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exlibrisfrancis's reviews
444 reviews
Mending Me (The Nat. 20 Series Book 1): A meet cute, strangers to lovers, standalone, interconnected standalone by Rebecca Wrights
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
ARC review:
⭐️ 5/5
🌶️ 3.5/5
😭 4/5
🥹😍🥹 ♾️/5
Tropes:
🏍️ hot biker boy
📚 bookish FMC
🪖 veteran MMC
💛 interracial couple
💜 found family
❤️🩹 they heal together
Omg! Ugh. I love Hank Martinez 😍
I’ve been waiting MONTHS for this book.
My girl Rebecca has had me in a chokehold with the teasers! And they get me every time! I see a IG reel and think, dang I want to read THAT, just to see Homegirl is teasing me again!
But when I tell you, I YELP when I got that email at work that I got the ARC for Mend Me!!!! I wanted to take my lunch and read it ASAP. But I was good and waited until I got home and did all my housework because I KNEW that I couldn’t be bothered with anything before I finished this book.
Okay down to the nitty gritty!
Hank Martinez is back in his hometown after serving 11 years in the Military. They only they he wanted was to be with his best friends and a gym close to home. Hank has a lot of demons and coming back home to the place he ran away from as soon as he was able to is a lot to handle. Luckily for him, there’s a cute blonde who enlists him to scare off a creep at the gym.
Bailey Brown is also fighting demons of her own. After a traumatic experience 2 years ago, she’s still feeling lost and hopeless but working to rebuild her life. She’s been watching and observing the mysterious new comer who works out in combat boots for a while and when the opportunity comes to finally meet him, she takes it.
I found myself smiling and laying on my stomach swinging my legs behind me swooning at the building relationship between Hank and Bailey. Hank is sooo shy with her, it’s adorable! Thankfully Bailey isn’t shy about making the first moves to finally kickstart their budding relationship.
There’s so many dynamics at play, but they all come together at the end. I love how protective Hank is of her and I love his friends and their weekly D&D campaign!
All in all, Mending Me was such a great read. You’ll fall in love with all the characters and it will leave you wanting to know more about the other characters in the friend group. I’m dying to know Conrad’s story!
⭐️ 5/5
🌶️ 3.5/5
😭 4/5
🥹😍🥹 ♾️/5
Tropes:
🏍️ hot biker boy
📚 bookish FMC
🪖 veteran MMC
💛 interracial couple
💜 found family
❤️🩹 they heal together
Omg! Ugh. I love Hank Martinez 😍
I’ve been waiting MONTHS for this book.
My girl Rebecca has had me in a chokehold with the teasers! And they get me every time! I see a IG reel and think, dang I want to read THAT, just to see Homegirl is teasing me again!
But when I tell you, I YELP when I got that email at work that I got the ARC for Mend Me!!!! I wanted to take my lunch and read it ASAP. But I was good and waited until I got home and did all my housework because I KNEW that I couldn’t be bothered with anything before I finished this book.
Okay down to the nitty gritty!
Hank Martinez is back in his hometown after serving 11 years in the Military. They only they he wanted was to be with his best friends and a gym close to home. Hank has a lot of demons and coming back home to the place he ran away from as soon as he was able to is a lot to handle. Luckily for him, there’s a cute blonde who enlists him to scare off a creep at the gym.
Bailey Brown is also fighting demons of her own. After a traumatic experience 2 years ago, she’s still feeling lost and hopeless but working to rebuild her life. She’s been watching and observing the mysterious new comer who works out in combat boots for a while and when the opportunity comes to finally meet him, she takes it.
I found myself smiling and laying on my stomach swinging my legs behind me swooning at the building relationship between Hank and Bailey. Hank is sooo shy with her, it’s adorable! Thankfully Bailey isn’t shy about making the first moves to finally kickstart their budding relationship.
There’s so many dynamics at play, but they all come together at the end. I love how protective Hank is of her and I love his friends and their weekly D&D campaign!
All in all, Mending Me was such a great read. You’ll fall in love with all the characters and it will leave you wanting to know more about the other characters in the friend group. I’m dying to know Conrad’s story!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse and Rape
King of Pride by Ana Huang
emotional
funny
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? Yes
4.0
I loved Kai and Isabella together!
I love the diversity of the characters. As a Filipina, I don’t see a lot of Filipino representation in romance books, so it was nice to see!
But anyways, I enjoyed the opposites attract trope.
Wild, fun, and care free Isabella with the reformed, serious Kai.
The chemistry is there , the banter was great and the story line was entertaining.
