booked_deafkailyn's reviews
63 reviews

The Almost Romantic by Lauren Blakely

adventurous challenging emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted relaxing medium-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

5.0

“The Almost Romantic” by Lauren Blakely is a swoon-worthy rollercoaster of emotions! 

I was actually pleasantly surprised by this book! I loved the immediate and palpable chemistry between the main characters, the depth and backstory of them both, and the overall plot/story line. 

The MMC is a hot, masculine, emotionally intelligent man and I loved him from the moment he was introduced. 

The MFC is witty, fun, driven, and so caring. 

The main characters - Elodie and Gage’s one night stand turned fake marriage love story is here! These two brought us all of the laughs and love in this one. 

What do you need to do to get ahead in business? Elodie owns a chocolate shop and is raising her teenage sister. Too busy for love, she enjoys Gage, the bartender as he gets her order ready. Little does he know, but he is the star of her fantasies. Or does he? Circumstances throw them together, and now all bets are off. That is what led to when Gage and Elodie have the most perfect first date turned sexy night, only to find out that they would thrive together as business partners. 

Until they find themselves needing to pretend to be engaged and happily in love. Easy enough right? Yes! Especially with the non-stop chemistry and attraction that is flowing through their veins. What could go wrong? 

This book was great! I loved Gage and Elodie individually and together. They were absolutely perfect together and they were honestly just fun in general. I loved how they messed together and just truly worked as one unit. The relationship that the kids (Gage’s daughter and Elodie’s sister who she is raising) had was adorable and really added depth to the story!

This book was just what I needed to get me out of my reading slump!! This is sweet, fun and had my cheeks blushed all day until I got to the very end, enjoying the sweets and treats. This was an excellent book that I definitely recommend reading. It will leave you with a big smile on your face! Loved it and couldn’t put it down! Highly recommend to read this! 

Your Lonesome Loving Harold by Ashley Percival

adventurous emotional funny inspiring lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

4.0

I read this whole book with a smile on my face! Writing letters to a loved one was such a romantic custom and provides a snapshot into the lives of the author's grandfather. His love to Ruth is so evident in his beautiful words. I can see why she kept the letters. I'm sure the author is cherished them.

What a sweet short but touché novella filled not only with the emotional highs and lows of a new couple being dating long distance, but also historical descriptions of life during that time. As if we do not have internet, email, signal, etc to communicate faster…I can’t even imagine writing letters and having the associated delays. This was an interesting yet sweet read of love letters from an era when there were phrases like "a peach of a cold" or using antiquated terms like "swell".  Not only was Harold lonesome and loving…he was not give up on his love!

Two people who bear all odds against them even through different levels of maturation, found love and stayed in love and had a family. It would have been interesting to see both sides of letters, but you can definitely tell how things went with the couple when it went from "Your lonesome loving Harold" to just "Harold".

This is a compilation of love letters, or life letters, that just spoke of times we have left behind. It was beautiful! Truly beautiful. The insight into a real life, in real time in the past is so incredibly rare. Beautiful writing. 

The Semi Detached Women by Alex Quaid

adventurous challenging emotional hopeful inspiring reflective relaxing sad tense medium-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

4.0

The Semi-Detached Women is a sweet modern historical fiction novel about an unconventional relationship between two women in early 1960s in Britain. The first half of the book tells the two stories of how the two women came to be in each others lives.

Janine is a lonely young woman who has been taken advantage of by her married employer and then thrown out of her home by her abusive alcoholic mother because she is pregnant. She uses her savings to rent an isolated cottage outside a beautiful Cheshire village, and prepares to raise the baby on her own. Laura is married to a successful solicitor and adores her young son Luke, but when her marriage falls apart, she moves in next door to Janine, with no idea how their life is about to change…

I liked the range of characters, from jolly Lady M, to laid-back hippy Ianto, and there were some odious villains like the bigoted moralising Catholic social worker. The evolving romance between Janine and Laura was sensitively portrayed. 

I actually enjoyed it as a moving story about love and the bonds of friends turned family. I received book from Bloodhound Books and am posting this honest review on my own thoughts.

Content Warning: Sexual Assault, Job Loss, Pregnancy, Sexual Shaming/Moral Policing, Infidelity, Homophobia, Drug Use, Divorce, Attempted Child Removal (to protective custody), Alcohol Use, Adult Language, Adult Situations, Religious Ideology, and More. This list is not meant to be a complete list of all subjects that a person may find offensive or triggering before start read the book. 

Conveniently in Bloom: A Marriage of Convenience, Childhood Crush, Small-town RomCom by Elise Kennedy

adventurous challenging emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

I first want to mention that the characters in 3rd book in the Love in Fairwick Falls series. It can be read as a standalone. ‘Conveniently in Bloom’ are done very well. I enjoyed how Elise Kennedy made these characters and since this is the first book for me. But if you are like me and didn’t read the first two books that is okay. The focus of this book is Lily Parker and Nash Donnelly and the characters from the past books are there, but they are just side characters and help make the story.

