Scan barcode
missdevo's reviews
255 reviews
Well and Truly Pucked by Lauren Blakely
emotional
funny
hopeful
5.0
From the ridiculous to the sublime...
Lauren Blakely has another smash on her hands. The characters, the story, the emotional hook, and the delicious spice all come together in this delightful package. I've been a long time fan of this author's work, so I was excited to see her enter the hockey romance subgenre in a big way. I was not disappointed!
Blakely is a rom-com icon, and her chops are definitely on show here, starting with the great cat rescue of Ms. Frances Furbottom from the dastardly clutches of Briar's ex boyfriend and his new girlfriend. The story slides from slapstick to sensuous, and for me, it's the spice where she really shines. It's super hot, emotional, and varied. Sometimes in a spice heavy book, things can get repetitive and I start to skim- not so here. I savored every well written spicy scene like a decadent dessert. The journey for Briar to be comfortable enough with her own pleasure to ask for, and describe what she wants is so rewarding. I also appreciate the mental health rep we get with the character development in both Briar and her men, from anxiety and control issues, to struggles with vulnerability. Rhys, Hollis, and Gavin are friends that feel like family, and I loved that once they fell for Briar it was a priority to put everything on the line up front with each other to preserve their bond aside from their feelings for her.
I read the book on my kindle, but I will definitely be checking out the audio soon too because I am an avid audiobook girlie. It's narrated with a full cast including Samantha Brentmoor, Jason Clarke, Connor Crais, and Teddy Hamilton! I can't wait to hear some of the scenes I read with this talent bringing them to life.
Lauren Blakely has another smash on her hands. The characters, the story, the emotional hook, and the delicious spice all come together in this delightful package. I've been a long time fan of this author's work, so I was excited to see her enter the hockey romance subgenre in a big way. I was not disappointed!
Blakely is a rom-com icon, and her chops are definitely on show here, starting with the great cat rescue of Ms. Frances Furbottom from the dastardly clutches of Briar's ex boyfriend and his new girlfriend. The story slides from slapstick to sensuous, and for me, it's the spice where she really shines. It's super hot, emotional, and varied. Sometimes in a spice heavy book, things can get repetitive and I start to skim- not so here. I savored every well written spicy scene like a decadent dessert. The journey for Briar to be comfortable enough with her own pleasure to ask for, and describe what she wants is so rewarding. I also appreciate the mental health rep we get with the character development in both Briar and her men, from anxiety and control issues, to struggles with vulnerability. Rhys, Hollis, and Gavin are friends that feel like family, and I loved that once they fell for Briar it was a priority to put everything on the line up front with each other to preserve their bond aside from their feelings for her.
I read the book on my kindle, but I will definitely be checking out the audio soon too because I am an avid audiobook girlie. It's narrated with a full cast including Samantha Brentmoor, Jason Clarke, Connor Crais, and Teddy Hamilton! I can't wait to hear some of the scenes I read with this talent bringing them to life.
All My Love by Morgan Elizabeth
5.0
"I am terrified of weather 'cause I see you when it rains." - Noah Kahan
If you're looking for a story to tear you apart and then put you back together, you've found it. This book is such a journey. It's Noah Kahan coded, and that tracks really well through the book (I highly suggest listening to the song that matches the chapter title as you go), but the author is also a self-proclaimed Swiftie, and let's face it - this has TTPD written all over it too. My previous reads by this author have all been Rom-Coms, which she is masterful at writing, but this book is different. With inspiration from Sweet Home Alabama and the Notebook, this second chance rock star romance will draw you in quickly and had me in a chokehold until the final page.
This book feels so grounded and real and emotional in a whole new way. Stella is like a raw nerve in the world. She's so exposed by what she's experienced that she's taken every step she can to just shut out the world and keep surviving. The descriptions of her emotions and mental state are so well done. From childhood best friends with Riggins to falling in love and the devastating growing pains ahead, there is an underlying sweetness to the angst that honestly makes me think of melancholy love songs even without music being a central element in the story.
Riggins's story arc is no less traumatic. He knows he screwed up and hurt Stella badly, and the majority of the book is us watching him attempt a top tier book boyfriend grovel. The pining just rips at you in the best way when you learn his story. The then/now chapters bounce back and forth masterfully revealing the truth of all things you thought you understood.
If you love an angsty story full of pining and the ultimate grovel, READ THIS BOOK! It is now my favorite Morgan Elizabeth book. Check the content warnings if you have sensitivities, but from my perspective everything is handled with care and nothing is gratuitous.
