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the_love_librarian's reviews
58 reviews
Only and Forever by Chloe Liese
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Every Bergman book feels like coming home, and this was no different. If you've been with this family from the first book, you know that Viggo Bergman is the family romantic. He loves all things historical romance and is the first one to champion his siblings' relationships. Ironically, love has not happened for Viggo, and he hopes that one day soon his happily ever after will show up and change his world. Well, Viggo got his HEA, but in the form of his grumpy ex-classmate, Tallulah.
Tallulah is the exact opposite of Viggo, which is what made their journey much more special. Whereas Viggo is the romantic, Tallulah is a thriller author, whose experiences with love included growing up with toxic parents who constantly got married and divorced just to repeat the cycle and her own relationships that have gone south when she wasn't able to commit beyond a physical relationship. These two reconnect at a time where they need support, Viggo with his bookstore endeavor, and Tallulah with writing her second book that encompasses a romantic element.
So what happens next? After being kicked out of her last place, it makes perfect sense that Tallulah become roommates with Viggo, leading to their lives being intertwined in ways that lead to love before either of them can say the words. I loved watching Tallulah go through therapy and face her fears associated with love. She wanted a relationship with Viggo, but she wanted to give him all the love he deserved. Likewise, Viggo had to let go of what he thought was the ideal relationship, and accept that life doesn't always present itself in a storybook fashion. Love takes time, effort and two imperfect people willing to do the work to make their relationship grow, and that's exactly what these two did.
Of course, catching up with the Bergman family was as nostalgic as I thought it would be. It's bittersweet seeing everyone with their families, knowing that this is the last book. I have enjoyed seeing every single sibling find love, all while having the unconditional support from their family to help them flourish. Viggo and Tallulah were a great way to end the series, and I can't wait to see what this author does next!
Tallulah is the exact opposite of Viggo, which is what made their journey much more special. Whereas Viggo is the romantic, Tallulah is a thriller author, whose experiences with love included growing up with toxic parents who constantly got married and divorced just to repeat the cycle and her own relationships that have gone south when she wasn't able to commit beyond a physical relationship. These two reconnect at a time where they need support, Viggo with his bookstore endeavor, and Tallulah with writing her second book that encompasses a romantic element.
So what happens next? After being kicked out of her last place, it makes perfect sense that Tallulah become roommates with Viggo, leading to their lives being intertwined in ways that lead to love before either of them can say the words. I loved watching Tallulah go through therapy and face her fears associated with love. She wanted a relationship with Viggo, but she wanted to give him all the love he deserved. Likewise, Viggo had to let go of what he thought was the ideal relationship, and accept that life doesn't always present itself in a storybook fashion. Love takes time, effort and two imperfect people willing to do the work to make their relationship grow, and that's exactly what these two did.
Of course, catching up with the Bergman family was as nostalgic as I thought it would be. It's bittersweet seeing everyone with their families, knowing that this is the last book. I have enjoyed seeing every single sibling find love, all while having the unconditional support from their family to help them flourish. Viggo and Tallulah were a great way to end the series, and I can't wait to see what this author does next!
The Home Wrecker by Sara Cate
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I may have me a new favorite Sara Cate book! The Homewrecker is a fitting title for this book, in more ways than one. Caleb and Briar’s marriage is suffering, and they have no clue how to fix what’s broken. Meanwhile, they offer Dean (the ex of Caleb’s younger brother) the use of their garage apartment after his house burns down. As an escort, Dean knows sex, people and how to give them what they want. He sees the holes in their marriage, and he isn’t shy about his attraction to both Caleb and Briar.
The emotions behind this triad is what pulled me in. This book could be compared to Give Me More, but on an angstier, messier scale. Caleb and Briar have suppressed their sexual desires, and Dean is the piece they didn’t even realize was missing. Caleb and Briar also provide love and affection that Dean didn’t realize HE was missing. Their triad started off as just sex, but watching them explore what a relationship could be like made my heart warm because all three of them deserved it.
The flashback scenes were perfect for the book, in that the author focused on the irony of Caleb and Briar’s origin story to their love life and journey in the present day with Dean.
And the spice?! Ooo my gosh, I was blushing because the chemistry between these three snuck up on you, and it was explosive when they finally gave in to the inevitable. Yet, each sexual interaction still served to bring the triad closer together, whether it was scenes with all three or just two of them at a time.
