I absolutely LOVED this book! I JUST finished book 2 a few weeks ago in hopes that I would be able to read this one in real time. I was READY for thesI absolutely LOVED this book! I JUST finished book 2 a few weeks ago in hopes that I would be able to read this one in real time. I was READY for these two after all the teasing looks across the room in book 2. There was a time jump from book 2 to 3- Bonnie is now in college and trying to figure out what she wants to do for the summer. I loved the way this one started off with a literal BANG. These two have a HOT one-night stand that turns into Bonnie working for Rafe for the summer. I loved watching these two dance around each other acting like they didn't want more- well really it was Rafe. I loved the transformation of Bonnie. She was a woman who respected boundaries but was also not afraid to push for what she wanted. I loved the support and guidance that Rafe gave her. Bonnie was at a bit of a crossroads with her art and her career. She was balancing between what was expected of her and what she WANTED to do. I loved the she's mine vibes that Rafe gave. I also LOVED the spicy lessons vibes. I haven't read a book with that yet (somehow) and MAN was it HOT. Especially because Rafe was fighting his feelings so hard. I loved the vulnerability we saw in Rafe and how Bonnie helped him find his people. These two were just so fabulous together!!
Bonnie is living a lie. Her whole family thinks she is doing well at school. That she is thriving. But she isn't. She has been turned down for ever summer intern. She feels like she is in free fall with her art. She doesn't know when it changed. But all of that is put on hold when her literal dream comes true. She has a night of shenanigans with Rafe. HER Rafe. He doesn't know all of the details. And he makes it clear that nothing can come of this. But then he posts for an intern and hires Bonnie. She is trying to adhere to his rule of nothing can happen between them. But the way he pushes her and supports her is more than what she is used to. It's like she can be herself around him. He helps her unlock her desires in all ways. So instead of tip toing around each other. She asks for what she wants- she wants him. If that is just through spicy lessons, she will take it. Shockingly he agrees. Now they are spending all of their time together. Work and nights. Not dates that feel like dates. She knows Rafe feels something for her, but he is scared. Things come to a head at a town event. Her family can't see her beyond their little sister, but she is an adult woman. And she is going to make that clear. She lays it out for Rafe- he is perfect for her. But he has to be comfortable with that. She just has to wait for him to catch up. Because she knows he feels how she feels- at least she hopes he does.
Rafe doesn't date. Not only does he not date. He doesn't dabble with locals. But there is something about Bonnie Davies that he can't get past. So when she propositions him for a night- he says yes. It's more than he thought it would be. It's more than he can process. But he has lines that he isn't ready for anyone to cross. No matter how much he can't stop thinking about her. So when she asks to be his summer intern- he should say no. But of course he says yes. He enjoys her in his space. He sees where she is struggling and finds himself wanting to help. He sees how she looks at him and how she somehow can't stop bringing up that night. So when she asks for help in experience- he says yes. Again he can't seem to say no. These nights and moments they are spending together are so much more than what he has experienced. He finds himself pushing his own boundaries. Inviting her to go places outside of work. Taking her on a date of sorts. Making it clear to his friends that she is. But his what? He doesn't feel like he is good enough for her. She is the good girl of the town. He is the bad boy- at least that's what everyone thinks. So when things come to a head and she puts him in his place. He is surprised at how much the town comes together for him. How they make him realize he IS perfect for her. He just has to get comfortable with that and make her see what she means to him.
I love this town and these characters! Rafe and Bonnie were on paper opposites attract- but they balanced each other out. The way their relationship developed was perfect. It was slow and realistic and helped them both get comfortable with what they wanted. The spicy scenes were HOT yall! I loved the snippets of the side characters and the teases we got for the last two books in the series. I just KNOW Julie is going to drag out the torture that is Izzy and Peter. So I am assuming Milo and Lulu are up next- can't wait for best friend's brother yall :) If you haven't started this series I HIGHLY recommend it for small town fun with great banter and found family.
Thank you to Pen Pal PR & Julie for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review! ...more
This is the first book I have read by these authors, and I really enjoyed it! This book was really about how you can be motivated to find yourself witThis is the first book I have read by these authors, and I really enjoyed it! This book was really about how you can be motivated to find yourself with the right person and support in your corner. Both Reese and Dante had such transformations throughout the book. Reese was Hollywood's golden child who was known for rom coms, but she didn't want to be in that box anymore. Dante was on the other side of a sports scandal that found him suspended for a year. He was in a pit of despair trying to play it off cool when he found himself on a movie set with Reese Sinclair. I liked the evolution of their relationship. How Reese realized she had wrongly judged Dante. I liked their banter and how a brand of foreplay was taunts and teases. I liked how they slowly became each other's safe spaces. How they had walls built but found that they could lower them and really be themselves together. I LOVED that Dante was not intimidated by Reese having to put herself before him sometimes while knowing she loved him. I found myself really struggling with the media barrage towards Reese which is ironic because I recently have been thinking about how crazy it would be to be THAT famous. People following you everywhere. Spinning everything. I appreciated how Reese was able to come out of this on the other side more herself than she ever had been with the love of her life at her side.
Reese has decided she is going to do an action movie. She is done with the rom coms and the insta-love stories. She is about to be 30 and wants to prove her worth to the world. What she doesn't expect is Dante Hastings- gold medalist fencer and bad boy extraordinaire. She knows the type of guy he is. Well at least she thinks she does, until he starts to prove her wrong. He helps her with her fighting technique. He stands up for her while not overshadowing her. And MAN is he a fine specimen. Reese finds herself drawn to him like a moth to a flame. She finds herself lowering her walls with him and just being herself. Not the mask the world sees but the woman who wants to break free and be someone different. She finds herself wanting to be scandalized by his badness in the best way. And that's what they do. They share special moments together that push her beyond what she ever thought she would be comfortable to do. He pushes her to want to do more for herself both professionally and personally. She finds herself wanting things with him she hasn't been able to want before. And when they mix in physical things- it is unreal. She tries to remind herself that her career is first. But he doesn't seem to mind that. As long as they have time together. But then he comes clean about something he has been hiding and Reese has to ask herself if she feels safe with him and if she is willing to trust him?
Dante is on the other side of a sports scandal. He has been suspended from fencing for a year and has just watched his team win gold while he is literally on the other side of the world. And now he has to put on a show like he is fine with being a sport stunt helper on a movie with Reese Sinclair. THE Reese Sinclair. The woman he has been daydreaming about since forever. But when he meets her she is so different. Fiery and fiesty and clearly has thoughts about who he is. But the more time they spend together the more in awe of her he becomes. She is so much more than she lets on. He is beyond amazed that she is letting HIM of all people in. She is lowering her walls ever so slightly for him. And he is loving every minute of it. He finds himself prolonging things with her. Waiting for her. He finds himself wanting and thinking about things he has not thought about before. Like being in a relationship. He finds himself baffled that Reese is trusting him with pushing her. Pushing her boundaries. Helping her get into her new skin. And now that they have been together all bets are off. He knows how he feels about her but needs her to catch up. He just has something to come clean about. She makes him want to be better. He hopes that in coming clean he won't lose her because she is his world.
