This is an OK listen for me. I adore Joel Leslie, but he was hard to understand sometimes in this book…especially**Audiobook Review**
Just OK for me...
This is an OK listen for me. I adore Joel Leslie, but he was hard to understand sometimes in this book…especially with Leo. His emotional performance was awesome as usual though!
I liked the idea of this story, especially Leo being a plant/flower lover, but I wasn’t bowled over. It works out perfectly that they both own their own business and so close to each other. Jacob was a little infuriating at times though and his about-face on his issue was quick yet all Edward.
Some of the D&D references were lost on me.
Edward and Emily stole the story IMHO. Unfortunately, we get a spoiler for Edward’s book in this one and I don’t know if I’m ready for an enemies-to-lovers story for this series....more
I think this could probably be read as a standalone but I’m the type of reader who would not enjoy this as much if I hadn’t read book one. The triad rI think this could probably be read as a standalone but I’m the type of reader who would not enjoy this as much if I hadn’t read book one. The triad relationship would have seemed too fast if I hadn’t known their history. This was a more organic build of their relationship.
I liked this book better than book one. There wasn’t as much repetition to the story and I like that it was more relationship-centric.
Ian reminds me a bit of Aiden actually…not the abrasiveness but his lack of trust in people since he’s been let down so often. Jordan is absolutely a ray of sunshine as well as entertaining and adorable. David is somewhere in between and bridges the gap between the two.
I’m again not a fan of some of the stuff they did but this is a personal thing.
I’m assuming David’s friend Tony was mentioned so much in this book because he’s getting a story also. No confirmation on that though. ...more
This is an ok book for me. I didn’t like Aiden at first…he seemed so abrasive. It was repetitive with Finely trying to convince Aiden to have a sexualThis is an ok book for me. I didn’t like Aiden at first…he seemed so abrasive. It was repetitive with Finely trying to convince Aiden to have a sexual relationship with him and Aiden refusing. Then when they started having sex, those scenes also seemed tedious.
I’m not a fan of some of the stuff they did…but that’s a personal thing and I wouldn’t hold that against the story or the author.
I like David enough to read his book which also happens to be about Ian who I’m also interested in. ...more
When you have a closeted character, there are only two outcome options, so this book is not surprising in that manner. The enemies-to-lovers trope wasWhen you have a closeted character, there are only two outcome options, so this book is not surprising in that manner. The enemies-to-lovers trope was great though as was the cast of characters so that more than made up for the predictability of the story. There is relatively little angst which helped make up for the brief pain caused by the closet scenario.
Normally in an enemies-to-lovers story, one of the characters is unlikeable but that is not the case in this story…both boys are good guys that hide behind snarky facades. Jesse is carrying the weight of his secret, his family, and his heavy workload. Dobbs is just sarcastic and quirky.
I adored Jesse’s family and the way Dobbs interacts with his brothers. My heart melted right along with Jesse’s seeing Dobbs with them.
There is quite a bit of foreshadowing for future stories and couples so the premises of the next two books won’t be surprising, but I totally can’t wait to read them! ...more
This is very much a Sam Spade/Dick Tracy type story. The obvious difference is Leonard’s ‘brute’ is a beautiful ‘dame’ and he falls for a man instead This is very much a Sam Spade/Dick Tracy type story. The obvious difference is Leonard’s ‘brute’ is a beautiful ‘dame’ and he falls for a man instead of a woman. I love that the enforcer in the story is a woman…and she’s no joke.
It’s a good story that is quick to read and surprisingly complete (although I always like more). There is a bit of a backstory that made me wonder if there was another book out there, but I didn’t look. The writing takes a bit of getting used to if you’ve not read a story like this.
Westley was the perfect mix of innocent and strong and we find out exactly where he gets his worldliness with a wonderful twist in the story. Leonard is enamored immediately, and they make quite a pair.
This is a fun read and I’d love to see more like it, although maybe a bit longer. ...more
I loved the first two books plus the RDH crossover novella, so this was an absolute no brainer for me. These two are so cute and I loved checking in wI loved the first two books plus the RDH crossover novella, so this was an absolute no brainer for me. These two are so cute and I loved checking in with them!!
