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mollyreadsandcrafts's reviews
903 reviews
Love Match by Keira Andrews
4.25
•minor spoilers•
Luke is an older professional tennis player who's focused on only tennis and winning. When Jesse, an up and coming tennis star, asks to start playing doubles to help their game, Luke can't help but be allured by the younger man's charm. Jesse is everything Luke didn't know he wanted, but being together could risk everything they've worked for.
This book is single POV from Luke's perspective. Luke is passing the prime of his career and also recovering from the tragical loss of his partner a few years prior. When he meets Jesse everything changes and Luke is challenged to step outside his comfort zone and go for what he wants regardless of the consequences. I adored Jesse. He's young and hopeful but also stands strong for what he deserves. Luke is a bit stubborn, but Jesse knows what he wants and doesn't accept anything less, even though it hurts. They're such a swoony and sexy couple. Their road to a happy ending wasn't easy, but ultimately worth it.
This audiobook just worked really well for me. It was shorter and I was able to just zone out and get immersed in the story. I don't think I've ever read a tennis romance and it was cool to have a new setting and to learn a little about the sport. There were just a lot of things in this story that really worked for me - the length, the tropes, the writing. I thought both characters were endearing and I'll never not be happy with big old Hollywood ending like that. Plus all the epilogue content was adorable!
Read if you like:
• tennis romance
• age gap
• secret relationship
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Not Dating Material by Saxon James
4.5
I'm a big Saxon James fan, and I still wasn't prepared for how much I loved this book. In my Budding Attraction (Divorced Men's Club #3) review I had some words to say about Molly, but I take all of them back now because he's just a little sweetie looking for love.
Molly moves across the country to get a fresh start after a series of mistakes and feeling like the odd man out with his dad and best friend (*ahem* DMC # 5). He moves in with the Bertha's Boys, knowing Madden from college. After catching Seven in an unfortunate position, Seven decides to help Molly with his bad dating luck to see if Molly's actually the problem by going a series of "fake" dates. What could possibly go wrong?
Seven is an interesting character. He had a pretty traumatic past that's not discussed too deeply, but through it he has an unhealthy, and completely platonic, attachment with Xander, who also didn't have a great upbringing. They're pretty much a package deal, and that's why Molly is basically perfect for him. Molly becomes fast friends with Xander because they're so similar. Seven finds it hard to let people in because he doesn't want happiness taken away from him, and all Molly wants to do is love someone and be loved.
I really enjoyed watching their relationship unfold. It wasn't super angsty, but I was still really invested. Molly is a little over top in his need for attention and love, and honestly it's kind of relatable. He's always his authentic self even if it's a bit of a mess. Seven, begrudgingly, likes all these little quirks of Molly. He becomes protective over him, like he is with Xander, and doesn't want him to change for anyone. They have the cutest dates and I loved how Xander shipped them and pushed them together.
I'm really looking forward to the rest of this series. Rush's book is next and I can already tell there's one (soon to be) ex-boyfriend who we are all gonna hate. Also Xander and Derek?? That better be a thing. I've loved both books in this series so far, and hope the rest are just as good.
Read if you like:
• opposites attract
• roommates
• found family
Audio - love it for Seven, but it didn't quite work for Molly
Molly moves across the country to get a fresh start after a series of mistakes and feeling like the odd man out with his dad and best friend (*ahem* DMC # 5). He moves in with the Bertha's Boys, knowing Madden from college. After catching Seven in an unfortunate position, Seven decides to help Molly with his bad dating luck to see if Molly's actually the problem by going a series of "fake" dates. What could possibly go wrong?
Seven is an interesting character. He had a pretty traumatic past that's not discussed too deeply, but through it he has an unhealthy, and completely platonic, attachment with Xander, who also didn't have a great upbringing. They're pretty much a package deal, and that's why Molly is basically perfect for him. Molly becomes fast friends with Xander because they're so similar. Seven finds it hard to let people in because he doesn't want happiness taken away from him, and all Molly wants to do is love someone and be loved.
I really enjoyed watching their relationship unfold. It wasn't super angsty, but I was still really invested. Molly is a little over top in his need for attention and love, and honestly it's kind of relatable. He's always his authentic self even if it's a bit of a mess. Seven, begrudgingly, likes all these little quirks of Molly. He becomes protective over him, like he is with Xander, and doesn't want him to change for anyone. They have the cutest dates and I loved how Xander shipped them and pushed them together.
