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jenngrandreads's reviews
558 reviews
The Path to Loving Him by Meghan Quinn
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-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? No
4.0
Rating: 4 stars
Spice level: 4 chili peppers
"I know everything will work out as long as I have these two. They will be all I need, nothing else. Us. Forever.
This book was SO cute!! I'm a sucker for a single dad romance, and this one being a single uncle/guardian was a whole new level of adorable!! To see how Ryland was with his niece, Mac (McKenzie), was SO stinking cute!
The book takes place a little while after Ryland's sister and Mac's mom, Cassidy passed away from cancer, and Ryland is named guardian of Mac. Taking care of her is a family affair though, with Ryland's two sisters also taking care of her when needed.
The book starts with Gabby, our FMC, at a job interview for the assistant baseball coach at the high school her brother attended. She thinks she bombed the interview so she decides to let out some steam at the local bar. She sees the head coach, (Ryland) at the bar, who wasn't even at the interview, so she decides to have some fun with him.
Weeks later, she gets the call that she actually got the job, and nos she has to deal with Ryland finding out not only is his one night stand his new assistant coach, but she knew who he was when they got involved.
And off the book goes! This is a wild ride of sizzling chemistry, hilarious banter, off-the-chart tension, and family relationships that will warm any heart of stone. This book is SPIIIIIIICY...definitely spicier than the normal books I read, but the plot and characters were so great, I couldn't put it down!!
Spice level: 4 chili peppers
"I know everything will work out as long as I have these two. They will be all I need, nothing else. Us. Forever.
This book was SO cute!! I'm a sucker for a single dad romance, and this one being a single uncle/guardian was a whole new level of adorable!! To see how Ryland was with his niece, Mac (McKenzie), was SO stinking cute!
The book takes place a little while after Ryland's sister and Mac's mom, Cassidy passed away from cancer, and Ryland is named guardian of Mac. Taking care of her is a family affair though, with Ryland's two sisters also taking care of her when needed.
The book starts with Gabby, our FMC, at a job interview for the assistant baseball coach at the high school her brother attended. She thinks she bombed the interview so she decides to let out some steam at the local bar. She sees the head coach, (Ryland) at the bar, who wasn't even at the interview, so she decides to have some fun with him.
Weeks later, she gets the call that she actually got the job, and nos she has to deal with Ryland finding out not only is his one night stand his new assistant coach, but she knew who he was when they got involved.
And off the book goes! This is a wild ride of sizzling chemistry, hilarious banter, off-the-chart tension, and family relationships that will warm any heart of stone. This book is SPIIIIIIICY...definitely spicier than the normal books I read, but the plot and characters were so great, I couldn't put it down!!
Bold by Hope E. Davis
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
4.5
4.5 stars rounded up to 5
“Believe? No. But I had long hoped that there was something more. Something to enjoy and revel in the beauty beyond what existed in my small circle.”
Bold picks up right where Demure left off with our FMC and MMC separated and trying to make their way back to each other. The fae are losing their magic, so our FMC, Sierra, begins trying to figure out why.
I absolutely loved the continuation of Demure, with Sierra growing even more into herself, and becoming self-assured, courageous, kind, and compassionate.
Not to mention just what an amazing, green-glad MMC Aodhan is. He is so encouraging, and loyal to Sierra, and it’s beautiful to see their story continue.
Probably my favorite part was the animal sidekicks! They were so stinking adorable, and I mean, who doesn’t love a good animal sidekick?!
Overall, I thought this was a beautiful continuation of the series, and I’m really excited to see what Hope brings us in book 3: Resilient!!
“Believe? No. But I had long hoped that there was something more. Something to enjoy and revel in the beauty beyond what existed in my small circle.”
Bold picks up right where Demure left off with our FMC and MMC separated and trying to make their way back to each other. The fae are losing their magic, so our FMC, Sierra, begins trying to figure out why.
I absolutely loved the continuation of Demure, with Sierra growing even more into herself, and becoming self-assured, courageous, kind, and compassionate.
