I normally really enjoy May Archer because you get to watch relationships slowly build and grow. While this is a novella so I knew that wouldn’t be toI normally really enjoy May Archer because you get to watch relationships slowly build and grow. While this is a novella so I knew that wouldn’t be totally possible, I had higher expectations than this. It goes by extremely quickly, and a good chunk of it is the first chapter preview of the next book. ...more
To the shock of absolutely nobody, I am head over heels in love with this book. Parker St. John writes in a way that just does it for me. Heavy on theTo the shock of absolutely nobody, I am head over heels in love with this book. Parker St. John writes in a way that just does it for me. Heavy on the hurt, heavy on the comfort, heavy on real people going through real things and behaving like real people--imperfect, not always logical, and emotional. We were introduced to Aiden a few books ago, and I am so happy that we finally got to hear his story. Most books in this series come with a heavy backstory, but this one has a particularly emotional backstory (warning for animal death, abusive parental relationships, parent death). You don't have to read everything else in the series to read this book, but if you have read them you get to visit with lots of other characters. I am going to come back and write more later, but this was such a beautiful end to the series. I am going to miss this series so, so much! err, who am I kidding, I'll probably keep rereading it once a year :) ...more
Short but enjoyable! This isn't so much enemies-to-lovers as one-bad-encounter-to-instalove but that's to be expected given how quick it is. One charaShort but enjoyable! This isn't so much enemies-to-lovers as one-bad-encounter-to-instalove but that's to be expected given how quick it is. One character is more uptight and buttoned up while the other is loose and relaxed, and I did like watching them get together. To be honest, this was coasting to a 2-star read until Mariana showed up and said what we all were thinking. Either way? Short and solid.
tags: botanists/gardeners, opposites attract, lots of dirty talk
Merged review:
Short but enjoyable! This isn't so much enemies-to-lovers as one-bad-encounter-to-instalove but that's to be expected given how quick it is. One character is more uptight and buttoned up while the other is loose and relaxed, and I did like watching them get together. To be honest, this was coasting to a 2-star read until Mariana showed up and said what we all were thinking. Either way? Short and solid.
tags: botanists/gardeners, opposites attract, lots of dirty talk...more
I am so glad that I gave this author another chance, because I liked this book so much more than the first entry in the series. Trevor and Beau were sI am so glad that I gave this author another chance, because I liked this book so much more than the first entry in the series. Trevor and Beau were so sweet together, and I loved their dynamic. The way that the relationship grows in this feels so much more realistic, and things don't go from 0 to 60 physically. It is very sweet and without the same level of angst/heartache as the first book, but things are not all smooth sailing and they do have struggles to overcome of their own. I am very excited for book number three in the series, and I'm so happy that I gave the author another try. ...more
This was such a good book, and I'm going to miss the series dearly once it is over (even though I am super excited to see whatever Garrett is cooking This was such a good book, and I'm going to miss the series dearly once it is over (even though I am super excited to see whatever Garrett is cooking up next!) You absolutely need to read the other books in the series in order, but I promise it is worth it. The characters have intertwined lives, so the same person you read about in one book will probably pop up in every other one. Once you have a couple of books under your belt, you'll be delighted to see familiar faces reappear. I know this can be a pain (as someone who loves reading just one or two from a series), but you really need them all!
In this book, you get a culmination of the storyline that has been building pretty much the entire time (speaking carefully to avoid spoilers haha) but you also get to watch another lovely relationship grow. Viktor and Ranger don't have a straightforward path to happily ever after, but they make it anyway. A great book, and anyone who loves this series will eat it right up! ...more
I've been in a pretty serious reading slump, and I decided that the way to get out of it was trying something totally opposite from what I would normaI've been in a pretty serious reading slump, and I decided that the way to get out of it was trying something totally opposite from what I would normally go for. Thankfully, my decision paid off! I am not a dark romance lover, and I don't normally gravitate towards anything with blood or gore. However, I also enjoyed Hannibal, which is a good enough baseline for this book.
