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cozycritiques's reviews
47 reviews
Morning Glory Milking Farm by C.M. Nascosta
lighthearted
medium-paced
“I’m in a position to comfortably spoil someone, so when you’re with me, I’m spoiling you. End of story.”
- Morning Glory Milking Farm
Tropes: Paranormal, Monster Romance, Minotaur,
Spice Scale: 🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶
CW: Divorce, Food/Wealth Insecurity, Death Mention
I think it’s safe to say that I’m officially a cozy monster romance girly. After reading the Leviathan Fitness series, I wanted to give some other books in the genre a try, and I saw this on a rec list as having similar adorable and soft vibes, so I borrowed it from KU.
Now, you may be wondering how a book about a minotaur milking farm (yes, the spicy kind of milking) could be considered sweet or adorable, and I was wondering the same thing. But Morning Glory Milking Farm was as soft and sweet as it was spicy. For every detailed description of a minotaur milking, there were scenes filled with cute banter and pining. I loved the development of Violet and Rourke’s relationship. Their physical chemistry and connection were instant, but the romantic relationship was definitely a slow burn. I’ve always loved a slow emotional burn with a fast physical burn, but this book took an entirely different approach to that trope, which made for a really interesting read.
The characters were so well developed. I couldn’t help but sympathize with Violet’s financial insecurity and the desperation she felt that propelled her to get the job at the farm. Her growth in getting more confident and taking control of her life was well done. I also thoroughly enjoyed the immersive world-building. The world is full of various monsters with unique stories and cultures, and I can’t wait to read more from this universe.
- Morning Glory Milking Farm
Tropes: Paranormal, Monster Romance, Minotaur,
Spice Scale: 🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶
CW: Divorce, Food/Wealth Insecurity, Death Mention
I think it’s safe to say that I’m officially a cozy monster romance girly. After reading the Leviathan Fitness series, I wanted to give some other books in the genre a try, and I saw this on a rec list as having similar adorable and soft vibes, so I borrowed it from KU.
Now, you may be wondering how a book about a minotaur milking farm (yes, the spicy kind of milking) could be considered sweet or adorable, and I was wondering the same thing. But Morning Glory Milking Farm was as soft and sweet as it was spicy. For every detailed description of a minotaur milking, there were scenes filled with cute banter and pining. I loved the development of Violet and Rourke’s relationship. Their physical chemistry and connection were instant, but the romantic relationship was definitely a slow burn. I’ve always loved a slow emotional burn with a fast physical burn, but this book took an entirely different approach to that trope, which made for a really interesting read.
The characters were so well developed. I couldn’t help but sympathize with Violet’s financial insecurity and the desperation she felt that propelled her to get the job at the farm. Her growth in getting more confident and taking control of her life was well done. I also thoroughly enjoyed the immersive world-building. The world is full of various monsters with unique stories and cultures, and I can’t wait to read more from this universe.
Content Warnings
Minor: Death
Divorce, Food/Wealth Insecurity, Death Mention
The Naughty, The Nice and The Nanny by Devney Perry, Willa Nash
lighthearted
medium-paced
“Violet was a tutu-toting terrorist, but there was no way in hell a seven-year-old girl was going to best me.”
- The Naughty, the Nice and the Nanny
Tropes: Holiday Romance, Single Parent, Nanny, Childhood Crush, Forbidden Relationship, Boss/Employee
Spice Scale: 🌶🌶🌶
CW: Parental Abandonment
I never expected to enjoy single-parent romances, but I think I’m really starting to love the trope. Maddox’s relationship with his daughter totally made me swoon, and I loved watching Natalie get Violet to open up. The character development was well done, and Maddox’s backstory made my heart ache.
Maddox and Natalie’s relationship was really well-paced. The push and pull of their flirting and pining despite the very realistic reason they had to be apart led to a fantastic slow burn. And the fact that there wasn’t a third-act breakup made it even better. I also loved Maddox’s mild possessiveness.
I adored The Naughty, the Nice and the Nanny. It was heartfelt, funny, and the right level of steamy.