They go off on another butterfly quest together…with some other folks and seeing them back at it just made me happy. If you liked the series, this is a must-read.
I'm giving this 3 stars because I did like the characters and like them together but the story needs work.
This book really picks up where the last oneI'm giving this 3 stars because I did like the characters and like them together but the story needs work.
This book really picks up where the last one left off. Again, there are a bunch of characters and they are hard to keep straight. If they came from another series (which I looked for briefly and couldn’t find), I recommend reading that so you can keep them straight.
This book has a remarkably similar “mystery” to the last book. It is predictable at best. Mo was reluctant to take the job but is leaving a note for Joseph saying “Love you” after two weeks. I was really hoping for more from this one because I liked the synopsis and Joseph being a handful for everyone but Mo, but it was only mildly entertaining.
I'm giving this 3 stars because of the MC's history. That's the only thing that stopped this from being instalove.
I read this book in preparation for I'm giving this 3 stars because of the MC's history. That's the only thing that stopped this from being instalove.
I read this book in preparation for book three which didn’t look like I could read as a standalone. I’m not sure if this is a spinoff series but there are a lot of characters, clearly with a history, and it’s confusing. I skipped book one because I could tell from the synopsis, I wouldn’t like it but maybe that’s where all the characters are introduced and explained?
This is a second chance romance born out of forced proximity. It makes me wonder if these two would have ever gotten back together otherwise.
This story seemed VERY rushed which influenced the dialog. It was predictable and a little OTT at times. I was intrigued by the synopsis but wasn’t overly impressed.
Wow…this one surprised me. I’ve been on a bit of a daddy/boy kick lately, but I haven’t read anything I’ve loved…until now. This is a spin on a cinderWow…this one surprised me. I’ve been on a bit of a daddy/boy kick lately, but I haven’t read anything I’ve loved…until now. This is a spin on a cinderfella story. It is predictable and sugary sweet, and I loved every minute of it.
It’s been a minute since I read a book that made me cry. There is a scene in this one that does. I’m glad this wasn’t just one sex scene after another…there’s more story than sex.
I love what Barrett, Alden, and Kieran do for a living. Alden and Kieran didn’t endear themselves to me but if the foreshadowing of their future relationships is how this series will play out, I’m waiting on pins and needles for their books. ...more
I'm giving this 3 stars since I liked the series overall but if I had read this as a standalone I would have given it less.
After all the simmering angI'm giving this 3 stars since I liked the series overall but if I had read this as a standalone I would have given it less.
After all the simmering angst between Bryan and Henry, I was so excited for this book. But it wasn’t what I was expecting, and I was a little disappointed. I have been up and down with this series. The first book intrigued me enough for me to stick with the series, but it missed the mark. That’s how I felt about this book. While reading the book, I honestly thought to myself…hmmm, this seems like it was written at the same time as book one because they feel similar; the author seems to have reverted to the beginning.
There were times the dialog was almost sophomoric and forced between Bryan and Henry. If they hadn’t had interactions in the previous books, this would have not been a complete story so I honestly don’t think this could be read as a standalone. The story felt so rushed and there wasn’t much to it…other than them finally having a sexual relationship that was almost spoiled as soon as it started, and not for a believable reason.
I would consider this a short story that needs some additional work. Most of the character development was done in the previous books so this is almost an add-on to that series and could have been handled in additional chapters there. ...more
3 sad stars (maybe should have been 2 but I admit I adore this author and her work)
If you follow my reviews, you know I adore th***Audiobook Review***
3 sad stars (maybe should have been 2 but I admit I adore this author and her work)
If you follow my reviews, you know I adore this author and that sometimes may skew my thoughts on a book. I didn’t love this book…and that makes me a bit sad. It felt very rushed, there is instalove, the angst/controversy (OTT) and quick resolution (not only quick but needed a 3rd person to move the conversation along) were meh…
And Logan’s sister? She gave me whiplash.
