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mollyreadsandcrafts's reviews
939 reviews
Throw Down by Parker St. John
4.0
Briar moved to Sweetwater with Nate to escape his past and have a fresh start. He's always felt like an outsider, and being a flamboyant city boy in this small town makes him stand out even more. Derek is a large man with a bad attitude who's gotten himself a reputation around town. At a young age he had to put his life on hold and take care of his family, making him resentful and jaded. When they cross paths they have an undeniable connection, but have to carefully navigate their troubled pasts for a shot at happiness.
Briar and Derek couldn't be more different. I'm always a sucker for grumpy/sunshine kind of love and these two were a perfect example. While Derek was forced to be the protector and caregiver for his family, he finds himself actually wanting to be those things for Briar. Briar not only doesn't take this for granted, but he wants to give Derek that love and affections he's starved himself of. Briar looks past the prickly exterior to the big-hearted man underneath who just wants someone to take care of him for once. They did fall pretty fast for each other, but I was able to overlook it because they're so cute together. There were times I wanted to shake Derek a bit, but I love that Briar never gave up on him. They're definitely an odd but very endearing couple.
It was nice to see some of the other characters - especially West and his family from Derek's POV. You know he loves him family but it's such a complicated situation. They finally worked things out, a little late in my (and Briar's) opinion. I loved how Briar stood up for his man and didn't let them get away with how they've treated him. Derek needed someone just like Briar in his corner, fighting for what he's given up on. This whole family is loyal and devoted to one another, and Briar was right when he said they needed to remember why they've been fighting so hard for each other.
This is easily my favorite of the series, and I think it's because the dual POV. It added that depth that the previous books were missing. I'm loving small town, cowboy (adjacent) stuff right now and this was just what I wanted. I'll also never say no to a good fast and easy read. Onto the last one!
Read if you like:
• small town romance
• opposites attract
• size difference
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A Friend in the Glass by Gregory Ashe, C.S. Poe
3.5
This was just an okay book for me but a lot of that has to do with my personal preferences. I didn't love the mystery. The convoluted white collar/government conspiracy type stuff isn't really for me and I struggle to follow. As usual with this series there was a lot of fast paced action and twists and turns, but I wasn't nearly as invested because I just don't care as much about that stuff. I know this is more of my tastes, so if you like that type of crime don't let my review put you off!
On top of not loving the case, again there wasn't a ton of relationship development with Rufus and Sam. I feel like at the end we finally got a little something, but I just wish there was more depth to their romance. They have this great physical chemistry that comes across the few times they are intimate and I can see why they care about each other, but I'm just not feeling it.
I love Rufus as always, he's just a big sweetie under his street rat exterior. But as I predicted this plot had a lot more to do with Sam. We finally get to know what happened but I felt like everything with went could've been alluded to earlier. Sam has a huge reaction when Rufus's mental health problems are first brought up, leading to the cliffhanger at the end of book 1, but we never know why until now. I think if I knew a bit more of why Sam was struggling so much back then I could have empathized more and it would've given him more depth as a character. This feels really specific but it's because I've read Ashe write characters like this a lot better than how Sam was written and so I know that it could've been so good. Sam did kind of grow on me towards the end, and I'm hoping it continues on the next book.
Overall it was an easy, fast paced read (even if I didn't like the case) but I wish there was more of Rufus, just because I like him more than Sam, and more romantic chemistry between the two. Everything still feels a bit surface level. While this series has been a tad disappointing so far, I'll read the next for sure to see how things are going for these two.
Read if you like:
• romantic suspense
• opposites attract
• hurt/comfort
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A Friend in the Fire by Gregory Ashe, C.S. Poe
3.75
Rufus is struggling with his mental health and after the blow up in the last book, he's is trying to get better. This includes finding justice for his mom who was killed years ago and case remains unsolved. When things start getting dicey he calls Sam, who comes running from the other side of the country (from a corrupt, murderous small city we all know and love) to help.
