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1087 reviews
Want by Chelle Bliss
4.25
Want is very similar to the other Men of Inked book I’ve read – Cinder, Men of Inked Heatwave. Like with Cinder, I loved the characters, individually and as a couple. And their friends & family are fun and entertaining – teasing, supporting, and loving each other with abandon.
The romance isn’t quite as insta as with Cinder but it is low angst between them. Brax and Iris meet at his bar when she’s stood up on a blind date, end up spending some time together due to a snowstorm, and thanks to her hilarious & pushy friends meet again when they drag her back to the bar with the hopes that he’ll ask her out. Which of course he does and it’s pretty smooth from there on for them as a couple.
There’s a bit of a gray area when her ex comes back in the picture. My personal preference is usually not for those that flirt with that edge but it’s a minor point of the story. It may play more into future stories, I’m not sure, but it may just be a personal quirk of mine. (And based on the popularity of dark romances I think I may be in a minority :) )
I’m not sure why I don’t read more of Bliss’s books. This is my third so far and I’ve really enjoyed all of them. The characters, main and secondary, are great, as is the relationships between them. I’ll be adding her to my list to keep an eye out for.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**
The romance isn’t quite as insta as with Cinder but it is low angst between them. Brax and Iris meet at his bar when she’s stood up on a blind date, end up spending some time together due to a snowstorm, and thanks to her hilarious & pushy friends meet again when they drag her back to the bar with the hopes that he’ll ask her out. Which of course he does and it’s pretty smooth from there on for them as a couple.
There’s a bit of a gray area when her ex comes back in the picture. My personal preference is usually not for those that flirt with that edge but it’s a minor point of the story. It may play more into future stories, I’m not sure, but it may just be a personal quirk of mine. (And based on the popularity of dark romances I think I may be in a minority :) )
I’m not sure why I don’t read more of Bliss’s books. This is my third so far and I’ve really enjoyed all of them. The characters, main and secondary, are great, as is the relationships between them. I’ll be adding her to my list to keep an eye out for.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**
The Adventurous Bookworm: Paige Turner Series #3 by Kathleen Brooks
4.5
Like the previous two books, The Adventurous Bookworm is full of humorous hijinks, quirky fun, and fantastic characters. And like the previous books, is it always 100% realistic? No. Is it entertaining and satisfying? Oh, definitely. It delightfully ties up all of the loose ends and does a wonderful job of wrapping up Paige's year of adventure, giving her the HEA that I was waiting for. And that ending, whew! I didn't see it coming and maybe I should have but that just means I'm going to have to go back to see what clues I missed :)
If you are looking for a fun rom-com, the Paige Turner series is a fantastic choice.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**
If you are looking for a fun rom-com, the Paige Turner series is a fantastic choice.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**
Power Forward by Jodi Oliver
4.5
There’s so much to like about this one – the mental health rep, the fact that love doesn’t fix everything, the found family love … so many feels. Every chapter just grabs the heart more than the last.
I felt for Hayden from the beginning. His struggle and regret is so obvious, as is his continuing feelings for Jackson. Their breakup may have been his fault but there is so much going on with him. And Jackson realizes it as well and, while he is still hesitant, is willing to listen and maybe even forgive. It’s complicated and heartbreaking, but some second chances are worth facing the past and being vulnerable for.
There’s also a great group of secondary characters. The people in Hayden’s life who have been there every step of the way as he does the work to find more stable footing. The Thunder players who are obvious in their love and support to one another. And Jackson’s oh-so-adorable children and the relationship they develop with Hayden and the other players is so very sweet. I love the little family that they’ve created.
While Oliver delivers a great read, it definitely isn’t an easy one. It’s raw, emotional, sweet, funny, steamy, and angsty. Worth all the feels!
**I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**
I felt for Hayden from the beginning. His struggle and regret is so obvious, as is his continuing feelings for Jackson. Their breakup may have been his fault but there is so much going on with him. And Jackson realizes it as well and, while he is still hesitant, is willing to listen and maybe even forgive. It’s complicated and heartbreaking, but some second chances are worth facing the past and being vulnerable for.
There’s also a great group of secondary characters. The people in Hayden’s life who have been there every step of the way as he does the work to find more stable footing. The Thunder players who are obvious in their love and support to one another. And Jackson’s oh-so-adorable children and the relationship they develop with Hayden and the other players is so very sweet. I love the little family that they’ve created.
While Oliver delivers a great read, it definitely isn’t an easy one. It’s raw, emotional, sweet, funny, steamy, and angsty. Worth all the feels!
