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Duke of Luhst by Mariah Stone
4.25
So I enjoyed the crap out of this story but I’m not sure how much more I would have loved it if I’d read the first book in the series. There were a few plot holes & some character development that I might have gotten if I’d met them before. But based on what I got as a first read, it was still well worth it.
Chastity has scars gotten at the hands of her father (this is one of those places where I don’t think I got enough detail but may have better understood with her brother’s story). She’s spent years emphasizing her brains, not her femininity, hoping that she’d find someone who valued her as she was. But it’s left her alone, awkward, and looked over.
Lucian’s parents were horrible, to him and to each other. To outrun the pain and wounds that their actions & words left him with, he has turned himself into a devil-may-care rake. Someone that makes no attachments, locks his heart down, making sure that he cannot be hurt or commit any harm to others.
I loved these two together and my heart broke for them both, for their pasts and the present. There’s so many ups and downs for them as they figure out if they can let the pain, the scars, of their past go and take the chance on a future. It’s scary, painful, but totally worth it if they are brave. And I’m here for every moment of it.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**
Chastity has scars gotten at the hands of her father (this is one of those places where I don’t think I got enough detail but may have better understood with her brother’s story). She’s spent years emphasizing her brains, not her femininity, hoping that she’d find someone who valued her as she was. But it’s left her alone, awkward, and looked over.
Lucian’s parents were horrible, to him and to each other. To outrun the pain and wounds that their actions & words left him with, he has turned himself into a devil-may-care rake. Someone that makes no attachments, locks his heart down, making sure that he cannot be hurt or commit any harm to others.
I loved these two together and my heart broke for them both, for their pasts and the present. There’s so many ups and downs for them as they figure out if they can let the pain, the scars, of their past go and take the chance on a future. It’s scary, painful, but totally worth it if they are brave. And I’m here for every moment of it.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**
My One & Goalie by Kara Kendrick
4.0
I didn’t know going in that this was a novella and I think that probably influenced how I felt about it. I loved Xander & Rachel and the relationship they created together. But my biggest issue, being such a short story that I enjoyed that much, is I wanted SO much more!
Xander is known for his temper, on and off the ice, but he’s not a bad guy. He usually gets in trouble standing up for himself and his teammates. And once he meets Rachel and her son, he finds himself standing up for them too.
Rachel is a good mom with a terrible ex. She’s making sacrifices to make her son happy and trying her best to limit the fall out from her ex’s bad behavior. The last thing she has time for is her son’s sexy new coach. But he’s not one to give up.
I would have loved to see more of the reforming of the bad boy. He immediately feels this pull towards Rachel and as they get to know each other he shows himself to be a good man. He takes care of her when she needs it, supports her, and respects her. He’s an amazing boyfriend and I really just wanted more of it!
I definitely think that if I’d known that this was a novella my attitude would have been different as I read their story. It’s smooth, flows well, and is believable with likable characters – everything that makes for a great read. It’s because I liked them so much, I enjoyed their story, that I was looking for more out of it, that extra detail and development. Make it a full length story and you're getting 5*s from me.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**
Xander is known for his temper, on and off the ice, but he’s not a bad guy. He usually gets in trouble standing up for himself and his teammates. And once he meets Rachel and her son, he finds himself standing up for them too.
Rachel is a good mom with a terrible ex. She’s making sacrifices to make her son happy and trying her best to limit the fall out from her ex’s bad behavior. The last thing she has time for is her son’s sexy new coach. But he’s not one to give up.
I would have loved to see more of the reforming of the bad boy. He immediately feels this pull towards Rachel and as they get to know each other he shows himself to be a good man. He takes care of her when she needs it, supports her, and respects her. He’s an amazing boyfriend and I really just wanted more of it!
