I enjoyed the forced proximity situation and the protective cinnamon roll that is Travis, but the overall execution and pacing did not hit the spot foI enjoyed the forced proximity situation and the protective cinnamon roll that is Travis, but the overall execution and pacing did not hit the spot for me.
Niloo and Travis as characters, individually and as a couple, were darling. I liked them both, could see where each were coming from and why they reacted the way they did during the small conflicts that pop up during their time together. The relationship and romance in this felt quite realistic, if just a bit sped up. I adore how head-over-heels Travis in love he was, but the logical side of my brain was on edge considering all the dangers that could happen when the head of security was indisposed.
This could be a perfect low angst, charming read for some, but I wish the tension before the couple got together was drawn out a bit more and that the couple learned to be open and communicate effectively with one another.
Overall, this was a pleasant read.
Thank you Netgalley and Entangled Publishing for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Merged review:
I enjoyed the forced proximity situation and the protective cinnamon roll that is Travis, but the overall execution and pacing did not hit the spot for me.
Niloo and Travis as characters, individually and as a couple, were darling. I liked them both, could see where each were coming from and why they reacted the way they did during the small conflicts that pop up during their time together. The relationship and romance in this felt quite realistic, if just a bit sped up. I adore how head-over-heels Travis in love he was, but the logical side of my brain was on edge considering all the dangers that could happen when the head of security was indisposed.
This could be a perfect low angst, charming read for some, but I wish the tension before the couple got together was drawn out a bit more and that the couple learned to be open and communicate effectively with one another.
Overall, this was a pleasant read.
Thank you Netgalley and Entangled Publishing for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. ...more
Imagine you had a jar of trail mix and each time you reached into the jar to get something to eat, you end up picking up chocolate chips. Every. SinglImagine you had a jar of trail mix and each time you reached into the jar to get something to eat, you end up picking up chocolate chips. Every. Single. Time. At first you're like, oh cool, I love chocolate chips. But after the second or third handful, it's too much, too decadent, and what felt like a blessing ends up feeling not so great.
That's how this book felt.
Don't get me wrong, I absolutely enjoyed the majority of this book, you get all the beloved fluff of a romance. The set up is a tried and true one, the meetcute/instalove is great if you're in the mood for it, both characters have a solid friend group/support system, and the mmc is into control and praising the fmc in the bedroom...lots of praising. *heart eyes*
But while the book is very forthcoming on those fronts, I found it lacking some conflict that would've taken this from hallmark movie to a well rounded romance. I hoped for a "look at how much better I'm doing without you" scene for Felicity with her ex, or a development in Felicity's confidence as an individual, or more overall angst to really drive this story home. Also, I felt that the resolution happened way too quickly and the ending was very abrupt and came out of nowhere.
Overall, if you're just looking for a low angst romance with some spice, I highly recommend this book! It's *surprisingly* my first firefighter romance, and I'm really interested in reading more. This is also my first book by this author, and while I can tell she gives a brief update on other characters from her other books, I appreciate that you could actually read this book as a standalone!
Thank you Netgalley and Tara Wyatt for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Merged review:
Imagine you had a jar of trail mix and each time you reached into the jar to get something to eat, you end up picking up chocolate chips. Every. Single. Time. At first you're like, oh cool, I love chocolate chips. But after the second or third handful, it's too much, too decadent, and what felt like a blessing ends up feeling not so great.
That's how this book felt.
Don't get me wrong, I absolutely enjoyed the majority of this book, you get all the beloved fluff of a romance. The set up is a tried and true one, the meetcute/instalove is great if you're in the mood for it, both characters have a solid friend group/support system, and the mmc is into control and praising the fmc in the bedroom...lots of praising. *heart eyes*
But while the book is very forthcoming on those fronts, I found it lacking some conflict that would've taken this from hallmark movie to a well rounded romance. I hoped for a "look at how much better I'm doing without you" scene for Felicity with her ex, or a development in Felicity's confidence as an individual, or more overall angst to really drive this story home. Also, I felt that the resolution happened way too quickly and the ending was very abrupt and came out of nowhere.
Overall, if you're just looking for a low angst romance with some spice, I highly recommend this book! It's *surprisingly* my first firefighter romance, and I'm really interested in reading more. This is also my first book by this author, and while I can tell she gives a brief update on other characters from her other books, I appreciate that you could actually read this book as a standalone!
