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hawaiirican808's reviews
374 reviews
Love, Within Reason : A Steamy Romantic Comedy Novel | A Pilsen Story by Everalda Ocampo
5.0
This was one of my favorite indie authors/ books to land on my Instagram feed. SO good that I've read it twice since it was released. Everalda is a new to me indie author and I'm glad that she somehow ended up gracing my Instagram and I could find her book. I have not read the rest of the books in this series, but will after reading "Love Within Reason".
The fake dating troupe is one that can be a hit or miss for me. Some authors are able to write it to flow well within their books and others was a disaster. Everalda did an amazing job allowing this troupe to really make the book flow well, especially in the storyline itself. Mari & Marcos chemistry was a 5/5. You can really see how much Marcos has really cared for her and was such a sweet MMC. Through the book, he really gave me golden retriever vibes, such a perfect book boyfriend for this specific book.
As a Hispanic reader, I loved that Everalda really went above and beyond to show representation in her characters and her book. It really felt like reading a telenovela and I loved the little details of Hispanic culture shown through the book. I really enjoyed reading this book twice so far and can not wait to read the rest of the books she has out <3
The fake dating troupe is one that can be a hit or miss for me. Some authors are able to write it to flow well within their books and others was a disaster. Everalda did an amazing job allowing this troupe to really make the book flow well, especially in the storyline itself. Mari & Marcos chemistry was a 5/5. You can really see how much Marcos has really cared for her and was such a sweet MMC. Through the book, he really gave me golden retriever vibes, such a perfect book boyfriend for this specific book.
As a Hispanic reader, I loved that Everalda really went above and beyond to show representation in her characters and her book. It really felt like reading a telenovela and I loved the little details of Hispanic culture shown through the book. I really enjoyed reading this book twice so far and can not wait to read the rest of the books she has out <3
Bought and Broken by Quell T. Fox
5.0
Thank you Quell for a great read!
"Bought and Broken" had many twists, a lot of enemies-to-lovers vibes and really takes you on a crazy ride navigating so many emotions, and miscommunication that leads to years of hate and a very expensive auction to have one weekend to figure things out. This was my first book by Quell and I really enjoyed her writing style & the way she portrays emotions through the storyline. I loved the dual POV and how you see the storyline unfold from both Tatum's and Devon's perspectives. It was a slow burn, but picks up through the book and I think that it was best as a slow burn to build up the storyline and really understand why there is so much tension between these two. I loved Devon and her sassiness when it came to Tatum & he slowly grew on me as the story kept going. The banter and chemistry with these two are a 5/5. It was a great read and Quell is definitely an author I will continue to read books by in the future. :)
"Bought and Broken" had many twists, a lot of enemies-to-lovers vibes and really takes you on a crazy ride navigating so many emotions, and miscommunication that leads to years of hate and a very expensive auction to have one weekend to figure things out. This was my first book by Quell and I really enjoyed her writing style & the way she portrays emotions through the storyline. I loved the dual POV and how you see the storyline unfold from both Tatum's and Devon's perspectives. It was a slow burn, but picks up through the book and I think that it was best as a slow burn to build up the storyline and really understand why there is so much tension between these two. I loved Devon and her sassiness when it came to Tatum & he slowly grew on me as the story kept going. The banter and chemistry with these two are a 5/5. It was a great read and Quell is definitely an author I will continue to read books by in the future. :)
A Bunny for the Bench Boss by Siena Trap
4.0
Siena keeps me in a chokehold with her hockey romances.
"A Bunny for the Bench Boss" was a good read filled with a great storyline, lots of spice and great characters. I really loved how she created Bristol's and Maddox's relationship and gives a lot of character growth/development between the two. Her writing style is one that I will forever be a fan of. She writes her stories with depth, emotions, and genuine connections and really adds in the little details that make the story come full circle. Bristol overcame so much through the storyline that really made me connect to her more on a personal level. As always, I can't wait to see where Siena takes this series next. I'M READY for book 2!
"A Bunny for the Bench Boss" was a good read filled with a great storyline, lots of spice and great characters. I really loved how she created Bristol's and Maddox's relationship and gives a lot of character growth/development between the two. Her writing style is one that I will forever be a fan of. She writes her stories with depth, emotions, and genuine connections and really adds in the little details that make the story come full circle. Bristol overcame so much through the storyline that really made me connect to her more on a personal level. As always, I can't wait to see where Siena takes this series next. I'M READY for book 2!
A Wild and Wooly Texan by Katy Berritt
5.0
First I would like to say that historical rom-coms are as far as left field as you could get for me. But I wanted to step out of my comfort zone and see how I would like it.
I can say that I'm glad I gave Katy's book a shot. "A Wild and Wooly Texan" was HILARIOUS. It took me a few tries to get into it, but once I did, I was HOOKED. She may just be the author that has me be a fan of historical romances now. Her writing style was amazing, she does a great job of telling the storyline while incorporating plot twists, and humorous moments and giving you a love story for the ages with Molly and Grey. She will definitely be an author that I read more of in the future!
