This was a book that started out strong but it lost its momentum a bit for me in the middle. Attorney , Layla (28ish) and Gray (3 Gray and Layla Stars
This was a book that started out strong but it lost its momentum a bit for me in the middle. Attorney , Layla (28ish) and Gray (31) met when he was in prison for a crime he never committed. They connect but then Layla discovers something about Gray and walks away. Just over a year later , they meet on the outside. Initial hostility on Layla's part soon turns to being drawn back to the charismatic Gray. He is head over heels for her and has been from the start.
There is a fair bit of push and pull. Their chemistry is off the charts and , as always, this author brings the heat to the pages. Interesting secondary characters. Nice epilogue which finished things up nicely.
I listened to the audiobook , narrated (5 stars for narration) by Sebastian York and Andi Arndt.
HEA? Yes Cheating ? No (view spoiler)[ Surprise child / secondary adult character with cancer on page (hide spoiler)]
I usually get swept up in Ms Perry’s books from the start but I struggled to get into this one. I shelved it and came back to it 3 Indya & West Stars
I usually get swept up in Ms Perry’s books from the start but I struggled to get into this one. I shelved it and came back to it (I was in the middle of a book slump) and listened to it mainly, which worked well.
West Haven first met Indya Keller when she was 8 and he was 10. He lived on the ranch / resort where the Keller family spent a week or two most Summers. West is made to play with her but resentment soon turns to friendship and as the years pass , it turns to more.
If ever there was a couple where the timing for them was awful , it’s Indy and West. This story covers lots of things and it does set up the series well. I liked all the characters and the use of flashbacks to their childhood was well done.
There is a main theme of a parent with cancer so if that is a difficult topic for you , be aware that it’s a big part of this novel.
I felt there was quite a lot of inner monologue which affected my rating. Ultimately I did enjoy it but I probably would not re read this book.
Childhood friends to adult lovers / small town / rich heroine / Summer romance/ hot cowboy themes.
HEA? Yes. Cheating? No. Both have serious relationships with others during their separation but these two are absolute soul mates....more
I thoroughly enjoyed this second book in the Before Series which picks up where Before We Fall ends but features Miles and Emma.5 Miles and Emma Stars
I thoroughly enjoyed this second book in the Before Series which picks up where Before We Fall ends but features Miles and Emma. We met both of them in the first book, Emma is Miranda's best friend and Godmother to her little boy, Kingston. Miles is Tucker's foster brother and a fellow cop.
Both books have been so good and I cannot wait for Dayton's novel. In this one, Emma and Miles are both a little cautious to get into a relationship , Emma more so. She has recently come out of a three year relationship which ended because they did not want the same things. Miles is a single dad to 7 year old Winter who is a gorgeous little character that brought comedy and lightness to a story with some heavier themes running through it. Emma is a very likeable heroine although I wasn't sure about the complete meltdown she has about their relationship , briefly. I don't know that it fitted very well but it was over pretty quick so it wasn't that big a deal. Miles is a great Hero. He felt more intense than Tucker , his brother and it worked well for him. The slight drama with his ex , Winter's Mum Hazel, was good to read and felt realistic.
This is a great series and I am very invested. There is a serious and dark criminal theme running in the background to the romance which tempers things out.
HEA? Yes. Cheating? No Be aware - Murder / loss of a parent / domestic abuse are themes. Available on KU so I borrowed it but then bought it because I enjoyed it so much. Audio coming out in July 24. ...more
I don't know quite why I am so late to the party with this book. It released in July 2023 and Aurora Rose Reynolds is in my5 Tucker and Miranda Stars
I don't know quite why I am so late to the party with this book. It released in July 2023 and Aurora Rose Reynolds is in my top 5 favourite romance authors with Until November being one (possibly the top) of my go to re read books. Anyway , I have now read Before We Fall and I love it.
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The book opens with our heroine , Miranda (early/mid twenties) , discovering that her husband is having an affair. That immediately caught my interest.
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I do love a book that grabs me from the start and I needed a novel to do that. I was not in the mood for easing gently into something and Ms Reynolds delivered. Miranda is a lovely heroine. She and her Police Officer cheating husband Bowie, have a little boy called Kingston (3), who is adorable. There were moments when I wanted her to get a bit more angry at Bowie - I'm not sure I could have been as cool as Miranda was but it fitted with her character , she is quite reserved and her devastation at Bowie's betrayal was quiet fury rather than a screaming rage.
Naomie , the woman who Bowie cheats with is also married to a Police Officer - Detective Tucker Beckett. Tucker and Miranda meet at the point where both have learnt of the affair and are on the brink of ending things - maybe that is the ultimate slap in the face to both their cheating partners. It was pretty satisfying to read.
This is the first in a new series and Tucker is one of four foster brothers the others being Clay , Miles and Dayton. If you have read the Until Him /Her series , you will have met Clay already as the Hero in Until Willow. Miles's book is the second in the Before Series (Before This Ends. Dayton is going to be getting his own story too. Aurora Rose Reynolds is really good at creating secondary characters that bring a huge amount to the story. The four brothers have an unbreakable bond and although they share many traits they are quite different too. Tucker Beckett is solid, loyal and tough. He's definitely a book Hero that stays in your head and heart. He develops a really good rapport with Kingston which is sweet to read.
There is a backdrop of crime going on - Beckett is a Detective after all (actually he's more than that but all will become clear). That was interesting and sad to read. I enjoyed the suspense of that running parallel to the evolving love story.
I borrowed this on KU but I loved it so much I bought the ebook. I also listened on audiobook - excellent narration by Sorcha Shilling and Ryan Stone. Listening time 7hr 50m.
HEA? Yes Cheating? Not between Miranda and Tucker. They are solid. Be aware - Violent crime / rape are discussed as per the Police investigation.