Great second book in a series! I didn't feel lost at all that I had not read the first one. Can I also say that the spicy scenes in this one where electrifying. I loved that those scenes were a big part of Reese taking control- there is something so hot about an alpha man being ok with his woman taking the reins. I loved the character development in this one and found myself rooting for these two the whole time. I am looking forward to reading book 1 and anything else in this series!
Thank you to Valentine PR and Kels for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!...more
This was a cute fast read that was a solid 3 stars for me. I had a hard time wrapping my head around why these two had stopped speaking for 5 years whThis was a cute fast read that was a solid 3 stars for me. I had a hard time wrapping my head around why these two had stopped speaking for 5 years when they both clearly cared for each other. I also had a hard time connecting with the characters fully and with the pacing. With that being said, I do love a second chance romance which is what this was. I also really like sibling's best friend which is ALSO what this was. I enjoyed the slight angst there was with these two after Ellie decided to move to Seattle to chase Owen. Upon arriving though because they were both afraid to say how they were really feeling, they became friends. There is something so deliciously tortuous about watching two people who have feelings or each other be "friends." I liked the boy obsessed aspect with Owen. He was kind of sly about it but clearly his feelings for Ellie had never stopped. I liked how good they were together once they got over their fear of rejection.
Ellie has just graduated from college but has no jobs lined up yet. She is more nervous about her party than what is to come because the love of her life who she had to let go 5 years ago will be there. The one SHE let get away but for good reason (at least that is what she thinks). And of course within a few hours of reconnecting they have an EPIC night together. Now she is even more lost. How can she still be hung up on her high school sweetheart after all these years? She makes a rash decision and moves to Seattle to prove to him that they can work. What she finds is an apartment that floods and the love of her life now saying he misses her and wants to be FRIENDS. But then things start to get confusing. He wants to hang out all the time. Wants her wearing his jersey at games. Wants her living with him while her apartment is being fixed. He wants her. And she cant hide it anymore. She wants him too. And now they are a thing and enjoying it. But they haven't put any clear boundaries on this. Is it the real deal to him like it is to her? Or is this more of a convenience thing while her apartment is out of order? Will she be brave enough to ask him?
Owen has delayed coming home long enough. He can't avoid it or HER any longer. Her being the love of his life, his sister's best friend, who ghosted him after dating for 4 years. She literally broke his heart. But that's ok because his life is great! He is living the dream minus the whole in his heart for her. So when they share an epic night together he vows that it will be the last time. He is going to move on. But then he sees her at one of their opening games of the season. She says she has moved to Seattle for a job. He finds himself being territorial over her with his teammates. He doesn't want anyone else to have her but is scared to open himself up again. When disaster strikes her apartment, he offers up his place. And now she is everywhere. He can't hide from her or his feelings any longer. He wants to spoil her and lavish her and make her his. And so he does just that. He feels like he is clear with his vision of them but when a miscommunication happens it's clear he wasn't. Will he be brave enough to hear her out? Or ghost her like she did to him all those years ago?
Like I said easy hockey romance read with a few of my favorite tropes but had challenges with a few things. With that being said, I liked the side characters but there were a LOT of them. I have a feeling there will be multiple series coming out of this one.
Thank you to Valentine PR and Jennifer for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!...more
There is something about reading a light urban fantasy that just makes my day! Don't get me wrong- I love me some world building fantasy. Urban fantasThere is something about reading a light urban fantasy that just makes my day! Don't get me wrong- I love me some world building fantasy. Urban fantasy is nice though because it really isn't as much of an investment in time. This fit this bill and added bonus had a lot of mythology thrown in there too. I really enjoyed this one! It was funny and perfectly paced. It was kind of an instant love or maybe more of an instant recognition of mates. Lily was great! She had been fighting herself and her history as a witch for forever. But after Mist dropped into her life, she can't hide from it anymore. Mist was such a fish out of water. He was a literal demon from Hell who has found himself on Earth trying to understand the language and interactions. These two were HOT together! Their meet cute was a recognition more than anything. They didn't want to walk away from each other, but they did and then fate kept bringing them together again. Lily couldn't wrap her head around these feelings she was having for a stranger. Mist was fighting his feelings because he wasn't going to be on Earth for very long. I loved how Lily stood up for Mist and proved to him that he is worthy of a better life including someone to love!
Lily has been living under the radar of her kind for a while. She refuses to acknowledge her heritage. The past is just too painful with everything that happened with her parents. She also feels like this is creating some strain with her sister, but that is for another day. Today she is having a hard time not acknowledging the giant of a man in the convenience store. The man who offers to walk her home and has a strange way of communication. The man she finds herself drawn to. The man who she finds out is a demon from Hell on a mission and timeline to have to go back. Now she doesn't know what to trust. Her gut says he is safe, but her brain is questioning everything that she knows. Why does she feel this instant connection with a perfect stranger? Why is her body lighting up at night like a glow stick? Why does she want to hide from her heritage so much? She is done covering up things in her life. She is going to embrace this thing between them because she is going to trust herself. And what she experiences with him is amazing! She gets to see him in his true form where he is even more beautiful. She realizes quickly that Mist doesn't think there is any other option than to go back to Hell to his "life." But he didn't have Lily in his corner like he does now. She decides that she will stop at nothing to get him out of this situation he is in. Including going to Hell and fighting a princess or bargaining with other demons to keep him safe. Because she recognizes him now for what he is...her mate.
Mist has been in prison for what feels like an eternity. He has known nothing but being the slave to his master who happens to be the Queen of Hell. He goes on missions for her and finds people she can punish for whatever misdeed she determines at the time. He finds himself lost and over this thing that he calls life. So when she sends him to Earth to find a group of demons she wants back, he finds himself taking a bit of a hiatus. He likes these guys. He doesn't want to go back. And then he meets HER. His mate even though he doesn't recognize it right away. She is a beautiful witch. Beyond anything he could imagine, but he is wearing his human form. He finds himself running into her more than he thought he would. He finds that fate seems to be intervening with how often they see each other. He is enchanted by her. And now she knows what he is- a demon and though she seems scared at first she understands. She even wants to HELP him with his dilemma. He doesn't tell her but there is no helping his situation. So he decides to make the most of the time he has. He has given up all hope and knows what lays ahead of him. But then he is stunned to find Lily in Hell trying to save him. And save him she does. He realizes that love does trump all things because now he can experience that with her.
