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thebiglittlelibrary's Reviews (622)
2.5 ⭐️ Meh, it's no Delilah Green Doesn't Care.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
- Meet-ugly
- 'Rivals' to lovers
- Hot, strong-willed carpenter
- Beautiful, perfectionist designer
- Workplace romance
- Opposites attract
- Forced Proximity
- Slow Burn
- Sexual self-discovery
- Found family
*Releases November 22, 2022
Summary:
After her failed engagement last year, Astrid Parker has been focusing on her career. However, along with her love life and relationship with her mother, the business could be better. So when Pru Everwood asks her to be the designer for the Everwood Inn's renovation that will be broadcasted on a popular home improvement show, Astrid knows this is her best shot at fixing all of her problems.
However, Jordan Everwood literally crashes into Astrid Parker's life and throws everything off course. Jordan is Pru's granddaughter, the lead carpenter for the inn's renovations, and a woman healing a broken heart. She also happens to hate Astrid's design plan and will do anything to preserve the history of her family's inn.
Jordan's life is in shambles, and Astrid's is barely hanging by a thread. The tension between these two is thick. But somewhere along the way, their dislike turns into something more, and Jordan learns to open her heart again while Astrid learns how to fight for the life she truly wants.
My Thoughts:
The story had its moments, but it didn't captivate me the way I expected or wanted it to. I often was bored and found myself skimming through some of the inner dialogue and descriptions about halfway through.
What I liked:
- The sex scenes. These were steamy! I especially loved seeing how patient Jordan was with Astrid and how she helped her along, but also how Astrid took it upon herself to give herself a bit of sex-ed and not entirely rely upon Jordan's guidance.
- Astrid's character growth. Not only does she discover her sexuality, but she also unravels a lot of the toxic behaviors in her relationship with her mother. I appreciated her standing up to her mom in the end by setting boundaries, and how the story between them is open-ended but leaves on a positive note with Astrid's mother recognizing she has some things to work on.
- I appreciated that there were consequences to the lies that were told. Obviously, since this is a romance, there is a HEA. But I was really happy the characters had to struggle/suffer in a realistic manner before finally getting their happy ending.
What I disliked:
- Okay, so this will be hard for me to fulling put into words, but something about the flow of the story and development didn't feel natural. It was like I was being told things that were happening, and I accepted them but didn't quite believe it.
- There was also the matter of the characters having extremely skewed opinions/beliefs that didn't fully make sense. While I could see where they got them from, I also didn't quite understand how they came to that conclusion. For example, I don't agree with what Meredith did to Jordan, but I also don't understand how Jordan couldn't see Meredith's reasoning for leaving. There was also no deep dive into it. We were just told matter-of-factly that Meredith left Jordan and Jordan was hurt.
- I didn't feel the chemistry between Astrid and Jordan. Tensions? Yes. But chemistry? No. I don't really know why, but their relationship felt forced.
- We don't really know much about Jordan outside of her previous relationship. Everything about her in this book centers on the loss of her wife, and while I understand that is a very key event for her character, I would have liked to have known more about her outside of it. Not exploring that just makes her feel like a 2-dimensional character.
- In Delilah's book, the side characters play a bigger role than they did in this book. I guess I just missed them
- Meredith's main purpose in the story to further the conflict was annoying. When she first shows up, I knew this would be the conflict, and I hated every minute leading up to it. Of course, she played a big role in Jordan's emotional and personal growth in the story, but I found it annoying that she was important enough to bring about a confrontation and then dip out.
Overall, Astrid Parker Doesn't Fail had some enjoyable moments, but it fell flat for me. I really was disappointed and don't know if I ever care to continue with Iris' story next. We'll see.
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review! As always, all opinions are my own.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
- Meet-ugly
- 'Rivals' to lovers
- Hot, strong-willed carpenter
- Beautiful, perfectionist designer
- Workplace romance
- Opposites attract
- Forced Proximity
- Slow Burn
- Sexual self-discovery
- Found family
*Releases November 22, 2022
Summary:
After her failed engagement last year, Astrid Parker has been focusing on her career. However, along with her love life and relationship with her mother, the business could be better. So when Pru Everwood asks her to be the designer for the Everwood Inn's renovation that will be broadcasted on a popular home improvement show, Astrid knows this is her best shot at fixing all of her problems.