Nick J. Russo is the narrator and there are times he’s brilliant and times I don’t care for him. His southern accent is good. His British accent…I could tell he is an American attempting the accent. It was fine for short sentences but if Logan talked too much… ...more
Adding notes so I know why I said not to read it...
a lot of 5-star reviews even though there are plenty of honest reviews 1 or 2 stars forced controverAdding notes so I know why I said not to read it...
a lot of 5-star reviews even though there are plenty of honest reviews 1 or 2 stars forced controversy by the author (and her attitude about it) the honest reviews make me think I would hate it and I would be completely honest in my review - best to just avoid - thankful for the warnings, so I'm not unfair to the author or book ...more
So, I’ve had this book in my library for a while…but the subject matter is not one to take lightly so I’ve waited. All I **Audiobook Review**
Just wow.
So, I’ve had this book in my library for a while…but the subject matter is not one to take lightly so I’ve waited. All I can say is wow. This story is incredible. The author clearly did research on this subject and never trivializes or diminishes the effect this disorder can have on the life of not just the person suffering from it but also on those around him/her.
I was shocked but I appreciated that we never heard the details of Oryn’s childhood and whatever trauma he suffered. There are hints based on the personalities and Oryn’s behavior. However, this book mostly focuses on the complete isolation of someone with this disorder and the struggles with attempting to navigate a relationship with someone who is suffering.
Both characters are amazing…Vaughn is something else and we need more people like him in the world. I hated that Oryn went his whole life without someone to love and cherish him. It was amazing to see them navigate living with the disorder and making their relationship work…Vaughn’s love wasn’t a cure for the disorder like so many other books would have us believe. And they get a happily ever after even with the disorder.
As far as the vocal performance goes, I think his name says it all Mr. Gold is truly audio gold. His performance is PERFECTION and the effects used were something I’ve never heard in other books. I could tell which of Oryn’s alters was talking without any hints…his voice and the emotions were distinct for each one. And apparently, he’s performed several other of Ms. James' books which can only mean one thing…more for us to experience and be awed by from this duo. ...more
I don’t remember if I saw Alex and Theo coming together as a couple or if this was a surprise to me, but I do like them together. There was potential I don’t remember if I saw Alex and Theo coming together as a couple or if this was a surprise to me, but I do like them together. There was potential for comparison between Elijah and Alex by Theo as well as a lack of communication but thankfully neither happened. I think this could be read as a standalone but you’d miss the history so I personally would not like reading this without the other two first.
I looked back at my review of Rocket Science and saw I wasn’t all that interested in Alex, but I quite enjoyed this story. Alex and Theo sharing entertaining banter and have off the charts chemistry that becomes hard to hide.
I really enjoyed the friends-to-lovers aspect of this story and Theo giving Alex so many experiences he missed out on as he grew up too quickly. When they decide to start a physical relationship, the feelings are already there…which makes the relationship work better in the long run.
I appreciate the low angst. Alex finds his strength in Theo and Theo FINALLY faces his feelings for Elijah.
There is talk of Holden and Jordy in the next one maybe? I guess we’ll wait and see! ...more
Can we talk about that cover for just a minute? Because d*mn…it’s smokin’.
While this is part of a series, Drew was in the last book and Gabe and DerekCan we talk about that cover for just a minute? Because d*mn…it’s smokin’.
While this is part of a series, Drew was in the last book and Gabe and Derek have their own book, I do think this can be read as a standalone. It’s short and sweet but complete.
I wasn’t sure I would like Drew after his appearance in Eliot’s book…but I did like him. And I love Liam. They are fun together. Liam is a little like Eliot actually…so Drew obviously has a type. Their banter is entertaining, and they have great chemistry.
There was a little bit of the lack of communication I don’t care for but since this is a short book, it didn’t last long thankfully.
Not sure who and/or what is up next but I’ve really liked most of this series, so I’ll stick with it! ...more
OMG! How have I waited so long to read/listen to this??? This is so freaking cute…and I guarantee you I could give Cameron a run f**Audiobook Review**
OMG! How have I waited so long to read/listen to this??? This is so freaking cute…and I guarantee you I could give Cameron a run for his money on fun socks.
