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katemc7's reviews
1382 reviews
Spark of the Everflame by Penn Cole
adventurous
emotional
informative
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 book has been on my TBR for a minute. I just finally took the plunge and am so happy that I did! The hype is real for this one. It was a wonderful intro to a new world and new characters that left me wanting SO MUCH MORE. I read that this was a slow burn and MAN was it. There really was no spice in this one which was fine but there is a lot to unpack and I'm REALLY hoping spice with a particular prince in the near future. I liked Diem a lot- she was happy to be content with her life and what she didn't know. But then her mom went missing and everything she thought she knew started to change. Her perspective changed. She started questioning things she didn't before. She started to see things outside of her rose colored glasses. She started making decisions for herself. This girl had been through a lot. She was stuck in this world where everyone was in their own box and that was that. She didn't want to be in a box. She wanted to be able to be who she wanted to be whenever she figured it out. Henri was kind of meh. He seemed to be what she thought she wanted before her rose colored glasses got changed out. He pushed her to become a rebel if you will but didn't seem to support her in her decisions. He pushed her but in the wrong way. And then there is Luther. My man Luther who I am guessing is going to end up being Diem's mate or the equivalent in this world. He was a prince. The complete opposite of everything Diem knew or stood for. He knew her mom. He was elusive and terrifyingly powerful, but Diem wasn't afraid. If anything she was more afraid of how he made her feel.
Diem is trying to show the world that everything is fine. She is fine. Life is fine. Except it's really not. Her mom has been missing for more than 6 months and no one seems to care except for her and her brother. Her friend- Henri- who now seems to want to be more is kind of intriguing to her, but she also finds herself not wanting to fit into the box he is trying to put her in. Now that her mother is gone, Diem is a higher up with the healers. So when an accident occurs and Diem saves the princess without realizing it- her life starts to change. Well actually it changes because of her brother Luther. He was so rude and irritated with her but she found herself drawn to him and his power. But he is a Descended. Her kind and the Descended are enemies of a sort. This is what she has been avoiding most of her life, but she can't any longer. She has decided to stop taking a powder her mom has been giving her for forever and things are changing. She seems to have power she doesn't know about. So when it comes to life when she is trying to save someone from a Descended. She has had enough. She decides to listen to Henri and sign up to be a rebel of sorts. Which is how she finds herself back in the palace under the scrutiny of Luther. She has a mission but who does she think she is. She is in over her head. She is getting mixed signals from Luther too- like maybe there is more than this mask he keeps showing her. So when she gives up intel to the rebel group that backfires, she realizes that she has made a mistake. She doesn't want to fight violence with violence. She will find another way. She changes up her life- no longer a healer but figuring it out one day at a time. She can't help but thinking if she will ever see Luther again now that the healer door is closed. But then the King dies and ALL BETS ARE OFF when it comes to Diem. Because there is definitely something going on with her that she doesn't know about yet but apparently the Mother does.
UGH THAT ENDING!! I seriously love romantasy but I question if these authors are out to torture yet. Luckily I have book 2 and plan on starting that right away. I can't WAIT to read more about Luther and Diem- I mean that KISS!! Why oh why do our heroines always fight these strong feelings?? And Henri- I have a feeling that is going to end badly. I have read that the next book is even more of a slowburn so here is to that. I definitely recommend this one if you haven't picked it up yet!
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review :)
Diem is trying to show the world that everything is fine. She is fine. Life is fine. Except it's really not. Her mom has been missing for more than 6 months and no one seems to care except for her and her brother. Her friend- Henri- who now seems to want to be more is kind of intriguing to her, but she also finds herself not wanting to fit into the box he is trying to put her in. Now that her mother is gone, Diem is a higher up with the healers. So when an accident occurs and Diem saves the princess without realizing it- her life starts to change. Well actually it changes because of her brother Luther. He was so rude and irritated with her but she found herself drawn to him and his power. But he is a Descended. Her kind and the Descended are enemies of a sort. This is what she has been avoiding most of her life, but she can't any longer. She has decided to stop taking a powder her mom has been giving her for forever and things are changing. She seems to have power she doesn't know about. So when it comes to life when she is trying to save someone from a Descended. She has had enough. She decides to listen to Henri and sign up to be a rebel of sorts. Which is how she finds herself back in the palace under the scrutiny of Luther. She has a mission but who does she think she is. She is in over her head. She is getting mixed signals from Luther too- like maybe there is more than this mask he keeps showing her. So when she gives up intel to the rebel group that backfires, she realizes that she has made a mistake. She doesn't want to fight violence with violence. She will find another way. She changes up her life- no longer a healer but figuring it out one day at a time. She can't help but thinking if she will ever see Luther again now that the healer door is closed. But then the King dies and ALL BETS ARE OFF when it comes to Diem. Because there is definitely something going on with her that she doesn't know about yet but apparently the Mother does.
UGH THAT ENDING!! I seriously love romantasy but I question if these authors are out to torture yet. Luckily I have book 2 and plan on starting that right away. I can't WAIT to read more about Luther and Diem- I mean that KISS!! Why oh why do our heroines always fight these strong feelings?? And Henri- I have a feeling that is going to end badly. I have read that the next book is even more of a slowburn so here is to that. I definitely recommend this one if you haven't picked it up yet!
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review :)
Fight by Sloane St. James
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
reflective
tense
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
This was a great first book in a series and intro to this world of hotshots! I liked the MCs a lot but also really liked the glimpses we got of the side characters. The detail that Sloane put into the snowstorm that ultimately set the record straight between Callaghan and Prescott was more than I would have thought- I was impressed. The chemistry between these two was very much felt off the page. Callaghan just SOUNDED like a hottie with a body. He had no problem letting Prescott AKA Scottie know what he wanted. I loved them kind of dancing around each other and then realizing that they were going to be working together. Callaghan gave off this front of not caring about one night stands and ski bunnies when in reality he had been burned BAD and wasn't ready to put his heart on the line. Scottie on the other hand- I did NOT see her backstory being what it was. How original (in my opinion). She is this elusive new woman in town who likes the outdoors and wants to explore things with Callaghan. I liked the switch up of the plot line meaning we had immediate action between these two and then things turned for the worse due to miscommunication and then they got their stories straight and were all in. It felt a little different than other books I have read in this genre.
Scottie is making moves. She has left the past behind (for as long as it will let her), and it trying to strike it out on her own. She gets a job in Sky Ridge as an EMT. She really doesn't have time for anything but work until she meets Callaghan- a local hot shot who is stationed with her. They end up on a training exercise together and things explode between them. Scottie hasn't experienced anything like it. They make plans to continue whatever this situationship is when they get back to town, but then Callaghan turns cold. He drops her like a bad habit, and she is left fumbling and fuming on the sidelines. So when she passes him while summiting a hike, she ignores him trying to continue the conversation. Which is how she has found herself hiding behind some rocks to avoid getting crushed and hypothermia. She just knows that this is the end. She is going to die in the wilderness, but then Callaghan shows up to help her. He leads her to shelter. Provides for her and tends to her wounds. There is so much energy between them that she finally breaks the ice. Which is when she realizes he has learned about her past and took everything the wrong way. When she explains what is actually going on, they reconnect. And now they no they can't let each other go. No more situationship- this is the real deal. But then when they get back to town Scottie's past is there and tries to suck her in one more time. She caves and decides she will go, but Callaghan has other ideas.
