Overall Opinion: This was a cute, easy read. I think that some of the humor became ott at times, but it was still pretty funny. For the most p 3 Stars
Overall Opinion: This was a cute, easy read. I think that some of the humor became ott at times, but it was still pretty funny. For the most part, I liked the characters. I'm coming up blank as to what else to say...so that makes it a 3 star read for me -- didn't love it, and didn't hate it either.
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Jodi and Danny's story. They are neighbors, and Danny has been tormenting Jodi. Jodi has a run in with something that gives her a bad skin reaction, and Danny jumps into action to help her. He gets her naked (to help with the reaction), and after this encounter he starts to see her in a different light -- as someone worth pursuing. In typical Bradford fashion, she doesn't have a choice in the manner. They start seeing each other, there are some laugh out loud moments, some family drama, some sexy times, and the get their HEA.
POV: This alternated between focusing on Jodi and Danny in 3rd person narrative (with a few side characters too).
Overall Pace of Story: Good. It flowed well, and I didn't feel the need to skim.
Instalove:No. I would call it a hate-to-love progression.
H rating: 3 stars. Danny. I really liked him, and then he did something that bothered me enough to bring his rating down to 3 stars (view spoiler)[ When he tells her his spiel about wanting to spend the rest of his life with her, but not being love her (which he repeats a few times). I get he was in denial, but I'm not quite sure why the author felt that was a good idea -- I felt bad for our h because I felt that it was hurtful. (hide spoiler)]
h rating: 4 stars. Jodi. She was feisty, and hilarious with her reaction to medications.
Sadness level: Low. No tissues required.
Heat level: Moderate. The H wants to take it slow to prove to the h that he is serious, so it takes a good while for them to be intimate.
Descriptive sex: Yes.
Safe sex:No. They forget condoms even though they are discussed.
OW/OM drama: No, the closest is the h has a friend that tries to kiss her.
Closure: The couple do have some major commitments and what I'd reluctantly call an HEA, but I wanted more! It felt too abrupt for me.(view spoiler)[They're married and expecting (hide spoiler)]
How I got it: It was part of my scribed membership....more
Overall Opinion: I don't normally like doing the 1/4 star, but I couldn't quite give it 3 stars. I'm not sure why I'm on a YA kick, but this2.75 Stars
Overall Opinion: I don't normally like doing the 1/4 star, but I couldn't quite give it 3 stars. I'm not sure why I'm on a YA kick, but this had potential. I thought that the h's circumstances were sad, and I enjoyed the H...until I didn't. (view spoiler)[ For example: Instead of the h telling the H about her abusive situation, she pushed him away. He then 2 weeks later started dating OW and did so for months. I was upset because they were "so in love", but he didn't question what she said in a questionable situation (view spoiler)[her stepdad came home screaming at her for being a slut, whore, and asking her to come out of her room...she said some things and made him leave...and then the next time he saw her she was in a sling...COME ON! How could he not put 2 and 2 together?!? (hide spoiler)]and moved on (hide spoiler)]. This just ruined it for me, especially when months went by before things really escalated and he saw the light!
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Willow and Brody's story. He is a new kid at the school and they get their first meeting at a football game, but they actually start conversing when they have a lot of classes together. Willow is in an abusive relationship with the star football player, and has some major issues at home too. Her boyfriend scares away anybody (other than her 2 friends), so she is surprised when Brody isn't intimidated and sits by her for all of their classes. They start a bickering friendship - that turns to true friendship - that turns into more. They have to deal with the jerk boyfriend, some family issues, and some big secrets being revealed...but they get their HFN ending.
POV: This was told in Willow's POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Good. I didn't have any moments where I felt the need to skim.
Instalove: No. They had a good development from friends to more.
H rating: 2 stars. Brody. I liked him a lot until their main conflict where he acted stupidly, and I personally couldn't get over that.
h rating: 3 stars. Willow. She was in a tough situation, but I really wish that she confided in Brody.
Sadness level: Moderate. There were a few times that I teared up, but not to the point of needing tissues.
Heat level: Low. We get some kisses and some tension, but that's it.
Descriptive sex: No
OW/OM drama: Yes. The h is forced to be in a "relationship" with OM because he is blackmailing her. The OM is one of our villains. (view spoiler)[ I would've liked to know what made him change so drastically. The flashbacks to when their relationship was good were sweet, but the relationship we experienced was so much different from that. I also would've liked to know what came of him and his contribution to the whole mess at the end -- it's never mentioned (hide spoiler)]
Cheating: (view spoiler)[No. The h is in a "relationship" with OM when they start devolving feelings, but they don't so much as kiss before she breaks up with OM. (hide spoiler)]
Closure: I would call this a HFN ending. I would've loved a jump ahead epilogue into their far future to see them as a committed and successful couple, but that's me and my need for a lot of closure.
