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katemc7's reviews
1247 reviews
Always Practice Safe Hex by Juliette Cross
dark
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
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 went crazy this weekend and decided to finish these last 4 books! So alll the reviews are on the way. I didn't realize how much I wanted a Gareth and Livvy situation in my life until I read this. We were teased at the end of book 3 about them being kind of enemies to lovers but then got the image that Gareth had of Livvy in his bed TIED UP! I loved how quickly their romance and more developed. I loved how going into it Gareth had a clue what Livvy meant to him but didn't want to recognize it while at the same time found himself wooing her. I loved how vulnerable he was at times with her thinking she would leave him or that what they had was fragile and then how she would prove him wrong! The spicy scenes were SPICY! And the monster situation that happened was next level WHOA.
Livvy is going to be the bigger person in her situation. She has found herself working with Gareth the man who drives her crazy in the WORST way while also being ridiculously attractive. She will not be goaded by him. She will be professional. Until she finds herself liking their conversations and realizing that there is more to him than meets the eye. She finds herself at her favorite club which happens to be his and wanting MORE. She wants him but not just his body. She wants his mind and his heart and his happiness. She wants to help him through the struggles he has been shouldering alone. All of this is happening while she is being stalked and treated inappropriately by someone else. Someone who is evil incarnate but Gareth is on to him. Will he be able to save her when she needs it? Will he open up to her with his Grim secrets so that he can start making more of a difference with his powers?
Gareth knows what Lavinia is to him. She is his mate, but he is having fun goading her and making her angry and watching her blush. He is having fun wooing her in his own way. He finds himself opening up to her about things he never has before. He finds himself wanting to introduce her to his monster which most Grims don't do. There are too many things that could go wrong. But what if she could help him? What if she could complete him and bring him peace and happiness and not make him feel like the monster he thinks he is? The more time they spend together especially in bed, he realizes he would do anything for her. Including open up those secrets to the high guild in order to protect her from the evil warlock who has been stalking her and much worse.
I can't recommend this series enough. They literally seem to be getting better and better. The only ones I struggled to relate to were Evie and Mateo and then Isadora and Dev. I legit can't WAIT for Jules and Ruben and love the snippets we have been getting of Henry and Clara. Looking forward to Juliette's new series and will probably check out her previous ones as well!
Livvy is going to be the bigger person in her situation. She has found herself working with Gareth the man who drives her crazy in the WORST way while also being ridiculously attractive. She will not be goaded by him. She will be professional. Until she finds herself liking their conversations and realizing that there is more to him than meets the eye. She finds herself at her favorite club which happens to be his and wanting MORE. She wants him but not just his body. She wants his mind and his heart and his happiness. She wants to help him through the struggles he has been shouldering alone. All of this is happening while she is being stalked and treated inappropriately by someone else. Someone who is evil incarnate but Gareth is on to him. Will he be able to save her when she needs it? Will he open up to her with his Grim secrets so that he can start making more of a difference with his powers?
Gareth knows what Lavinia is to him. She is his mate, but he is having fun goading her and making her angry and watching her blush. He is having fun wooing her in his own way. He finds himself opening up to her about things he never has before. He finds himself wanting to introduce her to his monster which most Grims don't do. There are too many things that could go wrong. But what if she could help him? What if she could complete him and bring him peace and happiness and not make him feel like the monster he thinks he is? The more time they spend together especially in bed, he realizes he would do anything for her. Including open up those secrets to the high guild in order to protect her from the evil warlock who has been stalking her and much worse.
I can't recommend this series enough. They literally seem to be getting better and better. The only ones I struggled to relate to were Evie and Mateo and then Isadora and Dev. I legit can't WAIT for Jules and Ruben and love the snippets we have been getting of Henry and Clara. Looking forward to Juliette's new series and will probably check out her previous ones as well!
Turning up the heat by Lizzy Hunter
hopeful
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
I find myself usually drawn to series versus standalone novels, but this one caught my eye when the ARC came up. I do enjoy reading books centered around food whether that is fiction or nonfiction. I am giving this book a solid 3.75 stars. I enjoyed the characters and the book but honestly not a lot happened in my opinion. It was pretty fast paced while slow at the same time and centered around the struggles and challenges of a long-distance relationship.
Kelsey Rankin left home after her grandma died 5 years ago. She has found herself doing her dream job which is writing all about food. She is headed home for the weekend and wants to peek in on the new chef her brother has partnered with at his winery. The new HOT chef that is who has moved to central CA from Denmark. Why has he moved? What drew him here? She meets him the first night and when he invites her to sit at the chef's table at his restaurant, she can't find the words to say no. Now she has spent a wonderful night with him but is headed home to San Fran with the unknown of what they are. There was definitely a connection but no label yet.
Fast forward to them being official and Kelsey is finding herself being pulled more and more towards moving home. She has friends and a job she loves but there is more for her at home right? But she shouldn't just move across the state for her BF she has only been with a few months...that is too fast right? But will he wait around if she doesn't give him any indication she wants to be home?