Marshall is completely obsessed with Felix (like, legitimately obsessed), but in the context of the book it feels right. My biggest nitpick was that, despite Marshall's obsession, he didn't manage to figure out something that was readily apparent from the first pages of the book until near the end. Despite how unhealthy just about any aspect of the book is (serial killer, vampire, super obsessive relationship, etc.), it's incredibly fluffy. It is fun seeing the relationship between both MMCs evolve despite their quirks (Felix not being able to go outside during the day, etc.), and it is nice having a bit of a slow burn compared to some of the author's other books. Once the sex starts, it is a bit OTT (I know, I know, this is always my gripe), but you can easily page through it without missing much. I wish that at least one sex scene was taken out in exchange for a scene of the two MMCs using the (view spoiler)[huge telescope in his bedroom for stargazing (hide spoiler)] or something similar. Altogether, I did really enjoy this foray into something different. Super readable and fun. ...more
This was a nice, light read. While some of it worked for me (the relationship dynamic, the relationship progression in the second half of the book), sThis was a nice, light read. While some of it worked for me (the relationship dynamic, the relationship progression in the second half of the book), some of it was a bit less successful. Any time a new series starts, there is a tsunami of new names and people to remember. I think KM Neuhold did a decent job of introducing a lot of people over the course of the book, as well as having cameos from some other series.
There is a lot of sex in the first third of the book. It wasn't surprising, since the blurb pretty clearly explains the setup for the book, but I wish there was just a little bit less. By the time I made it to page 96, I went back and counted and 25% of the pages of the book were sex scenes. That is going to entice plenty of readers (which is why I'm including it in my review!) but I would prefer to see more than just extended scenes introducing side characters followed by hookups to draw me in at the start. However, once you get through the initial hookups, the story becomes much more about a growing relationship and is perfectly enjoyable.
My second challenge with the sex was the writing. Everyone is different, but some of the descriptions and terms used just didn't work for me. "His cock starts to pulse against mine, hot bursts of his cum slicking his fist as he continues to stroke us both, covering my shaft in every sticky rope of it that I’ve earned." Some of the other writing feels very millennial ("my favorite chaos gremlin") and over the top (same as a lot of other Neuhold) which will also either work for you or not. I didn’t mind it. Altogether, this is a very solid 3-star read.
Thank you to the author for the ARC copy for my honest review....more
This was a nice easy read! I really enjoyed the way that the author approached Quinn's mental health issues, and I also appreciated seeing the other MThis was a nice easy read! I really enjoyed the way that the author approached Quinn's mental health issues, and I also appreciated seeing the other MC (Weston)'s illness portrayed in a way that felt compassionate and real. It's refreshing to see a new author writing characters who aren't just all perfect ripped people who never make any mistakes. I can already see progress in the author's writing since the first book in the series, so I'm very excited to see what she writes next. You do definitely need to read the other book in the series to have the full context of who everyone is (which the author mentions). Love the chemistry between the two, how sweet the book was despite some of the possibly-heavy subject matter, and looking forward to reading more from the author!...more
One of the biggest reasons why I love Emmy Sanders so much is that things that aren't usually my thing (like exhibitionism) become my thing because ofOne of the biggest reasons why I love Emmy Sanders so much is that things that aren't usually my thing (like exhibitionism) become my thing because of how beautifully she writes them! As with the other books in this series, it is high steam and intimacy is a central part of the plot. I adored the dynamic between the two characters (and I'm impressed that she made the way the characters meet feel cute and not creepy). Emil and Christian were such a wonderful pair, and I loved seeing how sweet they are together. It's really hard to find books where sex is such an important part of the book and things still feel deep and real, and Emmy does it again here. This is absolutely one of my favorites in the series.
*Thank you to the author for generously providing me with an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I appreciate the opportunity!*...more
I haven't read the original book that this is a renewed version of, and I also haven't read any of the Rebel Kings series. Despite that, I di3.5 stars
I haven't read the original book that this is a renewed version of, and I also haven't read any of the Rebel Kings series. Despite that, I didn't have any difficulty following along and getting immersed in the story.