I definitely think that if I’d known that this was a novella my attitude would have been different as I read their story. It’s smooth, flows well, and is believable with likable characters – everything that makes for a great read. It’s because I liked them so much, I enjoyed their story, that I was looking for more out of it, that extra detail and development. Make it a full length story and you're getting 5*s from me.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**
Mr. Broody by Piper Rayne
4.5
I was so happy to see Henry find his HEA. He’s such an old soul – serious about his family, his friends, and his sport. He was such a delightful part of Mr. Heartbreaker as he provided guidance and a level-head to the others. They call him Daddy for a reason (and not an “ewww” one) as he’s the father figure to more in the group than just Bodhi. But now that he’s got a second chance with the only woman he’s ever loved, their love & attraction still as strong as ever, he’s struggling to take it slow :)
While his connection to Jade is lovely, it’s his obvious love and care for Bodhi that is swoony. Bodhi is just as much an old soul as Henry but with the enthusiasm of a child. I loved getting his side in a few chapters and it is relatable how badly he wants a woman’s influence in his life. Enter Jade as his substitute teacher – obviously someone important to his dad in the past – what could be better?
I feel for Jade. I totally understand why she’s stayed away for so long and why she’s hesitant to see Henry again, knowing how strong her feelings for him are still. It had to be hard balancing that pull with trying to figure out where she’s going with her life. Now she’s finding herself at a crossroads again, unsure of who she wants to be, and realizing that their feelings for each other are still just as strong as ever … Can they make it work?
Looking from the outside I think there could have been a better way to handle it all those years ago, but I get where they are coming from and why they would think the way they did. While I don’t feel like Jade’s issues were completely resolved, and I really needed that clarity moment about whether staying is right, I know we’ll see more of them over the next couple of books to get some of those answers.
Seeing them together tho is *chefs kiss*
I love the guys in The Nest – the way they each have their strengths that they bring to the group and how they are there to support one another, never failing to show up, from listening & providing advice to giving each other heck to being there for Bodhi. It’s sweet and wholesome and I love seeing them find someone to share their lives with, bringing them into the fold. I’m so looking forward to what’s coming next for them!
**I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**
While his connection to Jade is lovely, it’s his obvious love and care for Bodhi that is swoony. Bodhi is just as much an old soul as Henry but with the enthusiasm of a child. I loved getting his side in a few chapters and it is relatable how badly he wants a woman’s influence in his life. Enter Jade as his substitute teacher – obviously someone important to his dad in the past – what could be better?
I feel for Jade. I totally understand why she’s stayed away for so long and why she’s hesitant to see Henry again, knowing how strong her feelings for him are still. It had to be hard balancing that pull with trying to figure out where she’s going with her life. Now she’s finding herself at a crossroads again, unsure of who she wants to be, and realizing that their feelings for each other are still just as strong as ever … Can they make it work?
Looking from the outside I think there could have been a better way to handle it all those years ago, but I get where they are coming from and why they would think the way they did. While I don’t feel like Jade’s issues were completely resolved, and I really needed that clarity moment about whether staying is right, I know we’ll see more of them over the next couple of books to get some of those answers.
Seeing them together tho is *chefs kiss*
I love the guys in The Nest – the way they each have their strengths that they bring to the group and how they are there to support one another, never failing to show up, from listening & providing advice to giving each other heck to being there for Bodhi. It’s sweet and wholesome and I love seeing them find someone to share their lives with, bringing them into the fold. I’m so looking forward to what’s coming next for them!
**I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**
Meant to be Falling by Alexandra Hale
4.0
There were things I enjoyed about this book and things that weren’t my favorite. The characters were amazing, all of them, and the best thing about the book. I loved them all and couldn’t wait to get to know them better.
Bodhi and Mason have a special bond (although I would have loved to see more of them together) and the friends they’ve met have become a second family. The found family aspect is beyond sweet and just tugs at the heartstrings, especially as we get to know Mason’s history.
From the moment Mason meets Lana, he knows that she’s the one for him. The insta-love may not be for everyone but I found it sweet. Especially as Mason woos her, helps with her kids, and shows them that they are loved & important. It’s not all smooth sailing, but with good communication and patience they’ll figure it out.
On the lesser side, this is my first book in this series so I’m not sure how much of it would have been different if I’d read any of the others. While I loved their support for Mason and Lana, it did leave me confused about all the different people and how they relate to each other. Because I loved so much of the rest of the story, I think I probably should have just read the others first … more books for my TBR :)
**I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**
Bodhi and Mason have a special bond (although I would have loved to see more of them together) and the friends they’ve met have become a second family. The found family aspect is beyond sweet and just tugs at the heartstrings, especially as we get to know Mason’s history.
