Gah, this book was so adorable. I'm a total sucker for a long, slow burn, and Anyta Sunday knows how to deliver that so well.
I can take it or leave it when it comes to books involving children and lots of family drama, but Anyta Sunday really pulled it off here. Made for You managed to balance some really heavy stuff, with the loss two parents and an insane amount of responsibility for the MC, and keep the story light and fresh. It wasn't a downer-type of story, so though the plot has some angst to it, it is the kind of book that will keep you smiling.
I love, love, love an age gap, but though the age gap was pretty big here, it didn't feel like such a chasm. The two MCs felt like they meshed together so well, that their personalities combined perfectly, that the age gap felt like no big deal. They also were both responsible adults (more of less, ha), so there wasn't that "party animal vs stuffy old man" thing that many age gap romances have.
I enjoyed the whole story so much, but I think I needed just a little something more to light up that fifth star. However, this was Anyta Sunday doing what she does best, and I can't wait to read more of these kinds of stories from her. I'm loving the direction she has been taking recently!
Mel Bossa can write her ass off, and The Witchin' Canoe was another example of her fine work. Though i wish some things were different, it*3.5 stars*
Mel Bossa can write her ass off, and The Witchin' Canoe was another example of her fine work. Though i wish some things were different, it was a lovely, atmospheric story that you'll remember for a long time.
I really, really wish this story was a regular historical romance with a Gothic flair instead of a supernatural romance. The beginning of the story was incredibly lovely, and the romance really sang. I love an opposites attract story, and the tension between the two MCs was palpable. I think there was enough there to make a complete story without the twists and turns at the end.
I loved most of the story so much, and I really enjoyed Mel Bossa's skillful and powerful writing. I got a great sense of the whole setting of the story, and I felt transported to that gloomy and somewhat hopeless time.
However, I didn't love the ending. There were too many POV (we didn't need the butler's), and the Witchin' Canoe lore felt convoluted. I never really understood it, and I thought it detracted from the romance, something I don't often say because I love sci-fi and paranormal romances. There was also so much drama at the end that it felt like the story lost some momentum.
Still, my take away is that of a lovely story about two special characters, and I think all Mel Bossa fans should try this one.
I love, love, love a sexuality discovery story, and Jay Northcote always gets those so, so right. How does he know what I like and continue to deliverI love, love, love a sexuality discovery story, and Jay Northcote always gets those so, so right. How does he know what I like and continue to deliver the goods time and again?!
I really liked how we got both MCs exploring their sexuality and sexual identity. One is discovering that he might be bi or pan, and the other is coming to terms with their gender fluidity. Both narratives are told so well, so organically, that I felt like I was right there with them every step of the way.
I adore a kinky, well-done sex scene, and Jay delivers again here. I could listen to these two dirty talk all day and all night!
I was a little lost as to the secondary characters, many of whom were recurring from previous books, but I think the story works well as a stand-alone. If you like hot stories about two people learning about who they are and who they are attracted to, you'll enjoy this little number.
Holy crap, did you know that Roe Horvat could write filthy, delicious, erotic romance? I sure didn't!
Honestly, I had no idea what I was ge*4.5 stars*
Holy crap, did you know that Roe Horvat could write filthy, delicious, erotic romance? I sure didn't!
Honestly, I had no idea what I was getting into when I started this book. I have a bad habit of not reading blurbs and getting books solely on author name and/or friends' reviews. I did not know that I was in for the erotic ride of a lifetime.
Some warnings: This book is a VERY explicit M/M ROMANCE. There are also scenes with multiple partners (<--- important for some readers to know). I loved every juicy (heh) second of it, but some readers might want less sex or only certain kinds of sex in their romance. There are also some painful scenes with a homophobic character.
Let's get down to it: I ADORED this book. It grabbed me from the start and didn't let me go.
The Other Book started off with a theme I love: enemies-to-lovers. We get hate sex, people. Glorious, angry, slightly BDSM-y hate sex.
The animosity is actually fairly short-lived, and I thought the slide into mushy-lovey was a little fast (hence knocking off 1/2 a star), but the relationship details are SO well done.
The book has a TON of sex, but the romance is there and it is POWERFUL. There is beauty in letting go and discovering your full sexual potential, that I think that's what this book is exploring. The freedom to be yourself with a partner that understands you and your needs; that's an amazing thing.
The Other Book isn't porn without plot. It has a plot and a lovely, painful, emotional one at that. And the writing... wow, so lovely. Roe Horvat does descriptive writing perfectly and with such skill.
If you are in the mood for something that is sex-heavy but with all of the feels of your favorite gooey romance, don't miss this one. Roe Horvat delivers the goods.
I'm kind of obsessed with the mini-Mr. Winterbourne series by the very talented Joanna Chambers, and I'm prayThis book made me so ridiculously happy.
I'm kind of obsessed with the mini-Mr. Winterbourne series by the very talented Joanna Chambers, and I'm praying (no, begging) for more of these books. Mr Winterbourne's Christmas cannot be the end!
