Great… another blonde man I love against my will. (Knox is dark haired in my head. Have you seen a blonde man with a good full beard?? I rest my case.Great… another blonde man I love against my will. (Knox is dark haired in my head. Have you seen a blonde man with a good full beard?? I rest my case.)
For some reason I’m always a little intimidated by Lucy’s books. The descriptions make them sound so heavy, and they’re so long. But from chapter 1, I was hooked on this book.
The set up is quick: Naomi is in town because her perpetual fuck-up identical twin sister Tina told her she needed help. Being the "good twin", she loaded up her car, brought her cash, and came to bail Tina out again. Only Tina quickly steals everything, abandons her daughter, and takes off. Leaving Naomi with no money and relying on the people in town who have been victims of Tina for a year. She's quickly dubbed as "Not Tina" as the town takes her under their wing, each in their own way.
I love small town romances because of the ~ambiance~. The quirks, the side characters, the businesses we get to read about. And this book did all of those things perfectly.
There's Knox, who tries to throw Naomi out of the coffee shop after mistaking her for Tina, who quickly becomes her antagonizer and neighbor. There's Nash, the hot chief of police who's Knox's brother and enemy - who also crushes on Naomi. There's Liza J, their grandmother, who lets Naomi and Waylay (her niece) stay in a small cottage on her property for free as Naomi tries to get her life back on track. There's Fi, Silver, and Max - girls who work at the Honky Tonk and help Naomi get a job. There's Sloane, the "hot librarian" who's definitely getting a book in this series! There's Lucian, Knox and Nash's best friend, and his high stakes poker playing buddies (I love Grim). There's Wraith, a silver fox in the local motorcycle club who coaches Waylay's soccer team ("Lets go, ladies!"). And so many more!!
This book was funny without being ridiculous. The situations, the characters, and how they talked to and reacted to one another all provided humor without being over-the-top. (Sometimes I hate it when books rely on "oops this character got diarrhea in an RV while her crush was there" for laughs. Yes, I read a book where that happened. I was horrified.)
When Naomi gets a job at the Honky Tonk (think bar Hooters), Knox immediately tries to fire her on her first shift. (context: Daisy is his nickname for her)
"This ain't social hour. Get your ass off the phone, Daisy." I gritted my teeth at Knox's interruption. "Your grandson says hi." Liza chuckled. "Tell him to kiss my ass and to pick up a rotisserie chicken for me tomorrow. I'll see ya when ya get home," she said. "Thanks again. I owe you. Bye." I turned and found Knox looming over me like a sexy turkey vulture. "Your grandmother says kiss her ass and bring her a rotisserie chicken."
Or when Naomi talks to her best friend about Knox:
"Oooh. Grumpy next-door neighbor. That's one of my favorite tropes." "The first time he met me, he called me trash." "That bitch." "Well, technically he thought I was Tina when he was yelling at me in front of an entire cafe full of strangers." "That vision-impaired bitch." "God, I love you," I sighed.
How else can I rave about this book? I loved the build up of the relationship, and I even loved the conflict because it let Naomi be an Ice Queen and it was BADASS. I loved every minute of reading this book and I cannot wait for the next book set in Knockemount.
CW: loss of a parent, loss of a significant other, drug use (not H/h), child abuse (past, mentioned), domestic abuse (past, mentioned), violence/ being held at gunpoint, kidnapping...more
I feel like Goldilocks because I read Everything's Better With Lisa first today and said it was too long... then I read this book (Gingerbread Kisses)I feel like Goldilocks because I read Everything's Better With Lisa first today and said it was too long... then I read this book (Gingerbread Kisses) and I'm going to complain it's too short... who do I think I am?!
This was cute. I liked the characters, and the quick dynamic between Mark and Liz's daughter, Maya. But the actual relationship was glossed over, because they had an initial date and then a few pages that summed up a few weeks up dating up to "I love you"'s. I don't need my characters to fall in love in a novella - you can leave that for the epilogue, or even open ended and not at all. But sometimes insta-love, especially with two brand new characters, feels... lacking....more
This is the longest book from Lucy Eden I've rea, the steamiest, and probably also my least favorite.