How I got it: It was part of my kindle unlimited subscription....more
Overall Opinion: This was a good start to the series. I think we could've skipped the opening scene (view spoiler)[ H is having sex with OW ( 4 Stars
Overall Opinion: This was a good start to the series. I think we could've skipped the opening scene (view spoiler)[ H is having sex with OW (hide spoiler)], but other than that it was great! It made me teary at times, so that tells me that it tapped into my emotions enough for me to care for the characters -- which is a sure sign that I like it. For those that have issues with our h and H having unprotected sex -- I have to warn you that I don't remember condoms, birth control, or STDs ever being mentioned between them. I knew it would end on a cliffhanger, but I have the next book ready to go and I am anxious to see what happens next.
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is the beginning of Amelia and Noah's story. They grew up together as child stars, and they fell in love when they were teenagers. Noah broke her heart, and neither of them seemed to get over it. 10 years later, they are reunited when they are cast as a couple in a steamy movie together. They start with a love/hate type relationship, there is some family drama, some feelings being shared, some hot sexy times, and we get a big secret being revealed at the end...and on to the next Childstar 2.
POV: This alternated between Amelia and Noah's POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Good. There weren't any times that I felt the need to skim.
Instalove: No, but the couple do have strong residual feelings for each other from when they were together years ago.
H rating: 3 stars. Noah. I couldn't understand his hot/cold behavior until the end when some big secrets get revealed, so it was hard to like him at times.
h rating: 4 stars. Amelia. She was sweet and naive to a certain extent, but she also had a strength to her. She loved Noah, and she knew that loving him was dangerous but she couldn't stop herself.
Sadness level: Moderate. I always get teary with things such as unrequited love, and I got that feeling with this book. It wasn't until the big cliffy at the end that made everything make a little more sense.
Heat level: Moderate. They have some hot chemistry. The movie has bdsm elements in it, and the couple tend to enjoy it enough to bring it into the bedroom.
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW/OM drama: No
Sex scene with OW or OM:(view spoiler)[Yes. The opening scene has the H with a OW having sex in a bathroom. (hide spoiler)]
I rated this separately as three books, so please see those separate reviews.
I liked the series as a3.66 stars (4 stars for 1 & 2, and 3 stars for 3)
I rated this separately as three books, so please see those separate reviews.
I liked the series as a whole, with liking the first two more than the last. We have some angst, some steamy times, some suspense, some true love, and a HEA ending. ...more
Overall Opinion: This was a sweet, funny read. I think it's hard to have a good love-hate dynamic in a story and have it work out, and I think 4 Stars
Overall Opinion: This was a sweet, funny read. I think it's hard to have a good love-hate dynamic in a story and have it work out, and I think this book succeeded. I think I like this book the best out of the series, but the other two are pretty good too. The h and H have a really fun banter that makes you laugh along with them and hope that they get their happy ending, especially because they both need it!
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Navie and Rowan's story. Navie gets hired to be Rowan's PA. He is moody, difficult, and sometimes a downright jerk. He had some bad things happen to him in the past that he never dealt with properly (view spoiler)[ woman he was with for 3 years was with his twin at the same time, and ended up marrying his brother (hide spoiler)]. Navie is tough and gives whatever attitude he gives her right back, and he eventually decides that he likes her and they start a friendship of sorts. The friendship of course grows to more, and they fall in love. There is some family drama, some steamy moments, some ex drama, and some laugh out loud moments...and the couple get their HFN ending.
POV: This alternated between Navie and Rowan's POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Good. I breezed right through this because it flowed well, and I never felt the need to skim.
Instalove: No. This had a great build up to love.
H rating: 4 stars. Rowan. Moody, sexy Rowan. He's the kind of character you love to hate, and then just love. I loved how he didn't even consider another woman once Navie was in his life (even though he might've been a manho in the past).
h rating: 4.5 stars. Navie. She was a pretty great h. She has had a sad past, and I remember loving her in the last book and feeling like she needed a good story. I think she got it here.
Sadness level: Low. I didn't need any tissues.
Heat level: Moderate/low. They do have some good chemistry, but it takes a while to get physical so there isn't a ton of it.
Descriptive sex: Yes.
OW/OM drama: Yes. He has a bad past with his ex, and she comes around and causes some drama (it is really minimal though).
Sex scene with OW or OM:(view spoiler)[ No, the closest is seeing the OW do the walk of shame at the end of a ONS when she goes to his house for the first time. (hide spoiler)]
Closure: This had decent closure, but (again) not enough for me. It gives us a hint to what the next book in the series will be about, but for the couple I'd say it was a HFN ending.