The way that Aurora wove Lily and Mist's story was perfect! There was a dash of suspense, sacrifice, the realization that you are worthy, and then of course the connection and found family, romance and SPICE. I also liked the humor- the things that Mist didn't understand as a demon in the human world. I am really looking forward to continuing this series, and actually plan on going back to read book 1 too. I listened to this too and did enjoy the narrator a lot! I recommend this one if you are looking for an easy fun read with demons, witches and plans for more.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review!...more
I have had this series on my TBR for a minute so was excited to jump in. I enjoyed that this one was a true standalone. I do plan on going back and reI have had this series on my TBR for a minute so was excited to jump in. I enjoyed that this one was a true standalone. I do plan on going back and reading book 1 and 2, but I didn't feel like I was missing anything by not having read them first. This was such an easy fast read! I have to say the pacing felt a little off to me at FIRST. Hannah and Zack were going to be working together on a rodeo that Hannah was putting together for the library and then after hanging out twice Hannah propositions Zack. Nothing wrong with that, but I didn't know where the story was going to go from there. I really appreciated Elizabeth's storytelling and keeping me on my toes! I did NOT expect Hannah's backstory which led to part of the reason so wanted to hang out with Zack and get lessons but was also not interested in starting anything serious. I liked these characters together a LOT! They pushed each other and helped each other navigate through some past trauma that neither of them really wanted to deal with. Zack was great! I LOVED his reaction to Hannah calling him a *good boy.* I actually loved his reaction to everything about Hannah. She was everything he didn't expect but found himself craving. I loved and hated how Hannah's bar had been set SO low due to her past but how Zack helped build up her confidence because of how confident he was and how much he built her up.
Hannah is on a mission. She is about to ask the rodeo master (at least of her small town) to help her put one together in the name of libraries. She is not intimidated or judgy of his past. She just needs his expertise. But man does he surprise her with how casually confident he is. She sees this sadness in him that she finds herself wanting to help with. She finds herself wanting to work through some of her issues with his help which is how she finds herself propositioning him one night to spend the night. Of course she still has her challenges but now she has confirmed there really is something wrong with her. But then Zack surprises her- he finds out her *secret and wants to help her IF she will let him. Which is how she finds herself in bed with Zack on the regular exploring each other's bodies but being clear no feelings are to be involved. But she can't help but like him. He is just so different from what she is used to. He had no hesitations to go on a five day road trip together that was not planned. He is not intimidated by her brother. In fact he keeps showing her that he does really care. But is she ready to open up her heart again? It feels so unnatural for her but at the same time so right because it is Zack.
Zack is at a low, but no one knows. He has continue to put on the front of the goofy laidback brother with no troubles. When in reality, he is really struggling with how much his life has changed since he got bucked off that horse. He has found himself in a holding pattern of sorts. So he was excited to say yes when the town librarian, Hannah, asked for his help with a local rodeo to help out the library. He has something to work towards now. Something to look forward to. He finds himself enjoying Hannah's company. She doesn't sugarcoat things. In fact she says whatever is on her mind which can be harsh but he appreciates it. So when she propositions him to stay the night with her of course he is going to say yes. Because something else no one knows is that he has had zero escapades since his accident. And now he WANTS to. He WANTS Hannah. They have a great night or so he thought but then he is surprised to learn that Hannah has a problem. Something he happily volunteers to help her with. Which is how he finds himself offering lessons of a sort. But there is something about her that he likes. So when she asks him to go on a roadtrip with him to help him out he says yes. And now they are in a situation where they are sharing a room for several nights. Sharing a bed. He is really liking this. He knows the rule was no feelings but he finds himself having feelings. He finds himself wanting everyone to know she is his even though she doesn't seem to know it. And even after learning about her past, it makes him want her even more. She is so strong. But after a night of passion, something slips out too casually. Something that puts her on edge. She freaks with good reason but Zack has decided she is his endgame. He isn't going to let her go without a fight.
Like I said, super easy fast read. I liked the world. The 5 cats with their own personalities. The side characters- including Hannah's brother and his friends. I liked how much these two opened up together in all ways. How they really became better. They were so opposite but really mellowed each other out if that makes sense. I am really looking forward to more in this world (I'm guessing Chloe for book 4) as well as reading books 1 & 2! Definitely recommend for some good boy cowboy fun!
Thank you to Valentine PR and Elizabeth for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review :)...more
Kat Singleton has been on my radar for a while- so when I found out I got the ARC for this one I was excited! And I was not disappointed! This was a gKat Singleton has been on my radar for a while- so when I found out I got the ARC for this one I was excited! And I was not disappointed! This was a great intro to a new world that held some faces from Kat's other series. I liked the taboo trope of ex's brother, but in reality Lucy and Oliver had been over for a while. I liked both of these characters, and I liked them even more together. They both commented how they felt different. Callahan could come off as a cold businessman, but around Lucy he was happy and wanted to treat her like the queen she was. Lucy was usually reserved in a way that she knew her place, but from the jump she was sassy with Cal. The buildup between these two was glorious! They were both holding off because of the work situation- Lucy was working for Cal as his personal chef for the summer. When they finally gave in, their chemistry was undeniable. I think that Cal's love language was gift giving because the way he spoiled her in the BEST WAY! I was relieved when Lucy finally got on the same page and accepted said gifts with enthusiasm.
Lucy is doing what she loves for one last summer before she has to go home and take over the family store. Though she is hesitant at first, she decides to take a job offered to her by Callahan Hastings, her ex's older brother. She finds herself playing with him like pushing his buttons just to see how he responds. She finds herself waiting on bated breath to see what he thinks about her food. She finds herself caught off guard when he suggests hanging out outside of work. They can't do that right- she works for him. She definitely can't give into these thoughts she has been having about him. Even though she knows he wants to kiss her as bad as she wants to kiss him. But then Lucy gets the nudge she needed. It can be casual and just for the summer. So they dive into each other. She experiences all the things she never has with another man. She finds herself slowly lowering her walls around him. And though she pushes back she starts accepting the lavish gifts he gives her. How can she not when he looks at her how he does? But she has to keep reminding him she is leaving. So when duty calls sooner than expected she does what she was always planning to do. But then she questions if she could have asked for more, and is it too late to do so now?
Callahan is a true businessman. He is in the Hamptons for the summer and after experiencing the best food he has ever had at a party he offers the chef a job on the spot. The catch is that said chef is his little brother's ex girlfriend. The one who he always thought was too good for Oliver. Finally she accepts and Cal didn't realize how good that would make him feel. She is going to be in his space all the time. Making him the best food. Enjoying his company. He finds himself wanting to spend more time with her. Wanting to learn everything there is to know about her. Wanting to kiss her. But protocol would warn he can't cross that line as her boss. But he is only human. And so he crosses that line and knows at once that he will never experience that kiss with anyone else. He realizes that Lucy is scared of something. She has her walls up. He is going to make it his mission to get them down. He is going to help her realize that they could be more beyond this summer even if she breaks his heart in the meantime. Because she helps level out his sharp edges. She helps him more than he ever thought he needed it. He just needs HER to see that and hopefully be on the same page.
