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noa_ashley_'s reviews
510 reviews
The Step Dare by Devon McCormack, Riley Hart
2.0
“Are you sure we’re good? That that’s what you wanted and you felt comfortable the whole time?” - Brenner
“We’re always good, Bren. I’m glad you were there with me…my first time with a guy. That made it even better.” - Taylor
I liked the first part of this book with the cruise, although that was also a bit fast about Brenner's dad dating Taylor's mom. I'm glad that Brenner had conversations about his mom with his dad and Taylor, that they helped him with his feelings and that they talked about her. Brenner's mom means a lot to Brenner and his dad and I'm also glad that Nicole (Taylor's mom) saw that. Brenner's mom will always have a place in their lives and that was written beautifully. And I'm really glad that Nicole found a loving partner, she deserves that and Taylor also deserves to see his mom being loved the right way.
That being said, I have a hard time seeing a ''problem" with this whole dating your stepbrother thing. Their parents didn't really think about their sons, when they started dating so why should they?? I don't understand that point, that made it so much harder for me to like or even finish this book. This book felt very flat to me. I was waiting for something excided to happen. Thankfully Brenner had a conversation with Mila (his friend) and she helped Brenner finally admit that he had a crush on Taylor. Also in that conversation she asked him for help and he made it all about him, I understand that it is his book and all but Mila was so interesting and his friend. I like the background characters and their moments.
I also didn't feel excited when they "officially" had something. I just felt nothing and was glad that the book was almost over, Originally I was going to give this 3 stars but then I thought, "why would I give a ROMANCE book 3 stars if I didn't like the couple /romance part" . So I'm going to give it 2 stars. I just don't see Taylor and Brenner as a couple. I really tried to see them that way but I just don't feel it.
I received an ARC copy of this book.
“We’re always good, Bren. I’m glad you were there with me…my first time with a guy. That made it even better.” - Taylor
I liked the first part of this book with the cruise, although that was also a bit fast about Brenner's dad dating Taylor's mom. I'm glad that Brenner had conversations about his mom with his dad and Taylor, that they helped him with his feelings and that they talked about her. Brenner's mom means a lot to Brenner and his dad and I'm also glad that Nicole (Taylor's mom) saw that. Brenner's mom will always have a place in their lives and that was written beautifully. And I'm really glad that Nicole found a loving partner, she deserves that and Taylor also deserves to see his mom being loved the right way.
That being said, I have a hard time seeing a ''problem" with this whole dating your stepbrother thing. Their parents didn't really think about their sons, when they started dating so why should they?? I don't understand that point, that made it so much harder for me to like or even finish this book. This book felt very flat to me. I was waiting for something excided to happen. Thankfully Brenner had a conversation with Mila (his friend) and she helped Brenner finally admit that he had a crush on Taylor. Also in that conversation she asked him for help and he made it all about him, I understand that it is his book and all but Mila was so interesting and his friend. I like the background characters and their moments.
I also didn't feel excited when they "officially" had something. I just felt nothing and was glad that the book was almost over, Originally I was going to give this 3 stars but then I thought, "why would I give a ROMANCE book 3 stars if I didn't like the couple /romance part" . So I'm going to give it 2 stars. I just don't see Taylor and Brenner as a couple. I really tried to see them that way but I just don't feel it.
I received an ARC copy of this book.
Peep by Rianne Elizabeth
4.0
"We’re not perfect; if anything, we’re a train wreck in the making, but there’s no one else I’d rather wreak havoc with." - Anders
"The pieces of our puzzle don’t quite fit, but I’d be willing to hack away at the edges until we slot together and make sense." - Jahmar
Everyone has secrets and Jahmar shows his secret to Anders, in the way he does that is a lot to take in for Anders because he didn't give him any context before showing it. This is Jahmar's way to take justice back for himself and others, I love that part about dark romance, that they can take their power back and it's their way of healing from a situation that should've never had happened.
I really love Jahmar's character, but I have mixed feelings about Anders. They are both so unusual? Interesting? What is the word for watching someone on a camera without permission? St@lking? Well if you would ask Anders, he would tell you time after time that he isn't. But Jahmar liked that about him, which is also a big step for him, to give somebody else control, I cried about that, especially about what Anders did right after, that was just heartbreaking. They both have dark parts within themselves and that fits together. I understand both sides in the situation towards the end of the book but I still think that Jahmar deserves better sometimes. It's also a lot for Anders but he can't make this about him and I think he did that a few times in this book and that's why I have mixed feelings about him. That wasn't about him. It was about Jahmar, he wanted this one thing, for himself. It's just a difficult situation. I also loved the friends that they had and their moments together! This is a very good book. It was funny, heartwarming, sad, painful and powerful. This is definitely an author for me!
