mollyreadsandcrafts's reviews
946 reviews

Galen by Jaclyn Osborn

3.75

Okay so overall I did like the book, I thought the plot was intriguing and I liked the characters. However, I was let down my the romance. As much as I liked Galen and Simon, I just didn't really feel their connection. 

Simon owns an antique store and comes across a weird box with an even weirder ring inside. Galen is one of 7 half fallen angels (Nephilim specifically - which was a new word I learned), who each embody a deadly sin. Galen, aka Wrath, tries to steal the ring before demons find it. This makes Simon a target, and Galen takes him under his protection. 

I liked Simon and Galen, individually. Simon was just trying to live his life like a normal nerdy guy before he's forced into this world of demons and angels. Galen is a class A grump, but of course he seems to have a magic soft spot for a certain nerdy human. While I liked both of them, I wasn't ever completely sold on their romance. They clearly have some feelings for one another, but it seems to jump from they're kinda crushing to falling in love. There was definitely insta-lust, I just wish there was a bit more of them falling for one another on a deeper level so I could feel a little more invested in them. 

What I really liked about this is the whole world building, though it was more just the explanation of angels/demons and their pasts. It was interesting and easy to follow, not too heavy that it bogged down the book. But it was really sad hearing about their past love lives as immortals. All the side characters (soon to be main characters in the rest of the series) had distinct personalities that made them endearing. I loved the relationships between all of them and with Simon as well as he was welcomed into the family. 

The plot really saved this for me. I'm a little bummed about the romance, but I'm going to continue the series and hope it picks up a bit. I like these characters a lot and I can't wait to see what's in store for them.

Read if you like:
• paranormal romance 
• grumpy/sunshine 
• fated mates

Audiobook - I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this audio!  Every character has their own voice and it works so well.  The narration is going to make for a great series reread. 

Disrupted Engagement by Nicky James

4.0

Aslan is ready to take the next step in his relationship with Quaid, if only he could get the timing right. Quaid knows something is up with his boyfriend but can't stop imagining all the negative things that it could possibly be. With Quaid's increasing anxiety after every failed attempt and Aslan being called out of town on a case, Aslan has to make his move before everything becomes even more of a mess. 

The title kind of gives away what's going on with Quaid and Aslan. Aslan is trying to propose and epically failing because he's trying so hard for the perfect moment. Every attempt just feeds into Quaid's insecurities until he's convinced of the absolute worst. It's a classic case of miscommunication that's slightly entertaining but it's also kind of sad to see how Quaid can still be so insecure. He loves Aslan and wants that perfect domestic future so much that any threat to it throws him into a spiral. Aslan normally understands Quaid so well but kind of misses exactly how much stress he's causing him. Honestly though, how it all ends up is perfect for them. Of course Quaid would turn it into whole big thing, and of course he would cry and need a moment, but at the end of it all they're both so happy and truly ready for this next step. Their relationship is easily the highlight of this series because their love is undeniable.

I didn't love the whole engagement miscommunication but the case was interesting. This was the first case in a few books where I didn't actually have a good guess as to who the unsub was. It was very classic murder mystery where the little hints that are easy to look over all added up in the end which is always fun. I'm also loving all the side characters, especially Torin and Ruiz in this book. I'm really looking forward to what insanity happens during their wedding, because you know it's going to be wild. But I am taking a little break until the last book comes out so I can binge both at the same time! 

Read if you like: 

• romantic suspense  

• established couple  

• opposites attract 

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Defying Logic by Nicky James

3.75

•spoilers for the series• 

Aslan has spent the last two months trying to heal his mental health and tentatively preparing to get back into the field. Quaid has supporting him as much as he can while also figuring out the dynamics with a new partner. As Quaid gets caught up in a multiple missing persons case, Aslan is reminded how much he loves the thrill of his job if only he can overcome his mental blocks. 