I liked both of these characters. They both had their own things. Kelsey seemed to be afraid of commitment in the sense that she didn't want to feel as though she was putting her career on hold for someone. Oskar was working towards establishing himself and his restaurant so his roots were being planted. He knows what he wants and that is Kelsey in his bed as his wife. He wants to be able to cook her the perfect eggs and wake up to her in the mornings. The struggles were real. There were phone fights and surprise visits and dinners where they missed each other, but ultimately they knew what they wanted which was each other. Everything moved pretty fast but realistically. The spicy scenes were pretty constant bit more closed door or peaks than full descriptions. I do wonder if this will turn into a series- there was some potential with other characters but I guess we shall see.
Kelsey Rankin left home after her grandma died 5 years ago. She has found herself doing her dream job which is writing all about food. She is headed home for the weekend and wants to peek in on the new chef her brother has partnered with at his winery. The new HOT chef that is who has moved to central CA from Denmark. Why has he moved? What drew him here? She meets him the first night and when he invites her to sit at the chef's table at his restaurant, she can't find the words to say no. Now she has spent a wonderful night with him but is headed home to San Fran with the unknown of what they are. There was definitely a connection but no label yet.
Fast forward to them being official and Kelsey is finding herself being pulled more and more towards moving home. She has friends and a job she loves but there is more for her at home right? But she shouldn't just move across the state for her BF she has only been with a few months...that is too fast right? But will he wait around if she doesn't give him any indication she wants to be home?
I liked both of these characters. They both had their own things. Kelsey seemed to be afraid of commitment in the sense that she didn't want to feel as though she was putting her career on hold for someone. Oskar was working towards establishing himself and his restaurant so his roots were being planted. He knows what he wants and that is Kelsey in his bed as his wife. He wants to be able to cook her the perfect eggs and wake up to her in the mornings. The struggles were real. There were phone fights and surprise visits and dinners where they missed each other, but ultimately they knew what they wanted which was each other. Everything moved pretty fast but realistically. The spicy scenes were pretty constant bit more closed door or peaks than full descriptions. I do wonder if this will turn into a series- there was some potential with other characters but I guess we shall see.
Agony Hill by Sarah Stewart Taylor
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-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
4.0
This is the first book in a new series by Sarah Stewart Taylor (who I have NOT read before), and I really enjoyed it! It is set in the 60s so showcases some old school detective skills along with sleuthing in a different era. I liked the characters a lot. Franklin seemed so haunted but hid his feelings well. I liked the glimpses we got into his grief and how much this case affected him. The setting is a small town and focuses on the family that everyone knows about and thinks they are just different. I am looking forward to reading the next one (whenever it comes out).
Franklin is just getting settled into his new job in upstate Vermont when he gets a call about a fire and a body. Being the outsider and newbie, he doesn't recognize the family name or know that the deceased, Hugh Weber, was rough around the edges. He was very vocal and a newly minted drunk. He also had a large family of boys and a wife who looked young and unsure. The question is did Hugh kill himself or was there malice involved? And so the story unfolds. Franklin starts uncovering things about the town that people know about but don't address like the farm where men who don't want to get enlisted go that seems to be more of a cult. He learns that Hugh was drawn to this farm and helped start it up until a rift came between him and the owner. He learns that Hugh was hiding a lot about his finances to everyone including his wife all while he tries to figure out who had the motive to make a move. He also is trying to not follow his gut and make a move on Sylvie but he is DRAWN to her. So was it her that killed her husband who was abusive but not physically? Was it the unknown mountain man who has his own backstory? Was it someone in town who was just sick of how Hugh talked to people?
I liked the plot twist at the end. I kept thinking it might come back to that how it did but wasn't disappointed when that is how it unfolded. I liked the different POVs we got with this story and how it ever so slowly unraveled. I liked the potential for future stories and cases and the added element of the war and the threat of Russia going on. I liked the snippets we got that there were larger government spies involved somehow and think that could go somewhere. I HOPE that Franklin and Sylvie become something. There was potential there and Franklin needs someone to help him on his darker days.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review! I would definitely recommend this one for a slower small town secrets detective story.
Franklin is just getting settled into his new job in upstate Vermont when he gets a call about a fire and a body. Being the outsider and newbie, he doesn't recognize the family name or know that the deceased, Hugh Weber, was rough around the edges. He was very vocal and a newly minted drunk. He also had a large family of boys and a wife who looked young and unsure. The question is did Hugh kill himself or was there malice involved? And so the story unfolds. Franklin starts uncovering things about the town that people know about but don't address like the farm where men who don't want to get enlisted go that seems to be more of a cult. He learns that Hugh was drawn to this farm and helped start it up until a rift came between him and the owner. He learns that Hugh was hiding a lot about his finances to everyone including his wife all while he tries to figure out who had the motive to make a move. He also is trying to not follow his gut and make a move on Sylvie but he is DRAWN to her. So was it her that killed her husband who was abusive but not physically? Was it the unknown mountain man who has his own backstory? Was it someone in town who was just sick of how Hugh talked to people?