I think Lucy has mastered novella length storiesThis is the longest book from Lucy Eden I've rea, the steamiest, and probably also my least favorite.
I think Lucy has mastered novella length stories and this one kind of dragged for me. So much happened but it felt more mundane than exciting. And I know CJs a baby but he had basically no personality - I thought he was 2?
Alright, I’m officially halfway done with the Addicted series! And like… 30% done with the Addicted/Calloway series??
I’m going to write a full wrap uAlright, I’m officially halfway done with the Addicted series! And like… 30% done with the Addicted/Calloway series??
I’m going to write a full wrap up review of the series at the end - will link it here when it’s up.
Would I recommend this book? Yes, but with some major context. If you’re looking for a book about falling in love, this is not it. If you’re looking for a book that focuses on the romance, this is not it. If you’re looking for a book that focuses on the relationship/ love/ feelings > complex topics of addiction, this is not it.
While this book provides a “happy for now” for Lily and Lo, to me it wasn’t super satisfying and I *think* you need to keep reading to get the full effect. BUT, the next book you have to read is Kiss the Sky - book 1 in the Calloways series - not Thrive, which is book 4 in the Addicted series. I said on my IG… this seems like a book where you gotta commit to the series for the full effect. And I’m going to, but I know it won’t be for everyone - especially people who like their romance books “classic”: meet cute, falling in love, conflict, resolution, happy ending. Not riddled with issues of addiction, self worth, complicated families and politics.
At this point, I can say that:
1. I like the writing in this series A LOT.
2. I fully understand why people love this series. It’s not often that you get a series that follows couples over multiple books (where each individual couple gets multiple books), over years/decades, and then gets a spin off series for their kids. It’s like the “found family” trope on steroids.
3. I’m invested in the characters. I want to know where each couple goes and I’m going to read to the end - barring some monumental cluster fuck. (Rose and Daisy’s books have been ordered!)
Okay, review of this actual book…
DUAL POV, hells yes! Loved being inside Lo’s head. It was not nearly as dark as I thought it would be - I actually found him so real and inspiring. Like he’s obviously not perfect and he can be really cruel but he learned so much in rehab and has grown so much. I don’t know, I just love him and I think his POV added so much to the story.
I’m realizing I don’t love Lily as a character. I’m sympathetic to her for sure, and I think right now her sex addiction is pretty all-encompassing. I’m hoping that in Thrive/Addicted After All we get more of a look at Lily. She feels more like a foil to Lo in most cases. Who is SHE?
I still really don’t like Daisy. But she’s young still (16), so I’m hoping that she matures. We know she’s going to end up with Ryke, but I don’t like them together. I had multiple people on IG say that they didn’t like them until their book (Hothouse Flower) so I hope that’s the case for me too. But Ryke was kind of a dirty old man in this book.
Could not put this book down. At 75% when shit starts to hit the fan I went “THERE’S NOT ENOUGH PAGES LEFT.” And when I got to the last page I said “THAT CAN’T BE IT.”
This book is 500+ pages but for some reason it didn’t feel super long to me. I really felt like every bit was needed, even the long spring break interlude.
I couldn’t help but think… (view spoiler)[Lily, you dumb chickadee, could you not have signed up for an escort service and had them sign NDAs? Then you could’ve had a list of guys at your beck and call who were anonymous. You know… instead of a bunch of college guys who TALK?? I can’t believe she got away with hooking up while “dating” Lo as long as she did. (hide spoiler)]
CW: addiction (sex addict/alcoholism), recovery, violence, abuse, withdrawal, attempted assault on heroine, blackmail, slut shaming...more
Someone told me it was okay to skip Ricochet and go straight to Addicted for Now, but I’m really glad that I read it.
If you’re unfamiliar with the AddSomeone told me it was okay to skip Ricochet and go straight to Addicted for Now, but I’m really glad that I read it.
If you’re unfamiliar with the Addicted series, it centers on Lily and Loren - and the series is interwoven chronologically with the Calloway sisters series (Rose and Daisy - Lily’s sisters).
Ricochet is a single POV of the three months Lily and Lo are separated - Lo is in rehab for alcoholism, and Lily has moved in with her sister Rose and is trying to understand her sex addiction more.