I absolutely loved these two together. At first, they seem like opposites, but they are not as different as they seem. They have amazing sexual chemistry but also work well together and have adorable, entertaining banter between each other. The premise of their forced proximity is not one I have read, and I appreciated that there wasn’t really animosity between them but an appreciation for each other being brilliant at their jobs.
Cameron shocked me with his announcement and the ending was a bit of a surprise for me as well. It looks like there is going to be more to this series now as this is listed as book one…but I can’t find more information about book two. Hopefully, that means we’ll see more soon!
As for the audio…Nick Russo’s Texas accent was SPOT.ON. I was really impressed with his performance in this book. He nailed the emotions and pulled me into the story. Even the chapter titles were read with major feeling…absolutely superb! ...more
This is such a sweet, romantic, wonderfully angst-free read. I picked this up and read it in one sitting (as I usually tend to do with Ms. Walker’s boThis is such a sweet, romantic, wonderfully angst-free read. I picked this up and read it in one sitting (as I usually tend to do with Ms. Walker’s books).
Leo and Merrick are adorable together as they fumble through meeting each other and then building their relationship. Their banter is endearing and brought a huge grin to my face while having just enough physical chemistry to add the perfect heat to their tale. I LOVE what Merrick does for a living and all the things he makes. The epilogue is so good...but I wouldn't mind visiting them again for a quick look in the future :)
The side story with Merrick’s uncle Donny and the Bridge the Gap crew who all attend Merrick’s class is SUPERB! And Leo’s roommate Kell is outstanding as well.
I will read this again. If it is released on audio, I will listen to it. This is another example of why Ms. Walker is an auto-buy, must-read author for me....more
I don’t know if I’d qualify this as a holiday story…though the holidays do happen through some of it. This screams more of opposit**Audiobook Review**
I don’t know if I’d qualify this as a holiday story…though the holidays do happen through some of it. This screams more of opposites attract, coming out, upsetting the parents and defying the social classes kind of book. I really like that the couple decides honesty is the best policy so we can avoid the whole miscommunication thing in this book!
The way Cal and Archie meet is cute and I like their instant attraction. It’s obvious from the beginning neither of them will be able to keep things casual.
I hate that Archie pseudo hurts Cal before the holidays but I’m glad he decides to follow through on standing up to his parents while there instead of waiting.
I was a bit confused about Archie’s dad’s complete 180 with no explanation. I’m guessing it has something to do with his friend but that sort of came out of nowhere and was a bit unbelievable.
Hamish Long is great with ALL the characters and voices in this one! ...more
It seems this author is big on lack of communication and miscommunication between couples. I think every book I’ve read or listene**Audiobook Review**
It seems this author is big on lack of communication and miscommunication between couples. I think every book I’ve read or listened to implodes because the characters don’t talk to each other. I do understand a little bit why these two have some of the communication issues they do and thankfully this is a shorter book, so they are resolved quickly…and this is a cute story so these issues are easy to overlook.
When they are together, they work well and have great chemistry. They’re looking for the same thing in a relationship, which is surprising for meeting on a dating app. There is no ex drama, and everyone gets along well which enhances the story.
Hamish Long did a great job with all the voices in this book. His Santa voice was awesome!
As stated in my review of the first book, I could listen to pretty much anything Mr. Calley reads. He always does a fantastic job withAudiobook review
As stated in my review of the first book, I could listen to pretty much anything Mr. Calley reads. He always does a fantastic job with all characters and accents – male or female.
I liked this one much better than the first one…the story, the characters, everything really. While there is a lack of communication, they solve it pretty quickly and move on from it.
Finn and Danny forge a complex relationship. Danny’s career has forced him to work long hours and become somewhat emotionally closed off which has shaped his personality. He’s really sweet and loving but it’s hard for him to be outwardly demonstrative. When paired with Finn’s paranoia due to his mental illness and his need for constant affirmation of the relationship, you have a natural intricacy that will make any relationship a challenge. Once they figure out how to have a relationship, I love them together.
I liked this story…I think I missed Ted and Jason’s book because I don’t remember them. I vaguely remember Billy taking care of Austin’s dog in his boI liked this story…I think I missed Ted and Jason’s book because I don’t remember them. I vaguely remember Billy taking care of Austin’s dog in his book. Needless to say, I think this book could be read as a standalone, but I think the history is important.