Good songs for this book are: 'This Kiss' by Faith Hill (Tucker and Miranda) 'Have I Told You Lately That I Love You' (Tucker and Miranda) 'My Boy' by Elvie Shane (Tucker and Kingston). 'Keep On Talking' by Texas (Bowie and Naomie) 'Either Way' by Chris Stapleton (Tucker and Naomie) 'We Don't Fight Anymore' by Carly Pearce and Chris Stapleton (Bowie and Miranda) ...more
He trailed his lips down my neck to my chest. “You’re this explosion of light in a world that’s mostly gray. I’ve never 4.5 Hadley and Calder Stars
He trailed his lips down my neck to my chest. “You’re this explosion of light in a world that’s mostly gray. I’ve never seen anything like it.”
[image] This is the second book in the Tattered and Torn Series and follows on from Tattered Stars which was the story of Everly and Hayes. Hayes is one of Hadley's older brother's and he is also Calder's best friend.
Hadley (24) is the youngest of the Easton siblings. The family experienced trauma when the siblings were young because their sister , Shiloh, was abducted and held for days by Everly's father. The impact on Hadley was that she was hugely over protected by her mother. As she gets older she tries to break free and secretly takes up bike / board stunts and similar adrenaline rich sports. She also works as an EMT which brings it's own challenges and dangers.
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For as long as she can remember , Hadley has adored Calder Cruz. His first marriage crashed , literally , and left him as the single dad to twins , Birdie and Sage (9).
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The twins are very well written and bring a lot of lightness and fun to the story which has a dark underbelly to it.
Calder (30) is the kind of Hero that makes your heart skip a beat, swoon a little and causes your ovaries to pulsate. He's a lieutenant in the Fire Service which means he and Hadley often work together. He has always held his feelings for her back until a chain of events makes him realise how much she means to him.
This is a well paced story and I adore the characters. I feel very invested in the series. If you are a fan of Devney Perry / small town romances , then this is very much of that type of contemporary romance.
Why not 5 stars? There was a little too much drama for my personal preference but I still enjoyed it hugely.
I read the ebook and listened to the audiobook. Excellent narration by Joe Arden and Vanessa Edwin.
HEA? More HFN but still gorgeous and I cannot wait to move on to Book 3 Hidden Waters.
Cheating? No. These two are solid. Calder married his first wife after a one night stand resulted in an unplanned pregnancy. He never loved her.
I first read this book back in 2014 ,pre GR review days , and at that time it was a 5 star read for me. I still really enjoyed g4 Lark and Azure Stars
I first read this book back in 2014 ,pre GR review days , and at that time it was a 5 star read for me. I still really enjoyed going back to the characters and the world they are in but my tastes have changed a little so it was a 4 star this time.
We met Lark and Azurdee in Cherished and their book kicks off a new series but there are still cameo appearances by characters from the Wanted Series.
This is very much a similar pattern of insta love , someone keeping something a secret , couple break up and danger or drama ensues before a passionate reunion.
An enjoyable re read for sure.
HEA? Yes Cheating? Azurdee nearly has sex with someone after Lark splits up with her but they don't go further than some touching....more
I think these novels are my 'absolutely escape reality' series. I read them years ago and have been re reading via audible and ebo4 Ari and Jeff Stars
I think these novels are my 'absolutely escape reality' series. I read them years ago and have been re reading via audible and ebook.
The world is all a bit crazy , sad and unpredictable just now , so jumping back to a book world where you get swept up in the dramas that are all resolved with a happy ever after seems like a good idea.
The books remind me of crazy over the top soap operas....oh the drama....
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This is a quick synopsis but the basis of all the books are the same:
-Girl falls in love with cowboy / rancher / horse breeder/ carpenter (who are all wealthy but grounded) and the guy reciprocates all the feelings.
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- Some pesky hussy with legs for days and amazing boobs tries to lure said boy away.
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-There is usually a previous connection or one night stand with said hussy, then something majorly dramatic happens and our heroine leaves in something of a snit.
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-The Hero is bereft, gets off his face drunk and contemplates possibly bonking another woman to fix his broken heart ...
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-The hussy rocks up , seizing her chance and tantalising the Hero with her magical boobs/ legs/ hair...
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- The Hero nearly folds...
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But love prevails. The OW is sent packing. The crisis is averted and there is a reunion involving great passion and lurve.
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Nearly every heroine gets pregnant , delivers a baby and is demanding bedroom antics from her man within hours of childbirth. All the characters are giving 'weak smiles' , 'weak grins', licking their lips , biting their lips , the Hero is pulling the heroines lip out from her biting it. And don't get me started on the winking. Dear Lord the winking. Everyone winks. Sometimes multiple characters on the page are winking.
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I don't care though - I still love all the drama and angst.
The books need to be read in order really to follow the flow of the characters journeys.
Book 1 Wanted Gunner & Ellie (But Jeff & Ari's story starts here)
Book 2 Saved Jeff & Ari (But Josh & Heather's story starts here)
Book 3 Faithful Josh & Heather (Brad & Amanda's story features too).
If you want some time out from reality , pick up this series. Hot guys, impossibly stunning girls, ranches , a country song list a mile long and winking. Lots of winking...
HEA? Yes , everyone eventually gets an HEA. Cheating ? In some books there may be some fraternising with other people hell bent on breaking up the happy couples. Nothing too terrible though. (view spoiler)[ Book 2 Jeff has a ONS whilst not with Ari and reportedly the OW gets preggers / Miscarriage features. Books 3 & 4 There is mild touching and snogging with another character/ Book 3 Brad has mild touching with another character and drug use is discussed. (hide spoiler)]...more
I think these novels are my 'absolutely escape reality' series. I read them years ago and have been re reading via audible an4 Scott and Jessie Stars
I think these novels are my 'absolutely escape reality' series. I read them years ago and have been re reading via audible and ebook.
The world is all a bit crazy , sad and unpredictable just now , so jumping back to a book world where you get swept up in the dramas that are all resolved with a happy ever after seems like a good idea.
The books remind me of crazy over the top soap operas....oh the drama....
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This is a quick synopsis but the basis of all the books are the same:
-Girl falls in love with cowboy / rancher / horse breeder/ carpenter (who are all wealthy but grounded) and the guy reciprocates all the feelings.