This book was a good read but not my favorite by the author. I wasn’t wild about the way that Lena was shoehorned into the story, and anyone who does not like stories where exes are involved should steer clear. I also felt like it took a while to hit its stride and then before I knew it we were at the end.
One of the things that I love the most about Garrett's stories is that they feel authentic. Everyone isn't a billionaire, every situation doesn't pan out perfectly, and sometimes misunderstandings just happen. In this story, Jas and Kim fall in love through plenty of real life issues, confusion, and hard work.
The relationship between Kim and Jas starts as instalust, which normally isn't my thing, but it grows through plenty of (signature) angst and hurt/comfort over the course of the book. It is always nice to see how Garrett's characters work through everything :)
Altogether, I did enjoy the book, just not my favorite from the author....more
This is not a type of book I would normally read (urban fantasy), and I took a chance since I've really enjoyed the author in the past. I am so glad tThis is not a type of book I would normally read (urban fantasy), and I took a chance since I've really enjoyed the author in the past. I am so glad that I did! You can always tell a difference between authors who write books that have generic characters (blonde in one book, brunette in the next, perfect six pack and rich) and ones who really create characters who feel like well-developed people. This book is a great example of how Zarah works to build a world for readers to spend time in, not just a book that you'll forget about in a week or two.
I loved getting to watch the relationship develop between Liam and Adam, and I am glad that they were allowed to make choices that didn't necessarily always feel perfect. I loved the way that Zarah handled the enemies-to-lovers trope because it felt real without feeling too mean or cruel to a point that there would be no coming back (which is often what you get with that trope).
I will definitely read more books in this series if there are more in this universe! Either way, I'm very excited to see Zarah branching out into other subgenres!...more
Oh I adored this! I’ve been in a mini slump so I might revise the rating in the future, but this was so sweet and calm. I’m dying for a sequel with LaOh I adored this! I’ve been in a mini slump so I might revise the rating in the future, but this was so sweet and calm. I’m dying for a sequel with Lars (please!!!). If you want something with high angst, lots of conflict, tons of sex (like horvat’s erotica), etc. this won’t be for you. If you want something that feels cute and fun and that leaves you smiling, it’s a great summer read. ...more
I really wanted this to work for me, but the characters feel so much younger than they are (it really almost feels like they’re in high schoDNF at 43%
I really wanted this to work for me, but the characters feel so much younger than they are (it really almost feels like they’re in high school) and I just can’t get into it as a result. ...more
This was unbelievably good. I've been looking forward to the third installment in Coven Ties since I finished the second in the series, and it was morThis was unbelievably good. I've been looking forward to the third installment in Coven Ties since I finished the second in the series, and it was more than worth the wait. I was a little bit nervous that I wouldn't be as in love with this book since the others set such a high bar, but I was wrong to have any doubt. If you love hurt/comfort, this is the perfect book for you. Cross is carrying so much pain and anguish, and seeing him find his match in Alex was lovely. Their relationship starts as a professional one, but the slow burn of feelings growing on both sides as things progressed was delightful. If you're a fan of the series or of serious hurt/comfort, this is a perfect read for you.
Thank you to the author for generously gifting me an ARC of this book for my honest review.
Merged review:
This was unbelievably good. I've been looking forward to the third installment in Coven Ties since I finished the second in the series, and it was more than worth the wait. I was a little bit nervous that I wouldn't be as in love with this book since the others set such a high bar, but I was wrong to have any doubt. If you love hurt/comfort, this is the perfect book for you. Cross is carrying so much pain and anguish, and seeing him find his match in Alex was lovely. Their relationship starts as a professional one, but the slow burn of feelings growing on both sides as things progressed was delightful. If you're a fan of the series or of serious hurt/comfort, this is a perfect read for you.