Callaghan will never give his heart to another woman. He just isn't into that anymore. He is into making women feel good and then cutting. But then he meets Scottie. They have this thing between them he didn't even have with his fiance. Everything seems so natural- like they have known each other for a long time. So when they end up kind of stranded together on a training exercise- he makes his move. He has never felt that connection with someone. He gets scared and puts his walls up. Makes it seem like he wants to keep having fun. But then gossip gets to him. He misinterprets a situation and his past helps sway his decision to cut ties with Scottie. But he keeps seeing her- everywhere. And now that he is at the bottom of the mountain and doesn't see her car with the bad weather coming in- he does what his gut tells him. He goes to save her. Which is how he has found himself stuck in a small cabin with the woman who rocked his world but lied to him. Eventually they can't fight the tension anymore and when she tells him about her past, he is in awe. She came from that and she is here. He decides no more hiding what he is feeling. He is all in. He wants her in his life. But then her past tries to take her away from him but what she doesn't know is that he wis going to play hardball and will do whatever it takes to keep her.
I thought the character arc for Callaghan was great- it's always reading about the guy who always has a good time being knocked off of his feet. He had a lot of love to give- he was just scared to give it. And then we have Scottie who OMG what a STRONG woman. She has been through hell in a hand basket and made it to the other side. Watching her NOT put up with Callaghan and his ways was entertaining. I have to say the spicy scenes in here were BEYOND creative- the back of an ambulance. Involving Battleship (won't look at that game the same). And Callaghan has a MOUTH on him- fanning myself over here. I can't wait to read the next two- particularly Xander and Callaghan's sister Teddy!! I would definitely recommend this one if you want a sexy firefighter with a mouth on him that gets shut up by the new girl in town.
Thank you so much to Sloane for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Scottie is making moves. She has left the past behind (for as long as it will let her), and it trying to strike it out on her own. She gets a job in Sky Ridge as an EMT. She really doesn't have time for anything but work until she meets Callaghan- a local hot shot who is stationed with her. They end up on a training exercise together and things explode between them. Scottie hasn't experienced anything like it. They make plans to continue whatever this situationship is when they get back to town, but then Callaghan turns cold. He drops her like a bad habit, and she is left fumbling and fuming on the sidelines. So when she passes him while summiting a hike, she ignores him trying to continue the conversation. Which is how she has found herself hiding behind some rocks to avoid getting crushed and hypothermia. She just knows that this is the end. She is going to die in the wilderness, but then Callaghan shows up to help her. He leads her to shelter. Provides for her and tends to her wounds. There is so much energy between them that she finally breaks the ice. Which is when she realizes he has learned about her past and took everything the wrong way. When she explains what is actually going on, they reconnect. And now they no they can't let each other go. No more situationship- this is the real deal. But then when they get back to town Scottie's past is there and tries to suck her in one more time. She caves and decides she will go, but Callaghan has other ideas.
Callaghan will never give his heart to another woman. He just isn't into that anymore. He is into making women feel good and then cutting. But then he meets Scottie. They have this thing between them he didn't even have with his fiance. Everything seems so natural- like they have known each other for a long time. So when they end up kind of stranded together on a training exercise- he makes his move. He has never felt that connection with someone. He gets scared and puts his walls up. Makes it seem like he wants to keep having fun. But then gossip gets to him. He misinterprets a situation and his past helps sway his decision to cut ties with Scottie. But he keeps seeing her- everywhere. And now that he is at the bottom of the mountain and doesn't see her car with the bad weather coming in- he does what his gut tells him. He goes to save her. Which is how he has found himself stuck in a small cabin with the woman who rocked his world but lied to him. Eventually they can't fight the tension anymore and when she tells him about her past, he is in awe. She came from that and she is here. He decides no more hiding what he is feeling. He is all in. He wants her in his life. But then her past tries to take her away from him but what she doesn't know is that he wis going to play hardball and will do whatever it takes to keep her.
I thought the character arc for Callaghan was great- it's always reading about the guy who always has a good time being knocked off of his feet. He had a lot of love to give- he was just scared to give it. And then we have Scottie who OMG what a STRONG woman. She has been through hell in a hand basket and made it to the other side. Watching her NOT put up with Callaghan and his ways was entertaining. I have to say the spicy scenes in here were BEYOND creative- the back of an ambulance. Involving Battleship (won't look at that game the same). And Callaghan has a MOUTH on him- fanning myself over here. I can't wait to read the next two- particularly Xander and Callaghan's sister Teddy!! I would definitely recommend this one if you want a sexy firefighter with a mouth on him that gets shut up by the new girl in town.
Thank you so much to Sloane for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Between Now and Forever by Adriana Locke
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
This was a solid 3.5 stars for me. This is only my second neighbors/strangers to lovers, and I did enjoy it overall. Everything just happened a little faster for my pace than I would have liked. I had a hard time really connecting with the characters. And really had a hard time getting in Jay's head. I appreciated Gabrielle and her strength as a single mom. She was going through so much and had been putting her family first understandably. She was at a point where she wanted something for her. After we learned more about Jay's past I understood his actions a LITTLE more, but he was still a tad bit annoying with the back and forth. I'm not sure if I were Gabrielle that I would have gone to him after the bar that night.
Gabrielle has moved her family back to her hometown. She has been dealing with the death of her ex husband who was still one of her best friends. She has a fourteen year old who is on another level with grief and emotions right now and then a seven year old who is as happy as a golden retriever. She knows being here is the right decision for her. She just has to make some adjustments to her life. She is realizing that she feels more comfortable doing things for her in this setting where she knows more people. Which is how she finds herself getting mixed up with her hot neighbor, Jay. He seems cold and a little weary but then will do things that show the opposite. She finds herself drawn to him. She can't help it. So when she makes the decision that she is going to try to find someone in her life- her sights are set on Jay. But he is being to yo-yo for her. So she goes out one night but then Jay is there and she can't help but notice that he is being jealous. One thing leads to another and now they are semi dating. Gabrielle's heart breaks when she learns more about Jay's past. So when her family sets something off for him unintentionally, their new relationship is put to the test. WIll he be able to put aside the hurt and realize that Gabrielle is different than Melody was? Or will he walk away?
Jay is fine being single. He has been propositioned by so many people he can't keep track anymore. So when he finds himself drawn to his new neighbor and her two kids he is baffled. He has not only avoided women and relationships but specifically single moms because of how badly his ex hurt him with her daughter. He can't go through that pain again. But he also can't seem to stay away. He loves her honesty and her confidence (even if she shouldn't have it). But when things seem to be going a certain way he freaks. He thinks he made the right decision but then sees Gabrielle out talking to someone else and all bets are off. He likes her. He wants her. No more hiding his feelings. Things are going to happen now. He can be strong for her. He can put aside his hurt from the past. Or can he? Because her son Dylan is really struggling when he finds about Gabrielle and Jay and now Jay is realizing he may have moved too quickly. Will he be able to get over his past because he knows that if he doesn't end up with Gabrielle- he will forever be alone.