I received an ARC copy of this book.
The Wrong Brother by Maren Jenner
4.0
"Even when we were enemies, he looked out for me." - Leah
“I will never take your panic personally, Lee. I want to be with you every step of the way. Because one day, all of this will be nothing more than a memory and you’ll be whole again.” - Shawn
Shawn has always protected and paid attention to Leah, even when she didn't see it herself. For example he remembers her favorite candy from years ago and gives it to her, to show that he cares. He is just really thoughtful and respectful of her personal space and boundaries. They are both interested in each other but they took their time, they became friends and then slowly it became more, I really loved that they worked on their connection first. The romance wasn't rushed, just what they both needed.
I really love the timing of this book. Leah's been through a lot and Shawn didn't want to trigger her, he does little things for her and she takes care of him and his brothers. Leah and Sebastian are so much better as friends! I'm so excited to read Sebastian’s book. This is a really fun and loving family, they are all very close and their is no jealousy, they are just a big family that wants to help each other! That in itself is very healthy and refreshing to read. They could have treated each other better at times but their was also character development and conversations about their behaviors and feelings.
Frat Wars: King of Thieves by Saxon James
4.0
I listened to the audiobook version of this book.
I really loved this book, Bailey and Chad are just so mature in the way they can talk about their feelings for each other especially Chad, they just felt safe with each other, they never doubted each other. I really needed to that. They were stronger then anything that stood in their way. I really loved how easy and stable their relationship was. I really love this start of the serie. This was just so cute, fun and meaningful and my first introduction to Saxon James her books!
I really loved this book, Bailey and Chad are just so mature in the way they can talk about their feelings for each other especially Chad, they just felt safe with each other, they never doubted each other. I really needed to that. They were stronger then anything that stood in their way. I really loved how easy and stable their relationship was. I really love this start of the serie. This was just so cute, fun and meaningful and my first introduction to Saxon James her books!
Balance by Nicole Dykes
4.0
"I’ve never been the one to change anyone’s life." - Archie
"I don’t understand why he doesn’t know how truly amazing he is, but I’ll spend the rest of my life letting him know just how incredible he is if he’ll let me." - Cane
This is a type of "Don't judge this book by the first few chapters" kind of book.
So Cane isn't single in the beginning of this book... This book is definitely different and it was so interesting to figure it all out. It was also definitely painful, for all the characters that were in the middle of it all but it's better then continue with a life they aren't happy in.
Cane is so much better with Archie then with his ex. Cane and Archie really are a match! Cane deserves a partner that wants every part of him, someone that sees how much he loves his animals. And Archie deserves someone that sees him and wants him. In a way they healed parts of each other. They are just two people that have been let down by the people that were supposed to love them unconditionally. And that really formed them in the adults they are. I'm glad that Archie found his found family in the Oakley's crew and that Cane could see men openly love their partners, that really helped him so much.
I received an ARC copy for this book.
"I don’t understand why he doesn’t know how truly amazing he is, but I’ll spend the rest of my life letting him know just how incredible he is if he’ll let me." - Cane
This is a type of "Don't judge this book by the first few chapters" kind of book.
So Cane isn't single in the beginning of this book... This book is definitely different and it was so interesting to figure it all out. It was also definitely painful, for all the characters that were in the middle of it all but it's better then continue with a life they aren't happy in.
Cane is so much better with Archie then with his ex. Cane and Archie really are a match! Cane deserves a partner that wants every part of him, someone that sees how much he loves his animals. And Archie deserves someone that sees him and wants him. In a way they healed parts of each other. They are just two people that have been let down by the people that were supposed to love them unconditionally. And that really formed them in the adults they are. I'm glad that Archie found his found family in the Oakley's crew and that Cane could see men openly love their partners, that really helped him so much.
I received an ARC copy for this book.
Blind Faith by N.R. Walker
3.0
I listened to the audiobook version of this book and I really loved it.