I liked the plot twist at the end. I kept thinking it might come back to that how it did but wasn't disappointed when that is how it unfolded. I liked the different POVs we got with this story and how it ever so slowly unraveled. I liked the potential for future stories and cases and the added element of the war and the threat of Russia going on. I liked the snippets we got that there were larger government spies involved somehow and think that could go somewhere. I HOPE that Franklin and Sylvie become something. There was potential there and Franklin needs someone to help him on his darker days.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review! I would definitely recommend this one for a slower small town secrets detective story.
Those Three Little Words by Meghan Quinn
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
slow-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
This is book 2 of the Vancouver Agitator series and features Eli (the playboy) and Penny (Pacey's sister). I know I have said it but MAN do I have a thing for best friend's sister/brother's BF. There is just something so HOT about it. How will everyone react when they find out? How both main characters have been feeling things for a while but not acknowledging them because of said brother or sister. This had all of those things and MORE. I seriously LOVE these characters and this world that Meghan has built. I love the family interaction that the guys have. The text threads had me legit laughing out loud. I love Penny and all of her shenanigans. She got a LITTLE annoying at the end of her pregnancy BUT she was dealing with some major stress with Eli not confirming his feelings for her. The spicy scenes were QUITE spicy and there were plenty of them. I liked the relatability of how both of these characters think. The way that Eli had NO CLUE how to just talk to Penny without having the motive of getting her to bed was priceless.
Eli is THE ladies man of the group. He has calmed down a little but not that his teammates have noticed. He is out for Valentines Day and sees HER- Penny Lawes. His best friend's little sister. The woman who has been catching his eye for the past two years as she has worked her way up the ladder at their team's office. The woman who is off limits and somehow ends up home with him that night. They have the BEST night of his life. And he wants another round but since they promised each other one night, nothing else happens. Until five weeks later when Penny announces to him and Pacey and Posey that she is pregnant with Eli's baby. Now his relationship with Pacey is on the rocks. None of his teammates or Penny are expecting him to do anything about it, so he sets out to prove them wrong. He moves in with Penny to try to show her he is NOT going to be his dad. But he also states that he can't be anything more for her. He doesn't know how to do that. But then he finds that he can't resist her anymore. He can't push her away and see the hurt in her eyes. He can't keep denying himself something he wants to explore but will he be able to be what she needs him to be? Will he be able to open up and truly love her live he deserves? Will he be able to say those three little words that were rarely said to him growing up?
Penny is loving life. She has her dream job. She is surrounded by hot hockey players all day. What more could a girl want. Well Eli of course in her bed but that is her truly dreaming. He is way out of her league. But then she finds herself alone with him after her friend ditches her at the bar. And they flirt like they have been doing it for a while. There is a spark she tries to deny but then they have the best night of her life. But only one night until it isn't. Now she is freaking out. How does she tell them? He doesn't want anything more and now he is going to be strapped to her for the rest of his life. He is going to hate her. But then he does the unexpected and shows up for her. He wants to be there for the nausea and the long nights and the uncomfortableness. He starts buying her little things and taking care of her. She finds she misses him when he is on the road. She finds that she is falling for him knowing full well he has stated he can't fall for her. Now she is hurting because she has put her heart out there and he hasn't reciprocated. Will he able to get over himself to realize even though he can't say the words he is showing her his love every day? Will she be able to move on if he can't?
The chemistry between these two was SCORCHING. I liked the teaser to the best night ever but that we just got snippets of it throughout the rest of the book. The way they showed up for each other made my smile. The way that Eli started opening up and realizing he COULD be who she needed also made me smile. They both made each other better and were ready to walk into the unknown of parenthood hand in hand. I can't WAIT to continue this series. And found out that Posey's book is out in JUNE!!! I hope you pick this series up if you haven't already. Be prepared to laugh and cry and smile the whole time.
Eli is THE ladies man of the group. He has calmed down a little but not that his teammates have noticed. He is out for Valentines Day and sees HER- Penny Lawes. His best friend's little sister. The woman who has been catching his eye for the past two years as she has worked her way up the ladder at their team's office. The woman who is off limits and somehow ends up home with him that night. They have the BEST night of his life. And he wants another round but since they promised each other one night, nothing else happens. Until five weeks later when Penny announces to him and Pacey and Posey that she is pregnant with Eli's baby. Now his relationship with Pacey is on the rocks. None of his teammates or Penny are expecting him to do anything about it, so he sets out to prove them wrong. He moves in with Penny to try to show her he is NOT going to be his dad. But he also states that he can't be anything more for her. He doesn't know how to do that. But then he finds that he can't resist her anymore. He can't push her away and see the hurt in her eyes. He can't keep denying himself something he wants to explore but will he be able to be what she needs him to be? Will he be able to open up and truly love her live he deserves? Will he be able to say those three little words that were rarely said to him growing up?
Penny is loving life. She has her dream job. She is surrounded by hot hockey players all day. What more could a girl want. Well Eli of course in her bed but that is her truly dreaming. He is way out of her league. But then she finds herself alone with him after her friend ditches her at the bar. And they flirt like they have been doing it for a while. There is a spark she tries to deny but then they have the best night of her life. But only one night until it isn't. Now she is freaking out. How does she tell them? He doesn't want anything more and now he is going to be strapped to her for the rest of his life. He is going to hate her. But then he does the unexpected and shows up for her. He wants to be there for the nausea and the long nights and the uncomfortableness. He starts buying her little things and taking care of her. She finds she misses him when he is on the road. She finds that she is falling for him knowing full well he has stated he can't fall for her. Now she is hurting because she has put her heart out there and he hasn't reciprocated. Will he able to get over himself to realize even though he can't say the words he is showing her his love every day? Will she be able to move on if he can't?
