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the_love_librarian's reviews
58 reviews
Pretty Rings and Broken Things by Kat Singleton
medium-paced
4.0
Pretty Rings and Broken Things is Winnie and Archer’s marriage of convenience story. We met Winnie in Black Ties and White Lies, so I was excited that the author decided to give that heroine’s friends their own books!
Archer and Winnie, each from rival hotelier families, are to marry after Winnie unknowingly finds herself in a potential scandal that could tarnish her family’s reputation. Archer is your typical, grumpy billionaire who acts like he doesn’t want to marry Winnie but of course he’s going to fall first and they’ll realize that they are better together than what their families have raised them to believe.
While this book was fun to read, there were parts that felt repetitive and were more telling than showing. I personally feel like we were told more than shown how much time Winnie and Archer spent together when they were first married, living together becoming friends. It felt like we got highlights but then would be yanked to something else. The rivalry between their families and how they were supposed to hate each other was mentioned a lot, but again, you never felt those feelings of dislike between Winnie and Archer. We were to assume that they just didn’t like each other until otherwise proven. I did enjoy this better than Black Ties and White Lies, but ultimately it felt like the same story/characters, just a slightly different storyline.
Flaws aside, it didn’t need to be a perfect read to be a fun read. We all love a hero who falls first for the heroine and that was the best part of the book for me. I can’t wait for Emma’s book!
Archer and Winnie, each from rival hotelier families, are to marry after Winnie unknowingly finds herself in a potential scandal that could tarnish her family’s reputation. Archer is your typical, grumpy billionaire who acts like he doesn’t want to marry Winnie but of course he’s going to fall first and they’ll realize that they are better together than what their families have raised them to believe.
While this book was fun to read, there were parts that felt repetitive and were more telling than showing. I personally feel like we were told more than shown how much time Winnie and Archer spent together when they were first married, living together becoming friends. It felt like we got highlights but then would be yanked to something else. The rivalry between their families and how they were supposed to hate each other was mentioned a lot, but again, you never felt those feelings of dislike between Winnie and Archer. We were to assume that they just didn’t like each other until otherwise proven. I did enjoy this better than Black Ties and White Lies, but ultimately it felt like the same story/characters, just a slightly different storyline.
Flaws aside, it didn’t need to be a perfect read to be a fun read. We all love a hero who falls first for the heroine and that was the best part of the book for me. I can’t wait for Emma’s book!
Joaquim by A.H. Cunningham
adventurous
emotional
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Joaquim and Jonathan are lovers and the co-authors of a popular fantasy series. They’re the headliners at a convention that will bring them face to face with Neveah, a fellow author and friend who they have a long history with.
I love the author’s exploration of the different facets of polyamorous relationships. Joaquim and Jonathan have so much love and respect between them, but also acknowledge that they both love and want Neveah in a way they weren’t ready for all those years ago. Of course, the chemistry between these three was filthy and I loved it because the author never holds back on the spice and kink.
I do wish the reason behind them falling out years ago was fleshed out a little more, as well as getting to see them be a couple for a few more chapters beyond the end of the convention. Given how long they’d been separated from Neveah, it would’ve added to the story to see how they made it work after therapy and hear them talk about this breeding kink they all had lmao.
I love the author’s exploration of the different facets of polyamorous relationships. Joaquim and Jonathan have so much love and respect between them, but also acknowledge that they both love and want Neveah in a way they weren’t ready for all those years ago. Of course, the chemistry between these three was filthy and I loved it because the author never holds back on the spice and kink.
I do wish the reason behind them falling out years ago was fleshed out a little more, as well as getting to see them be a couple for a few more chapters beyond the end of the convention. Given how long they’d been separated from Neveah, it would’ve added to the story to see how they made it work after therapy and hear them talk about this breeding kink they all had lmao.
Content Warnings
Minor: Death of parent
Jardel by A.H. Cunningham
medium-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
I highly recommend reading A Turn in the Air prior to reading this book for the best experience.
On paper, Jardel and Solange are the perfect couple. Their chemistry is off the charts, the love is mutual and for awhile that was enough. But when the marriage proposal ends in a no from Solange, these two realize they’ve both been hiding their true desires from each other, in more ways than one.
I loved how this book explored ethical non-monogamy. Jardel and Solange had built the trust it took to make that shift in their relationship. They were also able to be more vulnerable with each other, which was all Solange wanted from Jardel.