I'm really looking forward to the rest of this series. Rush's book is next and I can already tell there's one (soon to be) ex-boyfriend who we are all gonna hate. Also Xander and Derek?? That better be a thing. I've loved both books in this series so far, and hope the rest are just as good.
Read if you like:
• opposites attract
• roommates
• found family
Audio - love it for Seven, but it didn't quite work for Molly
Dude Magnet by Gregory Ashe
4.0
In this second book we get to know more about Dash and his reasons for moving to Hastings Rock. Dash is trying to find who he outside of his parent's pressure, outside of a relationship, and figuring out what he wants his future to look like. All that is challenged when his ex Hugo shows up at Hemlock House. At the same time, a couple is renting Hemlock House as a venue for their wedding and there is no shortage of family drama, and apparently murder.
Honestly the case bummed me out though I liked that it paralleled what Dash was feeling. Both of the sons were trying to figure themselves out in their own ways, and it really sucks that they never got that chance. It hit Dash a little harder than normal because he saw so much of himself in the victims. But the case along with Hugo showing up also solidified that he made the right choice to prioritize himself. Dash is having doubts about his future and when Hugo shows up and offers an easy way out, Dash is able to remain true to himself and what he wants.
The ending though. Deputy Bobby, how could you! Everything that Dash felt in his last relationship, Bobby is going through now. Bobby questions Dash about how he knew he was ready to move on and you can tell he's really struggling. But I guess in the end, he was able to figure out a different way forward. And again in its own way, having to rehash and reflect on the reasons why he and Hugo didn't work helped Dash feel more certain in his decisions.
The Last Picks are amazing, as I suspect they always will be. Lots of comedic relief but also really supportive friends all in their own ways. They're an eclectic mix but have each other's backs. I'm glad Dash has found a family to rally behind him and support him because I feel like there's a lot more to come for this group!
Read if you like:
• cozy mysteries
• small town
• found family
• romance that will eventually come after multiple books of sweet sexual tension
•••••••••••••••••••••
Mystery Magnet by Gregory Ashe
4.0
Mystery Magnet is the first in a Ashe's cozy mystery series. Dash is a mystery writer who moves across the country for a fresh start and new job after breaking up with his long time boyfriend. His first night he becomes the suspect in a murder case, and along with his new friends he must prove his innocence. Or at least, try?
Okay this was super cute and fun. I absolutely love Dash and I'm pretty sure he's my spirit animal. He's a little lost and trying to find himself, but that's what this new phase of his life is for. The whole Last Picks group are already growing on me with their shenanigans (I feel like I'll be using that word a lot with them). They are eclectic and seem like the kind of people you want on your side. Plus I'm looking forward to seeing how things go with no nonsense Deputy Bobby and our sweet Dash.
As the first book this was a good introduction to Dash & Co. and the little seaside town of Hastings Rock. It was a nice, easy read with a lot of fun moments but also some intrigue with the crime. Definitely different from Ashe's heavier stuff, but no less entertaining.
Read if you like:
• cozy mysteries
• small town
• found family
• romance that will eventually come after multiple books of sweet sexual tension
•••••••••••••••••••••
Whit by Cora Rose
3.75
It was kinda weird but I liked it.
March 2023: 📚Reread & Audiobook 🎧
This is my second read of Whit, and yeah it's still kinda weird and I still like it. It's one of my guilty pleasure series, a little over the top but quick and fun to read. Likable characters and enough plot to keep the story going.
•minor spoilers•
Caleb and his cuddles get me every time. He's such a golden retriever in every sense, but he's also just a good person. While Caleb is kind of a pushover, even more for Whit, I do like that he also calls him out when needed. He's absolutely perfect for grumpy ole Whit, as much as he tried to deny it. I wish we got more Whit POVs, but I also liked seeing Caleb chip away at his resolve. Whit and Aunt Del's relationship also warmed my heart, he deserves all the hugs and cuddles he gets!