I simply adored it. I loved the chemistry between the two MCs and I loved the possibilities with the side characters. I rarely love stories that are this short, but this book has made me a believer.
What can I say? This story just made me smile, made me feel good. I was hooked from the start, and I hope there are many more stories like this one to come.
My romance tastes have become more and more defined and refined over the yeaI lovedHoneymoon for One.Keira Andrews gets another book exactly right.
My romance tastes have become more and more defined and refined over the years, and I have specific types of things that I love to read about. If I had to describe a checklist of my likes, this book would be like check, check, check!
We get an MC that is hard of hearing. I love MCs that have overcome obstacles or are living with obstacles, and I haven't had many reads with deaf or mostly deaf MCs. I loved, loved, loved reading about Ethan, and thought that Keira Andrews portrayed him perfectly. I felt his pain at his betrayal, his hurt and humiliation with how people reacted to his hearing difficulties, and his hope of finding true love. I loved Ethan, plus he is half Jewish (score!).
We get a sexuality discovery story. Okay, this one is my true love in M/M. I love an MC that comes to terms with their sexuality for the first time, or rediscovers something about themselves that they have denied for so long. I love that spark, that uncertainty, the bravery... I just enjoy these types of stories. I love the way Keira Andrews portrayed Clay's sexuality, and I loved his probable demisexuality to boot. It was simply lovely.
We get an age gap. I can't help loving an age gap, and though I feel like age gap stories are trendy now, I just love a May/December romance. I can't help it. The age gap here felt very manageable even for those of my fellow readers who are squeamish about age gaps. It was just another layer of yes! for me.
We get a slow burn. Slow burn romances are my jam, and I was jamming with this one. I like the author to torture me with sexual tension, and I prefer no sex until after the 50% mark, and I was really pleased at how Keira Andrews made me wait. I felt the heat and romance and the desperation, and I was LOVING IT.
Honestly, this is one of the most satisfying M/Ms I've read in a long time. Keira Andrews does contemporary romance at a level that few others can meet, and her books are just my style. A must buy.
If you want a super fluffy bisexuality-discovery story wiI've been struggling a bit with Anyta Sunday recently, but Pisces Hooks Taurus was adorable.
If you want a super fluffy bisexuality-discovery story with one hopelessly clueless MC and another who is completely adorkable, then this is your book.
Zane is completely oblivious to his growing romance with his "platonic" new BFF, Beckett (Becky). I mean, clueless to the point where it was almost too ridiculous, but this is a romance, not a reality check, and Anyta Sunday seems to be really, really fond of clueless MCs.
The story was slow-burn in terms of their acknowledgement of their relationship, but the feelings seemed to be there almost from the start. Beckett had the patience of a saint, and Zane was a little (a lot) in his own world.
The plot moves along quickly, and there is a lot of witty banter, and (big YAY) some serious heat near the end. Lots of silly misunderstandings, but it was a purposeful comedy of errors, and it was really enjoyable to read.
The ending was super cute, and though this book is part of a series, you'll be just find jumping in as a stand-alone. Recommended.
*Copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*
Salt Magic Skin Magic took me completely by surprise. I had never heard of Lee Welch before picking up this book, but I decided to give it a go because it reminded me of a K.J. Charles-ish story. I was completely blown away by what I found.
If you are looking for that perfect blend of magic and historical romance that is so hard to find, look no further. I loved the gloomy, dark English countryside setting with the crumbling castle and murky, magical vibes. I loved the contrast of the high-born, proud English lord and a working-class magician. I liked the sexual tension and I loved the magical world, though I could have used more world-building, for sure. In fact, I hope we get other books in the series with other MCs, just so I can learn MORE about Lee Welch's creation.
The plot kept me guessing, and it had that elusive quality that makes you think, just one more page. I needed to know what was going to happen next.
I was also really surprised that Salt Magic Skin Magic was this author's first full length book. It felt polished and professional, and really reflected all of the hard work and editing that must have gone into it, which I really appreciated.
I was going to give this book 4.5 stars because it's not quite perfect, but I stayed up past 2 am last night to finish; I just could NOT put it down. Any book that has me reading all night is a winner. Lee Welch is an author to watch.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*...more
I seem to be in the minority here, but I found Love Me Louder to be lackluster.
I was drawn to the book because I love a story with a scarred MC, and,I seem to be in the minority here, but I found Love Me Louder to be lackluster.
I was drawn to the book because I love a story with a scarred MC, and, though I've never been to Fire Island, NYC is my home turf. I figured that I'd give the story a shot, but I realized early on that this wasn't going to be a home run.
Almost from the start, the chemistry just wasn't there for me. I couldn't really get why these two got together in the first place, and I couldn't picture them together. I didn't feel any passion or connection between them. Also, the plot seemed muddled with the whole escort trope mixed with coworkers and personal/family drama. It was a lot for the story to handle, and I don't think the writing held up to all of the ideas.