- The Naughty, the Nice and the Nanny
Tropes: Holiday Romance, Single Parent, Nanny, Childhood Crush, Forbidden Relationship, Boss/Employee
Spice Scale: 🌶🌶🌶
CW: Parental Abandonment
I never expected to enjoy single-parent romances, but I think I’m really starting to love the trope. Maddox’s relationship with his daughter totally made me swoon, and I loved watching Natalie get Violet to open up. The character development was well done, and Maddox’s backstory made my heart ache.
Maddox and Natalie’s relationship was really well-paced. The push and pull of their flirting and pining despite the very realistic reason they had to be apart led to a fantastic slow burn. And the fact that there wasn’t a third-act breakup made it even better. I also loved Maddox’s mild possessiveness.
I adored The Naughty, the Nice and the Nanny. It was heartfelt, funny, and the right level of steamy.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Abandonment
Mistakes Were Made by Meryl Wilsner
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
”She’d done a bad thing. Because that’s what this was: bad. How could sleeping with your daughter’s friend be anything else?”
- Mistakes Were Made
Tropes: Single Parent, Forbidden/Secret Relationship, Best Friend’s Parent, Caretaking While Sick, Holidays, Characters in Therapy, Women in STEM, Age Gap, Texting
Representation: LGBTQ+ (Bisexual), Mental Health
Spice Scale: 🌶🌶🌶🌶
CW: Divorce mention, Past Infidelity mention, Parental Abandonment (Past), Misogyny
I picked this up purely because it had been described as “the MILF book,” and it did not disappoint. When there was a sex scene within the first eight pages of a book, I expected the book to be more spice than plot—which wouldn’t have been a problem for me at all. However, I was pleasantly surprised because Mistakes Were Made struck the perfect balance between spice and plot.
There was such amazing character growth for Cassie and Erin, and the emotional slow-burn of them getting together after their initial meeting was so well done. How Wilsner was able to write such effective mutual pining while the characters were actively hooking up was nothing short of amazing. Their chemistry was off the charts, even when they were separated. I loved the long-distance texting and FaceTime dates; they’re two of my favorite micro-tropes, and there aren’t nearly enough books that do it so effectively.
I loved the found family aspect of this book. It was a little messy, considering Erin was Cassie’s friend’s mother, but that didn’t detract from the tight-knit friend group feel. The messy conflict was also handled really well at the end.
Mistakes Were Made was heartfelt and fun, and I can’t wait to see what Wilsner does next.
- Mistakes Were Made
Tropes: Single Parent, Forbidden/Secret Relationship, Best Friend’s Parent, Caretaking While Sick, Holidays, Characters in Therapy, Women in STEM, Age Gap, Texting
Representation: LGBTQ+ (Bisexual), Mental Health
Spice Scale: 🌶🌶🌶🌶
CW: Divorce mention, Past Infidelity mention, Parental Abandonment (Past), Misogyny
I picked this up purely because it had been described as “the MILF book,” and it did not disappoint. When there was a sex scene within the first eight pages of a book, I expected the book to be more spice than plot—which wouldn’t have been a problem for me at all. However, I was pleasantly surprised because Mistakes Were Made struck the perfect balance between spice and plot.
There was such amazing character growth for Cassie and Erin, and the emotional slow-burn of them getting together after their initial meeting was so well done. How Wilsner was able to write such effective mutual pining while the characters were actively hooking up was nothing short of amazing. Their chemistry was off the charts, even when they were separated. I loved the long-distance texting and FaceTime dates; they’re two of my favorite micro-tropes, and there aren’t nearly enough books that do it so effectively.
I loved the found family aspect of this book. It was a little messy, considering Erin was Cassie’s friend’s mother, but that didn’t detract from the tight-knit friend group feel. The messy conflict was also handled really well at the end.
Mistakes Were Made was heartfelt and fun, and I can’t wait to see what Wilsner does next.
Content Warnings
Minor: Abandonment, Infidelity, and Misogyny
Snowflake and the Snake by Jay Leigh
adventurous
dark
fast-paced
5.0
”Evidently, I was growing addicted to making my husband smile.”
