mollyreadsandcrafts's reviews
946 reviews

Married to My Best Friend by Riley Hart

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Cute, nothing life changing though

A cute and easy listen. Alex and Caden are childhood best friends who are pretty codependent even into their mid 20s. Alex is getting married, but (without much drama - which I liked) the wedding is called off and so Alex and Caden go on the honeymoon together. Caden has always identified as straight, but can't ignore his big feelings for his best friend. They fall for each other fast and hard, which makes the honeymoon fun and steamy. Alex loves the way Caden just grabs onto life and lives to the fullest, while Alex gives Caden the strong steady consistency and unconditional love he's always craved. There's a touch of angst when they get back as Caden doesn't have the strongest relationship with his family and doesn't know how they'll react. Everything is wrapped up with a big wedding-do-over-happily-ever-after bow. 

But if Jack has a story someone let me know.
Relative Justice by Gregory Ashe

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4.5

•spoilers for Hazard and Somers• 

Hazard and Somers return from their honeymoon to an unexpected guest. As they try to handle the newcomer, they are asked to consult on a case for the sheriff's department. An impossible situation and an impossible murder lead them on a chase to figure out the truth. 

The case was a bit fucked up but the domestic moments and banter between Hazard and Somers were everything. After what, 10 books? they are finally able to handle conflict like normal adults in a healthy relationship. It's a miracle. Things are obviously stressful with the appearance of Colt. Hazard is pushed to his limits but he's still that constant protector. He's extremely loyal and fights for anyone he considers family. When he's having his complicated moments, Somers is there to support him and guide him back to reality. They have spats, but the difference is that they process, cool down, and apologize rather than turning toxic like they have in the past. I love this particular growth in their relationship and it makes me really excited to see how they grow into their domesticity.  

I've always been a Nico fan (to varying degrees, I'll never forgive anyone for that night at the club last series) and he's been through a lot. I know kinda where he ends up but I like seeing his character growth, even if it's in the periphery. For all their difficulties when they dated, I think he and Hazard could be really good friends. More character cameos - Theo!! An Auggie mention! I will always need more of them. And of course Shaw, he will always make himself known in his quest to be Hazard's bestie. 

I didn't even try to figure out the case because neither Hazard and Somers were really leading the charge so I felt like I wasn't getting all the details - which was evident when even Hazard of all people didn't put some of the pieces together. The focus was definitely more on Hazard and Somer's home life which was fine by me because, hello?? a child?! I'm glad with how everything resolved and that it made sense and wasn't too traumatic for Hazard. I like to think Colt is a good kid with a bad past who made some mistakes - Gregory Ashe better not abuse my trust yet again. I love seeing Hazard in a father figure role and I'm looking forward to him and Somer's continuing to figure out life together! 

Read if you like: 
• romantic suspense     
• hurt/comfort     
• family drama     

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Beyond the Storm by Jaclyn Osborn

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4.0

•spoilers for Sons of the Fallen series• 

This was such a fun addition to the Sons of the Fallen series. I loved seeing what the different couples were up to after the war and also reading Kallias' novella. A bit cheesy at times, but everyone's in love and happy so I guess they can have their cheesy moments. 

The first part of this book is an epilogue chapter for every couple. It just shows them living in the new reality where they aren't all warriors and constantly fighting. Our favorite Nephilim are spending times with their mates and living their best lives. I love them all and am so happy they found their happily ever afters. 

The second part is a novella that shows the relationship between Kallias and Elasus. We go back to Ancient Sparta and see how they meet and the events that lead up to their parting. Of course, we get another epilogue chapter of Kallias and Elasus adjusting to the modern world on the Greek island. Even knowing how their story plays out, my heart still hurt for their time apart. They have true love at first sight, and are so devoted to one another. I love the depth of their love and how they get to now spend their days in peace. (They might be one of my favorite couples now). 

The last few bits are fun little extras. Baxter gives them interview questions, then we see their files that Uriel keeps on them. Now that the series is truly over, I can't believe it. I love this world so much and I can't wait to get back to it in other books with all of our favorite side characters finding their own happiness. 

Read if you like: 
• paranormal/fantasy 
• fated mates 
• epilogue stories
Alastair by Jaclyn Osborn

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4.5

•spoilers of previous books•

Honestly, I was a bit skeptical of Alastair and Lazarus. I had a feeling Laz was his mate, but I just didn't get that couple vibe from them and they felt too too similar to me. After reading this though, I'm a fan. This was a good end book to the series that not only showed their romance and the conclusion of the war, but also the strength of the bonds of the brothers and their mates . 

Alastair is the Nephilim brother that represents the sin Pride. Pride is known to be the sin that the rest are derived from, so he is considered to be the leader of the brothers. Lazarus is the angel who found and trained all the brothers when they were young, and now is almost like their commander and contact with the archangels. 