I will say the book definitely would’ve benefitted from a few more pages/chapters to flesh a few more things out. I would’ve loved to see Jardel and Solange get married, and even see how the non-monogamous lifestyle worked for them after they tied the knot. Other than that, it was hot as heck and it’s always a good time reading this author’s books.
On paper, Jardel and Solange are the perfect couple. Their chemistry is off the charts, the love is mutual and for awhile that was enough. But when the marriage proposal ends in a no from Solange, these two realize they’ve both been hiding their true desires from each other, in more ways than one.
I loved how this book explored ethical non-monogamy. Jardel and Solange had built the trust it took to make that shift in their relationship. They were also able to be more vulnerable with each other, which was all Solange wanted from Jardel.
I will say the book definitely would’ve benefitted from a few more pages/chapters to flesh a few more things out. I would’ve loved to see Jardel and Solange get married, and even see how the non-monogamous lifestyle worked for them after they tied the knot. Other than that, it was hot as heck and it’s always a good time reading this author’s books.
Strung Along by Hannah Cowan
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
This author has entered her small town era and she is here to stay with the start of her Cherry Peak series!
Anna leaves Vancouver after catching her fiancé cheating on her…on her birthday. She wants a place to start over and heal, with fate leading her to Cherry Peak. Rising country singer Brody Steele is back home for a few weeks of rest and the last thing he was looking for was a city girl was not putting up with his grouchy persona. Underneath all that grouch, we find, is a man who is just as lost as Anna but may have finally found his way home.
Anna and Brody deserved the love and friendship they found in each other. So many little moments solidified their bond, which is why I cheered when there was NO third act break up! These two were so sure of each other that breaking up wasn’t an option once they decided on each other, and I was here for it!
Romance aside, I fell in love with the town, Anna’s new besties, and the entire family on the Steele Ranch!
TROPES: small town; country music star hero; he falls first; acts of service; found family; texting buddies (it makes sense once you start the book); fantastic girl group; love after heartbreak
TRIGGER WARNINGS: mentions of parental death
Content Warnings
Minor: Death of parent
Tricked into a Treat: A Sexy Halloween Short by Chassilyn Hamilton
funny
fast-paced
4.0
This was a cute update on Sly and Cam from "Silver Lining"! Takes place during Halloween, and their chemistry is still just as electric as ever!
Silver Lining by Chassilyn Hamilton
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
There's nothing like reconnecting with the older professor you lusted after in college to set the mood right!
Cammy is dragged on a singles' cruise by her best friend after ending her engagement. Cammy is dreading the cruise but tries to be a good sport. That becomes even easier when she spots Professor Sylvester (Sly is his nickname) with his bestie too. Cammy had a crush on him in college but he was off-limits then. Now that she's grown and he's her former professor, Professor Sly is ready to teach his old student a few things.
I had too much fun reading this. The chemistry between Cammy and Sly was immediate and electric. Age didn't matter, because the good professor was in shape like a man who was half his age, and I was here for it. Sly was everything Cammy was missing in her last relationship, and it was sweet to see her spoiled and embraced for who she was.
The audio had me BLUSHING. Definitely recommend if you prefer listening that way.
Narrators: Wesleigh Siobhan & Myles Washington
Cammy is dragged on a singles' cruise by her best friend after ending her engagement. Cammy is dreading the cruise but tries to be a good sport. That becomes even easier when she spots Professor Sylvester (Sly is his nickname) with his bestie too. Cammy had a crush on him in college but he was off-limits then. Now that she's grown and he's her former professor, Professor Sly is ready to teach his old student a few things.
I had too much fun reading this. The chemistry between Cammy and Sly was immediate and electric. Age didn't matter, because the good professor was in shape like a man who was half his age, and I was here for it. Sly was everything Cammy was missing in her last relationship, and it was sweet to see her spoiled and embraced for who she was.
The audio had me BLUSHING. Definitely recommend if you prefer listening that way.
Narrators: Wesleigh Siobhan & Myles Washington
Icebound by Meredith Trapp
emotional
funny
hopeful
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Icebound is an age gap, hockey romance and the author’s debut. It’s the first in a series of interconnected standalones and had me cheesing the entire time.
Nina and Rhode, on paper, are very different people. He’s a veteran NHL player, and she’s a university senior art student. How these two meet is funny, sweet and unconventional, but also perfect for their personalities. Both struggle with having an idea of what their life should be like, but what happens when love sneaks up on them?