Not to mention just what an amazing, green-glad MMC Aodhan is. He is so encouraging, and loyal to Sierra, and it’s beautiful to see their story continue.
Probably my favorite part was the animal sidekicks! They were so stinking adorable, and I mean, who doesn’t love a good animal sidekick?!
Overall, I thought this was a beautiful continuation of the series, and I’m really excited to see what Hope brings us in book 3: Resilient!!
Mr. Broody by Piper Rayne
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I loved Mr. Heartbreaker, the first book in The Nest series, and didn’t know how Piper Rayne (actual co-author friends!) could top it. Well, in walked “Daddy Henry” with his cute as a button kid, Bodhi, and his sweet charm, and I was done for.
Luckily for the story, so was Jade, his childhood sweetheart, who was leaving for Holland on the flight HE bought for her, the last time he saw her. But it’s clear from even their first encounter, years later, that neither has stopped loving the other. One of my favorite parts was the fact that while Jade was back in town, she took a job as a substitute teacher, (and you can probably guess who ends up in her class ;)) and as a sub myself, I ATE THIS UP!!
This book was SO unbelievably adorable!!! From their history together, so their familial connection (Jade’s step-dad was Henry’s “Big Brother” from the Big Brother/Big Sister organization), to the way their chemistry sizzled immediately. It checked all the boxes for a *chef’s kiss* perfect rom-com!!
Not to mention that EXPLOSIVE last sentence setting the next book up PERFECTLY (but also, I’m DYING to read it NOW!!!!)
Luckily for the story, so was Jade, his childhood sweetheart, who was leaving for Holland on the flight HE bought for her, the last time he saw her. But it’s clear from even their first encounter, years later, that neither has stopped loving the other. One of my favorite parts was the fact that while Jade was back in town, she took a job as a substitute teacher, (and you can probably guess who ends up in her class ;)) and as a sub myself, I ATE THIS UP!!
This book was SO unbelievably adorable!!! From their history together, so their familial connection (Jade’s step-dad was Henry’s “Big Brother” from the Big Brother/Big Sister organization), to the way their chemistry sizzled immediately. It checked all the boxes for a *chef’s kiss* perfect rom-com!!
Not to mention that EXPLOSIVE last sentence setting the next book up PERFECTLY (but also, I’m DYING to read it NOW!!!!)
Stealing for Keeps by Rebecca Jenshak
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Omg. This book was SO0000 sweet!!!! This book has big Better Than the Movies vibes which I LOVED!! Oh and I read it in 2 days.
I'm pretty sure this was my first soccer romance, and it didn't disappoint!! If you enjoy YA romances, this is one you DO NOT want to miss!!
From their *sparkly* meet cute, Austin and Claire have a connection that, as much as they try, they can't ignore. Their only hiccup? Claire's ex-boyfriend who also happens to be the captain of the soccer team Auston just joined.
This book will totally take you back to your truth-or-dare days, getting ready for dances where you hope the boy you're crushing on asks you to dance. It's sweet, swoony, sparkly, and soccer-y! (It's an S word...just go with it.)
Just read it. Trust me 😉🥰
Brutal Prince by Sophie Lark
adventurous
dark
emotional
informative
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
"If you EVER talk to my wife like that again, I'll empty that clip in your chest."
I’m new to mafia romances, and I heard Sophie Lark’s “Brutal Birthright” series was a great place to start! I don’t know about other mafia romances, but I really enjoyed this one! It was definitely a wild ride!
Even though Aida and Callum’s marriage isn’t a love match at the beginning, and more of a save-face match to appease the intense tension between their rival families, it was SO fun to watch their chemistry sizzle to the point of explosion! And the explosion was pretty epic!!
They really do hate each other in the beginning, even almost killing each other at one point! The hatred is REAL, y’all. I also loved how their relationships with their families played into the plot. Aida actually got along with her brothers, which I feel like might be unusual for a dark/mafia romance? I’m no expert though!