I also don't know if Christina Lee's style meshes with my tastes. The style of the book was very simplistic almost, and didn't do much to excite me. It felt very "tell-y" instead of showing me where the emotions were coming from, and found myself putting the book down and having to force myself to pick it up again to finish.
There wasn't anything glaringly wrong with the book, but I didn't find a whole lot that I liked about it either.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*...more
*3.75 stars*, rounded up for the explosion of emotions at the end of the story.
Over and Over Again was my first book by Cole McCade and it was a whop*3.75 stars*, rounded up for the explosion of emotions at the end of the story.
Over and Over Again was my first book by Cole McCade and it was a whopper, clocking in at nearly 700 pages. But though the story was lengthy and took me a long time to read, I found it to be really satisfying and completely worth my time.
First of all, in case anyone is curious, Imre's name is pronounced eeee-mm-ray. TBH, I was sort of saying "Ernie" with an "m" sound and mushing it together in my head because that's just what popped in there when I started reading (yes, I know my random pronunciation doesn't make sense). It sounds much prettier the real way, though he'll always be Er-m-ie to me.
Okay, now that that's out of the way, let's get to the meat of things: the story. I was concerned a bit about the relationship between Irme and Luca because of their almost uncle/nephew relationship from childhood. I love an age gap, but I do NOT do incest, and I was worried that it would get a little... creepy. To be frank, it did get a bit close to that line for me at times, but I was able to push past it. I had to remind myself that I was also 19 when I met my older husband, and that helped a bit.
The story is very... poetic. The whole plot trudges along slowly and methodically. The goats need checking on. The food gets cooked. There is a languid pace to the story that I surprisingly liked. There is a reason that the story is so long and that is due to the plethora of farming and atmospheric details. Though I think some repetitiveness could have been paired away, I was surprisingly engaged for the whole story. Sure, I wasn't glued to my Kindle (except for the stellar final 20% or so), but I was never bored while reading. And the writing was truly like poetry at times. Very beautiful descriptors and lots of sensory details made for a lovely reading experience.
I guess I would call this a slow-burn romance, though there is an intimacy there between the MCs from the start. Both characters start off loving each other, in a way, but the physical side takes its time to develop. I thought that the slow burn was very well done, and we got the right amount of heat by the end. I also really loved how Irme was demisexual, which fit right in with his personality and his approach to relationships.
One thing that killed me about Irme was how he rarely spoke in contractions. I know the author was trying to portray the fact that English was perhaps not his first language, but it's always awkward for me to read wordy sentences sans contractions for some reason.
Though it took me over a week to read, Over and Over Again really impressed me by the end. I loved, loved, loved Cole McCade's writing style, and I could easily see him becoming a favorite author of mine. Especially in the last 20% when he made me choke up and feel a huge rush of emotions that took me by surprise. Excellent ending.
I had forgotten how much I truly love Barbara Elsborg but this book brought it right back. Edge of ForeverRussian cowboy, opposites-attract nirvana.
I had forgotten how much I truly love Barbara Elsborg but this book brought it right back. Edge of Forever is all that is good and special about Barbara Elsborg's writing, wrapped up in one glorious package.
If you haven't read this author before, you are in for a treat. Her books are a unique mix of really funny and really angsty, which is an unusual combination. I'll admit, sometimes her books veer too dark for me (and this book should have a *trigger warning* for sexual abuse of minors), but Edge of Forever really was a perfect balance of pain and pleasure.
What Barbara Elsborg does better than almost any other author is her absolutely dead-funny banter. This book is witty, and sarcastic, vulnerable, lovely Pasha was a perfect example of a Barbara Elsborg main character done right. I adored Pasha... like, REALLY loved him, and I loved his chemistry with Levi.
You should also know that the angst in this book is real and it will punch you in the guts. I struggled through a couple sections, but most of the book is focused on Pasha and Levi's relationship development in the cold, tough environment of the Russian wintery countryside. The details were lovely and real, and it made me want to ride horses and make out in the middle of a snowdrift (probably an idea that is better in my mind than in real life...).
From about 50% on, I couldn't put this book down. I sat for a VERY long time in my local coffee shop reading with tears in my eyes because my EMOTIONS were just overflowing. It isn't a sad or scary book, but the story will make you push with all your soul for these characters to get their HEA.
I loved the story from start to finish, and that epilogue made me *squee* out loud. I could have read a thousand pages of this couple and never get bored. A total winner.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*...more
OMFG, I can't believe I ended up going from confused as F to in love with this story.
I decided to jump into the story blind without reading the firstOMFG, I can't believe I ended up going from confused as F to in love with this story.
I decided to jump into the story blind without reading the first story in the series, which was a little bit of a mistake. For one, I've never read a non-shifter story with alpha/beta/omega dynamics before, much less one with knotting and m-preg! Talk about out of my comfort zone... but little kinky me was up for the challenge. *wink, wink*
I'll admit, I had no idea what was happening for the first 50 pages or so. I had to get to know the world, the characters, and the feel for the power dynamics. I bet if I had read the first story before it would have been much easier to figure out what was happening, but I caught on after awhile.