From the moment Mason meets Lana, he knows that she’s the one for him. The insta-love may not be for everyone but I found it sweet. Especially as Mason woos her, helps with her kids, and shows them that they are loved & important. It’s not all smooth sailing, but with good communication and patience they’ll figure it out.
On the lesser side, this is my first book in this series so I’m not sure how much of it would have been different if I’d read any of the others. While I loved their support for Mason and Lana, it did leave me confused about all the different people and how they relate to each other. Because I loved so much of the rest of the story, I think I probably should have just read the others first … more books for my TBR :)
**I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**
Wyatt by Jessica Peterson
4.0
I’m not a huge fan of romances where both characters have feelings for each other but they feel like they have to hide it for some reason. I understand where they are coming from, and it is definitely hard to put yourself out there, but it can get a little old after a while.
I think that Peterson does a great job with her story though. Pacing is well done, with a good flow from friendship to something more. The characters are believable in their actions & feelings and the way they approach a change in their relationship as well. So while it isn’t my personal favorite, I feel like it will delight those that enjoy that kind of thing.
While Wyatt wasn’t quite the home run for me that Cash was, I did enjoy it a whole heck of a lot. Peterson gives us another dirty talking Rivers cowboy and a sassy woman to keep him on his toes. The relationship between Sally and Wyatt is the sweetest – the connection they have and their history together – and I was so happy for them to figure things out.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**
I think that Peterson does a great job with her story though. Pacing is well done, with a good flow from friendship to something more. The characters are believable in their actions & feelings and the way they approach a change in their relationship as well. So while it isn’t my personal favorite, I feel like it will delight those that enjoy that kind of thing.
While Wyatt wasn’t quite the home run for me that Cash was, I did enjoy it a whole heck of a lot. Peterson gives us another dirty talking Rivers cowboy and a sassy woman to keep him on his toes. The relationship between Sally and Wyatt is the sweetest – the connection they have and their history together – and I was so happy for them to figure things out.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**
Hearts We Claim by Christina Berry
4.25
This is the first by Berry that I’ve read and I doubt it’ll be the last. Her writing is well-paced and her characters are fun. Both Markus & Adam went through things in their childhoods because of their sexuality, but even tho it didn’t leave them unscathed they aren’t going to let it get them down. Both have become good men – sweet, caring, and giving.
They find themselves connecting pretty much right away as it seems like life keeps throwing them together. There’s a little bit of a dance as they feel each other out, deciding if they are willing to take a chance on their attraction, but they soon become friends and maybe even something more. As long as they are willing to take that chance.
While I enjoyed Markus and Adam’s story, I do really wish they’d done a bit more talking. There’s a little bit of angst, most of which could have been avoided with a few questions from one or the other of them. But even that was a minor complaint. In general, it was a really smooth and easy read with lots of feel good moments flowing into a HEA ending.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**
They find themselves connecting pretty much right away as it seems like life keeps throwing them together. There’s a little bit of a dance as they feel each other out, deciding if they are willing to take a chance on their attraction, but they soon become friends and maybe even something more. As long as they are willing to take that chance.
While I enjoyed Markus and Adam’s story, I do really wish they’d done a bit more talking. There’s a little bit of angst, most of which could have been avoided with a few questions from one or the other of them. But even that was a minor complaint. In general, it was a really smooth and easy read with lots of feel good moments flowing into a HEA ending.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**
Moody's Grumpy Holiday by Lane Hayes
4.5
Hayes latest is a fun, sweet, and humorous holiday romance. When Hudson first meets Moody, he’s funny, upbeat, and quirky. They spend a couple of days together, and one steamy evening, before Hudson heads back home … with a warning from Moody not to come back until January.
December Moody is very different from every other month Moody. While he’s a little bah humbug-y, he’s not horrible about it. He still finds things he enjoys, is willing to help friends and family, and makes his bookstore a welcoming place (in an entertaining way by bringing the opposite of the rest of the town’s Christmas cheer). We find out eventually why he has such an issue with the month, and its understandable why the month isn’t his favorite.
Hudson is smitten after his first visit and just as smitten with grumpy Moody. He slowly and carefully brings Moody back around to enjoying the holiday season again – from convincing him to go tree shopping to making a gingerbread house. He’s sensitive to Moody’s feelings but also sees hints that suggest that Moody isn’t as sour on the season as he wants people to think he is.