[image]
- Some pesky hussy with legs for days and amazing boobs tries to lure said boy away.
[image]
-There is usually a previous connection or one night stand with said hussy, then something majorly dramatic happens and our heroine leaves in something of a snit.
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-The Hero is bereft, gets off his face drunk and contemplates possibly bonking another woman to fix his broken heart ...
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-The hussy rocks up , seizing her chance and tantalising the Hero with her magical boobs/ legs/ hair...
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- The Hero nearly folds...
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But love prevails. The OW is sent packing. The crisis is averted and there is a reunion involving great passion and lurve.
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Nearly every heroine gets pregnant , delivers a baby and is demanding bedroom antics from her man within hours of childbirth. All the characters are giving 'weak smiles' , 'weak grins', licking their lips , biting their lips , the Hero is pulling the heroines lip out from her biting it. And don't get me started on the winking. Dear Lord the winking. Everyone winks. Sometimes multiple characters on the page are winking.
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I don't care though - I still love all the drama and angst.
The books need to be read in order really to follow the flow of the characters journeys.
Book 1 Wanted Gunner & Ellie (But Jeff & Ari's story starts here)
Book 2 Saved Jeff & Ari (But Josh & Heather's story starts here)
Book 3 Faithful Josh & Heather (Brad & Amanda's story features too).
If you want some time out from reality , pick up this series. Hot guys, impossibly stunning girls, ranches , a country song list a mile long and winking. Lots of winking...
HEA? Yes , everyone eventually gets an HEA. Cheating ? In some books there may be some fraternising with other people hell bent on breaking up the happy couples. Nothing too terrible though. (view spoiler)[ Book 2 Jeff has a ONS whilst not with Ari and reportedly the OW gets preggers / Miscarriage features. Books 3 & 4 There is mild touching and snogging with another character/ Book 3 Brad has mild touching with another character and drug use is discussed. (hide spoiler)]...more
I think these novels are my 'absolutely escape reality' series. I read them years ago and have been re reading via audible an4 Josh and Heather Stars
I think these novels are my 'absolutely escape reality' series. I read them years ago and have been re reading via audible and ebook.
The world is all a bit crazy , sad and unpredictable just now , so jumping back to a book world where you get swept up in the dramas that are all resolved with a happy ever after seems like a good idea.
The books remind me of crazy over the top soap operas....oh the drama....
[image]
This is a quick synopsis but the basis of all the books are the same:
-Girl falls in love with cowboy / rancher / horse breeder/ carpenter (who are all wealthy but grounded) and the guy reciprocates all the feelings.
[image]
- Some pesky hussy with legs for days and amazing boobs tries to lure said boy away.
[image]
-There is usually a previous connection or one night stand with said hussy, then something majorly dramatic happens and our heroine leaves in something of a snit.
[image]
-The Hero is bereft, gets off his face drunk and contemplates possibly bonking another woman to fix his broken heart ...
[image]
-The hussy rocks up , seizing her chance and tantalising the Hero with her magical boobs/ legs/ hair...
[image]
- The Hero nearly folds...
[image]
But love prevails. The OW is sent packing. The crisis is averted and there is a reunion involving great passion and lurve.
[image]
Nearly every heroine gets pregnant , delivers a baby and is demanding bedroom antics from her man within hours of childbirth. All the characters are giving 'weak smiles' , 'weak grins', licking their lips , biting their lips , the Hero is pulling the heroines lip out from her biting it. And don't get me started on the winking. Dear Lord the winking. Everyone winks. Sometimes multiple characters on the page are winking.
[image]
I don't care though - I still love all the drama and angst.
The books need to be read in order really to follow the flow of the characters journeys.
Book 1 Wanted Gunner & Ellie (But Jeff & Ari's story starts here)
Book 2 Saved Jeff & Ari (But Josh & Heather's story starts here)
Book 3 Faithful Josh & Heather (Brad & Amanda's story features too).
If you want some time out from reality , pick up this series. Hot guys, impossibly stunning girls, ranches , a country song list a mile long and winking. Lots of winking...
HEA? Yes , everyone eventually gets an HEA. Cheating ? In some books there may be some fraternising with other people hell bent on breaking up the happy couples. Nothing too terrible though. (view spoiler)[ Book 2 Jeff has a ONS whilst not with Ari and reportedly the OW gets preggers / Miscarriage features. Books 3 & 4 There is mild touching and snogging with another character/ Book 3 Brad has mild touching with another character and drug use is discussed. (hide spoiler)]...more
It's been a while since a book has had me in its grip, but once I started 'Rally' , I couldn't put it down.
I read the twBeyond 5 Rush and Faye Stars
It's been a while since a book has had me in its grip, but once I started 'Rally' , I couldn't put it down.
I read the two previous books in the series, Coach and Blitz and enjoyed them but they didn't hold me captive like this one did.
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We meet Rush(21) and Faye (20) in the other two books (more in Coach) so we already know from that, and from the blurb , that this is an unexpected pregnancy , sports romance. I don't enjoy College age characters as much these days , probably because College age is very firmly behind me in the distance! However, Rush Ramsey and Faye Gannon stole my heart.
This is not all sweet , romantic , heady falling in love stuff , although it has its romantic moments. It is the heart stopping realisation that you are having a baby that is not planned and is happening at a time when you are , arguably , least prepared and least ready to bring someone new into the world. I loved that their story is a bit gnarly in places. Neither one is perfect - although Rush nearly is! *swoon*.
It made a change for the heroine to meet the hero's best friend and they clash and dislike each other on first sight. Interesting also , Rush hasn't always made the best decisions regarding women and I felt it changed the dynamic of his friendship with his best friend.
Both Rush and Faye are students at Treasure State. Rush is the golden boy - the promising Quarterback whose face adorns billboards. He's almost certain to get drafted to the NFL. Faye is literally living hand to mouth. She studies and works to support herself and her half sister , Gloria (fifteen and feisty). Everyone knows Rush. Except Faye. She's oblivious , not into football and too busy making ends meet.