Ultimately, I would recommend this book if you’re looking to dip your toe in the mafia/dark romance pool. I really, really enjoyed it, and will definitely be reading the rest of the series!!
I’m new to mafia romances, and I heard Sophie Lark’s “Brutal Birthright” series was a great place to start! I don’t know about other mafia romances, but I really enjoyed this one! It was definitely a wild ride!
Even though Aida and Callum’s marriage isn’t a love match at the beginning, and more of a save-face match to appease the intense tension between their rival families, it was SO fun to watch their chemistry sizzle to the point of explosion! And the explosion was pretty epic!!
They really do hate each other in the beginning, even almost killing each other at one point! The hatred is REAL, y’all. I also loved how their relationships with their families played into the plot. Aida actually got along with her brothers, which I feel like might be unusual for a dark/mafia romance? I’m no expert though!
Ultimately, I would recommend this book if you’re looking to dip your toe in the mafia/dark romance pool. I really, really enjoyed it, and will definitely be reading the rest of the series!!
Wyatt by Jessica Peterson
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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? No
5.0
"Choose me. Godd**n, Sunshine, I’m dying for you to choose me."
“You saved my life, you know,” I huff out. Her teeth find my palm. Her eyes flash with something I don’t recognize. “Maybe you’re saving mine too.”
My cowboy era began with Elsie Silver, but it is definitely being taken up a HUGE notch with the Lucky River Ranch series, and specifically WYATT!!! Omg this book was EVERYTHING that any cowboy era girlie is looking for. I loved Cash SO much, and I had no clue if Jessica could pull off another one as good as that, and she not only did that, but she transcended it!!!! Wow, Jessica. Just, wow.
Friends-to-lovers is not my favorite trope, except when done RIGHT. And this was done to PERFECTION!!!!! The history, the chemistry, the nicknames, the inevitability of them, the way Wyatt helped Sally find her confidence, the way she was there for him after his mom died. It was all just *chefs kiss* amazing!!
Jessica is simply a word magician, making it possible to fall for fictional people. And not just in a like book boyfriend way, I fell in love with all of them! Like I want to be their best friends! Book best friends should be a new thing. I cried, I laughed, and I had the time of my life reading this one. Thank you Jessica!!!!
Read if you like:
- childhood best-friends-to-lovers
- cowboy romance
- fake dating (one of my FAVES)
- he falls first
- pining and angst
- bad boy x good girl
- who did this to you?
- small town romance
“You saved my life, you know,” I huff out. Her teeth find my palm. Her eyes flash with something I don’t recognize. “Maybe you’re saving mine too.”
My cowboy era began with Elsie Silver, but it is definitely being taken up a HUGE notch with the Lucky River Ranch series, and specifically WYATT!!! Omg this book was EVERYTHING that any cowboy era girlie is looking for. I loved Cash SO much, and I had no clue if Jessica could pull off another one as good as that, and she not only did that, but she transcended it!!!! Wow, Jessica. Just, wow.
Friends-to-lovers is not my favorite trope, except when done RIGHT. And this was done to PERFECTION!!!!! The history, the chemistry, the nicknames, the inevitability of them, the way Wyatt helped Sally find her confidence, the way she was there for him after his mom died. It was all just *chefs kiss* amazing!!
Jessica is simply a word magician, making it possible to fall for fictional people. And not just in a like book boyfriend way, I fell in love with all of them! Like I want to be their best friends! Book best friends should be a new thing. I cried, I laughed, and I had the time of my life reading this one. Thank you Jessica!!!!
Read if you like:
- childhood best-friends-to-lovers
- cowboy romance
- fake dating (one of my FAVES)
- he falls first
- pining and angst
- bad boy x good girl
- who did this to you?
- small town romance
Keep Me in Your Heart by Monica Murphy
emotional
funny
hopeful
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? No
4.0
This was my second Monica Murphy book, my first being "All My Kisses For You," book 1 in the Lancaster Prep Next Gen series! I absolutely loved the first book, so I was really hopeful for this one!! And lucky me, it didn't disappoint!