This was a wonderful start to a new series! I liked the setting and the fact that Lucy was a chef. I liked the little tidbits of cooking lessons we got in the book LOL. I loved how much Cal supported Lucy even though she wouldn't accept it right away, but when she did it was magical between them. I can't wait to read the other couples books with Ryker and Camille's coming up soon. It's giving me billionarie Flawless vibes with the PR babysitter situation!
Thank you to Valentine PR and Kat for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review- I hope you enjoy this one!...more
Though I have only read books 6 & now this one in this series, I am REALLY liking it! These characters and this world are wonderfully addicting. I reaThough I have only read books 6 & now this one in this series, I am REALLY liking it! These characters and this world are wonderfully addicting. I really enjoy loathe to lovers when it is done right. The pacing needs to be on point, and I like when there is some delicious backstory that only the two MCs know. Well that is the case in this one. Bridger and Holland hooked up in freshman year, but then Bridger ghosted her. He got freaked. Ever since then there has been this underlying tension between them. All of their friends know she is out for him. The way that Jennifer paced this one was chef's kiss. We have this tension where they are clearly both still attracted to each other but both are scared to get hurt. Meanwhile Bridger is getting burned on this mass texts that are going out to everyone on campus. He wouldn't be surprised if Holland is behind them. He uses a secret that he finds out about her to get her close which felt SOOO scandalous because clearly he wanted her in his bed for more than one reason. I liked watching both of their walls fall while still trying to cling on to the fact that they had a bad history. I liked watching them navigate a fake relationship where they got cozy. I liked how they both pushed each other and found themselves wanting more. The tension was perfect. The chemistry was perfect. The DANCING was YUMMMMM. Once again, these two made each other better. They pushed each other while balancing supporting each other.
Holland feels like she is carrying the weight of the world. And none of her friends know. They don't know she has a side hustle or that she is doing 18 hours of credits so she can graduate early. She is beyond driven and wants to move past how she grew up. So imagine her surprise when leaving her job one night that she runs into Bridger Sanderson. The guy she hasn't stopped thinking about since freshman year. Even though she won't admit it. The guy who ghosted her despite their chemistry. The guy who is getting slammed on mass text around campus. And who now apparently thinks she is behind them. So he blackmails her into staying with him for a bit until he figures out who is doing this and stops them. She has to be his fake girlfriend. Which is so hard because everyone knows how she feels about him. Well at least kind of. Not even she is ready to admit that she admires him and that she thought they had a future all those years ago. But the more she is around Bridger the more the lines get blurred. The more she realizes their chemistry before is nothing on what they have now. She finds herself liking spending time with him. She finds herself wanting more. So when he tells her he messed up all those years ago, all bets are off. But then she finds out who is behind everything and before she has a chance to act she loses Bridger before she ever really had him. Will he come to understand her decision to wait or will he walk away without a word like before?
Bridger can't seem to shake this person who has it out for him. He can only think of one or two people that could really be coming for him. And unfortunately one of this is Holland. The girl he regrets ghosting from freshman year. The girl has found himself thinking about on more than one occasion. The girl who he now knows has a secret that she will do anything to not have found out. Which is how she comes to stay with him for a bit until things are revealed on whoever this is. It's how he finds himself sleeping in the same bed with his dream girl but not knowing how to navigate this strange turn of events. Lines are blurring. Their chemistry is insane. He is realizing how much he messed up when he walked away before, and when he tells Holland that things shift between them. He is realizing that he wants this fake relationship to be real but is also having a hard time trusting that it isn't her. He KNOWS in his heart it isn't but what if it is? And then new information comes to light about Holland and Bridger is beyond confused. It's like he has been lied to his whole life. Even though he did walk away he realizes it was only temporary because he wants the real thing with Holland and is hoping she wants it too.
This was a great read! The tension and chemistry were spot on. The private dance scene was scorching so was the shower- IYKYK. These two were great! I loved watching them fall completely for each other and learning more about the other characters and potential future main characters. I definitely recommend this one for a spicy hockey romance! I am really looking forward to going back and reading books 1 through 5.
Thank you to Luna Literary, Valentine PR AND Jennifer for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review :)...more
I have really been enjoying this series yall! These characters and this world are just so fun! I had been patiently waiting for Parker and Tanner's boI have really been enjoying this series yall! These characters and this world are just so fun! I had been patiently waiting for Parker and Tanner's books, and Parker's was worth the wait. We all knew he was a boy obsessed but watching him truly fall for his crush was just SOOO CUTE! I loved the timing of everything and how they were friends that slowly budded into more. Parker was SUCH a great guy and a GREAT catch. It was adorable at how much he was trying to play things cool even though everyone knew how much he liked Scout. And then we have Scout. She was trying to be so strong. She had been burned in her previous relationship and had sworn off men but then got asked out by Parker King. THE Parker King who she had heard may have a crush on her. Watching her navigate him suddenly being everywhere and flirting with him was hilarious. She could only hold out for so long! The tension and chemistry between these two was great. What I really liked though was that Parker wanted a relationship. He wanted the spice but more than that.
Parker has had the worst timing over the past year. He has wanted to ask Scout out since he met her a year ago. But so much was happening with his friends that he didn't think he could give her the attention she deserved. So he waited and then SHE started dating someone. Now she is single again and Parker is going to make his move. The problem- she wants to focus on his career. She would love to be friends though. But Parker can see that he has an effect on her. So he is going to be the best friend she ever had. If he happens to be working out shirtless and she walks in, he will push on that. He will send her funny GIFs to make her laugh. He is a patient man. So when he sees that she is slowly opening up, he continues with his plan. And then fate intervenes and they have their first kiss. It is BEYOND anything he could have thought. Now they are exploring each other. They are together. The challenge is this new HR form they have to sign stating they are dating. Scout is nervous to do so because of this job she is interviewing for. She asks if they can hide it for a bit. Parker wants to shout it to the world that she is his. But coach is on him and when his secret becomes public knowledge he messes up. He reacts and now he just hopes he can get to Scout in time to tell her how he feels about her before it's too late.
Scout is on the other side of a trainwreck of a relationship. She has sworn off men. She is going to be focusing on work. And now that she has been approached about a job possibility- even more so. So color her shocked that when Parker King asks her out she sticks with her plan. Despite how he gives her butterflies. Despite how she can't stop thinking about him recently. She says they should stay friends. And that's what they do. Suddenly he is everywhere. Offering to help her and listening to her talk and asking her alll the questions. She realizes that the wall she has tried to build is slowly crumbling. She realizes she can only see the man shirtless so many times without wanting to touch him. She realizes how much she enjoys and looks forward to flirting with him. So when her she finds herself in a one bed situation with him - they kiss. And it is BEYOND what she could have expected. Their connection has grown so strong. She really really likes him. She likes how much he empowers her and encourages her. But she gets freaked about the HR form. They can keep things on the DL for a bit right? But then stakes are revealed and their secret is out. Things are said that hurt. But when Parker needs her the most of course she is there because she loves him. She just has to tell him.