We get some flashbacks of a younger Lily and Lo, and learn more about their friendship, childhood, and how they came to the “fake relationship” agreement.
While not overtly “romantic” (similarly to Addicted to You I wouldn’t call this a normal “romance novel”), I couldn’t put it down. I can’t comment on the accuracy of portraying either alcoholism or sex addiction, but to me it felt… I’m having a hard time choosing a word. It helped me understand Lily much more as a person. Even when I was frustrated with her, I was empathetic. I rooted for her. Even when I wasn’t sure if she and Lo “should” be together, I wanted them to be together.
Apart from the romance, my random thoughts: - Ryke's an asshole but I love him - I love Ryke and Lily's brother/sister-like relationship - I'm obsessed with Rose, and Rose/Connor - I didn't like Daisy, but I think that's okay. She's so young still that she's really not fully formed or mature... and she's been ignored/forgotten by her sister's for so long and been able to be "on her own" modeling, of course she acts the way she does. I hope that by her book, she's a bit... more tolerable? - Fuck Mrs. Calloway
CW: addiction, attempted assault (not H/h), slut shaming (did not love how Lily and Lo handled the response to Ryke being felt up by an underage girl. I don't expect characters to be perfect but when they're not, I expect them to be called out by someone else - otherwise it appears the authors endorse this kind of joking "LOL why are you scared of a girl" behavior)...more
Again, this Lily Gold book didn’t work for me… I think that she’s at her best when she does lighter, funnier books - like Faking With Benefits or NannAgain, this Lily Gold book didn’t work for me… I think that she’s at her best when she does lighter, funnier books - like Faking With Benefits or Nanny for the Neighbors. But maybe it’s just that’s what I prefer from her so… maybe give this one a shot if you want to try a contemporary reverse harem.
The heroine is not a “nice girl” - but she’s a good person, deep down. She’s been abused by the media for years and uses her role as “mean girl” to her advantage by bringing notice to plights she cares about. However she comes across as petty, mean, cruel, callous, etc. etc. She’s also being stalked and has panic attacks, providing more than one instance where she reacts with a reasonable amount of trauma or fear and just comes across like a bitch.
This book just wasn’t enjoyable to me because I spent so much of it being uncomfortable. With the heroine, the guys, the plot, everything. I didn’t connect to anyone or anything.
CW: stalking, sexual assault (stalker ~finishes~ on her while she sleeps), violence, bomb threat...more
I loved Faking With Benefits and Nanny for the Neighbors but this one reallllllly didn’t work for me.
Maybe it’s because of the heavy subject matter. WI loved Faking With Benefits and Nanny for the Neighbors but this one reallllllly didn’t work for me.
Maybe it’s because of the heavy subject matter. We learn immediately that the heroine is fleeing her home in Brighton for Sweden because her life has gone up in flames, at the fault of her ex-boyfriend. She lost her job, has been all over the news, is being attacked in person and online, her family and friends have turned their backs on her. It’s alluded to but not confirmed what happens until near the end of the book.
This was just… heavy… like I said. It’s not *fun* to read about a woman whose life falls apart because of the abusive and illegal actions of someone else. Even in Sweden in this super small town, a drunk man rants at her in Swedish (so she can’t understand) calling her a whore and a prostitute, grabbing her and saying he wanted to take her home to fuck her and his wife wouldn’t mind. This book didn’t have any of the light, funniness off the previous books I read from Lily Gold.
CW: abusive ex, release of sex tape without consent, harassment online and in person, car accident, past framing / put in prison...more
I’m not big on high school romances but I picked this up because I saw a TikTok that shared a scene of a trope I love. It’s the “two people are secretI’m not big on high school romances but I picked this up because I saw a TikTok that shared a scene of a trope I love. It’s the “two people are secretly penpals, one doesn’t know the other’s identity; then, the other accidentally reveals who they are.” This trope was done really well in Love in the Afternoon by Lisa Kleypas (a historical) - and done less well in this book.
Aveena - or Vee - leaves an angry letter to a teacher (that she was never planning to send) in a library book. Someone finds it and starts writing back. The two start texting. They share confessions. Then, of course, they figure out who each other are.