The book takes place back at Lancaster Prep, but this time it's featuring Rowan Lancaster and Arabella Hartley Thomas. Rowan has just tragically broken his ankle, killing the rest of his football season. As you'd expect, he was pretty angry and gloomy because of that. He finds that his days are pretty sad and depressing, except for Arabella.
They have great banter, giving each other a hard time, but not admitting they had feelings for each other. Arabella is somewhat of a people pleaser, but this is mainly because her parents are horrible and don't give her the attention and love she deserves. She falls first, and even though he didn't have his feelings figured out at this point, he was still super protective and possessive of her.
The slow burn was burnin' and the tension and chemistry was off the charts! This was definitely a deeper book than your average YA romance, due to what their families were like behind doors, and I really appreciated that. It makes the story feel more realistic and relatable.
I definitely recommend this book!! If you like YA romance, you'll LOVE it!! It's a standalone in an interconnected series, and although I didn't read the original Lancaster Prep series and started with the Next Gen series, I still loved it. I do plan on going back and reading the OG series at some point!
Read if you like:
- New adult romance
- Grumpy x sunshine
- 17/18 year old MCs
- First love
- Opposites attracts
- Rich private school vibes
- Slow burn
- Amazing banter, chemistry, and tension!!
The book takes place back at Lancaster Prep, but this time it's featuring Rowan Lancaster and Arabella Hartley Thomas. Rowan has just tragically broken his ankle, killing the rest of his football season. As you'd expect, he was pretty angry and gloomy because of that. He finds that his days are pretty sad and depressing, except for Arabella.
They have great banter, giving each other a hard time, but not admitting they had feelings for each other. Arabella is somewhat of a people pleaser, but this is mainly because her parents are horrible and don't give her the attention and love she deserves. She falls first, and even though he didn't have his feelings figured out at this point, he was still super protective and possessive of her.
The slow burn was burnin' and the tension and chemistry was off the charts! This was definitely a deeper book than your average YA romance, due to what their families were like behind doors, and I really appreciated that. It makes the story feel more realistic and relatable.
I definitely recommend this book!! If you like YA romance, you'll LOVE it!! It's a standalone in an interconnected series, and although I didn't read the original Lancaster Prep series and started with the Next Gen series, I still loved it. I do plan on going back and reading the OG series at some point!
Read if you like:
- New adult romance
- Grumpy x sunshine
- 17/18 year old MCs
- First love
- Opposites attracts
- Rich private school vibes
- Slow burn
- Amazing banter, chemistry, and tension!!
From Air by Jewel E. Ann
emotional
hopeful
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? No
5.0
OMG Calvin and Jaymes quickly became two of my most ADORED main characters. They were the PERFECT grumpy x sunshine mix, with amazing banter and sizzling chemistry from the get-go!
The found family with Jaymes moving in with a house full of firefighters was unparalleled! It made for some seriously laugh-out-loud moments!! This lighthearted humor also helps to offset the drama/mystery element, but that was one of my favorite parts!! I couldn't put the book down so I could figure out what was going on!! Grief is also a heavy theme in this book and Ann did an excellent job of writing their healing in a way that was realistic and relatable.
My favorite two quotes:
“Why did you kiss me? Because not kissing you became too exhausting.”
“I made you my person, and you don’t fit in my life, but my life no longer fits me without you.”
I can't wait to read the next book in this series!! I highly recommend!!
The found family with Jaymes moving in with a house full of firefighters was unparalleled! It made for some seriously laugh-out-loud moments!! This lighthearted humor also helps to offset the drama/mystery element, but that was one of my favorite parts!! I couldn't put the book down so I could figure out what was going on!! Grief is also a heavy theme in this book and Ann did an excellent job of writing their healing in a way that was realistic and relatable.
My favorite two quotes:
“Why did you kiss me? Because not kissing you became too exhausting.”