Carter is the new vet and Isaac needed time to get used to him and change. Isaac was very grumpy but Carter got to know him, slowly and that worked. They really could work on communication. It just took time and it's all so new, especially for Isaac. There are dogs in this book! Isaac also had a hard time loving his Service dog. Dogs are also just our best friends, for their entire lives. And I really loved that they were so interested in each other's lives, and their work. They just wanted to get to know every part. This book was sweet, funny and emotional also very frustrating but there was character development from Isaac.
Carter is the new vet and Isaac needed time to get used to him and change. Isaac was very grumpy but Carter got to know him, slowly and that worked. They really could work on communication. It just took time and it's all so new, especially for Isaac. There are dogs in this book! Isaac also had a hard time loving his Service dog. Dogs are also just our best friends, for their entire lives. And I really loved that they were so interested in each other's lives, and their work. They just wanted to get to know every part. This book was sweet, funny and emotional also very frustrating but there was character development from Isaac.
When Stars Align by Denver Shaw
4.0
“Every scar, every mark it’s part of what makes you extraordinary. You’ve fought through so much to be standing here, and that’s what I admire. You’re not just beautiful; you’re a warrior.” - Declan
"With Declan, everything else falls away. The past, the hurt, the fear it all dissolves, leaving just this moment. Just us." - Savion
From the start Savion saw Declan as a person and not as a famous artist and Declan always treated Savion with a lot of respect and patience, he saw Savion, a person. Savion has scars and is sadly used to people saying mean things or staring at him because of that. He has a hard time believing that he deserves love and that he is beautiful and Declan gladly tells him that he is beautiful, as many times as he needs to hear those words, he helps him be more comfortable in his own skin. And he also helps Savior with his panic attacks in a good way, he just always listen and makes sure that he is okay.
I really loved that they gave each other time to explain parts of themselves, they treated each other with so much care and love. And the small changes in Savion’s confidence were written beautifully. Him choosing to not wear makeup around Declan because he realized that Declan would never say anything negative about his looks and that Declan makes him feel safe. And Declan telling Savion a personal story very early on in the book because Savion makes him feel safe enough to open up without judgment.
This book had definitely some unexpected twists but I loved reading their story. Double bi-awakening & age gap. I received an copy of this book.
"With Declan, everything else falls away. The past, the hurt, the fear it all dissolves, leaving just this moment. Just us." - Savion
From the start Savion saw Declan as a person and not as a famous artist and Declan always treated Savion with a lot of respect and patience, he saw Savion, a person. Savion has scars and is sadly used to people saying mean things or staring at him because of that. He has a hard time believing that he deserves love and that he is beautiful and Declan gladly tells him that he is beautiful, as many times as he needs to hear those words, he helps him be more comfortable in his own skin. And he also helps Savior with his panic attacks in a good way, he just always listen and makes sure that he is okay.
I really loved that they gave each other time to explain parts of themselves, they treated each other with so much care and love. And the small changes in Savion’s confidence were written beautifully. Him choosing to not wear makeup around Declan because he realized that Declan would never say anything negative about his looks and that Declan makes him feel safe. And Declan telling Savion a personal story very early on in the book because Savion makes him feel safe enough to open up without judgment.
This book had definitely some unexpected twists but I loved reading their story. Double bi-awakening & age gap. I received an copy of this book.
Final Breakaway by Crea Reitan
4.0
"I think that our love will change too, and we could be in love someday if we allow ourselves to be. If we open ourselves up to that possibility. The question is whether we’re willing to give it a chance." - Etna
"I suppose if I were going to kiss any guy, I’d kiss him. He’s my best friend, so why not, right? I guess he’s attractive." - Keno
Keno & Etna are best friends, they (almost) share everything, a bank account, food, clothes and so much more. They are just intertwined in each others lives even before they joked about getting married, them getting married just makes sense.
There is a lot of wedding planning. And planning their spicy life in little steps because this is a big thing for them, their first time with a man. There is a Calendar moment at the beginning of every chapter and that made it very easy to understand and what to expect from the chapter. My nero spicy brain felt very seen and understood. ALSO the Van Doren family is mentioned, I'm happy with every little breadcrumb about them!!! The timeline of their love story felt right, they took it slow. Hugging and kissing felt like a second nature, the more they had moments like "This is one of those moments when I think a nice hug would help soften the misery of today’s defeat."
"If the world were a queer-accepting society, I’m pretty sure we’d have fallen in love hard and fast." - Keno
Crea always finds a way to make (sadly) realistic moments be a part of her books, those parts make me feel seen. I really love that this is a fictional book but that it also could be about people in real life. I mean marrying your best friend and then fall in love is just a dream.