This was a super short easy read with nice spice. I think I had a harder time connecting to the characters because of the length maybe? I would still recommend it. I am wondering if Adriana is going to make further books in this world- I am looking at you Della.
Thank you to Valentine PR, NetGalley and Adriana for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Gabrielle has moved her family back to her hometown. She has been dealing with the death of her ex husband who was still one of her best friends. She has a fourteen year old who is on another level with grief and emotions right now and then a seven year old who is as happy as a golden retriever. She knows being here is the right decision for her. She just has to make some adjustments to her life. She is realizing that she feels more comfortable doing things for her in this setting where she knows more people. Which is how she finds herself getting mixed up with her hot neighbor, Jay. He seems cold and a little weary but then will do things that show the opposite. She finds herself drawn to him. She can't help it. So when she makes the decision that she is going to try to find someone in her life- her sights are set on Jay. But he is being to yo-yo for her. So she goes out one night but then Jay is there and she can't help but notice that he is being jealous. One thing leads to another and now they are semi dating. Gabrielle's heart breaks when she learns more about Jay's past. So when her family sets something off for him unintentionally, their new relationship is put to the test. WIll he be able to put aside the hurt and realize that Gabrielle is different than Melody was? Or will he walk away?
Jay is fine being single. He has been propositioned by so many people he can't keep track anymore. So when he finds himself drawn to his new neighbor and her two kids he is baffled. He has not only avoided women and relationships but specifically single moms because of how badly his ex hurt him with her daughter. He can't go through that pain again. But he also can't seem to stay away. He loves her honesty and her confidence (even if she shouldn't have it). But when things seem to be going a certain way he freaks. He thinks he made the right decision but then sees Gabrielle out talking to someone else and all bets are off. He likes her. He wants her. No more hiding his feelings. Things are going to happen now. He can be strong for her. He can put aside his hurt from the past. Or can he? Because her son Dylan is really struggling when he finds about Gabrielle and Jay and now Jay is realizing he may have moved too quickly. Will he be able to get over his past because he knows that if he doesn't end up with Gabrielle- he will forever be alone.
This was a super short easy read with nice spice. I think I had a harder time connecting to the characters because of the length maybe? I would still recommend it. I am wondering if Adriana is going to make further books in this world- I am looking at you Della.
Thank you to Valentine PR, NetGalley and Adriana for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Training the Heart by Paisley Hope
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
tense
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
5.0
OMG yall- I had been intrigued by Wade when reading Holding the Reins, but I was not prepared for him in the least. He literally transformed in the duration of this book. He was this grump that had the responsibility of the world on his shoulders. He had a failed marriage behind his back. He had his horse trainer going out of maternity leave and then Ivy showed up. The literaly clutz that was a ray of sunshine. His complete opposite. Reading Wade do everything in his power to fight this draw to her was EPIC! I was at the edge of my seat. I found myself wanting to continue reading to finally be able to experience the moment he caved. But it was endearing to watch their relationship bud. Wade is a protector and loyal and once you are in his inner circle it takes A LOT for you to get thrown out. But reading about his family commenting on him smiling more and being like his old self was just so gratifying! And then we have Ivy over here who is literally faking it til she makes it. This woman was on the bad side of an emotionally abusive relationship and showed up at this ranch acting like she knew everything. She knew enough to be dangerous and then getting Wade's trust and his belief behind her made them an incredible team. Watching her attraction to him from the background come full circle was also amazing. I LOVED their chemistry. I LOVED the fact that after they had their night there was no what did we do but more like I want to do this every night. They were both all in without discussing it. I LOVED how they made each the best versions of themselves and helped each other see their full potential. I LOVED Wade getting tatted for Ivy without them having any sort of convo about what they were to each other. These two SHOWED how they felt with how they acted. They showed up for each other time and time again and man was their spice next level. Paisley I am on to you HAHA.
Ivy is hoping and praying that her ex Brad is going to get the hint that they are done now that she is gone. She is going to be the horse trainer at Silver Pines while theirs is on maternity leave. She has her own way of doing things. She is all about connecting with the horses on a deeper level vs just telling them how it is. She doesn't know is this technique is going to work with her new boss Wade Ashby. The literal hottest cowboy/man/being she has ever encountered. And man do they get along like oil and water. He is old school and seems to be set in his ways, but she is here to work alongside him and show him that her ways can work too. What she doesn't expect is for him to show up and help her in the biggest way when she gets hurt. She finds herself sleeping in his cabin. Waking up to post it notes on how to work everything in his place. Waking up in the middle of the night watching action movies and eating ice cream with him. She finds herself connecting with him in a way she hasn't in a long time. She finds herself clicking with his whole family. They keep fighting this push and pull between them. She knows he is her boss and that is the line right?? But then they go to Nashville for a weekend and all bets are off. She can't fight it anymore. She knows it. He knows it. And then what they share is beyond explosive. She is ruined for all other men. She finds herself with no regrets. She finds herself falling for him hard and fast. He makes her feel things she hasn't felt before. He worships her body and mind. He honors her as an employee and respects that line when they are working but he also pushes her and shows her he believes in her. And when he lets his family know that they are thing, she is beyond ecstatic because Wade is nothing if not private. But then her past comes back to haunt her and she freaks out. What if she can't give him what he wants. What if what is happening is all a mistake. But of course Wade steps in and helps her see that they are in fact meant to be and that she is HIS!
Wade wants to say no immediately to Ivy. She was ten minutes late to her interview. She is too beautiful to be on his ranch. She is going to be a distraction to everyone but of course not him. He doesn't have time for distractions but somehow her she is- working for him and bringing all of her non traditional ways to work with the horses. He can't help himself but be drawn to her. She is literal sunshine in his dark cloud of a life right now. He keeps fighting this thing between them though. She is his employee for goodness sake. But then she gets hurt and he offers to help her recoup. Now they are roommates and he doesn't understand why he allowed this torture to happen. They are watching actions movies together and hanging out like an old married couple. If there is silence between them it doesn't feel awkward or forced but natural. Still though there is a line but then they kiss. And even though they get interrupted, he can't stop thinking about it. So when she walks in on him in a compromising position, they are all over each other. They have an unforgettable night together and things just progress from there. He has no regrets. He may not be big on words but he is big on action. So he shows her how he cares with his actions. He gets tatted. He worships her body and mind. He listens to her experience with her ex. He is there for her when she needs it. Who cares what other people think? It's him and her now. But then she freaks and he doesn't know how to help her. He might now know all the answers but he knows one thing- he isn't letting her go because all he sees in the future is her.
I absolutely loved this. As I said, Wade had a big transformation in this but so did Ivy. Our girl was broken but put on a front that all was well. Wade helped her get mended back together. He helped her see her true value. He helped her fix relationships in her life that needed fixing. He was there when she didn't even know she needed him. And then she helped Wade lower his walls. She helped the old Wade come back to surface. I felt so much reading this- I laughed out loud. I was on the edge of my seat. I was swooning with Ivy at the description of Wade in a towel. I was in awe of how Wade treated Ivy. I loved the found family aspect and I legit CAN'T wait to read Ginger and Cole. I have a feeling there is more going on behind the scenes than we know and can't WAIT until things finally happen between these two!! I can't recommend this series enough- I really loved Nash and CeCe but Ivy and Wade took it to a whole other level!