The chemistry between these two was SCORCHING. I liked the teaser to the best night ever but that we just got snippets of it throughout the rest of the book. The way they showed up for each other made my smile. The way that Eli started opening up and realizing he COULD be who she needed also made me smile. They both made each other better and were ready to walk into the unknown of parenthood hand in hand. I can't WAIT to continue this series. And found out that Posey's book is out in JUNE!!! I hope you pick this series up if you haven't already. Be prepared to laugh and cry and smile the whole time.
Pulse by Adriana Locke
hopeful
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
4.0
Something I enjoy about Adriana's books is that they are fast reads for me. I get hooked within the first few chapters and things just keep flowing. Not that I don't mind some filler, but it's nice when you find yourself focusing on only one book (especially as a mood reader). Anyways this one followed that same pattern for me. I read it in two sittings. There was just enough angst but not too much where it felt dragged out. I liked these characters. I liked the grumpy to sunshine and how sunshiney Dahlia was. I liked how after fighting this attraction for so long they just couldn't anymore. While it did seem fast in the book, I had to remind myself they have been dancing around each other for two years!
Troy is a by the books man. He focuses solely on his job which he really enjoys. He ESPECIALLY loves the fact that he gets to interact with Dahlia, his assistant, on an almost daily basis. He likes making her mad so that she reacts to him. He thinks she is beautiful but knows that he can never cross that line with her. At the same time, he finds himself thinking he would do anything for her. Even if that means taking a vacation when that is the one thing he has been avoiding for forever. Idle time is not fun for Troy. It's when he finds himself thinking about the hard things and what him and his brother endured early on. This vacation might be different though because it's with Dahlia. He has to remind himself though why they are on vacation. It's because Dahlia has received a threatening email. Someone is after her. And Troy makes a vow that he won't let anything happen to her. Except for him of course because how can he resist her now that they are sharing a bed in paradise where they are not a boss and his employee but rather two people who are acknowledging what they have felt for each other. But at the end of the day Troy keeps wondering who could be doing this to her...and why?
Dahlia thinks Troy is hot and so much more. She has been fantasizing about him for years but knows the type of man he is. Meaning he won't cross that line with her. They have always kept things platonic and not gone into personal things but man do they know how to flirt. After realizing someone has broken into her house and sent her creepy pics via email, she is on a "vacation" with the one man she hasn't been able to stop thinking about. The same man who looks at her unlike any man has while also having his walls up. Of course they can't fight it anymore so Dahlia throws caution to the wind and makes the first move and MAN does she not regret that. Now they are spending their time getting to know more about each other while also trying to figure out the mystery of who is doing this to her and why?
I liked the added element of suspense in this one. Adriana did a good job of keeping me guessing. Not only did I like Troy and Dahlia but I liked Lincoln and Ford. Now I want to go back and read their books! I am looking forward to whoever is next in this series- maybe Troy's brother Travis? I would recommend this one if you are looking for something short with some spice and an HEA.
Thank you to Valentine PR and Adriana for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Troy is a by the books man. He focuses solely on his job which he really enjoys. He ESPECIALLY loves the fact that he gets to interact with Dahlia, his assistant, on an almost daily basis. He likes making her mad so that she reacts to him. He thinks she is beautiful but knows that he can never cross that line with her. At the same time, he finds himself thinking he would do anything for her. Even if that means taking a vacation when that is the one thing he has been avoiding for forever. Idle time is not fun for Troy. It's when he finds himself thinking about the hard things and what him and his brother endured early on. This vacation might be different though because it's with Dahlia. He has to remind himself though why they are on vacation. It's because Dahlia has received a threatening email. Someone is after her. And Troy makes a vow that he won't let anything happen to her. Except for him of course because how can he resist her now that they are sharing a bed in paradise where they are not a boss and his employee but rather two people who are acknowledging what they have felt for each other. But at the end of the day Troy keeps wondering who could be doing this to her...and why?
Dahlia thinks Troy is hot and so much more. She has been fantasizing about him for years but knows the type of man he is. Meaning he won't cross that line with her. They have always kept things platonic and not gone into personal things but man do they know how to flirt. After realizing someone has broken into her house and sent her creepy pics via email, she is on a "vacation" with the one man she hasn't been able to stop thinking about. The same man who looks at her unlike any man has while also having his walls up. Of course they can't fight it anymore so Dahlia throws caution to the wind and makes the first move and MAN does she not regret that. Now they are spending their time getting to know more about each other while also trying to figure out the mystery of who is doing this to her and why?
I liked the added element of suspense in this one. Adriana did a good job of keeping me guessing. Not only did I like Troy and Dahlia but I liked Lincoln and Ford. Now I want to go back and read their books! I am looking forward to whoever is next in this series- maybe Troy's brother Travis? I would recommend this one if you are looking for something short with some spice and an HEA.