However, Jordan Everwood literally crashes into Astrid Parker's life and throws everything off course. Jordan is Pru's granddaughter, the lead carpenter for the inn's renovations, and a woman healing a broken heart. She also happens to hate Astrid's design plan and will do anything to preserve the history of her family's inn.
Jordan's life is in shambles, and Astrid's is barely hanging by a thread. The tension between these two is thick. But somewhere along the way, their dislike turns into something more, and Jordan learns to open her heart again while Astrid learns how to fight for the life she truly wants.
My Thoughts:
The story had its moments, but it didn't captivate me the way I expected or wanted it to. I often was bored and found myself skimming through some of the inner dialogue and descriptions about halfway through.
What I liked:
- The sex scenes. These were steamy! I especially loved seeing how patient Jordan was with Astrid and how she helped her along, but also how Astrid took it upon herself to give herself a bit of sex-ed and not entirely rely upon Jordan's guidance.
- Astrid's character growth. Not only does she discover her sexuality, but she also unravels a lot of the toxic behaviors in her relationship with her mother. I appreciated her standing up to her mom in the end by setting boundaries, and how the story between them is open-ended but leaves on a positive note with Astrid's mother recognizing she has some things to work on.
- I appreciated that there were consequences to the lies that were told. Obviously, since this is a romance, there is a HEA. But I was really happy the characters had to struggle/suffer in a realistic manner before finally getting their happy ending.
What I disliked:
- Okay, so this will be hard for me to fulling put into words, but something about the flow of the story and development didn't feel natural. It was like I was being told things that were happening, and I accepted them but didn't quite believe it.
- There was also the matter of the characters having extremely skewed opinions/beliefs that didn't fully make sense. While I could see where they got them from, I also didn't quite understand how they came to that conclusion. For example, I don't agree with what Meredith did to Jordan, but I also don't understand how Jordan couldn't see Meredith's reasoning for leaving. There was also no deep dive into it. We were just told matter-of-factly that Meredith left Jordan and Jordan was hurt.
- I didn't feel the chemistry between Astrid and Jordan. Tensions? Yes. But chemistry? No. I don't really know why, but their relationship felt forced.
- We don't really know much about Jordan outside of her previous relationship. Everything about her in this book centers on the loss of her wife, and while I understand that is a very key event for her character, I would have liked to have known more about her outside of it. Not exploring that just makes her feel like a 2-dimensional character.
- In Delilah's book, the side characters play a bigger role than they did in this book. I guess I just missed them
- Meredith's main purpose in the story to further the conflict was annoying. When she first shows up, I knew this would be the conflict, and I hated every minute leading up to it. Of course, she played a big role in Jordan's emotional and personal growth in the story, but I found it annoying that she was important enough to bring about a confrontation and then dip out.
Overall, Astrid Parker Doesn't Fail had some enjoyable moments, but it fell flat for me. I really was disappointed and don't know if I ever care to continue with Iris' story next. We'll see.
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review! As always, all opinions are my own.
4 ⭐️ A delightful adult sapphic romance
*Releases February 22, 2022!
Summary:
Delilah Green is a thirty-something photographer living in New York City, who returns to her hometown to photograph the wedding of her estranged step-sister. However, Bright Falls is a place that brings up many painful memories.
Years ago when Delilah's father died, she was placed in the care of an emotionally distant stepmother who lavished all of her attention on Astrid - her perfect daughter. And while Delilah grieved, neither made her feel wanted or welcomed in their family. This sense of rejection was only amplified by Astrid's coven of friends who quietly mocked her throughout the years.
But Delilah is a grown woman now and in need of cash. What's two weeks in hell in exchange for a few months' rent?
However, when Delilah runs into Claire Sutherland, one of the girls part of Astrid's coven, she decides to have a little fun (and retribution) during her stay in the godforsaken town she used to call home.
My Thoughts:
Before I even talk about the book, I just have to say that this cover is PERFECTION! I'm obsessed with the depiction of Wisteria House, the lavender background, and, of course, the spot-on portrayal of our sexy MCs! Could Claire be any more delicious and Delilah be any f*cking hotter????? I knew from the moment I saw this cover that I HAD to read this book!