I liked Billy and Lawrence together. After Billy made amends for initially hurting Lawrence, their relationship grows organically with them becoming friends again before becoming lovers which really worked in their favor.
I love that Lawrence found his home with Billy and found his strength to stand up to his horrible mother with Billy by his side. I also liked that Billy was able to put his past behind him with Lawrence’s help and move on with a permanent relationship.
One of my complaints about the story is how much happened off-page and how much time progressed off-page. I would have preferred to see some things happen on-page to help me be more invested in the story.
The epilogue was awesome and I hope we see Cody in his own story! ...more
OMG…I seriously just love Ms. Morton’s books. This was so, so good. I devoured it in just a few hours.
At one point I thought there was going to be soOMG…I seriously just love Ms. Morton’s books. This was so, so good. I devoured it in just a few hours.
At one point I thought there was going to be some miscommunication/lack of communication which I’m totally not a fan of but that was over quickly, and we ended up with a really sweet, entertaining story.
Jack and Arlo are adorable together. It’s clear they have a deep-seated affection for each other but dance around it until they can no longer fight their attraction. They are opposites but balance each other perfectly.
The banter between all the characters is entertaining. The setting is perfect, especially now when we’re all stuck at home.
Jack’s ex is a little much and didn’t make a lot of sense other than to force Jack and Arlo together, so you must overlook him randomly being thrown back into the story for the advancement of that plot point.
All in all, this was a great read and definitely needed right now. ...more
Gah! I wish we could add .5 stars! 3.5 Stars so rounding up to 4
So, I can normally read a book in a couple of days. Even when I’m as busy as I am now…Gah! I wish we could add .5 stars! 3.5 Stars so rounding up to 4
So, I can normally read a book in a couple of days. Even when I’m as busy as I am now…but this one took me 5 days to get through. And it’s not that I didn’t like the book, more that it was just long and a bit slow for me. There are some parts of it I loved and some parts I just skimmed because it felt so long. I do usually really like this author’s books and I like her writing, this just was weird for me…not sure if it’s this year or just me.
I think it might be best to just talk about what I like and didn’t care for instead of trying to get my feelings on paper. I’m going to list what I liked first.
I liked Sandy and Miller together. I liked their differences and how they complemented each other. While I hated what happened with Geo I loved how Sandy and Miller reacted.
I loved seeing all the characters from previous books. Every one of them fit into this book organically and added to the depth of the story. (sidebar – if you haven’t read the other books in this series you might get confused by the characters because there are a few of them and keeping them straight could be a problem)
I appreciated that the relationship drama didn’t carry on for more than a day. If it had, I probably would have abandoned the book because it already felt really long.
The following sums up why I’m not 100% feeling this book even though I did really like a lot of it.
I honestly can’t even imagine watching chair rugby and enjoying it.
The plotline with Sandy’s father felt unfinished or abandoned.
As stated above, the story just felt too long.
I’m not sure where this series goes from here…there are a few things to wrap up I think, but there isn’t much left after that I don’t imagine. ...more
I kind of loved this book from the beginning, even though Sacha pissed me off a time or two. I was sucked in and didn’t want to put it down and let meI kind of loved this book from the beginning, even though Sacha pissed me off a time or two. I was sucked in and didn’t want to put it down and let me tell you I am itching to hear this vocally performed because I think I’ll love it even more then.
Sacha broke my heart. Jonah warmed it. Sacha clearly needs Jonah to thaw his frozen heart. They both need a distraction from work and someone to give them a work-life balance. Their instant chemistry, entertaining banter, and immediate emotional pull drew me in, and didn’t let go. Thankfully the ‘relationship’ miscue didn’t last long, and they figured things out quickly.
I’d love to see them again in a future book. Does Nico have a story? If not, he’s getting one, right? ...more
3 Stars for the story; 5 Stars for the performance
I’ve decided I’ll listen to anything Dan Calley performs, and I’ve also decided **Audiobook Review**
3 Stars for the story; 5 Stars for the performance
I’ve decided I’ll listen to anything Dan Calley performs, and I’ve also decided I really prefer listening to Ms. Leigh’s books. I think I like them better when I listen to them than I would if I’d just read them myself.
