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cozycritiques's reviews
64 reviews
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: Physical abuse, Kidnapping, Car accident, and Toxic friendship
Goal Lines & First Times by Eden Finley, Saxon James
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 Eden Finley, Saxon James
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: Misogyny and Alcohol
Hazing, Underage Drinking, Coming Out
Power Plays & Straight A's by Eden Finley, Saxon James
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, Medical trauma, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Infidelity and Death of parent
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: Death, Gun violence, Panic attacks/disorders, Violence, Medical content, Kidnapping, and Abandonment
Moderate: Misogyny, Fire/Fire injury, and Injury/Injury detail
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
Checking Out by Jay Leigh
emotional
medium-paced
5.0
"His warmth, his soft breathing, and the solidity of him in my arms were more intoxicating than any combination of drugs and alcohol I’d ever consumed, and I wanted to ride this high for as long as possible.”
- Checking Out
Thank you, Jay Leigh, for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Tropes: Forced Proximity, Opposites Attract, Workplace
Representation: LGBTQ (Gay), Mental Health, Dyslexia
Spice Scale: 🌶🌶🌶🌶
CW: Childhood trauma, neglect, grief, addiction, death of a parent, homophobia, injury, depression, and anxiety
Although different in tone from her debut, Checking Out is just as captivating and takes you on a journey of loss, recovery, and hope despite difficult circumstances.
As a highly empathetic person, this story definitely put me through the emotional ringer. The characters have their demons, like childhood trauma and neglect, grief, addiction, and depression and anxiety. However, Leigh handles it beautifully in a refreshing and comforting way. Too often in romance, larger issues seem to be either magically fixed by a romantic relationship or ignored once the characters get their happily ever after. And though, yes, Shiloh and Trey get their HEA, it is not at the expense of their healing. It is because of it. It is because they take the time to confront their demons head-on and heal that they can move forward together in a healthy, loving, and truly inspiring.
Unsurprisingly, given how much I adored the entire Rainbow Brigade in Whisper into the Night, I fell in love with the entire cast of characters in Checking Out. Shiloh was an absolute sweetheart, and I loved his relationship with his fiercely protective twin, Mason. Trey was a perfect mix of compelling and swoony (I am such a sucker for a dark-haired, French-speaking hero).
Checking Out is a truly beautifully complex story that stuck with me for days after staying up way too late reading it. I can’t wait to see what comes next from this universe and from Jay’s writing.
- Checking Out
Thank you, Jay Leigh, for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Tropes: Forced Proximity, Opposites Attract, Workplace
Representation: LGBTQ (Gay), Mental Health, Dyslexia
Spice Scale: 🌶🌶🌶🌶
CW: Childhood trauma, neglect, grief, addiction, death of a parent, homophobia, injury, depression, and anxiety
Although different in tone from her debut, Checking Out is just as captivating and takes you on a journey of loss, recovery, and hope despite difficult circumstances.
As a highly empathetic person, this story definitely put me through the emotional ringer. The characters have their demons, like childhood trauma and neglect, grief, addiction, and depression and anxiety. However, Leigh handles it beautifully in a refreshing and comforting way. Too often in romance, larger issues seem to be either magically fixed by a romantic relationship or ignored once the characters get their happily ever after. And though, yes, Shiloh and Trey get their HEA, it is not at the expense of their healing. It is because of it. It is because they take the time to confront their demons head-on and heal that they can move forward together in a healthy, loving, and truly inspiring.
Unsurprisingly, given how much I adored the entire Rainbow Brigade in Whisper into the Night, I fell in love with the entire cast of characters in Checking Out. Shiloh was an absolute sweetheart, and I loved his relationship with his fiercely protective twin, Mason. Trey was a perfect mix of compelling and swoony (I am such a sucker for a dark-haired, French-speaking hero).
Checking Out is a truly beautifully complex story that stuck with me for days after staying up way too late reading it. I can’t wait to see what comes next from this universe and from Jay’s writing.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Child abuse, Drug abuse, Drug use, Grief, Death of parent, and Alcohol
Moderate: Homophobia
Minor: Injury/Injury detail
Childhood trauma, neglect, grief, addiction, death of a parent, homophobia, injury, depression, and anxiety
Illuminate the Night by Jay Leigh
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
5.0
”Caleb had promised to burn the world down for Elias. Never one to settle for mediocrity, he took it one step further—he blew it right up.”
- Illuminate the Night
Tropes: Romantic Suspense, Political Suspense, Workplace Romance, Boss/Employee, Age Gap, Single Father, Silver Fox, Size Difference, Aggressive Twink, Found Family, Multiple POV
Representation: LGBTQ+ (Gay and Bisexual), Jewish
Spice Scale: 🌶🌶🌶🌶 (”Good Boy”, Mild D/s Dynamic)
CW: Violence, Kidnapping, Death, Gun Use, Nazi and Neo-Nazi Symbolism/Paraphenalia, Right-Wing Extremist Rhetoric, Terrorism, Misogyny, Government coverups, Financial Insecurity, Parental Abuse, Former Domestic Abuse
A direct sequel to Whisper into the Night, Illuminate the Night focuses on the relationship of Elias and Caleb as everyone recovers from the trauma they experienced at the end of book one. This will be a six-book long series, so the overarching plot is built slowly. However, that doesn’t prevent this book from being a fast-paced, tension-filled ride. Leigh takes the political intrigue from book one and ramps it up as it becomes clear that the breach of the Secret Service was just the tip of the iceberg that is the right-wing extremist’s plans. I was on the edge of my seat as the gang tried to unravel the new threats that kept coming out of the woodwork.
