mollyreadsandcrafts's reviews
946 reviews

10 Ways to Accidentally Fall in Love by Emmy Sanders

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4.0

A delightful, fluffy rom-com! Brad and Joey meet at the gym, and after a disastrous date/non-date Brad makes it his mission to be Joey's wingman and find him the perfect man - which might be easier than they think.  

Brad and Joey were just adorable. Brad is trying to figure out what's next for his life when he meets Joey. As they become close friends Brad learns that by being open to new possibilities, he can learn even more about himself. He's a genuinely kindhearted, fun-loving man, even if he is a bit oblivious, and just wants the best for everyone. His life hasn't been all sunshine and rainbows but he doesn't let that stop him from creating a better future. Joey gives him the family and love he'd been missing, caring for him in a way no one else has.

Joey is such a perfect match for Brad. He was a goner from the very first moment he saw him and just fell harder as they got to know each other. He's patient, sweet, and wants to support Brad anyway he can. He rolls with whatever Brad comes up with and never makes him feel anything less than completely loved. Their relationship just radiates kindness and good vibes. They have a solid friendship and just click, making it easier to take those next steps into something more. 

This is a low angst, fluffy read full of funny moments and many, many sexual innuendos.  I laughed out loud and "aw"-ed throughout the whole story. I will say that once I got to the last 15%ish I was kind of finished with the story, and the story seemed kind of finished to me, and I was happy and ready to move on. Lots of loving feelings which was cute but I was ready to wrap things up. I loved the epilogue, I can't emphasize enough that Brad is such a sweetheart. And I really liked seeing all the Elite 8 cameos! Another fun and comforting read from Emmy. 

Read if you like: 
• rom-com 
• sexual awakening    
• friends to lovers 

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Daman by Jaclyn Osborn

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4.25

•spoilers for previous books• 

Daman and Warrin are definitely my favorites so far. They are just so adorable and a perfect fit for one another. An arranged marriage with someone who turns out to be your fated mate? Magic. 

In order to secure allies, Daman agrees to an arranged marriage with Warrin, a prince of the ice dragon clan. Warrin knows Daman is special right away. He's never been attracted to anyone before but thinks Daman is the most beautiful thing. Daman is wary at first, but as their marriage forces them together, they feel their bond strengthen and begin to open up to each other. Of course, the demons are still out there and seem to be searching for something, something that might lead Daman back to his past.  

Daman hasn't been mentioned too much in previous books. His sin, Envy, makes his life miserable and bitter so he tends to isolate himself (unless he's working the stage at Krave). He's an insecure grump, but finds his perfect match in Warrin. Warrin has dedicated his life to being a soldier. He's strong, steadfast, honest, and is immediately taken with Daman. They literally crush on each other as husbands and it's so adorable. I loved seeing them both be vulnerable and open about their insecurities. Warrin was so understanding and supportive of Daman and his struggle with envy, and Daman would do absolutely anything for Warrin. 

So far these books have been following a bit of a pattern, with all the relationship building up front and then she hits you at the end with all the plot action. I'm interested to see how this goes, as there's 4 books left. We all know Bellamy's book is going to be wild. I'm very curious about Gray's book. He was actually in a battle this book but, as always, fell asleep. It makes me wonder if he'll just be asleep half of his book, because boy is a napper. Onto the next! 

Read if you like: 
• paranormal/fantasy 
• arranged marriage 
• fated mates

Audiobook - Warrin's accent!! Gah! I love them so much
Down in Flames by Parker St. John

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3.5

I was really looking forward to West and Michael's book. Friends to lovers with an age gap and some hurt/comfort, it sounded like it had everything I wanted. Unfortunately it wasn't as good as I thought it was going to be. It felt like we were dropped half way into their romance, and then we only got half the story with the single POV. I don't mind single vs dual normally but this one for sure would've benefited from a more rounded story. Michael felt really one dimensional and I would've loved to see him coming to terms with his feelings and working through his need for control. I wish we saw more of their friendship - how close they were and then how it fell apart - rather than be dropped in months later in the aftermath. 

I thought West's character was really flushed out and while not perfect, had a good arc throughout the story (which was why I wish Michael had the same opportunity). I'm still liking the small town setting, but why was Tucker missing! Aren't he and West BFFs? There were some sweet Cal and Eli moments though.

I don't think this series is exactly working for me. I keep thinking the next one is going to be better and it's just not hitting. On the fence about finishing it out, they are quick reads and I've made it this far but we'll see! 

Read if you like: 
• small town romance    
• friends to lovers    
• hurt/comfort 

•••••••••••••••••••••
Daman by Jaclyn Osborn

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4.25

•spoilers for previous books• 

Daman and Warrin are definitely my favorites so far. They are just so adorable and a perfect fit for one another. An arranged marriage with someone who turns out to be your fated mate? Magic. 