Here are some tropes to expect from the story:
- Best friend's sibling
- Single parent
- Grumpy / Sunshine
- Instant attraction
- One-bed at the inn
- 'I bet I can sleep with them'
- Weird girl in high school glow up
- Working together to stop a wedding
Delilah Green Doesn't Care was my first book by Ashley Herring Blake, and I am blown away. While there are some light-hearted moments and the romance is brilliant, this is a deep story that dives into navigating difficult family dynamics, leaning on friendships, healing old wounds, giving second chances, learning to be vulnerable, and realizing your self-worth. This story is heartfelt and realistic - the two things I hope for in every romance.
I really connected with Delilah's story. As someone who suffers from childhood family trauma, I understand how difficult it is to go back to the place that made you feel nothing but pain, sorrow, hurt, loneliness, and rejection. While my trauma is different from Delilah's, the feelings are the same. My heart ached for her throughout the entire story, but it was lovely seeing her embark on a journey towards healing. It's amazing that love has the power to heal old wounds.
On a different note, Delilah is my new girl crush. Let me preface this by saying that I'm a straight married woman, but I won't lie, Delilah's got me feeling some kind of way. Not only do I appreciate how she took control of her life after high school to pursue her dreams AND after all that's happened to her she's still a sweetheart looking to be loved, BUT she is hella fine! I mean, the way Claire describes her physically along with her mannerisms had me swooning.
I loved Astrid's friend group but Iris was the f*cking best. I wasn't prepared to fall in love with a side character, but here we are. Iris is bold, upfront, crass, and genuine. She's the kind of friend who tells it like it is whether or not you want to hear it. Iris is a no-bullshit, no finesse kind of girl, and I loved it! Plus, the banter with Delilah was hilarious! I need to see even more of her in the next book.
The romance between Delilah and Claire was sensual, vulnerable, and real. There is an immediate attraction between these two women, but what really draws them together is their ability to offer compassion and support during times of struggle. Both Delilah and Claire have past hurt that comes up throughout the story, and seeing them comfort one another and offer nothing but love was absolutely beautiful.
I think the one thing I didn't really understand about this story is Astrid's and her friend's opinions about Delilah growing up. As an adult, Astrid says she only wanted to befriend her and it was Delilah who kept pulling away, which hurt her feelings. But Delilah lost both parents by the time she was 10 - like straight-up orphaned, living with a stepmother who didn't give a shit about her (hello, Cinderella) - and Astrid has the audacity to be bitter that Delilah didn't want to hang out with her because she was grieving? I know she was just a child and that might be how children perceive things, but it just wasn't 100% believable to me. Maybe more of this will be explained in Astrid's book.
I also thought it was shitty that Delilah used the photography she took of Claire at the gallery show. Delilah mentioned she hadn't shown the photo before because she never signed a consent waiver. But apparently, for her big show at the Whitney, it was okay to use? It felt out of character for Delilah. I honestly think maybe the author forgot to include a sentence or two where Claire gives verbal consent or says something like "This is gorgeous. You should use it in one of your shows." But since this didn't happen, it makes Delilah seem thoughtless and shady.
Overall, Delilah Green Doesn't Care is a steamy queer romance that was perfectly fun-loving and thoughtful. 100% recommend reading! I cannot wait for Astrid Parker Doesn't Fail - Book 2 in the Bright Falls Series!
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review! As always, all opinions are my own.
*Releases February 22, 2022!
Summary:
Delilah Green is a thirty-something photographer living in New York City, who returns to her hometown to photograph the wedding of her estranged step-sister. However, Bright Falls is a place that brings up many painful memories.
Years ago when Delilah's father died, she was placed in the care of an emotionally distant stepmother who lavished all of her attention on Astrid - her perfect daughter. And while Delilah grieved, neither made her feel wanted or welcomed in their family. This sense of rejection was only amplified by Astrid's coven of friends who quietly mocked her throughout the years.
But Delilah is a grown woman now and in need of cash. What's two weeks in hell in exchange for a few months' rent?