This was on track to be a pretty good read - a sweet high school romance with some grit. The hero and heroine have real problems… the hero knows his mom is cheating on his dad, knows she had an affair with a minor. The heroine’s father committed suicide years earlier, she feels invisible to her family, and is losing touch with her best friend who seems more interested in drinking and drugs.
Then the whole last 30% of the book kind of went downhill for me. The hero became a complete asshole for a ridiculous, predictable reason. Even if you say it was valid because (view spoiler)[he was trying to protect his mom (hide spoiler)]… he didn’t need to take it as far as he did.
The negatives of the last 30% on top of a shaky first 70% I didn’t love to begin with = not a book I’d use as a rec. Shame because I like the “penpal” trope.
Also, is everyone going to ignore the guy in their circle of friends who helped another guy plan a rape? Just because he backed out at the last second and got help doesn’t mean he’s a *good person*
CW: suicide, child molestation (sex with a minor), attempted rape, drugs/alcohol for high school kids, blackmail, slut shaming...more
The Addicted / Calloway Sisters series are so beloved I feel like it’s intimidating to start them! In total these two interwoven series have 10 books,The Addicted / Calloway Sisters series are so beloved I feel like it’s intimidating to start them! In total these two interwoven series have 10 books, but I ordered the first one last night and decided to jump in today.
My biggest concern was… when you follow the same couple for 4-5 books, it seems like you’re going to be manufacturing a lot of drama. Usually in other books it means break ups and drama and jealousy - nothing I like in a romance. But after reading this one, I can see why Lily and Loren need multiple books for their story.
They’re both children to richy-rich parents. I thought they were like US socialites / American royalty but both seem to fly under the radar. They’ve known each other since they were kids but came up with a pact 3 years earlier to pretend to be dating to hide their addictions from their family: Lily is a sex addict, Loren is an alcoholic.
This is not a “romance novel”. There isn’t a happy ending (yet), and the actual ROMANCE between them wasn’t a huge part of this story. Or really healthy. They are two addicts and we quickly see how they enable each other and are very toxic to one another - but care so deeply for each other, too.
I understand why people love this series. I quickly cared for both Lily and Lo, felt so empathetic to both of them. The way the authors wrote their addictions was heartbreaking. I was sad or uneasy for a lot of this book. The behaviors they’re partaking in are so dangerous - and they’re really just kids.
Did I like either of the main characters? … I’m not sure. I think they would admit they aren’t very likable. They’re both very selfish - but they’re also at the mercy of their addictions right now.
The way the authors introduced the side characters - especially Conner and Ryke - made me excited for future books with them.
I didn’t *LOVE* this book. It’s not something I would normally reach for, which is why its taken me so long to pick it up. I can’t say if I’ll recommend this series to people, because I think you have to commit to at least the first three books before you get payoff, and I need to read the first three to form an opinion on if I’ll continue on with the series and if the payoff is worth it.
CW: sex addict, alcoholism, OW (other woman) for Loren but Lily is obviously not celibate, threat of violence, assault/attempted rape...more
Apparently I’m a sucker because when I see authors are updating their covers, I’m like - “should I give this a try??”
This was pretty short (270 KindleApparently I’m a sucker because when I see authors are updating their covers, I’m like - “should I give this a try??”
This was pretty short (270 Kindle pages) and sort of felt like a Hallmark movie - it’s a tale as old as time of the dorky young girl who falls for her best friend’s older brother, whose always been a hotshot. It was sickly sweet, low angst, fast paced. It felt like a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The Thrifty kind you get at Rite Aid.
It wasn’t anything special. I didn’t feel like I got to know the characters, or that they were more complex than a stereotype (sweet poor girl / hot rich hockey player). But if you’re looking for a palate cleanser, or something sweet, or something low angst… there you go.
CW: death of parent(s), parent abandonment, adopting a child, parent with Alzheimer's ...more
I was worried about this book, because plots of deception/lying are never my favorite and this one had that sort of two timThis was like a 3.5 for me!
I was worried about this book, because plots of deception/lying are never my favorite and this one had that sort of two times over… (it was in the description but I didn’t read it)
Jane’s family’s company is evicting Rosie from the location where the bookstore her mom started 30 years ago is, and Jane / Rosie are unaware they’ve struck up an online friendship.