- Snowflake and the Snake
Tropes: Mafia Romance, Dark Romance, Arranged Marriage, Found Family, “Who did this to you?”
Representation: LGBTQ+ (Gay, Bisexual), Neurodivergence (Undiagnosed ADHD)
Spice Scale: 🌶🌶🌶🌶
CW: Violence, Murder, Kidnapping (Full Content Warnings on Authors Website)
Leigh has done it again! This book gripped me from the very beginning. I instantly fell in love with Nico and Luca. They were both so broken—Nico with his abusive family dynamic and Luca with his struggle with undiagnosed ADHD—and I just wanted to wrap them both in blankets to protect them from the harsh world that surrounded them. Their romance is fast-paced, but given the circumstances, it worked for them. They go through so much together, it’s not surprising that they bond and fall in love quickly. Although they are occasionally a little co-dependent, you can’t help but root for them as a couple. Nico was so patient with Luca, and Luca was so protective over Nico, which they both desperately needed and deserved out of a relationship. Yes, Luca may go a little too far in the protectiveness department, but it’s a mafia romance, so he gets a pass.
I loved the found family aspect of this book, which isn’t surprising since Leigh is a master at found family. Luca’s family was so sweet, and the ease with which they pulled Nico into their loving dynamic was so heartwarming. It provided a nice contrast against the violence that goes hand-in-hand with a mafia romance.
Admittedly, I’m not super familiar with mafia romance since I tend to be a little afraid of dark romance. But Snowflake and the Snake completely subverts the genre as I understand it and has to be the softest mafia romance I’ve ever read. I didn’t want it to end, so I’m excited that Nico and Luca’s story will continue for two more books.
- Snowflake and the Snake
Tropes: Mafia Romance, Dark Romance, Arranged Marriage, Found Family, “Who did this to you?”
Representation: LGBTQ+ (Gay, Bisexual), Neurodivergence (Undiagnosed ADHD)
Spice Scale: 🌶🌶🌶🌶
CW: Violence, Murder, Kidnapping (Full Content Warnings on Authors Website)
Leigh has done it again! This book gripped me from the very beginning. I instantly fell in love with Nico and Luca. They were both so broken—Nico with his abusive family dynamic and Luca with his struggle with undiagnosed ADHD—and I just wanted to wrap them both in blankets to protect them from the harsh world that surrounded them. Their romance is fast-paced, but given the circumstances, it worked for them. They go through so much together, it’s not surprising that they bond and fall in love quickly. Although they are occasionally a little co-dependent, you can’t help but root for them as a couple. Nico was so patient with Luca, and Luca was so protective over Nico, which they both desperately needed and deserved out of a relationship. Yes, Luca may go a little too far in the protectiveness department, but it’s a mafia romance, so he gets a pass.
I loved the found family aspect of this book, which isn’t surprising since Leigh is a master at found family. Luca’s family was so sweet, and the ease with which they pulled Nico into their loving dynamic was so heartwarming. It provided a nice contrast against the violence that goes hand-in-hand with a mafia romance.
Admittedly, I’m not super familiar with mafia romance since I tend to be a little afraid of dark romance. But Snowflake and the Snake completely subverts the genre as I understand it and has to be the softest mafia romance I’ve ever read. I didn’t want it to end, so I’m excited that Nico and Luca’s story will continue for two more books.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence and Violence
Moderate: Kidnapping, Car accident, Toxic friendship, and Physical abuse
Goal Lines & First Times by Saxon James, Eden Finley
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
5.0
”And now that I’m ninety-nine percent sure it’s him, I’m going to be so fucking disappointed if it isn’t. Because Cohen? Oh, yeah, the attraction’s there.”
- Goal Lines & First Times
Tropes: Online Dating, Texting, Secret Identity, Brother’s Teammate, Sexual Awakenings
Representation: LGBTQ+ (Demi and Pan, Bisexual)
Spice Scale: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
CW: Internalized Acephobia
Oh, my heart! It should come as no surprise that I love texting in books (seeing as Queried Sick is, like, 35% texts and emails), and Goal Lines & First Times executed it perfectly. I could really feel the emotion through every message Seth and Cohen (or Richie) exchanged, and they were well-balanced with the prose throughout. Sometimes, texts and emails in books can distract from the plot, but here, they made the story.