The pace of the story was really good. The secondary characters bring more depth to the story and there are various sub plots running within the novel. There is passion , heartbreak , fun , sweet moments , drama and characters that you invest your heart in.
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Great sports romance. If you enjoyed The Goal by Elle Kennedy , then try Rally.
"Say it again." "I love you." Rush Ramsey , quarterback extraordinaire, Wildcat football hero , honors student and fixer of flat tires, loved me. Maybe I was lucky after all.
I listened and read this book. Superb narration by Jason Clarke and Vanessa Edwin . Listening time 9h 44m.
HEA? Yes - gorgeous and 6 years ahead. Cheating? No
BE AWARE (view spoiler)[ Cancer features in this book - two characters mothers have cancer. One dies in the book. One is terminally unwell. It makes for some heartbreaking scenes. It does not dominate the story but it's a strong theme in the second half. I think it is important to mention as some readers may find it hard to read. Also, Faye has not had an easy childhood and this is discussed. Trust me - this is not a depressing book - I just think it's good to have a heads up. (hide spoiler)]...more
Trust is a rare find. Hard to come by, easy to lose. So impossibly difficult to regain.
I could not put this 5 Isla and Cillian ( and Sadie ) Stars
Trust is a rare find. Hard to come by, easy to lose. So impossibly difficult to regain.
I could not put this book down. I borrowed it on KU but have since bought a copy to keep - I enjoyed it that much.
Lydia's Romance recommended it to me and as seems to be the case when she suggests I read something , I end up sleep deprived, coffee dependent and utterly captivated by the story and the characters.
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Thanks Lydia for all the fabulous recs.
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From the very first page I was hooked. This novel will not be for everyone, so if emotional and physical cheating is a hard pass for you then be warned it is in this book. If you love to hate the OW then this novel should satisfy that requirement beautifully. In short , this is a sports (ice hockey playing Hero), surprise / secret baby , five year separation romance where my angst loving self was very content with how it all unfolded.
Cillian and Isla are each others first everything and they see a great future together until he is on the brink of an amazing career in Ice Hockey and that means that at the age of 19 , he is signed up and moves state , away from Isla. Everything starts to implode and culminates in Isla's worst fears being very graphically confirmed.
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I was devastated alongside her!
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The break up is brutal and Isla blocks Cillian at every turn. They will not meet up for five years but what I really liked was that Isla eventually got on with her life in that she saw other people - she isn't celibate for their separation and in fact , even when Cillian comes back, before they are together again, she meets up with someone. This is off page. I liked Isla as a heroine because she is feisty and loyal and was no pushover. Her heartbreak runs deep and what happened truly broke her but she fought back for her and their beautiful little girl , Sadie, that Cillian knows nothing about...
I loved the reveal when Cillian finds out about Sadie and their subsequent relationship.
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The secondary characters in this novel bring a lot to it. From Willa who is Isla's sister (I would love to read her book) to Cillian's team mates. I sense there is much more to come.
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Cillian is likeable despite what he did and as the story unravels I felt sorry for him at times. He was not innocent but the story is not a black and white betrayal. Yes, he cheated but it is more complex than just that. There is a long path to healing for Isla and Cillian but it makes for great reading.
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I love the way this author writes. Her style, her character development and the way she weaves the story , works so well.
It's a risk , to write about a Hero (or heroine) who cheats. You will lose some readers from the very start , because what's romantic about cheating? Well, not much BUT it's all about the reflection, the healing and redemption of a character that you should hate. Why and how did it happen? It's feeling all those visceral reactions to the words that leap off the page and punch you in the heart which starts you on that rollercoaster of emotions. I was thinking about this book even when I wasn't reading it and couldn't wait to get back to it.
If you can bear some angst and cheating and you enjoy the sports/ second chance / surprise child tropes then I recommend this book. Even if you don't , it's good to push your comfort zones sometimes.
This unexpected pregnancy romance is the collision of two very different worlds add it's all set in the 80's , so brace y1.5 - 2 Marco and Diane Stars
This unexpected pregnancy romance is the collision of two very different worlds add it's all set in the 80's , so brace yourself for all the resplendent drama and Dynasty / Dallas references.
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Marco is the older (33ish) Italian Hero who has taken over the family empire. He lives in Monte Carlo but whilst on a business trip to the States, he meets the much younger (19) Diane and long story short , he sweeps her off her feet , marries her and takes her back to Monte Carlo. Marco is a very different character in Italy - he becomes distant and cool, rarely being there for Diane except for at night. These two communicate with their bodies. At first the chemistry was definitely there and made for good reading but then the whole tone of it changed. I think these were some of the least sexy scenes I have ever read. I don't want to hear about the physically messy side of sex - that's not romantic.
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Marco's family are mean. Diane is young and isolated. She got a bit irritating and at times she behaved like a petulant adolescent but then she is much younger than him. Marco's PA is a nasty bit of work and he is oblivious to her meddling. Lots of the book felt very dated and that impacted my enjoyment.
I have read another book by this author . Charge , which is a completely different era and setting but that didn't work out to well for me either so maybe her style just isn't for me. There is lots of love out there for her so I am definitely in the minority. This is just my opinion.
This was an enjoyable age gap , mafia romance but it's not a book I would re read. Nico is working his way up in the ranks of t3 Nico and Emilia Stars
This was an enjoyable age gap , mafia romance but it's not a book I would re read. Nico is working his way up in the ranks of the Mafia and Emilia's Dad , Maxwell , is the Consigliere to De Luca , the Boss and he sees great things in Nico's future. Maxwell realises his young daughter will need a Husband who understands the world she lives in and will be protective. Emilia is a teenager (14) at the start of the book. Nico is 26. At 16 her Father decides Nico will be the man to marry her and a contract is drawn up. Nico is initially somewhat weirded out by to all because she is so much younger so while she is growing up , he is off living his own life. The agreement is that they will not marry until she is 21. I enjoyed the Other Woman drama in the book - Katherine is a prize Bitch of the highest order. There was no way that woman was going quietly. Once Nico falls for Emilia , he falls hard and does everything he can to make her happy but external forces make this road to true love very bumpy.