Thank you to NetGalley and Paisley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Ivy is hoping and praying that her ex Brad is going to get the hint that they are done now that she is gone. She is going to be the horse trainer at Silver Pines while theirs is on maternity leave. She has her own way of doing things. She is all about connecting with the horses on a deeper level vs just telling them how it is. She doesn't know is this technique is going to work with her new boss Wade Ashby. The literal hottest cowboy/man/being she has ever encountered. And man do they get along like oil and water. He is old school and seems to be set in his ways, but she is here to work alongside him and show him that her ways can work too. What she doesn't expect is for him to show up and help her in the biggest way when she gets hurt. She finds herself sleeping in his cabin. Waking up to post it notes on how to work everything in his place. Waking up in the middle of the night watching action movies and eating ice cream with him. She finds herself connecting with him in a way she hasn't in a long time. She finds herself clicking with his whole family. They keep fighting this push and pull between them. She knows he is her boss and that is the line right?? But then they go to Nashville for a weekend and all bets are off. She can't fight it anymore. She knows it. He knows it. And then what they share is beyond explosive. She is ruined for all other men. She finds herself with no regrets. She finds herself falling for him hard and fast. He makes her feel things she hasn't felt before. He worships her body and mind. He honors her as an employee and respects that line when they are working but he also pushes her and shows her he believes in her. And when he lets his family know that they are thing, she is beyond ecstatic because Wade is nothing if not private. But then her past comes back to haunt her and she freaks out. What if she can't give him what he wants. What if what is happening is all a mistake. But of course Wade steps in and helps her see that they are in fact meant to be and that she is HIS!
Wade wants to say no immediately to Ivy. She was ten minutes late to her interview. She is too beautiful to be on his ranch. She is going to be a distraction to everyone but of course not him. He doesn't have time for distractions but somehow her she is- working for him and bringing all of her non traditional ways to work with the horses. He can't help himself but be drawn to her. She is literal sunshine in his dark cloud of a life right now. He keeps fighting this thing between them though. She is his employee for goodness sake. But then she gets hurt and he offers to help her recoup. Now they are roommates and he doesn't understand why he allowed this torture to happen. They are watching actions movies together and hanging out like an old married couple. If there is silence between them it doesn't feel awkward or forced but natural. Still though there is a line but then they kiss. And even though they get interrupted, he can't stop thinking about it. So when she walks in on him in a compromising position, they are all over each other. They have an unforgettable night together and things just progress from there. He has no regrets. He may not be big on words but he is big on action. So he shows her how he cares with his actions. He gets tatted. He worships her body and mind. He listens to her experience with her ex. He is there for her when she needs it. Who cares what other people think? It's him and her now. But then she freaks and he doesn't know how to help her. He might now know all the answers but he knows one thing- he isn't letting her go because all he sees in the future is her.
I absolutely loved this. As I said, Wade had a big transformation in this but so did Ivy. Our girl was broken but put on a front that all was well. Wade helped her get mended back together. He helped her see her true value. He helped her fix relationships in her life that needed fixing. He was there when she didn't even know she needed him. And then she helped Wade lower his walls. She helped the old Wade come back to surface. I felt so much reading this- I laughed out loud. I was on the edge of my seat. I was swooning with Ivy at the description of Wade in a towel. I was in awe of how Wade treated Ivy. I loved the found family aspect and I legit CAN'T wait to read Ginger and Cole. I have a feeling there is more going on behind the scenes than we know and can't WAIT until things finally happen between these two!! I can't recommend this series enough- I really loved Nash and CeCe but Ivy and Wade took it to a whole other level!
Thank you to NetGalley and Paisley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Rules for Second Chances by Maggie North
adventurous
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
I was so on the fence about this one because I kept seeing it recommended by other authors I like but the reviews seem so mixed. I have to say I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. The premise is unlike anything I have read before. As were the characters to be honest or really just Liz. There were so many things that made this book unique in my opinion. We have a marriage that is failing. We have two characters that have opposite opinions on how to handle it. We have an improv class that turns into kind of couples therapy in the BEST way. We have relationships that are not healthy in this but that are endured because of how things can look to the world or be misinterpreted.
I have to say I had a hard time connecting with Liz at first. We start off with her being so blunt with Tobin- she's done. She has been trying to tell Tobin her challenges for a minute but he isn't hearing her. Well he is now. She moves out. She doesn't give him a chance at first which is what I struggled with BUT as I mentioned there was a lot of background we missed. Tobin just seemed like a lost puppy without Liz. Liz is at a point in her life where she feels like she has lost herself. She has been in a marriage where she doesn't feel heard and at a job where she keeps getting passed up. She needs a change of scenery. So she decides to push the envelope and take an improv class. The problem is that the teacher happens to be one of Tobin's best friends, and they haven't told anyone that they are on a break (whatever that means). She decides that she isn't going to back out. She is going to do this! Then Tobin approaches her about trying something a little outside of the box. His friend also wrote a book about couples therapy- it puts couples in different environments and tries to rebuild the foundation they had from the start. Liz finds herself agreeing reluctantly. But every scenario they have reminds her of the man she fell in love with. The man who is doing all of these ridiculous things lie dressing up as a pirate or a merman and not talking so their body language will. But Liz has put these rules in place like no touching or kissing. She wants clear boundaries. She has made up her mind on where they are- but now she is starting to question if she is losing the best thing she ever had and if she has pushed Tobin too far to get him back to tell him how she really feels.
I can't recommend this one enough. I found myself covering my eyes from embarrassment, laughing out loud, swooning, crying. Just such a wide range of emotions because of what this couple went through. I LOVED watching them reconnect and realize that all is not lost and that relationships are WORK. This was a breath of fresh air in my opinion and I am SO happy that I got that ARC for book 2- can't wait to watch those two unravel each other :)
I have to say I had a hard time connecting with Liz at first. We start off with her being so blunt with Tobin- she's done. She has been trying to tell Tobin her challenges for a minute but he isn't hearing her. Well he is now. She moves out. She doesn't give him a chance at first which is what I struggled with BUT as I mentioned there was a lot of background we missed. Tobin just seemed like a lost puppy without Liz. Liz is at a point in her life where she feels like she has lost herself. She has been in a marriage where she doesn't feel heard and at a job where she keeps getting passed up. She needs a change of scenery. So she decides to push the envelope and take an improv class. The problem is that the teacher happens to be one of Tobin's best friends, and they haven't told anyone that they are on a break (whatever that means). She decides that she isn't going to back out. She is going to do this! Then Tobin approaches her about trying something a little outside of the box. His friend also wrote a book about couples therapy- it puts couples in different environments and tries to rebuild the foundation they had from the start. Liz finds herself agreeing reluctantly. But every scenario they have reminds her of the man she fell in love with. The man who is doing all of these ridiculous things lie dressing up as a pirate or a merman and not talking so their body language will. But Liz has put these rules in place like no touching or kissing. She wants clear boundaries. She has made up her mind on where they are- but now she is starting to question if she is losing the best thing she ever had and if she has pushed Tobin too far to get him back to tell him how she really feels.