I love the diversity of the characters. As a Filipina, I don’t see a lot of Filipino representation in romance books, so it was nice to see!
But anyways, I enjoyed the opposites attract trope.
Wild, fun, and care free Isabella with the reformed, serious Kai.
The chemistry is there , the banter was great and the story line was entertaining.
Unsteady by Peyton Corinne
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
sad
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? Yes
4.0
Fast recap bc I just finished:
I really liked this book!
There was a lot of angst.
Rhys is struggling with severe PTSD and is refusing to ask for help.
Sadie is struggling raising her brothers, working multiple jobs, and school. She also refuses to ask for help.
But they learn to lean on each other
I really liked this book!
There was a lot of angst.
Rhys is struggling with severe PTSD and is refusing to ask for help.
Sadie is struggling raising her brothers, working multiple jobs, and school. She also refuses to ask for help.
But they learn to lean on each other
Lights Out by Kayla James
emotional
funny
hopeful
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
⭐️ 5/5
🌶️4/5
😭 Crying at 1:30 am with my dog/5
Tropes:
🏁F1 romance
🏁Forced proximity
🏁She falls first, but he falls harder
🏁No third act break up 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
Wow!
I didn’t really know anything coming into this book. I just thought, okay, romance, but with fast cars 😅
But Kayla James! Miss ma’am… your debut novel??
So we first meet Ryder, a talented F1 driver with a past filled with pain and loss. He’s trying his best to secure his place back into his sport after time off recovering from an injury. Ryder is plagued by memories of his family and the burden of living up to his father’s legacy.
Blake is an up and coming F1 driver trying to find her place in a sport dominated by men. She’s used to fighting against the prejudices and the sexism surrounding her, but her insecurities try to make her second guess her abilities.
I loved seeing Blake and Ryder’s growth both together and independently. They loved each other fiercely and they were a solid team. I love seeing it!
There’s a lot going on in the book! I didn’t know that I was going to be crying like a baby during this, so fair warning!
🌶️4/5
😭 Crying at 1:30 am with my dog/5
Tropes:
🏁F1 romance
🏁Forced proximity
🏁She falls first, but he falls harder
🏁No third act break up 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
Wow!
I didn’t really know anything coming into this book. I just thought, okay, romance, but with fast cars 😅
But Kayla James! Miss ma’am… your debut novel??
So we first meet Ryder, a talented F1 driver with a past filled with pain and loss. He’s trying his best to secure his place back into his sport after time off recovering from an injury. Ryder is plagued by memories of his family and the burden of living up to his father’s legacy.
Blake is an up and coming F1 driver trying to find her place in a sport dominated by men. She’s used to fighting against the prejudices and the sexism surrounding her, but her insecurities try to make her second guess her abilities.
I loved seeing Blake and Ryder’s growth both together and independently. They loved each other fiercely and they were a solid team. I love seeing it!
There’s a lot going on in the book! I didn’t know that I was going to be crying like a baby during this, so fair warning!
Burnout by Rebecca Jenshak
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
⭐️ 4/5
🌶️ 3/5
🖤Motocross rider x gymnasts
🎀Grumpy x sunshine
🖤Bad boy x good girl
🎀He falls first
🖤He calls her princess 😍
🎀Hate to lovers
Sooooo good!
I didn’t realize that we were going to get a book for Knox! I didn’t realize at first until he called Jane Hollywood lol
Even though Burnout is a standalone, it has to be my favorite of Rebecca’s Vally U series.
We got a taste of the broody and grumpy Knox in Tempting a Player, but get to really get to know him more in Burnout.
Knox and Avery’s relationship is so beautiful. Their bickering and banter was hilarious especially because of the obvious desire they had for each other. I was happy when they both finally gave into their feelings.
They both share a need to prove themselves in their own perspective sports. Knox is the bad boy who got kicked off his team after a 5 year hiatus and Avery is recovering for a past injury. I love how they both lean on each other’s strengths and support to follow through with goals.
🌶️ 3/5
🖤Motocross rider x gymnasts
🎀Grumpy x sunshine
🖤Bad boy x good girl
🎀He falls first
🖤He calls her princess 😍
🎀Hate to lovers
Sooooo good!
I didn’t realize that we were going to get a book for Knox! I didn’t realize at first until he called Jane Hollywood lol
Even though Burnout is a standalone, it has to be my favorite of Rebecca’s Vally U series.
We got a taste of the broody and grumpy Knox in Tempting a Player, but get to really get to know him more in Burnout.
Knox and Avery’s relationship is so beautiful. Their bickering and banter was hilarious especially because of the obvious desire they had for each other. I was happy when they both finally gave into their feelings.