My husband isn’t becoming my best friend. My best friend is becoming my husband." - Etna
I received an ARC copy of this book. Thank you so much.
"I suppose if I were going to kiss any guy, I’d kiss him. He’s my best friend, so why not, right? I guess he’s attractive." - Keno
Keno & Etna are best friends, they (almost) share everything, a bank account, food, clothes and so much more. They are just intertwined in each others lives even before they joked about getting married, them getting married just makes sense.
There is a lot of wedding planning. And planning their spicy life in little steps because this is a big thing for them, their first time with a man. There is a Calendar moment at the beginning of every chapter and that made it very easy to understand and what to expect from the chapter. My nero spicy brain felt very seen and understood. ALSO the Van Doren family is mentioned, I'm happy with every little breadcrumb about them!!! The timeline of their love story felt right, they took it slow. Hugging and kissing felt like a second nature, the more they had moments like "This is one of those moments when I think a nice hug would help soften the misery of today’s defeat."
"If the world were a queer-accepting society, I’m pretty sure we’d have fallen in love hard and fast." - Keno
Crea always finds a way to make (sadly) realistic moments be a part of her books, those parts make me feel seen. I really love that this is a fictional book but that it also could be about people in real life. I mean marrying your best friend and then fall in love is just a dream.
My husband isn’t becoming my best friend. My best friend is becoming my husband." - Etna
I received an ARC copy of this book. Thank you so much.
Candy Hearts (Volume 2): An LGBTQIA2S+ Charity Anthology by Chantal Mer, Lee Blair, London Price, Stella Rainbow, D.K. Sutton, Becca Seymour, Beck Grey, Minerva Howe, Bix Barrow, Victoria Gillilan, E.M. Denning, Jem Wendel, Merry Farmer, CD Rachels, Marie Sinclair, Susan Scott Shelley, Zoe Lee, David Gray, Riley Long, B.A. Tortuga, Rye Cox, Anna Sparrows, Hinsel Meyer, BL Maxwell
4.0
This is a Anthology with short stories from different authors. I'm going to read all the stories eventually but for now I've only read:
Fluttered Heart by Hinsel Meyer
“You’re here with me, a practical stranger, trying again after having those awful experiences. You’re strong, Lou, trust me.” - Finn
“I feel like the universe is finally smiling down on me.” - Lou
Lou isn't used to people showing affection in public but Finn changes that. This short story is full with moments between Finn's brothers and moments with Lou and of them all together. This is a good start to what hopefully turns out to be a loving relationship. They already trust each other and can show each how excited they are about their future! Eventhough this is a short story, there is still a lot of personality, and fun moments.
Reading an Anthology is a great way to get to know new authors and writing styles.
I received an ARC copy of this book. Thank you so much!
Fluttered Heart by Hinsel Meyer
“You’re here with me, a practical stranger, trying again after having those awful experiences. You’re strong, Lou, trust me.” - Finn
“I feel like the universe is finally smiling down on me.” - Lou
Lou isn't used to people showing affection in public but Finn changes that. This short story is full with moments between Finn's brothers and moments with Lou and of them all together. This is a good start to what hopefully turns out to be a loving relationship. They already trust each other and can show each how excited they are about their future! Eventhough this is a short story, there is still a lot of personality, and fun moments.
Reading an Anthology is a great way to get to know new authors and writing styles.
I received an ARC copy of this book. Thank you so much!
Secrets Don't Stay Buried by J.D. Mills
3.0
"The girl that had been like a little sister to me had fallen prey to the same monster that I had, and I hadn’t known." - Lennon
This (LGBTQIA+) Mysery/Thriller takes place at a deaf and hard-of-hearing school, that was written with a lot of care. The book start with that a student passed away. Lennon and her friends are trying to figure out, what happened. Lennon also gets anonymous text messages.
"Very few hearing families make the effort to learn to sign."
This book had very long chapters and it felt messy. It was hard to follow for me. That's why I gave it 3 stars.
I received an ARC copy of this book.
This (LGBTQIA+) Mysery/Thriller takes place at a deaf and hard-of-hearing school, that was written with a lot of care. The book start with that a student passed away. Lennon and her friends are trying to figure out, what happened. Lennon also gets anonymous text messages.
"Very few hearing families make the effort to learn to sign."
This book had very long chapters and it felt messy. It was hard to follow for me. That's why I gave it 3 stars.
I received an ARC copy of this book.