I can say that I'm glad I gave Katy's book a shot. "A Wild and Wooly Texan" was HILARIOUS. It took me a few tries to get into it, but once I did, I was HOOKED. She may just be the author that has me be a fan of historical romances now. Her writing style was amazing, she does a great job of telling the storyline while incorporating plot twists, and humorous moments and giving you a love story for the ages with Molly and Grey. She will definitely be an author that I read more of in the future!
Twisting Grace: A Dark Ugly Duckling Retelling by Emily Klepp
5.0
I have really been loving Emily's retelling series with the "Once Upon a Darkness" collection.
"Twisting Grace" is a retelling of "The Ugly Duckling" story and Emily did a beautiful job of really doing this retelling justice while navigating through trauma, and emotions and showing that we can still be accepted and find love when we find the "family" that will love us for who we are inside. As with other books she writes, she really puts her all into the trauma/sensitive topics and shows that her characters can rise above their trauma to show strength and find the happy ending that they deserve. Overall, a great read and another 5 star novella by Em!
"Twisting Grace" is a retelling of "The Ugly Duckling" story and Emily did a beautiful job of really doing this retelling justice while navigating through trauma, and emotions and showing that we can still be accepted and find love when we find the "family" that will love us for who we are inside. As with other books she writes, she really puts her all into the trauma/sensitive topics and shows that her characters can rise above their trauma to show strength and find the happy ending that they deserve. Overall, a great read and another 5 star novella by Em!
Forbiddenly Yours by Anise Storm, Anise Storm
5.0
First, thank you Good Girl Author Services and Anise Storm for one of my favorite sign ups yet!
I signed up so fast after reading the blurb for "Forbiddenly Yours" after seeing it was going to be a teacher/student forbidden troupe entwined into the storyline (we love a good taboo romance). From the first chapter, I was HOOKED. I loved that Anise wrote the troupe in a new and refreshing way, not immediately going with the typical taboo student/teacher scenario where they meet in the school setting. Nicole and Callum had a very unique connection, with Callum oozing this hot alpha energy and being captivated by Nicole from the moment he first laid eyes on her on vacation.
Anise's writing was flawless, incorporating so many little moments into the storyline, along with plot twists and some really hot spicy scenes. She really tugged at my heart in some moments, making me an emotional wreck while not losing momentum with the storyline. Her way of really writing a well-rounded book that can have you feeling all the feels was insane. Nicole and Callum had great character development which I really enjoyed seeing. For my first Anise Storm book, I was pleasantly surprised and would easily read another book by her in the future.
I signed up so fast after reading the blurb for "Forbiddenly Yours" after seeing it was going to be a teacher/student forbidden troupe entwined into the storyline (we love a good taboo romance). From the first chapter, I was HOOKED. I loved that Anise wrote the troupe in a new and refreshing way, not immediately going with the typical taboo student/teacher scenario where they meet in the school setting. Nicole and Callum had a very unique connection, with Callum oozing this hot alpha energy and being captivated by Nicole from the moment he first laid eyes on her on vacation.
Anise's writing was flawless, incorporating so many little moments into the storyline, along with plot twists and some really hot spicy scenes. She really tugged at my heart in some moments, making me an emotional wreck while not losing momentum with the storyline. Her way of really writing a well-rounded book that can have you feeling all the feels was insane. Nicole and Callum had great character development which I really enjoyed seeing. For my first Anise Storm book, I was pleasantly surprised and would easily read another book by her in the future.
Owned by the Bratva King by Cara Bianchi
5.0
This was one ARC I was EXCITED to get (and my first by Cara).
I devour mafia romances religiously and "Owned by the Bratva King" will go down as one of my favorite mafia romances to date. From the first page, Cara sucks you into a whirlwind storyline filled with plot twists, a morally gray bratva man, an innocent FMC and a connection between these two that were undeniable.
Roman immediately was smitten with Quinn and did some questionable things to get her to really see him. Quinn has been through so much loss and struggles that she has a hard time trusting Roman, but eventually she does. I loved that they met at the most spontaneous time and Roman kept his promises to make things right, Quinn bringing out this incredible loving side to him that you don't see in mafia romances often. The plot twists really added depth to the storyline and helped to bring Roman and Quinn's story full circle. I am excited to see where Cara takes the rest of this series next.
I devour mafia romances religiously and "Owned by the Bratva King" will go down as one of my favorite mafia romances to date. From the first page, Cara sucks you into a whirlwind storyline filled with plot twists, a morally gray bratva man, an innocent FMC and a connection between these two that were undeniable.
Roman immediately was smitten with Quinn and did some questionable things to get her to really see him. Quinn has been through so much loss and struggles that she has a hard time trusting Roman, but eventually she does. I loved that they met at the most spontaneous time and Roman kept his promises to make things right, Quinn bringing out this incredible loving side to him that you don't see in mafia romances often. The plot twists really added depth to the storyline and helped to bring Roman and Quinn's story full circle. I am excited to see where Cara takes the rest of this series next.