Thank you Netgalley and Tara Wyatt for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review....more
Remember how men on the internet were losing their shit over women saying they'd rather run into a Bear than a Man?
Well, it inspired Kitty Thomas to Remember how men on the internet were losing their shit over women saying they'd rather run into a Bear than a Man?
Well, it inspired Kitty Thomas to write about a Bear Shifter, and it was a delight.
This was dual POV and a pretty quick read! Surprisingly also mildly slow burn, and it takes you on a little bit of a roller coaster as you go along. The writing has personality for sure. Rosalie, FMC, is a human who is bit blasé, but definitely skeptical over the paranormal. Cooper is a growly, pun intended, shifter, hellbent on securing and protecting his mate.
I'm a sucker for shifter romances as it is. Add in some fated mates, light stalking, and an abduction? Yeah, I'm game.
My only small critiques are about the pacing and the writing/world building, but I was entertained and that is all I ask for. ...more
SHE'S DONE IT AGAIN, FOLKS. Jennifer Hartmann ripped my heart out, stomped on it, and then put it all back together again.
I cried SO many times readiSHE'S DONE IT AGAIN, FOLKS. Jennifer Hartmann ripped my heart out, stomped on it, and then put it all back together again.
I cried SO many times reading this and could not put it down!
Ella and Max were childhood best friends, the promise to marry each other when they're older kind of best friends. But then Ella ends up moving away for a nearly a decade before moving back. The thing is, her brother's in prison and on death row and she's essentially a pariah in her town. Despite the bleak circumstances and their estrangement, Max and Ella soon rekindle their friendship before it blossoms to something more.
While I know young adults can go through some major shit, this did NOT feel like a young adult novel whatsoever outside of the main characters' ages. The book opens up to a double homicide for goodness sakes. And the rough topics don't stop there.
This deals with grief, how desperate people can get and the things they do when they're there. It's full of teenage angst and tragedy with twists and turns to make your heart clench. But there's also healing and the heartwarming story of love that prevails.
There's so many beautiful moments, lines, and sentiments in this. I genuinely cannot wait to get a physical copy of this book to mark up with the bits that stood out to me.
I think if you're familiar with the brand of writing Jennifer Hartmann subscribes to and you're looking for some pain with some tender moments, you'd love this. If you're looking for a quick, summer read, this would not be for you. ...more
So here's the thing: I WANT to love every single omegaverse story I pick up. It's my favorite genre of romance!happy pub day to Candy and her Alphas!
So here's the thing: I WANT to love every single omegaverse story I pick up. It's my favorite genre of romance! There is no joy in my life if not for these OVs.
Unfortunately, this book takes things in a direction that I cannot reconcile with.
PROS: -Candy is so sex positive, sensual, and vocal about her wants and desires. She's sexy, feels sexy, and isn't afraid to flaunt it. That confidence and positivity is amazing and I would love to emulate just a fraction of her energy. -The Alphas are that classic growly, possessive, will make the best decision for the overall pack instead of upholding one member over the others. -Bodyguard Alphas and their scent matched Principal! -These characters are in a shitty situation and make the best of what cards they've been dealt.
CONS: -While I understand their circumstances, it took me out of the story and I struggled to root for the main characters. (view spoiler)[So Candy signs a 10 year long contract binding her as a sex worker for this bossmanperson. But during her training, she meets her scent matches! Well they're all shit out of luck because SHE SIGNED A BINDING CONTRACT. Despite this pull to her Alphas, she spends each day fucking the highest bidder of the night. And her Alpha bodyguards are forced to stand outside her door and guard and hear and smell the whole thing go down and it fucking sucks. (hide spoiler)] I get it. This adds angst, conflict (external and internal), and what not, but having scent matched people do other people doesn't fly in my head. -This is a smut heavy book. Lovers of smut, this is for you! However, while some bits of this book are exceptionally hot, I do think they go on for a smidge too long. -Pacing was also more drawn out than I would've liked.
So overall, this was entertaining but I can't say I wholeheartedly enjoyed it. There's a lot of intrigue crafted surrounding bigbossman and I want to know his deal so bad. Perhaps his story will be touched on in the future!
My heart is full, my cheeks are tearstained, and my panties are ruined.
This was the easiest five stars I've given in a while.
Lovers of a spicy, smutMy heart is full, my cheeks are tearstained, and my panties are ruined.
This was the easiest five stars I've given in a while.
Lovers of a spicy, smutty omegaverse with character and relationship development, look no further, your next read is here!