After a somewhat rocky and slow beginning, I started to get into the groove. And it was groovy. I found it to be super hot, super intense, and just really amplified in all ways. I knew Leta Blake wouldn't let me down.
The book is also not quite M/M/M, but it's also not quite *not* M/M/M. There is an unusal relationship there that Leta Blake manages very well. I also loved the inclusion of an asexual, aromantic character. I really enjoyed what that brought to the story.
I think the story interwove some compelling concepts, with the ideas of not quite fitting into your body, your role, and your lot in life. The characters were really complex, and I liked the dimensionality of them.
I had a few small issues, the length of the story being one of them (it's a loooong book) and I wish the main couple spent a little more time together before going to the "love" place, but overall I was extremely happy with this one. Another winner from Leta.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review* ...more
I have a lot of mixed feelings about this book, but my overall emotion is enjoyment. Why? Because I'm a kinky, kinky lady and this was a super light vI have a lot of mixed feelings about this book, but my overall emotion is enjoyment. Why? Because I'm a kinky, kinky lady and this was a super light version of domestic discipline/daddy kink, even if it isn't quite framed as such.
Quinn Ward is a newbie author, but I like the way their mind works. The story was sweet with strong family element (lots of sequel potentials) and a nice into into a kind of kink that is right up my alley. However, the storytelling itself wasn't always smooth sailing.
Frankie and Calvin go from platonic roommates to more in such a way that I literally kept toggling back between the pages on my Kindle to see if I was missing a chapter. There is talk of cuddling and making dinner and intimacy that didn't go along with the initial set up: i.e. almost strangers that didn't know each other that well and were unaware of each other's sexual orientations. I found it strange that an adult man in his 40s with a teenage child in the house would take a border, but that's just me. There was just something very awkward in the way the relationship dynamic was written at the start.
I also liked the kink, but felt like that was underdeveloped too. Frankie went from not wanting kink or not knowing what it was to wanting to be tied up or having a pseudo- DD relationship. Now, domestic discipline is really, really my thing, so I loved that, but I wanted more rules, more structure. I felt like these two were flying blind, and not in a good way.
The emotions were there for me, but they came on too quickly. I like a really, really slow burn, and this was a bit too fast. However, I really did enjoy Calvin and Frankie as a couple. Age gaps really do it for me!
The book was SO close to being great, but there kept being issues that distracted me or detracted from the story. I think if the author had really gone there with the DD or daddy kink, I would have been in heaven, though. Here's to hoping another brother loves to get spanked!
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*...more
I loved, loved, loved Femme by the very witty Marshall Thornton, but Masc didn't quite have the same effect on me, though I enjoyed it overall.
LionelI loved, loved, loved Femme by the very witty Marshall Thornton, but Masc didn't quite have the same effect on me, though I enjoyed it overall.
Lionel and Dog are a great couple. They are complete opposites, and they really balance one another. There is always that great wit and humor between them, especially from Lionel, however, this book was a lot less funny and a lot more serious than Femme.
Just a couple things to get out of the way:Masc cannot be read as a stand-alone. It just can't. It's a continuation of Femme, so you really need that background information. Also, those who don't like their HEAs messed with in any way might not like the ups and downs in Dog and Lionel's relationship in this story. Finally, trigger warnings for sexual harrassment and unwanted touching.
There were a lot of deep parts in Masc, mostly about being true to who you are, similar to the messages from Femme. I liked the overall story, but I was really hoping for something more funny and light and less intense, though there were some really amusing moments.
I enjoyed this book, but, if I'm being completely honest, I almost wish I stopped at Femme. I like my HEAs to stay undisturbed.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*...more
I have a checkered history with Jay Northcote books, full of ups and downs, and when that happens I try to retreat a bit as to not keep reading an autI have a checkered history with Jay Northcote books, full of ups and downs, and when that happens I try to retreat a bit as to not keep reading an author that hasn't panned out for me. However, I LOVE a book with a trans MC, so I couldn't resist picking this one up. It turns out, it was a very good decision.
I read books with trans MCs written by any author, but I've noticed that trans books by trans authors are by far my favorite. Those authors's stories tend to feel more authentic to me, or perhaps that's just my perception. Either way, the way that Nate was written really worked for me.
I loved how Jay Northcote wasn't afraid to bring the sexiness. My internal voice was screaming, "YES, yes, yes," and I was just so pumped that we got to see the MCs get all hot and sweaty. I don't love it when I read a book with a trans MC and the smutty details are passed over- No, I WANT to read each and every bit! I found the sex scenes to be super hot, and I felt the chemistry there, 100%.
I really enjoyed the whole plot, even if the pacing wasn't exactly what I usually like. Truth be told, I don't love second chance romances quite so much because the feelings-part of the story always feels rushed to me. I like two characters to start from nothing and work their way up to feelings without a past interfering, so the speed at which these two MCs started getting physical and started feeling deep emotions was a little fast for me. However, I really loved the last 25% of the story, especially that romance-y romance ending. *swoon*
I think the book struck the perfect balance between being informative and not feeling too didactic. I like a little knowledge with my trans romances but if I want a detailed description of every transition detail, I'd rather pick up a non-fiction book. The book stayed focused on the relationship development, the family dynamics, the sex (YES!!), and, most importantly, the romance. And it turns out, I was 100% there for the romance, and I enjoyed every minute of it.