Worth the $?: I got in on kindle unlimited, but even at the $2.99 on Amazon I'd say yes....more
What a cliffhanger!! At about 89% I was thinking to myself...ok either I'm gonna be mad because everything will be resolved and tied up in a pretty liWhat a cliffhanger!! At about 89% I was thinking to myself...ok either I'm gonna be mad because everything will be resolved and tied up in a pretty little bow at the very end, or I'm gonna be mad because it'll end on a cliffhanger...too bad I didn't realize it was part of a series. So FYI readers -- there is a major cliffhanger! BUT -- thankfully the next book has been released, so I'll be reading that one next. :)
I did like this one a good bit. We have a mysterious and dark H, and a sweet and innocent h. The h gets blackmailed in a way to become a sexual submissive in exchange for information to get her brother out of jail. There are some hot sexy times, some teary moments, some suspenseful moments, and some shocking moments. I'll give my usual longer review when I read the next one, Stutter. I'm anxious to see what happens next......more
DNF @ 55%. Man, I'm ready to get out of this book funk! I couldn't go on. I think I've concluded that I really dislike starting a story when the mcs aDNF @ 55%. Man, I'm ready to get out of this book funk! I couldn't go on. I think I've concluded that I really dislike starting a story when the mcs are already in love (and either know it or don't, but the feelings are there). I need that development of the relationship in order to feel the connection...and that's just it -- I didn't FEEL it, but I was told about it instead. To me there is a major difference between the two, and while it makes me struggle with books -- others might not have an issue with it. Because I didn't feel the connection, I ended up becoming bored and wanting to skim. I ended up skimming after the 55% mark, and while there were some big developments for the couple (especially with the doozy of an epilogue) I am still glad I just added it to my dnf shelf...sorry...more
Overall Opinion: I really am torn with this one. I waited a while to post my review, because I needed to think on it a little. I liked the p 2.5 Stars
Overall Opinion: I really am torn with this one. I waited a while to post my review, because I needed to think on it a little. I liked the part of the story that took place in high school, but I really didn't like the rest. I hated the reason they broke up, it was hurtful what the H did to the h, and I didn't like the "avoidance is key" mentality for when they were reunited. I would have looked into alternatives right away if I was Mia so I didn't have to be around Dean all the time...but on the other hand with his obvious distaste for her (and never knowing why he had such a drastic and seemingly abrupt change of heart) I was extremely frustrated with Mia for not trying to COMMUNICATE with him!! I hate when in a book the conflict can be resolved by some simple communication between the two mcs, and this was a perfect example of that. Too bad, because I love my second chance romances.
Storyline: This is going to be brief, because I don't want to give too much away -- This is Mia and Dean's story. We start the story in high school. Dean is the star quarterback Mr.Popular, and Mia is the beautiful-and-she-doesn't-know-it antisocial nerd. After some awkward encounters, Dean talks Mia into tutoring him for his English class. Eventually their friendship turns into something more, and they fall in love. Of course -- something goes horribly wrong and they are split up. 10 years later they are reunited and forced to be in the same place on a daily basis. They have some obstacles, but they get their HFN.
POV: This was told primarily is Mia's POV (with a very small section told in Dean's).
Overall Pace of Story: Good. I didn't have any skimming moments, and I wouldn't call this instalove.
H rating: 2 stars. Dean. I did like how he cared for Mia in the first part, but I still don't understand why he let things go down the way he did (view spoiler)[ I understand he was going through some heavy problems, but if he truly loved her like he claimed he did -- he should have TALKED to her!! (hide spoiler)].
h rating: 3 stars. Mia. I liked her a lot in the high school part of the book, but the reunited part I just felt like I lost my respect for her (view spoiler)[ she never tries to confront H about what happened to make him treat her so poorly, and when she starts sleeping with him again without answers I really felt like she moved into doormat status (even when he was being sweet) (hide spoiler)].
Sadness level: Moderate. I am a sucker for second chance romances, and this one did make me cry a few times.
Heat level: Moderate. They have decent chemistry, but some scenes were just meh.