Luckily the truth comes out pretty early on, and the characters learn to deal with the fall out.
I didn’t love either main character - they were fine, but Rosie felt a tad one dimensional and Jane… reminded me a little of a stereotypical white feminist. Like, she isn’t passionate about her family’s business but benefits from the money and has a job there. She “puts up” with the assholes and misogynistic men who clearly work with her family and are friends with her father. She takes advantage of her family’s connections, power, and pull - even if it’s for good reasons. It’s like because she said she isn’t passionate about real estate (buying buildings, evicting people, putting in high rise condos, and turning a profit), she’s not a part of the problem Rosie faces.
I’m not saying that what her family does isn’t necessary. I’m not even saying that what I think is “right” - it’s just how I felt while reading it.
If I was Rosie, I don’t think I could be with Jane - at least in the midst of what was happening. Because really, you’re compartmentalizing and choosing to ignore a big part of their life… potentially your future family-in-laws life. At the end of the book Rosie seems very passionately against what Jane’s family is doing, yet that didn’t come up the first 85% of the book? She thought she could ignore?
Good writing, good pacing, good plot. I just wasn’t sold on the couple....more
I think some people forget that erotica by definition means the smut is crucial to the story or at least furthering the stoA perfect erotica novella.
I think some people forget that erotica by definition means the smut is crucial to the story or at least furthering the story - the sex IS the plot in many cases. And this book did that so well.
This book was entirely from Emma’s POV. She’s been married to Grayson for 7 years and they have a wonderful, loving, kinky relationship filled with honesty and trust. Every year for Christmas they travel with Grayson’s best friend (I think since childhood, at least since high school) - Derek. There’s some simmering sexual tension between Emma and Derek, and Derek and Grayson.
So this Christmas, Grayson suggests he “gift” Emma to Derek.
Enter roleplaying, dirty talking, holy hot threesomes, a hot tub, and a surprising amount of feelings.
I thought the story was so well done, because clearly most of the book is spent with the three characters romping in one form or another, but in the midst of their games and fantasies and dirty talk we learn their history: that the timing was never right for Grayson and Derek, that Derek loves Grayson/Emma together, that there’s feelings all around this triangle.
My one complaint is that I wish we’d had just a touch more history between Emma/Derek - maybe just a paragraph talking about how they had bonded over xyz in years past, so it felt less like he was just a friend of her husband and more that she had built a friendship with him on her own. There was one scene where they mention they had talked late at night a few times in years past, but that was it.
Conversations about consent, fantasies, feelings, hard lines, communication, trust, jealousy were all well done...more
Chloe Liese can do no wrong! What’s so amazing to me about her and her writing is that she is truly EMPATHETIC. She tries so hard to represent the conChloe Liese can do no wrong! What’s so amazing to me about her and her writing is that she is truly EMPATHETIC. She tries so hard to represent the conditions her characters have well - you can tell the amount of time and research she spent on research and sensitivity reading - and she makes them multidimensional, so they are never defined by their illness. It never feels “token”.
So much to love here: A neurodiverse hero. A heroine with IBD (ulcerative colitis) - which I have never read before. “My best friends-partners-sibling” or “My siblings-partners-best friend”. Charades. A dog named after Harry Styles. An adorable puff ball kitten. Meddling friends. An A-frame cabin in the woods. A marriage of convenience to get an inheritance. Feelings of love mistaken for heartburn. A terrible cook. An adorable little girl (friends daughter). A stoned officiant. “One night in a storm…” A sexy painter with glasses. Need I go on???
Okay, I will.
So much of why I love the Bergman books are because of Chloe as a writer. The way she puts us into the mindset of someone like Axel, who struggles so much with expressing and showing love to others, who is uncomfortable with feelings - struggling with how to even identify his own... it's so good. There were pieces of Axel I related to, like this quote, when he talks about how he struggles with giving the kind of love and affection his family doles out, so he shows his love through acts of service.