Thank you to Valentine PR and Adriana for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Romancing the Grump by Jenny Proctor
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
slow-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 had a suspicion for a while now but after reading this book I am a proud to say I am a BIG fan of the grumpy x sunshine! This book was GREAT yall. I didn't realize it was spice free until mid-read but honestly, I don't know if it would have fit in this one. These characters were awesome. I loved meeting the side characters and trying to figure out who will be pairing off. I am probably going to read the first one because I am a legit series addict. This book made me smile with how determined Summer was to make Nathan smile. I loved learning more about their backgrounds and why they both are the way they are. I loved the little nuggets that Nathan started giving Summer that were like GOLD. Just overall a really easy summer read with some hot kisses and an HEA.
Summer is excited to start her new job. She is a little nervous but isn't letting it show. That is until she has a run in with none other than Nathan Sanders in the parking lot. The same Nathan who gave her all kinds of tingly feelings when they met each other in the fall at a festival. The same Nathan who is now scowling at her and looking like she is an inconvenience. And yay! This is her first day. Moving along with the story, Summer finds herself in a situation where she is asked to be Nathan's fake girlfriend for PR purposes. She doesn't mind because she is finally facing that she has some feelings for him. At least this way she will be able to spend some time with him and maybe work on getting him to smile more. Maybe she will get to know a little bit more about the team grump who she cant stop thinking about. Especially now that he has actually smiled, and they have kissed, and they are pretending RIGHT?! He has made it clear he can't do relationships, but Summer can't help but read into how he acts around her versus what he is saying. Could he be ready? Would he want to try with her because she definitely doesn't want to pretend anymore.
Nathan is happy. He is doing what he loves, and his team is doing better than expected. He has a problem now though. This PR campaign of his brooding pictures has turned a little too risqué for the team. Some of the fans are losing their minds which is when Parker, their PR person, comes up with Summer and Nathan fake dating. This way the fan ladies will cool off. The problem is Nathan doesn't know how to be a real boyfriend let alone a fake one. He just knows what to NOT do, and that is be how he remembers his dad. Which is why he has to keep reminding himself that him and Summer are just friends. Even though that kiss felt real. And waking up next to her felt real. And seeing his name on her does things to him. But definitely they are just friends. But maybe he could try to break the mold that he has kept himself in. IF he could do it for anyone, it would be Summer.
I haven't read anything by Jenny before but will definitely be looking into her other series which is in the same universe as this from what I can tell with some characters that we have met. I liked the lightness of this one. The angst and heat were hot but again no spice. Lots of thoughts about things happening but nothing more than kisses which fits this story. This one made me smile, and I hope it will make you smile too!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Summer is excited to start her new job. She is a little nervous but isn't letting it show. That is until she has a run in with none other than Nathan Sanders in the parking lot. The same Nathan who gave her all kinds of tingly feelings when they met each other in the fall at a festival. The same Nathan who is now scowling at her and looking like she is an inconvenience. And yay! This is her first day. Moving along with the story, Summer finds herself in a situation where she is asked to be Nathan's fake girlfriend for PR purposes. She doesn't mind because she is finally facing that she has some feelings for him. At least this way she will be able to spend some time with him and maybe work on getting him to smile more. Maybe she will get to know a little bit more about the team grump who she cant stop thinking about. Especially now that he has actually smiled, and they have kissed, and they are pretending RIGHT?! He has made it clear he can't do relationships, but Summer can't help but read into how he acts around her versus what he is saying. Could he be ready? Would he want to try with her because she definitely doesn't want to pretend anymore.
Nathan is happy. He is doing what he loves, and his team is doing better than expected. He has a problem now though. This PR campaign of his brooding pictures has turned a little too risqué for the team. Some of the fans are losing their minds which is when Parker, their PR person, comes up with Summer and Nathan fake dating. This way the fan ladies will cool off. The problem is Nathan doesn't know how to be a real boyfriend let alone a fake one. He just knows what to NOT do, and that is be how he remembers his dad. Which is why he has to keep reminding himself that him and Summer are just friends. Even though that kiss felt real. And waking up next to her felt real. And seeing his name on her does things to him. But definitely they are just friends. But maybe he could try to break the mold that he has kept himself in. IF he could do it for anyone, it would be Summer.
I haven't read anything by Jenny before but will definitely be looking into her other series which is in the same universe as this from what I can tell with some characters that we have met. I liked the lightness of this one. The angst and heat were hot but again no spice. Lots of thoughts about things happening but nothing more than kisses which fits this story. This one made me smile, and I hope it will make you smile too!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
slow-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
This was a very quick and fun read! It had the added fantasy element with witches. It had the grumpy to sunshine who happens to also be a librarian. There was found family. There were young witches, and just a lot of goofy great characters. This book made me smile a LOT. The spice is pretty minimal, but that seemed to align with the writing and the story if that makes sense.