I’m ready for the next brother’s book now cause this series is getting better and better!
The emotions behind this triad is what pulled me in. This book could be compared to Give Me More, but on an angstier, messier scale. Caleb and Briar have suppressed their sexual desires, and Dean is the piece they didn’t even realize was missing. Caleb and Briar also provide love and affection that Dean didn’t realize HE was missing. Their triad started off as just sex, but watching them explore what a relationship could be like made my heart warm because all three of them deserved it.
The flashback scenes were perfect for the book, in that the author focused on the irony of Caleb and Briar’s origin story to their love life and journey in the present day with Dean.
And the spice?! Ooo my gosh, I was blushing because the chemistry between these three snuck up on you, and it was explosive when they finally gave in to the inevitable. Yet, each sexual interaction still served to bring the triad closer together, whether it was scenes with all three or just two of them at a time.
I’m ready for the next brother’s book now cause this series is getting better and better!
Lights Out by Kayla James
emotional
inspiring
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
“We do this together.”
A top read of this year for me!
What’s better than one F1 racer? TWO. Ryder is a champion F1 racer who gets an opportunity to join a new team after recovering from a bad accident. Blake is an amateur racer who catches the eye of the new team. After a test race in which she beats her opponents, she is offered the second spot on the team, making her and Ryder teammates.
My favorite part of Ryder and Blake’s journey is that there was never any misogynistic behavior from Ryder regarding Blake’s talent and right to be a racer in a sport that is primarily male dominated. From the moment he met her, he was in awe, and did everything he could to support her. Of course, aside from being teammates, their obvious chemistry becomes more apparent when Ryder lets Blake move in with him during the season. Y’all know I love me some forced proximity and CARETAKING (like I melted).
I just really don’t have words to express how supportive this couple was of each other. Whether it was friends, teammates, or lovers, the little things (and the big things) were the actions of love before either one acknowledged how they felt. Aside from his accident, Ryder struggles with the death of his parents, and Blake refuses to let him suffer and carry that weight alone. Likewise, Ryder constantly encourages Blake, hyping her up and doing all he can to watch her succeed. I was happy there was no third act break up, because once these two were all-in, they did not look back, and handled any issues that came up together.
This debut was just everything I love about romance. Blake and Ryder’s friend group were amazing and I can’t wait for their books!
A top read of this year for me!
What’s better than one F1 racer? TWO. Ryder is a champion F1 racer who gets an opportunity to join a new team after recovering from a bad accident. Blake is an amateur racer who catches the eye of the new team. After a test race in which she beats her opponents, she is offered the second spot on the team, making her and Ryder teammates.
My favorite part of Ryder and Blake’s journey is that there was never any misogynistic behavior from Ryder regarding Blake’s talent and right to be a racer in a sport that is primarily male dominated. From the moment he met her, he was in awe, and did everything he could to support her. Of course, aside from being teammates, their obvious chemistry becomes more apparent when Ryder lets Blake move in with him during the season. Y’all know I love me some forced proximity and CARETAKING (like I melted).
I just really don’t have words to express how supportive this couple was of each other. Whether it was friends, teammates, or lovers, the little things (and the big things) were the actions of love before either one acknowledged how they felt. Aside from his accident, Ryder struggles with the death of his parents, and Blake refuses to let him suffer and carry that weight alone. Likewise, Ryder constantly encourages Blake, hyping her up and doing all he can to watch her succeed. I was happy there was no third act break up, because once these two were all-in, they did not look back, and handled any issues that came up together.
This debut was just everything I love about romance. Blake and Ryder’s friend group were amazing and I can’t wait for their books!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent and Panic attacks/disorders
All I Need by E. Salvador
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
TJ and Lola, strangers from different places, meet in Miami at his birthday party the summer after high school graduation. Despite Lola being sad about her recent breakup, she and TJ bond over having the same birthday, with one thing leading to another. They left a mark on each other, but as we suspect, they fail to swap contact info, and go their separate ways after a one night stand.
Fast forward a few years, and both TJ and Lola are juniors at university. TJ is a top basketball athlete with potential for the NBA. Lola just transferred to the university after starting her time in community college due to the fact that she has a 2 year old boy, who she raises with the help of her best friends after being disowned by her parents. You can guess who the father is, and when Lola finds out TJ is at the same university, so begins their love story to figure out how they move forward now that it's clear they have a child together.