When we first meet Lazarus alllll the way back in Galen, I was intrigued. Then the brothers talked about their harsh training, how cold and distant Lazarus was, and how he didn't value them beyond their power, so I was not team Laz. There are little hints that there is more to his feelings than just him doing his duty, but overall he seemed emotionless and who showed up only when absolutely needed. Turns out it was all for a reason, and he was distancing himself from not only the brothers, but specifically Alastair. 

I wasn't sold that they worked as a couple, but they actually did fit pretty well together. Both are the strong and stoic types, but are pillars of strength and support for one another. They share their burdens and build each other up. I think why this ended up working for me is because Lazarus's character changed from how we saw him in previous books. I don't know if it was because he was hiding his emotions for years and we finally got his POV, but he went from this imposing wall of steel to a blushing virgin who pined after Alastair for thousands of years. Once they bond started forming they fell fast, but I loved how their dynamics throughout the war and fighting and then seeing them in a more domestic setting in the epilogue.

This one got me good in the feels. Even though I knew there was going to be a happily ever after, it was pretty tense there for a while. I loved how everything came together in the end for one epic showdown. All of the plot wrapped up nicely, but still left some openings for further stories in this world to be told. I really love how this world isn't too complicated but also has enough different characters that it could be expanded. I'm rooting for all the side characters and their love interests because I'm so invested in them all. Can't wait to see what Jaclyn Osborn puts out next! 

Read if you like: 
• paranormal/fantasy  
• forbidden romance  
• fated mates
Raiden by Jaclyn Osborn

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4.25

•spoilers for previous books•

I've been waiting for Raiden and Titan's story since book 2 and I was not disappointed! They are so sweet and I loved how perfect they were for each other. This is definitely one of my favorites of the series. 

Raiden is the Nephilim brother who represents the sin Gluttony. He's the mother hen of the brothers, and loves to cook and provide for them. He meets Titan, a Nephilim who lives on Baxter's Greek island, in Castor's book. Titan comes off stoic and harsh at first, but he and Raiden bond over their love of cooking and food. After the events in the Caribbean, they don't see each other until a year later when the brothers go back to the Greek island as war tensions increase. 

Raiden is always giving himself to his brothers, whether it's emotional support or putting their needs above him. He's selfless but also just a genuinely good person. Titan is the absolute perfect match for him. Titan sees how selfless he is and wants to give Raiden all the support he gives everyone else. Titan is a bit closed off, but he's able to open up to Raiden and enjoy more than just his previous lonesome existence. As the avatar of Gluttony, Raiden's life revolves around food and this shared love of cooking and providing for people brings them even closer. I just can't put into words how well they compliment each other on every level. 

This book had some surprises plot wise. As we get closer to the end, the story is really coming together and getting so good! I love all of these characters, even the side characters are endearing. I'm invested in everyone so I'm pretty nervous going into Alastair's book, but so ready to see how it all ends. 

Read if you like: 
• paranormal/fantasy 
• opposites attract 
• fated mates
Gray by Jaclyn Osborn

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3.75

•possible spoilers for previous books•

I do like Gray, I think he's adorable and fun. I just think this book overall was pretty tame. I didn't feel like a ton happened. As always, I loved the characters and the overall plot of the series. 

Gray is the Nephilim brother who represents Sloth. Mason became a monster/supernatural hunter after seeing ghouls take down his team in a mission while he was a Marine. They meet when Gray and his brothers save Mason from a monster attack. It was an instant connection and instead of going to his next hunt, Mason stays in Echo's Bay to see Gray again and ends up getting drawn into the demon/angel war. 

Mason and Gray have more of an infatuation at first sight before falling hard and fast. Mason struggles with understanding that not all supernatural beings are evil because he's still processing the grief of losing his closest friend to monsters. Gray's sin is sloth, which makes his life difficult on a daily basis let alone when they're trying to fight a war. He's also one of the Nephilim brothers that has a complicated relationship with his dad, who's still out there causing mayhem. They both deal with feelings of inadequacy, but together give the support they need. They're a really cute couple with a sweet relationship full of nap cuddles and laughs. 

I feel like the overall plot didn't really have a ton of stuff happen. Maybe it'll be relevant later, but it felt a bit anticlimactic compared to the previous books. The insta-love stuff also felt a little cheesy for me in this book. It could've been because of Gray's character being more cutesy in general. Also, and this is very picky, but I'm not sure what the author has against the word "motorcycle". This is the fourth book that she's only referred to them as "crotch rockets". 

Now I've been excited for Bellamy's book for two books already. His moment with his (probable) mate in this book? But also the fact they are the epitome of enemies to lovers?? I'm really intrigued to see how his brothers deal with this, as he's tried to kill them multiple times. Ready to see how this all plays out! 

Read if you like: 
• paranormal/fantasy 
• grumpy/sunshine 
• fated mates 
• insta love