Mika Moon is a dreamer. She has always wanted to make potions for a living, but of course the witch who leads her coven has forbidden this. She has forbidden a lot of things actually. Witches can't hang out together like EVER. They get together once a quarter, outside where they won't attract attention. They can tell NO ONE what they truly are. All of these rules are stifling to Mika. She grew up mostly alone and craves human interaction in the best way. So what does she do? She creates a youtube channel where she is a "fake" witch. She does potions and all the things she wants. It's completely harmless! No one would ever know what she really is. Except they do. And now Mika finds herself in an enchanted house with young witches who have never been trained, a hot librarian who won't give her the time of day, and a new challenge to look forward to. See Mika has to get these young witches trained by a certain time to avoid detection. Will she be able to help? Will James be a distraction in the best way? What if she doesn't want to leave?
James is happy. He has his found family. He has his three girls. The house caretaker and his two other "roommates." Everything is fine. Except it isn't. Because he can't ignore the fact that one of the girls can light things on fire at her will. They can walk in the air. They can perform magic. He has to acknowledge this, but that is so hard for him. Because he is in protector mode. No one else and nothing else will be taken from him. He just has to hold on a little longer. He can't be distracted by the beautiful witch who is here to help. Even when she saves one of his girls over herself. Even when she seems determined to make him smile. Even when he pushes her away. But does he want to push her away anymore? Maybe it is time to open up a little and let said witch in. Unless she finds out his secret which he meant to tell her a while ago....
I truly loved the characters, the quirkiness, the wholesomeness, the found family. I liked the character development of Mika AND James. They both came a long way from the beginning of the book. I saw that this author has another book coming out and immediately added it to my TBR (which is in fact never ending LOL). If you haven't read this one yet, I recommend you do!
Mika Moon is a dreamer. She has always wanted to make potions for a living, but of course the witch who leads her coven has forbidden this. She has forbidden a lot of things actually. Witches can't hang out together like EVER. They get together once a quarter, outside where they won't attract attention. They can tell NO ONE what they truly are. All of these rules are stifling to Mika. She grew up mostly alone and craves human interaction in the best way. So what does she do? She creates a youtube channel where she is a "fake" witch. She does potions and all the things she wants. It's completely harmless! No one would ever know what she really is. Except they do. And now Mika finds herself in an enchanted house with young witches who have never been trained, a hot librarian who won't give her the time of day, and a new challenge to look forward to. See Mika has to get these young witches trained by a certain time to avoid detection. Will she be able to help? Will James be a distraction in the best way? What if she doesn't want to leave?
James is happy. He has his found family. He has his three girls. The house caretaker and his two other "roommates." Everything is fine. Except it isn't. Because he can't ignore the fact that one of the girls can light things on fire at her will. They can walk in the air. They can perform magic. He has to acknowledge this, but that is so hard for him. Because he is in protector mode. No one else and nothing else will be taken from him. He just has to hold on a little longer. He can't be distracted by the beautiful witch who is here to help. Even when she saves one of his girls over herself. Even when she seems determined to make him smile. Even when he pushes her away. But does he want to push her away anymore? Maybe it is time to open up a little and let said witch in. Unless she finds out his secret which he meant to tell her a while ago....
I truly loved the characters, the quirkiness, the wholesomeness, the found family. I liked the character development of Mika AND James. They both came a long way from the beginning of the book. I saw that this author has another book coming out and immediately added it to my TBR (which is in fact never ending LOL). If you haven't read this one yet, I recommend you do!
Alive and Wells by Bailey Hannah
dark
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
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 felt the pull for a cowboy book and this one delivered! I enjoyed these characters and thought this was a great debut book. I also liked the added suspense element in it. This was a true grumpy to sunshine, city girl with a country boy, woman in trouble situation. I liked the dynamics and how much these characters brought the best out of each other. I also secretly love it when these FMCs get tired of the grumpy men not giving in- so what do they do? They go out with said grumpy man's friends in a cute AF outfit and then grumpy man goes caveman. EVERY TIME YALL LOL.
Cecily is at a breaking point. She has lost everything. Her confidence. Her family. Herself. She has finally drawn the line with her husband's abuse. He finally crossed it and with the help of this network she had been in touch with, she has a plan. She is going to be a ranch hand. It doesn't matter that she knows NOTHING about ranches, or cattle, or farming. She wants to start over. She wants to be more than a survivor. She wants to be happy and thrive. She doesn't need a man to help her get there, BUT she can't help notice the cowboy who stops to help her change her tire on the way to said ranch. The same cowboy who happens to be the owner/manager of said ranch. Austin Wells of Wells Ranch. Does he ever smile? Cecily doesn't think so and yet she finds herself going out of her way to try to make him do so. She finds herself wondering what his big hands would feel like on her. She finds herself thinking like a single woman when she isn't even officially separated or divorced yet. And then she feels shame. But her ex has taken up enough of her life. This is her time and she is going to be as alive as she can. She is hoping that Austin will catch up but maybe not.
Austin knows what Cecily represents as soon as he sees her. Someone who could hurt him. Everyone he cares about leaves except for his brother's, but that is only because they HAVE to be here. She is a true city girl. She could get herself hurt. She has no idea how to navigate the treacherous waters of a working ranch OR the workers of said ranch. Austin finds himself wanting to protect her while keeping his distance. He has already gone down the road with a city girl thinking they were on the same page when they weren't. Is Cecily any different? It sure seems like it. She starts hinting at planting some roots. She hints at wanting things with him. She seems to be enjoying herself. But is it all real? Or has he fallen for another person who will leave him? Is he ready to open up and find out?