I’m not a fan of miscommunication or lack of communication in a book and it really frustrated me in this one. The unnecessary angst is just too much for me and frustrates me to no end. I do like friends to lovers so that made up for these two knuckleheads not talking a little bit.
I do like them together once they figure things out. I wouldn’t have been able to believe their relationship if they hadn’t been life-long friends, but they are, so it works. Their emotions are strong and real.
This is not my favorite book by Leigh but as I stated above, it was worth listening to Calley read it to me. ...more
3.5 Stars so rounding up since we can't give half stars
I’m having a hard time ordering my thoughts for my review so it may seem scattered. I first wan3.5 Stars so rounding up since we can't give half stars
I’m having a hard time ordering my thoughts for my review so it may seem scattered. I first want to say if you’re not used to this author’s writing style it may take a minute to get into this book. There were a couple of times I went to GR or the author’s website to see if this was part of a series because I felt like I was plopped in the middle of a story I knew nothing about. There is a lot of history that unfolds, and a lot that doesn’t, between these characters that seems like we should know. There are side stories that we either come into the middle of or are left dangling which makes me think this is the start of a series, but I don’t see a series name mentioned.
I like the premise of the story…the secrecy and intrigue but that is revealed very quickly at the beginning of the book which surprised me. They do continue their kinky activities, but the story takes a bit of a turn and becomes about something else altogether.
I had a couple of issues with how the relationship was developed but I liked the book overall. If this does turn out to be a series, I would read the next book. ...more
Wow…I loved this book and it was exactly what I needed right now. I read it in a day, which is typically the case with Ms. Walker’s books. This is a sWow…I loved this book and it was exactly what I needed right now. I read it in a day, which is typically the case with Ms. Walker’s books. This is a sweet, holiday romance that while tinged with moments of sadness and loneliness ultimately helped me remember the magic of the season.
I loved that Hamish had the courage to just up and move to the other side of the world when he no longer felt right at home. I adored how much he fell in love with Ren’s home since it meant so much to Ren. And even though the way they met was a little scary and could have been really bad, it was really kind of adorable. They were almost awkward around each other so I’m glad they were forced to quickly talk to each other about their feelings.
The last chapter and the epilogue got me right in the feels…as is usually the case with her books. I might have to read this one again before the season is over. ...more
This is a great sweet, quick read. I’ve read the short freebies with Declan and Tegan so there was some foreshadowing for these two in those books. ThThis is a great sweet, quick read. I’ve read the short freebies with Declan and Tegan so there was some foreshadowing for these two in those books. This was not surprising or earthshattering. The story was a bit predictable, but the characters were not.
Bobby J was full of surprises…his family, his education, his brains, his personality quirks. Cody was occasionally a fox in sheep’s clothing…he could turn bossy on a dime if the situation called for it. While these two initially appeared as opposites they weren’t really. And they’re kind of perfect for each other.
I’m really intrigued by Johnny and am hoping his story is next! ...more
So, this is a spin-off from the Skins series of which I only read book one. It’s safe to say this book can be read on its own but Angelo from book oneSo, this is a spin-off from the Skins series of which I only read book one. It’s safe to say this book can be read on its own but Angelo from book one of that series and Joe and Harry from book two are major players in this book and Rhys from book three is in this one quite a bit. If you’re like me, you’ll want to read that series first because now I’m going to go back and listen to the two I missed and hope that Sex Coach is out on audio by the time I’m done with those because damn I loved this book.
This is almost an opposites attract…Toby is sexually inexperienced where Cole has loads of experience. Cole is a city boy; Toby is a farm boy. Cole is a little bit of a health nut and Toby just isn’t. Cole hasn’t experienced surfing and the ocean and Toby lives on the water. They are fascinated by each other, inexplicably drawn to each other. They become friends then lovers. Both lack self-worth and self-esteem but help each other see their value.
And now I’m going back to the Skins series to see what I missed… ...more
Loading...