This was a pretty slow burn. The spice didnt start until after the 60% mark and did I mention how much I loved Parker King's mouth- WOW. A part of me wishes there was time for more of them but the pacing wouldn't allow for that. I liked watching Scout get to interact with everyone at Casa Grayskull. I just really enjoyed watching these two build a foundation and then grow from it! I am really digging the boy obsessed books and the lengths they go to get their ladies. Now I am PUMPED about Tanner and Millie. Can't wait to read how everything happened between them- as sad as it will be to watch the series end. I can't recommend it enough!
Thank you to Valentine PR and Lulu for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!...more
This was a very enjoyable easy almost whimsical read for me. I really enjoy how Meg weaves reality in with fantasy into our everyday world. The characThis was a very enjoyable easy almost whimsical read for me. I really enjoy how Meg weaves reality in with fantasy into our everyday world. The characters were great, and I enjoyed the setup of the story. I liked how our two MCs had been through it. They had gone hiking in the woods when they were younger to escape and ended up missing for months. They had a deep friendship and because of a pact (unbeknownst to one of them), they could not reconcile once they were back in the real world. I liked the added mystery of what happened to the boys. Where had they gone all of those months? Why did they look so much older than when they got lost? I appreciated how Meg introduced Emilie, who without her, Rafe and Jeremy would not have reconnected. I really enjoyed the romantic piece between Rafe and Jeremy too. Their love story kind of broke my heart and made me smile SO big at the same time. I think Rafe was my favorite- there were just so many layers to him, and I appreciated how Jeremy helped add to the layers.
Emilie is on a mission. She is determined to figure out what happened to her missing sister all of those years ago. Truth- she didn't know she had a sister until recently. So her she is in the woods trying to get Jeremy Cox's attention. See he is the master of finding missing people. When she pitches it to him, he shoots her down. But to her surprise he comes back. He comes back saying he will help but there are rules. Jeremy has to ask Rafe for help. She can't ask a lot of questions, and she has to trust him on where they are going. She has to trust that he knows where her sister is and that she is alive. What follows is an experience that she never thought possible with a reunion she never knew could happen.
Rafe has been living in the past. He has never really been able to move on since being found in the woods all those years ago. His best friend left him the next day with no answers and no word since. And now he is at his doorstep asking for his help. Rafe says no way, but it's JEREMY. HIS JEREMY. He has been dreaming about talking to him just once again in this lifetime. So of course he caves and says yes. He is drawn to Jeremy like he has always been. Jeremy won't give him answers about the past, but promises he will get them if he follows. Which is how Rafe learns that Jeremy and him lived in a magical world in the woods. They had a life together. They were known. They were loved. They were a THEY. They gave it up for the right reasons. Rafe feels more seen and validated than he ever has. But there is a battle brewing. One that will make him fast his past. He is ready to do it since he has the love of his life at his side and now knows the truth.
This was a very easy story to read. The pacing was great. I had a hard time with the transition from reality to the magical world. It was like they just jumped back and things happened pretty quickly after that. I really enjoyed Rafe realizing the truth about him and Jeremy and what they were to each other. I also appreciate how though there were hard subjects in her involving family, Meg handled them with such care. She showed us what we do to hide from the truth AND what we do to become stronger from it once we learn it.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!...more
I haven't had the pleasure of reading book 1 but really enjoyed Theo and Josie in book 2. So finding out that this one was about Theo's sister CharlotI haven't had the pleasure of reading book 1 but really enjoyed Theo and Josie in book 2. So finding out that this one was about Theo's sister Charlotte and his best friend Lucas- I was pumped!! Best friend's sibling is one of my all time favorite tropes yall. Especially when they have both been crushing on each other for a minute but haven't made a move due to uncertainty. Which was the case in this one. I loved reading both of these POVs as they tried to navigate maintaining normal interactions with each other while also internally crushing HARD. I loved watching them get closer and closer since Charlotte was traveling with them. Lucas was SUCH a great guy!! He had me swooning HARD yall. He was so good at empowering Charlotte to make a move on her passion of fashion. He supported her from afar with diabetes. He did the little things which just mean SO much. I also loved how opposite these two were. Lucas was a planner- he had to be for his job. While Charlotte was the laisse faire woman who got sidetracked and could get lost in shopping for hours at a time. The chemistry between these two was wonderful- I kept waiting for the moment of ok I can't hold back any more and though it was at like the 75% mark- It was worth the wait!!
Charlotte is at a crossroads in life. So she is taking a gap year if you will. She has decided to travel on the F1 tour with her brother, Theo. The challenge with this though is that she is going to be around her life long crush Lucas. He is just so perfect and wonderful. Now she is going to have to figure out how to not fall anymore in love with him than she already is while maintaining a safe distance as friends. She doesn't know how he feels about her, and she isn't ready to find out. And now they are hanging out all the time. And she can't help that she is in fact falling in love with him more and more. How could she not? He is asking questions about her diabetes so he can be prepared if he numbers are high or low. He asks questions and seems genuinely curious about her passion of fashion. He has a ridiculous body and is just beyond generous. She starts to thinks she is reading to much into the way he has been acting around her- the little touches and things but then he makes a move. And after some back and forth they decide to go for it. They don't want to hide what they are feeling anymore. She feels validated because what they share is beyond anything she has experienced. Now they just have to navigate telling her brother. But no matter how he reacts or if he supports them, Charlotte knows that Lucas is her end game.
Lucas has had a slow burning crush on his best friend's little sister since he can't even remember when. He always has to be aware though that he can't pursue her. It is just soo hard to remember. Especially now that she is literally traveling the world with them. He can't stop noticing everything she does and how incredible she is. She may be opposite of him in regards to planning but he appreciates that she is down for adventure. She is super creative and did he mention beautiful. Now he is trying to navigate being casual with her and not think to much into casually touching her or spending more time with her. But it is getting harder and harder to fight. So when she offers to come visit him in Boston while he is home to be a little bit of a buffer, he can't fight it anymore. He makes a move, and it is beyond what he thought it would be. He just has to remind himself that it's ok to do things for him and not necessarily think about how her brother will react. And so they are doing this. They are dating, and he is the happiest and most relaxed he has been. He hasn't haad this in a relationship. So when Theo finds out and reacts how he does, Lucas knows he will come around. And if he doesn't what he does know is that Charlotte is his number one now. He is going to do everything he can to support her in all things.
This was a great wrapup to the series! I liked seeing all of the other characters sprinkled throughout this story and am excited to go back and read Drive Me Crazy. Charlotte and Lucas were perfect together. Though there was angst, I enjoyed it because it was to be expected of does he feel the same way I do? Should I put myself out there? I loved how much Lucas supported Charlotte in all things- fashion, health, and her confidence. And then I loved how Charlotte helped Lucas realize he wanted more- he wanted the wife and relationship. And he got it :) I am wondering if the next series is going to follow his brothers- pretty please Carly! I think watching them all fall would be fun!!