There was more of an internal relationship conflict in this book, and I was bracing myself for the third-act breakup, but Seth and Ritchie navigated it so healthily. I have nothing against third-act breakups in principle because sometimes they just make sense, but it was refreshing to see conflict handled with open and honest communication, especially since the foundation of their early relationship was purely based on talking to each other.
I swear these books just keep getting better and better. I love when standalones in a series overlap timelines or are heavily interconnected, so I liked seeing events in book 2 through Cohen’s eyes. I felt for him so much in book 2, so I’m really glad he got clarity and his happily ever after. I was also glad to see Seth start to resolve some of the issues with his brother that were hinted at in book 1. This book also did a great job of setting up Asher and West’s books.
- Goal Lines & First Times
Tropes: Online Dating, Texting, Secret Identity, Brother’s Teammate, Sexual Awakenings
Representation: LGBTQ+ (Demi and Pan, Bisexual)
Spice Scale: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
CW: Internalized Acephobia
Oh, my heart! It should come as no surprise that I love texting in books (seeing as Queried Sick is, like, 35% texts and emails), and Goal Lines & First Times executed it perfectly. I could really feel the emotion through every message Seth and Cohen (or Richie) exchanged, and they were well-balanced with the prose throughout. Sometimes, texts and emails in books can distract from the plot, but here, they made the story.
There was more of an internal relationship conflict in this book, and I was bracing myself for the third-act breakup, but Seth and Ritchie navigated it so healthily. I have nothing against third-act breakups in principle because sometimes they just make sense, but it was refreshing to see conflict handled with open and honest communication, especially since the foundation of their early relationship was purely based on talking to each other.
I swear these books just keep getting better and better. I love when standalones in a series overlap timelines or are heavily interconnected, so I liked seeing events in book 2 through Cohen’s eyes. I felt for him so much in book 2, so I’m really glad he got clarity and his happily ever after. I was also glad to see Seth start to resolve some of the issues with his brother that were hinted at in book 1. This book also did a great job of setting up Asher and West’s books.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Acephobia/Arophobia
Face Offs & Cheap Shots by Saxon James, Eden Finley
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
5.0
”Beck boops me on the nose, and I jerk back out of his hold and get the hell away. He waits until the elevator doors are closing before he gets in the final word. Like usual. “May the best captain win.””
- Face Offs & Cheap Shots
Tropes: Sports Romance (Hockey), College Romance, Teammates, Enemies to Lovers, Opposites Attract, Queer Awakening
Representation: LGBQ+ (Gay, Pansexual)
Spice Scale: 🌶🌶🌶🌶
CW: Hazing, Underage Drinking, Coming Out, Misogyny
Enemies to lovers is one of those tropes that can be so difficult to do without making both characters utterly unlikeable or so that it’s hard to believe they could ever actually fall in love. However, this is probably one of the softest enemies to lovers stories I’ve ever read. Beck and Jacob’s rivalry in the beginning was executed perfectly, having the right amount of snark and witty banter without it being over the top. From the beginning, you could tell something was under the surface. Like Zach said, the sexual tension coming off of them was palpable, especially during the challenges the team set for them to compete for team captain. But that sexual tension quickly became so much more, and I couldn’t help grinning as Beck and Jacobs began falling for each other hard.
I am such a sucker for queer awakenings, and so the fact that this book had two made it that much better. They are both handled so well and so differently, which felt really authentic to the characters. Jacobs processing his previous possible queer feelings in the context of his growing feelings for Beck was a nice contrast to Beck’s sexual awakening, which was taken much more in stride.
This is slowly becoming my new favorite series. I loved Power Plays & Straight A’s, but Face Offs & Cheap Shots was even better. It was well-paced, spicier, and had more character development and growth, but it still captured the fluffy, low-stakes vibe of the first book I loved so much. It also set up the next book's plot, so I’m excited to see where that goes.