The multiple POV format is quickly becoming one of my favorite things. Reading the story from so many different angles brings it a new life and allows for a deeper connection to all of the characters. While the main focus was on Elias and Caleb’s love story, I loved seeing the hints of relationships developing on the side, especially Taz’s, which will be the focus of the next book. Actually, I just loved getting to know Taz in general. Although I wasn’t his biggest fan in Whisper into the Night, he quickly grew on me, and I learned to love his prickly exterior. I was also glad to see first-hand how Connor and Theo were processing the aftermath of Theo’s kidnapping. Although it’s sad that Connor’s sunshine demeanor has been hardened by the events of the last book, I am kind of living for the new “no fucks given” version of him. I couldn’t help but do a little cheer every time he told off Theo’s mother.
However, the star of the show is, of course, Elias and Caleb. I fell in love with their flirty banter in book one, so seeing that banter turn into something more was absolutely wonderful. Although Elias is technically Caleb’s boss (Caleb frequently calls him “bossman,” and it kills me every time), there weren’t any uncomfortable power dynamics between them. In fact, there was a bit of role reversal, which was fresh and unexpected. Leigh is truly a master at flipping typical tropes and relationship dynamics on their heads. But beyond that, you can tell just how much they trust each other, both at work and later in their personal lives. They took care of and were vulnerable with each other, which made it almost impossible for me to put this book down. Also, the way the relationship between Caleb and Parker develops throughout the book is too sweet.
I thought I already loved the Rainbow Brigade, but reading Illuminate the Night made me fall in love with them all over again. Leigh’s writing is a perfect combination of political schemes, plot twists, swoony romance, and witty banter, and I can’t wait to see what is next in store.
- Illuminate the Night
Tropes: Romantic Suspense, Political Suspense, Workplace Romance, Boss/Employee, Age Gap, Single Father, Silver Fox, Size Difference, Aggressive Twink, Found Family, Multiple POV
Representation: LGBTQ+ (Gay and Bisexual), Jewish
Spice Scale: 🌶🌶🌶🌶 (”Good Boy”, Mild D/s Dynamic)
CW: Violence, Kidnapping, Death, Gun Use, Nazi and Neo-Nazi Symbolism/Paraphenalia, Right-Wing Extremist Rhetoric, Terrorism, Misogyny, Government coverups, Financial Insecurity, Parental Abuse, Former Domestic Abuse
A direct sequel to Whisper into the Night, Illuminate the Night focuses on the relationship of Elias and Caleb as everyone recovers from the trauma they experienced at the end of book one. This will be a six-book long series, so the overarching plot is built slowly. However, that doesn’t prevent this book from being a fast-paced, tension-filled ride. Leigh takes the political intrigue from book one and ramps it up as it becomes clear that the breach of the Secret Service was just the tip of the iceberg that is the right-wing extremist’s plans. I was on the edge of my seat as the gang tried to unravel the new threats that kept coming out of the woodwork.
The multiple POV format is quickly becoming one of my favorite things. Reading the story from so many different angles brings it a new life and allows for a deeper connection to all of the characters. While the main focus was on Elias and Caleb’s love story, I loved seeing the hints of relationships developing on the side, especially Taz’s, which will be the focus of the next book. Actually, I just loved getting to know Taz in general. Although I wasn’t his biggest fan in Whisper into the Night, he quickly grew on me, and I learned to love his prickly exterior. I was also glad to see first-hand how Connor and Theo were processing the aftermath of Theo’s kidnapping. Although it’s sad that Connor’s sunshine demeanor has been hardened by the events of the last book, I am kind of living for the new “no fucks given” version of him. I couldn’t help but do a little cheer every time he told off Theo’s mother.
However, the star of the show is, of course, Elias and Caleb. I fell in love with their flirty banter in book one, so seeing that banter turn into something more was absolutely wonderful. Although Elias is technically Caleb’s boss (Caleb frequently calls him “bossman,” and it kills me every time), there weren’t any uncomfortable power dynamics between them. In fact, there was a bit of role reversal, which was fresh and unexpected. Leigh is truly a master at flipping typical tropes and relationship dynamics on their heads. But beyond that, you can tell just how much they trust each other, both at work and later in their personal lives. They took care of and were vulnerable with each other, which made it almost impossible for me to put this book down. Also, the way the relationship between Caleb and Parker develops throughout the book is too sweet.
