Super cute, with the best analogy about life in the form of matches. IYKYK
An entertaining, easy read...but very reminiscent of a lot of o3 - 3.5 Stars
Super cute, with the best analogy about life in the form of matches. IYKYK
An entertaining, easy read...but very reminiscent of a lot of other books in this genre. A good time, but nothing life-changing or anything. Which is perfectly fine. I liked it and will read from this author again....more
It's very...of its time among other things. But I really enjoyed it once I got used to the writing sThis book will definitely not appeal to everyone.
It's very...of its time among other things. But I really enjoyed it once I got used to the writing style. It's a heartfelt look at marriage, personal expectations, the expectations of others...and our own assumptions and push/push in regard to all of those things.
That said, I don't think I could say it any better than my friend Julie G., so I will just be lazy and point to her outstanding her review instead. Enjoy....more
I just love Emily Henry. At this point, are a lot of her books, characters, and character banter very similar? Yes. But I don't care, 4.5 - 4.75 Stars
I just love Emily Henry. At this point, are a lot of her books, characters, and character banter very similar? Yes. But I don't care, because I am 100% the target audience and I am here for it. All day. Every day.
"Trust people's actions, not their words. Don't love anyone who isn't ready to love you back. Let go of the people who don't hold on to you. Don't wait on people who don't hurry for you"
I just love Henry's writing and the way she unpacks elements of the human condition to which I so relate.
And did I mention the banter?
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I loved Daphne and Miles and I thought they had great chemistry. Some of Henry's past "friends to lovers" scenarios lacked that spark in my opinion...they just never felt like more than friends to me...but these two were adorable while also not feeling like brother and sister. So yay.
I also really loved the side characters. I want an Ashleigh.
As always, I cannot wait for the next Henry book....more
I liked this one a lot more than Brody's book (which is the last one I read...I skipped a couple as I had no interest in them). I thought Jud3.5 Stars
I liked this one a lot more than Brody's book (which is the last one I read...I skipped a couple as I had no interest in them). I thought Jude and Roni had really great chemistry and I really liked their history and connection. Jude was also my favorite kind of asshole.
I did feel like the author did a bit of a bit and switch with the ending...and completely changed the main point of contention between Jude/Roni at the last minute. And it felt a little bit like a cop out.
Otherwise, I enjoyed this and could see myself re-reading it again. ...more
I don't know where my recent urge to re-read Kylie Scott's Lead came from, but after finishing it yet again, I realized I hadn't read any Sco3.5 Stars
I don't know where my recent urge to re-read Kylie Scott's Lead came from, but after finishing it yet again, I realized I hadn't read any Scott since finishing Repeat (Larsen Bros #1, my review for which you can find HERE) in 2020. This led to a hunt and me finding out there was a book two featuring the younger brother of book one's here, who was also in book one.
But I digress.
I didn't enjoy this as much as I enjoyed Repeat, but it was pretty close. I love scorned spouses and forced proximity. And this even had a coma, FFS. So fun....more
I liked this well enough, but none of the characters felt...real. Especially the aunt and the sister. They seemed to only exist (both in the 2.5 Stars
I liked this well enough, but none of the characters felt...real. Especially the aunt and the sister. They seemed to only exist (both in the story and for the main character) when she needed to take them off the shelf and vent.
I also won't remember any of their names or the majority of this story by next week. Or perhaps even tomorrow.
Still, it was cute...a decent enough way to pass an afternoon....more
Trust me, no one is more surprised than me that I am rating this anything less than five stars.
As a long-term self-described uber fan of2.5 - 3 Stars
Trust me, no one is more surprised than me that I am rating this anything less than five stars.
As a long-term self-described uber fan of Suzanne Wright, I have read everything she has ever published. I adored the The Favor and figured I would love this just as much being that, 1) it was yet another gift from one of my favorite smut authors, and 2) paired with a beloved trope (arranged marriage/marriage of convenience).
I was surprised when I cracked this open and soon realized that this was featuring the oldest daughter of the main couple from The Favor, though. I somehow missed the memo on that one. And, I'll be blunt: it felt too soon for my tastes for books featuring Dane and Vienna's grown children.
But I digress.
I'm not sure what happened here, but I just didn't feel the raging connection I usually feel between Wright's lead couples. Don't get me wrong, these two had chemistry...just not the level that I know Wright can deliver.