**I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**
Someone to Love by Michelle Major
4.0
There were moments of humor, some of feels, and a little frustration. Ian and Sadie together are enjoyable, with his support of her and working to improve her confidence. Ian recognizes that she’s giving and loving, sacrificing for others, but that it’s not recognized or returned. I do wish that by the end she’d have been more appreciated by the people around her. She’s getting there and maybe we’ll see more thru the rest of the series.
Ian is working hard at being a good dad, settling into retirement and a new town. He’s trying and it’s obvious, as is his struggle with being loved. This is another one of those moments where I wish we’d gotten a bit more. He has reason for struggling with relationships – his childhood as well as past relationships – but it needed just a little more … explanation? Examples? Just a bit more show not tell, I guess?
It was obvious that we were going to get a third act breakup due to some misunderstanding or miscommunication. These two are struggling so much with their feelings, past hurts, and insecurities. And neither is confident enough to put themselves out there or get advice from someone else.
Overall, though, I liked what Major does here. The characters are interesting and the plot has a good mix of angst, humor, and steam. Looking forward to seeing what happens next for the citizens of Skylark.
(There was a moment that I really had an issue with – Ian and his brother talk about people with an Only Fans account and suggest that they are bad people. I was hoping we’d be past looking down on sex workers. Surely they could have found another way to do this.)
**I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**
Ian is working hard at being a good dad, settling into retirement and a new town. He’s trying and it’s obvious, as is his struggle with being loved. This is another one of those moments where I wish we’d gotten a bit more. He has reason for struggling with relationships – his childhood as well as past relationships – but it needed just a little more … explanation? Examples? Just a bit more show not tell, I guess?
It was obvious that we were going to get a third act breakup due to some misunderstanding or miscommunication. These two are struggling so much with their feelings, past hurts, and insecurities. And neither is confident enough to put themselves out there or get advice from someone else.
Overall, though, I liked what Major does here. The characters are interesting and the plot has a good mix of angst, humor, and steam. Looking forward to seeing what happens next for the citizens of Skylark.
(There was a moment that I really had an issue with – Ian and his brother talk about people with an Only Fans account and suggest that they are bad people. I was hoping we’d be past looking down on sex workers. Surely they could have found another way to do this.)
**I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**
Craving You by Samantha Chase
4.5
We’re pretty much thrown right into it with Hailey finding out that she’s pregnant, deciding what she’s going to do. And like a good book boyfriend, Max steps up. He throws himself all in to supporting her, letting her lead & make decisions that work for her.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a book of any length if everything just falls into place. Hailey may be all over the place, but she’s got some insecurities from a past relationship and, I mean, there are the hormones so … But all their issues are realistic and their journey to a HEA worked well.
It’s been a long time since I’ve read a Samantha Chase book and I think I have been missing out. Craving You is sweet, quick, & low angst and both Max & Hailey are relatable & likable. Definitely be adding some books to my TBR pile.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**
Of course, it wouldn’t be a book of any length if everything just falls into place. Hailey may be all over the place, but she’s got some insecurities from a past relationship and, I mean, there are the hormones so … But all their issues are realistic and their journey to a HEA worked well.
It’s been a long time since I’ve read a Samantha Chase book and I think I have been missing out. Craving You is sweet, quick, & low angst and both Max & Hailey are relatable & likable. Definitely be adding some books to my TBR pile.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**
Puck Love by Lane Hayes
5.0
Y’all, every new Elmwood book is my new favorite. These couples just keep getting better & better and again I have to say that these two may be my favoritist. They just stole my heart. Jake with his quiet seriousness, holding so much of the world on his shoulders. And loud, boisterous Trinsky, who hides a deeper, softer side. Opposites fighting it out on the ice and, mostly thanks to Trinsky’s big mouth, in the media as well. But time spent together gives them the opportunity to see a little further below the surface.
I loved how these two end up spending time together against their will but find themselves slowly getting to know each other. It is so sweet, so touching, as they discover more about each other. Their dedication and love for others, glimpses of the caring men they are. Creating an unexpected connection … and an inescapable attraction.
Puck Love is low angst, adorable, wholesome, sexy, and such a satisfying end to the series. Returning readers will have the opportunity to catch up with characters from past books, but this can be read as a stand alone … why would you want to tho!
**I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**
I loved how these two end up spending time together against their will but find themselves slowly getting to know each other. It is so sweet, so touching, as they discover more about each other. Their dedication and love for others, glimpses of the caring men they are. Creating an unexpected connection … and an inescapable attraction.
Puck Love is low angst, adorable, wholesome, sexy, and such a satisfying end to the series. Returning readers will have the opportunity to catch up with characters from past books, but this can be read as a stand alone … why would you want to tho!