I can't recommend this one enough. I found myself covering my eyes from embarrassment, laughing out loud, swooning, crying. Just such a wide range of emotions because of what this couple went through. I LOVED watching them reconnect and realize that all is not lost and that relationships are WORK. This was a breath of fresh air in my opinion and I am SO happy that I got that ARC for book 2- can't wait to watch those two unravel each other :)
What It Should Be by Grayce Rian
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
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 the first book in this series on my radar when I was luck enough to get an ARC for this one! Now I can't WAIT to go back and read book 1. This was easy to read as a standalone and my understanding is that the timelines are parallel to the events that occur in book 1. I liked the twist on the nanny in this one. Normally it's the nanny and the dad, but in this case it was the nanny with the uncle- gasp! I liked the age gap between Dakota and Carson. Carson was just the freaking CUTEST! He was enthralled with Dakota from day one and was not afraid to say it. He showed her in every way possible however she would hear him that he was there for her. He helped her through a dark time and showed her what real love could be like. Dakota meanwhile was a woman on the run. She had a past that made her jumpy and mysterious. This book helped to show that if you are surrounded by the right people under the right circumstances, you will flourish and that is what happened with Dakota. I loved their tension and build up. I will say this was a slow burn in the true sense of the word. I don't think anything happened until 60% of the book BUT it did make sense with the story AND killed me at the same time haha.
Dakota is looking for a change of pace. Her husband doesn't know it yet but she is secretly working on getting a divorce and in order to do that she needs some money. Which is how she has found herself here applying for a nanny position. She is planning on working with McKenna but it is her brother Carson who she finds herself really drawn to. There is something about him that she can't stop thinking about. Now that Dakota has the job she is around him all the time. She loves the freedom and flexibility this job is giving her. So when things explode between her and her soon to be ex she turns to Carson. And he shows up for her like no one has before. He holds her hand. He tells her how strong she is. He helps her recognize what she is capable of. And that is how she now finds herself living with Carson while getting divorced. McKenna has reconnected with her daughter's dad so not only is Dakota living there but it is just the two of them. They do all the things "friends" do- watch movies, talk about everything and yet Dakota thinks that maybe more could happen between them. Maybe she should give in to this thing. When Carson offers a trip to Europe all expenses paid to help a dream of Dakota's come true she finds herself saying yes. She finds herself saying a lot of things like she's ready to see where this thing goes. She cares for Carson. She wants a future with him. She is HAPPY. But the past has a way of rearing it's ugly head when you least expect it. Dakota just hopes Carson will be patient with her as she works through it because now that she has him- she doesn't want to let him go.
Carson has a new outlook on life. That will happen when your twin sister has a baby and the dad is not in the picture. So Carson is doing all of his uncle duties to the fullest. But when his sister, McKenna, suggests getting a nanny he doesn't know what to think until he meets her. Dakota. The woman he finds himself having a reaction like he never has before. Even when he finds out that she is married he finds himself telling he will wait however long he needs to. As long as he is in her life in whatever capacity it's perfect. Now McKenna has reconnected with her ex Griffin and Carter feels himself thinking about his future. And it all circles back to Dakota. So when she calls him after the unthinkable has happened, he is there for her. He will go to war for her if it will help. The least he can do is offer her a place to stay while she works through what has happened. Which is how he finds himself with a new roommate that he wants more with. But first he wants to help her heal. Which is what he does. He gives her the freedom she needs and supports her however she needs him. When the perfect getaway comes up, he offers Dakota a trip to Europe. He wants to help her become successful in this new career she is looking into. He feels things have shifted between them but he wants to make sure she is all in. So when she says she is- he almost doesnt believe his ears. He is BEYOND ecstatic. His dream girl is now a reality. Though it seems they are moving fast, he has been pining for her for a year! So when her past comes back to bite them, he realizes he has to fight more than he thought he would to help her understand his intentions. Because she is his future period.
I don't think I have read a book where the MC is this enamored with the FMC throughout the WHOLE book- it was ADORABLE and PERFECTLY Carson. I liked how this transitioned from strangers to friends to almost best friends to move. The way that Carson helped Dakota work through her struggles was just chef's kiss. Also can we talk about that chess scene YALL?! IYKYK. I almost blew out my drink when Griffin asked about playing with that set haha. I liked the cast of supporting characters here and can't wait to go back and read McKenna and Griffin's- I know that one is going to be heavy but worth it. Also can't wait to see how Bennett folds for his attraction to Scarlett. And who is Jackson going to end up with? This is why I love series yall!! I definitely recommend picking this one up if you are looking for a spicy friends to move with a splash of sports and fun family banter.
Thank you to Luna Literary and Grayce for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Dakota is looking for a change of pace. Her husband doesn't know it yet but she is secretly working on getting a divorce and in order to do that she needs some money. Which is how she has found herself here applying for a nanny position. She is planning on working with McKenna but it is her brother Carson who she finds herself really drawn to. There is something about him that she can't stop thinking about. Now that Dakota has the job she is around him all the time. She loves the freedom and flexibility this job is giving her. So when things explode between her and her soon to be ex she turns to Carson. And he shows up for her like no one has before. He holds her hand. He tells her how strong she is. He helps her recognize what she is capable of. And that is how she now finds herself living with Carson while getting divorced. McKenna has reconnected with her daughter's dad so not only is Dakota living there but it is just the two of them. They do all the things "friends" do- watch movies, talk about everything and yet Dakota thinks that maybe more could happen between them. Maybe she should give in to this thing. When Carson offers a trip to Europe all expenses paid to help a dream of Dakota's come true she finds herself saying yes. She finds herself saying a lot of things like she's ready to see where this thing goes. She cares for Carson. She wants a future with him. She is HAPPY. But the past has a way of rearing it's ugly head when you least expect it. Dakota just hopes Carson will be patient with her as she works through it because now that she has him- she doesn't want to let him go.
Carson has a new outlook on life. That will happen when your twin sister has a baby and the dad is not in the picture. So Carson is doing all of his uncle duties to the fullest. But when his sister, McKenna, suggests getting a nanny he doesn't know what to think until he meets her. Dakota. The woman he finds himself having a reaction like he never has before. Even when he finds out that she is married he finds himself telling he will wait however long he needs to. As long as he is in her life in whatever capacity it's perfect. Now McKenna has reconnected with her ex Griffin and Carter feels himself thinking about his future. And it all circles back to Dakota. So when she calls him after the unthinkable has happened, he is there for her. He will go to war for her if it will help. The least he can do is offer her a place to stay while she works through what has happened. Which is how he finds himself with a new roommate that he wants more with. But first he wants to help her heal. Which is what he does. He gives her the freedom she needs and supports her however she needs him. When the perfect getaway comes up, he offers Dakota a trip to Europe. He wants to help her become successful in this new career she is looking into. He feels things have shifted between them but he wants to make sure she is all in. So when she says she is- he almost doesnt believe his ears. He is BEYOND ecstatic. His dream girl is now a reality. Though it seems they are moving fast, he has been pining for her for a year! So when her past comes back to bite them, he realizes he has to fight more than he thought he would to help her understand his intentions. Because she is his future period.