I couldn’t help but relate to Lily in how she ended up in forced proximity with Nash. Hurting oneself by accident is a skill that is hard to find, and Lily can get a gold star for that. Right from the start you can tell Nash wants Lily so much and has for a while, so it was no surprise he wanted to be there to take care of her every time he can and help her in the only way he knew how. Little did he know that letting Lily in would help him with his life way more than he ever thought.

At first, Nash is trying not to give into the urges he has to take Lily how he wants. Eventually, they both give in and let that spice level heat up. The spice is so hottest! That’s right, this spice level is so hot that you will need to take a cold shower.

This was a delightful read! The story was heart warming with the added spice! Soooo good! The chemistry between Lily and Nash was amazing. Well written and especially enjoyed the pent up tension and banter! You can’t help it but want to keep reading the storyline, and I really had a problem putting this book down. I was definitely wasn't expecting that cliffhanger.

What to expect:

💐 Marriage of Convenience

💐 Small town

💐 Age Gap (7 years)

💐 Hurt / Comfort

💐 Opposites Attract

💐 Slow Burn

💐 Forced Proximity

💐 Spicy Scenes

Thank you to Elise Kennedy! All opinions are my own.

Knot Her Goal by Ari Wright

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny inspiring mysterious reflective sad tense medium-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

5.0

I don't know where to start. This book was such a satisfying read. This is my first book by Ari Wright, but I will definitely be reading more from her! If you are new to Omegaverse why choose romance, Knot Her Goal is the perfect book to dip your toes in the water, and if you are an Omegaverse veteran, you will absolutely adore Meg and the Ash pack! The best part is that it's done well! 

This book was definitely spicy. A good amount spread out throughout in book. It wasn't shocking over the top content, but it was more than enough to make you tingle.

This book was definitely spicy. A good amount sprinkled throughout. It wasn't shocking over the top content, but it was more than enough to make you tingle.

Megare is not your typical Omega. Raised by her mother to be strong, independent, and with the expectation of an alpha designation, presenting as an omega following her mother's death left her with little knowledge of what it means to be an omega. Megare is brilliant, creative, and determined; I love her character!

Ronan, the billionaire owner of the NFL football team, Archer, the cinnamon roll team physician, Theo, a golden retriever athlete, and alpha-hole Declan, the team's quarterback, have been unsuccessfully searching for an omega to center their pack. The four alphas of the Ash pack are unique with their own strengths and weaknesses, each bringing something valuable to a relationship with Megare. Though Declan fought accepting Meg as their omega because of his own trauma, the character development through that part of the plot was perfection.

I loved this book! The author did what so few authors in the Omegaverse genre do....she made us feel what living in this world would be like. Instead of just reading that Meg found her scent match, we actually saw/felt/heard/smelled and tasted what that was like. So often while reading this book I was blown away by her descriptions and attention to detail. The characters were so well drawn and their POVs were distinct and different. I wish 5 more books in this series were out, but sadly I had to settle for pre-ordering the next book. Very enjoyable and entertaining! It is rom com book!!!

I can't wait to see what other omegaverse books this author comes up with.  I can't wait for the next book in the MVP series!

Secrets of a Billionaire by Eva Winners

adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious reflective sad tense medium-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

5.0

From page 1, I was attracted with Winston and his character. He behaved like a jerk, yet the underlying reasons for his behavior and personality flaws were well-defined and valid. And, as you might expect, talking about those issues was a no-good. I do think he does not have good communication or commitment skills either. 

Billie, however, was a little more complicated. She was your typical girl, interested in the bad boy. Then, when she got burned, her choices made her a little less than likable. Regardless, considering her background in great family and have told models, it kind of made sense.

As the story progressed along with time, I couldn't help but grow increasingly mad for both characters. They could not able to talk to each other with fully communication.

As a whole, I really enjoyed the story, learning more about Winston's tough background and his ongoing journey. And then, Billie, you have to wonder how one person can find themselves in the sort of trouble she does, and still walk away whole. She's a smart woman, who makes really bad decisions, and while it's not comical, it does make you shake your head. Highly recommend to read this book. 

Love Potion No. 69 by Valerie Pepper

adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted mysterious reflective tense medium-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

5.0

This Valentine Novella is perfect! Another 5 ⭐️ read for me by Valerie, she just doesn’t miss!

Clementine is a botanist trying to recreate a love potion her family created years ago and lucky number 69 is a success. Hehehe 

Quinton is a prince to his family’s perfume empire and is on a mission to recreate a scent that has a specific flower in it, it just so happens Clementine’s family is the answer😏

This had me smiling the entire time I read it, it’s a fun, sexy, banter filled, insta love obsessed choice for Valentines day 💖

I love novellas in generally because they’re short and fast, Valerie the author,  totally did her thing with this one. Can’t wait to see what else she comes out with 😍❤️

Omg!!! Love Potion No. 69 was a short and spicy book to start a new series. This was a start intro to Valerie's future new series. I cannot wait to read more. Potions, witchy feels, and a bunch of sisters. It's giving Practical Magic with spicy vibes and I am all for it.

