fresholivebread's reviews
674 reviews

Hell Hath No Fury by Skye Jordan

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny hopeful sad medium-paced

4.25

A lobbyist discovers that the husband she thought she lost was still alive...except that he doesn't remember her. Jessica had been lost since Quaid "died", and to find out he's alive, amnesiac and tortured certainly did a number on her. But she's a fantastic FMC, strong and capable. And though she wavered at first, she's determined to reclaim her husband and the ride or die love she has for him is very touching. 

I loved how Quaid's connection to her still feels unbreakable - he may not know her but he's so drawn and he knows she's someone special and dear to him. There's plenty of angst, and things get super sad and emotional at times, but the payoff is worth it. Their love for each other is powerful and it really shows. The conspiracy deepens and there's a lot of action and feel-good team moments. And Mitch's book is next (and the last)!

Shadow Guardian by Skye Jordan, Skye Jordan

adventurous challenging emotional funny mysterious sad medium-paced

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

4.0

Two ex-lovers  reunite to investigate a child abduction ring. Both Keira and Luke are determined, strong and capable MCs focused on doing the right thing. There's anger and hurt, as things had ended badly, but the connection is still undeniable. As the chase heats up, they work on overcoming the past, and coming to terms with the choices they made. The rekindling of their romance is handled well, and they both really opened up. 

The heart to heart moments add depth, and Luke's patience is endless; he's determined to win Keira over, though I didn't like the way he issues ultimatums. And his grand gesture is...excessive. Lots of heat and passion, and they're stronger and better together. The action is good, but the set up is a bit clunky, their powers aren't explained well, though it fleshes out better later. Side note: I freaking loved Mitch, and I can't wait for his book.

Slip and Slide by Patricia Logan

adventurous challenging funny tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Jarrett and Thayne investigate a mining/explosives case close to his home town. Working well as partners, relationship wise they're still working on catching up. Jarrett still struggles somewhat with articulating his feelings, while Thayne is more of an open book. Their chemistry is still a lot of fun, and the relationship + character development is getting stronger as well. Thayne is such a shoulder of support to Jarrett, and is there for him when he faces his family. 

There're more of the deeper, quiet moments where they share the innermost parts of their psyche, taking a huge step forward. No lack of steamy times either! I quite enjoyed the action, good research went into it, and the mystery continues. But the Cut & Run inspo (Jarrett/Ty similarities) is a bit too obvious. Repetitive writing is less of a problem but it's still there. 

Hot Blooded by Skye Jordan

adventurous challenging emotional tense medium-paced

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

4.0

An enhanced firefighter prison breaks and kidnaps a doctor, trying to prove his innocence. Teague is complicated but is essentially a good man. Alyssa is a great FMC - tenacious, smart and kind, and I loved her fire. Their romance has sexual tension in spades, and the complications of the relationship are worked through  realistically (in romancelandia terms 😂). 

But Teague can really blow hot and cold, though he's very protective of Alyssa and cares a lot for her. And she's patient with him, but always calls him out on his bullshit. The chemistry is great, and there's a good journey of trust building. And she lets him know that he's worthy, and she's determined to protect him. There's plenty of action with a quick moving suspense plot. Teague's plans are a little too wild, almost wtf at times, but it makes for good entertainment. 

Between Mischief and Magic by Marissa Serrao

adventurous challenging funny lighthearted fast-paced

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

3.75

A runaway princess goes on a wild adventure with a succubus-satyr to find her missing magic. There's a solid dynamic between the grumpy, chaotic Rei and the sweet, sunny Amora, and a good progression from strangers to friends to lovers. Their opposite personalities make for great banter, and their growing understanding and developing feelings are well portrayed.

Their adventures are chaotic and entertaining, and there's personal growth alongside relationship growth. They find purpose and belonging with each other, and the mutual support and acceptance is lovely to see. But the writing is inconsistent (stronger editing would be good), and the pacing is erratic in some spots. It's a still a good cozy fantasy, and the MCs and side characters are very likeable.