I thought I already loved the Rainbow Brigade, but reading Illuminate the Night made me fall in love with them all over again. Leigh’s writing is a perfect combination of political schemes, plot twists, swoony romance, and witty banter, and I can’t wait to see what is next in store.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, Violence, and Kidnapping
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Misogyny, and Physical abuse
Minor: Domestic abuse
Violence, Kidnapping, Death, Gun Use, Nazi and Neo-Nazi Symbolism/Paraphenalia, Right-Wing Extremist Rhetoric, Terrorism, Misogyny, Government coverups, Financial Insecurity, Parental Abuse, Former Domestic Abuse
Mistletoe and Mishigas by M.A. Wardell
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
5.0
“Sheldon Soleskin is utterly adorable. Asshole.”
- Mistletoe and Mishigas
Happy release day to my dear friend, Matt! Thank you for letting me read an early copy of this amazing holiday rom com 😊
Tropes: Holiday Romance, Fake Dating, Opposites Attract, Grumpy/Sunshine, Workplace Romance, Teachers, No Third Act Breakup, Dual POV, Snowed In, Found Family, Size Difference, Hurt/Comfort
Representation: LGBTQ+ (Gay, Femme Gay), Plus Size, Mental Health (PTSD), Jewish
Spice Scale: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
CW: Parental Abandonment, Death, Grief, PTSD Flashbacks, Discussion of Military Trauma and Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell
Wardell does it again, perfectly mixing humor with a love story that will make your heart melt. One of my favorite things about Teacher of the Year, aside from the Marvin’s relatability, was how unapologetic it was in its representation. It didn’t hold back, didn’t sanitize anything, and Mistletoe and Mishigas is the same.
Neither Sheldon or Theo are what a romance reader has come to expect from male leads. Sheldon is a femme gay man. He’s short and has flaming red hair. He loves to dance and paint his nails. He’s loud and proud of who he is. Theo is plus size. He’s a grump with a secret soft side. He loves to cook. In a genre full of buff men, these two break the mold and I love them for it.
Their love story is heartwarming and refreshing. They’re total opposites, yet find themselves drawn to each other in ways neither really understands. I loved watching Theo’s sweet side unfold the more Sheldon wormed his way into his life, and I completely melted at his interactions with sweet Brodie. There’s also a blissful lack of unnecessary conflict. Their path to love wasn’t easy, but it was a delight watching them slowly fall in love without the looming threat of something tearing them apart.
Like Teacher of the Year, Mistletoe’s cast of side characters are well developed and lovable. I loved Naomi and Kent (who I am very much looking forward to getting to know better in the next book), but Theo’s parents really stole the show. I wish I could be adopted by them like Sheldon.
Teacher of the Year was amazing and one of my favorite reads of the year, but Mistletoe and Mishigas is even better. It’s cozy, laugh-out-loud funny, spicy (even spicier than TOY), and the perfect book to get you in the holiday mood.
- Mistletoe and Mishigas
Happy release day to my dear friend, Matt! Thank you for letting me read an early copy of this amazing holiday rom com 😊
Tropes: Holiday Romance, Fake Dating, Opposites Attract, Grumpy/Sunshine, Workplace Romance, Teachers, No Third Act Breakup, Dual POV, Snowed In, Found Family, Size Difference, Hurt/Comfort
Representation: LGBTQ+ (Gay, Femme Gay), Plus Size, Mental Health (PTSD), Jewish
Spice Scale: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
CW: Parental Abandonment, Death, Grief, PTSD Flashbacks, Discussion of Military Trauma and Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell
Wardell does it again, perfectly mixing humor with a love story that will make your heart melt. One of my favorite things about Teacher of the Year, aside from the Marvin’s relatability, was how unapologetic it was in its representation. It didn’t hold back, didn’t sanitize anything, and Mistletoe and Mishigas is the same.
Neither Sheldon or Theo are what a romance reader has come to expect from male leads. Sheldon is a femme gay man. He’s short and has flaming red hair. He loves to dance and paint his nails. He’s loud and proud of who he is. Theo is plus size. He’s a grump with a secret soft side. He loves to cook. In a genre full of buff men, these two break the mold and I love them for it.
Their love story is heartwarming and refreshing. They’re total opposites, yet find themselves drawn to each other in ways neither really understands. I loved watching Theo’s sweet side unfold the more Sheldon wormed his way into his life, and I completely melted at his interactions with sweet Brodie. There’s also a blissful lack of unnecessary conflict. Their path to love wasn’t easy, but it was a delight watching them slowly fall in love without the looming threat of something tearing them apart.
Like Teacher of the Year, Mistletoe’s cast of side characters are well developed and lovable. I loved Naomi and Kent (who I am very much looking forward to getting to know better in the next book), but Theo’s parents really stole the show. I wish I could be adopted by them like Sheldon.
Teacher of the Year was amazing and one of my favorite reads of the year, but Mistletoe and Mishigas is even better. It’s cozy, laugh-out-loud funny, spicy (even spicier than TOY), and the perfect book to get you in the holiday mood.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders and Grief
Moderate: Abandonment