However, when Delilah runs into Claire Sutherland, one of the girls part of Astrid's coven, she decides to have a little fun (and retribution) during her stay in the godforsaken town she used to call home.
My Thoughts:
Before I even talk about the book, I just have to say that this cover is PERFECTION! I'm obsessed with the depiction of Wisteria House, the lavender background, and, of course, the spot-on portrayal of our sexy MCs! Could Claire be any more delicious and Delilah be any f*cking hotter????? I knew from the moment I saw this cover that I HAD to read this book!
Here are some tropes to expect from the story:
- Best friend's sibling
- Single parent
- Grumpy / Sunshine
- Instant attraction
- One-bed at the inn
- 'I bet I can sleep with them'
- Weird girl in high school glow up
- Working together to stop a wedding
Delilah Green Doesn't Care was my first book by Ashley Herring Blake, and I am blown away. While there are some light-hearted moments and the romance is brilliant, this is a deep story that dives into navigating difficult family dynamics, leaning on friendships, healing old wounds, giving second chances, learning to be vulnerable, and realizing your self-worth. This story is heartfelt and realistic - the two things I hope for in every romance.
I really connected with Delilah's story. As someone who suffers from childhood family trauma, I understand how difficult it is to go back to the place that made you feel nothing but pain, sorrow, hurt, loneliness, and rejection. While my trauma is different from Delilah's, the feelings are the same. My heart ached for her throughout the entire story, but it was lovely seeing her embark on a journey towards healing. It's amazing that love has the power to heal old wounds.
On a different note, Delilah is my new girl crush. Let me preface this by saying that I'm a straight married woman, but I won't lie, Delilah's got me feeling some kind of way. Not only do I appreciate how she took control of her life after high school to pursue her dreams AND after all that's happened to her she's still a sweetheart looking to be loved, BUT she is hella fine! I mean, the way Claire describes her physically along with her mannerisms had me swooning.
I loved Astrid's friend group but Iris was the f*cking best. I wasn't prepared to fall in love with a side character, but here we are. Iris is bold, upfront, crass, and genuine. She's the kind of friend who tells it like it is whether or not you want to hear it. Iris is a no-bullshit, no finesse kind of girl, and I loved it! Plus, the banter with Delilah was hilarious! I need to see even more of her in the next book.
The romance between Delilah and Claire was sensual, vulnerable, and real. There is an immediate attraction between these two women, but what really draws them together is their ability to offer compassion and support during times of struggle. Both Delilah and Claire have past hurt that comes up throughout the story, and seeing them comfort one another and offer nothing but love was absolutely beautiful.
I think the one thing I didn't really understand about this story is Astrid's and her friend's opinions about Delilah growing up. As an adult, Astrid says she only wanted to befriend her and it was Delilah who kept pulling away, which hurt her feelings. But Delilah lost both parents by the time she was 10 - like straight-up orphaned, living with a stepmother who didn't give a shit about her (hello, Cinderella) - and Astrid has the audacity to be bitter that Delilah didn't want to hang out with her because she was grieving? I know she was just a child and that might be how children perceive things, but it just wasn't 100% believable to me. Maybe more of this will be explained in Astrid's book.
I also thought it was shitty that Delilah used the photography she took of Claire at the gallery show. Delilah mentioned she hadn't shown the photo before because she never signed a consent waiver. But apparently, for her big show at the Whitney, it was okay to use? It felt out of character for Delilah. I honestly think maybe the author forgot to include a sentence or two where Claire gives verbal consent or says something like "This is gorgeous. You should use it in one of your shows." But since this didn't happen, it makes Delilah seem thoughtless and shady.
Overall, Delilah Green Doesn't Care is a steamy queer romance that was perfectly fun-loving and thoughtful. 100% recommend reading! I cannot wait for Astrid Parker Doesn't Fail - Book 2 in the Bright Falls Series!
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review! As always, all opinions are my own.
4 ⭐️ Such a cute collection of short stories from the Stay A Spell series!