This book focused a lot on Rufus which I liked, because I'm a big Rufus fan. He's so sincere and kind while also being kind of a brat, but in an endearing way. Rufus has had a rough life and has made the most of it, yet he's always thinking about Sam's comfort and needs even when things are tough. Sam is still just okay to me. He's still gruff and grumpy, but has a soft side only for Rufus. It's obvious how much he cares about Rufus, and he believes and supports him unconditionally while Rufus faces some hard truths from his past. I just think their relationship development is lacking a bit of oomph. Their first kiss caught me off guard in the last book, and their feelings confessions caught me off guard again in this one. I'm not really sold on the romance, but I also can just accept it and move on.
The mystery/crime plot really carried this one for me. Serial killer on the hunt again, decades old murders, personal stakes and near misses, it kept me on my toes. It's a fast paced, easy read that keeps things interesting. I wish we got a little more depth with their relationship to make everything that much better. Since this story was mostly Rufus focused, I've got a feeling the next will shed some light on Sam's mysterious background and hopefully he'll grow on me a little more.
Read if you like:
• romantic suspense
• opposites attract
• hurt/comfort
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Test Drive by Riley Hart
3.75
This was a super enjoyable read! I loved Justin and Drew's relationship, though Justin's dad being sick put kind of a bummer on the whole story. Such a great relationship though, through good and bad times.
Justin is going through a whole heck of a lot. His dad is dying from cancer, he finds out he has family he never knew existed, and he moves to a whole new place to be with them at the end of his father's life. It's sad and angsty but then comes along sweet Drew. They had such a great connection from the beginning. Justin is struggling and can't really deal with his new feelings but Drew is there to support him and be there for him no matter what. They are so open and honest about what they can give to each other and are so genuine. They laugh together, support one another, have great chemistry, and are just really compatible.
With Justin's dad being sick some of the plot seemed kind of repetitive. Lots of similar feelings being felt all the time, and like I said just kind of a bummer. But I did really enjoy their relationship, they had so many sweet moments. And of course seeing all our favorites from the previous books!
Read if you like:
• hurt/comfort
• grief & family sickness
• new/found family
Justin is going through a whole heck of a lot. His dad is dying from cancer, he finds out he has family he never knew existed, and he moves to a whole new place to be with them at the end of his father's life. It's sad and angsty but then comes along sweet Drew. They had such a great connection from the beginning. Justin is struggling and can't really deal with his new feelings but Drew is there to support him and be there for him no matter what. They are so open and honest about what they can give to each other and are so genuine. They laugh together, support one another, have great chemistry, and are just really compatible.
With Justin's dad being sick some of the plot seemed kind of repetitive. Lots of similar feelings being felt all the time, and like I said just kind of a bummer. But I did really enjoy their relationship, they had so many sweet moments. And of course seeing all our favorites from the previous books!
Read if you like:
• hurt/comfort
• grief & family sickness
• new/found family
Crossroads by Riley Hart
4.25
Nick is recently divorced and starting to live life on his own when he meets his new neighbor, Bryce. They quickly form a close friendship that surprises them both by turning into something more, and turns their lives upside down.
My favorite thing about this book is how their relationship seemed so realistic. I love reading about little mundane things that people connect over that help create a solid base for a relationship. It's not trauma bonding, childhood friends or any other kind of previous relationship/feelings, or just a physical outlet. It's a pure connection based on compatibility, honesty, and communication. It's hanging out every day when you get home, even for a few minutes to just chat. It's bringing over extra food because you have too much. It's the little things that really add up and that's exactly how their relationship started and why I think it was so strong through all their struggles.
Nick and Bryce definitely had their own insecurities, but I think their opposite personalities balanced out their relationship. Sometimes I was frustrated with Nick, sometimes Bryce, but overall I liked them a lot. They dealt with so many external factors so early into their relationship, but I'm glad they stayed strong with each other. I've read a lot of books lately that just gloss over some of the harder aspects of introducing a new relationship that isn't like their previous ones, so it was different to see the intimate details of the families' struggles (for different reasons).
I wish there was a little more lead up to the "oh dang we have feelings" part, but of course Bryce had to run headfirst into it like always. I also didn't love how they just assumed they were gay because that was "the only answer to being attracted to a guy". They researched all the sex but didn't really take time to research anything else? Just little parts that made me go "meh I wish that was handled better".