If you like second-chance romances or enjoy romances with trans MCs, don't pass this one up. Jay Northcote did his readers proud.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*...more
This is one of those times when I think that it isn't the book, it's me.
Why? Because I sort of screwed up.
First of all, I didn't read the*3.5 stars*
This is one of those times when I think that it isn't the book, it's me.
Why? Because I sort of screwed up.
First of all, I didn't read the blurb very well. I just saw Lisa Henry, who is one of my favorite authors, and just grabbed the book. For some reason, (I think because it said it was a take on Sense and Sensibility), I assumed it was a historical romance, and I was ridiculously excited. However, this is a modern take, as the blurb (*duh*) states.
Also, I haven't actually ever read Sense and Sensibility... which turned out to be a bit of an issue. (I really should catch up on my classic romances...). Once I finished reading The California Dashwoods, I ran over to wikipedia and read the summary of the original. I found out that they VERY closely mirror one another, which ended up being a problem for me.
In this book, and in the original, the love interests actually spend very little time together. Most of the story revolved around family and their struggles, and the grand romance felt, well, not so grand.
I'm someone who loves an epic romance, a real relationship-y romance, where love is slow-burn and built over a long period of time together. The romance in this book bordered on insta-love, and I actually didn't even like Ned that much... okay, at all. I thought he treated those around him like crap, to be honest. I get that he was supposed to be super sweet, but I never warmed to him, and I didn't have the page-time with him to change my mind.
I think if I was a Sense and Sensibility super-fan, I would have enjoyed this one, but it didn't work for me as a romance written now. I liked aspects of the story a lot, and I think Lisa Henry has loads of talent, of course, but I'm going to think VERY carefully before I reach for any more of these classic retelling stories.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*...more
I was hesitant to try this one, to be honest, because I just had an inkling that it wouldn't be to my tastes, but si
I'm... not sure how to rate this.
I was hesitant to try this one, to be honest, because I just had an inkling that it wouldn't be to my tastes, but since I've never tried a Felice Stevens book before and I ADORE Nick J. Russo I figured I'd give it a go.
I'm not quite sure what to say about this one.
It isn't my taste, if I'm being perfect honest. I need a slow-burn romance and I prefer all sex to be after the 40-50% mark, and this book basically skirts instalove. I wouldn't pick it again, but there was something charming about it in a low-angst, ultra sweet way.
The narration was good from Nick J. Russo but sometimes his accent was a little inconsistent. All in all, this was a pleasant read for lovers of a high sex:plot ratio and cute summer romances.
*Copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*
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*4.5 stars* King Daniel caps off an unforgettable series on a high note, though it was a tough read for me, emotionally.
Before you decide to try this*4.5 stars* King Daniel caps off an unforgettable series on a high note, though it was a tough read for me, emotionally.
Before you decide to try this book, there are a few things you should know. First of all, the series must be read in order. Actually, if you want to be technical, there are a few orders you can read the book in (see the author, Edmond Manning's website for more info on that), but I recommend you read it in the order that they were published. I think you get the most out of it that way, and you know Vin on a deeper level. What you absolutely can't do is jump into this book with no context.
I think it is almost important to know that this story isn't romance. There is a romantic element, and certainly a sexual element, like all the stories in the series, but it is in no way a category romance. I would call it gay fiction above anything else.
Finally, and maybe most importantly, this particular story deals with disturbing and graphic depictions of childhood abuse. Fans of the series will know that Edmond isn't afraid to write stories about people with painful and damaged pasts, but the specifics of this story were really hard for me on a personal level. As a mother, reading some of the scenes in the book were like a knife in the heart. I managed to get through it, as the scenes are referenced and not told in flashback (which would have crossed the line for me), but it altered my feeling about the story overall, for sure.
If you liked Come Back To Me, you will most likely love King Daniel. Edmond Manning tells both stories in a similar-ish manner, so they reminded me of each other quite a bit. Also, there are some common themes throughout both of them.
I always say this, but The Lost and Founds series is really hard for me to describe. It isn't for everyone. It is a middle ground between contemporary and magical realism, and it straddles both lines very well. It also is a very compelling read, just bursting with excitement and with a very fast pace, and it hooked me in right away. Edmond never lets up with the surprises and twists and turns, and "King Daniel" was no different.
Okay, I vacillated back and forth about the harshness of some of the things Daniel was forced to go through, considering his background, but what do I know? I know nothing about abused children (or adults) and how they would react to certain situations. I do know that it warmed my heart and soul to see Daniel grow, make friendships, and move beyond what happened to him as a child.