I also felt like there was a lot less steam and sexual tension than normal. Almost like Wright is gearing up for an entrance into more mainstream romance writing, if that makes sense? That and the cover kind of make me get that vibe...
But again, I digress.
There are other things that I didn't love: the constant name-dropping of random characters and couples (future series characters, perhaps?), the BDSM-lite element between Dax and Addison (which actually made some of their love scenes feel trope-y and trite for me), the dead-ex factor on both sides (we didn't surpass the consolation stage to my satisfaction), and the murkiness surrounding Dax's supposed badassery.
The start was also REALLY slow. In fact, there were a lot of slow moments and I had no problem putting this down. Usually I polish off a Wright book in one evening, but this took me three as I just wasn't enthralled per usual.
Sigh.
Regardless, I did enjoy this. I just didn't love it like I though I would....more
I liked it, but I didn’t love it. I never quite felt Anne and Zac’s connection. And it’s not even that she felt like a consolation prize, sin2.5 Stars
I liked it, but I didn’t love it. I never quite felt Anne and Zac’s connection. And it’s not even that she felt like a consolation prize, since Zac’s connection with Becky didn’t seem all that intense either.
The rapist/mystery aspect felt super contrived and the story very surface level. I’d be irritated had I paid full price for it and not gotten it via kindle unlimited. Might try book two since it’s on there too. Haven’t decided....more
I have had a lot going on at home and at work...plus I think I have an ear infection that I have been4 Stars
I haven't been in a reviewing mood lately.
I have had a lot going on at home and at work...plus I think I have an ear infection that I have been assuming was a headache or something else for a while now.
For some reason - I blame the blonde - I had it in my head that only kids got ear infections.
[image]
Being that I had ear infections on the frequent regular as a youngling - and had tubes in my ear twice - you would think this option wold have occurred to me much sooner.
Oh well.
Maybe I'll get some cool drugs.
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Happy Thanksgiving to me.
Anyway, about this book....
I love me Penelope Douglas.
She is on what is becoming a very short list of auto-buy authors for me.
There is just something meaty about her characters and her writing that make her books oh so chomp-able.
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This one was different from her other books in that I initially loathed her heroine.
LOATHED.
Seriously though, I found a lot of Ryen's actions to be pretty fucked up.
She was a bully. And she stood by in silence while bigger bullies did some major bully shit.
Now at NO point was I considering a DNF - The story was still good and I trust PD.
I had a feeling she was going somewhere with all this...and she was.
In the "Note From the Author" section at the end of the book, Douglas says something that I think is worth sharing:
"We romance readers can be very hard on our heroines. We often see ourselves in those roles and compare their decisions to the decisions we would've made instead. We tend to judge them more harshly than we do the heroes, because we hold them to the same expectation we hold ourselves."
My first reaction to this?
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My second?
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I was totally holding this poor 17 year old girl to the standards of my 34 year old mature *snort* self.
And I now realize I do this a lot - in all the books I read.
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And I'm sure a lot of you do too. We are all human, after all.
I'm sure we would all act differently as teenagers - care about certain things less and other things more - if we knew then what we know now, as they say, no?
So, to ask Ryen to act as a 17 year old according to how I would act in her position is pretty silly of me.
I think of how much I have changed just from my late 20's to my 30's...
...how much I have learned...
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...and I am amazed at myself for thinking a 17 year old should have the AWESOMENESS that I have fought so hard for.
That I had to suffer for.
That I have started to WRINKLE for.
Pfffft.
Bitch needs to EARN her own knowledge.
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So thanks for the self-awareness check PD.
I am expecting WAAAAAY too much from my heroines *wink wink*
And an attempt at more patience and understanding for my future heroines might result in my enjoying even MORE books.
Which is always a win.
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XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Wut wut?
Penelope Douglas, you say? Teenage drama-angst, you say? Asshole alpha teen H, you say?
Sign me the F up, I say.
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Merged review:
4 Stars
I haven't been in a reviewing mood lately.
I have had a lot going on at home and at work...plus I think I have an ear infection that I have been assuming was a headache or something else for a while now.
For some reason - I blame the blonde - I had it in my head that only kids got ear infections.
[image]
Being that I had ear infections on the frequent regular as a youngling - and had tubes in my ear twice - you would think this option wold have occurred to me much sooner.