Cecily came to the ranch broken and within a few days, it was like she shed a skin and became her old self. It was hard reading her justification of her husband's behavior at the time. It gave me more insight into this thought process of what the line is and when to leave. Read the trigger warnings before this one- there is on page domestic abuse. I liked her instant attraction to Austin and then of course how much he fought it and failed in the best way. The spicy scenes were HOT! I also liked the side characters and am looking forward to learning more about them and who they end up with. Once again great debut Bailey!!
Cecily is at a breaking point. She has lost everything. Her confidence. Her family. Herself. She has finally drawn the line with her husband's abuse. He finally crossed it and with the help of this network she had been in touch with, she has a plan. She is going to be a ranch hand. It doesn't matter that she knows NOTHING about ranches, or cattle, or farming. She wants to start over. She wants to be more than a survivor. She wants to be happy and thrive. She doesn't need a man to help her get there, BUT she can't help notice the cowboy who stops to help her change her tire on the way to said ranch. The same cowboy who happens to be the owner/manager of said ranch. Austin Wells of Wells Ranch. Does he ever smile? Cecily doesn't think so and yet she finds herself going out of her way to try to make him do so. She finds herself wondering what his big hands would feel like on her. She finds herself thinking like a single woman when she isn't even officially separated or divorced yet. And then she feels shame. But her ex has taken up enough of her life. This is her time and she is going to be as alive as she can. She is hoping that Austin will catch up but maybe not.
Austin knows what Cecily represents as soon as he sees her. Someone who could hurt him. Everyone he cares about leaves except for his brother's, but that is only because they HAVE to be here. She is a true city girl. She could get herself hurt. She has no idea how to navigate the treacherous waters of a working ranch OR the workers of said ranch. Austin finds himself wanting to protect her while keeping his distance. He has already gone down the road with a city girl thinking they were on the same page when they weren't. Is Cecily any different? It sure seems like it. She starts hinting at planting some roots. She hints at wanting things with him. She seems to be enjoying herself. But is it all real? Or has he fallen for another person who will leave him? Is he ready to open up and find out?
Cecily came to the ranch broken and within a few days, it was like she shed a skin and became her old self. It was hard reading her justification of her husband's behavior at the time. It gave me more insight into this thought process of what the line is and when to leave. Read the trigger warnings before this one- there is on page domestic abuse. I liked her instant attraction to Austin and then of course how much he fought it and failed in the best way. The spicy scenes were HOT! I also liked the side characters and am looking forward to learning more about them and who they end up with. Once again great debut Bailey!!
Broken Bonds by J. Bree
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I am coming in with a slightly different review than most on this one. I hate to say it but I didn't think a character could be more annoying or frustrating than Violet in Iron Flame (still loved the book buutttt). Somehow Ollie did that for me in this one. I am giving this a solid 3 stars because I feel like there is enough there to give me hope that these books will be as good as the reviews say they will be. I just had a hard time with Oli's attitude WHILE I understood it at the same time. Actually really with all of the guys attitudes except for maybe Gabe and Gryphon and then Atlas. Everyone just needs to take the next 5 books to sift through their feelings so this bonding experience can be golden.
I honestly am still a little lost on the plot/premise and am hoping we will learn more about Oli's family's past, how the Bonded situation works and then of course the Resistance. Ollie has been running her whole life. Ever since tragedy hit at her hand (from what I can tell), she has no one. Of course she has her 5 bonds who will always be there but she doesn't want to hurt anyone else. So she runs and runs. She does things I am sure we will find more out about in future books. She does all of these things to protect her bonds and her society, but then she is caught. And she thought her bonds would be mad at her, but they straight up hate her. North is high up in the council for their society. Nox (his brother) is a professor at the new school Ollie is forced to go to. Gabe is on the football team. Gryphon runs the special ops team that helped get Ollie in and then there is Atlas who I am not sure what he does yet. Now Ollie is in this environment where her body is calling towards these guys, but again she is protecting them. She is taking the hits and not showing them anything. Her shell cracks a bit. And I did like seeing Gryphon and Gabe and then Atlas come around at the end. When she shows them her gifts at the end I wanted to whoop in the air.
This was a good intro book. It dangled enough to keep me wanting more. I am excited to learn what all of the guys gifts are. I am excited to learn what Ollie's OTHER gifts are. I want to learn more about the Resistance all while navigating the future bondings and social anxiety that is college. Here we go! So far I am team Atlas and leaning towards Gabe. Gryphon intrigues me. Nox absolutely does nothing for me. I want to punch him right now. North- I can't get a read on it.