Edmond is a lovely writer and King Daniel is a beautiful story for those who can't get enough of The Lost and Founds series. I'd encourage all readers to try out King Perry, the first in the series, as the journey that Edmond takes us on is not one I'll soon forget.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*...more
I highly, highly recommend that you buy the entire series at once, because (trust me) you will NOT be able to put it down once you start!
I'm noADORE.
I highly, highly recommend that you buy the entire series at once, because (trust me) you will NOT be able to put it down once you start!
I'm not a huge fan of serials, and so I was wishy-washy about starting Will & Patrick Wake Up Married. However, I was swayed by the excellent reviews and the promise of fun, fluffy, comfort romance. Plus, I'm a sucker for the "accidentally/forced married" trope.
I started the serial off feeling a tiny bit lackluster. Patrick comes off as a huge jerk in the first episode, and I sort of wanted to punch him. More than a little bit. Also, I wasn't expecting third person, present tense, which took a little while to get used to. However, once I got into the swing of things, I literally couldn't stop!
My favorites were some of the middle episodes. They are HOT. Like suuuuuuper hot, and I was pleasently surprised by the light kink. Also, the sexual tension build-up to when they finally get it on again is sooooo worth the wait.
Be prepared to want to smack both guys in the head. They doubt themselves and their relationship way too much, listen to others WAY too much, and have to deal with roadblock after roadblock. But the journey is deliciously satisfying and makes all the *groan* moments worthwhile.
The story is light, sexy, funny, and you'll fall in love with both MCs (especially Patrick). One of the best series I've read in a long time.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*...more
In the world of Keira Andrews, who is currently one of my FAVORITE authors, In Case of Emergency feels a bit like a throwaway. Sure, it's s*2.5 stars*
In the world of Keira Andrews, who is currently one of my FAVORITE authors, In Case of Emergency feels a bit like a throwaway. Sure, it's sweet and nice enough, but from her I expect greatness.
The story is a former-stepbrothers romance, which I feel *meh* about. I don't get particularly excited about pseudo-incest, but this was pretty far removed from that because the two men didn't really grow up together.
The set up is fine... just fine... but I didn't feel that spark of chemistry between the two MCs. It felt a little more like a hook-up story, which is something in and of itself, but not something building towards love.
I was also irritated that Justin (the kind of, sort of boyfriend at the start) got as much page-time as he did. For a short story, I wanted him just GONE. Honestly, the two MCs take quite a bit of time to get rolling together, and I didn't love that.
I feel like we get to know the MCs only superficially, and I know it's a novella, but Keira Andrews is talented enough to pull off something greater. This wasn't it.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*...more
I adore Barbara Elsborg, and I always think she is underrated as an author. Her stories are a consistent mix of good characterizations, witty banter,I adore Barbara Elsborg, and I always think she is underrated as an author. Her stories are a consistent mix of good characterizations, witty banter, and angst, and while she can veer a little heavy for me at times, when she delivers I'm always impressed.
Archangel's Assassin was a very good paranormal romance right in Barbara Elsborg's wheelhouse. I really love her paranormal stuff, and this one was no different.
I have a soft spot for an amnesia story, and I thought it fit very well here. I enjoyed trying to figure out who Tao was and what his backstory could possibly be. There was a little bit of mystery and a little bit (okay, a fair amount) of angst, but it wasn't ever too much for me.
What always wins me over about Barbara Elsborg's characters is their dialogue. I think her dialogue is just so snappy and witty, and that's where she shines. I loved how the two MCs interacted, and when they were matching wits, I was very pleased!
I think there were some issues with the rushed-feeling ending and the pacing, and the sometimes hot/cold dynamic of the relationship between the two MCs, but I was really happy with Archangel's Assassin. I think fans of Bloodline and Dirty Angel will find this one to be right up their alley.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*...more
Annabeth Albert is an author that I've come to rely on. There are very few authors that I feel like can guarPure, excellent Annabeth Albert goodness!
Annabeth Albert is an author that I've come to rely on. There are very few authors that I feel like can guarantee me a great read and Annabeth Albert is one of them. Trust with a Chaser is a perfect example of her consistency.
Annabeth Albertgets people. She gets what drives her characters, and she makes each and every one of her men feel real and complete. I adore her characters in all her books and I adored them in this one.
I have a weakness for closeted men, and I just loved Nash and his buttoned-up, repressed, dying-to-be-emotional self. I could feel the loneliness and self-hatred radiating off him, and I wanted to give him a hug (and more... wink, wink) so badly. He is the gruff cop of my dreams.
I also loved how Mason cracked Nash piece by piece. He snuck under his skin, and I adored the journey from sidelong glances to full-on romance.
The chemistry is electric. These two crave each other on another level!
My only issue is that, for some reason, this book didn't quite keep me glued to my kindle like I was expecting. I enjoyed the whole story, but it took me about four days to finish, which is a long time for me. I think it is just that the book is an easy, low angst read, so you don't feel that tense feeling when you put it down. It's easy to jump right back into the story.
I can't wait to read more Rainbow Cove books because I KNOW they are going to deliver. Annabeth Albert is off to a great start!
*Copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*...more
Very sweet book by Rosalind Abel, the MUCH more sexy, romantic pen name of Brandon Witt. If you like small town, low-ish angst, quick to love/sex storVery sweet book by Rosalind Abel, the MUCH more sexy, romantic pen name of Brandon Witt. If you like small town, low-ish angst, quick to love/sex stories with a likeable cast of secondary characters and a reformed rake trope, then check this one out. While it wasn't quite my usual taste, I think most readers will eat this book up!...more
There are some books that stay with you, and this book is going to stay with me for a very long time.
The Enlightenment series is onI am enlightened.
There are some books that stay with you, and this book is going to stay with me for a very long time.
The Enlightenment series is one that you shouldn't begin unless you are prepared to dig into all three books. In truth, they are all like one very large book that has been split up into three pieces. You really need to read all of them to get the full story and appreciate the full breadth of the romance.
Joanna Chambers did an excellent job plotting this series because each book grows and builds on one another until the pieces slot together and make perfect sense at the end.
This is a series for readers who want an epic romance.Enlightened is a story of a hard-fought happily ever after, a story of overcoming seemingly insurmountable obstacles and emerging victorious. It is a story that restores hope in love conquers all and makes you want to grab the ones you care about and never let them go. It is just a really special story, one that you have to experience for yourself.
The story isn't mushy or sappy or overly affectionate or extremely sexual. It is everything in balance. It is smart writing, smart characters, and an ending that will make you clutch your chest with a prickle in your eye.
Enlightened, and the entire series, is historical romance done right. And it won't let you down.
*Copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*...more
Two years has passed since our men have seen each other, but the chemistry is just as palpable as before. And the feels.... ah, theSuuuuuper strong.
Two years has passed since our men have seen each other, but the chemistry is just as palpable as before. And the feels.... ah, the feels! They will slay you.
I launched right into this one after finishing Provoked, and I'm so happy I did. After the first one left me hanging, I just had to know what happened next. And the story just continued to progress beautifully.
I liked this more self-assured David. He was more settled, more mature, but I loved that he retained that sense of honesty that defined him. He was more at peace with his feelings for Murdo, and he allowed the relationship to become something greater than just possibilities.
I also adored this more determined Murdo. Murdo was also less... arrogant, less intimidating, and more focused than ever on David. Murdo is a force to be reckoned with when he sets his mind to something, and he set his mind on David. The way they come together, slowly but like a tornado slowly spiraling towards something inevitable, was magical to witness.
The plot is also rich with excitement, enough to keep you on your toes but not enough to detract from the brewing romance. You won't be able to look away.
The setting? Gorgeous. The romance? Getting more and more intense. The plotline? Exhilarating. The dialogue? Period-appropriate and lovely to read. The sex? Hotter than ever!
Romancy, extremely well written, and a beautiful story, this is shaping up to be a romance for the ages!
**Now FREE at all major retailers (ebook), 6/8/17!!**
*4.5 stars*
To be honest, I was nervous about this series.
I always feel really hesitant to start**Now FREE at all major retailers (ebook), 6/8/17!!**
*4.5 stars*
To be honest, I was nervous about this series.
I always feel really hesitant to start a series that is so universally beloved. For one, I never like to hate what other people like, though it happens often. I like to see the magic that other people see, and I always feel like I'm missing something critical when I don't. In addition, I feel this weird pressure about reading a very popular, very adored book, something I don't feel when I go into a book totally blind.
However, I recently read the very lovely A Gathering Storm by Joanna Chambers so I was feeling cautiously optimistic. As well I should have been because this book was all it's cracked up to be and more.
I think you have to view this book as a part of one longer book. It doesn't really stand alone, and I don't' know anyone who could read this story and not one-click the whole series.
I was afraid that there wasn't going to be enough tension, enough of a slow burn, but I got a really good burn, and this heated I want you, I hate you, I need you vibe that I wasn't expecting.
Provoked is also far from insta-love, with a really intense buildup and a cliffhanger-esk ending. No HFN even at the finish of this installment. However, the writing makes it all worth the wait. I died for the gorgeous language, setting, and characters. I usually don't love single POVs, but Joanna Chambers made it feel like a perfect fit. I couldn't get enough.
A truly wondrous start to what is shaping up to be an addictive series, I can't wait to see this story unfold. Just lovely.
*Copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*
I'm going to be honest here: I only wanted to read this book because I was promised knotting.
I got knotting... and that's pretty much all I*2.5 stars*
I'm going to be honest here: I only wanted to read this book because I was promised knotting.
I got knotting... and that's pretty much all I can say about this one.
No, that's not true, I can say more, if I have to. I read A LOT of paranormal books, and shifters are no big thang for me. I love a good shifter story, and it's the only genre where I'll accept an insta-lovey kind of romance.
Hunter Omega isn't instalove, but more like a friends-to-lovers story where there is a past between the two guys. I'm never a big fan of stories where a lot of the relationship development takes place in the past before we meet the two MCs in the story, and that's the type of situation we have here. There isn't much relationship building, and the jump from simple attraction to omg-i-can't-live-without-you was just too sudden and misplaced for me.