Oh well.
Maybe I'll get some cool drugs.
[image]
Happy Thanksgiving to me.
Anyway, about this book....
I love me Penelope Douglas.
She is on what is becoming a very short list of auto-buy authors for me.
There is just something meaty about her characters and her writing that make her books oh so chomp-able.
[image]
This one was different from her other books in that I initially loathed her heroine.
LOATHED.
Seriously though, I found a lot of Ryen's actions to be pretty fucked up.
She was a bully. And she stood by in silence while bigger bullies did some major bully shit.
Now at NO point was I considering a DNF - The story was still good and I trust PD.
I had a feeling she was going somewhere with all this...and she was.
In the "Note From the Author" section at the end of the book, Douglas says something that I think is worth sharing:
"We romance readers can be very hard on our heroines. We often see ourselves in those roles and compare their decisions to the decisions we would've made instead. We tend to judge them more harshly than we do the heroes, because we hold them to the same expectation we hold ourselves."
My first reaction to this?
[image]
My second?
[image]
I was totally holding this poor 17 year old girl to the standards of my 34 year old mature *snort* self.
And I now realize I do this a lot - in all the books I read.
[image]
And I'm sure a lot of you do too. We are all human, after all.
I'm sure we would all act differently as teenagers - care about certain things less and other things more - if we knew then what we know now, as they say, no?
So, to ask Ryen to act as a 17 year old according to how I would act in her position is pretty silly of me.
I think of how much I have changed just from my late 20's to my 30's...
...how much I have learned...
[image]
...and I am amazed at myself for thinking a 17 year old should have the AWESOMENESS that I have fought so hard for.
That I had to suffer for.
That I have started to WRINKLE for.
Pfffft.
Bitch needs to EARN her own knowledge.
[image]
So thanks for the self-awareness check PD.
I am expecting WAAAAAY too much from my heroines *wink wink*
And an attempt at more patience and understanding for my future heroines might result in my enjoying even MORE books.
Which is always a win.
[image]
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Wut wut?
Penelope Douglas, you say? Teenage drama-angst, you say? Asshole alpha teen H, you say?
So this was long...way too long...and sometimes really tedious as a result...but I still LOVED it.
Did I mention it was long? And sometimes tedious?
[imaSo this was long...way too long...and sometimes really tedious as a result...but I still LOVED it.
Did I mention it was long? And sometimes tedious?
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Cause it was.
There were so many unnecessary scenes... SO many superfluous conversations... SO many blue Val balls...
But you know what?
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Cause I adored this thing.
In the end, I adored all the unnecessary scenes. Because, yes, while they weren't really intrinsic as far as plot and character-building went, I loved spending more time with these characters and getting more moments and angles with them.
I adored all the superfluous dialogue. Because, yes, while some of it had NO point whatsoever and did nothing to move the story forward, again: I loved spending more time with these characters.
Plus, witty.
Also, just as in the first book, this one dealt with hard-hitting topics in a way that didn't feel false or over-dramatized. Were some of the events VERY dramatic? Absolutely. But they never felt contrived.
As I have already said, I loved all the characters, especially Johnny and Shannon's friend group. Especially Johnny (of course). The slow build of his and Shannon's relationship (while sometimes frustrating for someone used to reading a LOT of fast-moving smut romance) was SO worth it in the end. Blue balls and all.
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I cannot WAIT until Joey's book...and I'm so glad I ended up starting this series right before book three comes out. The wait for book four might slay me.
Merged review:
So this was long...way too long...and sometimes really tedious as a result...but I still LOVED it.
Did I mention it was long? And sometimes tedious?
[image]
Cause it was.
There were so many unnecessary scenes... SO many superfluous conversations... SO many blue Val balls...
But you know what?
[image]
Cause I adored this thing.
In the end, I adored all the unnecessary scenes. Because, yes, while they weren't really intrinsic as far as plot and character-building went, I loved spending more time with these characters and getting more moments and angles with them.
I adored all the superfluous dialogue. Because, yes, while some of it had NO point whatsoever and did nothing to move the story forward, again: I loved spending more time with these characters.
Plus, witty.
Also, just as in the first book, this one dealt with hard-hitting topics in a way that didn't feel false or over-dramatized. Were some of the events VERY dramatic? Absolutely. But they never felt contrived.