Descriptive sex: Yes
Sex scene with OW or OM:(view spoiler)[ No, but H parades women in front of h and makes out with them. (hide spoiler)]
Cheating: (view spoiler)[I'd say it's iffy -- in high school H ends up going to prom with OW and making out with her in front of the H without ever officially breaking up (hide spoiler)]
Closure: This did not have enough closure for me. I wanted more with them together after their conflict. I have been reading a lot of books lately that have the couple's big conflict so late, then it is resolved, and then it's the epilogue or some kind of time jump. I really don't like this style at all. It doesn't make me feel confident that the couple will make it, especially when it ends on just a HFN ending....more
DNF @ 66%. I tried, I really did. I just couldn't keep going. They were just about to go on their first date, and I was just so bored. At this point IDNF @ 66%. I tried, I really did. I just couldn't keep going. They were just about to go on their first date, and I was just so bored. At this point I just really didn't care how things worked out for them. We had the h who I thought was just a boring girl that tried to please everyone but struggled with her choice to be an artist, the H was moody jerk a lot of the time but otherwise boring, the side characters seemed ok...but again just meh, and the "relationship" between our h and H of having a ONS then loosing touch and reconnecting 3 months later to hate each other for another 3 months before things started to move into the romantic category (if you can call it that with a few kisses and the first date being at 66%). I just wasn't feeling it...sorry....more
Overall Opinion: This was just ok for me. It'll probably be the end of this series for me, as I haven't been loving the las Audiobook Review
3 Stars
Overall Opinion: This was just ok for me. It'll probably be the end of this series for me, as I haven't been loving the last 3 I've read. I find the emotional connections lacking, and them being more about the sexual connection -- which don't get me wrong -- has been hot! BUT I think I have wanted more than sex. In this one, I don't feel like he groveled enough for my liking tbh. I think plenty of time had passed where he gave her space, but I never got the feeling that he really made it up to her. I know, I know -- it might just be me being a cruel B, but I honestly found his behavior unforgivable in a way...and surely not to be forgiven the way it was (view spoiler)[with him just saying "we're done fighting, I've apologized, and you're getting over it" and her going along with it (hide spoiler)]. Oh well!
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Melanie and Painter's story. Melanie is thrown into the mc life with her surrogate mother figure that is with the mc president. She meets Painter, who is a member of the mc, and they both have an instant attraction. After spending more time together, they develop stronger feelings but are both hesitant because they have been warned away from each other. That doesn't last long, and they end up together and falling in love. There is some drama and they get separated, and we see the struggles they go through for years before getting back together. There is some typical mc drama and some sexy times...and they get a HEA ending.
POV: This alternated between Melanie and Painter's POV.
Instalove: No, they take a while to develop stronger feelings.
H rating: 3 stars. Painter. He went from being sweet to being a dick, to being sweet to a being dick, to end on being sweet...so there's that ;)
h rating: 3 stars. Melanie. She was strong at times, and weak in others. I thought she was just ok.
Sadness level: Low. No tissues needed.
Push/Pull: Yes (view spoiler)[The H is hesitant and pushes her away because he has been told not to go there by his mc president, and the h pushes him away after he hurts her. The H is the main pursuer in the relationship. (hide spoiler)]
Heat level/Descriptive sex: Moderate. They have some hot chemistry and scenes.
OW/OM drama: No
Sex scene with OW or OM: Not that I recall (view spoiler)[ I know that there was mention that they both had other partners, but I don't remember any descriptive scenes...might be wrong though...sorry (hide spoiler)]
Cheating: No
Separation: Yes (view spoiler)[ They are separated for years while the H was in prison and afterwards. They both had other partners during the separation. (hide spoiler)]
Closure: This had pretty good closure with a jump ahead epilogue and a HEA ending.
How I got it: I got the audiobook with my scribed subscription.
Safety: I call this either Safe with exception or Not Safe depending on personal preferences.
** Please note that since it was an audiobook that I might have missed some information that might affect my review. I have found that I just don't retain as much information from audiobooks as I do in reading them. Forgive me if I have any wrong or missing information, and take this review with a grain of salt ;) **...more
Overall Opinion: This was actually pretty enjoyable. It was a easy read about getting a second chance at love. I love the single parent theme, 4 Stars
Overall Opinion: This was actually pretty enjoyable. It was a easy read about getting a second chance at love. I love the single parent theme, and this didn't disappoint -- especially because we actually get some interactions between the H and the h's son. I really appreciated that the H wasn't stupid and hooking up with OW when things weren't exactly peach between the h and him...which is actually a change from a lot of mc romances. We know that he is part of the mc, but it kind of takes secondary place to the romance (which I didn't mind). My main issue was that they didn't get a lot of time together as a couple because of the issues the h was dealing with.
Storyline: This was Melissa and Crow's story. Crow decides to take a break from his club to get his mind straight, and ends up meeting with his lawyer to finalize the paperwork and take possession of his house (and rental house) after his divorce. Both houses need major work, but he is willing to take the job. He then meets "mousy" Melissa and her young son, Jett who are living in the rental house. He learns quickly that she might appear mousy but she has no issues with speaking up against him, and he decides that he likes it. There are some awkward, tense, and push/pull moments between the two for a while, but Crow continues to flirt and make it obvious that he wouldn't mind something more than the landlord/tenant relationship. Jett is in awe of Crow and follows him around, and they build a cute relationship. Eventually after some family, ex, friend, and past ghost drama the couple find their HEA.
POV: This was told in third person narrative with alternating the focus between Melissa and Crow.
Overall Pace of Story: Ok. I did skim a few parts, but not too bad. I do wish that they had some more time together as a couple, because they finally got together just at the end.