Thank you to Valentine PR for the ARC and opportunity to review.
If you're looking for a story to tear you apart and then put you back together, you've found it. This book is such a journey. It's Noah Kahan coded, and that tracks really well through the book (I highly suggest listening to the song that matches the chapter title as you go), but the author is also a self-proclaimed Swiftie, and let's face it - this has TTPD written all over it too. My previous reads by this author have all been Rom-Coms, which she is masterful at writing, but this book is different. With inspiration from Sweet Home Alabama and the Notebook, this second chance rock star romance will draw you in quickly and had me in a chokehold until the final page.
This book feels so grounded and real and emotional in a whole new way. Stella is like a raw nerve in the world. She's so exposed by what she's experienced that she's taken every step she can to just shut out the world and keep surviving. The descriptions of her emotions and mental state are so well done. From childhood best friends with Riggins to falling in love and the devastating growing pains ahead, there is an underlying sweetness to the angst that honestly makes me think of melancholy love songs even without music being a central element in the story.
Riggins's story arc is no less traumatic. He knows he screwed up and hurt Stella badly, and the majority of the book is us watching him attempt a top tier book boyfriend grovel. The pining just rips at you in the best way when you learn his story. The then/now chapters bounce back and forth masterfully revealing the truth of all things you thought you understood.
If you love an angsty story full of pining and the ultimate grovel, READ THIS BOOK! It is now my favorite Morgan Elizabeth book. Check the content warnings if you have sensitivities, but from my perspective everything is handled with care and nothing is gratuitous.
Thank you to Valentine PR for the ARC and opportunity to review.
Resisting the Grump by Ashley Munoz
4.0
The book is great. I love a grump with a filthy mouth. The amount of time it took for the secret to be revealed was teetering on the edge of annoying me, but the story was really good. The audio however leaves quite a bit to be desired to my taste. Neither narrator really seemed to fit their character. They might as well have been reading a picture book to kindergartners for all the heat in their voices. To best enjoy this one, stick to the book. I would love to see it redone in a duet style with a much more growly male voice though!
Surprise for the Sniper: A Hockey Romance by Siena Trap
4.0
An emotional slow burn second chance story
Both of our main characters have had some rough times. Benji was abandoned by his father after the death of his mother, and Liv hid her teen pregnancy from everyone so that Benji could have his shot at escaping their small town through his talent playing hockey. Their emotional baggage stands between them when secrets get revealed in this slow burn spicy second chance romance.
I liked the fact that once everything is revealed, it wasn't instant forgiveness. The character journey of getting to that point was really well done. The Liv and Benji we meet in the beginning are not the same people at the end, and it all makes sense how he gets there. The healing isn't easy, but it's believable. There are times you want to smack Benji in the back of the head and tell him to get over himself.
I also want to acknowledge the body diversity portrayed in this book. In a lot of books I've read with "curvy" or "plus size" heroines, they are still described in ideals. Most often they are portrayed as blessed in the bra as an acceptable trade off for their size. As a plus size woman who is not built that way, to see something different was great. My blessings are similar to Liv's in the book, and I really appreciated seeing a character who isn't a Jessica Rabbit style of "curvy" with idealized larger shape still being seen as desirable.
Overall I enjoyed this read for the depth of the characters and overall plot and pacing. Thank you to the author for the ARC and chance to review.
Both of our main characters have had some rough times. Benji was abandoned by his father after the death of his mother, and Liv hid her teen pregnancy from everyone so that Benji could have his shot at escaping their small town through his talent playing hockey. Their emotional baggage stands between them when secrets get revealed in this slow burn spicy second chance romance.
I liked the fact that once everything is revealed, it wasn't instant forgiveness. The character journey of getting to that point was really well done. The Liv and Benji we meet in the beginning are not the same people at the end, and it all makes sense how he gets there. The healing isn't easy, but it's believable. There are times you want to smack Benji in the back of the head and tell him to get over himself.
I also want to acknowledge the body diversity portrayed in this book. In a lot of books I've read with "curvy" or "plus size" heroines, they are still described in ideals. Most often they are portrayed as blessed in the bra as an acceptable trade off for their size. As a plus size woman who is not built that way, to see something different was great. My blessings are similar to Liv's in the book, and I really appreciated seeing a character who isn't a Jessica Rabbit style of "curvy" with idealized larger shape still being seen as desirable.