WHAT TO EXPECT:
✨ holiday anthology featuring couples from the Stay A Spell series
✨ new orleans setting
✨ paranormal romance
✨ creatures: witches, werewolves, vampire, grim reapers
✨ fated mates
✨ 2.5
WHAT TO EXPECT:
✨ holiday anthology featuring couples from the Stay A Spell series
✨ new orleans setting
✨ paranormal romance
✨ creatures: witches, werewolves, vampire, grim reapers
✨ fated mates
✨ 2.5
1 ⭐️ I would rather eat coal than subject myself to listening to or reading this book again.
*DNF at 65% but skipped ahead to figure out how the conflict and resolution played out.
I cannot stand this book, but I really tried. I listened to the first 40% on audiobook (didn’t like it but thought maybe it was the narrators). So I switched to the physical book, and . . . OMG. . . it was so much worse. I thought maybe I needed to give it some time, but nope. Besides the fact I can read these sentences coherently, I don’t like a single thing about this story.
1. The plot, characters, and romance are all boring and unbelievable.
2. The setting itself fucking annoying. I'm all for a holiday-themed town but there is a North Pole strip club with a stripper called Prancer....I just cannot believe this story is meant to be taken seriously.
3. The way Nolan is constantly objectifying Bee during his inner dialogue made me want to punch him in the face. Yes, she's the film star you've been masturbating to for the last 6 years, but she's more than her body, you disgusting POS.
4. And the smut was cringe and sex scenes are written so clunkily I legit can’t believe this was meant to be taken seriously. There was zero sensuality! Everything from the words chosen to the actual vibe of the scene completely pulled me out of the story. Examples:
I’m sorry, but please refrain from referring to her vagina as a well and her clit as a button.
*DNF at 65% but skipped ahead to figure out how the conflict and resolution played out.
I cannot stand this book, but I really tried. I listened to the first 40% on audiobook (didn’t like it but thought maybe it was the narrators). So I switched to the physical book, and . . . OMG. . . it was so much worse. I thought maybe I needed to give it some time, but nope. Besides the fact I can read these sentences coherently, I don’t like a single thing about this story.
1. The plot, characters, and romance are all boring and unbelievable.
2. The setting itself fucking annoying. I'm all for a holiday-themed town but there is a North Pole strip club with a stripper called Prancer....I just cannot believe this story is meant to be taken seriously.
3. The way Nolan is constantly objectifying Bee during his inner dialogue made me want to punch him in the face. Yes, she's the film star you've been masturbating to for the last 6 years, but she's more than her body, you disgusting POS.
4. And the smut was cringe and sex scenes are written so clunkily I legit can’t believe this was meant to be taken seriously. There was zero sensuality! Everything from the words chosen to the actual vibe of the scene completely pulled me out of the story. Examples:
“Her wet arousal coated my fingertips as I searched for the tight well between her legs and then skimmed back up to the needy button at the top.”
I’m sorry, but please refrain from referring to her vagina as a well and her clit as a button.
4 ⭐️ A charming rom-com that will have you daydreaming about living a small-town life in Ireland
WHAT TO EXPECT:
✨ small town romance
✨ ireland setting
✨ childhood friends to lovers
✨ instant attraction
✨ she’s heading back home after recently lost her job and fiance
✨ he’s the next door neighbor’s son who went through a massive glow up
✨ MCs in their 30s
✨ witty banter
✨ 1/5
WHAT TO EXPECT:
✨ small town romance
✨ ireland setting
✨ childhood friends to lovers
✨ instant attraction
✨ she’s heading back home after recently lost her job and fiance
✨ he’s the next door neighbor’s son who went through a massive glow up
✨ MCs in their 30s
✨ witty banter
✨ 1/5
1.5 ⭐️ Christ, wtf was this?
WHAT TO EXPECT:
✨ 5 years after 'Give Me More'
✨ las vegas setting
✨ MMF
✨ 3/5 spice
✨ horrendous miscommunication
✨ drama
✨ HEA
My Thoughts:
I absolutely loved Praise and Give Me More, but the last few books were not my cup of tea. I only read this because it featured my favorite throuple, so I figured it would be a safe bet. But I was so wrong.