- Face Offs & Cheap Shots
Tropes: Sports Romance (Hockey), College Romance, Teammates, Enemies to Lovers, Opposites Attract, Queer Awakening
Representation: LGBQ+ (Gay, Pansexual)
Spice Scale: 🌶🌶🌶🌶
CW: Hazing, Underage Drinking, Coming Out, Misogyny
Enemies to lovers is one of those tropes that can be so difficult to do without making both characters utterly unlikeable or so that it’s hard to believe they could ever actually fall in love. However, this is probably one of the softest enemies to lovers stories I’ve ever read. Beck and Jacob’s rivalry in the beginning was executed perfectly, having the right amount of snark and witty banter without it being over the top. From the beginning, you could tell something was under the surface. Like Zach said, the sexual tension coming off of them was palpable, especially during the challenges the team set for them to compete for team captain. But that sexual tension quickly became so much more, and I couldn’t help grinning as Beck and Jacobs began falling for each other hard.
I am such a sucker for queer awakenings, and so the fact that this book had two made it that much better. They are both handled so well and so differently, which felt really authentic to the characters. Jacobs processing his previous possible queer feelings in the context of his growing feelings for Beck was a nice contrast to Beck’s sexual awakening, which was taken much more in stride.
This is slowly becoming my new favorite series. I loved Power Plays & Straight A’s, but Face Offs & Cheap Shots was even better. It was well-paced, spicier, and had more character development and growth, but it still captured the fluffy, low-stakes vibe of the first book I loved so much. It also set up the next book's plot, so I’m excited to see where that goes.
Content Warnings
Minor: Alcohol and Misogyny
Hazing, Underage Drinking, Coming Out
Power Plays & Straight A's by Saxon James, Eden Finley
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
5.0
“Emotions. Who needs them? But when I check my phone later and find a sweet good night text from Foster, I melt a little inside. I need them. I need Foster. And for the first time ever, needing someone doesn’t feel like a weakness.”
- Power Plays & Straight A’s
Tropes: Sports Romance (Hockey), College Romance, Brother’s Best Friend, Student/TA (No Age Gap), Virgin Hero
Representation: LGBTQ+ (Bisexual, Gay)
Spice Scale: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
CW: Bullying, Minor Sexual Assault, Minor Sports-Related Injury, Coming Out
I’ve been seeing these authors’ books all over my feed, so after doing a little bit of research to figure out where to start, I picked up Power Plays & Straight A’s. Do I have way too many books on my TBR already? Yes. But I do not regret pushing those aside to read this at all because I absolutely devoured this book.
Other than knowing this would be a college hockey romance, I mostly went in blind to this book. But sibling’s best friend has always been one of my favorite tropes, so once I realized that’s where the story would be going, I was hooked. I was a little nervous about the TA/student storyline because the power dynamics involved in that can be tricky to navigate, but the authors handle it beautifully, keeping the whole thing aboveboard.
I was charmed by Foster from page one. He’s the perfect level of cocky and confident without being the stereotypical hockey alpha hero. He’s also openly bisexual (mostly), which I really appreciated. I also adored Zach. I’m such a sucker for nerdy heroes, and the fact that he is also introverted and a little anti-social was just icing on the cake. Also, I’m not sure if it was intentional or not, but he read a little neurodivergent-coded with his lack of understanding of social cues. Either way, I really identified with that, so I appreciated seeing that side of myself reflected on the page.
Power Plays & Straight A’s was a perfect low-stakes, soft, spicy hockey romance. The pacing of Foster and Zach’s friendship development was so well done. I loved how protective Foster was over Zach without being overbearing and how completely smitten he clearly was. I also loved how much they opened up to each other, especially Zach. The writing was full of humor and quick wit, and the side characters were absolutely delightful. I completely understand the hype surrounding these books now and can’t wait to read my way through the rest of them.