The Heat of Us opens with our FMC, Hazel, creating content for her OmegaFans account with a fellow creator of a similar platform. Things are immediately, right off the bat, hot and heavy. I was (s)creaming through the first five chapters alone.
Then the cast of characters slowly expand. We're introduced to two additional men and get glimpses of their struggles but also how each and every person in this destined pack fits with one another.
There are moments of despair, moments of support, and moments of triumph. I thoroughly loved this story and these four characters with my heart and soul. I saw bits and pieces of myself in each of them, I was rooting for them so hard, and I'm so freaking happy to have read this.
Eliana Lee has woven yet another banger of a book. Her stories feel personal and I LOVE seeing this Asian representation in one of my all-time favorite genres. The Heat of Us is releasing May 31 and I IMPLORE you to pick it up! ...more
My god, this was phenomenal. Jennifer Hartmann is so masterful in the way she can weave a love story and transport readers to a new time and space. I My god, this was phenomenal. Jennifer Hartmann is so masterful in the way she can weave a love story and transport readers to a new time and space. I felt fully immersed in this 90s, I felt the angst alongside the characters, and I adored this with my whole heart.
The angst and taboo is STRONG with this one! Starting off with the age gap: she's 17 and he's 34 in the beginning. (Yes, she initially lies about her age, saying she's older, so he's not actively pursuing a 17 year old. [If it helps, the age of consent where they are is 17 as well. Just throwing this out there.])
Then add in who Reed is in her life. (view spoiler)[(Her BEST FRIEND'S DAD! Her FOSTER PARENT'S BABY DADDY. I'M YELLING) (hide spoiler)] I was kicking and screaming (in delight) over the conundrum the characters found themselves in.
There's heartache, pining and yearning, trauma, healing, and just so much emotion. I felt like I ran an emotional marathon and went through all the feels.
I do feel like while I was rooting for the main couple, there was a certain je ne sais quoi I was itching for. They have this instant connection from the beginning and I would've loved if it ran a bit deeper. If you have two people in such different walks of life getting together, I want to see how and why they should be together much more thoroughly.
I still can't believe I haven't read JH's full backlist yet, but at this point I'm trying my best to savor her works because I don't know what I'll do with myself once I've read them all. ...more
Oh hello, I like this art style! It's very pretty.
Our main character, Blue, has this innocent optimistic view of her life that makes it easy to root Oh hello, I like this art style! It's very pretty.
Our main character, Blue, has this innocent optimistic view of her life that makes it easy to root for her.
The world building is still taking off but from what I'm seeing, this is interesting so far.
Story wise, I found it to be a liiiiittle disjointed, but still relatively easy to follow. I don't love the fact that volume one is only three chapters, I feel like that's not a fun place to leave off of, especially for a series opener, but I'll give this a couple more volumes to make a decision to continue or not. ...more
I thought the premise was quite sweet, characters quaint, and the art was gorgeous. I would've liked to see more devThis was such a cute, quick read!
I thought the premise was quite sweet, characters quaint, and the art was gorgeous. I would've liked to see more development in the friendship or a glimpse into their relationship in the future, but I still enjoyed it as it was! ...more
THE TABOO DELIGHT I HAVE BEEN ITCHING TO READ SINCE FINISHING PUPPETEER.
The excitement I had going into this was unmatched. If you're itching for a hTHE TABOO DELIGHT I HAVE BEEN ITCHING TO READ SINCE FINISHING PUPPETEER.
The excitement I had going into this was unmatched. If you're itching for a high heat taboo, age gap, smutty romance with brutal, aggressive, and kinky smut, this is for you!
This full length novel takes place immediately after the novella (Puppeteer) with some exposition.
Zelda and Luca's relationship is admittedly toxic and messy but it's the train wreck you love to experience. The romantic and platonic relationships are expanded on, the stakes are raised, and the chemistry is off the charts. I would've loved a smidge more emotional depth but as is, it was wholly entertaining.
FYI: I would take a look at the author's content warnings before reading! Also pick up the novella beforehand hehe. ...more
There's just something about a sports omegaverse that brings joy to my cold, dead heart.
Add in a little bid of a forbidden flair, a bit of a rivalry,There's just something about a sports omegaverse that brings joy to my cold, dead heart.
Add in a little bid of a forbidden flair, a bit of a rivalry, and some mishaps and we're on the right track.