Sweet Surrender by N. Slater
5.0
Nic keeps me in a chokehold with her beautifully written books, but the "Blue Collar" series in particular has been by far my FAVORITE series by her so far.
"Sweet Surrender" was a perfectly titled MM contemporary romance showing the love and chemistry between Wyatt and Jameson. Jameson (Jay) was the perfect partner for Wyatt. He supported him with the drama that was his brother, loved him for all that he was, and really took the best care of him. Even as the dominant partner, he showed a beautiful soft side that was a bit more vulnerable (something you don't see often in MM romance). Nic does the best job writing their connection while navigating family drama, and plot twists and shows great character development in both Wyatt and Jameson by the end of the story. A great short novella filled with all the happy and cute emotions in your usual contemporary romances.
"Sweet Surrender" was a perfectly titled MM contemporary romance showing the love and chemistry between Wyatt and Jameson. Jameson (Jay) was the perfect partner for Wyatt. He supported him with the drama that was his brother, loved him for all that he was, and really took the best care of him. Even as the dominant partner, he showed a beautiful soft side that was a bit more vulnerable (something you don't see often in MM romance). Nic does the best job writing their connection while navigating family drama, and plot twists and shows great character development in both Wyatt and Jameson by the end of the story. A great short novella filled with all the happy and cute emotions in your usual contemporary romances.
The Student by Skye Warren
5.0
I was SO EXCITED to see "The Student" be ready to read after being left on that insane cliffhanger with "The Professor". I binged it within a few hours. I didn't know how Skye would have topped it, but she did with "The Student". We picked up where the cliffhanger left us, not really getting all the answers we needed, and still being left in the dark about some plot twists coming up.
William and Anne's connection is stronger than ever, but there's still so much tension, anger, and suspense under the surface. But through all the suspense, they have this insane pull to each other that leads to some insanely spicy moments. I will say Will tries to walk the straight and narrow and see Anne as just a student, but when they're together, all bets are off and they are back to passionate chemistry. I loved that he does his best to protect her when she wants to go do stupid crap and put herself at risk.
The suspense aspect of this book was a 5/5. Skye added more characters in book 2, plot twists for days, but kept you guessing until the very end with ANOTHER cliffhanger. I did not see it coming and it left me wondering "How did she do this to me AGAIN". It's thrilling when you are kept on the edge of your seat not knowing where the author is taking the storyline. I can not wait for "Final Exam" to come out, see what happens with the Secret Society, see where William's and Anne's relationship go and more! Highly recommend for some teacher/student taboo spice, AMAZING storyline and some of the best romantic suspense I've read in a series.
William and Anne's connection is stronger than ever, but there's still so much tension, anger, and suspense under the surface. But through all the suspense, they have this insane pull to each other that leads to some insanely spicy moments. I will say Will tries to walk the straight and narrow and see Anne as just a student, but when they're together, all bets are off and they are back to passionate chemistry. I loved that he does his best to protect her when she wants to go do stupid crap and put herself at risk.
The suspense aspect of this book was a 5/5. Skye added more characters in book 2, plot twists for days, but kept you guessing until the very end with ANOTHER cliffhanger. I did not see it coming and it left me wondering "How did she do this to me AGAIN". It's thrilling when you are kept on the edge of your seat not knowing where the author is taking the storyline. I can not wait for "Final Exam" to come out, see what happens with the Secret Society, see where William's and Anne's relationship go and more! Highly recommend for some teacher/student taboo spice, AMAZING storyline and some of the best romantic suspense I've read in a series.
The Pleasure Protocol: A Scorching Billionaire Romance by Darcy Romaine
5.0
This was my very first book by Darcy Romaine and I can say confidently that it was one of the best tastefully written smut books that I've read this year. Darcy has a very smooth writing style, one that will capture your attention from the first page and leave you with your mouth dropped by the end of it. I LOVE dark romances and she did an amazing job writing this dark romance with so many different aspects of the sexual lifestyles in the world: there's some spice for every reader in this book.
I really loved the dynamic between Nikolai and Corrine. They had incredible chemistry, an undeniable attraction to one another and that made for some incredible spice scenes. I loved that Nikolai had a caring/soft side to him and wasn't your typical alpha billionaire. It was a pretty well paced read that I got through in one sitting. My only complaint was the 3rd person POV. It isn't my favorite POV to read books in, but regardless of that personal choice of my own, it was an incredible 5 star read! :)
I really loved the dynamic between Nikolai and Corrine. They had incredible chemistry, an undeniable attraction to one another and that made for some incredible spice scenes. I loved that Nikolai had a caring/soft side to him and wasn't your typical alpha billionaire. It was a pretty well paced read that I got through in one sitting. My only complaint was the 3rd person POV. It isn't my favorite POV to read books in, but regardless of that personal choice of my own, it was an incredible 5 star read! :)