“I made you my person, and you don’t fit in my life, but my life no longer fits me without you.”
I can't wait to read the next book in this series!! I highly recommend!!
The Mirror in the Mountain by Dana Evyn
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
tense
fast-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? No
5.0
My review for both books 1 & 2:
The first 2 books in Dana Evyn's Mirrored Trilogy were amazing!! I've read a lot of fantasy/romantasy, and this book definitely leveled up! The characters, the plot, the spice, the political intrigue, THE TENSION!!! It's ALL so good!!
My favorite part of this story was the characters, which is what usually sucks me into stories. Don't get me wrong, I love a good plot, plot twist, or cliffhanger, but I'm all about the characters, especially the romance. ;)
The world-building Evyn builds is so creative and unique, making you feel like you're there with the characters. There's an amazing magic system, immersive political landscape, and a cliffhanger-ending that will ensure readers will be counting down the days to the next installment!!
Speaking of which, BOOK 2 WAS EVEN BETTER!!!! I don't want to give any spoilers away, but Evyn proves her writing ability grows even more with Book 2, The Mirror in the Mountain. When most sequels pale in comparison to the first book, hers only sucks you in MORE!!! I can't WAIT for book 3!!!
The first 2 books in Dana Evyn's Mirrored Trilogy were amazing!! I've read a lot of fantasy/romantasy, and this book definitely leveled up! The characters, the plot, the spice, the political intrigue, THE TENSION!!! It's ALL so good!!
My favorite part of this story was the characters, which is what usually sucks me into stories. Don't get me wrong, I love a good plot, plot twist, or cliffhanger, but I'm all about the characters, especially the romance. ;)
The world-building Evyn builds is so creative and unique, making you feel like you're there with the characters. There's an amazing magic system, immersive political landscape, and a cliffhanger-ending that will ensure readers will be counting down the days to the next installment!!
Speaking of which, BOOK 2 WAS EVEN BETTER!!!! I don't want to give any spoilers away, but Evyn proves her writing ability grows even more with Book 2, The Mirror in the Mountain. When most sequels pale in comparison to the first book, hers only sucks you in MORE!!! I can't WAIT for book 3!!!
A Kingdom so Crimson by Emmory Jarman
adventurous
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
tense
fast-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? No
5.0
INFINITY STARS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
OMG THIS BOOK. Not only was it absolutely AMAZING, but the author, Emmory Jarman is just as amazing as the book!!! It’s always a game changer when I love the author as much as I love the book.
Emmory deserves to be the next viral author, complete with a Netflix deal. I mean, this was her DEBUT!!!! I’m already addicted, and want to bug her every day for the next book. EVERY DAY.
Two of my favorite quotes:
"If being desperate for redemption makes me a coward in your eyes, then so be it."
"I'm no fool to this flirtatious plan of yours, my lady. You won't get the information you want from me."
Tropes:
- Enemies to lovers
- Terrifying monsters
- Epic adventure
- Closed door
- Secret past
- Morally grey characters
- Slow burn
- Magic
- Dark fantasy
- Death match
When I say this book is amazing, OMG do I mean it!!!! READ IT. NOW!!!!!
OMG THIS BOOK. Not only was it absolutely AMAZING, but the author, Emmory Jarman is just as amazing as the book!!! It’s always a game changer when I love the author as much as I love the book.
Emmory deserves to be the next viral author, complete with a Netflix deal. I mean, this was her DEBUT!!!! I’m already addicted, and want to bug her every day for the next book. EVERY DAY.
Two of my favorite quotes:
"If being desperate for redemption makes me a coward in your eyes, then so be it."
"I'm no fool to this flirtatious plan of yours, my lady. You won't get the information you want from me."
Tropes:
- Enemies to lovers
- Terrifying monsters
- Epic adventure
- Closed door
- Secret past
- Morally grey characters
- Slow burn
- Magic
- Dark fantasy
- Death match
When I say this book is amazing, OMG do I mean it!!!! READ IT. NOW!!!!!