I'm normally not a huge fan of college romances, but I loved seeing TJ get his act together after being in shock, and stepping up to the plate as a young father. The chemistry between Lola and TJ was just as strong as it was on that Miami beach, and TJ won't stop until he convinces Lola to give them a real chance at love and a family. The friend group and found family vibes were TOP tier. TJ's housemates/teammates were incredibly supportive of TJ, Lola and the baby, and there are some cute moments with them bonding with the baby that just melted my heart.
This was a solid debut from this author, and I will definitely continue on with the series!
Fast forward a few years, and both TJ and Lola are juniors at university. TJ is a top basketball athlete with potential for the NBA. Lola just transferred to the university after starting her time in community college due to the fact that she has a 2 year old boy, who she raises with the help of her best friends after being disowned by her parents. You can guess who the father is, and when Lola finds out TJ is at the same university, so begins their love story to figure out how they move forward now that it's clear they have a child together.
I'm normally not a huge fan of college romances, but I loved seeing TJ get his act together after being in shock, and stepping up to the plate as a young father. The chemistry between Lola and TJ was just as strong as it was on that Miami beach, and TJ won't stop until he convinces Lola to give them a real chance at love and a family. The friend group and found family vibes were TOP tier. TJ's housemates/teammates were incredibly supportive of TJ, Lola and the baby, and there are some cute moments with them bonding with the baby that just melted my heart.
This was a solid debut from this author, and I will definitely continue on with the series!
Content Warnings
Minor: Panic attacks/disorders and Abandonment
The Ever Queen by LJ Andrews
Did not finish book. Stopped at 54%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 54%.
I'll have to come back to this. I was excited to read it after the first book in this duet, but this one is dragging and I just lost interest.
Keep Her Safe by Q.B. Tyler
Did not finish book.
Did not finish book.
Putting this book on pause for now, it's not holding my attention.
If You Give a Single Dad a Nanny by Ann Einerson
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
If You Give a Single Dad a Nanny reintroduces us to Dylan, one of the Stafford brothers, and his neighbor, Marlow. If you've read the prequel novella in this series (following Dylan's sister and her beau), you would've met Dylan's family and been privy to his mother's meddling to pair him up with the neighbor.
Dylan is a busy single dad to his daughter. He has a schedule, keeps his house clean, works, and spends time with his family. There's no room for noise, mess or distractions from his routine. That changes when Marlow, the artist and his complete opposite, moves next door with her dog. The chemistry between these two is clear, and a year later when Dylan's nanny quits, who better to step in than the woman next door who his daughter adores?
I enjoyed watching both Dylan and Marlow let go of what they thought life would look like for them. Marlow has never felt like she belonged, and Dylan is afraid of getting hurt again. That doesn't stop them from showing up for each other, and unintentionally creating a family that neither of them wants to let go (SN - no third act breakup!).
My biggest complaint is that the author completely overused the "good girl" phrase. I'm sure the author could've come up with something else for the hero to say, but I think the "good girl" phase has taken over the latest indie romances and this author fell into the trap. I am glad I gave her writing another chance after the prequel novella. I mentioned that I felt like her writing would come across better in a full length novel, and I definitely got a chance to get a better feel for her author voice in this one. I'll definitely keep up with the series as the brothers' books are released!
Dylan is a busy single dad to his daughter. He has a schedule, keeps his house clean, works, and spends time with his family. There's no room for noise, mess or distractions from his routine. That changes when Marlow, the artist and his complete opposite, moves next door with her dog. The chemistry between these two is clear, and a year later when Dylan's nanny quits, who better to step in than the woman next door who his daughter adores?
I enjoyed watching both Dylan and Marlow let go of what they thought life would look like for them. Marlow has never felt like she belonged, and Dylan is afraid of getting hurt again. That doesn't stop them from showing up for each other, and unintentionally creating a family that neither of them wants to let go (SN - no third act breakup!).