Overall I enjoyed this read for the depth of the characters and overall plot and pacing. Thank you to the author for the ARC and chance to review.
Just For the Summer by Abby Jimenez
5.0
The wait between books feels longer and longer as Abby Jimenez cranks out banger after banger. I know going in that the mix of emotion and humor usually means I'll need a tissue before it's all said and done, and this book is no exception. The drama here is heavy, but several well timed comedic scenes provide levity and a release valve for the tension. Travel nursing has been more talked about since the pandemic, so it was cool to step a toe in that world and learn more about what that experience is like for Emma and Madd
The character development is always so good with this author. Justin and Emma come off the page as real complex people, and their emotional battles strike readers deeper for this reason. The writing makes me feel for them and with them. The trigger warnings are real for this one, so if you have sensitivities I would suggest checking them out before diving in. The mental health representation is handled with care, without stripping it of impact to the story.
I have loved everything of Abby's that I've read, and while I wouldn't rank this as my favorite, it's still an excellent read. I love finding all the little "easter eggs" written into the story from the "Abbyverse" too.
The character development is always so good with this author. Justin and Emma come off the page as real complex people, and their emotional battles strike readers deeper for this reason. The writing makes me feel for them and with them. The trigger warnings are real for this one, so if you have sensitivities I would suggest checking them out before diving in. The mental health representation is handled with care, without stripping it of impact to the story.
I have loved everything of Abby's that I've read, and while I wouldn't rank this as my favorite, it's still an excellent read. I love finding all the little "easter eggs" written into the story from the "Abbyverse" too.
Fake Flame by Adele Buck
4.0
Smoking hot love story with main characters over 30?! YES PLEASE!
Eva is a 41 year old English literature and p0p culture professor at Montgomery University. Sean is a 36 year old firefighter who is working his way through the classics in his down time. When he arrives on the truck dispatched to deal with a potential fire on the quad at the University, there's no fire, just a very pissed off woman at the end of her rope. Armed with an industrial can of roach spray and a pink Bic lighter, Eva has had it with her cheating ex's refusal to accept the break up, and is threatening to end yet another attempted grand gesture attempt to win her back with a homemade blow torch. Sparks fly right away, and with inspiration from a fellow romance reading firefighter, a plot to protect her with a fake dating scheme is born.
It seems too rare lately to find main characters over 30 with sexy stories. I love that these are fully formed adults with established lives that fall in love. He definitely falls first, and his desire to protect and take care of her is really sweet to me. There's an emotional maturity to their developing relationship that I really appreciated. Without revealing too much, the 3rd act drama is well developed and handled with sensitivity. It's a super realistic dilemma that plays out in a way that drew me further into the story instead of pulling me out. The spice is also really nice. It's sexy and sweet and dirty all at the right moments.
I feel the "fake dating" plot is abandoned pretty quickly once our characters have met each other. The suspense subplot that runs under the love story is ok, but lacks any real punch for me in terms of tension. I am way more invested in the dynamics of their budding relationship, than what's happening on that front. For me, there's more emotional tension between Eva and Sean to build on and make the resolution really payoff.
Overall I would definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a hot story with emotional depth that centers around older characters. It's a quick enjoyable read with some nice sizzle.
Thanks to Netgalley, Harlequin, and Afterglow Books by Harlequin for the ARC.
Eva is a 41 year old English literature and p0p culture professor at Montgomery University. Sean is a 36 year old firefighter who is working his way through the classics in his down time. When he arrives on the truck dispatched to deal with a potential fire on the quad at the University, there's no fire, just a very pissed off woman at the end of her rope. Armed with an industrial can of roach spray and a pink Bic lighter, Eva has had it with her cheating ex's refusal to accept the break up, and is threatening to end yet another attempted grand gesture attempt to win her back with a homemade blow torch. Sparks fly right away, and with inspiration from a fellow romance reading firefighter, a plot to protect her with a fake dating scheme is born.
It seems too rare lately to find main characters over 30 with sexy stories. I love that these are fully formed adults with established lives that fall in love. He definitely falls first, and his desire to protect and take care of her is really sweet to me. There's an emotional maturity to their developing relationship that I really appreciated. Without revealing too much, the 3rd act drama is well developed and handled with sensitivity. It's a super realistic dilemma that plays out in a way that drew me further into the story instead of pulling me out. The spice is also really nice. It's sexy and sweet and dirty all at the right moments.
