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the_love_librarian's reviews
58 reviews
King by S.J. Tilly
adventurous
dark
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Definitely better than Nero.
Marriage of convenience between King and Savannah because she caught him offing her ex (who was apparently King’s sister’s cheating husband). He’s a suits version of Nero, and isn’t afraid to get his hands dirty. Savannah didn’t go down without a fight and I loved how much hell she gave King.
I’m still not sure what The Alliance does, and I don’t think the author does either.
Marriage of convenience between King and Savannah because she caught him offing her ex (who was apparently King’s sister’s cheating husband). He’s a suits version of Nero, and isn’t afraid to get his hands dirty. Savannah didn’t go down without a fight and I loved how much hell she gave King.
I’m still not sure what The Alliance does, and I don’t think the author does either.
I Wish You Were Mine by Jessica Peterson
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Maren takes a nanny job and falls for the rich and older single dad, Tuck. On paper, these two wouldn’t seem like a great match. But adding Maren to their routine shines a light on just how much Tuck and his daughter, Katie, have missed a woman’s touch in the house. Things become more complicated when Maren ends up pregnant after one night together!
I had 3 favorite parts of this book:
1. Maren’s relationship with Katie. She cared for her like she was her own and it was adorable, especially their cheer routines together!
2. The small knit vibes of the community!
3. Tuck’s anxiety related to loss. I’m not a fan of third act breakups but after being abandoned by Katie’s mom, I sympathized with Tuck’s misguided feelings. Romances rarely focus on the hero being the one that needs therapy, medication, etc., but between that and advice from friends, Tuck got himself together!
Some of the writing and spice scenes were corny though which is why it gets 4 stars, but I will definitely pick up another read from this author!
I had 3 favorite parts of this book:
1. Maren’s relationship with Katie. She cared for her like she was her own and it was adorable, especially their cheer routines together!
2. The small knit vibes of the community!
3. Tuck’s anxiety related to loss. I’m not a fan of third act breakups but after being abandoned by Katie’s mom, I sympathized with Tuck’s misguided feelings. Romances rarely focus on the hero being the one that needs therapy, medication, etc., but between that and advice from friends, Tuck got himself together!
Some of the writing and spice scenes were corny though which is why it gets 4 stars, but I will definitely pick up another read from this author!
Two Minute Warning by Alexandra Warren
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Kendall and Shakira were adorable! Kendall is feeling down about his past and future as a quarterback.
He is invited to a house party where Shakira, the host herself, refuses to leave him alone until his frown is turned upside down! It’s no surprise at all where an innocent picture of them together is leaked to the press, who assume these two are #couplegoals. Though far from the truth, it’s this picture that brings these two together for the start of something beautiful.
From the outside, these two seemed like opposites, but at their core, they were both big family people & open to receive love when they least expected it. I loved how the author highlighted Shakira’s career as an influencer just as much as she highlighted Kendall’s football career. They supported each other so much! Of course, this author knows how to write smexy times cause the chemistry was on FIRE. The audio makes it even smexier because Wesleigh and Jakobi know how to do their thing!
I’m ready for Anastasia’s book now!
He is invited to a house party where Shakira, the host herself, refuses to leave him alone until his frown is turned upside down! It’s no surprise at all where an innocent picture of them together is leaked to the press, who assume these two are #couplegoals. Though far from the truth, it’s this picture that brings these two together for the start of something beautiful.
From the outside, these two seemed like opposites, but at their core, they were both big family people & open to receive love when they least expected it. I loved how the author highlighted Shakira’s career as an influencer just as much as she highlighted Kendall’s football career. They supported each other so much! Of course, this author knows how to write smexy times cause the chemistry was on FIRE. The audio makes it even smexier because Wesleigh and Jakobi know how to do their thing!
I’m ready for Anastasia’s book now!
Content Warnings
Minor: Death of parent and Addiction
Nero by S.J. Tilly
dark
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This is only getting 3 stars because the last 30% was hilarious and a good time.
I definitely almost DNF’d when he licked her virgin blood off his fingers🤢🤢🤢. If I could scrub that from my mind, I would.
Classic deranged mafia hero who is obsessed with a heroine who had a rough life. Payton is a virgin wallflower who is turned on by the psycho that is Nero.