I don't think I have read a book where the MC is this enamored with the FMC throughout the WHOLE book- it was ADORABLE and PERFECTLY Carson. I liked how this transitioned from strangers to friends to almost best friends to move. The way that Carson helped Dakota work through her struggles was just chef's kiss. Also can we talk about that chess scene YALL?! IYKYK. I almost blew out my drink when Griffin asked about playing with that set haha. I liked the cast of supporting characters here and can't wait to go back and read McKenna and Griffin's- I know that one is going to be heavy but worth it. Also can't wait to see how Bennett folds for his attraction to Scarlett. And who is Jackson going to end up with? This is why I love series yall!! I definitely recommend picking this one up if you are looking for a spicy friends to move with a splash of sports and fun family banter.
Thank you to Luna Literary and Grayce for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Phantasma by Kaylie Smith
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
tense
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
5.0
This book was PHENOMENAL!! It kept popping up on my feed so I decided to see what all the fuss was about and added it to my book of the month box- OMG. SOO GOOD. I fell instantly into this story. There was romance. It was dark. There was intrigue and suspense, and a deadly competition. It kind of reminded me of book one of Crowns of Nyaxia but with people with special powers vs vampires if that makes sense? I loved the setting of New Orleans and then this house that changed and moved around the world to intrigue people into the dark and dangerous game it hosted. And of course, I loved the added element of being cursed if you fall in love while in this house. Our FMC was SO STRONG. She was just coming into her necromancing powers, and her family was an old bloodline. And then we had Blackwell who was a phantom that Ophelia can't seem to stay away from. She is drawn to him unlike she has been drawn to anyone before. And of course he is vague on how he can do what he is able to do. I loved Ophelia's sister and how she wanted Ophelia to get out from under the umbrella of becoming the head necromancer of the family. She just wanted Ophelia to live a little hence this story.
Ophelia has always known that she would take up her mother's mantle whenever the day came that she passed. But she did not expect it to be so soon. She also did not expect to find out how behind they were in their bills and that they might lose the house. She doesn't know what to do. She has to provide for her sister. She has to. So when she finds a clue that her sister has up and disappeared to this contest that they have always been told to stay away from- she does what any sister would do. She goes after her which is how she has found herself in an enchanted house with nine levels that she has to make her way through without dying to be able to find her sister and then possibly win the grand prize which is to grant any wish she wants. She doesn't expect to make friends as she has been a bit of a loner recently. She really doesn't expect to meet a lover- is that what we are calling Blackwell? He is a handsome phantom that shows up to help Ophelia. He has lost his memory about how he got to where he is so now Ophelia is helping him crack that code as well. But it seems that he is willing to help her along in this maze while also stirring this simmering chemistry between them. They decide they can enjoy each other's company- who could ever know. They won't catch feelings for each other. I mean they can't or Ophelia will be cursed. But the deeper Ophelia ends up in this house, the more secrets she learns about how this whole thing started. The more she learns about her mother and her sister and her dad. The more she learns about Blackwell. And when she finds a loophole and ends up in front of the maker himself well all bets are off. Because she is going to get her wish no matter what it costs her.
I can't recommend this one enough!! The ONLY thing that bothered me was how back and forth Ophelia and Blackwell were. I was invested and ready for the spice which was absolutely electric and then they would realize what was happening between them and put up some walls. I loved the other characters- I loved the diabolicalness of this house and the levels that Ophelia had to work through to get past them. This setting sounded ridiculously cool. I can't WAIT for book 2- if you haven't picked this one up yet- what are you waiting for??
Ophelia has always known that she would take up her mother's mantle whenever the day came that she passed. But she did not expect it to be so soon. She also did not expect to find out how behind they were in their bills and that they might lose the house. She doesn't know what to do. She has to provide for her sister. She has to. So when she finds a clue that her sister has up and disappeared to this contest that they have always been told to stay away from- she does what any sister would do. She goes after her which is how she has found herself in an enchanted house with nine levels that she has to make her way through without dying to be able to find her sister and then possibly win the grand prize which is to grant any wish she wants. She doesn't expect to make friends as she has been a bit of a loner recently. She really doesn't expect to meet a lover- is that what we are calling Blackwell? He is a handsome phantom that shows up to help Ophelia. He has lost his memory about how he got to where he is so now Ophelia is helping him crack that code as well. But it seems that he is willing to help her along in this maze while also stirring this simmering chemistry between them. They decide they can enjoy each other's company- who could ever know. They won't catch feelings for each other. I mean they can't or Ophelia will be cursed. But the deeper Ophelia ends up in this house, the more secrets she learns about how this whole thing started. The more she learns about her mother and her sister and her dad. The more she learns about Blackwell. And when she finds a loophole and ends up in front of the maker himself well all bets are off. Because she is going to get her wish no matter what it costs her.
I can't recommend this one enough!! The ONLY thing that bothered me was how back and forth Ophelia and Blackwell were. I was invested and ready for the spice which was absolutely electric and then they would realize what was happening between them and put up some walls. I loved the other characters- I loved the diabolicalness of this house and the levels that Ophelia had to work through to get past them. This setting sounded ridiculously cool. I can't WAIT for book 2- if you haven't picked this one up yet- what are you waiting for??
Forsaken Oath by Penelope Black
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
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
This is the second book in the Avalon Falls series but can be read as a standalone as you only get a few glimpses of Cora and Jasper. I have to say I did NOT see this book coming. I was thinking small town with a motorcycle group like book 1, but Penelope took us on another path, and I am HERE FOR IT! This was like Fast and the Furious in a small town with wonderful characters, intrigue/kind of suspense, and an HEA. I LOVED Beau Carter. His meet cute with Eloise was epic- I felt like I was reading the OG Twister in book form. I hated that they got separated after that but love how Beau kept referring to fate and kismet for them. They just had this insta connection. I am REALLY enjoying the books where the guy falls first and in this one Beau does- and OMG is it so cute when he realizes! I liked the thrill of reading the racing scenes. I liked the found family that Eloise had. Man that woman is a strong one- so protective of her family and putting everyone first. It was amazing to see her get treated like a queen while respecting what all she had been able to accomplish.
Eloise is working her way towards her main goal in life which is providing for her sisters. She only has a small amount of her loan to Seven Pines and Levi left to pay before they are free and clear. She is working through getting custody of her sisters so she can also get the woman called her mother off her back. With all of this in mind, she doesn't do things for herself ever. So when on a whim she ends up at a drive in and has an immediate connection with a blue eyed hottie- she kind of ignores it. But then they go through a crisis together and kind of get to know each other. The time with the unnamed man is the most comfortable she has been around someone in a long time. But she can't hang on to it. So even though they have an earth shattering kiss- she dips without giving him her name. Fast forward a month and Eloise has been entered into the Gauntlet which is an underground race. The winner gets an exorbitant amount of money which is what she needs. She has been trained in this area if you will. She is ready to put her name out there. What she is not ready for is seeing her man at the qualifier. Not as a racer but because he owns the track. He is none other than Beau Carter. Racing royalty. And he seems to have his sights on her. But she has to play it cool. Because now he has entered the contest and is her competition. But she finds herself drawn to him. She finds herself doing things for her and feeling supported by him. She finds herself letting him in more than anyone ever has been. But now they are towards the end of the race and the stakes are high. The owner of Seven Pines has threatened her situation if she doesnt cut ties- but how can she do that when it feels so right? When her sisters even like him. Will she be able to take back what she said before it's too late? Will their kismet come to fruition like Beau keeps saying it will?