Even though there's a case going on, the majority of this story is about Aslan as he battles with his PTSD and struggles with his sobriety. There was a lot of potential for angst - the will he/won't he relapse, PTSD, anxiety, the affect of it all on his relationship - but it never really got too intense. Aslan has his different, and not exactly healthy, coping mechanisms but for the most part he was self-aware and had great communication with Quaid, so it never felt he was on the edge of self destruction. Quaid was supporting him every step of the way, never pushing him outside his comfort zone. He was able to put his insecurities on the back burner and be there for whatever Aslan needed. I could go on and on about their relationship because they are so perfect for one another. When one is struggling, the other steps up with no judgement and nothing but love and support. 

Their relationship was the star of the show in this book because, again, the case felt like it had a lot of potential it never achieved. Either I've caught on to the Nicky James formula or it was kind of obvious because as convoluted as the case was, I had a pretty good idea of what happened. The last few books I didn't care that the length was a little longer because the plot was interesting enough, but because I felt like I knew what happened and nothing dramatic was going on this one just felt like it dragged a bit. I did like the addition of Quaid's new partner, it added a new dynamic that was missing in the series. I love these characters and they have such a great relationship, but coming off of two really great books it wasn't my favorite. Looking forward to the next few because if the titles are anything to go by, our boys are ready to take some big steps together! 

Read if you like: 

• hurt/comfort 

• romantic suspense 

• opposites attract 

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Inevitable Disclosure by Nicky James

4.5

•SPOILERS• 

Aslan and Quaid are happily settling into their relationship now that Juniper's case has been settled, even if Quaid is feeling a little lost in what is next for his career. When Quaid's missing person case turns into a homicide, he joins Aslan and his partner in trying to untangle all the clues and figure out the truth to what happened. 

If the previous book was heavily focused on Quaid and his past, this story was more of establishing Quaid and Aslan's relationship. Quaid has moved past some of his insecurities, though not all of them, and is learning to trust in Aslan and his feelings. They are both dedicated to each other and ready to take things to the next level, but Aslan is having trouble saying exactly how he feels. It reminded me a lot of understanding a partner's love language. Quaid needs the words of affirmation and security of being told he's loved, while Aslan likes to prove his love in small acts of affection that he feels speaks louder than words. It's not a huge conflict, but it takes them a bit to figure out this balance. I absolutely adore them as a couple. They fit so perfectly together and truly want the others happiness above all else. They have the push and pull to keep each other on their toes but a deep affection for one another that's evident in everything they do. Quaid's confession, the musical, the cactus, it's just these things!! Love them. 

This case was one where I kind of guessed what was happening and I really hoped I was wrong. From the prologue you know something happens at the end, but it really is just a bad situation all around. There were a lot of suspects, some red herrings, twists, teenage drama, and just a bummer of an ending. My heart hurts for Aslan and what he went through, but I love how he (at least right now) hasn't blocked Quaid out and leaned on him for support in the immediate aftermath. I really like how everything is playing out with their relationship and the variety of cases in the series. It'll be interesting to see how they recover from here, but I'm really happy Quaid's staying with the MPU!

Read if you like: 

• hurt/comfort 

• romantic suspense 

• opposites attract 

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Relative Commotion by Nicky James

Unstable Connections by Nicky James

challenging emotional mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

4.5

•SPOILERS• 

Not only are missing children turning up after months of being gone, but they all seem to have a connection to a *certain* case from almost 30 years ago. Quaid is working himself into the ground to find out what's happening now and what happened then, all while he and Aslan are figuring out the shaky and stressful start to their new relationship. 