There were a couple of things that didn't quite work for me. I felt the relationship when they were actually together never really gathered much depth. It felt like it was a bit rushed. Also there is a very graphically violent scene that I had to skip through. I don't mind reading a little bit of blood and gore but this scene actually made my tummy turn. Also, towards the end it did feel a bit too far fetched but that is just my opinion. Finally , I really wanted to know more about Nico's life before the Mafia.
I do enjoy this author's work and all the other books I have read by her have been 4 and 5 stars. I will certainly be trying more in this series and I am absolutely going to read Pure TemptationPure Temptation which is about Callan and Zoe , Nico and Emilia's best friends. Also, I would love Vic's book....
HEA? Yes Cheating? Not once they are together. During the engagement Nico carries on his arrangement with the other woman. ...more
I do love it when I pick up a book and from the first few lines , I am HOOKED. Mafia romances can be Beyond 5 Cristian and Natalia Dark Romance Stars
I do love it when I pick up a book and from the first few lines , I am HOOKED. Mafia romances can be a little bit hit or miss for me but having acquainted myself with the Marchetti family , I am all in. I need more of this family.
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Cristian Marchetti (mid 40's) is the Don of the Marchetti family and he is renowned for his cruelty , ruthlessness and cool head. Men either revere or hate him. Women want him , although since his wife was murdered years before, he is picky about who warms his bed. His Mafia empire has dominated his life...until now.
Natalia Carprio (early 20's) is best friend's with Gigi Marchetti and has been since they were 16. Gigi is in Italy visiting family and when Natalia finds herself in serious trouble with an ex boyfriend she ends up asking Cristian , Gigi's dad, for help.
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At the start I was clutching my pearls a bit at the way Cristian behaved towards Natalia. The character development is excellent and even though I was shocked , I remained very curious and invested in him. He won me over for sure.
From my research on her, she’s never been much of a drinker. Her newfound attraction might be my fault. I’ve been known to drive people to drink—as well as throw themselves off buildings and disappear from their families.
For all the dodgy things he does , there is no grovel - this is a mafia romance after all - but there is a delicious unravelling of frosty outer layers to the heart of an intensely passionate man who goes to extremes for the woman he loves. *swoons*
Natalia is in my Heroine's Hall Of Fame. I loved everything about her. She is immensely likeable and her inner thoughts made for addictive reading.
I’ll take being tipsy to drunk any day. Tipsy is so superior. You get the benefits of that buzz, but your brain still functions. I can count to one hundred, spell Mississippi, and walk in a straight line.
She is kind , funny , strong and resilient.
Honestly, Cristian never stood a chance. The dialogue between them is snappy , entertaining and addictive to read.
“This was supposed to be more of a transactional situation.” That makes me sound a little too Pretty Woman, but whatever. “Was sucking my cock part of this transactional situation?” Cristian smirks, self-satisfaction laced with every word of his response. And that makes it more Pretty Woman.
Natalia brings the esteemed Mafia boss back down to earth. She fascinates him at some level , exasperates him on another. When he expects her to stay home for her own safety...
“What do you suppose I do then?” She raises her arms before dramatically dropping them to her sides. “This is a nice home—don’t get me wrong. The problem is, it’s bore city, hanging out here alone.” My home has been referred to as many things. An architect’s dream. Immaculate. Castle-like. Bore city was never one of them
The secondary characters are all interesting and as the first book in the series , this author sets lots of things in motion for future novels really well. Benny gets his story next. I can't wait to read more. Gigi's tale will be intriguing and I so hope Gretchen gets a book too.
I have read , and enjoyed , other books by Charity Ferrell but this is hands down my favourite of hers. I don't think she has written Mafia romance before but I'm delighted that she has now. Gorgeous Prince releases 6th March 2023 and I am itching to get my hands on it.
I highly recommend this age gap (23 years) , best friend's Dad , marriage of convenience , mafia romance. There is violence on page. There is a lot of sex.
I read it on KU but I will buy it to keep because I loved it that much. Kindle book is 278 pages. Finishes at 89% and there is an excerpt of an earlier novel Just Neighbors. I also listened on audible. Excellent narration by Kylie Stewart and Tor Thom. (Listening time 7 hours 7 minutes).
HEA? Yes and the most enticing set up for Benny's book , Gorgeous Prince. Cheating? No
Merged review:
Beyond 5 Cristian and Natalia Dark Romance Stars
I do love it when I pick up a book and from the first few lines , I am HOOKED. Mafia romances can be a little bit hit or miss for me but having acquainted myself with the Marchetti family , I am all in. I need more of this family.
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Cristian Marchetti (mid 40's) is the Don of the Marchetti family and he is renowned for his cruelty , ruthlessness and cool head. Men either revere or hate him. Women want him , although since his wife was murdered years before, he is picky about who warms his bed. His Mafia empire has dominated his life...until now.
Natalia Carprio (early 20's) is best friend's with Gigi Marchetti and has been since they were 16. Gigi is in Italy visiting family and when Natalia finds herself in serious trouble with an ex boyfriend she ends up asking Cristian , Gigi's dad, for help.
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At the start I was clutching my pearls a bit at the way Cristian behaved towards Natalia. The character development is excellent and even though I was shocked , I remained very curious and invested in him. He won me over for sure.
From my research on her, she’s never been much of a drinker. Her newfound attraction might be my fault. I’ve been known to drive people to drink—as well as throw themselves off buildings and disappear from their families.
For all the dodgy things he does , there is no grovel - this is a mafia romance after all - but there is a delicious unravelling of frosty outer layers to the heart of an intensely passionate man who goes to extremes for the woman he loves. *swoons*
Natalia is in my Heroine's Hall Of Fame. I loved everything about her. She is immensely likeable and her inner thoughts made for addictive reading.
I’ll take being tipsy to drunk any day. Tipsy is so superior. You get the benefits of that buzz, but your brain still functions. I can count to one hundred, spell Mississippi, and walk in a straight line.