Beau is in a bit of a rut. He has always raced and done well at it. But after he got the conditions for his grandmother's inheritance= his priorities have shifted. Now he is on the sidelines and feeling like he wants more in life than he thought he did before. So when he has a fated night as he calls it with a beautiful stranger, the feeling gets stronger. He believes it's fate when he runs into her again at the qualifier for the Gauntlet. And then again at the next race. He can't stop thinking about her. He wants to know everything about her. He wants to have a future with her but first he has to get her on board. He doesn't want to scare her away. He realizes there is more going on than he thought. She thinks her baggage will make him run, but clearly she has underestimated how much she means to him. Because he will do everything in her power for her to be free. He just hopes she doesn't disappear in the meantime.
This series has been great so far! Both books have had great characters. I can't say that I have read an underground racing book which just added to this one. I liked the found family aspect for Eloise and her sister's. I liked the glimpses into Cora and Jagger's life. I liked the bomb Graham dropped but haven't been able to figure out who he is "being forced" to marry- any one know?? Also love the hints dropped about Mason and Beau's sister- I am calling them as a book in this series! Anywho if you haven't picked this one up already, I definitely recommend it.
Thank you to Valentine PR and Penelope for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Eloise is working her way towards her main goal in life which is providing for her sisters. She only has a small amount of her loan to Seven Pines and Levi left to pay before they are free and clear. She is working through getting custody of her sisters so she can also get the woman called her mother off her back. With all of this in mind, she doesn't do things for herself ever. So when on a whim she ends up at a drive in and has an immediate connection with a blue eyed hottie- she kind of ignores it. But then they go through a crisis together and kind of get to know each other. The time with the unnamed man is the most comfortable she has been around someone in a long time. But she can't hang on to it. So even though they have an earth shattering kiss- she dips without giving him her name. Fast forward a month and Eloise has been entered into the Gauntlet which is an underground race. The winner gets an exorbitant amount of money which is what she needs. She has been trained in this area if you will. She is ready to put her name out there. What she is not ready for is seeing her man at the qualifier. Not as a racer but because he owns the track. He is none other than Beau Carter. Racing royalty. And he seems to have his sights on her. But she has to play it cool. Because now he has entered the contest and is her competition. But she finds herself drawn to him. She finds herself doing things for her and feeling supported by him. She finds herself letting him in more than anyone ever has been. But now they are towards the end of the race and the stakes are high. The owner of Seven Pines has threatened her situation if she doesnt cut ties- but how can she do that when it feels so right? When her sisters even like him. Will she be able to take back what she said before it's too late? Will their kismet come to fruition like Beau keeps saying it will?
Beau is in a bit of a rut. He has always raced and done well at it. But after he got the conditions for his grandmother's inheritance= his priorities have shifted. Now he is on the sidelines and feeling like he wants more in life than he thought he did before. So when he has a fated night as he calls it with a beautiful stranger, the feeling gets stronger. He believes it's fate when he runs into her again at the qualifier for the Gauntlet. And then again at the next race. He can't stop thinking about her. He wants to know everything about her. He wants to have a future with her but first he has to get her on board. He doesn't want to scare her away. He realizes there is more going on than he thought. She thinks her baggage will make him run, but clearly she has underestimated how much she means to him. Because he will do everything in her power for her to be free. He just hopes she doesn't disappear in the meantime.
This series has been great so far! Both books have had great characters. I can't say that I have read an underground racing book which just added to this one. I liked the found family aspect for Eloise and her sister's. I liked the glimpses into Cora and Jagger's life. I liked the bomb Graham dropped but haven't been able to figure out who he is "being forced" to marry- any one know?? Also love the hints dropped about Mason and Beau's sister- I am calling them as a book in this series! Anywho if you haven't picked this one up already, I definitely recommend it.
Thank you to Valentine PR and Penelope for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Delicate Escape by Catherine Cowles
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
tense
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
Catherine seriously knows what she is doing. I have found myself thinking how an author who has a similar MO in her books- small town with strong FMCs and suspense- does such a wonderful job of separating her characters and the plots from each other. They are all just perfectly different, and this one was great! I am REALLY enjoying this town and these characters. I was really curious to see who Shep would end up with after reading book 1- and then we met Thea and they were perfect. She had this super mysterious, extremely standoffish vibe about her, but Shep being Shep wouldn't stay away. He found a way to get her to trust him. He showed up constantly with food or things to fix up her house. He showed her he was interested and willing but he needed her to take the next steps and when she did it was HOT and PERFECT! I do love the lingering danger in Catherine's books. It felt like every time Thea would let her walls down a little bit, the threat would be reminded.
Thea is here for one reason and one reason only to be under the radar. She didn't mean to make friends or start to have people be invested in her. She didn't mean to catch the eye of her BF's brother who she happens to think us beyond handsome- yes Shep. But now that she has caught his eye, it's like he won't stop trying to help her and let him in. She knows she shouldn't but the man is just everything she has ever wanted. He is observant and has learned what she likes. He brings over 17 different things from the diner to make sure he gets what she likes. He listens to her and tells her things he hasn't told people. And then of course there is the tension between them. It keeps ratcheting higher and higher. And then he reenacts scenes from the books she likes and OMG this is what this is supposed to feel like. But Thea has to remind herself that she is closed off for a reason. She let her guard down to far this time and she might not only lose herself but the love of her life in the process.
Shep considers himself a protector. He wants to be there for people when they need him. He is persistent. At the same time, he hasn't found his person yet. Until he meets Thea. His sister's best friend. She is beyond closed off. She is like a scared animal that has been backed into a corner. But he knows how to work with that. He shows up and holds out his hand. Over and over again. He brings her food. He offers to help with her house. He offers to help her however he can. And to his dismay she starts to open up to him and it's like winning the lottery. She is everything. She is so strong but can't see it. Now his mission is to show her how amazing she is. He knows there are things she isn't telling him. He knows that she has a past. But he plans to be there for her. But then things happen so quickly and he realizes he might be too late. He has to save her though. He has to help her understand what she means to him and that she isn't this delicate person she thinks but in fact the strongest person he knows. He just has to get there in time to tell her!
This rollercoaster was once again wonderful. And man if I didn't think I figured out who the bad guy was only to once again be WRONG. Catherine how do you do it- I haven't been able to figure one out yet HAHA. I loved the healing on both parts in this one. Thea helped Shep work through the anxiety and things he had been dealing with that he hadn't told anyone. And then Shep helped Thea open up and show her how deserving she was of not only his love but everyone's. There is something so amazing about a man falling first and HARD and then helping to unravel his lady and lean on his love!
I am SOOO pumped for Cope and Sutton!! If you haven't started this series, I can't recommend it enough. You've got found family. Small town. Suspense. Hot spicy scenes. Wonderful chemistry with the added element of SUSPENSE!
Thea is here for one reason and one reason only to be under the radar. She didn't mean to make friends or start to have people be invested in her. She didn't mean to catch the eye of her BF's brother who she happens to think us beyond handsome- yes Shep. But now that she has caught his eye, it's like he won't stop trying to help her and let him in. She knows she shouldn't but the man is just everything she has ever wanted. He is observant and has learned what she likes. He brings over 17 different things from the diner to make sure he gets what she likes. He listens to her and tells her things he hasn't told people. And then of course there is the tension between them. It keeps ratcheting higher and higher. And then he reenacts scenes from the books she likes and OMG this is what this is supposed to feel like. But Thea has to remind herself that she is closed off for a reason. She let her guard down to far this time and she might not only lose herself but the love of her life in the process.