Thank you to Valentine PR and Carly for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review! I definitely recommend this one and this series if you haven't already checked it out. ...more
Laura is so good on delivering a wonderful small town romance! I appreciate the fact that even though she is staying in this genre- her books are justLaura is so good on delivering a wonderful small town romance! I appreciate the fact that even though she is staying in this genre- her books are just different enough each time to keep me entertained and wanting more! This one was no different. I did not read book 1 (yet) and did not feel like I was missing anything by jumping into this one. RAFE. Rafe was wonderful. He was charming and hot and romantic and empowering. He was a wonderful partner to Lulu. He was carefree and really felt things which I liked. Then we have Lulu who has walls so high they are ALMOST unclimeable...ALMOST. She is on the other side of a long term relationship gone bad. She is from money and is used to being in the public eye. She is a savvy business owner, and she is independent and strong! I appreciated how independent this woman was. I also appreciated how Rafe helped her understand that just because he wanted to help her didn't mean he didn't think she could do it. I LOVED the faked dating aspect and like let's keep it casual when they both knew that at one point it became more. I have to say I got a LITTLE annoyed with how much Lulu was deflecting with Rafe- I get it she was scared. But that was a tad overkill in my opinion.
Lulu has found herself in a tough spot. She has moved to Rosewood River to work on her jewelry pieces before her big launch in Paris. She has also told her family she has a serious boyfriend to get them off her back about her ex. Now she has to find someone willing to be said fake boyfriend. Enter Rafe Chadwick. The man she throat punches upon first meeting and continues to accidentally maim him. Well color Lulu shocked when he says yes- he will be her fake date to her grandfather's party IF she will be his fake date at his boss's wedding. She tries to set boundaries. She really does. But Rafe NAILS the interaction with her family. Lines get blurred. She can't get into a relationship right now. There will be a timeline with her going to Paris. But the more her ex butts in and the more time her and Rafe spend together the more she realizes she doesn't want this to be fake. She wants to see where this goes while still pursuing her dreams. So they do that, and it is magical. Rafe makes her feel everything she ever thought a relationship should be. Supported. Cherished. Empowered. Beautiful. Loved. But she can't give up her dreams. She has been there done that, and it didn't work out for her. Now she has to question if maybe her dreams have morphed a little because one thing she does know is that she can't get Rafe out of her head or her heart.
Rafe is comfortable with where he is in life. He has a successful job and dreams of branching off on his own. He enjoys women but at this point doesn't really want more. But then he meets Lulu Sonnett. His brother's girlfriend's best friend. She is hot and a firecracker. She has a way of knowing how to get underneath his skin. But she keeps things interesting. So when she asks for his help to be a fake date for her grandfather's party- he finds himself saying yes. As long as she can do the same for his boss's wedding. He finds himself pushing beyond what she asked for at the party. He finds himself defending her and wanting to put some of her family in line. He finds himself liking her being "his." He finds himself really attracted to her. So when lines get blurred and they have a wonderful night together he isn't mad about it. In fact he just wants more. The more time they spend together and the more things kind of blow up about them, the more he finds himself realizing nothing about this is fake. He knows she is leaving. And of course he can agree to her terms for this relationship. But he knows in his heart there are no terms. She is his forever. And sometimes you have to make hard decisions for the people we love. Which he does but then he realizes he literally can't live without her and so he won't.
I thought this these had wonderful chemistry! I really enjoy the loathe to lovers vibes because the moment they realize they don't hate each other but actually want each other is priceless. Rafe made me swoon so many times! He was so patient with Lulu. He met her where she needed to be. He never pushed her even though he wanted to. I loved how Beefcake was this wise soul who helped Rafe realize he needed to make a change and a stand. I also loved meeting alllll of these beautiful brothers! I can't wait to read book 1 and the rest of the series :)
Thank you to Valentine PR and Luara for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!...more
I am giving this one a solid 3.5 stars. I have enjoyed this small town with these characters. The added element of romantic suspense has kept be intriI am giving this one a solid 3.5 stars. I have enjoyed this small town with these characters. The added element of romantic suspense has kept be intrigued as well. I think my challenge with it is the depth of the characters or maybe more the pacing. I have been looking forward to Hunter and Emma since I shipped them in book 2. There was too much tension going on between them for Clio to not act on it. So I was very excited about this one. And don't get me wrong I enjoyed it. The kink/steam was top notch. The challenge I had was with the loathe to lovers. We all know there is a fine line between love and hate. And these two were clearly on one side for reasons associated with miscommunication. There are nuances that need to happen to make the switch to lovers believable, and I had a hard time clicking with the nuances in this one. The shift was too sudden. I also had a hard time with Hunter going back and forth. With that being said, they did have wonderful chemistry when they leaned into it. When they loathed each other, I didn't feel it as much. I really enjoy the romantic suspense aspect in these and this one was no different. There were sublte hints and then WHAM it hits you that someone is going to injured potentially severely. I liked seeing Hunter through Emma's eyes. I liked how she finally saw him how the rest of the town did- as a good dude. I loved getting inside Hunter's head. The dude was trying to be smooth and failing miserably.
Emma is in a jam. Her ex-husband has just showed up with news about her family and suggestions about their future. Emma does what any woman would do- she lies and says Hunter is her boyfriend. But then he takes it one step further and says they are actually engaged. Wait what? The dude who has hated on her for years! She is now supposed to act madly in love with him. Forget the fact that he is hot and the whole town loves him- Emma can't see it. But then she starts to see hints of it. This man that is locked away around her. He seems kind and genuine. He seems interested in learning more about her. He looks at her like he wants MORE. But that can't be right. This is the man who has treated her like trash on the bottom of his shoe forever. But then they kiss and can't deny the connection they share. So they explore it. And Emma feels ALIVE. She has never been able to explore things like this with someone. She has never felt this treasured or cherished before. She starts to wonder what things could be like between them if they were real. But they can't be because she is reminded how stubborn they both are. But then her past comes back to haunt her in the worst way that involved Hunter. Why didn't she tell him how she felt more? Why didn't she give into these feelings earlier before it is too late.
Hunter has been lying to himself and everyone for years. Everyone thinks he hates Emma when he fact he is obsessed with her. He has done some questionable things. He can't help it when it comes to her. So when she lies and says they are dating, he takes it a step further and says they are actually engaged. He definitely didn't think that through. Now he is going to have to do PDA with her while trying to maintain distance. Distance because he thinks she deserves better not because he doesn't want more. But then he gets a taste and can't give it up. She was made for him. How will they make this work? Could this be real? He wants it to be. He has never experienced time together like they have. He has never wanted more like this. But then it blows up in his face. And the past comes out of the woods to take what they think they are due. The whole time Hunter is ok because he was able to tell Emma how he felt. He just hopes they will get to have the future he can now see clearly.