Nina and Rhode’s relationship was refreshing. They were upfront about where they were in life, but acknowledged that they wanted friendship….and couldn’t resist the chemistry that sparkled between them. Nina’s journey with anxiety is 1000% relatable, and Rhode’s pressure to prove himself is a place we’ve all been. Despite all that, the most romantic thing was watching these two continuously show up for each other, no matter the circumstance. They were each other’s person, and their actions showed it.
Don’t even get me started on the bro relationships. Rhode/Cruz/Patty were so supportive of each other as teammates and a found family, and I can’t wait for Cruz and Patty’s books!
I’ll definitely be on pins and needles for the next book in the series because I loved everything Nina and Rhode, and the author’s writing was solid too!
Nina and Rhode, on paper, are very different people. He’s a veteran NHL player, and she’s a university senior art student. How these two meet is funny, sweet and unconventional, but also perfect for their personalities. Both struggle with having an idea of what their life should be like, but what happens when love sneaks up on them?
Nina and Rhode’s relationship was refreshing. They were upfront about where they were in life, but acknowledged that they wanted friendship….and couldn’t resist the chemistry that sparkled between them. Nina’s journey with anxiety is 1000% relatable, and Rhode’s pressure to prove himself is a place we’ve all been. Despite all that, the most romantic thing was watching these two continuously show up for each other, no matter the circumstance. They were each other’s person, and their actions showed it.
Don’t even get me started on the bro relationships. Rhode/Cruz/Patty were so supportive of each other as teammates and a found family, and I can’t wait for Cruz and Patty’s books!
I’ll definitely be on pins and needles for the next book in the series because I loved everything Nina and Rhode, and the author’s writing was solid too!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Infertility, Death, and Abandonment
Serpentine Valentine by Giana Darling
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
The story of Medusa's rape is tragic, and what happened to Lex Gorgon broke my heart because sexual assault is too common, and the cover-up of these crimes allow attackers to feel emboldened to continue with their predatory ways. Lex has plans for revenge against the professor who raped her and the university president who covered it up, and I understood why she did what she did, particularly when it came to luring Luna (the president's daughter) into her revenge plot.
Though I enjoyed the character's individual character development and loved how things played out in the end, I wasn't sold on the story. I'm not sure if it was the choppy way the story (and timeline) was written in the beginning or if the relationship between Luna and Lex literally felt like it happened overnight, but something was missing when it came to their connection.
Overall, this wasn't my favorite from the author. The verbosity of the author's writing felt like overkill, and I usually enjoy this author's writing style. The justice that is achieved in the end was my favorite part because predators never deserve to go unpunished.
TRIGGER WARNING: rape (on page, and discussed throughout the book); attempted sexual assault; violence against men and women; bigotry; exploration of sexual orientation (I don't exactly think this last one should be labeled as a "trigger", however the author has it listed as a TW)
Though I enjoyed the character's individual character development and loved how things played out in the end, I wasn't sold on the story. I'm not sure if it was the choppy way the story (and timeline) was written in the beginning or if the relationship between Luna and Lex literally felt like it happened overnight, but something was missing when it came to their connection.
Overall, this wasn't my favorite from the author. The verbosity of the author's writing felt like overkill, and I usually enjoy this author's writing style. The justice that is achieved in the end was my favorite part because predators never deserve to go unpunished.
TRIGGER WARNING: rape (on page, and discussed throughout the book); attempted sexual assault; violence against men and women; bigotry; exploration of sexual orientation (I don't exactly think this last one should be labeled as a "trigger", however the author has it listed as a TW)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, Homophobia, and Rape
Maybe This Time by Christina C. Jones
funny
fast-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Y’all know I love a good friends to lovers romance! Des and Trace have been best friends for over two decades. One drunk night at their friends’ vow renewal changes everything between them!! Once they crossed that line, there was no going back!
This novella was satisfying and I’m so glad I finally got to see THE Des Byers find love!
This novella was satisfying and I’m so glad I finally got to see THE Des Byers find love!
Maybe This Time by Christina C. Jones
funny
fast-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Y’all know I love a good friends to lovers romance! Des and Trace have been best friends for over two decades. One drunk night at their friends’ vow renewal changes everything between them!! Once they crossed that line, there was no going back!
This novella was satisfying and I’m so glad I finally got to see THE Des Byers find love!
This novella was satisfying and I’m so glad I finally got to see THE Des Byers find love!