I call this series my guilty pleasure books - they're easy to read, have characters I like, and while they aren't the best thing I've ever read, they're super enjoyable. My only complaint is how quickly the resolution was wrapped up. I was actually a little impressed with the conflict scene, I don't remember it being that dramatic but I was hooked, and then after a chapter of sadness it was resolved pretty quickly.
I really just started this series again because I want to read about Sem and Mag, they're so funny and I'm excited for their audiobook!
Read if you like:
• hurt/comfort
• grumpy/sunshine
• roommates
March 2023: 📚Reread & Audiobook 🎧
This is my second read of Whit, and yeah it's still kinda weird and I still like it. It's one of my guilty pleasure series, a little over the top but quick and fun to read. Likable characters and enough plot to keep the story going.
•minor spoilers•
Caleb and his cuddles get me every time. He's such a golden retriever in every sense, but he's also just a good person. While Caleb is kind of a pushover, even more for Whit, I do like that he also calls him out when needed. He's absolutely perfect for grumpy ole Whit, as much as he tried to deny it. I wish we got more Whit POVs, but I also liked seeing Caleb chip away at his resolve. Whit and Aunt Del's relationship also warmed my heart, he deserves all the hugs and cuddles he gets!
I call this series my guilty pleasure books - they're easy to read, have characters I like, and while they aren't the best thing I've ever read, they're super enjoyable. My only complaint is how quickly the resolution was wrapped up. I was actually a little impressed with the conflict scene, I don't remember it being that dramatic but I was hooked, and then after a chapter of sadness it was resolved pretty quickly.
I really just started this series again because I want to read about Sem and Mag, they're so funny and I'm excited for their audiobook!
Read if you like:
• hurt/comfort
• grumpy/sunshine
• roommates
In the Eye of the Beholder by Dianna Roman
3.25
While I really enjoyed the first book in this series, I didn't love this follow up book as much. There's a lot going on and I'm still not sure how much I liked the characters, but there were parts of the story I did like.
Daniel works at a bar and has been serving drinks to the mysterious Mr. Manhattan (Eric) for a few years. After an incident occurs one night, Daniel reluctantly takes shelter in Eric's manor house and becomes his assistant. Working and living together, Daniel overcomes his prejudges and they form a close bond as they overcome their past issues.
While I think both characters were complex with interesting backgrounds, I'm not sure how much I liked them? Daniel was very snarky and not the nicest, though I do think he had a great character arc and by the end I did like him. After a lot of self reflection he really changed for the better. For being almost 50 and in a loving relationship most his life, you would think Eric had better communication skills. I don't think he ever really understood Daniel until the very end, though he was infatuated with him the entire book. I have no doubt they love each other very much but I didn't feel like it hit that deep level until the end, which could partly be due to the slowest of all slow burn. The slow burn was fine, but I felt like they didn't even like each other until a good bit into the book - at least on Daniel's end. Eric not communicating basically any of his feelings didn't help. When they did get together though their chemistry was wild and I loved the physical side of their relationship.
This book felt like it had two different stories going on. While I liked both, I didn't really feel like they connected to each other that well. I was really intrigued by some elements in the first half that were resolved fairly quickly and not brought up again, and then the second half felt more like how I expected the story to go.
I loved Riley and Harper cameos, but I do think I liked Riley a lot more in his own book than as a side character. I want to know what's happening with Rob and his complicated situation and I did enjoy the first book, so I'm going to keep an eye out for that!
Read if you like:
• age gap
• hurt/comfort
• forced proximity
• slow burn
•••••••••••••••••••••
Daniel works at a bar and has been serving drinks to the mysterious Mr. Manhattan (Eric) for a few years. After an incident occurs one night, Daniel reluctantly takes shelter in Eric's manor house and becomes his assistant. Working and living together, Daniel overcomes his prejudges and they form a close bond as they overcome their past issues.
While I think both characters were complex with interesting backgrounds, I'm not sure how much I liked them? Daniel was very snarky and not the nicest, though I do think he had a great character arc and by the end I did like him. After a lot of self reflection he really changed for the better. For being almost 50 and in a loving relationship most his life, you would think Eric had better communication skills. I don't think he ever really understood Daniel until the very end, though he was infatuated with him the entire book. I have no doubt they love each other very much but I didn't feel like it hit that deep level until the end, which could partly be due to the slowest of all slow burn. The slow burn was fine, but I felt like they didn't even like each other until a good bit into the book - at least on Daniel's end. Eric not communicating basically any of his feelings didn't help. When they did get together though their chemistry was wild and I loved the physical side of their relationship.