So far I have loved everything I’ve read from Hayes. It’s her characters that keep me coming back over and over again. Only one hasn’t been my cup of tea but even he was interesting & well developed and I enjoyed the heck out of his story. Hayes is a favorite and I look forward to every book that she comes out with.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**
December Moody is very different from every other month Moody. While he’s a little bah humbug-y, he’s not horrible about it. He still finds things he enjoys, is willing to help friends and family, and makes his bookstore a welcoming place (in an entertaining way by bringing the opposite of the rest of the town’s Christmas cheer). We find out eventually why he has such an issue with the month, and its understandable why the month isn’t his favorite.
Hudson is smitten after his first visit and just as smitten with grumpy Moody. He slowly and carefully brings Moody back around to enjoying the holiday season again – from convincing him to go tree shopping to making a gingerbread house. He’s sensitive to Moody’s feelings but also sees hints that suggest that Moody isn’t as sour on the season as he wants people to think he is.
So far I have loved everything I’ve read from Hayes. It’s her characters that keep me coming back over and over again. Only one hasn’t been my cup of tea but even he was interesting & well developed and I enjoyed the heck out of his story. Hayes is a favorite and I look forward to every book that she comes out with.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**
Between Now and Forever by Adriana Locke
4.0
This is my first Locke book and there were things that I enjoyed and things that I was only OK with. I was interested in Jay’s path as he worked his way through his problems. I felt for him, for the heartache he’d gone through, and his hesitation to get involved again. But the pull to Gabrielle and her sons was just too strong.
I did feel like there could have been some more time spent addressing the issues with Gabrielle’s oldest, regarding his dad as well as a new relationship for his mom. There’s a lot of mental health that could have been explored that I felt was only partially done.
Speaking of the kids, Dylan is pretty much the teen you would expect in his situation, a little sullen and walking that line between kid & adult. Carter is just downright adorable – cute, spunky, and fun. His interactions with Jay were some of my favorites. Gabrielle is a great mom, caring and thoughtful. She does a lot to help them as well as her friends & Jay.
As a first read for this author, I’m satisfied. The characters are interesting, their issues feel realistic, and the pacing is even. It’s a slow burn, angsty, and humorous with a satisfying HEA.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**
I did feel like there could have been some more time spent addressing the issues with Gabrielle’s oldest, regarding his dad as well as a new relationship for his mom. There’s a lot of mental health that could have been explored that I felt was only partially done.
Speaking of the kids, Dylan is pretty much the teen you would expect in his situation, a little sullen and walking that line between kid & adult. Carter is just downright adorable – cute, spunky, and fun. His interactions with Jay were some of my favorites. Gabrielle is a great mom, caring and thoughtful. She does a lot to help them as well as her friends & Jay.
As a first read for this author, I’m satisfied. The characters are interesting, their issues feel realistic, and the pacing is even. It’s a slow burn, angsty, and humorous with a satisfying HEA.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**
Pure Country: A Central Texas MM Romance by Kelly Fox
4.5
Minor spoilers ahead … maybe … not sure ...
This is the first book by Fox that I’ve read and the first chapter had me uncertain about what I was in for. But I loved the way Kess thought of Rowdy and the flirty – and naughty – interactions between the two. After that, there was no way I wasn’t going to keep reading :)
They’ve been dancing around each other for a long time but Kess has decided it’s finally time to do something about it. And the more he interacts with Rowdy, the more he discovers. And the more he wants to discover. With love, patience, and care, he gets to the heart of the man he’s coming to love.
Rowdy struggled so much with the scars from his childhood as well as the understanding & acceptance of his sexuality. And to protect himself he’s created this persona that hides the real him. He has people that love him and people that he loves, but even the ones closest to him don’t know his secrets. But once Kess decides to find out his truths, he has to decide how much he’s willing to trust him.
Pure Country is jam packed with enjoyable characters – from Kess and Rowdy, Emery & Woody & Stevie, to Jaxson & Skylar (so looking forward to his story with Kit!). Fox does a wonderful job of developing them and giving them time to come into themselves, which leads to so many swoony, steamy, funny moments. Found another author whose works are going onto my TBR list!