She is kind , funny , strong and resilient.
Honestly, Cristian never stood a chance. The dialogue between them is snappy , entertaining and addictive to read.
“This was supposed to be more of a transactional situation.” That makes me sound a little too Pretty Woman, but whatever. “Was sucking my cock part of this transactional situation?” Cristian smirks, self-satisfaction laced with every word of his response. And that makes it more Pretty Woman.
Natalia brings the esteemed Mafia boss back down to earth. She fascinates him at some level , exasperates him on another. When he expects her to stay home for her own safety...
“What do you suppose I do then?” She raises her arms before dramatically dropping them to her sides. “This is a nice home—don’t get me wrong. The problem is, it’s bore city, hanging out here alone.” My home has been referred to as many things. An architect’s dream. Immaculate. Castle-like. Bore city was never one of them
The secondary characters are all interesting and as the first book in the series , this author sets lots of things in motion for future novels really well. Benny gets his story next. I can't wait to read more. Gigi's tale will be intriguing and I so hope Gretchen gets a book too.
I have read , and enjoyed , other books by Charity Ferrell but this is hands down my favourite of hers. I don't think she has written Mafia romance before but I'm delighted that she has now. Gorgeous Prince releases 6th March 2023 and I am itching to get my hands on it.
I highly recommend this age gap (23 years) , best friend's Dad , marriage of convenience , mafia romance. There is violence on page. There is a lot of sex.
I read it on KU but I will buy it to keep because I loved it that much. Kindle book is 278 pages. Finishes at 89% and there is an excerpt of an earlier novel Just Neighbors. I also listened on audible. Excellent narration by Kylie Stewart and Tor Thom. (Listening time 7 hours 7 minutes).
HEA? Yes and the most enticing set up for Benny's book , Gorgeous Prince. Cheating? No...more
I feel a bit conflicted with how to rate this book. On one hand I was really interested and invested in the story of Brooke a3.5 Brooke and Hank Stars
I feel a bit conflicted with how to rate this book. On one hand I was really interested and invested in the story of Brooke and Hank who had met at 15 , been each other's first everything , married at 18 and were parents at 19. Then everything imploded. I was absolutely there for that and I loved that it had me feeling lots of emotions. For me personally , it fell down hard on editing issues and the stilted writing at the start. The flow wasn't there , although it did improve through the story.
You should be aware that this book really does punch hard with difficult topics. There is on page domestic abuse and off page references to the loss of an infant baby through SIDS / Cot death.
***SPOILERS***
Obviously , Brooke and Hank both struggled hugely after their little boy died and instead of grieving together they both went in different directions and Hank ended up in bed with someone else. Now, if cheating is a hard pass , this probably will not work for you BUT it's worth bearing in mind that throughout the book, both Hank and his friends / family repeatedly talk about how he would never have slept with anyone else and the thought is that he was drugged as he had no recollection the events after one drink. Initially , Brooke and he tried to save their marriage but then the girl he was with rocked up pregnant and that was it.
The story picks up five years later and things happen that put Brooke firmly back in Hank's world. I really felt for Brooke when she meets Tripp who is Hank's 4yo son. He is such a cutie and my heart did all kinds of funny things watching Tripp doing his absolute best to win Brooke over.
So, I loved the idea of the story but the execution wasn't great. I would try another book by this author though. HEA? Yes - Beautiful epilogue. Cheating ? Yes, when they were married the first time although I would argue it was dubious consent and he was likely drugged. ...more
I enjoyed this single dad, sports romance so much. I read a lot of hockey romance and this one is definitely one I will re r5 Hannah and Brandon Stars
I enjoyed this single dad, sports romance so much. I read a lot of hockey romance and this one is definitely one I will re read.
Hannah (22/23) is a huge Las Vegas Kingsnakes fan and out of all the players , her all time favourite is Brandon 'Jet' Lear. Can you imagine having a huge crush on someone you admire and then one day , by happenstance , you end up talking to him? Meeting him? Falling madly in love with him for real? I loved it when Hannah discovers the guy she's been texting , turns out to be Brandon. It was priceless.
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I always think that authors take a big risk when one of the main characters is a fan of the other. There's a chance that the (usually) heroine or Hero could just lose themselves in the spotlight that shines on the successful character. Hannah is a sweetheart and she is a really good person but she's no doormat. She has a backbone and it was important that that came through to make her even more lovable. She is building her own success and carving out her own role in life.
Brandon (31) is going through lot of changes in his life. Maintaining a successful pro hockey career whilst being Dad to two very young daughters is tough. He struggles a lot with the age gap between him and Hannah and also with bringing someone important into the children's lives but the heart wants what the heart wants and eventually their relationship develops.
Great secondary characters - I am definitely reading Eli's books - Lucky Bounce: Instant Replay: Part One and Lucky Bounce: Game On: Part Two. I have to be honest and say that Ryder and Zoe's book which is the first one in the series , did not work for me. I wasn't a fan of Ryder at all but in this book I did like him very much.
Brandon's daughter Briar is the sweetest little girl. My heart broke for her and at one point she was crying and I was crying right alongside her.
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The chemistry between Brandon and Hannah is there from the very start but it takes time before anything physical happens and there is some push and pull. However, once they give in to the passion , all bets are off and these two are explosive together.
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And along with the romance, these two are really good friends too. I loved that they cared so deeply for each other.
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Overall , a gorgeous book that deprived me of sleep in the best way possible. If you enjoy sports romances / age gap / single dad tropes , then snap this up.
My musical muse for this book is What Gave Me Away? by Trisha Yearwood.
HEA? More HFN but gorgeous and I'm sure they will be in the following books in the series. These two are definitely a forever couple.
Cheating? No
Be aware (view spoiler)[ Drug abuse / addiction by a secondary character. Parent with cancer (recovering) are themes. (hide spoiler)]
Huge thanks to @LydiasRomance for recommending this book. I loved every page.
There is something very charming about this stor4.5 Tate and Abby Stars
Huge thanks to @LydiasRomance for recommending this book. I loved every page.