I know I’m not easy to feel close to. I’m not warm and affectionate like the rest of my family. I don’t hug spontaneously or laugh often or thrive in the intimate chaos that defines our large family. I don’t love the way they do. So I do this. I protect the place we care about, the A-frame that’s been the heart of our family since my parents bought it. This is a way that I love them. And nothing’s going to stop that. Or that sometimes, even though he's part of his big, loud, loving family, he still feels alone.
I want to tell her that you can have all the traditions and family recipes you like and still not feel like you belong. But I would never tell her that. I’ve never told anyone that.
While there was significantly less steam than in previous books, it kind of fit the mood of the book - the awkwardness they both feel around each other. And the sexual tension was piping hot. This is taking spot #2 on my Bergman list - Ren/Frankie still have the top spot, then Axel/Rooney, then Ryder/Willa, then Aiden/Freya. I’m excited for the rest of the books but maybe especially Ziggy’s?! I know we’ve seen the least from her (out of the remaining siblings) but I just think it’ll be amazing.
My only complaint is I wish we got a LITTLE more wrap up. (view spoiler)[A scene with Rooney confronting or being honest with her parents, perhaps? I would have loved if instead of (or in addition to) her seeking therapy she traveled to her mom in Italy. Also, is no one seriously going to know Axel and Rooney married??? Or that he spent an inheritance to fix the house?? It wrapped up soooo quick I wish we got an epilogue. Everyone’s just gonna think they’re dating?! (hide spoiler)]...more
The premise is Raya’s husband embezzled from his boss’ company and in exchange for his boss not going to the police,Three words: sapphic smut novella.
The premise is Raya’s husband embezzled from his boss’ company and in exchange for his boss not going to the police, she requires that his wife be her ~companion~ for six months.
I wanted a little more angst, a little less “love” but dang there was some good spice.
CW: betrayal by husband, being "sold" for six months, going to a sex club, technically cheating since she's married ...more
There are certain books I wish I could read again for the first time, and this is one of them. I’ve re-read it countless times but it never fails to pThere are certain books I wish I could read again for the first time, and this is one of them. I’ve re-read it countless times but it never fails to pull me in.
Lord Ian Mackenzie is the youngest of the Mackenzie brothers, and rumored to be mad - he spent nearly a decade in an asylum. (In reality, he has undiagnosed autism.) He meets a widow, Mrs. Beth Ackerly, and is immediately taken with her - and will do anything to make her his.
It’s hard to summarize this book because it’s so much. It’s a romance, it’s part-mystery, it’s a family story, it’s about accepting yourself / your loved ones for who they are.
But the characters, the plot, the relationship, the steam - all 10/10....more
Oh my gosh, I absolutely loved this book! It’s a third person, dual POV, MM sports (hockey) romance.
First of all, the characters: Lane is young and neOh my gosh, I absolutely loved this book! It’s a third person, dual POV, MM sports (hockey) romance.
First of all, the characters: Lane is young and new to the minor leagues. He’s awkward, brutally honest, and doesn’t read social cues well. He’s also gay but closeted, and a virgin.
Jared is over a decade older than him, an in the tail end of his career in the minors. He’s a bruiser, fighter, and villain on the ice. He’s also on the rival team of Lane’s.
I get worried sometimes with sports romances that there will be homophobia, and while there was a little (mainly a misunderstanding and misguided worries from parents of their son being a target for homophobes) - it was surprisingly low angst.
Lane is eager, honest. Jared is enthralled with him. The two are long distance but their teams play each other 60 times a year. They’re opposites but Jared begins to change as he’s inspired by Lane’s openness and love for the game.
I was just having a BLAST while reading it. And there were so many funny bits. This is after both come out to their teams and are embraced as a couple but ragged on-ice still. (Ryan and Riley are on Lane’s team.)
Zoe was there with Ryan, who had skated by Jared a few weeks before and said, “Keep your hands off my captain’s ass, you fucking cocksucker.” Then he laughed maniacally and stole the puck from him. Jared responded by knocking into Lane on the ice — hard. Then Jared scored a goal on Riley after telling him, “My boyfriend thinks you should blow me.”
The friendship among their teams - especially during competitions - was a highlight I wasn’t expecting.
CW: hero was groomed and had consensual sex with his coach, he was an adult at the time but in a vulnerable position; some homophobia ...more
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