ljamison01's reviews
1104 reviews

The Renter by Serena Pier

emotional mysterious medium-paced

5.0

The Renter (is technically the second book in the SAGA series) is a story about Dani a young woman who works in marketing and had a promising career at a start up company until it went belly up. Now Dani is back home in Wisconsin living with her parents who aren’t happy to have her back home. While boating with her friends she stops at her aunts cabin to get some glasses and meets Adam. The attraction is immediate for both. After the boating trip she makes her way back to the cabin and her and Adam become intimate. As the intimacy grows we find out that there are connections between Adam and Dani that neither knew about. Dani finds out first and confesses to Adam who generally couldn’t care less. Adam who is this really nice guy trying to recover from a horrible divorce and just relax this summer is swept into a love affair with Dani and he has strong feelings for her. Adam is about 20 years older than Dani and he is all about doing for her and giving her stuff. Just a word of warning the author warns the reader at the beginning that this book with not have a traditional HEA. Dani’s love story will take place over several books with several men.   The story is fast moving Dani has a very interesting life and lots of complicated people in her life. She has an ex named Soren who is a drug dealer who almost had her addicted to drugs. (there is a novella about Soren but, I haven’t read it yet). Dani’s life is colorful and she is a sassy, take charge spitfire. I’m going to buckle up and enjoy the ride. Dani’s life will play out across 5 books in The SAGA Series which stands for Sorin, Adam, Gideon & Auden and each book will focus on a new man and a new relationship. The last book will be called The One where her true love (or final choice) will be revealed. 

Speak of the Devil by S.L. Scott

funny medium-paced

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

4.0

Cate is single, independent and about to purchase her very first home until she finds out that she is married. Cate isn’t married to just any guy but the lead drummer of a famous band and a guy she went to high school with. Cate tries to prove she is not married and when faced with losing her house she contacts Shane. Shane is curious about why Cate is contacting him and thinking she wants to hook up he goes to see her. The scene where she explains that they are married is hilarious. When they finally get a copy of their marriage license with Cate’s signature on it, the adventure begins. This is a very funny slow burn story of the two of them trying to unravel this mystery. These two are total opposites in personality as well as life styles. I loved how Cate saw through Shane’s exterior personality and got to really know him. I liked how Shane didn’t want to give up on this marriage before divorce. I liked the chemistry between the two of them. This was my first book by this author and I enjoyed all the sub plots that combined to make this an interesting, engaging story. 

Holiday Hoax by Nichole Greene

funny lighthearted fast-paced

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

5.0

This is a very cute holiday novella about Ian and Mia. These two know each other because her brother is married to his sister. They spent a day together after the wedding in Italy. They have a great friendship and after each one rescued the other, Ian proposes a deal that they fake date each other during the holiday season to keep his mother from setting him up on dates and to help solidify his plans of taking over the company and making the board of directors happy with him being settled with a nice girl. Suddenly their fake dating turns real and it’s steamy. This was a fast paced funny, lighthearted holiday romance without too much drama. This is the third novella in the Windy City Holidates series it was very enjoyable. This was a new author to me, but I enjoyed her writing style. 

The Risks We Take Duet by Bella Matthews

emotional inspiring sad medium-paced

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

5.0

I’m glad these books are presented as a duet. It’s horrible to read the first book and then have to wait for the second one’s release. In this duet we have Cooper and Carys, these two have known each other since childhood in fact they became step siblings when her mom married his dad. Cue the angst please. This book is so freaking angsty and I loved it. The pining the had for each, the longing it was delicious. And just when these two give in to their love, tragedy strikes. This story will have you tearing up. This couple experienced some of the lowest points and some high points, but their loved conquered all. Cooper is a true possessive alpha, who in the military and he has a lot to deal with and sometimes the struggle is overwhelming but he never forgets his love for Carys. Now Carys is strong, sassy and determined to be with her man Cooper. This is a great story of how love is strong enough to help two people through all the problems they face in live. I also enjoyed the bonus story giving us a glimpse of their life now. 

The Sinner's Sanctuary by August Jones

dark emotional mysterious sad 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? It's complicated

5.0

This is the third book in the Doormen of the Upper East Side series and it’s the first book in the series that I’ve read. I’m upset that I’ve never read anything by August Jones before because this book was so good. Christian is the doorman of this building that Gibson and his wife life in upstairs in the penthouse. Gibson knew Christian’s father from when they were younger, they weren’t friends but more than acquaintances. So Gibson helps Christian who lost his father by giving him the basement apartment and a job. Christian has worked for Gibson for about ten years. Gibson has been losing assistants every few weeks because of his wife. So his wife suggests that he hire Christian as his assistant. Christian is not really sure he wants the job. He prefers his life simple, working as a doorman, writing poems and having occasional hookups with women. Although when asked to talk about himself he leads with “I’m bisexual.” He admits he’s never slept with a man or been more intimate than receiving services from a man. This new job would require traveling which Christian desires. Now Gibson is a very complicated man. He’s married to a woman who refuses to be intimate with him, although she is intimate with others. She gets involved with these schemes to vindicate others and cause revenge. Poor Gibson is so incredibly lonely although he has various “pets” and he owns several sex clubs/dungeons. Something in Christian strikes a chord in him and he is strongly attracted to him although he is a straight man. I love MM books where it’s not about identifying as a homosexual or gay,  but it’s about attraction, desire and love. Their romance was so sweet. And the steamy times were hot. These two men were desperately searching for something and they found it in each other. Immediately after reading this book I bought the two previous books in this series. This was an amazing story with an interesting plot. 