There is something very charming about this story and it hooked me in from the start. It was obviously written a while ago but that did not detract from it at all.
Tate (29) is well liked and respected in the Town where he lives. He is the guardian for his 16yo brother, Buddy and they live on and work the ranch that has been in their family for generations.
Abby (23) is the town pariah. Her mother was the 'Town Whore' and even though she has died , people see Abby is the same judgemental light that they viewed her mum. For years , Abby has loved Tate McCollum but she thinks he has only had eyes for his on again , off again fiancee , Diane.
Abby is a loveable heroine and I was rooting for her all along. She literally has nothing and no one. People judge her for things her mother did despite the fact she is nothing like her and very much keeps to herself. She works in a bar scraping money together. She is quiet, reserved, sweet and yet under that front is a strong young woman with a funny sense of humour and such compassion for others.
Tate is a brooding kind of hero, always trying to do the right thing but at times he does the complete opposite of that. Despite the odd moment of 'what the Hell dude?!' , he's impossible to dislike. Watching him realise that Abby is the girl of his dreams had me beaming and swooning.
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Annndd then he would do something dopey...
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Oh, Tate. You may be the hottest cowboy in town but you do mess up on occasion. The main reason for the mess ups is the nasty OW , the ex fiancee , Diane. She's as rich as Abby is poor and one of the many who look down their noses at her. Rich , indulged, spoilt Diane. Oh, how I hated her.
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She just wouldn't take the hint that It. Was. OVERRRRRRRRR.
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I loved the roles Joe (Tate's best friend) and Buddy played in the book. They are important characters and they absolutely owned a little piece of this reader's heart.
As brother's , Buddy and Tate are very different. Tate is all still rivers run deep, broody and measured in what he does. Buddy is much younger, full of fun and ready take on life. I know this book was written years ago , but I would love a book for grown up Buddy and also I am sure Joe could have a story to tell. I think my tender kindle heart definitely has a thing for cowboys....
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And just to end , as I love this gif so much and , well, any excuse....
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Highly recommend this unexpected pregnancy romance that has a little OW drama , no cheating and a gorgeous ending.
This book is not available to buy anywhere - trust me , I searched high and low. You can borrow it / read for free on various online library apps. Google it and go from there...
HEA? Yes but I would have liked to see further into the future. Cheating? No ...more
My musical muse for this book is ‘You Belong To Me’ by Taylor Swift.
This was such a gorgeous book that had me reading late 4.5 Millie and Ford Stars
My musical muse for this book is ‘You Belong To Me’ by Taylor Swift.
This was such a gorgeous book that had me reading late into the night. There's something about Devney Perry's books that lures me in and takes me to my happy Kindle place. Add in the Sports / second chance romance / single Dad tropes all set in magnificent Montana and I am there for it.
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Millie (31) and Ford (About 33 ish) had been best friends in College. He was the hot athlete heading for the NFL and she was the shy girl who had a passion for sports and a particular football star in the making. Millie was also friends with a girl called Sienna but that friendship imploded after Sienna got her hooks into Ford. After a year of tumultuous and haphazard dating Ford and Sienna split up but just as Millie plucks up the courage to tell Ford how she feels , life takes a turn neither one of them could have predicted as it's revealed that Ford is going to be a Father. It is very easy to dislike Sienna. There are no redeeming traits to her character and I struggled at times to see how Ford ever got with her in the first place. But sometimes guys don't think with their hearts...
How I’d ever ended up with Sienna over Millie was still a damn mystery. Maybe because Sienna had been so bold. So aggressive in her pursuit. She was beautiful. She’d been an athlete too, so we’d had that in common. And she’d fucked me the night we’d met. Chalk it up to a stupid guy too busy thinking with his dick.
Ford is nothing if not loyal. His determination to give his daughter , Joey, as good a life as possible outweighed everything but after 10 years he and Joey relocate to Montana in a bid to make a fresh start. That loyalty had been steadfast but one look at Millicent Cunningham and Ford Ellis is smitten again.
Ten years and I hadn’t searched for her on Facebook or Instagram. I hadn’t asked Toren if he stayed in touch with her. Not that I hadn’t been curious. Not that I hadn’t wondered. But I’d been married. Unhappily, but married. And Millie was a temptation like no other.
There was so much to like in this novel. Ford is a handsome , successful ex NFL player who is now coaching the College team for his alma mater. Plus he's definitely improved with age...
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Ford has a very real relationship with his 9yo daughter Joey . She is struggling with her parents divorce , she gets bored, she gets moody and it certainly isn't all bright and rosy between them. He is unsure if he is being a good parent and it's not easy. That said, they have some gorgeous moments between them too.
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I liked that Millie took a little while to warm up to Joey but watching them build a bond was so lovely.
The forbidden aspect to this romance is that Ford and Millie are now colleagues and there is a strict non-fraternisation policy in place. Lots of stolen kisses and smouldering looks build the delicious tension between them.
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They share a passion for Football (NFL) too. Millie is sporty and has carved out a really successful career as an Associate Director of sports in the College. I really enjoyed the sub plot with one of the students / athletes. I would love a book about that story...
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So why not 5 stars? I would have liked a bit more drama with the ex , Sienna. There is some but I'm much braver with the angst in my books these days so I would have really enjoyed a little more drama.
It was good to see Ford feeling jealous at one point ,considering all the emotions Millie had been through previously. Oh the passion...
“Sheesh.” She rolled her eyes. “You’re grumpy.” “Another man kissed you today. Fuck yes, I’m grumpy.” Her gaze softened. “I’m sorry.” “Then kiss me.” “Okay,” she whispered, gently pressing her lips to the corner of my mouth. It was a sweet kiss. “I don’t want sweet, Mills. We’re going to fuck. Hard. Then I’ll give you sweet. But right now? Fucking. Kiss. Me.”
It was a really enjoyable read and I am definitely invested in future books. If you enjoyed Garnet Flats in The Edens Series , then I think you would enjoy this very much.