This book felt like it had two different stories going on. While I liked both, I didn't really feel like they connected to each other that well. I was really intrigued by some elements in the first half that were resolved fairly quickly and not brought up again, and then the second half felt more like how I expected the story to go.
I loved Riley and Harper cameos, but I do think I liked Riley a lot more in his own book than as a side character. I want to know what's happening with Rob and his complicated situation and I did enjoy the first book, so I'm going to keep an eye out for that!
Read if you like:
• age gap
• hurt/comfort
• forced proximity
• slow burn
•••••••••••••••••••••
Until I Saw You by Dianna Roman
4.0
Such a heartwarming story complete with drama, laughs, hurt/comfort, and an ugly perfect dog. Riley is hilarious, even though slightly over the top and silly, and Harper deserves the entire world. Loved their sweet and perfect HEA.
TW/CW: domestic abuse, assault, sexual assault (off page)
•minor spoilers•
Harper is a sweet baby angel who deserves the world. He went through some major trauma with his ex and finding a sweet ray of sunshine like Riley is exactly what he deserves. My only complaint is how the ending implied he was a lot better after only 3 weeks of therapy and working on himself, which seems like a really short time for the level of trauma he went through. I loved him though and was so happy he got the sweetest happily ever after.
Riley was very comical, even with his struggles after his vision impairment. I'm not sure how I would feel after an accident like that, but he seemed to cope well once he learned about the therapy options - side note to hate on his ex who was the absolute worst and didn't think he needed any. He also seems to just have a brighter personality than most in general, also coming to terms with his newly discovers sexuality pretty quickly and with no big dramas. His love and unconditional support for Harper are what relationship goals are made of. My biggest complaint is that there is no way I believe he's 32. He was a little over the top and kind of immature at times, and I would've assumed he was at most...25? Maybe even younger. The only time I believed his age was when he gave the app pitch.
The writing of the characters and plot were good, but there was just sometimes I couldn't follow the story. I'm not sure if it was the style, but I didn't understand the inflection of the dialogue sometimes and was confused. Like if it was questioning, or accusatory, or simply stated. Just made it hard to follow along. I'm definitely interested in checking out some of her other work though.
Read if you like:
• hurt/comfort
• slow burn
• disability rep
TW/CW: domestic abuse, assault, sexual assault (off page)
•minor spoilers•
Harper is a sweet baby angel who deserves the world. He went through some major trauma with his ex and finding a sweet ray of sunshine like Riley is exactly what he deserves. My only complaint is how the ending implied he was a lot better after only 3 weeks of therapy and working on himself, which seems like a really short time for the level of trauma he went through. I loved him though and was so happy he got the sweetest happily ever after.
Riley was very comical, even with his struggles after his vision impairment. I'm not sure how I would feel after an accident like that, but he seemed to cope well once he learned about the therapy options - side note to hate on his ex who was the absolute worst and didn't think he needed any. He also seems to just have a brighter personality than most in general, also coming to terms with his newly discovers sexuality pretty quickly and with no big dramas. His love and unconditional support for Harper are what relationship goals are made of. My biggest complaint is that there is no way I believe he's 32. He was a little over the top and kind of immature at times, and I would've assumed he was at most...25? Maybe even younger. The only time I believed his age was when he gave the app pitch.
The writing of the characters and plot were good, but there was just sometimes I couldn't follow the story. I'm not sure if it was the style, but I didn't understand the inflection of the dialogue sometimes and was confused. Like if it was questioning, or accusatory, or simply stated. Just made it hard to follow along. I'm definitely interested in checking out some of her other work though.
Read if you like:
• hurt/comfort
• slow burn
• disability rep
The New Guy by Sarina Bowen
3.75
Hudson is the perpetual new guy after being traded multiple times throughout his NHL career. Now in Brooklyn, he's healing an injury when he meets Gavin at a bar. Except Gavin is not only his new neighbor, but the team's new athletic trainer.