Honestly, Quaid is going through a lot. He is still feeling the scars and insecurities from his last relationship and while it might not be the perfect time to start something new, he can't deny his strong feelings for Aslan. Even though he wishes otherwise, Quaid feels more vulnerable than ever and has a hard time trusting Aslan's intentions. While Quaid is feeling all these feelings, Aslan is patient and sure and constant. I started this whole series a little wary of Aslan but he's more than proved his dedication to Quaid and I love it. He knows the deep dark details of what Jack put Quaid through, and knows it's going to take time to gain his trust. He just gets Quaid like no other and wants Quaid to be his most open and comfortable self around him. What I love most about them is their understanding of one another that shows in all their sweet, small affectionate moments throughout the book.  

Contributing to all this emotional turmoil, Quaid is more stressed than ever with his current case's connections to his sister's disappearance. It's just a perfect storm of events that creates a difficult environment for him. He and his dad have to finally confront the past while searching for answers, gaining much needed if heartbreaking closure. The case really drew me in with so many leads, old and new, concluding with some twists and fast-paced action. 

I don't know why I keep choosing these slow burn, multi-book romances because I know there will always be a point where I get frustrated with the characters and just want them to love each other forever. As much as I love these two, they are no exception. At times I just wanted to yell at Quaid to just let Aslan love him! But it also gave them a chance to solidify their relationship and prove how deep their feelings go. The case, the romance, the characters - they were all exceptional and created an intriguing book. As one big mystery is solved, Aslan and Quaid can now move on the next part of their story. 

Read if you like: 

• hurt/comfort 

• romantic suspense 

• opposites attract 

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Broken Bird by Gregory Ashe

3.75

•spoilers• 

Dash and Co. are back to amateur sleuthing when an author visits Hastings Rock for a book signing and ends up being killed. Dash doesn't exactly want to be involved but when his nemesis asks for his assistance solving the murder to prove her innocence, he can't help but try to figure out the confounding mystery. Too many suspects, too many motives, but the biggest question of all is what Bobby seems to be avoiding Dash. 

I'm always going to enjoy a Last Picks book, but this one wasn't my favorite because lacked all the good Dash and Bobby content. Bobby has recently broken up with his ex, and as he has told us before he doesn't handle his feelings well. He tends to shut down and not talk, but this translates to ignoring Dash and pulling away from their friendship. Dash spends most of the book in his own head about it, drowning in his insecurities and feeling really down about losing his friendship with Bobby. It was a bummer because I was really excited to see if anything would start to spark between them now that they live together and are both single, but of course Ashe wasn't going to make it that easy. They do resolve everything and it was a necessary process and conversation, but I just wanted more of them being endearing and silly together. 

The case was fine, it did remind me a lot of another case from another series of Ashe's. Pippi is a wild and honestly annoying character, but is it weird I think her and her husband are cute? I love the setting of Hastings Rock and the kooky shenanigans the town gets up to, even amid a murder investigation. The Last Picks are the fun and loving supporting family as always, bringing lightness and affection to the story. Millie was very sweet this book, and I enjoyed seeing this caring side to her. Also I love a good Christmas/holiday story and the last little bit was really cute, so it gets some bonus points for appropriately place mistletoe. 

Read if you like: 

• cozy mystery 

• found family   

• slowest burn ever istg  

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Thanksgiving Episode by Gregory Ashe

Elusive Relations by Nicky James

4.0

•spoilers• 

Quaid and Aslan have returned to the normal status quo after their previous case, even if neither of them can get their last night together out of their head. This all changes when Quaid's ex ends up the victim of an attempted murder. Quaid and Aslan work together once again to figure out who targeted Jack and why, uncovering more lies and deceit while trying and failing to suppress their growing feelings for one another. 

Quaid is a stoic, no nonsense detective but underneath his hard-ass attitude he's vulnerable and just wants to be loved and respected. This case is difficult for him because it shows just how deep Jack's betrayal goes. I don't even know why Jack was with Quaid, besides probably having some sort of narcissistic personality disorder. But you know who is entirely enamored with Quaid? Aslan. The bad boy player is absolutely intrigued with every facet of Quaid's personality. He sees the good, earnest man beneath the hard exterior and wants to show Quaid how amazing he really is. Quaid understandably has some trust issues after Jack, and while he's hesitant on starting something new so quickly, he can't resist Aslan. Not only do they respect each other personally and professionally but their chemistry is off the charts. There were many sweet moments where they so naturally opened up to each other, sharing their pasts and more personal moments about their lives. I know their relationship isn't going to be easy, there's like 6 more books, but I have a really good feeling about their future. 