- Power Plays & Straight A’s
Tropes: Sports Romance (Hockey), College Romance, Brother’s Best Friend, Student/TA (No Age Gap), Virgin Hero
Representation: LGBTQ+ (Bisexual, Gay)
Spice Scale: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
CW: Bullying, Minor Sexual Assault, Minor Sports-Related Injury, Coming Out
I’ve been seeing these authors’ books all over my feed, so after doing a little bit of research to figure out where to start, I picked up Power Plays & Straight A’s. Do I have way too many books on my TBR already? Yes. But I do not regret pushing those aside to read this at all because I absolutely devoured this book.
Other than knowing this would be a college hockey romance, I mostly went in blind to this book. But sibling’s best friend has always been one of my favorite tropes, so once I realized that’s where the story would be going, I was hooked. I was a little nervous about the TA/student storyline because the power dynamics involved in that can be tricky to navigate, but the authors handle it beautifully, keeping the whole thing aboveboard.
I was charmed by Foster from page one. He’s the perfect level of cocky and confident without being the stereotypical hockey alpha hero. He’s also openly bisexual (mostly), which I really appreciated. I also adored Zach. I’m such a sucker for nerdy heroes, and the fact that he is also introverted and a little anti-social was just icing on the cake. Also, I’m not sure if it was intentional or not, but he read a little neurodivergent-coded with his lack of understanding of social cues. Either way, I really identified with that, so I appreciated seeing that side of myself reflected on the page.
Power Plays & Straight A’s was a perfect low-stakes, soft, spicy hockey romance. The pacing of Foster and Zach’s friendship development was so well done. I loved how protective Foster was over Zach without being overbearing and how completely smitten he clearly was. I also loved how much they opened up to each other, especially Zach. The writing was full of humor and quick wit, and the side characters were absolutely delightful. I completely understand the hype surrounding these books now and can’t wait to read my way through the rest of them.
Content Warnings
Minor: Bullying and Sexual assault
The Unlikely Heir by Jax Calder
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
5.0
“You’re so…you,” he says, and the way he says the words is the highest compliment, the best thing in the world.
- The Unlikely Heir
Tropes: Royalty, Politics, Workplace (ish), Mutual Pining, Bi-Awakening, Secret Relationship, Forbidden Romance, Age Gap, Texting, Opposites Attract, Slow Burn, Dual POV
Representation: LGBTQ+ (Gay, Bisexual)
Spice Scale: 🌶🌶.5
CW: Past Infidelity, Death of a Parent, Toxic Media, Gun Violence, Injury
I’ve seen a lot of comparisons of this book to Red, White, and Royal Blue, especially with the recent release of the movie. And while the two have similar vibes—royalty, politics, pinning, secrecy, drama, forbidden romance—The Unlikely Heir is a fresh story that completely stole my heart.
From the start, I adored Callum. He was endearingly nerdy, a little messy, and wore his heart on his sleeve. He wasn’t at all who people expected him to be. He was an underdog, and I couldn’t help rooting for him as he navigated the (admittedly completely outlandish) hand he’d been dealt. I’m a sucker for opposites attract romances, so when I was introduced to Oliver, I knew I’d love their story. Oliver was driven, controlled, and a little closed off, but underneath the hard exterior was someone who loved deeply—once he allowed himself to, anyway.
The way their friendship and then romantic relationship developed was beyond sweet. I found myself constantly flipping between laughing out loud and giddy-kicking my feet every time they interacted. I loved their late-night texts filled with horrible yet hilarious puns and self-deprecating banter. And the level of care and comfort they provided each other once their friendship became more was probably my favorite part of the whole book.
The Unlikely Heir was witty, well-paced, and maintained a perfect balance between soft, romantic moments and political drama. I’m so glad I decided to pick up this book—especially since it got me out of a reading slump—and I can’t wait for the next book in this series to come out next year.