*SPOILERS AHEAD*
What the fuck is wrong with Isabella??? I wouldn't say she's the brightest of the bunch, but after five years of being in a loving, committed relationship with Drake and Hunter where they have three children and no one has complained about their dynamic, she get's this idea that Drake misses the single life and is willing to give him a hall pass???? What's worse, is Hunter and Isabel talk about this beforehand without Drake, and that same evening she decides to take them all to a brothel so Drake can go fuck around if he wants. The absolute disrespect for him and their relationship is disgusting. This relationship is not healthy if neither Isabel or Hunter cannot openly communicate their concerns with Drake. The poor guy was so blindsided and hurt because while HE wanted to surprise them by getting married in Vegas, they think he's a fuck boy still. It's like they don't know him AT ALL. Drake deserves so much better.
And then, all Isabel has to do is cry and she's forgiven???? And then Drake and Hunter 'punish' her by fucking while she watches? Fuck no. Leave her ass outside the hotel room to think about how stupid she's been. Better yet, get Drake away from these people because Hunter isn't much better for having the same thoughts but not saying anything at all.
Also, I was annoyed that the sexual dynamic focused way more on Drake and Hunter getting each other off while Isabel is always off to the side commenting how hot that makes her. It was done so often that it felt like Isabel was fetishizing them and it made me uncomfortable. I noticed this a little in Give Me More but it was super apparent here.
Overall, I was not a fan of this and would not recommend reading since it'll ruin your perception of the trio. Honestly, this is the last thing I'll read from Sara Cate. I haven't enjoyed anything since Give Me More, so I feel like it's time to move on.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
✨ 5 years after 'Give Me More'
✨ las vegas setting
✨ MMF
✨ 3/5 spice
✨ horrendous miscommunication
✨ drama
✨ HEA
My Thoughts:
I absolutely loved Praise and Give Me More, but the last few books were not my cup of tea. I only read this because it featured my favorite throuple, so I figured it would be a safe bet. But I was so wrong.
*SPOILERS AHEAD*
What the fuck is wrong with Isabella??? I wouldn't say she's the brightest of the bunch, but after five years of being in a loving, committed relationship with Drake and Hunter where they have three children and no one has complained about their dynamic, she get's this idea that Drake misses the single life and is willing to give him a hall pass???? What's worse, is Hunter and Isabel talk about this beforehand without Drake, and that same evening she decides to take them all to a brothel so Drake can go fuck around if he wants. The absolute disrespect for him and their relationship is disgusting. This relationship is not healthy if neither Isabel or Hunter cannot openly communicate their concerns with Drake. The poor guy was so blindsided and hurt because while HE wanted to surprise them by getting married in Vegas, they think he's a fuck boy still. It's like they don't know him AT ALL. Drake deserves so much better.
And then, all Isabel has to do is cry and she's forgiven???? And then Drake and Hunter 'punish' her by fucking while she watches? Fuck no. Leave her ass outside the hotel room to think about how stupid she's been. Better yet, get Drake away from these people because Hunter isn't much better for having the same thoughts but not saying anything at all.
Also, I was annoyed that the sexual dynamic focused way more on Drake and Hunter getting each other off while Isabel is always off to the side commenting how hot that makes her. It was done so often that it felt like Isabel was fetishizing them and it made me uncomfortable. I noticed this a little in Give Me More but it was super apparent here.
Overall, I was not a fan of this and would not recommend reading since it'll ruin your perception of the trio. Honestly, this is the last thing I'll read from Sara Cate. I haven't enjoyed anything since Give Me More, so I feel like it's time to move on.
3.5 ⭐️ This was cute. I liked some parts but had a hard time with others
"No one trash-talks my golfer but me."
"And no one gets too close to my caddie but me. Stay beside me out there, Josephine."
WHAT TO EXPECT
✨ sports romance
✨ comeback story
✨ he’s a washed up golfer about to quit
✨ she’s his number one fan and becomes his caddie
✨ boss x employer
✨ grumpy x sunshine
✨ insta lust
✨ ‘I hate everyone but her’
✨ possessive and protective alpha male
✨ she had a crush first but he falls first
✨ slight denial of feelings
✨ sexy bets
✨ 3.5/5
"No one trash-talks my golfer but me."
"And no one gets too close to my caddie but me. Stay beside me out there, Josephine."