Shadow by Adina D. Grey

dark emotional sad fast-paced

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

4.0

I would consider Shadow a novella. It’s a fast paced book and I was able to read it in under 2 hours. Chris is a young man who meet a woman named Leila who he had fallen in love with. But, since Chris is the second son and isn’t the favorite he is abused and neglected and had to keep Leila a secret. However, to his dismay his brother had found out about her and it became a problem. Chris and his brother have a horrible fight and Chris is sent from Italy to Seattle. Nicholas then begins a relationship with Leila and wedding invitations are sent. Chris is able to improve himself and gain self confidence and control once he is away from his father and brother. This book does have some horrific scenes that may make people uncomfortable so please check the trigger warnings before reading. I enjoyed the story I felt in some parts it was a little rushed and wished it was longer to really flesh out certain plot items. I believe there is another book coming out in this series.  But, if your looking for a fast paced mafia novella this one was good. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Rape and Sexual assault

Wild Bliss by Sophie Oak

emotional mysterious medium-paced

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

5.0

This is the 14th book in the Nights in Bliss, Colorado series. Although I’m a Lexi Blake fan this was my first book in the series. Bliss, Colorado is this small town where people live in threes. There is a lot of history in this town, many of the trios have rich and great stories about how the town has evolved. In this book we have Sawyer who escaped a very rough life with a MC he joined to watch over and save his brother. His brother ultimately went to jail, got out, married and had children but no longer talks to Sawyer. While Sawyer was in this club he befriended Wyatt who was born into this MC club. Now Sawyer is living in the mountains outside of Bliss and he feels that he is not good enough to mingle with the town people. He thinks the sheriff and the deputies are watching him and have a file on him. When Wyatt comes to live with him after leaving the MC he warns him that he needs to stay away from the town and that they have a file on him. Now Sabrina came to Bliss to help her sister but stayed when they agreed to build a school for her to run, and teach their children. Sawyer and Sabrina meet and it’s instant electricity but he refuses to connect with her and abruptly walks away. Months later Sabrina is driving up the mountain and runs her car off the road in the middle of a snow storm and is forced to spend several days alone with Sawyer and Wyatt. Needless to say this book is very hot and steamy and a little angsty. Because even though these three have bonded sexually there are lots of barriers to them being a new trio. This story was so good. It really deals with three people who never felt like there were good enough or worthy of love, respect and happiness and they have to fight their own feelings of inadequacies to get what they deserve. In the midst of their own emotional feelings there is real dangers headed their way. I truly would love to go back and read all the previous books (all 13) but my TBR is out of this world but I do think reading about how this town was formed and grown is probably worth it. 

Axe-identally Married by Daphne Elliot

funny mysterious medium-paced

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

4.0

This is the third book in the Maine Lumberjack series. However, this was my first book. Although each is a standalone they are connected and I think it’s beneficial to read all the books in order. In this book Cole and Willa accidentally get married in Vegas and decide to stay in this marriage of convenience. Cole is a hockey player and generally a very nice guy. Cole had a career ending injury and his unfortunate childhood has shaped him to really not want or expect too much and he pushed people away because he didn’t feel like he mattered. Now Willa is a doctor who is dependable, she’s protective and nurturing. I loved how she was always there for Cole defending him and taking care of him. This is a slow burn story that is very funny and you will definitely enjoy the small town vibes. I really wished I had read the other books because there is a mystery in the town and it seems as if it was started in the earlier books. Very enjoyable story. 

Pretty Heartache by Brittany Taylor

emotional hopeful medium-paced

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

4.0

This is the third book in the Harding Brother series. This book focuses on Micah the youngest brother. He was rich , carefree and a ladies man until he had to face some hard consequences. Because of this he has changed, he not the same man, he more reflective and thoughtful and dependable. Now when he is asked to watch his friend’s sister who comes to stay with him he is very protective over her. Adeline hasn’t been having a great life either. She was living with an abusive boyfriend and she needs to get away. Now it doesn’t help that she used to have a huge crush on Micah as a young girl. There is a slight age gap between the two. This story focuses on Adeline’s healing and how her love and acceptance helped Micah with his redemption. This is a very good story for those looking to redeem themselves and find the good in themselves and wanting someone to appreciate who they are and not who they were. It was a good story. 

Wildflowers and Wide Receivers by Kathryn Andrews

lighthearted medium-paced

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

5.0

This book is a reverse age gap, single dad romance. Jonah met Sophie on New Year’s Eve and they had  an amazing night together. Unfortunately the next day he found out his brother and sister in law died, and he was now responsible for his niece Vivi (who he calls Wildflower).  They had planned to meet for dinner after their night but in light of the tragedy he forgot to contact her. Two years later they reconnect when Vivi sprains her ankle and they visit the doctor which is what Sophie is.  Now these two seem to keep running into each other. Vivi really likes Sophie and invites her to her dance recital. Although Jonah asks Sophie out she admits she’s seeing someone although she is casually dating another doctor. After he and the doctor agreed to move on her friend set her and Jonah up to be at her beach house for a few days so that they can get to know each other better. The romance between them is very sweet and Jonah is definitely a cinnamon roll guy. He is such a great uncle/dad to his niece. He is loving and considerate and he even does a mini grovel to Sophie about not contacting her after the death of his brother. Sophie was a little wishy washy for my tastes. They had mutual friends she could have called and found out what happened and I also had some issues with how she treated the doctor she was seeing. This book will make you tear up some and make you feel good it was a very romantic.  I’m anticipating reading about the remaining football players and watching them fall in love too.