- The Unlikely Heir
Tropes: Royalty, Politics, Workplace (ish), Mutual Pining, Bi-Awakening, Secret Relationship, Forbidden Romance, Age Gap, Texting, Opposites Attract, Slow Burn, Dual POV
Representation: LGBTQ+ (Gay, Bisexual)
Spice Scale: 🌶🌶.5
CW: Past Infidelity, Death of a Parent, Toxic Media, Gun Violence, Injury
I’ve seen a lot of comparisons of this book to Red, White, and Royal Blue, especially with the recent release of the movie. And while the two have similar vibes—royalty, politics, pinning, secrecy, drama, forbidden romance—The Unlikely Heir is a fresh story that completely stole my heart.
From the start, I adored Callum. He was endearingly nerdy, a little messy, and wore his heart on his sleeve. He wasn’t at all who people expected him to be. He was an underdog, and I couldn’t help rooting for him as he navigated the (admittedly completely outlandish) hand he’d been dealt. I’m a sucker for opposites attract romances, so when I was introduced to Oliver, I knew I’d love their story. Oliver was driven, controlled, and a little closed off, but underneath the hard exterior was someone who loved deeply—once he allowed himself to, anyway.
The way their friendship and then romantic relationship developed was beyond sweet. I found myself constantly flipping between laughing out loud and giddy-kicking my feet every time they interacted. I loved their late-night texts filled with horrible yet hilarious puns and self-deprecating banter. And the level of care and comfort they provided each other once their friendship became more was probably my favorite part of the whole book.
The Unlikely Heir was witty, well-paced, and maintained a perfect balance between soft, romantic moments and political drama. I’m so glad I decided to pick up this book—especially since it got me out of a reading slump—and I can’t wait for the next book in this series to come out next year.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, Injury/Injury detail, and Medical trauma
Moderate: Death of parent and Infidelity
Collide by Bal Khabra
lighthearted
medium-paced
“Finding the balance depends on figuring out the things I consider priorities. She has quickly become one of mine, and that isn't changing anytime soon.”
- Collide
Tropes: Sports Romance (Hockey), College Romance, Forced Proximity, Friends with Benefits to Lovers, Grumpy/Sunshine, No Third Act Break-Up
Representation: BIPOC (South Asian)
Spice Scale: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
CW: Parental Abandonment, Minor Injury, Death of a Parent, Grief
Collide is the diverse hockey romance that I’ve been craving. Now, I get that hockey is a predominantly white sport. However, non-white hockey players and fans exist, so they deserve to be represented in romance. Summer is South Asian, and although it wasn’t the book’s primary focus, I loved seeing how her culture was woven into her life. More importantly, I loved seeing Aiden try to understand her culture, even in small ways, like learning to make a perfect cup of chai. Like Summer, the thought of two hockey players hovering over a stove to make the perfect chai made me smile.
So many of the hockey romances I’ve read in the past were focused more on smut than anything else—which is great when that’s the mood I’m in. And while Collide did have some fantastic spicy scenes, it was more than that. I loved Summer and Aiden’s relationship. It was sweet, tender, and witty. There was no third act break up, which I loved. It also followed a more non-standard structure, focusing more on romance, fluff, and character growth than a traditional plot.
Collide was a refreshing read. I loved the whole cast of characters, and I’m looking forward to the following books in this series to get to know them better.
- Collide
Tropes: Sports Romance (Hockey), College Romance, Forced Proximity, Friends with Benefits to Lovers, Grumpy/Sunshine, No Third Act Break-Up
Representation: BIPOC (South Asian)
Spice Scale: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
CW: Parental Abandonment, Minor Injury, Death of a Parent, Grief
Collide is the diverse hockey romance that I’ve been craving. Now, I get that hockey is a predominantly white sport. However, non-white hockey players and fans exist, so they deserve to be represented in romance. Summer is South Asian, and although it wasn’t the book’s primary focus, I loved seeing how her culture was woven into her life. More importantly, I loved seeing Aiden try to understand her culture, even in small ways, like learning to make a perfect cup of chai. Like Summer, the thought of two hockey players hovering over a stove to make the perfect chai made me smile.
So many of the hockey romances I’ve read in the past were focused more on smut than anything else—which is great when that’s the mood I’m in. And while Collide did have some fantastic spicy scenes, it was more than that. I loved Summer and Aiden’s relationship. It was sweet, tender, and witty. There was no third act break up, which I loved. It also followed a more non-standard structure, focusing more on romance, fluff, and character growth than a traditional plot.