I loved the witchy vibes of this one. Clem comes from a magical family and has been trying to perfect a love potion her ancestors made. After 68 attempts and fails, she tries one more time. Quinton’s family owned their signature perfume’s ingredient ran out 50 years ago. He’s been tasked to go to the one place that would have this ingredient. 

When Clementine and Quinton meet, it is magical. Her potion finally works in his presence and at the same time, they are strongly attracted with each other. They find they can’t stay off of each other. But is it real, or just her potion? They are determined to find out. I loved both of them and their journey led to meet each other. Quinton was such a sweetheart, and fell hard for his woman! This one is spicy, as their chemistry is out of this control!!

This novella is actually the start of a new series, so we’ll get to see more of Clementine and Quinton, as well as her sisters. 

Icebound by Meredith Trapp

adventurous challenging dark emotional informative inspiring mysterious reflective relaxing sad tense medium-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

5.0

Icebound is an age gap, hockey romance and the author’s debut. It’s the first in a series of interconnected standalones and had me cheesing the entire time.

Nina and Rhode, on paper, are very different people. He’s a veteran NHL player, and she’s a university senior art student. How these two meet is funny, sweet and unconventional, but also perfect for their personalities. Both struggle with having an idea of what their life should be like, but what happens when love sneaks up on them? 

Nina and Rhode’s relationship was refreshing. They were upfront about where they were in life, but acknowledged that they wanted friendship….and couldn’t resist the chemistry that sparkled between them. Nina’s journey with anxiety is 100% relatable, and Rhode’s pressure to prove himself is a place we’ve all been. Despite all that, the most romantic thing was watching these two continuously grow up for each other, no matter the circumstance. They were each other’s person, and their actions showed it.

They were so supportive of each other as teammates and a found family, and I can’t wait for Cruz and Patty’s books rest of series!! I seriously cannot recommend this book enough!!! 

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Content Warnings

Minor: Child death, Panic attacks/disorders, Abandonment, and Infertility

Splintered Truths: Splintered Promises Duet - Book One by M. George, M. George

adventurous challenging dark hopeful mysterious sad tense medium-paced

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

5.0

The plot twist I didn’t see coming was beautiful 😭 and terrible because it’s a cliff hanger ending and I have to wait for second book of the series to release someday. 

This book had me hooked from page one. I knew I wouldn’t put it down! 

Danica was a FMS with trauma, a dark history that her family didn’t even know. It was so good to see her bond with Theo grow to the point that they both shared and supported each other. The slow burn and flirting between them was well done and I know more is to come in book two that will keep us ensnared!

This BOOK HAS ME SHOOK OMG!!! This was dark not even going to lie but absolutely amazing for M. George’s debut novel! LIKE WHAT!? Ending on that cliffhanger had me in shambles and my heart sunk. IM SO OVERWHELMED WITH EMOTIONS. My poor baby girl Danica absolutely going through it and Theo being the amazing man he is being there for her every step of the way!

I can’t wait for second book to come out sooner!! I need know what guy happen!!

Takeover by Nana Malone

adventurous challenging informative mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

I know I am new to the Nana Malone book world, but now that I’m here I am not going anywhere! 

This is a fast paced hot romance read that was full of a promising series. This is the first book in her new series and it is insane. The book gives you everything, you have corporate espionage, you have insane family dynamics, you have arranged marriage and you have a whole lot of spice. Will these two people actually make it? OMG, I hope so! I highly recommend it and hope you add it to your list to read. 

This is the first book in the series so don’t look for that HEA because you’re not gonna find it, but what you are gonna do is be so invested in this book that you’re not even going to realize that you’re hanging off that cliff until you read the last page. Which is what happened to me, but that’s OK because the story is so good you’re just going to want to read it and try and wait patiently for the next book to come.

What a good start to this new series by Nana Malone. There is the smart and intelligent Gwen who made the mistake of allowing her father to fold her company into his and now he is selling it off though there is a twist. He wants to still keep it in the family. When he finds out what he wants to do, she volunteers for the job instead of making her baby sister do it. Then there is Atticus who is hot and cold at the same time. He saw Gwen at a fundraiser and can't get her out of his head. When he realizes who she is he is more than happy to agree to her father's terms. He gets her and her software along with some intense sexual tension. I must say both of their fathers are idiots. I can't believe what they do. Of course, the story ends with a heck of a cliffhanger. Looking forward to seeing what happens in book two. 

I’m leaving a review because I wanted you to know I loved it and all thoughts are mine.