I've wanted to start Riley Hart's back list for a while, I'm a fan of their writing and characters and this didn't disappoint!
Read if you like:
• friends to lovers
• neighbors
• opposites attract
My favorite thing about this book is how their relationship seemed so realistic. I love reading about little mundane things that people connect over that help create a solid base for a relationship. It's not trauma bonding, childhood friends or any other kind of previous relationship/feelings, or just a physical outlet. It's a pure connection based on compatibility, honesty, and communication. It's hanging out every day when you get home, even for a few minutes to just chat. It's bringing over extra food because you have too much. It's the little things that really add up and that's exactly how their relationship started and why I think it was so strong through all their struggles.
Nick and Bryce definitely had their own insecurities, but I think their opposite personalities balanced out their relationship. Sometimes I was frustrated with Nick, sometimes Bryce, but overall I liked them a lot. They dealt with so many external factors so early into their relationship, but I'm glad they stayed strong with each other. I've read a lot of books lately that just gloss over some of the harder aspects of introducing a new relationship that isn't like their previous ones, so it was different to see the intimate details of the families' struggles (for different reasons).
I wish there was a little more lead up to the "oh dang we have feelings" part, but of course Bryce had to run headfirst into it like always. I also didn't love how they just assumed they were gay because that was "the only answer to being attracted to a guy". They researched all the sex but didn't really take time to research anything else? Just little parts that made me go "meh I wish that was handled better".
I've wanted to start Riley Hart's back list for a while, I'm a fan of their writing and characters and this didn't disappoint!
Read if you like:
• friends to lovers
• neighbors
• opposites attract
The Creek by Riley Hart
4.25
Two years after his divorce, August moves him and his son Reese to his old childhood hometown in Briar County to try to reconnect. When Clint runs into his first ever best friend and first crush, he's hit with all his past feelings. They've never forgotten one another and even with the changes in their lives they still fall back into their easy friendship. When their feelings become stronger, they have to figure out how to navigate the obstacles thrown their way or risk losing each other a second time.
August and Clint's story starts in the prologue with a sweet, childhood infatuation that breaks your heart a little. When they reconnect it's like nothing had changed, except they had lived so much between then and now. August worries about all the changes and how it affects his son, but Clint is there to reassure him he's doing the best he can. Clint has casually dated, never settled, but August is the only person to ever make him feel strongly enough to want to try. They both care so much and are constantly trying to show each other how amazing the other is. Their relationship is honest, effortless, and it forms a bond so deep that they would do anything for one another.
While this was a little lower on the drama than the others in the series, I'm pretty sure it's the spiciest so far. Clint and August just have an undeniable connection. It was so sweet to see Reese slowly trusting Clint and seeking his advice and befriending the other kids. I love seeing the little found family that's formed since the first book, they have so much support for one another. Definitely teared up at the big bonfire moment for one of our couples. There's no doubt who this last book is going to be about, it seems like we've been waiting since Firefly Lane to see what happens with one of the characters. I don't want this series to end, but I'm looking forward to reading the final book!
Read if you like:
• second chance
• single dad
• small town romance
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August and Clint's story starts in the prologue with a sweet, childhood infatuation that breaks your heart a little. When they reconnect it's like nothing had changed, except they had lived so much between then and now. August worries about all the changes and how it affects his son, but Clint is there to reassure him he's doing the best he can. Clint has casually dated, never settled, but August is the only person to ever make him feel strongly enough to want to try. They both care so much and are constantly trying to show each other how amazing the other is. Their relationship is honest, effortless, and it forms a bond so deep that they would do anything for one another.
While this was a little lower on the drama than the others in the series, I'm pretty sure it's the spiciest so far. Clint and August just have an undeniable connection. It was so sweet to see Reese slowly trusting Clint and seeking his advice and befriending the other kids. I love seeing the little found family that's formed since the first book, they have so much support for one another. Definitely teared up at the big bonfire moment for one of our couples. There's no doubt who this last book is going to be about, it seems like we've been waiting since Firefly Lane to see what happens with one of the characters. I don't want this series to end, but I'm looking forward to reading the final book!
Read if you like:
• second chance
• single dad
• small town romance
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