Collide was a refreshing read. I loved the whole cast of characters, and I’m looking forward to the following books in this series to get to know them better.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Grief
Minor: Death of parent
Whisper into the Night by Jay Leigh
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
5.0
“Sir?” Connor’s one-word question cut through the noise like a lifeline. A ray of sunshine that sliced through the tempest-tossed sea of chaos threatening to drown Theo.
- Whisper into the Night
Thank you Jay for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
CW: Violence, Kidnapping, Death, Gun Use, Nazi and Neo-Nazi Symbolism/Paraphenalia, Right-Wing Extremist Rhetoric, Misogyny, Hospitalization, Anxiety/Panic Attacks, Asthma Attacks, Parental Abandonment, Terrorism
Tropes: Bodyguard, Political Suspense, Grumpy/sunshine, Forced Proximity, Forbidden Relationship, Found Family
Representation: Disability (Asthma), Mental Health (Anxiety), LGBT
Spice Scale: 🌶🌶🌶🌶
This. Book.
Red, White & Royal Blue is my favorite book, so when Jay described Whisper into the Night as RWRB meets the bodyguard, I knew I had to read it. And let me tell you, this book single handedly cured my three month long reading slump.
Leigh drops you into a world of political intrigue and romance that immediately grabs your attention and doesn’t let go until the last page. Between the expertly developed characters, fresh takes on storytelling, and unexpected political twists and turns, I spent too many nights in a row staying up far too late because I was unable to stop reading. The relationship between Theo and Connor is both hot and tender. The multiple POVs, which I initially thought would be too daunting, end up creating a rich world in a way I could have never expected.
Reading Whisper into the Night gave me the same feeling I get when I reread a comfort read for the nth time. Despite never having met the characters before, they felt familiar and safe. Theo and Connor are obviously the stars of the show, but I loved every member of the Rainbow Brigade, and I can’t wait to see them again in book 2.
- Whisper into the Night
Thank you Jay for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
CW: Violence, Kidnapping, Death, Gun Use, Nazi and Neo-Nazi Symbolism/Paraphenalia, Right-Wing Extremist Rhetoric, Misogyny, Hospitalization, Anxiety/Panic Attacks, Asthma Attacks, Parental Abandonment, Terrorism
Tropes: Bodyguard, Political Suspense, Grumpy/sunshine, Forced Proximity, Forbidden Relationship, Found Family
Representation: Disability (Asthma), Mental Health (Anxiety), LGBT
Spice Scale: 🌶🌶🌶🌶
This. Book.
Red, White & Royal Blue is my favorite book, so when Jay described Whisper into the Night as RWRB meets the bodyguard, I knew I had to read it. And let me tell you, this book single handedly cured my three month long reading slump.
Leigh drops you into a world of political intrigue and romance that immediately grabs your attention and doesn’t let go until the last page. Between the expertly developed characters, fresh takes on storytelling, and unexpected political twists and turns, I spent too many nights in a row staying up far too late because I was unable to stop reading. The relationship between Theo and Connor is both hot and tender. The multiple POVs, which I initially thought would be too daunting, end up creating a rich world in a way I could have never expected.
Reading Whisper into the Night gave me the same feeling I get when I reread a comfort read for the nth time. Despite never having met the characters before, they felt familiar and safe. Theo and Connor are obviously the stars of the show, but I loved every member of the Rainbow Brigade, and I can’t wait to see them again in book 2.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Death, Gun violence, Kidnapping, Panic attacks/disorders, Abandonment, and Medical content
Moderate: Misogyny, Injury/Injury detail, and Fire/Fire injury
CW: Violence, Kidnapping, Death, Gun Use, Nazi and Neo-Nazi Symbolism/Paraphenalia, Right-Wing Extremist Rhetoric, Misogyny, Hospitalization, Anxiety/Panic Attacks, Asthma Attacks, Parental Abandonment, Terrorism