Gavin is a sweetheart and has gone through so much for someone so young. I would tear up whenever he mentioned his husband. I like how he is a single dad but that wasn't his whole story. Instead the focus was on how he's trying to live and love again after a lot of big life changes. Similarly Hudson is at a crossroads in his life and trying to figure out where his priorities are. Gavin was able to show Hudson there's more to life than the strict, closed off lifestyle he was living before and that it's okay to grow roots somewhere. Hudson was open to whatever Gavin was willing to give while being understanding of where Gavin was emotionally and of his obligation to his family first. They were both there for each other at a difficult time and gave the other a safe and loving place to land.
I liked most of this book but the end kind of lost me. I loved the drama that hit because I didn't see it coming, but I didn't really like how they reconciled their relationship. Gavin was really hurt by what Hudson did but he forgave him almost immediately after months of not talking and decide to uproot his and his daughter's life all over again. The end just was missing something for me.
I also didn't like how we didn't get some closure on some of the plot points that were such a big part of the beginning of the story. The in-laws part was okay, though I have a hard time believing the love across the country went down well. But Hudson and his dad never talking again was just kind of skimmed over. Some of the things I thought were interesting in the first part didn't really come up again in the second. I forgot by the end that Hudson had this chronic hip problem and that Gavin was his athletic trainer. Once the hockey season ended and their relationship stopped revolving around that, I felt like the story lost its way a bit.
I'm intrigued enough to see how the rest of the series goes. I own the second book already so I'll definitely read it at some point. The team and management all seem like good people and I hope we can see those dynamics a little more from someone more involved in the teams than Hudson. Gavin and Hudson were cute with a touch of angst, and I hope we get more of that but with a better flushed out story next.
PSA to hockey romance authors - the NHL does not handshake at the end of games. It's a special playoff tradition that only happens at the end of playoff series.
Read if you like:
• hockey romance
• single dad
• athletic trainer x athlete
• secret relationship
• secret relationship
•••••••••••••••••••••
North and Shaw: Out of Office: Volume 2 by Gregory Ashe
Another set of shorts for North and Shaw. I thought these were just okay overall, lots of typical North and Shaw shenanigans. It follows the series as they figure out their relationship so there are some ups and downs but these are definitely more light hearted and fun. The last one was amazing, it's so great when universes collide. And of course it ended like that, because what's another short story cliffy in the grand scheme of things.
Read if you like:
Read if you like:
• short story collection
• private investigators
• slice of life
•••••••••••••••••••••
Codirection by Gregory Ashe
4.25
•spoilers•
A boy that Shaw met months ago turns up at North and Shaw's house claiming that a friend has gone missing. As they investigate, they get caught up in a network of people who profit off of abandoned youth in the city. As the danger escalates they have to quickly track down the now murderer, all the while Ronnie continues his revenge plan against North and those he cares about.
Oh North and Shaw. I'm not quite sure why we went through all the angst in this series because honestly, they are kind of right back to where they started. Maybe a little more self aware? But not much. And I say that lovingly because I do love these two idiots, I just wish they talked about things. North is really struggling with who he is as an individual and while Shaw wants to help, he has to learn to take a step back and let North be. They did have a great conversation towards the end and I have some hope for their future, but it was a little unsatisfying because I feel like they still have things to work out.
This series was a little different than others in the universe because this last case wasn't one that had been building throughout the series. However, I'm completely convinced that this is related to Hazard and Somers series 1 corruption case - and maybe this is something we will see again?? It was a more intense case than they have handled previously and I imagine it's left some aftershocks. On the other hand everything with Ronnie that has been built up over the previous books was fine. His whole deal felt more like a cloud of anxiety and a tool to help North on his personal journey. A very satisfying ending for him though, Shaw can be scary when he wants to be.
I liked this series because North and Shaw's banter was amazing, but I think I preferred their first one. They went on this huge rollercoaster of an emotional journey and I don't think it was a satisfying enough ending after everything they've been through. And I'm still pissy about the Tucker incident honestly. A real highlight of this book was seeing Hazard from North and Shaw's perspective. He has a few cameos and I loved seeing them all attempting to work together. I can only imagine how entertaining the crossover series is going to be (I assume - along with all the drama and murder). North and Shaw feel like they have a lot of story left to tell and I'm looking forward to more of them.
Read if you like:
• romantic suspense
• private investigators
• friends to lovers
•••••••••••••••••••••