(There’s a lot here that I’m probably not the person to talk about. Sexuality is individual and the spectrum is wide & ever changing and it is awesome to have this reflected in stories. But since I’m not a member of the community, I can’t say that the representation in this book is well done or not, although other reviews suggest it is. I can say I LOVED that the representation is there at all and how it covers so much with care. It’s refreshing to see it handled in what feels like a straightforward, honest, and heartfelt manner.)
**I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.**
This is the first book by Fox that I’ve read and the first chapter had me uncertain about what I was in for. But I loved the way Kess thought of Rowdy and the flirty – and naughty – interactions between the two. After that, there was no way I wasn’t going to keep reading :)
They’ve been dancing around each other for a long time but Kess has decided it’s finally time to do something about it. And the more he interacts with Rowdy, the more he discovers. And the more he wants to discover. With love, patience, and care, he gets to the heart of the man he’s coming to love.
Rowdy struggled so much with the scars from his childhood as well as the understanding & acceptance of his sexuality. And to protect himself he’s created this persona that hides the real him. He has people that love him and people that he loves, but even the ones closest to him don’t know his secrets. But once Kess decides to find out his truths, he has to decide how much he’s willing to trust him.
Pure Country is jam packed with enjoyable characters – from Kess and Rowdy, Emery & Woody & Stevie, to Jaxson & Skylar (so looking forward to his story with Kit!). Fox does a wonderful job of developing them and giving them time to come into themselves, which leads to so many swoony, steamy, funny moments. Found another author whose works are going onto my TBR list!
(There’s a lot here that I’m probably not the person to talk about. Sexuality is individual and the spectrum is wide & ever changing and it is awesome to have this reflected in stories. But since I’m not a member of the community, I can’t say that the representation in this book is well done or not, although other reviews suggest it is. I can say I LOVED that the representation is there at all and how it covers so much with care. It’s refreshing to see it handled in what feels like a straightforward, honest, and heartfelt manner.)
**I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.**
See It Through by Julia Wolf
4.0
I’ve only read a couple of Wolf’s books and like with those I really enjoyed her characters (but this time I never felt the need to give them a stern talking to). Hanna is dealing with grief, hurt from a broken relationship, and ADHD. But putting one foot in front of the other, she’s getting better. I appreciate how he recognizes things that are difficult or hurtful for her and has learned to handle them. She’s strong, sassy, and loving.
Remi is pretty dang awesome too. He understands all the various Kellys and why they react to him the way they do. He’s a good man but I do wish that he’d gotten some help with his issues. I think it would have been nice to make therapy more common for characters who have experienced the things he has. He’s got a lot to come to terms with and talking with a professional would go a long way. I mean, he’s awfully well adjusted for everything that’s happened to him.
While there is a romantic suspense element to the story, I don’t think it is a big enough part to truly satisfy someone looking for it. But readers do need to be aware because there is danger and mystery in the story. Just not a central part :) (There’s a few moments with the dialogue and the more … um, “flowery” moments that might not be everyone’s cuppa as well so just a couple of heads up things.)
I enjoyed it tho – the steam, the feels, and the supportive family & friends. From the few that I’ve read, Wolf’s writing is pretty on point. She delivers characters that have their issues, good points, and flaws. And while the story isn’t necessarily fast paced, it’s a satisfying trip as Remi and Hannah go from enemies to friends to lovers to more.
**I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.**
Remi is pretty dang awesome too. He understands all the various Kellys and why they react to him the way they do. He’s a good man but I do wish that he’d gotten some help with his issues. I think it would have been nice to make therapy more common for characters who have experienced the things he has. He’s got a lot to come to terms with and talking with a professional would go a long way. I mean, he’s awfully well adjusted for everything that’s happened to him.
While there is a romantic suspense element to the story, I don’t think it is a big enough part to truly satisfy someone looking for it. But readers do need to be aware because there is danger and mystery in the story. Just not a central part :) (There’s a few moments with the dialogue and the more … um, “flowery” moments that might not be everyone’s cuppa as well so just a couple of heads up things.)
I enjoyed it tho – the steam, the feels, and the supportive family & friends. From the few that I’ve read, Wolf’s writing is pretty on point. She delivers characters that have their issues, good points, and flaws. And while the story isn’t necessarily fast paced, it’s a satisfying trip as Remi and Hannah go from enemies to friends to lovers to more.
**I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.**