Flash and Bang by Patricia Logan

adventurous challenging emotional funny hopeful tense medium-paced

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

3.75

New ATF partners Thayne and Jarrett are on a fireworks investigation when Jarrett runs into old enemies. They're at the "complicated" status - no real definition given to the relationship. Jarrett is reckless af here, diving head first into everything while Thayne tries to keep him in line. He's also the one that feels more, and he wants Jarrett to more honest/open. 

Jarrett, in his part, just wants to protect Thayne. It's frustrating somewhat because you wished that they'd just communicate. Thayne's support when Jarrett finally sheds some light into his past is heartwarming though. I also like that their friendship and affection for one another is very obvious (but I'd trade some steam for more heart to heart talks). They're a great team, and the action is fast paced. But the book drags in some places, and the writing is still kinda choppy.

Death and Destruction by Patricia Logan

adventurous challenging dark funny tense medium-paced

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

3.5

An ATF agent in witness protection is assigned an unwanted bodyguard as danger closes in. Thayne is serious and uptight while Jarrett is charming and playful. There's a lot of mutual snarking, with Jarrett poking at Thayne, but there's strong chemistry, and the banter is good. Their close quarters cause feelings, though it takes some time for them to build the trust. They also have a lot of issues with their past, and I liked that they talk through some of that together. 

The alpha/alpha dynamic is fun, creating some intense moments in and out of bed, and the mutual protectiveness is nice. Very action packed, but there're some OTT inconsistencies, and the writing can be long winded and repetitive (i.e. name mentions). Comparison to the Cut & Run series is inevitable, and although it's decent enough for me to want to continue, it's still a paler version.

I Do, or Dye Trying by Aimee Nicole Walker

adventurous emotional funny hopeful medium-paced

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

3.75

Gabe and Josh are happily wedding planning when someone from Gabe's past shows up. These two opposites continue to be a great couple - Gabe's steadiness and Josh's flamboyance go so well together. And Gabe's sensitive side when it comes to Josh is very sweet, he's so in tune to Josh's needs (pretty much the perfect boyfriend). Honestly, both of them have shown a lot of growth (since book 1), and the solid communication and the deep bond are wonderful. 

Sweet moments, hot moments, couply, domestic moments - they're all there. Sometimes it's a little too saccharine, but definitely not a big deal for me. I would say the book felt a bit slow moving, especially at the start. The mystery is more peripheral and I had to rack my brains to recall the characters (read the last book a year ago!) but it all worked out well. 

If the Duke Dares by Darcy Burke

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

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

4.25

Persey runs away to avoid marrying a rake but ends up clashing with him anyway. She's headstrong and independent; and I found Acton to more flirty than rakish - incorrigible and charming but sweet in his own way. Their meet cute is hilarious! The chemistry between them is great, coupled with banter, road trips, an easy friendship and secret trysts. Acton is in the process of reforming himself (even before he met Perse), and he's trying hard to be better person - and I love a hero who falls first and falls hard! 

Persey can be too stuck on her stereotypical notion of him at times, but he eventually wins her over (loved how he really takes care of her), and they're very sweet and adorable together. Acton strives to be worthy of her and his devotion is lovely. There're also few heartfelt moments that are really touching. Terrible parents (Persey's) alert, thankfully not forgiven. But I loved Acton's arc with his mother. 

Reckless Fall by Nyssa Kathryn

emotional hopeful lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

After her failed wedding, Sadie goes home and turns nanny to the sheriff's daughter, unexpectedly falling for him. Kind, caring Sadie has always had a crush on the steady and reliable Eastern, who had only ever seen her as his daughter's nanny…until now. Their bonding over Avery’s welfare leads to deeper feelings (though there's an element of instalove), and Eastern begins to see Sadie for the resilient, loving person she is. 

Their romance feels genuine, and Eastern's feelings really deepen when he lets his guard down, though I would've liked a slower burn. Sadie is very protective of Avery, and their family moments are very heartwarming. I liked how they handled it when people from their past creates trouble – they stand strong as a unit to defend each other. The suspense ties in well with their story, and allows Eastern to be protective.