H rating: 4 stars. Crow. I liked how he didn't let melissa push him away. I loved how even when he was angry with her he didn't jump into hooking up with one of the club (or town) sluts, and how he verbalized his feelings and made her feel special even when she didn't feel it herself. I also loved how he didn't hesitate to bond with Jett, and they had a cute relationship.
h rating: 3 stars. Melissa. I got a little tired with her push/pull, but she was dealing with some heavy guilt. She was a good mom though, so that redeemed her in my eyes.
Sadness level: Low. It did address the loss of a spouse, which at times got heavy -- but I never needed any tissues.
Heat level: Low. One almost sex scene, and one sex scene...but they were kind of hot.
Closure: This had a good amount of closure with a HEA ending. I would've liked a little more time with them as an official couple though. I did enjoy the epilogue.
Worth the $?: Yes -- because it was part of my kindle unlimited, but at $3.99 I'd still say yes....more
Overall Opinion: It was kind of meh. Had some cute banter, some laugh out loud moments, but I didn't really feel the connection between the 2.5 Stars
Overall Opinion: It was kind of meh. Had some cute banter, some laugh out loud moments, but I didn't really feel the connection between the characters. I felt the dislike when they were fighting, but then it just changed to love all of a sudden, and I just didn't get it.
Storyline: This is Lily and Dean's story. They meet when Lily goes to a restaurant for a potential bartending job and starts right away. Dean owns the restaurant and is a major micromanager, so he likes to be the one to hire all of the employees. He sees her, and acts as though he is a unhappy customer and she ends up being fired once he drops the bomb that he is the owner. It isn't that easy though, because Lily is best friends with Dean's best friends girlfriend. After some major inner debate, he offers her a job as a consultant for a new restaurant he is opening. They definitely have some hostile feelings toward the other and trade barbs constantly. They eventually and reluctantly give into their major attraction to one another, and start up an unusual work/hate/sex relationship. Feelings start to shift and become stronger. After some work drama and some inner freak outs, they eventually get their HFN.
POV: This alternated between Lily and Dean's POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Good. I read this really quick, so no slow parts. The love wasn't instalove, but it wasn't developed enough for me.
H rating: 2 stars. Dean. He was kind of a jerk, and I didn't like his freak out towards the end.
h rating: 3 stars. Lily. She had some funny moments, but otherwise she was just ok.
Sadness level: Low. No tissues needed.
Heat level: Low. Fade to black type scenes..,I'm not sure how the reviewers I read stated things like "it was hot" or things along those lines...I didn't think it was necessarily hot. They had tension because they fought all the time, but I can't claim that I felt the sexual tension like I have in some books that I've read before.
Closure: I wanted more closure. We do get a jump into their future with the epilogue, but I wanted more...that's just me. I would still call it a HFN though and not a full HEA. (view spoiler)[They get engaged, but rarely see each other because they're working so much on their restaurant. (hide spoiler)]
Worth the $?: Yes. It is on kindle unlimited. Not sure it would be worth it if it wasn't though...sorry....more
Overall Opinion: This was close to a 5 star read for me, except it had to add something that I felt was unnecessary towards the end to create 4 Stars
Overall Opinion: This was close to a 5 star read for me, except it had to add something that I felt was unnecessary towards the end to create drama. (view spoiler)[ A kidnapping. I mean -- how many people experience someone in their immediate family or being kidnapped themselves?!? Why is it so common in contemporary romances that there is something like a kidnapping or the extremely violent person that they thought was a friend? (hide spoiler)] The story could've been better (IMO) if it was left out. It was a touching story about losing your partner (and child in Tristan's case) that you love deeply, surviving (even if barely), and finding comfort and love in another.
Storyline: This is Elizabeth and Tristan's story. They have a bad first meeting when Elizabeth's car malfunctions and she hits Tristan's dog. She helps him get to the vet, but he is extremely rude to her. She stands up for herself with him, but is drawn to him because she sees and recognizes the pain underneath his beastly exterior. Eventually (after a few more unpleasant run-ins), they realize that they find comfort in each other because both of them have lost loved ones recently. They start a (kind of) friendship that ends up turning physical. They both use each other to remember their lost spouses, but other feelings start to bloom. Through some town drama, big reveals, and some drama at the end, the work through it and find their HEA.
POV: This alternated between Elizabeth and Tristan's POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Good. No slow parts where I skimmed, and no instalove.
H rating: 3.5 stars. Tristan. I understood his damage from his traumatic past, I just wish he made better choices when he got to the big reveal.
h rating: 4 stars. Elizabeth. I liked her. I loved her relationship with her best friend, and even Sam (the town weirdo).
Sadness level: Moderate. I was expecting an ugly cry with this one, but I didn't have that. It was sad -- don't get me wrong. I cried, but it didn't cross over into ugly cry territory. There were even some laugh out loud moments in there to even it out, so it wasn't just all sad.