In order to secure allies, Daman agrees to an arranged marriage with Warrin, a prince of the ice dragon clan. Warrin knows Daman is special right away. He's never been attracted to anyone before but thinks Daman is the most beautiful thing. Daman is wary at first, but as their marriage forces them together, they feel their bond strengthen and begin to open up to each other. Of course, the demons are still out there and seem to be searching for something, something that might lead Daman back to his past.  

Daman hasn't been mentioned too much in previous books. His sin, Envy, makes his life miserable and bitter so he tends to isolate himself (unless he's working the stage at Krave). He's an insecure grump, but finds his perfect match in Warrin. Warrin has dedicated his life to being a soldier. He's strong, steadfast, honest, and is immediately taken with Daman. They literally crush on each other as husbands and it's so adorable. I loved seeing them both be vulnerable and open about their insecurities. Warrin was so understanding and supportive of Daman and his struggle with envy, and Daman would do absolutely anything for Warrin. 

So far these books have been following a bit of a pattern, with all the relationship building up front and then she hits you at the end with all the plot action. I'm interested to see how this goes, as there's 4 books left. We all know Bellamy's book is going to be wild. I'm very curious about Gray's book. He was actually in a battle this book but, as always, fell asleep. It makes me wonder if he'll just be asleep half of his book, because boy is a napper. Onto the next! 

Read if you like: 
• paranormal/fantasy 
• arranged marriage 
• fated mates
Castor by Jaclyn Osborn

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4.0

•spoilers for book 1, Galen• 

The second half of this book was so good, even though the beginning was a little slow - similar to the first in the series. I liked that there was a lot more drama and angst with their relationship. I'm really enjoying the overall plot of the series and meeting all the new characters. 

Castor is one of the sons of the fallen angels and is cursed with the sin Greed. Kyo is Simon's coworker at the antique store, and also happens to be a rare water dragon. Ever since the night in the underworld they've had an awareness of each other, which soon turns into a friends with benefits situation. As they grow closer, family duties and rising demon activity threaten to tear their relationship apart before they truly be together. 

Castor and Kyo surprised me a little with how well they worked. Castor realizes early on that Kyo is his mate, but while there was an instant connection I still felt like they had that good emotional build up. They are two dominant guys but were able to open up and be vulnerable with each other. Castor is struggling with the psychological torture he endured, and they are both living with the consequences of their father's actions. Their understanding of one another made their banter and chemistry that much better. 

Castor represents the sin greed, but I wish he was more greedy. Galen's wrath is a huge part of who he is and how he lives his life. I was expecting Castor to have like, rooms of jewels and gold and be constantly stealing stuff like a hoarding dragon. But his greed was a little more low key which wasn't as fun. 

The plot gets more complicated as the son of the fallen angels try to find allies. We meet a lot of new characters in this story and some definitely play a huge part in future books (ahem Titan and Warrin). Warrin choosing Daman to marry "because he's the most beautiful" made me swoon and it isn't even his book! I'm too excited to read the rest of the fallen brothers stories.

Read if you like: 
• paranormal/fantasy 
• friends with benefits to lovers
• fated mates

Audiobook - Like Galen, Nick J Russo does a great job!
Sheep in Sheep's Clothing by Gregory Ashe

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Bobby is such a good person but I'm still grumpy with him.
Again with Feeling by Gregory Ashe

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4.25

Dash gets a call from the last person he ever expected to hear from again and is entangled in a decades long cold case. As he puts himself in danger in his quest for the truth, his now shaky relationship with Bobby also hits a breaking point.

It. Has. HAPPENED!!! Six books, thousands of pages of miscommunication, multiple life threatening incidents later - Bobby and Dash got their shit together. Not going to lie, it wasn't looking good at the beginning of the book. (What is Deputy Bobby doing out here dating all these people?!) They are still struggling with the same lack of communication from the last book but tensions are rising even higher. Their relationship starts to crack under the stress, but when push comes to shove they both realize they either have to be brave or lose something special. It's a lesson in raw vulnerability and trust. Both their love confessions are so swoony and loving. You can tell how hard it is for both of them, especially Bobby, to talk about how they feel but they finally gain the courage to try. And now we get sweet Bobby/Dash moments! 

It's intriguing to figure out the dynamics of everyone's relationships when all we have is Dash's POV. We only see Bobby through Dash, who idolizes him and puts him on the perfect pedestal. But we learn through other characters - like Fox and Indira - that of course he's imperfect. The Last Picks are a supportive and loving group, but aren't afraid to bring the hard truths. I love that we also get to see a bit of Dash through Bobby's eyes when he's talking about how Dash's actions impact him and make him feel. I haven't minded the single POV but it is cool to see other character's perspectives. 

