roksyreads's reviews
432 reviews

Trick Shot by Kayla Grosse

adventurous lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Trick Shot, a spicy Christmas novella, was the perfect read to finish 2024. FMC Riley and MMCs Leo and Jace were adorable and utterly loveable characters, and the physical and romantic chemistry between them was intense. The story was very much an insta-lust to insta-love, yet this felt natural even in this abbreviated form. I enjoyed following Leo and Jace’s journeys as they faced the true depth of their relationship and feelings for each other, but I was especially drawn to Riley. I saw much of myself reflected in her and it was wonderful to see her confidence blossom. It was especially refreshing to read about not only a plus sized FMC, but also a plus sized MMC in Jace. His body is given just as much love and attention as Leo, the more typically built romance MMC. It brought me so much joy to see all three of them being appreciated and treated as being beautiful and desirable, and I turned into a puddle of swooning goo as a result. 

Uncovering Dinosaur Behavior: What They Did and How We Know by David Hone

informative relaxing

Uncovering Dinosaur Behavior: What They Did and How We Know is a fascinating review of the emerging field of dinosaur behavioural studies. The novel looks at the past, current, and developing methods for reconstructing how dinosaurs lived and acted and also details the challenges of studying the behaviour of these long-extinct animals. Hone’s writing style is thorough, but his conversational tone makes it accessible to most readers—even those with only a foundational knowledge of the relevant scientific fields, like myself. Overall, this is a great read for those who are intrigued by zoology and paleontology, but also may interest those who are more broadly into history or science. 

Wyatt by Jessica Peterson

emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Synopsis
Sally Powell is running out of time to enjoy the comforts of her hometown of Hartsville before returning to New York to start her dream job. Before she leaves, she’s determined to break a long dry spell in the bedroom with a local cowboy, but Sally can’t stay out of her head long enough to be swept off her feet. Lucky for Sally, Wyatt Rivers, a cowboy hotter than a Texas summer and Hartsville’s resident heartbreaker—and her best friend since second grade—is ready to teach her the art of the hookup. Wyatt might be wild and untamed, but there’s not a man Sally could trust more to show her the ropes. She only wishes that Lucky River Ranch’s foreman wasn’t so far out of her league. When their fake flirting leads to fake dating, then turns into real kissing and real—well, everything—Sally’s long-held secret desire to be Wyatt’s last rodeo grows, but even if she wasn’t leaving town, she knows her cowboy can’t be tamed. If only her heart would get the memo.

Review

Wyatt is without a doubt my most anticipated release of 2024 and reading it just in time for Christmas was in itself a gift. I feel such intense joy in this time after finishing the bonus epilogue (linked in the novel) that I’m writing this review after 1AM in the morning on Christmas Day because I need an outlet for all this love. Wyatt’s and Sally’s emotional friends-to-lovers romance is balanced with banter and spice a-plenty. The banter had me grinning like an idiot, both in the exchanges between Wyatt and Sally, as well as between them and the broader cast. The spice was breathtakingly hot yet also achingly sweet. As with the first novel in the series, Cash, I love that communication was a central theme, guiding MMC Wyatt’s and FMC Sally’s individual journeys as well as the changing dynamics of their relationship. The focus on vulnerability—on learning to be vulnerable not just with other people, but with oneself—was especially heartfelt: a lesson I’ll be carrying into my life (along perhaps with a few other… rope related lessons). Wyatt is absolutely a contender for the my favourite novel of 2024 and I can’t wait for the next novel in the series, Sawyer.

~

I am pleased to have the opportunity to provide an honest review as an ARC reader. 

Searching for Justice by Tonya Burrows

adventurous mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

Synopsis
Notoriously grumpy lawman Sheriff Ash Rawlings lives by the book, valuing structure and order. Already overworked and overwhelmed trying to keep his county safe and clean out the rot left behind by his corrupt predecessor, he doesn’t have time for distractions—least of all a new K9 partner with a nose for trouble and the rebellious Rose Galasso, the local pub’s wild, infuriating owner. Rose wants nothing to do with the uptight sheriff who ruined her life 13 years ago, but the recent wildfire that wreaked havoc on the county also uncovered a body. The cold case that’s haunted them for years draws the bickering pair together with great reluctance, but when Rose’s ties to the victim put her in ever increasing danger, they must face their turbulent history to solve the case and survive. 