I am curious if this series is going to continue as there didn't seem to be a wrapup of everything like there can be at the end. I liked Hunter and Emma when they were clicking. Their fights were a little too childish for me. Them in the sheets though and when they wanted to be vulnerable- I would ship that all day. If you haven't picked up this series, I would recommend it. They are all entertaining but borderline spice heavy vs plot in my opinion.
Thank you to Greys Promotions and Clio for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!...more
This was a wonderful intro to a new world and a whole new set of characters! I loved the blend of cowboys, firefighters, city girls WITH romantic suspThis was a wonderful intro to a new world and a whole new set of characters! I loved the blend of cowboys, firefighters, city girls WITH romantic suspense. I feel like Amanda nailed it here. We meet Crew Lawless (his brother is in the Vine series) and Aspen McKay. Aspen is a PI in town investigating a string of unsolved murders. Crew is a local firefighter. They have INSTANT chemistry, but what I appreciated most about these two was the BUILD UP! Yall it was pretty glorious. I appreciated that they became friends. They didn't jump into something because I think they both recognized how serious it could be. But because they waited and let things build it almost seemed like they were already together when they finally got together. Amanda I see you with these spicy scenes- we jumped up a level in this one, and I was here for it. I appreciated how these two made each other stronger. How they supported each other.
Aspen is on the hunt for a killer who has been eluding police for years. An arsonist at that. She finds herself in a small town immediately being shut out because she isn't a local. But Crew the firefighter captain feels different. He makes her feels things she hasn't felt in a while, and she doesn't even know him! But then she is a victim of this killer- she survives the attack and is now supposed to stay in town much longer than anticipated. She finds herself moving in with Crew. She finds herself drawn to this man who wants to protect her but knows she can protect herself. She finds herself liking living here in this small town. But she has to remember that she is leaving when this case finishes. She slowly starts to find more and more breadcrumbs with the help of Crew's brother (who happens to be the sheriff). And when things crack open, she hopes she is wrong about who it could be. But when Crew goes missing she knows she can't be wrong. She hopes she finds him before it is too late because she has realized she can't live without him.
Crew is going about his business with work and life when he is knocked off of his feet by a stranger to his small town. Aspen. A PI in town looking into the Prom Night Arsonist. She is feisty, and he finds himself immediately intrigued. When she is hurt, he finds himself wanting to protect her. He wants to provide for her. He wants to help her get back on her feet while also giving her space to do so. He realizes he is playing the long game. Somehow he has already decided that she is his and he is hers. He just needs to give her time to catch up. And so he does that. He brings her into the fold that is his life all while letting her get adjusted. Their chemistry is unreal and when they finally explore it together, it is unlike anything he has felt before. But he has to remind himself she thinks she is on a deadline. And as she gets closer to finding the killer, he hopes everything they have shared means as much to her as it does to him. Because she is now he is everything.
I really enjoyed the suspense in this one. I liked meeting all of Crew's family and learning more about them. I can't WAIT to see/meet who they fall for. Please pretty please give Wyatt and Trey their story!! I always love a good HEA and we really got that with this one. They had to work at it a bit. They were both alphas in a way, but they figured out how to navigate it together and were better for it. I definitely recommend this one if you want a fast read with a little bit of everything in it :)
Thank you to Love Notes PR and Amanda for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!...more
This series has been on my radar for a while, and though I started on book 3 I really liked that it is a true standalone. Yes we meet the other coupleThis series has been on my radar for a while, and though I started on book 3 I really liked that it is a true standalone. Yes we meet the other couples, but I didn't feel like I was missing out on anything since I had not read the first two of these yet. I have been lucky enough to have read like 5 boy obsessed books in a row and this one was WONDERFUL! I loved Wes and the immediate insight we got into his long con game to get Harper as his real not fake wife. Wes was SUCH a sweetheart and really did everything he could to help Harper realize how truly amazing and strong she was. I loved all of his reassurances, his patience, his love language was basically whatever Harper needed. I really liked Harper. She was at that point in her life where she thought she had it all and then she didn't. Until she was fake proposed to a mutual friend who it turns out is perfect for her. She had been through hit after hit. The girl could not catch a break so to have Wes there at her side being patient and wonderful- it just really helped her glow and gain her self confidence back. The chemistry between these two was SIZZLING! Does anyone else feel like authors are upping the ante on this in bedroom dirty talk?? Wes has a MOUTH on him, and I am here for it. The buildup between these two felt very natural. Just overall wonderful characters that I connected with easily!
Harper has hit rock bottom. She is being let out of jail for pranking her ex after she found him cheating on her. The real kicker she made a deal with him to save her friends. A deal that is basically a part of her soul. Now she doesn't know what to do. Until Wes Holden (member of the band Atlas Oaks) asks her to marry him. His band is trying to get some good press and she finds herself saying yes. She has always liked Wes even though they haven't really talked a ton. So now she is on her honeymoon with a man who has press surrounding him on the reg. She is feeling some chemistry between them that she is doing her best to ignore. She can't just fall for the next guy who makes her feel things. She won't fall for that again. But Wes seems different. He doesn't want to get this out of their system. He wants her long term. And she is starting to suspect he actually likes her. Like like likes her. She finds herself intrigued by the idea and also LOVING the way he calls her little wife. Then when they get home he starts showing up for her. He actually listens to her. It's the little things he is doing that really help her walls crumble. She wants him for more than a fling. She feels empowered and supported and loved. When they finally have their night it is truly magical. Everything is with Wes. But Harper made the mistake of thinking her ex had already taken the most coveted thing from her. And now he wants more. But she has had enough. She has people who love her and will support her. It is time she stepped out of this shadow he keeps trying to cast under her. Because she wants Wes in her life for REAL and no one is going to get in the way of that.
Wes Holden has been living the life. He is a rockstar for crying out loud. But he feels as though he is missing something. He has watched as his bandmates have met their people. Found a different sort of peace. He wants that. So when Harper Abbott, the woman he has been crushing on for like 2 years from afar, needs help he throws out an idea. Let's get married. It can be for a year. It benefits us both. He is shocked when she says yes. And realizes immediately after they said I do that he doesn't ever want to get married again. Harper may think this is temporary but he is in this for the long haul. But Harper has her walls up. She has been hurt and betrayed. Wes is a patient man though. It takes everything in him to draw some boundaries. He doesn't want their to be blurred lines. He wants her to be on his page when she gives in. So he woos her. He does little things to show her how much he cares. And when she comes to him again they are on the same page. They experience a night unlike he has ever felt. Its all consuming. Its perfect. But her ex wont leave her alone. These veiled threats of his have kept Harper from spreading her wings. So Wes is all too happy to help Harper with a revenge plan. Because he knows how special Harper is and he wants the world to know too. He also wants them to know she is his.