I mostly liked the story just for Quaid and Aslan's relationship development. The case seemed like it should be really interesting, but it never really gripped me. For all the drama, it actually felt slow paced. And this never happens - but I was actually able to guess what happened pretty early on, or at least who the unsub was, so that kind of took the excitement out of it. Also as a generally anxious person, I was so impatient waiting for Quaid to call Eden back and figure out what was going on with the missing child! I knew somehow it connected back to Juniper, and was like Quaid! Stop putting it off! The book ended on a happy note with their relationship, but also a mini cliffhanger with what Eden and Quaid found. I liked the missing persons case from before more than this homicide story, so I'm really looking forward to what's next. 

Read if you like: 

• work rivals to lovers 

• mystery/crime  

• opposites attract 

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Limerence by Scarlett Drake

4.5

After a two year long hiatus Nico reenters the dance scene with the London Ballet Company, much to the chagrin of his rival and star of the LBC, Felix. Felix is determined to keep his status as the top ballerino and to not let Nico get too comfortable at the company. As they are forced to spend time together training for the potential roles of their lives, they forge a connection that only mutual respect, dedication, and sizzling chemistry can create. 

Nico and Felix are so well written that I immediately fell in love with both of them. Nico is an absolute sweetheart. He's a strong, silent type who has spent his dance career being manufactured for perfection. Once freed from his past, he steps back to reevaluate and figure out what he wants for the future. The one absolute in his life has always been his feelings for Felix. For years he has marveled at his bright personality and natural talent. His admiration for Felix brings him out of his retirement for just the chance to dance and be close to him. Nico is perfect for Felix in that he loves him for who he is and never wants to change him or try to put him in a box. He's protective of Felix's sunshine and wants to lift him to new heights and support him to be the best while being the steady rock Felix can always depend on. 

I adored Felix. He's strong willed with an unapologetic attitude but extremely loyal and caring to those in his circle. He has his own baggage losing his mom and suffering his uncaring father, but has done his best to create his own happiness. After a lifelong grudge against Nico and living in the shadow of his career, he doesn't know what to make of him when Nico turns out to be nothing like he expected. He's defenseless against his changing feelings for the stoic, patient man and the searing chemistry between them. Felix is a romantic at heart and once he realizes his feelings, he makes Nico feel more loved and belonged than he ever has. 

One of the reasons I loved Felix was even though he's sassy and dramatic, he's also mature and a good hearted person. This is best shown in his friendships and his relationship with Christian. Now I'll be honest and say Christian wasn't my favorite - but only because he was with Felix in a way that I wanted Nico to be. Their whole situation was so adult and refreshing to read (even if I was ready for him to get out of the picture ASAP). There was no jealousy, no pettiness, just men who wanted the same thing for a time and are ready to move on when they need to. 

It's always a joy to read a fun and unique setting. I don't think I've ever read a dance/ballet romance and for someone like me, who doesn't have an extensive ballet knowledge, it was the perfect amount. I was able to follow along and appreciate their dedication to their careers. And now I'm absolutely trying to manifest an Achilles/Patroclus ballet. 

This story was such a happy and comforting read. It's full of swoony romance, quick witted banter, sass, and sweetness. There's some angst and drama but it balances out with how charming Felix and Nico are. As always with Scarlett Drake I'm left wanting to read more, not because the book needs it but because I enjoy the story and characters so much. I'm already looking forward to a reread when the audiobook comes out! 

Read if you like: 

• rivals to lovers 

• ballet romance 

• opposites attract 

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