I honestly am still a little lost on the plot/premise and am hoping we will learn more about Oli's family's past, how the Bonded situation works and then of course the Resistance. Ollie has been running her whole life. Ever since tragedy hit at her hand (from what I can tell), she has no one. Of course she has her 5 bonds who will always be there but she doesn't want to hurt anyone else. So she runs and runs. She does things I am sure we will find more out about in future books. She does all of these things to protect her bonds and her society, but then she is caught. And she thought her bonds would be mad at her, but they straight up hate her. North is high up in the council for their society. Nox (his brother) is a professor at the new school Ollie is forced to go to. Gabe is on the football team. Gryphon runs the special ops team that helped get Ollie in and then there is Atlas who I am not sure what he does yet. Now Ollie is in this environment where her body is calling towards these guys, but again she is protecting them. She is taking the hits and not showing them anything. Her shell cracks a bit. And I did like seeing Gryphon and Gabe and then Atlas come around at the end. When she shows them her gifts at the end I wanted to whoop in the air.
This was a good intro book. It dangled enough to keep me wanting more. I am excited to learn what all of the guys gifts are. I am excited to learn what Ollie's OTHER gifts are. I want to learn more about the Resistance all while navigating the future bondings and social anxiety that is college. Here we go! So far I am team Atlas and leaning towards Gabe. Gryphon intrigues me. Nox absolutely does nothing for me. I want to punch him right now. North- I can't get a read on it.
Trouble by Meghan Hollie
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
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
3.5
I am going to give this a solid 3.5 stars (slightly rounded up). I liked the overall story and haven't been able to quite put my finger on what made it not a full 4. There was good character development in some aspects but then I felt like less so in other areas. Things were moving slow and then fast. Overall though solid intro book to a new series.
Indie is finally where she wants to be. She is on a scholarship at the school where she has worked so hard to be. She has her walls up and intact. She does not plan on making friends let alone having a relationship that is until she is reminded of what could have been. She runs into the ONE guy she thought she would never see again. Sebastian. Seb. The guy who made her feel like a queen only to ghost her and never reach out. Well she got the message loud and clear, but what are the chances that they are now in the same school. And that she is roommates with his sister Quinn. What are the chances what he is conveying to her and how he wants to talk about what happen could mean that that summer meant as much to him as it did to her? What are the chances she ends up with his family for Thanksgiving and her walls start to come down? And what are the chances that he is now her tutor for math to help her pass and keep her scholarship? She is so worried that he will leave her when he is done with her because that's what everyone she cares about does. Will he be able to prove her wrong?
Sebastian has never stopped thinking about that summer where he made a huge mistake. He knew he hurt her, but he was too scared to do it in person. He didn't want to not reach out to her but with a broken phone and a behind cloud backup he had no way to contact her. And now her she is. And not only that she is his sisters roommate and now he is her tutor. Sure her walls are up but he can see it in her eyes that what they is still very real for her. Just like it is for him. So of course he goes along with her rules and boundaries. He will do anything to keep her around. He just has to prove to her that he isn't going anywhere and that what they feel for each other is very real.
I liked the character growth in this one. Indie has been through so much, but she still finds ways to push herself and continue to grow. She finds herself with a cheerleader BF and her boyfriend is the star quarterback. She finds herself opening up about her past more and more in a way that doesn't make her sad as much as it helps remind her where she came from. I liked how Seb wasn't giving up. I liked the reverse grumpy x sunshine. There need to be more of these! Seb had the best way of getting her to smile or snarl at him and he loved both. I also liked the supporting characters and am excited to read Quinn and Miles story!
Thank you to Love Notes PR and Meghan for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Indie is finally where she wants to be. She is on a scholarship at the school where she has worked so hard to be. She has her walls up and intact. She does not plan on making friends let alone having a relationship that is until she is reminded of what could have been. She runs into the ONE guy she thought she would never see again. Sebastian. Seb. The guy who made her feel like a queen only to ghost her and never reach out. Well she got the message loud and clear, but what are the chances that they are now in the same school. And that she is roommates with his sister Quinn. What are the chances what he is conveying to her and how he wants to talk about what happen could mean that that summer meant as much to him as it did to her? What are the chances she ends up with his family for Thanksgiving and her walls start to come down? And what are the chances that he is now her tutor for math to help her pass and keep her scholarship? She is so worried that he will leave her when he is done with her because that's what everyone she cares about does. Will he be able to prove her wrong?
Sebastian has never stopped thinking about that summer where he made a huge mistake. He knew he hurt her, but he was too scared to do it in person. He didn't want to not reach out to her but with a broken phone and a behind cloud backup he had no way to contact her. And now her she is. And not only that she is his sisters roommate and now he is her tutor. Sure her walls are up but he can see it in her eyes that what they is still very real for her. Just like it is for him. So of course he goes along with her rules and boundaries. He will do anything to keep her around. He just has to prove to her that he isn't going anywhere and that what they feel for each other is very real.
I liked the character growth in this one. Indie has been through so much, but she still finds ways to push herself and continue to grow. She finds herself with a cheerleader BF and her boyfriend is the star quarterback. She finds herself opening up about her past more and more in a way that doesn't make her sad as much as it helps remind her where she came from. I liked how Seb wasn't giving up. I liked the reverse grumpy x sunshine. There need to be more of these! Seb had the best way of getting her to smile or snarl at him and he loved both. I also liked the supporting characters and am excited to read Quinn and Miles story!
Thank you to Love Notes PR and Meghan for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!