Heat level: Moderate. They do get steamy. I was hopeful that he would implement some of the inspired things from FSOG like he teased her about, but he sadly didn't.
Overall Opinion: This was a pretty easy and enjoyable step-sibling romance. After reading a few of this genre it seems as though I got recom 3.5 Stars
Overall Opinion: This was a pretty easy and enjoyable step-sibling romance. After reading a few of this genre it seems as though I got recommendations galore for more of the same type story. I like variety in my romances, so even though there were plenty step-brother options I haven't read one in a while. It was pretty low in conflict making it a really easy read.
Storyline: This is Angie and Gavin's story. They meet at a bar where Angie's friend has talked her into finding a ONS to lose her virginity because "that is better than the awkwardness happening with her boyfriend" (don't know what the friend is thinking!). She gets as far as following Gavin home and getting naked with him, but then snaps out of it and decides that what she was doing is wrong and leaves him. They meet again 3 weeks later when she is meeting her mom's new fiancé who...you guessed it...is Gavin's dad. Gavin's dad surprises Angie's mom with cruise tickets, but she tells him that she gets severely seasick and can't go...so Angie gets the tickets out of the trash and takes their place. But Angie is surprised when instead of her boyfriend it is Gavin that shows up for the cruise to join her (view spoiler)[ he beat up the boyfriend because he caught him cheating on her (as he had expected he was doing) (hide spoiler)]. They bicker and fight, but decide that they must go along with things in order to stay on the cruise (view spoiler)[ and they are really surprised to find out that Gavin's dad had arranged a marriage ceremony to take place but they end up getting married in their place (hide spoiler)]. Things heat up after a while, and they realize that there is a connection that they cannot deny. After some insecurities coming forward and some mean words thrown around, they work things all out and find their HEA.
POV: This alternated between Angie and Gavin's POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Good. This was a quick, easy read with a little bit of instalove going on (even though he didn't really recognize it) for Gavin.
H rating: 3.5 stars. Gavin. He was a manwhore until he got sight of Angie, and then he couldn't look at anyone else. I appreciate the big gesture at the end thane does for her.
h rating: 3 stars. Angie. She was ok.
Sadness level: Low. No tissues necessary.
Heat level: Moderate. Some steamy times and a good bit of tension before they become physical.
Overall Opinion: This was another 3 "just ok" read for me. I didn't feel the connection fully between our h and H though. They had sexual chem 3 Stars
Overall Opinion: This was another 3 "just ok" read for me. I didn't feel the connection fully between our h and H though. They had sexual chemistry galore as well as sexual tension with their bantering, but I didn't get an emotional response from them. I didn't like that the H was with women after acknowledging that he "couldn't stop thinking about" the h (even though they were not experienced by the reader and just mentioned as a side note). It had a different twist at the end that I wasn't expecting, and because of the twist it'll make this hard to give a full review...
Storyline: This is Phoenix/Nix/Nikki and Kingston/King's story. They run into each other literally at the park and the sparks fly but so does the sass and attitude. They end up seeing each other again that morning at a coffee shop with more sparks, sass and attitude. They meet yet again that night at Phoenix's bar where yet again sparks, sass, and attitude fly. They start a kind of hostile flirting thing where they run hot and cold and don't seem to like each other much, but the chemistry between them is hard to ignore regardless. After several unexpected run-ins with the other, things heat up between them and stronger feelings start to develop. Without giving the twist away -- I'll just say they find their HFN at the end.
POV: This alternated between Phoenix and Kingston's POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Good. No slow parts where I skimmed, and though I didn't really feel the emotional connection -- I wouldn't call this instalove.
H rating: 2 stars. I don't have many issues with manwhore types as long as they stop it after meeting the h, and he didn't. I also felt that his hot/cold thing with the h was mean at some points and I didn't like that.
h rating: 3 stars. She was just ok...
Sadness level: Low. There were some sad themes, but I didn't shed any tears here.
Heat level: Moderate/high. Definitely some steamy times.
Descriptive sex: Yes.
Sex scene with OW or OM:(view spoiler)[No, but get the aftermath of a ONS with the H before he meets the h. (hide spoiler)]
Possible Triggers: (view spoiler)[ Suicide - h's mom committed suicide and found her body (but not a major theme in the book). (hide spoiler)]
Closure: I was disappointed in the ending. I felt like it was way too abrupt and I didn't get enough closure. I would call it a HFN ending for sure, as there is no major commitments made....more
Overall Opinion: I'm really bummed about this book. This is one of my favorite authors and pretty much a automatic buy on my end, but it wasn3.5 Stars
Overall Opinion: I'm really bummed about this book. This is one of my favorite authors and pretty much a automatic buy on my end, but it wasn't my favorite. She still wrote it well, and I think that the storyline was interesting-- but something was missing for me. I didn't feel the strong connection that I come to expect out of her books. Too bad, but I think I'll still stay loyal to Ms. Sheridan and continue getting her books.