This was a nice easy read. The build up between these two was wonderful. The chemistry and spice was GREAT! I also really enjoyed the side characters and found myself down a rabbit hole that is Morgan Elizabeth's megaverse. I am planning on diving into some of her other ones soon. I liked how I found myself REALLY rooting for Wes in this one. I wanted Harper to get there and to realize how GOOD he was for her. I was on the edge of my seat in the best way! I definitely recommend this one :) Who doesn't love a hot rockstar with a dirty mouth who can't stop saying my little wife!!
Thank you to Valentine PR and Morgan for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!...more
There are some books that you know you are going to be thinking about for a long, long time. That's how it was for me after reading The Nightingale anThere are some books that you know you are going to be thinking about for a long, long time. That's how it was for me after reading The Nightingale and now this one. This book absolutely blew me away! I had been holding off on reading it because I knew it was going to be heavy, and the world is so heavy right now. But then my book club picked it and honestly I was ready. I felt very uneducated reading this one- I had absolutely NO idea about a lot of the Vietnam War which shame on me. So immersing myself in this world was eye opening to say the least. These women are my literal heroes. I didn't realize how divided the country was on the war and how the people that served were treated when they got home. It was really interesting to me to learn that PTSD wasn't really discussed until after the war when people were trying to figure out what was happening with their sons, brothers, daughters, sisters when they came home a shell of themselves from the war. I listened to this one which I would definitely recommend. The narrator is the same woman than does all of Emily Henry's books- she is just fantastic- Julia Whelan. I felt like I was WITH these people while all of this was happening.
Frankie was such an amazing character. All she wanted to do was make her family proud. So to see their reaction when she said she was going to war. That she wanted to be on the family wall broke my heart. This woman went through SO MUCH. She was so naive but also extremely determined to prove everyone wrong. She made the most of her situation. Made lifelong friends. Fell in love with her soulmate but the timing was wrong. Then met a different man who reminded her of home. Reading about what the soldiers endured over there was gut wrenching. Reading about the propaganda that was being spewed to the people of the US felt like a betrayal. What really shook me though was when Frankie came home and tried to get back to her normal life. This woman had been a trauma nurse in a war and when applying for jobs was being told she was basically on clean up duty because she didn't have the right formal training. Everyone looked at her like she was lost when she thought a bomb was being dropped and fell to the floor yelling to save everyone. This woman at least had her friends who had also endured what she had. She hit beyond rock bottom. Which is when she started going to the VA. Reading about men saying that women never went to the war enraged me. I was so at peace when Frankie FINALLY found her place. And the ending to this book was literal chef's kiss. This woman had literally been through hell and back but her forever was waiting for her on the other side- she just didn't know it until she did.
This book made me proud for all of the women who did what they did for our country then and now. At the end of this book I was legit sobbing and my husband was like are you ok and I was like THIS BOOK WAS JUST SOOO GOOD. He asked sad good or good good and I said ALLLL THE THINGS. I haven't felt this much after reading for a long long time. I had to just sit in it for a minute to absorb and acknowledge what I had read. If you haven't picked this up yet, then you need to. Make space for it in your life. Get ready to feel all of the things and just be in awe of the writing that is Kristin Hannah!!...more
This was a SOLID 4.5 stars for me! I ABSOLUTELY LOVED GRAHAM!! I had a feeling there was so much more going on under the surface with this man. And OMThis was a SOLID 4.5 stars for me! I ABSOLUTELY LOVED GRAHAM!! I had a feeling there was so much more going on under the surface with this man. And OMG was I right. I absolutely LOVED reading these two. I felt like I was falling in love right alongside them. I loved that this was a bit of a twist on a second chance since they had never really had a go, but they kept running into each other. I loved the way that Graham showed up for Francesca- over and over again. And how his love language was definitely in gifts. I loved how even though they were a marriage of convenience- they both went into it with feelings for each other. Graham was such a protector and borderline grump- I liked the reaction his family had to how he was around Francesca. Everything just seemed very natural between the two of them. Francesca was wonderful!! She was so strong and independent. She didn't want to fold under the wing of her parents empire and how they had setup her structured life. She wanted things for herself. I loved watching Graham help build up her confidence.
Graham is a hacker by trade. He is into cybersecurity. There is really only one person he has looked for that he hasn't been able to track down. Until he sees her in the coffee shop of his town. It's like fate is speaking to him because she is HERE. But it's not there time. She isn't here to stay until several years later she is. And now Graham decides he is not going to let her go again. Not without learning everything he can about her. Why is she her? Who is she? Why can't he stop thinking about her? But instead of bombarding her, he starts to show up for her. He brings her treats. He watches what she likes. He finds himself enjoying this slice of time they have together every week. He finds himself wanting more. When they do kiss, it's like he has been waiting for her all his life at least since when he saw her for the first time all those years ago. So when he finds out that she needs help. That her family has put her in an unbeatable position. He doesn't hesitate. He asks her to marry him. They can do this and both have benefits on the other side. The thing is that he doesn't want there to be an on the other side. He is going into this with the idea that he gets to keep her. And the more they live together the more he knows he can't live without her. But when her family throws a curveball to get her back, he realizes that they underestimated their love for each other. He will just have to prove them wrong.
Francesca has been "committed" to a man she doesn't want to marry since she can remember. She has become a lifer in regards to being a student to avoid the inevitable I do's between them. She tries to enjoy herself and gain her independence. She is determined to be different from her family. She is also determined to stop thinking about Graham. The boy now man that she seems to keep running into at different points in her life. Points where she can't stay. But now she has moved to Avalon Falls. She has inherited her aunt's bookstore. And though she is thinking about him, she doesn't expect to see him. She also doesn't expect to feel the things she does WHEN she seems him. She doesn't even know him. But it's like her soul knows him. And so when he starts showing up every week to walk and talk with her, she loves it. She likes seeing him be more open around her than others. She likes the way he smiles at her and how he makes her smile. But when she gets overwhelmed by her family threats, she doesn't expect what he offers. He wants her to be his wife. He wants to offer her his protection and his house. Maybe his body too? All she knows is she is now married and NOT to the man she thought she would be married to. She finds herself loving this with him. How they are building on their chemistry. And how she hasn't felt like this before. But when her family traps her without her realizing will he come like he says he will? Because one thing she knows is this marriage has never been fake for her.
This was a TRUE slow burn. I loved all of the spice scenes without physical contact- it just added to the burn. It added to the scene when they did finally get together- it was THAT MUCH BETTER. The chemistry between them was wonderful- it was electric! I also loved the kindle shoutout and how the highlights from her books played into their experience together. Genius Penelope! I can't wait to see whose book will be next- is it Abby and Mason maybe? And will there be one about Florence? I am not in her camp right now but am thinking Penelope can get me there. If you haven't picked up this series, I definitely recommend it for the found family and small town vibes!
Thank you to Valentine PR and Penelope for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review :)...more
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