WHAT TO EXPECT
✨ sports romance
✨ comeback story
✨ he’s a washed up golfer about to quit
✨ she’s his number one fan and becomes his caddie
✨ boss x employer
✨ grumpy x sunshine
✨ insta lust
✨ ‘I hate everyone but her’
✨ possessive and protective alpha male
✨ she had a crush first but he falls first
✨ slight denial of feelings
✨ sexy bets
✨ 3.5/5
3 ⭐️ This was a fun omegaverse story
I mean, it's just a few lies and a fake relationship. Nothing bad ever came from that.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
✨ paranormal / shifter romance
✨ contemporary setting
✨ omegaverse
✨ doctor MCs
✨ she needs a boyfriend, he needs a mate
✨ fake dating
✨ co-workers
✨ grumpy x sunshine
✨ strangers to friends with benefits
✨ he falls first
✨ 7 year age gap
✨ teasing banter
✨ 3/5 spice
✨ "you can take it", "good girl"
✨ lack of communication because fear of rejection
✨ third act breakup
✨ groveling
✨ HEA
My Thoughts:
For anyone who isn't familiar with omegaverse, this is a great place to start. If you're not familiar with the concept at all, just do a quick google search for an explanation.
What I liked:
I really enjoyed the beginning of this story. Mackenzie and Noah are both doctors but rarely work together, so they're essentially strangers. She's very approachable and friendly while Noah is serious, standoffish, and known as the Boogeyman of Denver. These two are total opposites and it wasn't apparent how they'd be a match at the beginning, but as the story progresses and they get to know one another, Mackenzie thaws his cold heart while Noah makes hers burn. They're both a little awkward around each other at first, which was super realistic considering the situation. And they end up developing a genuine friendship, which I thought was sweet. They're romance was sweet, but of course, it was also very spicy.
There's a total of 6 explicit sex scenes that go on for quite a few pages, so this is for the smut lovers. And if you're wondering about the type of smut, just know it has a lot of the usual omegaverse stuff: scenting, praise, knotting, licking, biting, and chasing. All very primal. And even though these two are shifters (they can turn into wolves), don't worry, they only do it as humans.
What I didn't like:
There’s not a lot going on besides the romance, so once they’re together I started losing interest. Sure, there's some drama with Noah being outed as an alpha by a mysterious person, who is revealed at the end. But, that side plot was predictable so the reveal wasn't a surprise. So around 60% of the story when the romance is established, I ended up skimming a lot of the non dialogue just to see how it all ends.
The third act breakup was also very predictable. It was also incredibly frustrating because none of it would have happened if Noah had just talked to Mackenzie, but he got scared(?) and decided to make choices for the two of them even if he knew it would make them both miserable. It was a dumb decision.
However, I will say the groveling and makeup sex afterwards was satisfying; so at least the story ended on a high note.
Priya was a random, annoying friend. All she ever did was ask Makenzie about her sex life with Noah and it just got really weird after a while.
Thank you Netgalley for providing an eARC and Berkley Romance for providing a physical ARC in exchange for an honest review! As always, all opinions are my own.
Favorite Quotes:
"Once you go know you'll . . . want for . . . not."
_______
"Oh my God. You made a joke! Was that your first one? Are you hurt in any way?
"Always a delight, you are."
_______
"I'll make sure you can never catch me."
"Oh, I will catch you."
"You think so?"
"I do. I'm not letting you get away from me, Mackenzie."
_______
"That's the funny thing about love, Noah. It's terrifying, and there are no guarantees. We don't fall in love because it's a sure thing. We fall in love because our hearts don't speak the same language as our brains. Your heart doesn't have that little voice that worries about what-ifs. It sees something good and it goes all in. Sometimes you just have to listen to your heart more than your head."
_______
"Only you could hook up with the biggest asshole we've ever met and turn him into a house husband."
_______
"Mackenzie, I - I'm finding there isn't much I don't like where you're involved."
_______
Mackenzie Carter is in my skin now. She lives in my blood. Without ever intending for it to happen. . . my pretend mate became the very real woman I'd like to spend the rest of my life with.
_______
"When I'm with you . . . I don't feel like I'm just going through the motions in life. When I'm with you . . . I feel like I'm actually living.