The writing wasn’t horrible and I’m intrigued enough by King to continue on in the series.
I definitely almost DNF’d when he licked her virgin blood off his fingers🤢🤢🤢. If I could scrub that from my mind, I would.
Classic deranged mafia hero who is obsessed with a heroine who had a rough life. Payton is a virgin wallflower who is turned on by the psycho that is Nero.
The writing wasn’t horrible and I’m intrigued enough by King to continue on in the series.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Violence, Gun violence, Kidnapping, and Stalking
The Happiest Ending: A New Year's Short by Shae Sanders
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
The title says it all! The heroine is stressed so her bestie books them a weekend at a luxury spa/resort. Her massage turned into the best “spitroast” to bring in the new year!
Hex the Halls: A Rivals-to-Lovers Witchy Christmas Romance by Madeleine Eliot
funny
relaxing
fast-paced
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Cute snowed in romance between Sage and her grumpy graduate advisor, Alec! Sage has viewed Alec as the bane of her existence throughout her PhD journey, but a few nights together in a cabin shows Sage just how much Alec has wanted her all these years.
I liked the cozy paranormal vibes combined with the Christmas cheer. It was fun watching these two banter and cozy up to each other once Alec’s vulnerable side was revealed.
I liked the cozy paranormal vibes combined with the Christmas cheer. It was fun watching these two banter and cozy up to each other once Alec’s vulnerable side was revealed.
Content Warnings
Minor: Death of parent
Ballad of Sea and Sky by Madeleine Eliot
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
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
5.0
Caspian and Marina! If you love a fated mates, forbidden romance with all the feels, then Ballad of Sea and Sky is for you! This author’s writing is described as cozy romantasy, and I ate it UP.
Marina is the Selkie princess who has essentially been sheltered by her family, despite her yearning to know what lies beyond her island. Caspian is the enemy Siren King who will stop at nothing to stop his people from dying out…and that includes kidnapping a certain Selkie princess.
These two definitely go on an adventure of (not only trying to stay alive but) getting to know each other and making sense of their forbidden attraction. The author did a great job of building their connection (THE TENSION), while also world building and setting up their journey to continue in the second book.
I can’t wait for the conclusion to Caspian and Marina’s duet!
Marina is the Selkie princess who has essentially been sheltered by her family, despite her yearning to know what lies beyond her island. Caspian is the enemy Siren King who will stop at nothing to stop his people from dying out…and that includes kidnapping a certain Selkie princess.
These two definitely go on an adventure of (not only trying to stay alive but) getting to know each other and making sense of their forbidden attraction. The author did a great job of building their connection (THE TENSION), while also world building and setting up their journey to continue in the second book.
I can’t wait for the conclusion to Caspian and Marina’s duet!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence and Injury/Injury detail
depictions of drowning/near drowning, implied violence against women and children, graphic depictions of injuries and asthma attacks
Boo Thang by Rilzy Adams
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
It’s never too late for a smutty Halloween themed novella! Piper‘s best friend can’t make it to Piper’s Halloween themed birthday vacation, so who better to take her place than bestie’s little brother, Zeke?! Zeke has been pining after Piper for years. Piper realized he’s all grown up now after a HOT drunken kiss few months ago at a party.
Mexico was the perfect place for Piper and Zeke to discover that they fit better together as lovers than friends! He was so down for her, and I was swooning the whole time. His birthday gift to her…his words…the smex…everything just screamed I HAVE ALWAYS WANTED YOU.
I understood Piper’s hesitation, given how close she was with Zeke’s sister, but his sister was understanding, which I loved! I could’ve read a whole book on Zeke and Piper, but the epilogue was a great way to close out their story!
Mexico was the perfect place for Piper and Zeke to discover that they fit better together as lovers than friends! He was so down for her, and I was swooning the whole time. His birthday gift to her…his words…the smex…everything just screamed I HAVE ALWAYS WANTED YOU.
I understood Piper’s hesitation, given how close she was with Zeke’s sister, but his sister was understanding, which I loved! I could’ve read a whole book on Zeke and Piper, but the epilogue was a great way to close out their story!
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