Shep considers himself a protector. He wants to be there for people when they need him. He is persistent. At the same time, he hasn't found his person yet. Until he meets Thea. His sister's best friend. She is beyond closed off. She is like a scared animal that has been backed into a corner. But he knows how to work with that. He shows up and holds out his hand. Over and over again. He brings her food. He offers to help with her house. He offers to help her however he can. And to his dismay she starts to open up to him and it's like winning the lottery. She is everything. She is so strong but can't see it. Now his mission is to show her how amazing she is. He knows there are things she isn't telling him. He knows that she has a past. But he plans to be there for her. But then things happen so quickly and he realizes he might be too late. He has to save her though. He has to help her understand what she means to him and that she isn't this delicate person she thinks but in fact the strongest person he knows. He just has to get there in time to tell her!
This rollercoaster was once again wonderful. And man if I didn't think I figured out who the bad guy was only to once again be WRONG. Catherine how do you do it- I haven't been able to figure one out yet HAHA. I loved the healing on both parts in this one. Thea helped Shep work through the anxiety and things he had been dealing with that he hadn't told anyone. And then Shep helped Thea open up and show her how deserving she was of not only his love but everyone's. There is something so amazing about a man falling first and HARD and then helping to unravel his lady and lean on his love!
I am SOOO pumped for Cope and Sutton!! If you haven't started this series, I can't recommend it enough. You've got found family. Small town. Suspense. Hot spicy scenes. Wonderful chemistry with the added element of SUSPENSE!
Forget Me Not by Julie Soto
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
tense
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
5.0
I absolutely LOVED this book! I listened to it via Libby and was so impatient with waiting to see when everything was going to happen that I also read it on Kindle haha. I read Not Another Love Song by Julie earlier this year and was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed it. This one was EVEN BETTER! I LOVED the characters and the way that Julie wove their story together for us. It is in dual POV but with a twist. We hear from Elliot but from the past when him and Ama first met which was absolutely brilliant and added so much to the story in my opinion. The chemistry between these two was amazing. The way that our grumpy florist Elliot acted so nonchalant but clearly was anything but was amazing. Ama and her arc if you will was perfect. I loved how Elliot pushed her to be the best. To understand what she deserved and to help her see how amazing she really was.
Ama is making it on her own as a wedding coordinator. She has been doing well so far but has recently been tapped by a BIG influencer and her fiance to do their wedding which is going to really push her. Not only because she has never managed a wedding budget this big but because of the fact that they want to use her ex, Elliot as the florist. Ama knows he is the best but with her other clients she has been able to steer the conversation away from him. Now they are going to be interacting and WORKING together for the first time since the last time they saw each other which is when she blew up and then promptly ghosted him. She has regrets about it all but is too stubborn to acknowledge it. The other challenge with the wedding is that she is going to have to reach out to her old boss to help out with vendors because the brides want to get married in less than 6 months! So now Ama is trying to keep it cool while having butterflies and remembering the way Elliot's lips tasted and the things they used to do in his shop. She is keeping it cool while her brides are pushing the envelope further and further on this wedding, but Ama knows if she can pull it off it will be amazing. So she puts her absolute all into this thing while ignoring the fact that Whitney, her old boss, may in fact be trying to take this thing over and she has definitely fallen back in love with her ex who has helped her realize so many things about herself. That wasn't their time but this may be now, if she isn't too late. If he hasn't given up on her.
I loved reading Elliot's POV because of how baffled he was by Ama. Like in a I have never experienced a girl like this and how I feel about her is scary in the best way. Though he came off as a grump, he was really just uber introverted while being extremely thoughtful. He is probably one of fav book boyfriends. He was so subtly romantic and just so THERE for Ama. He was one of the guys who KNOWS she can do it alone but wants her to know she doesn't HAVE to.
My absolute favorite quote was "Because I'm coming." IYKYK!
I felt so much while reading this book. Second chance is my absolute favorite trope!!! Even though I am not a huge angst person- I LOVE it in these because you know there was some sort of misunderstanding and the chemistry is usually still sooo strong. This one was all of that and more. I was sitting at the edge of my seat waiting for the F it moment to happen. I was swooning at Elliot and all of his Elliotness. I was whopping when Ama made her claim of her awesomeness to the word AND the fact that she was in fact able to pull of the amazing wedding. I was heartbroken reading how things fell apart between them because one of them was too scared at the time. And then my heart was put back together when they both realized that they were meant to be.
If you haven't read this one or Not Another Love Story- I can't recommend them enough! I am SOO pumped to get to see Julie when she comes to ATL for Love Yall Fest next year!!
Ama is making it on her own as a wedding coordinator. She has been doing well so far but has recently been tapped by a BIG influencer and her fiance to do their wedding which is going to really push her. Not only because she has never managed a wedding budget this big but because of the fact that they want to use her ex, Elliot as the florist. Ama knows he is the best but with her other clients she has been able to steer the conversation away from him. Now they are going to be interacting and WORKING together for the first time since the last time they saw each other which is when she blew up and then promptly ghosted him. She has regrets about it all but is too stubborn to acknowledge it. The other challenge with the wedding is that she is going to have to reach out to her old boss to help out with vendors because the brides want to get married in less than 6 months! So now Ama is trying to keep it cool while having butterflies and remembering the way Elliot's lips tasted and the things they used to do in his shop. She is keeping it cool while her brides are pushing the envelope further and further on this wedding, but Ama knows if she can pull it off it will be amazing. So she puts her absolute all into this thing while ignoring the fact that Whitney, her old boss, may in fact be trying to take this thing over and she has definitely fallen back in love with her ex who has helped her realize so many things about herself. That wasn't their time but this may be now, if she isn't too late. If he hasn't given up on her.
I loved reading Elliot's POV because of how baffled he was by Ama. Like in a I have never experienced a girl like this and how I feel about her is scary in the best way. Though he came off as a grump, he was really just uber introverted while being extremely thoughtful. He is probably one of fav book boyfriends. He was so subtly romantic and just so THERE for Ama. He was one of the guys who KNOWS she can do it alone but wants her to know she doesn't HAVE to.
My absolute favorite quote was "Because I'm coming." IYKYK!
I felt so much while reading this book. Second chance is my absolute favorite trope!!! Even though I am not a huge angst person- I LOVE it in these because you know there was some sort of misunderstanding and the chemistry is usually still sooo strong. This one was all of that and more. I was sitting at the edge of my seat waiting for the F it moment to happen. I was swooning at Elliot and all of his Elliotness. I was whopping when Ama made her claim of her awesomeness to the word AND the fact that she was in fact able to pull of the amazing wedding. I was heartbroken reading how things fell apart between them because one of them was too scared at the time. And then my heart was put back together when they both realized that they were meant to be.
If you haven't read this one or Not Another Love Story- I can't recommend them enough! I am SOO pumped to get to see Julie when she comes to ATL for Love Yall Fest next year!!