Storyline: This is Grayson and Kira's story. Kira is cashing out her last amount of money at the bank and overhears Grayson getting denied for a loan. She comes up with a scheme that will benefit both of them in their hard times. She goes to his failing vineyard and proposes marriage in exchange for half of an inheritance that she will receive once married. They end up getting married, and still don't like each other much. Eventually after some time together and getting past the preconceived ideas about who each of them are, they end up developing feelings for each other. There is some major drama with both families as well as personal demons to get past, but they do eventually find their HEA.
POV: This alternated between Grayson and Kira's POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Ok/good. There were some slow points, but I still remained engaged in the story. I think it felt slow because it took a long time for them to get together.
H rating: 3 stars. Grayson. He was hot and cold and not the most likable H, but I felt for his tendency for bad luck.
h rating: 4 stars. Kira. She was fiery and spirited and I like how she was strong and didn't let people know they hurt her.
Sadness level: Low. There were some emotional times, but I didn't shed any tears.
Heat level: Moderate. They do eventually get some steamy times.
Overall Opinion: This was a fun easy read. I think I expected more though. I went in loving the author and excited to see what she'd do with 3 Stars
Overall Opinion: This was a fun easy read. I think I expected more though. I went in loving the author and excited to see what she'd do with this storyline. I still love her, but it was not as great as I had built it up to be. The h made the book for me for sure.
Storyline: This is Summer and Cole's story. Cole just found his starlet wife cheating on him and is served divorce papers. He hires Brad DeLuca from Blindfolded Innocence series (which I loved) as his shark of a divorce lawyer. Meanwhile Summer is working with a set scout for Cole's upcoming movie set in her hometown. Brad has Cole go to the small town earlier than he had expected, and then he meets Summer. The sparks fly, and they dont like each other's personality right away even though they are strongly attracted to the other. After seeing the fire in Summer, Cole decides that she needs to be the lead in his movie. After some fun times and some conflicts too, they go from hate to love and find their HEA.
POV: This alternated between Summer and Cole's POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Ok. I didn't like that they took so long hating each other. They fought their own feelings for each other for so long that as a reader I didn't get to enjoy their connection until the very end.
H rating: 3 stars. Cole. I wanted him to be more alpha...hard to follow Mr. DeLuca for me.
h rating: 4.5 stars. Summer. She was a great h, definitely one of the best I've read in a while. She was smart, sassy, and confident. She made the book for me.
Sadness level: Low. No tissues needed.
Heat level: Moderate. Not as steamy as her other books because (again) it took too long to establish a connection for me.
Descriptive sex: Yes
Sex scene with OW or OM:(view spoiler)[ Yes, we experience the H with 2 women before he met the h (hide spoiler)]
Overall Opinion: I really enjoyed the initial dynamic and the whole hate-you-but-I-want-you type relationship going on, but it felt like it ma 3 Stars
Overall Opinion: I really enjoyed the initial dynamic and the whole hate-you-but-I-want-you type relationship going on, but it felt like it majorly fizzled out. I don't mind and actually enjoy damaged characters in my books, but I felt like it became too much of a focus and made the book too slow and even boring at times. The conflict is mostly from dealing with their pasts, so it was pretty low angst. It also was definitely a slow burn, meaning that it took until 74ish% to get to the sexy times. I know lots of people might really enjoy this (and did according to their reviews), but it just ended up being kind-of meh to me.
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Charlotte and Gabriel's story. The company Charlotte works for just got purchased by Gabriel, and he is doing a big change in staffing. She ends up being his PA, and they both spend a lot of time together. They both are attracted, but Gabriel senses that he needs to take his time with the timid, frightened Charlotte. They eventually work through some baggage from their pasts and fall in love....and get a HFN ending.
POV: This alternated between focusing on Charlotte and Gabriel in 3rd person narrative (not my favorite).
Overall Pace of Story: Ok. I did feel like it was slow for the second half -- but that could be because my attention was waning. I never skimmed through.
Instalove: No, I felt like they took a while to develop stronger feelings.
H rating: 4 stars. Gabriel. He was pretty darn patient and understanding! I didn't quite get the appeal tbh, so he seemed like a pretty amazing man.
h rating: 3 stars. Charlotte. She was ok. Her constant reference to herself as a mouse got old, but I felt bad for her past trauma.
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed
Push/Pull:Yes (view spoiler)[The h is traumatized from her past relationship, so she is oblivious to and pushes away the H's advances. The H is the main pursuer of the relationship. (hide spoiler)]
Heat level: Good. They have some good tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story (but takes then a while to get to it).