Main Characters round up: Sloane - LOVES being an omega and goes after what she wants. She's the coach's daughter and social media handler and is to be OFF LIMITS. But that doesn't stop her from pursuing the defenseman she's had her eye on for ages. And then the guys (from my fave to least fave): Ethan - I've said it before and I'll say it again, I love the Betas Sarah Blue writes. This one is the team mascot, has a shitty past but a heart of gold and a menace to everyone. He's the omega whisperer and the best. Max - Something about a sad playboy reformed makes me warm inside. I adore him, his insecurities, and the way he wants to belong SO bad. Bram - I am conflicted. Sure, he's a noble man, but I WANTED TO SHAKE HIM SO BAD. The way he refused to admit or work through his hangups was annoying. Sure it was in line with his character and pride, but doesn't make it less frustrating.
Storywise, I think the writing could've been more refined and that this was a touch more shallow than I would've liked. I personally would've liked more character depth, relationship development, and so on and so forth. It felt like the auxiliary plots were just floating in the background. I recall confusion as to who was who in the Applegate pack proper, the social media tasks were thrown to the wayside, what did Ethan end up doing at home outside of being a kept Beta? Family dynamics for the Alphas. Outside of Dave, and that Sloane had a pack family, I felt unfulfilled.
Smut wise, don't shoot me, but I think starting off hot and heavy so early didn't help the whole ~forbidden~ storyline. I think there were three scenes before the 30% mark and while that's on brand for OV, I would've enjoyed more tension. Things didn't really pick up for me regarding spice until the locker room scene and then ETHAN AND HAS HANDS. SHOOKETH.
Also I WANT MORE BRAM/MAX SCENES LOL. How did their sexual relationship evolve? Was there ever any bottoming? Curious minds like to know.
Overall, I was entertained but this does not beat out Don't Puck With My Heart. ...more
Oooo, I liked this one more than the first book. Is it because I'm already familiar with the characters or because there's a touch more depth and plotOooo, I liked this one more than the first book. Is it because I'm already familiar with the characters or because there's a touch more depth and plot? Undecided, but I had a great time.
This picks right up from book one. We're finally introduced to Ransom and what a delight this alpha is. There's some major conflicts unfolding here between Shatter and her scent matches and huge reveals that really up the ante.
The plot has come together in the second half as well! I found the vague allusions from book one to be a bit grating, but now that secrets are out, emotions and reactions are quite clear cut and I appreciate it.
And of course, the relationship development and spice! Excellent, decadent, and a little wild.
I can't wait for the last book to come out!...more
Omg what did I just read?! This was quick and brutally dirty and kinky! I'm screaming.
Puppeteer is a halloween novella following Zelda's time in a seOmg what did I just read?! This was quick and brutally dirty and kinky! I'm screaming.
Puppeteer is a halloween novella following Zelda's time in a sex club slash haunted house and there's: mask kink, dub con, blood play, bondage, throat/face fucking, pierced dick and a pierced clit, fisting and then some.
Did I mention it's also taboo age gap between FMC and HER FATHER'S BEST FRIEND. So much jam packed into a small package.
The beginning to middle was a bang fest and the end left me wanting more. I need to know what happens next!
If you're looking for some hot and spicy halloween themed erotica and you're vibing with the content warning, this is for you!
**NOTE: MMC is married with children with a woman that's not the FMC
I received a copy of this novella from the author, however all thoughts are my own...more
The Bachelor but make it a YA friends-to-lovers story.
There's some charm and humor sprinkled in, I found Liam and Sloane's friendship to be darling, The Bachelor but make it a YA friends-to-lovers story.
There's some charm and humor sprinkled in, I found Liam and Sloane's friendship to be darling, but this unfortunately missed the mark for me.
In my opinion, the dating show set up just doesn't work in the young-adult realm. You watch The Bachelor for the scandalous drama, but you can't really replicate that with a younger cast of characters. And the supposed stakes everyone felt? To fall in love with the 17 year old Bachelor? Flimsy at best.
Other than that, there were some lines that made me laugh out loud, and I was sufficiently entertained. I think it'd be a fun read for the target audience, but it's not for me. ...more
Nope, Sarah Blue is just making my dreams come true, one smutty reverse harem story at a time.
FollowingHello, mafia meets omegaverse? Am I dreaming?
Nope, Sarah Blue is just making my dreams come true, one smutty reverse harem story at a time.