I feel the "fake dating" plot is abandoned pretty quickly once our characters have met each other. The suspense subplot that runs under the love story is ok, but lacks any real punch for me in terms of tension. I am way more invested in the dynamics of their budding relationship, than what's happening on that front. For me, there's more emotional tension between Eva and Sean to build on and make the resolution really payoff.
Overall I would definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a hot story with emotional depth that centers around older characters. It's a quick enjoyable read with some nice sizzle.
Thanks to Netgalley, Harlequin, and Afterglow Books by Harlequin for the ARC.
Cruel Summer by Morgan Elizabeth
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I absolutely love this book. Spicy Swiftie-coded Rom-Coms with strong women who find men who understand their trauma and meet them where they are? *Chef's kiss* Cami is smart, tough, and downright ingenious when it comes to targeting someone's weakest spots. She's got super protective instincts around those she loves, and she's not afraid to go HAM when necessary. I adore Zach and how he cares for Cami. His gentle constant persistence and care for her is swoonworthy. Their dynamic together is so great, and the SPICE... the spice is next level. (The dirty talk, the "home movies"!) It's super hot and well written. Morgan Elizabeth is great at writing with heart and spice both. This 2nd installment of the Seasons of Revenge series, is getting me hyped for what's coming next too!
First Base by Ally Wiegand
hopeful
lighthearted
slow-paced
3.5
If you like closed door romance and baseball, this should be a home run.
I was all in on the concept of a team's social media photographer getting involved with the bad boy star of the team. While I liked and enjoyed this book, I didn't love it. I didn't feel super invested in the love story. It was somehow both insta-lovey and a bit of a slow burn, but it was lacking the sizzle and snap of tension to really keep me pushing toward the payoff. Maybe I am just not into closed door anymore? It's a very sweet story, that also touches on some serious topics, but that felt a little too surface to get me truly emotionally invested. Overall I'd say it was enjoyable, but maybe just not my thing 100%.
Thank you to Netgalley and 8th Note Press for the ARC.
I was all in on the concept of a team's social media photographer getting involved with the bad boy star of the team. While I liked and enjoyed this book, I didn't love it. I didn't feel super invested in the love story. It was somehow both insta-lovey and a bit of a slow burn, but it was lacking the sizzle and snap of tension to really keep me pushing toward the payoff. Maybe I am just not into closed door anymore? It's a very sweet story, that also touches on some serious topics, but that felt a little too surface to get me truly emotionally invested. Overall I'd say it was enjoyable, but maybe just not my thing 100%.
Thank you to Netgalley and 8th Note Press for the ARC.
Latte Darling by S.J. Tilly
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
4.5
Wowza! We've got a hot one here folks!
I listened to the Audio of this one, and I recommend you do too. I do love a good age gap, and this one is sooo good. Maddie is a strong, independent woman who is tired of carrying the load all on her own. She's seen her BFF fall in love, and she's ready to find her person too. Enter Axel (through a weird set of circumstances) to show her he's more than ready to take some of the weight off her shoulders. I love a hot blue collar Daddy (when it's well written and not cringe), and Axel is one of the best I've read. He's a sweet cinnamon roll of a burly man with a filthy mouth, and really, what more could a girl ask for? This book had me blushing, giggling, kicking my feet, and biting my lip in all the ways you want from a spicy read. This was a great palate cleanser for me too, and I can see myself rereading when I need something that hits like this book.
I listened to the Audio of this one, and I recommend you do too. I do love a good age gap, and this one is sooo good. Maddie is a strong, independent woman who is tired of carrying the load all on her own. She's seen her BFF fall in love, and she's ready to find her person too. Enter Axel (through a weird set of circumstances) to show her he's more than ready to take some of the weight off her shoulders. I love a hot blue collar Daddy (when it's well written and not cringe), and Axel is one of the best I've read. He's a sweet cinnamon roll of a burly man with a filthy mouth, and really, what more could a girl ask for? This book had me blushing, giggling, kicking my feet, and biting my lip in all the ways you want from a spicy read. This was a great palate cleanser for me too, and I can see myself rereading when I need something that hits like this book.
Roughing the Princess by Ivy Smoak
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? No
1.5
This wasn't good. I believe the author wrote it in an all-night sprint once news about Taylor and Travis broke. I wanted to love it. I may have given it more credit than I should have because I'm from KC, and invested in everything around this concept. I can't recommend this to anyone, and I wonder if the author would agree since she quickly pulled it from publication.