My biggest complaint is that the author completely overused the "good girl" phrase. I'm sure the author could've come up with something else for the hero to say, but I think the "good girl" phase has taken over the latest indie romances and this author fell into the trap. I am glad I gave her writing another chance after the prequel novella. I mentioned that I felt like her writing would come across better in a full length novel, and I definitely got a chance to get a better feel for her author voice in this one. I'll definitely keep up with the series as the brothers' books are released!
Love in the Red Zone by Love Belvin
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I've been looking forward to starting the Connecticut Kings series! This football series is co-written by Love Belvin and Christina C. Jones. While I'm a forever fan of CCCJ, this was my first read by Love Belvin and I have mixed feelings about the writing.
Love in the Red Zone follows Trent, former famous Connecticut Kings QB who was recently released from a short prison stint after a lapse in judgment that took his career away from him. Now he's out, and has been using his faith and time coaching youth football to grow as a man and make sure he doesn't go back to the person he used to be. He also has dreams of returning to professional football.
Jade is a single mom who is coached by Trent. Due to Trent keeping a low profile after his release and going by his initials, Jade has no idea who Trent is or anything about his past. That doesn't stop Trent from stepping in to help Jade and her son when they fall on rough times, including taking them under his roof and helping her get back on her feet.
The story had the makings to be great, but the execution fell flat. The book started off slow with a lot of info dumping and over explanation, and while the middle of the story picked up, it then flattened out again and left me disappointed. I'm going to continue with the series because I'm excited to read the books CCJ wrote, but I'll definitely go into Love Belvin's books with lowered expectations.
Love in the Red Zone follows Trent, former famous Connecticut Kings QB who was recently released from a short prison stint after a lapse in judgment that took his career away from him. Now he's out, and has been using his faith and time coaching youth football to grow as a man and make sure he doesn't go back to the person he used to be. He also has dreams of returning to professional football.
Jade is a single mom who is coached by Trent. Due to Trent keeping a low profile after his release and going by his initials, Jade has no idea who Trent is or anything about his past. That doesn't stop Trent from stepping in to help Jade and her son when they fall on rough times, including taking them under his roof and helping her get back on her feet.
The story had the makings to be great, but the execution fell flat. The book started off slow with a lot of info dumping and over explanation, and while the middle of the story picked up, it then flattened out again and left me disappointed. I'm going to continue with the series because I'm excited to read the books CCJ wrote, but I'll definitely go into Love Belvin's books with lowered expectations.
From This Day Forth: A Jareau Family Wedding by Kimberly Brown
funny
fast-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Walker and Jorja’s wedding celebration was just the Jareau family fix I needed! I loved seeing these players settle down, and seeing the entire family support them down the aisle!
Nothin' Like You by Kimberly Brown
funny
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
I highly recommend following the author's recommended reading order, listed at the beginning of the book.
We finally get Reese and Corelli's book! Reese has been pining after Corelli for months. Reese has formed a beautiful connection not only with Corelli, but with her daughter as well. The problem? Corelli wants to try and make it work with her daughter's father, who was recently released from prison. While this devastates Reese, he ultimately falls back from his romantic advances, but that doesn't stop them from missing or wanting each other. Corelli gave Reese a lot of grief for being younger than her, but he was mature for his age, and knew exactly what he wanted.
Drama with Corelli's ex aside, I ate this up. Reese is the clown out of his brothers, and the one they thought would never take love seriously enough to settle down. When he found the right one, that changed and I was squealing watching him treat and sex up Corelli the way she deserved! Don't even get me started on him being a father figure to Corelli's daughter because my heart melted every interaction they had!
I can't wait until their wedding novella!
We finally get Reese and Corelli's book! Reese has been pining after Corelli for months. Reese has formed a beautiful connection not only with Corelli, but with her daughter as well. The problem? Corelli wants to try and make it work with her daughter's father, who was recently released from prison. While this devastates Reese, he ultimately falls back from his romantic advances, but that doesn't stop them from missing or wanting each other. Corelli gave Reese a lot of grief for being younger than her, but he was mature for his age, and knew exactly what he wanted.
Drama with Corelli's ex aside, I ate this up. Reese is the clown out of his brothers, and the one they thought would never take love seriously enough to settle down. When he found the right one, that changed and I was squealing watching him treat and sex up Corelli the way she deserved! Don't even get me started on him being a father figure to Corelli's daughter because my heart melted every interaction they had!
I can't wait until their wedding novella!