Descriptive sex: Yes
Safe sex: Yes (view spoiler)[ Mentions of condoms being used. I don't remember any mention of birth control, std statuses, or previous practices. (hide spoiler)]
OW/OM drama: Yes (view spoiler)[The h is under the impression that the H has all these other partners while working for him (but he doesn't), and this causes some drama. The h's ex also causes some drama. (hide spoiler)]
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: No
Separation: No
Possible Triggers: Yes (view spoiler)[The h was abused emotionally and physically as well as stalked by her last (and only) boyfriend (off page - through memories), loss of parents (off page h), child/spouse abandonment (off page - through memories H), the h works under H (on page), and parent being sick and dying of cancer (H on page). (hide spoiler)]
Closure: That had ok closure with what I would call a HFN ending (view spoiler)[ they get engaged (hide spoiler)]. I would've liked a farther jump ahead epilogue to see their HEA tbh.
How I got it: I got it on loan through my public library.
Safety: This one should be Safe for most safety gang readers (view spoiler)[ - Does Not have cheating - Does Not have a descriptive sex scene with OW/OM - Does have the h pushing the H away - Does Not have a separation between the h and H - Does have abuse (See trigger spoiler) - Does Not have OTT sad parts - Does Not have a HEA ending (hide spoiler)]...more
Overall Opinion: This was bordering on erotica (which is ok), but I don't think it was meant to...? There was a major attempt at an interest 2.5 Stars
Overall Opinion: This was bordering on erotica (which is ok), but I don't think it was meant to...? There was a major attempt at an interesting story that fell flat for me. The sex was hot though, and at some points of the story it seemed constant. An ok read if you want something not too deep and hot.
Storyline: This is Mo and Danny's story. Mo is best friends with Danny's twin sister, Rachel, and she's always had more than friendly feelings for Danny. Danny is stopped from acting out on his feelings for Mo by his father (that is a tv pastor) because she is living with his family (her Mom died and her dad is MIA), and his father feels like it will be frowned upon if Danny and Mo were to be in a relationship. To deal with his frustrations of wanting Mo but not being able to have her, he turns into a manwhore. The story begins when Rachel and her parents leave the country for mission work and leave Danny and Mo behind. They finally act on their attraction, and even though Mo is hesitant because of Danny's manwhore ways -- they fall for each other. Some other drama with the family, a creeper being revealed, the police, and a big change in their relationship...but they eventually find their HEA.
POV: This alternated between Mo and Danny's POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Good. It was a quick read that didn't feel slow, but did have some instalove going on that might've been because we experience their relationship after they have developed feelings for each other.
H rating: 3 stars. Danny. He was just ok...didn't like that he was the stereotypical manwhore for a while but "still cared about Mo".
h rating: 3 stars. Mo. She was kind of boring if I'm being honest...just ok.
Closure: There was some closure and I feel like I can say it was a "HEA" ending.(view spoiler)[ They get married and are pregnant. (hide spoiler)]...more
Overall Opinion: This was kind of meh for me. It was enjoyable -- don't get me wrong, but it was forgettable too. Not going down as one of my 3 Stars
Overall Opinion: This was kind of meh for me. It was enjoyable -- don't get me wrong, but it was forgettable too. Not going down as one of my favorites for sure. A solid 3 "just ok" stars.
Storyline: This is Gracie and Jake's story. Gracie and Jake meet when meeting the lawyer of Gracie's brother-in-law and Jake's father that had died. He left a weird custody arrangement for his 2 twin daughters (6yr olds -- I think?), where both Gracie and Jake are required to live on his farm property to care for the girls for 3 months, and if they are not there every night (except for pre-approved absences by the lawyer) they will forfeit their right to custody and the substantial inheritance. But Gracie and Jake know each other already but in different context. Gracie writes a blog for women football fans and Jake is a professional player, and they had just recently had a very public disagreement about a play online. This as well as the custody arrangement (and the fact that Jake didn't know he had half-sisters) cause some issues between the couple. They both are wildly attracted to each other (Gracie has been pining for Jake since first following his career), and eventually start a friendship that turns into more. There are some steamy times, "a big secret" reveal, some cute family moments, and eventually they find their HFN.
POV: This was in third person narrative...not my favorite.
Overall Pace of Story: Ok. Some slow points and a little bit of instalove going on (view spoiler)[ Gracie claims that she probably loved him before they even formally met (hide spoiler)]
H rating: 3 stars. Jake. He was ok. I didn't like how he spoke when he lost his temper -- he was really hurtful at times.
h rating: 3 stars. Gracie. She was ok. Her "big secret" should have been revealed sooner to prevent further drama.
Sadness level: Low. No tissues necessary.
Heat level: Low-Moderate. They do have some steamy times, but not many.
Closure: Ok closure to give it a HFN ending, but it was kind of abrupt. I would have liked to have a jump ahead epilogue (as I always do) to give us that HEA. (view spoiler)[They don't even express their love for each other until he proposes and then we get "the end" and that's it. (hide spoiler)]...more
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