Lots of interesting secondary characters and so much potential. A well written (as always) second chance / single dad/ work place/ sports romance. Ten year separation between the H/h. Millie had dated in that time and had a serious 2 year relationship. Ford had been in a very unhappy marriage.
Lots of romance, passion and a plot that kept me invested.
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I crushed my lips to hers, sliding my tongue inside as she opened for me. I did a lazy swirl, her frame melting against me as I sank into the kiss. She’d be the last. The last woman I’d kiss until the end of my days. It was Millie. It always had been Millie.
HEA? Yes and a delicious epilogue. Cheating? Not between Ford and Millie. Sienna cheated on him repeatedly during their marriage....more
This is the second in the Marchetti Mafia series and focuses on Benny , the son of Cristian from Gorgeous Monster. Benny's fut4 Neomi and Benny Stars
This is the second in the Marchetti Mafia series and focuses on Benny , the son of Cristian from Gorgeous Monster. Benny's future marriage to Neomi was arranged for them since they were young children to unite two powerful Mafia families. Unfortunately , neither Neomi nor Benny are keen on the idea but both realise there is no way to avoid the inevitable.
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"My father has contracted me to marry Benito 'Benny' Marchetti - heir to the most feared Mafia family in New York."
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They are both headstrong, driven and determined characters so this orchestrated marriage is going to be a major battle of wills. And fireworks certainly do fly.
I liked Neomi and Benny very much. It's a thin line between love and hate and as passions rise, tempers flare and blood is shed , the boundaries are blurred.
Benny is the one that fell first in my opinion . I loved when he became protective and watching him truly fall hard for his wife was heartwarming. They have some excellent verbal sparring and challenge each other frequently which makes for entertaining reading.
There is a lot of violence in this book which is common for Mafia romances. I have to confess I had to skip a little bit in a couple of scenes because is was too gruesome for this Nervous Nelly. There is a very clear warning from the author at the start in regard to scenes of violence.
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Excellent secondary characters bring more layers to the story and there is a sub plot that threads through from the first book but this still reads strongly as a standalone.
If Mafia romances are your thing , then try this series. This novel ends on a twist that leads into book three , Gorgeous Princess and I am definitely going to be reading it...
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Passion , drama , secrets... this series is definitely a keeper.
'Benny Marchetti is gorgeous. But not your typical gorgeous. He doesn't belong on the cover of Vogue or on a runway. He is the gorgeous villain you shouldn't want in your story. A face chiseled with perfection and fury. Dark scruff scattered along his cheeks and jawline. There's a small scar above his right eye-an imperfection, a warning he's dangerous.'
HEA? More HFN but these two are definitely solid and forever. Cheating? Once they are married , no.
Available on Kindle Unlimited at time of review. ...more
If you enjoy Grumpy / Sunshine - Marriage of Convenience - Small Town romances , then this novel has it all. I could not put5 Jasper and Eloise Stars
If you enjoy Grumpy / Sunshine - Marriage of Convenience - Small Town romances , then this novel has it all. I could not put this book down, I was thinking about the characters and the storyline even when I was having to do other things. All I wanted was to get back to my Kindle and that is the best feeling when you are reading a book.
Eloise Eden (26) is one of the youngest Eden siblings. We have met her before in the other books and she has been really likeable all along. She is the manager of the family hotel, The Eloise and is constantly trying to prove herself to her parents so that she can earn the hotel. I felt like she was the sibling who had to try the hardest. The family link is strong between the Eden's but Eloise always tries to please everyone and they do seem to walk over her a bit.
Jasper Vale (33), is a moody, brooding, heart sore hero who comes from, quite possibly, the most dysfunctional family. His is the polar opposite of Eloise's. The result of this is that he is secretive, aloof, stand offish and pretty damn cold at times. Jasper is a dark horse with secrets a plenty. He came to Quincy,Montana because he is Foster's trainer & Foster is the husband of Eloise's sister , Talia (Garnet Flats ). Although Eloise and Jasper loosely know each other , they really connect when several of their circle are in Vegas. One marriage and a hot night of sex later , they sober up and realise what they have done.
I was twenty-six years old. And married to a stranger. My family was going to freak the fuck out. Maybe Jasper and I could keep it a secret. Get it annulled before anyone learned the truth. Erase the marriage from existence. Then it could be more like a whoopsie.
Despite initially planning to annul the marriage , they agree it would benefit both of them to fake it for a while and stay married for a few months. They both know there is an expiration date but as that gets closer , feelings develop and attachments grow.
I craved him. Only one night, and Jasper Vale had become an addiction.
He was wearing that baseball hat again along with a white T-shirt and a pair of cargo shorts. The ends of his hair beneath the cap were curled and damp because he’d probably gone to the gym before heading home for a shower. “Wow,” I whispered. Seriously, my husband was freaking hot.
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This is a trope that has been done a huge amount of times and this book does it really well. I love this author's style and rarely have I not enjoyed a book by her. For the most part they are 4 and 5 star reads for me. I do see why some people will not like Jasper or perhaps it is more the connection between Jasper and his ex, Samantha. What you discover is a toxic , controlling relationship that has dictated the course of Jasper's life to some degree. There is no cheating in this book. Unwise decisions? Yes. Things he should never have said? Absolutely.
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But even though I wanted to knock some sense into him at times , I liked that he was brutally honest (eventually). He made my emotions yo yo from thinking he was really cold and not good enough for our heroine , to thinking that he was the one person who absolutely got her and fought her corner. I loved that he didn't fall in line with the revered and admired Eden family.
The name Eden was splashed all over this town. In my time here, I’d learned that the Edens were Quincy’s founding family and had lived here for generations. Basically, small-town royalty. I’d mistakenly married their princess.
They didn't like each other so watching the barriers between him and her family gradually break down was rather lovely. Watching him fall in love with Eloise , was simply adorable.
I think readers will love or hate Jasper. I loved him in the end but it was a rocky path to tread!
And for everything he poured into that searing kiss, I sent it right back. The thunder to his lightning. We were a storm. Two souls lost in the pouring rain.
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