Review

Searching for Justice is the third novel in the Redwood Coast Rescue series, and my favourite so far. MMC Ash and FMC Rose are both engaging, flawed individuals in their own right. I love a growly MMC, so I was keen to get to know the grumpy county sheriff better, and Rose, too, had caught my interest as a recurring character due to her sass and unapologetic bite (even though she annoyed the sh*t out of me at times, I was glad she kept that throughout the novel). Their enemies-to-lovers style romance was especially well done, though there was an element spice-wise that needed more careful consideration. The mystery plot was solid, with a great twist. I thought the breadcrumbs for it were well laid for a satisfying ah-ha! moment at the climax.

Did I Ever Tell You This? by Sam Neill

emotional funny informative inspiring lighthearted relaxing slow-paced

I came to Sam Neill’s memoir Did I Ever Tell You This? as a long-time lover of Jurassic Park and stayed for the honest, immersive storytelling. His narration is charming, witty, and uplifting as he details the oft-unusual moments in his life that led him towards his unexpected but impressive career. Imbued with a sincere appreciation for the family, friends, and colleagues, who have been in even the smallest ways integral to his growth as an individual and as an actor, I loved learning more about Sam, his early life, and the moments that proved formative for his career.

Baby Cakes: The Complete Bite Series by S.J. Tilly

funny lighthearted relaxing fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

~ Synopsis ~

Finding himself judging yet another holiday special of his hit baking competition TV show Second Bite—and spending another Christmas alone in a hotel room as a result—celebrity Chef Michael Kesso yearns for a happiness that no amount of media attention, money, or status can bring him. But when the lights go up for the first episode and he lays eyes on Alice Hatter, Michael knows exactly what he wants for Christmas—this year, and every year after. Michael and Alice’s budding relationship will have to face the hurdles of competition and fame, but Chef Michael doesn’t shy away from a challenge. He’ll do whatever it takes to keep this woman with her evergreen eyes, cherry-red lips, and a body he’ll write to Santa for.

~ Review ~

Featuring vibrant, curvy FMC Alice and grumpy silver fox MMC Michael, this insta-lust and insta-love collection of S.J. Tilly’s Bite novellas, Baby Cakes, is a fun, festive read perfect to get in the mood for the season. The setting of a baking competition is an entirely new one for me, but I loved the forbidden vibes it created in the first novella (Second Bite) and the tension it diffused through the third (New Year’s Bite). Lighthearted and tooth-achingly sweet, the collection is packed with more Christmas puns than a Christmas cracker—add in spice as hot as an Aussie Christmas, and it’s a gift that keeps on giving… just like Michael😉

Searching for Risk by Tonya Burrows

adventurous mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

After a traumatic brain injury ended his military career, Donovan Scott returned to his home town where many but his closest friends still believe he’s involved in the unsolved disappearance of Darcy, his highschool girlfriend. His only solace is Spirit, his K9 partner at Redwood Coast Rescue, but Donovan’s always been a risk-taker at heart; when the rescue’s charity ball gives him a chance to sweep RWCR vet Sasha off her feet, he takes it. Sasha attended the ball planning to seduce the county sheriff, the best fit for her perfectly planned life, yet Donovan surprises her with his passion and his heart of gold. However, Donovan’s murky past is catching up to him. A serial arsonist is targeting the few people he loves and trusts, and a true crime podcast stirring new suspicions about his role in Darcy’s disappearance. Even at the risk of losing Sasha, Donovan must reveal his darkest secret to save her.

The second novel in the Redwood Coast Rescue series focuses on MMC Donovan and FMC Sasha. I connected with both characters and their experiences on an individual level and was thrilled to learn more about their pasts and them as people. Their developing relationship is framed as central to the plot and progression of the story, however was realistically secondary to the mystery plot, which was the most engaging aspect. I enjoyed following the investigation and felt a great deal of satisfaction upon the resolution, but the “podcast” element was a miss for me. Admittedly, I don’t listen to any true crime podcasts so maybe I simply don’t understand the genre, but Alexis and her podcast were oft-contradictory. She/her podcast seemed to exist only to force a third-act break-up moment between Donovan and Sasha that felt unrealistic and lessened the sincerity of their HEA. 