As I have already said, I loved all the characters, especially Johnny and Shannon's friend group. Especially Johnny (of course). The slow build of his and Shannon's relationship (while sometimes frustrating for someone used to reading a LOT of fast-moving smut romance) was SO worth it in the end. Blue balls and all.
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I cannot WAIT until Joey's book...and I'm so glad I ended up starting this series right before book three comes out. The wait for book four might slay me....more
If you are in the mood for a fake dating college football romance with a (small) smattering of angst toward the end, look no further. This hit 4 Stars
If you are in the mood for a fake dating college football romance with a (small) smattering of angst toward the end, look no further. This hit the spot and I enjoyed it.
I really loved Clay and Giana. They had great chemistry and their romance felt very sweet and organic. And I loved their “lessons.� Super fun and sexy.
I need to read more from this author and I’m not sure why I haven’t...I’m on her mailing list and have really enjoyed the few I’ve read from her, so...I don't know. Looking forward to the next one in this series....more
After really enjoying books one and two and then not really loving book three, I had fairly low expectations for this installment. T3.5 - 4 Smut Stars
After really enjoying books one and two and then not really loving book three, I had fairly low expectations for this installment. That said, I was pleasantly surprised and enjoyed this more than I thought I would.
I like the second chance trope...and any time there is potential for groveling?
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I thought Maeva was a lovely character and I thought she and Kiran had a really great backstory and solid chemistry. Also, I am just a sucker for the whole horde king shtick. Always have been. I remember reading and enjoying the Warprize seres back in the day FFS.
But I digress.
This is one of those books I can see myself re-reading and upgrading later. Which is definitely a relief after not loving book three. Already downloaded book five....more
As Suzanne Wright's self-proclaimed #1 Fan Bitch, I've gone on ad nauseam in many a review about how much I unobjectively love her, her formula3 Stars
As Suzanne Wright's self-proclaimed #1 Fan Bitch, I've gone on ad nauseam in many a review about how much I unobjectively love her, her formula, and her books in general.
I've read all but one of her 30+ books and she is at the top of my very short auto-buy list. In fact, this was my temporary "review" when I saw that I had somehow missed the release date for this despite my typically dedicated stalking:
"How the F did I miss this release date???? Who AM I even?
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And this is me sitting with this three star experience right now:
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I adore this series and have 4+ starred all seven books preceding this one. So I was super surprised when I found myself struggling to get into this when 37% deep.
For some reason, I just didn't feel all that connected to Levi and Piper. Especially Levi. I'm not sure if it was the step-sister's-former-ex angle (even though I've overcome this in numerous books in the past), the fact that there were numerous mentions of him having female friends (Ella, Mia, Paloma, etc.), or that he never tried to approach Piper in the six years since his "fling" with her step-sister ended...but I just didn't feel like she was all that special to him.
Now, don't get me wrong. I'm not saying that men can't have female friends. I'm just saying that Levi was presented as this guy who supposedly couldn't connect with people outside of the other Sentinels; and yet, in previous books, he was always calling his friend Ella whenever they needed witchy advice and there was mention in this book of another female friend kicking the step-sister-ex's ass at a bar when she got in Levi's face.
I guess what I'm saying is that this somehow all resulted in my just not getting that OTT possessive "MINE" vibe that I love about the alphas in Wright's books.
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That said, I still did enjoy this. I always love spending time with Knox and the crew and I enjoyed all those moments here. I also have a deep appreciation for Wright's understanding of the human psyche and its motivations.
So while this may not have been a favorite, I still appreciated this for what it was. And who knows, maybe I will love it more upon a later re-read much like Carnal Secrets, which I didn't initially adore but later upgraded.
Anyway, it's all good. Looking forward to Larkin and Teague's book!!...more
I seriously LOVE me a childhood best friends to adult lovers romance, so I was really looking forward to this installment in the series after3.5 Stars
I seriously LOVE me a childhood best friends to adult lovers romance, so I was really looking forward to this installment in the series after finishing the last book. I have been trying to pace myself in finishing this series since I know my finite C.M. Owens booklist is rapidly dwindling.
I was super intrigued by Corbin and Ruby's backstory after finishing the last book and it definitely delivered. I will say that Corbin's reasoning for...certain past actions was super weak; but hey, we all do dumb shit when we are young. I guess. Anyway. I could have done with a lot more groveling, but it is what it is.