As has happened before with this series, the case Dash is working on mirrors the issues in his life. A group of people hid their love and kept their feelings locked down and it eventually led to a tragic ending. It's kind of heavy but it was a relevant case to support what Dash is feeling. And it delivered on some high adrenaline scenes I love. Even though it's a bit more serious the book is still 100% a fun and cozy mystery. 

A side note - I'm reading all the bonus epilogues and short stories as I go through the series and sweet Keme!! Gah I just want to wrap him up in a big hug. I love his and Dash's relationship, even the little hints we get of Keme and Bobby's relationship. They are like big brothers (though I laugh every time Keme is called the big brother) but also have some fatherly traits. They respect him boundaries but do whatever they can to support him. They're just all so endearing and I love them. 

I tried to space these books out but I'm already catching up to the latest releases. I don't know what I'm going to do when I'm done with these lovable dummies! Thankfully Ashe has many a short story and flash fiction on his patron page so I can continue to get my fill of them. 

Read if you like: 
• cozy mystery   
• found family   
• friends to lovers 🥹

•••••••••••••••••••••
Between You and Me by Gregory Ashe

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4.0

Dash and Co. are at the Sweethearts Festival when Dash stumbles upon a body. Only when police and security go to check it out, the body has disappeared. As they try to find out who was killed and why the body was moved, the danger escalates and Dash finds himself in the crosshairs of the killer. 

I finished this book in the morning and spent the rest of the day one bad look away from being super grumpy because of that ending. Bobby and Dash have found their normal friendship again, but it's fraught with the tension of if and when they're going to take the next step towards a relationship. They both aren't in their finest form which I think Fox's conversation with Dash really sheds light on. Dash is self-sabotaging and afraid to admit his feelings because of his anxiety. As Dash's close friend, Bobby knows him well enough to know that the silent pressure he inadvertently is putting on Dash isn't helping. But Bobby is also still in a vulnerable place after his break up with West and doesn't feel secure enough to tell Dash what he wants. So you could say it was extremely frustrating. I do think that they need some space to be themselves again, because this insane pressure they are putting on themselves is not doing anyone any good. 

I actually liked the case, sometimes cozies are a little too cozy but I liked that Dash was in danger some of the time. Is it bad to say it made it more exciting? I know it's more of a low stakes type of mystery series but some more intense moments always make for a good time. I also was vibing with the amusement park/fun house setting. I just like the whole town of Hemlock Harbor and all the people and things we become familiar with throughout the series. I feel like each book gives the chance for a Last Pick character to shine, and this was Fox's turn. I was actually kinda sad about his relationship issues but I loved how he helped Dash with some good dose of reality. I've said it before and I'll say it again, they're the best little family. I'm reading the next right now because I can't stand this dang slow burn anymore, Dash and Bobby better get it together! 

Read if you like: 
• cozy mystery   
• found family   
• okay the slow burn is just ridiculous now 

•••••••••••••••••••••
Castor by Jaclyn Osborn

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4.0

•spoilers for book 1, Galen• 

The second half of this book was so good, even though the beginning was a little slow - similar to the first in the series. I liked that there was a lot more drama and angst with their relationship. I'm really enjoying the overall plot of the series and meeting all the new characters. 

Castor is one of the sons of the fallen angels and is cursed with the sin Greed. Kyo is Simon's coworker at the antique store, and also happens to be a rare water dragon. Ever since the night in the underworld they've had an awareness of each other, which soon turns into a friends with benefits situation. As they grow closer, family duties and rising demon activity threaten to tear their relationship apart before they truly be together. 

Castor and Kyo surprised me a little with how well they worked. Castor realizes early on that Kyo is his mate, but while there was an instant connection I still felt like they had that good emotional build up. They are two dominant guys but were able to open up and be vulnerable with each other. Castor is struggling with the psychological torture he endured, and they are both living with the consequences of their father's actions. Their understanding of one another made their banter and chemistry that much better. 

Castor represents the sin greed, but I wish he was more greedy. Galen's wrath is a huge part of who he is and how he lives his life. I was expecting Castor to have like, rooms of jewels and gold and be constantly stealing stuff like a hoarding dragon. But his greed was a little more low key which wasn't as fun. 

The plot gets more complicated as the son of the fallen angels try to find allies. We meet a lot of new characters in this story and some definitely play a huge part in future books (ahem Titan and Warrin). Warrin choosing Daman to marry "because he's the most beautiful" made me swoon and it isn't even his book! I'm too excited to read the rest of the fallen brothers stories.

Read if you like: 
• paranormal/fantasy 
• friends with benefits to lovers
• fated mates