries but really do start to care for each other despite their strange meeting and their work situation. Their live videos for Elite 8 quickly get steamier and steamier the deeper they get in their feelings for each other. Even when things get difficult with life outside of the studio, they’re each other’s biggest cheerleaders through everything.
I loved seeing the rest of the Elite 8 crew and always want more of them - they’re such a fun group with so many big personalities. Hoping for more Elite 8 stories in the future outside of this main group of performers!
Emil Reed (aka Felix) has a secret admirer in his new apartment who quickly becomes one of the people who know him best. He’s a psychology masters student and an adult film star to safely indulge his exhibitionist ways. Emil is incredibly sweet and thoughtful but is hiding some uncertainty about his likes and his family underneath his studious exterior. Christian Ducat (aka Vixen) is Emil’s secret admirer and his new co-star, something neither of them expect but something they’re both excited about. He’s femme, loves to make his own clothes (especially skirts) and enjoys a good belly accessory. After getting fired from his last serving job, he happens upon Elite 8 Studios and the rest is history.
These two were so much fun to read together. They were unexpected but in the best way - they complemented each other and supported each other through new things, tough things and fun things. Emil and Christian push the boundaries but really do start to care for each other despite their strange meeting and their work situation. Their live videos for Elite 8 quickly get steamier and steamier the deeper they get in their feelings for each other. Even when things get difficult with life outside of the studio, they’re each other’s biggest cheerleaders through everything.
I loved seeing the rest of the Elite 8 crew and always want more of them - they’re such a fun group with so many big personalities. Hoping for more Elite 8 stories in the future outside of this main group of performers!
The Duality of Swans by Lilly Atlas
tense
medium-paced
4.0
This was my first Lilly Atlas novel and I’m hopeful that she’ll be writing more MM stories in the future! This book handled some tough subjects but had a lot of tender sweet moments between the two MCs.
William (Liam) Brady is a ballet dancer who recently moved to Swan, Oklahoma to open a studio of his own in a place that holds a lot of meaning for him. He’s strong and determined and intent on creating a safe space for people in the small town to be themselves and learn to dance as well. Tate Sutton the sweetest man who is born and bred in Swan and has seen the effects of the town’s homophobia for his entire life, causing him to hide who he really is from everyone around him. But he’s drawn to Liam in a way he can’t explain, forcing him to consider what life could be like if he let people know who he is.
These two meet randomly at a club in Tulsa and find their paths crossing time and time again in Swan. The chemistry between them never fades but with Tate not being out, they have to keep their relationship under wraps. I liked the two of them together - Liam challenged Tate to be better in so many ways and Tate supported Liam every step of the way as he opened his business. I think they were a good match and were incredibly sweet together.
I enjoyed this book so much, but really wish there were a few more chapters to wrap things up - I wanted more of Tate and Liam figuring out how to be a public couple, Tate and Randy working things out, an update on what was happening in the interim with Liam’s dance classes…all of those things and probably more! Also I have to say that I thought Tate and Randy’s mother was an unnecessary addition to the story. Without her, very little would have changed except for one moment that could have happened some other way.
Overall, I’d definitely recommend this book. It’s heavy at times with the small town homophobia and even the internalized homophobia, but the moments between Tate and Liam made all of the heart ache worth it to see them happy together.
William (Liam) Brady is a ballet dancer who recently moved to Swan, Oklahoma to open a studio of his own in a place that holds a lot of meaning for him. He’s strong and determined and intent on creating a safe space for people in the small town to be themselves and learn to dance as well. Tate Sutton the sweetest man who is born and bred in Swan and has seen the effects of the town’s homophobia for his entire life, causing him to hide who he really is from everyone around him. But he’s drawn to Liam in a way he can’t explain, forcing him to consider what life could be like if he let people know who he is.
These two meet randomly at a club in Tulsa and find their paths crossing time and time again in Swan. The chemistry between them never fades but with Tate not being out, they have to keep their relationship under wraps. I liked the two of them together - Liam challenged Tate to be better in so many ways and Tate supported Liam every step of the way as he opened his business. I think they were a good match and were incredibly sweet together.
I enjoyed this book so much, but really wish there were a few more chapters to wrap things up - I wanted more of Tate and Liam figuring out how to be a public couple, Tate and Randy working things out, an update on what was happening in the interim with Liam’s dance classes…all of those things and probably more! Also I have to say that I thought Tate and Randy’s mother was an unnecessary addition to the story. Without her, very little would have changed except for one moment that could have happened some other way.
Overall, I’d definitely recommend this book. It’s heavy at times with the small town homophobia and even the internalized homophobia, but the moments between Tate and Liam made all of the heart ache worth it to see them happy together.