Overall, I really loved their relationship dynamic and whole triple dare backdrop. Actually, this book and the last book with Rye and Brin felt very Wild Ones with their prankster elements. I loved how possessive Corbin was and, of course, just love the Sterling friend gang.
I thought the climax moment of the book was a little weak, thus my lower rating. But all in all, an enjoyable read. And perhaps just knowing we will never get anymore Owens books makes me feel nostalgic. Either way, I have a soft spot for this series and have already finished book eight at the time of this review. ...more
This is one of those books I can see myself re-reading over and over again and then upgrading. In fact, I should probably do it now�
I real4.25 5 Stars
This is one of those books I can see myself re-reading over and over again and then upgrading. In fact, I should probably do it now�
I really enjoyed Danny and Charlie’s story. They had amazing tension and chemistry and I just loved every second of it. If you love a forbidden style brother’s best friend romance with a twist and a delicious age gap, this one is for you....more
This was super cute read. I love most sport romances, but I especially love hockey and football romances. This was basically decorating my top 4 Stars
This was super cute read. I love most sport romances, but I especially love hockey and football romances. This was basically decorating my top friend feed, getting great reviews, and available via Kindle Unlimited. So I did what we all do and 1-clicked.
So glad I did, because this was super cute and full of great (but not overly done) banter and quirk. I really enjoyed all the characters, the small town charm, and of course, the football angle.
Side note: I somehow overlooked the "dead fiancée" detail in the blurb and I'm really glad I did. The whole dead ex angle is NOT a favorite of mine and I tend to avoid it. (More on that HERE for anyone interested) Luckily, it wasn't too much of a sticking point for me here and was basically a nonissue.
Most importantly, Ronan and Nova had sizzling chemistry, which is my favorite thing and can offset a lot for me, generally speaking.
I have been a longtime reader of this series (pretty much since the beginning almost 20 years ago) a3.5 Smut Scale Stars Screw It, 4 Smut Scale Stars
I have been a longtime reader of this series (pretty much since the beginning almost 20 years ago) and I just adore it. To be frank, at this point, I'm not really sure the above stars reflect how actually good the book was, or just my personal nostalgic love for this series. So keep that in mind...
That said, I really enjoyed this installment (which I read out of order...again...whoops).
I really loved Cullen (and of course, Graeme). Now...I can't say that I necessarily loved Chelsea. While I did respect her inner drive and her wish to be independent, I also have a low tolerance for stubbornness just for the sake of it. I get annoyed when characters constantly put themselves and others in danger for what sometimes feels like simple self-actualization. But anyway. I am a sucker for Leigh's Breed world and I really enjoyed this.
I didn't love this one as much as I loved the first book in the series...but...I'm like a fat man at a burrito stand with this series yo3.75 - 4 Stars
I didn't love this one as much as I loved the first book in the series...but...I'm like a fat man at a burrito stand with this series you guys, and I just don't care.
I said this for book one, but I will reiterate again here, since it still rings true...
The plot a complete hot mess. The drama WAAAAAAAAAAY over the top. And there are many things here people will find problematic.
But, again, the possessive mafia alpha-hole is just my JAM right now....more
Anyone who knows me and/or has been reading my reviews for any length of time already knows I am trash for Suzanne Wright. So if this is ne4-4.5 Stars
Anyone who knows me and/or has been reading my reviews for any length of time already knows I am trash for Suzanne Wright. So if this is news to you, here is a requisite disclaimer:
I slobbery fan girl when it comes to Suzanne Wright books. Full stop. Her books are like warm formulaic blankets of comfort to my paranormal romance soul. So my reviews for her books are pretty much 100% without objectivity.
That said, I will say this one definitely left something to be desired. It was kind of sloppy and she definitely followed her formula.
But. I. Don't. Care.
Because Aspen. And because CAMDEN.
Like many, I have been dying for their book for so long. And their relationship delivered for me in all the ways I wanted it to. It was simply delicious.
It was like a "loved you since childhood" over the top possessiveness super sundae with cherries. And I just gobbled it up.
I'm sure this will be a re-reading/upgrade to 5-stars soon favorite....more
Val ⚓️ Shameless Handmaiden ⚓️
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