They both share a need to prove themselves in their own perspective sports. Knox is the bad boy who got kicked off his team after a 5 year hiatus and Avery is recovering for a past injury. I love how they both lean on each other’s strengths and support to follow through with goals.
Learn Your Lesson by Kandi Steiner
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
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? Yes
5.0
⭐️ 5/5
🌶️5/5
🥹♾️/5
Single dad/nanny
Forced proximity
GrumpyxSunshine
Lessons 😏
Found family
Hockey romance
I absolutely loved this book!
You will fall in love with Chloe, Will and Ava and all the side characters, especially the asshole cats!
My heart was clenching following Chloe navigate through this friends/not friends with benefits situation while also connecting and building relationships with Will’s daughter Ava. Chloe grew up learning that men are trash and they always leave. Will is still mourning the loss of his wife and best friend. They both are fighting a loosing battle to stay apart and not grow feelings.
I loved the journey of discovery!
And can we talk about that popsicle scene?? 👀👀👀
Favorite quotes:
“you might lose her. But hell, we could all lose someone. It’s a possibility every single day. That’s why they stitch shit on pillows about hugging everyone you love and making the most of every moment”
“One day, I was just a shadow of a man going through the motions, surviving. And the next, I had you. Suddenly, I was awake. Suddenly, I was smiling, and laughing, and longing for someone in a way I didn’t know was possible. You… you altered my fucking chemistry, Chloe. You obliterated the dark haze I’d existed in for years. You brought in the sun.”
“this family would have a happy ending — but not for a very, very long time. We had too many happy beginnings to have first.”
🌶️5/5
🥹♾️/5
Single dad/nanny
Forced proximity
GrumpyxSunshine
Lessons 😏
Found family
Hockey romance
I absolutely loved this book!
You will fall in love with Chloe, Will and Ava and all the side characters, especially the asshole cats!
My heart was clenching following Chloe navigate through this friends/not friends with benefits situation while also connecting and building relationships with Will’s daughter Ava. Chloe grew up learning that men are trash and they always leave. Will is still mourning the loss of his wife and best friend. They both are fighting a loosing battle to stay apart and not grow feelings.
I loved the journey of discovery!
And can we talk about that popsicle scene?? 👀👀👀
Favorite quotes:
“you might lose her. But hell, we could all lose someone. It’s a possibility every single day. That’s why they stitch shit on pillows about hugging everyone you love and making the most of every moment”
“One day, I was just a shadow of a man going through the motions, surviving. And the next, I had you. Suddenly, I was awake. Suddenly, I was smiling, and laughing, and longing for someone in a way I didn’t know was possible. You… you altered my fucking chemistry, Chloe. You obliterated the dark haze I’d existed in for years. You brought in the sun.”
“this family would have a happy ending — but not for a very, very long time. We had too many happy beginnings to have first.”
Wild Love by Elsie Silver
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Ugh, I really enjoyed this book and wish it wasn’t over.
Rosie and Ford are so good together. Their banter was funny and their love was intense.
Rosie and Ford are so good together. Their banter was funny and their love was intense.
Never Have I Ever by Stephanie Alves
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
Sicko by Amo Jones
adventurous
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
This was a WILD ride! Definitely not for the faint of heart!
Taboo romance
MC
A whole lot of twists and turns
Trauma like no other (10000% check the trigger warnings because it’s rough)
I was on the edge of my seat the whole entire time. I read this in one entire sitting. I devoured this book. I was on a roller coaster ride I was on while reading this book! I felt all the things! Uncomfortable, a little icky, confused, mad, sad, more confusion, super mad, and finally relieved.
This book is spicy spicy, but it doesn’t take away from the book!
Some of my highlights:
Taboo romance
MC
A whole lot of twists and turns
Trauma like no other (10000% check the trigger warnings because it’s rough)
I was on the edge of my seat the whole entire time. I read this in one entire sitting. I devoured this book. I was on a roller coaster ride I was on while reading this book! I felt all the things! Uncomfortable, a little icky, confused, mad, sad, more confusion, super mad, and finally relieved.
This book is spicy spicy, but it doesn’t take away from the book!
Some of my highlights:
He embedded himself into my heart and I sewed my name across his limbs. We fight a lot, but we love hard and when it comes to him and me, one cannot exist without the other.
A well-made lie will continue to burn the tip of your tongue well after you’ve been fed truth.
Revenge or forgiveness. They’re the two words that sit on either side of the scale, as you decide where you’re going to add your weight.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Sexual violence, Emotional abuse, Kidnapping, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Trafficking, and Violence