Searching for Rescue by Tonya Burrows

adventurous emotional mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

After Zak Hendricks’ final mission goes sideways, the black-ops soldier known for taking on the hardest, dirtiest missions is discharged to his hometown. Struggling with both physical and mental scars, he finds himself court-ordered to enrol in dog trainer Anna Rawling’s Paws for Vets program. Anna’s done everything to avoid the man who crushed her teenage heart all those years ago, but the fear that she’ll lose everything she’s worked so hard to build at Redwood Coast Rescue if she can’t rehabilitate the town’s notorious bad boy compels her to give the brooding, wounded vet another chance. And for Ranger—the ex-military working dog marked for death—becoming a service dog may be his last hope. Neither man nor dog want to work together, but when a missing persons case puts Anna in the sights of an obsessive killer, the broken soldier and the unruly K9 must learn to trust each other–and the entire Redwood Coast Rescue team–to rescue the woman they love.

Having read and enjoyed a few romantic suspense stories this year, I’ve been keen to delve a little deeper into the genre. Searching for Rescue, the first in the Redwood Rescue series, is my first encounter with Tonya Burrows, and the novel proved to be a good fit for my interests. And, as a bonus, the story features one of my favourite elements: an animal companion. Centred on broody black-ops veteran MMC Zak and his old high school flame (and former best friend's sister), the strong-willed dog trainer and rehabilitator FMC Anna, the novel combines an action-packed plot with an emotional second chance romance, elements of found family, and a strong narrative focus on the challenges of trauma and recovery. I was fully invested in Zak’s and Anna’s journeys and their romance from start to finish, despite encountering themes that I generally avoid, and enjoyed getting to know a broad cast of characters. I’m looking forward to continuing the series with Searching for Risk. 

Rivers Between Us by Greta Rose West

adventurous emotional mysterious sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

 ~ 𝗦𝘆𝗻𝗼𝗽𝘀𝗶𝘀 ~
As Tenton County’s Sheriff, Carey Michaels always puts the needs of others first, even when helping his ex-best friend after she reappears in his life with her young daughter means risking heartbreak again. Returning to her hometown makes Francesca “Frannie” Morris feel safer, but threats linger even in Wisper. Whilst the boy she loved is determined to protect her, Frannie’s doubt, insecurity, and fear of hurting Carey again is overwhelming. But Carey’s all man now—the big, bad sheriff never leaves home without his badge and handcuffs. With Frannie back in his life, he’ll do anything to keep her and her daughter safe.

~ 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄 ~
It was a treat to return to Wisper for this first novel of the Wisper Dreams series, set some years after Blinded (Cade Ranch 5). I especially enjoyed learning more about MMC Carey, who, as Teton County’s Sheriff, featured in the previous novels and became a favourite character. Carey’s romance with FMC Frannie is a sweet, slow-burn intensified by Frannie having to face and overcome personal challenges in order to embrace the love that first bloomed in their youth. Although I picked up on the final twists early on, I still found the suspense elements of the narrative intriguing and was invested in the plot and resolution. On a final note, this novel tackles some heavy themes. West handles these with thought and respect. However, given the nature of these themes, I encourage readers to check CWs/TWs. 

Bouquets & Buckles by Elliott Rose

medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Syklar’s Christmas surprise for her boyfriend in her home town of Crimson Ridge ends in discovering his betrayal. Stranded with a flat tyre and with a snowstorm approaching, she tries to call her best friend for help, but blinded by heartbreak and haste, she doesn’t realise she’s accidentally called her best friend’s father—her life-long cowboy crush—until it’s too late. A year since Lucas Rhodes drove her home from a New Year’s Eve party alone, they’re about to be snowed in together on his ranch. Skylar doesn’t know how she’ll resist her every teenage fantasy, especially when he’s looking at her like he’s fighting the same desires.

As I’ve delved deeper into my romance era this year, I’ve discovered that I love age gap forbidden romances and Elliot Rose is proving to be a master of these themes/tropes through her Crimson Ridge series (see MMCs Colton Wild and Stôrmand Lane—IYKYK 👀). Bouquets & Buckles is Christmas themed interconnected standalone novella from the series that was first featured in the anthology Saddles & Sweethearts. After enjoying the first Crimson Ridge novel, Chasing the Wild, I was eager for another taste of Rose’s gruff, rugged cowboys, and happily devoured this story featuring FMC Skylar and her best friend’s dad, MMC Lucas. Brimming with tension, angst, mutual pining, breathtaking spice, and the sweetest HEA, this story lived up to all my hopes during my first read and I loved it just as much the second time around. If you’re looking for a spicy, Christmas themed read this December (or you’re a spicy romance fan in general!), this one should absolutely be on your radar.