I read a lot of romance, and I'm the first to admit that I'm PICKY. If you are giving me a paranormal world, you really have to wow me. I felt very "meh" about the world-building here, and I found the thriller aspect to be a little too cartoonish.
The sex was pretty bland, which is a shame because it's hard to find a great knotting story. I mean, knotting should be SMOKING hot, if you are including it at all. I was also wondering how the F/F couple bonded without the knotting because it seemed sort of important in the process.
Not a bad story, in fact, but this picky reader has read better. Still, I'd read this author again in the future because there were some good tidbits there and the story flowed easily.
*Copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*...more
Hades in Love was a weird book, which pains me to say because I think that Mel Bossa is a brilliant author. But this book... yeah, weird.
I felt likeHades in Love was a weird book, which pains me to say because I think that Mel Bossa is a brilliant author. But this book... yeah, weird.
I felt like the story was written very oddly. There was a distance between the reader and the characters that was hard to get past. I felt very removed from the MCs, and I never warmed to them. Maybe it was the almost formal manner of speaking, or the wealthy, privileged vibe of the story, but everything felt very stiff and inaccessible for me. It was a difficult book to get into, and a difficult book to finish.
The plot was also... unique. While I think that the idea of using characters from Greek mythology was pretty cool, I kept stopping to look up each person and do research while reading. I didn't want to miss any nuances implied by their names/mythology, but it really detracted from the story. It pulled me out of the flow, and I felt like there were inside jokes that I was missing.
I also didn't love the rent boy/perfume-maker plot. It was too serious, too heavy and it didn't have the desired emotional impact that I was looking for.
All in all, not even close to Mel Bossa's best work. While not a horrible story, I was happy when it was over.
*Copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*...more
I love, love, LOVE Keira Andrews and everything that she does, and The Station was no different. However, the book was originally published*3.5 stars*
I love, love, LOVE Keira Andrews and everything that she does, and The Station was no different. However, the book was originally published in 2010, and I think the author has grown a lot since then.
The bones of a great story are all there. I loved the basic premise, and I love first times and first loves (Keira always gets me!). There was a lot to enjoy, especially the plot which was exciting and one I haven't read before.
Though I really enjoyed the story, it had its flaws. The transitions were all a little rocky. I missed having multiple POVs, and I felt like I didn't know Patrick much at all. The feelings were just bordering on being there for me, but there was something holding me back from fully feeling these two as a couple. Also, at time, things became overly dramatic and stretched my imagination a little too far.
I think the author did a nice job with this one but I think her more recent work is even better. However, I'd still recommend The Station to all historical romance lovers and especially fans on this author. Truthfully, Keira Andrews never does me wrong.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
*~~Check out all of my reviews & my bookstagram at the links below~~*
Just when I thought I've read the gooiest, mushiest Cardeno C. books, I stumble upon this one and th
*2.5 stars*
This story was legit bananas. BANANAS!
Just when I thought I've read the gooiest, mushiest Cardeno C. books, I stumble upon this one and this one puts all other CC books to shame. TO SHAME.
This book is like a marshmallow exploded over two sweaty, naked gay guys. It is gay fluffernutter smorgasbord!! It's feast time, baby!
I honestly would have rolled with the crazy obsessive jealousy, co-dependency, and totally bizarre psychic connection if it wasn't for a few details. I mean, I KNOW what to expect with Cardeno C., and I think I could have made allowances for the relationship to bend reality so hard that it snaps and shatters in a million little we-are-one-forever-and-ever- and-ever-OMG pieces.
But the details really killed it for me.
Picture this: you read a scene (or in my case, listen) in a book from one perspective, then you listen to the EXACT same scene from the other person's perspective. Back and forth, the same scenes over and over again. It was crazy! So repetitive, so annoying. I'm a HUGE fan of alternating POVs, but when you have déjà vu from the SAME story being told again and again, it becomes really trying.
Also, this book is all about the flashbacks. The whole plot is just an almost nauseatingly sappy series of flashbacks and then jumps to present day. I'm not a huge fan of flashbacks, and I felt like so much of this story was told that way.
One really bright spot was the narration. I enjoyed Alexander Collins's narration a great deal. He read those sex scenes (which came one after another- these guys were like smutty, smutty bunnies!!) with gusto without over acting, and I liked the differentiation between the two MCs' voices. He made the audio very enjoyable, even if I was eye-rolling at the plot the whole time.
This book was so redonculous that I don't think any other story can top it in that department. If you are into a story with some small misunderstandings followed by insane amounts of sex and sweetness, and like the idea of two guys who are probably clinically obsessed with each other and have a psudo-incest vibe going on, this story is for you. For me, it wasn't my favorite CC book, but it also wasn't my least favorite. However, I know Cardeno C. can really knock it out of the park when the stars align, so I will forever read CC's stuff. Hopefully my next CC is a hit.
*Copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review* ...more
Heather K (dentist in my spare time)
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