_______
"I can grovel for the rest of my life."
"I'm going to be a pain."
"It's fine. I'm an expert at being insufferable."
"And I'm going to get scared."
"I can be there to make sure it doesn't last."
_______
I mean, it's just a few lies and a fake relationship. Nothing bad ever came from that.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
✨ paranormal / shifter romance
✨ contemporary setting
✨ omegaverse
✨ doctor MCs
✨ she needs a boyfriend, he needs a mate
✨ fake dating
✨ co-workers
✨ grumpy x sunshine
✨ strangers to friends with benefits
✨ he falls first
✨ 7 year age gap
✨ teasing banter
✨ 3/5 spice
✨ "you can take it", "good girl"
✨ lack of communication because fear of rejection
✨ third act breakup
✨ groveling
✨ HEA
My Thoughts:
For anyone who isn't familiar with omegaverse, this is a great place to start. If you're not familiar with the concept at all, just do a quick google search for an explanation.
What I liked:
I really enjoyed the beginning of this story. Mackenzie and Noah are both doctors but rarely work together, so they're essentially strangers. She's very approachable and friendly while Noah is serious, standoffish, and known as the Boogeyman of Denver. These two are total opposites and it wasn't apparent how they'd be a match at the beginning, but as the story progresses and they get to know one another, Mackenzie thaws his cold heart while Noah makes hers burn. They're both a little awkward around each other at first, which was super realistic considering the situation. And they end up developing a genuine friendship, which I thought was sweet. They're romance was sweet, but of course, it was also very spicy.
There's a total of 6 explicit sex scenes that go on for quite a few pages, so this is for the smut lovers. And if you're wondering about the type of smut, just know it has a lot of the usual omegaverse stuff: scenting, praise, knotting, licking, biting, and chasing. All very primal. And even though these two are shifters (they can turn into wolves), don't worry, they only do it as humans.
What I didn't like:
There’s not a lot going on besides the romance, so once they’re together I started losing interest. Sure, there's some drama with Noah being outed as an alpha by a mysterious person, who is revealed at the end. But, that side plot was predictable so the reveal wasn't a surprise. So around 60% of the story when the romance is established, I ended up skimming a lot of the non dialogue just to see how it all ends.
The third act breakup was also very predictable. It was also incredibly frustrating because none of it would have happened if Noah had just talked to Mackenzie, but he got scared(?) and decided to make choices for the two of them even if he knew it would make them both miserable. It was a dumb decision.
However, I will say the groveling and makeup sex afterwards was satisfying; so at least the story ended on a high note.
Priya was a random, annoying friend. All she ever did was ask Makenzie about her sex life with Noah and it just got really weird after a while.
Thank you Netgalley for providing an eARC and Berkley Romance for providing a physical ARC in exchange for an honest review! As always, all opinions are my own.
Favorite Quotes:
"Once you go know you'll . . . want for . . . not."
_______
"Oh my God. You made a joke! Was that your first one? Are you hurt in any way?
"Always a delight, you are."
_______
"I'll make sure you can never catch me."
"Oh, I will catch you."
"You think so?"
"I do. I'm not letting you get away from me, Mackenzie."
_______
"That's the funny thing about love, Noah. It's terrifying, and there are no guarantees. We don't fall in love because it's a sure thing. We fall in love because our hearts don't speak the same language as our brains. Your heart doesn't have that little voice that worries about what-ifs. It sees something good and it goes all in. Sometimes you just have to listen to your heart more than your head."
_______
"Only you could hook up with the biggest asshole we've ever met and turn him into a house husband."
_______
"Mackenzie, I - I'm finding there isn't much I don't like where you're involved."
_______
Mackenzie Carter is in my skin now. She lives in my blood. Without ever intending for it to happen. . . my pretend mate became the very real woman I'd like to spend the rest of my life with.
_______
"When I'm with you . . . I don't feel like I'm just going through the motions in life. When I'm with you . . . I feel like I'm actually living.
_______
"I can grovel for the rest of my life."
"I'm going to be a pain."
"It's fine. I'm an expert at being insufferable."
"And I'm going to get scared."
"I can be there to make sure it doesn't last."
_______