**I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**
Slash & Burn by Maddy Lowe
4.5
I adored Jill and Grady together. They provide support and understanding to each other, stepping in when the other stumbles or loses confidence, as they handle their individual anxieties and traumas. It gives them a connection they didn’t expect.
As with Down & Dirty, book 2 in the series has great characters and I liked the direction their relationship takes. This one isn’t as angsty but their HEA still takes a bit of work and I’m here for it. I also enjoyed the way that she normalizes mental health in their story.
I am so glad I found Lowe. Her Holden Cove series has been so enjoyable and I feel like she’s just going to keep giving us great reads.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**
As with Down & Dirty, book 2 in the series has great characters and I liked the direction their relationship takes. This one isn’t as angsty but their HEA still takes a bit of work and I’m here for it. I also enjoyed the way that she normalizes mental health in their story.
I am so glad I found Lowe. Her Holden Cove series has been so enjoyable and I feel like she’s just going to keep giving us great reads.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**
My Silver Lining by Laura Pavlov
4.75
Pavlov has become one of those writers that I trust is going to give me a book I love. I was a little hesitant with Lulu – I’m not always a fan of the prickly, black catty kind of heroines – but I adored her. She’s feisty, sassy, and complicated. Her interactions with Rafe are entertaining and they fit together so well as their fake relationship develops into something more real. And speaking of Rafe, he makes a pretty darn good fake boyfriend. And an even better real one. He’s good for Lulu, supporting her and centering her with she needs it. I loved it.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**
**I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**
Down & Dirty by Maddy Lowe
4.25
I liked these two. Skylar does make some assumptions about Corey but she quickly finds out that he’s nothing like what she thinks he is. He’s caring, with more depth and understanding, seeing her like no one else does. And while he’s already a good guy, Corey grows thru his relationship with Skylar, realizing that there’s more to life and their relationship than he would have imagined.
There’s a bit of angst – they got together under less than truthful circumstances so it isn’t surprising. It makes sense for their situation and their personalities, not drama for drama’s sake, and it is resolved in a way that worked for me.
While writing this review, I found out this is the first work by Lowe and I am pleasantly surprised. The pacing was a smidge off (it drug just a bit) but the characters were really well done and I liked the way their relationship evolved. I’m excited to see what comes with book 2!
**I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**
There’s a bit of angst – they got together under less than truthful circumstances so it isn’t surprising. It makes sense for their situation and their personalities, not drama for drama’s sake, and it is resolved in a way that worked for me.
While writing this review, I found out this is the first work by Lowe and I am pleasantly surprised. The pacing was a smidge off (it drug just a bit) but the characters were really well done and I liked the way their relationship evolved. I’m excited to see what comes with book 2!
**I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**
Hats to Boots by B.A. Tortuga
4.0
Tortuga gives readers a low angst and sweet comfort read. It’s not easy – there is a lot of hurt and stress and adversity. There’s so much trauma from the last few years and it’s going to take a lot of love, patience, and work to get on solid footing.
West has the opportunity to circle back to the man who got away. But Trey’s life is so much different than it was before. It doesn’t take West long to recognize how strong, resilient, and amazing Trey is. And how adorable his kids are. He may be there to help take some of the weight off of Trey, but the man does not need saving.
I have to say tho that Trey deserves the chance to throw a few fits and I kinda wish that he had a bit more resolution for his own story. There is no return medically, and he did get some help around the ranch, but of all of them he seemed the one to come out of it with less. West got his dream job and his ex back, the kids got a nanny, but Trey basically got some help and a boyfriend. I loved the family they all made together but I don’t know. His world pretty much imploded and a part of me just wanted something more for him.
Hats to Boots is a quick and emotional read. I enjoyed being there as West found a place for himself in Trey’s family and they built a community on the ranch. Things get complicated but with a big dose of love and support they figure out how to make it work.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**
West has the opportunity to circle back to the man who got away. But Trey’s life is so much different than it was before. It doesn’t take West long to recognize how strong, resilient, and amazing Trey is. And how adorable his kids are. He may be there to help take some of the weight off of Trey, but the man does not need saving.
I have to say tho that Trey deserves the chance to throw a few fits and I kinda wish that he had a bit more resolution for his own story. There is no return medically, and he did get some help around the ranch, but of all of them he seemed the one to come out of it with less. West got his dream job and his ex back, the kids got a nanny, but Trey basically got some help and a boyfriend. I loved the family they all made together but I don’t know. His world pretty much imploded and a part of me just wanted something more for him.
Hats to Boots is a quick and emotional read. I enjoyed being there as West found a place for himself in Trey’s family and they built a community on the ranch. Things get complicated but with a big dose of love and support they figure out how to make it work.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**