Following the death of her mafia boss father, Elena overhears her brother's plan to sell her off to another pack. Terrified of being forced into a pack and having no say, she runs off to a Vegas club where omegas are the talent and rich alphas and betas are the paying clientele. There, she meets a delicious smelling alpha and her world is turned upside down.
This was a quick paced, smut forward story, with a dash of external conflict to the plot. I do wish some scenes were more explosive (I'm looking at you, first time banging with each pack member) and the overall book is more shallow than I would've liked, but still a fun time! There's a couple laugh out loud moments and some truly steamy scenes. It's an uncomplicated, easy delightful read for sure!
The way I read this in less than a day? I was HOOKED.
Rockstar meets omegaverse why choose meets slowburn goodness. Add in childhood friends to loversThe way I read this in less than a day? I was HOOKED.
Rockstar meets omegaverse why choose meets slowburn goodness. Add in childhood friends to lovers, second chance, and some possessive men? Ugh, fantastic.
Basically, FMC is a foster kid, grew up with three guys she ends up loving. They age out before her, leave to LA to pursue music, and promise to come back for her after she ages out. Two years go by. Radio silence. FMC runs away her 18th birthday, heart broken, and finds herself working at High Roller. She only has one client, a hunky alpha who's starting to get attached to her, but one day, the three alphas of her past are at her workplace. In comes a kidnapping and revealed relationships and shenanigans.
This was so freaking entertaining. I don't know what the author put in this but I couldn't put it down. There's MM/MMM action, two of the four guys are ACTUALLY HALF BROTHERS, and by the end they scheme with each other and it's great, and I genuinely enjoyed it so much.
My main gripe is the third act conflict and how there was just a touch too much yelling, but everything else was super fun. Would definitely recommend this one for a good time! ...more
Annika was the most intriguing FMC for me after seeing glimpses of her in the other books in the High Roller Omegas series, and I must say, she did noAnnika was the most intriguing FMC for me after seeing glimpses of her in the other books in the High Roller Omegas series, and I must say, she did not disappoint.
Smart, sensual, observant, and very deadly, Annika's story was a delight to read! She's an omega on the run, hiding out in the High Roller, until her special skillset put her on the radar of some questionable but very delectable Alphas.
Swoony? They definitely are. We have a nutty killer himbo, an older hunky man, a very wealthy but softer alpha, and FMC's former bodyguard. All archetypes I adore. (Though I am sadly disappointed in the lack of Daddy play with Ward, but I understand there's a time and place and this time is unfortunately not it haha).
This was fast burn with a splash of action, and just a ton of spice. Definitely would recommend! ...more
I am ravenous for the broken, unstable, and traumatized characters Marie Mackay crafts for her omegaverses. They're unconventional, unhinged, and justI am ravenous for the broken, unstable, and traumatized characters Marie Mackay crafts for her omegaverses. They're unconventional, unhinged, and just so interesting to read about.
This is the first installment of a three part series and I am desperate for the next one.
Shatter is a peculiar goldpack omega who enrolls in an academy in order to meet her scent matched pack. But before she can introduce herself, she catches the eye of Dusk Varis and inadvertently gets blackmailed by him to be his pack's omega.
Dusk and his packmates, Umbra and Ransom, are utterly taken with her. I loved how possessive they were in private and in public. Whereas Shatter is frustratingly yet rightfully stubborn in her situation. Prepare yourself for scenes of dub con, non con, body betrayal, self harm, and to be so freaking exasperated that you begin to feel stir crazy. I just wanted to shake Shatter but also continue reading haha.
I have a theory on what the characters' secrets and histories will be! I do think the way the backstories are hinted at isn't as polished as it could be, but the intrigue is successfully planted.
Overall, I think this was solid and I can't wait to continue with the next installments.
Rating 3.5 rounded up to 4 stars.
I received an arc of this book, however all thoughts are my own...more
Reading this felt like starting a tv show mid-season. You dive into the deep end while trying your best to understand what the heck is going on while Reading this felt like starting a tv show mid-season. You dive into the deep end while trying your best to understand what the heck is going on while staying afloat.
After the brief moment of shock and you acclimate though? A thread of uncertainty remained but I was hooked on the story.
I found this to be a fast paced sci-fi alien romance with high stakes, cut throat characters, nice banter, and a splash of spice.
I would've loved it more if there was more world building and time spent showing why Inez and Rylec love each other. But as it is? Honestly pretty solid. I'm intrigued by the story and I'd be interested in continuing this series!
I received an arc of this book however all thoughts are my own...more