Thank you to the author for generously gifting me an ARC of this book for my honest review....more
Solid 4.5 stars, might round up to 5 as I think about it more. This is a great thriller (not as much mystery as many of her other books) that has greaSolid 4.5 stars, might round up to 5 as I think about it more. This is a great thriller (not as much mystery as many of her other books) that has great pacing, a twist I didn't totally see coming, and an ending I was happy about. It's very Lord of the Flies set on an island-based reality show, so anyone who loves Love Is Blind or even Survivor will likely enjoy it. Very fun summer read if you want a good time, not necessarily something super unsolvable or highbrow. ...more
I dropped everything I could to read this as soon as possible, and I am so happy that I did. Parker St. John has become an insta-buy author for me, anI dropped everything I could to read this as soon as possible, and I am so happy that I did. Parker St. John has become an insta-buy author for me, and I haven't been proven wrong yet. The entire Down Home series is a favorite of mine, and Throw Down is no exception. Ever since Briar was introduced a book or two ago, I was hoping that he would be part of another story. I was a little shocked to see that he was paired up with Derek. Like with plenty of other books in this series, I went in being unsure about one of the characters involved and ended up absolutely loving them.
This is going to give you the best reading experience if you've already read books in the series, as there are appearances from Cal and Eli and the others. I would say you can also read it as a standalone, but you should be prepared to not know who a lot of people are and not quite follow the story as well.
I enjoyed the way that the relationship between Briar and Derek developed, especially since it felt different from other couples in the series. There are plenty of heartbreaking moments, but they're evened out by the sweet ones.
perfect for you if: you love cowboy romances, you've read other books in the Down Home series, you love hurt/comfort books, you love hurt characters working together to find love, you love the grumpy/sunshine or country boy/city boy dynamic, you don't mind the third act drama happening very close to the end
warnings (not comprehensive): (view spoiler)[mentions of past abuse, physical violence (not between the two MMCs), internalized homophobia, some homophobic characters in town, sick dog in the beginning of the book but the dog survives (I always worry about this so I'm just gonna spoil that for y'all) (hide spoiler)]...more
I didn't read the first iteration of this story, so it was totally fresh to me. Garrett Leigh remains one of the best writers for mountains of hurt/coI didn't read the first iteration of this story, so it was totally fresh to me. Garrett Leigh remains one of the best writers for mountains of hurt/comfort, and this story is no exception. I love how the characters that Garrett creates are always so real and raw and imperfect. It's so lovely to see how (in all of Garrett's books, including this one) the couples find their way to each other in spite of everything going against them. I haven't read the Rebel Kings series yet, so I can't vouch for the references to it, but I did love the coastal setting. If you love Garrett's writing and realistic characters and also love watching people overcome the odds and find each other, you will adore this as much as I did.
Thank you to the author for generously providing an ARC of this book for my honest review....more
There's a lot to like about this book! I loved the basic setup for the book, and I appreciated how well the author discussed grief and moving on afterThere's a lot to like about this book! I loved the basic setup for the book, and I appreciated how well the author discussed grief and moving on after loss without forgetting about your past love. I love fake dating books partially to see the tension between both characters understanding what they're supposed to be there for and realizing that they have feelings that run deeper. This book definitely has that! This book is also a great option for readers who want to dip their toes into things like primal play but also want the option to skip past it (just one scene) if they aren't feeling it.
I think that the writing shows a tremendous amount of promise, but the dialogue was a little bit robotic and awkward at points. I think calling each other husband might be part of the issue, since it felt shoehorned into sentences at times (“Please, husband, touch me. I need you.” or “Alright, husband, time to make the purchase.”). I also knew that this would be a fairly sex-heavy book, but I wish that at least 1-2 scenes made the cutting room floor in favor of more development of their relationship. This is personal preference, as I know plenty of reviewers love how spicy it was, but I wanted to see a little less in the bedroom.
Altogether this was an enjoyable quick read and I will definitely pick up book 2! ...more
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