This was a bittersweet read because out of all the Hartley siblings , I wanted Chief Of Police Lawson's the most but Beyond 5 Lawson and Hallie Stars
This was a bittersweet read because out of all the Hartley siblings , I wanted Chief Of Police Lawson's the most but his is the last book in the series and I have enjoyed each and every novel about the Hartley siblings. I did not want it to end.
Lawson (38) is a single dad to three boys , Luke (16), Drew (13) and Charlie (6). Charlie is one of the sweetest and funniest children - we met him before in Shadows of You as he is Cady's best friend. Lawson is struggling to manage everything so he finally relents and hires a Nanny.
Hallie (25) has been through an almost unimaginably horrific trauma and five years later she is desperate to start living again away from her (frankly horrible) parents. She applies to be Lawson's Nanny and it's not until the interview that they both realise that they have met before.
This was my favourite book of the entire series. I was half in love with Lawson before I even downloaded it to my Kindle and it didn't take long to fall completely. The plot is well paced and the relationship between Lawson and Hallie develops alongside another series of murders in Cedar Ridge. Hallie is in danger and Lawson , as Chief of Police , is doing everything possible to keep her safe.
The romantic relationship between our H/h is passionate and slowly builds but watching Hallie forge new friendships is heartwarming too. The loveliest relationships she builds are the ones with Law's boys. Luke has lots of barriers up , Drew is a sweetie but Charlie will steal your heart completely.
There is some violence as this is a romantic suspense. Some of the scenes are a little gruesome but not too bad. If you enjoy age gap / single parent / small town romances then I would highly recommend this book and all the others in the series.
I read on KU and listened on audible. Superb narration by Ava Erickson and Sebastian York - listening time 9h 12m.
HEA? Yes! Gorgeous ending. Cheating? No Be aware - child abandonment and violence / kidnapping of a woman are themes. ...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
It's been a while since I picked up a new to me book and then did not want to put it down again. That fabulous feeling of thin5 Hayes and Everly Stars
It's been a while since I picked up a new to me book and then did not want to put it down again. That fabulous feeling of thinking about the characters and the story when you're supposed to be working. Squeezing in a chapter whenever you can. Ooooh, how I missed that feeling.
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But I digress....
Everly returns to her hometown after leaving in horrible circumstances when she was 11. Her family had been known throughout town for all the wrong reasons and not everyone is pleased to see her back. Hayes is all grown up and is now the town Sheriff. His initial hostility towards Everly slowly eases and is replaced by very different emotions.
This novel is a small town romance with a really likeable heroine who pulls at your heartstrings. Hayes is the type of character who tries to fix everything. Everly is fiercely independent and more than capable of looking after herself. These two both have walls around their hearts and slowly the bricks come tumbling down. I adored the secondary characters and am definitely invested in this series. I'm not usually a huge fan of romantic suspense but I devoured this novel. Great plot and pacing.
HEA? Yes - more HFN but still satisfying. Cheating? No....more
What an unexpected surprise this book was. It kind of came out of the blue but it absolutely needed to be written , so thank yo5 Perfect Ending Stars
What an unexpected surprise this book was. It kind of came out of the blue but it absolutely needed to be written , so thank you Harper Sloan. Thank you for writing a book that will stay with me for a long, long time.
Olivia (35) is a successful business woman who has full custody of her little niece Riley since the death of her sister. Olivia has a thriving coffee shop and a thing for one of her regular customers, Drew.
Drew (52) is very much the tall, brooding, silent type. Everything about him is mysterious and Olivia , whilst crushing on him, may consider him remote and detached but you really need to give those quiet types credit for their underrated observational skills.
I look down at the top of her head. She avoids looking at me, something she does a lot, but usually, it comes with sideway glances she doesn’t think I see. Oh, Olivia Elizabeth Kelley, I fucking see you.
I liked Olivia's character and Riley is a cute little girl (albeit rather articulate for her age).The relationship that builds between Riley and Drew, her 'Giant' , is adorable. She brings out the fun side of him and it does well to temper the lighter glimpses with the darker aspects of the book.
My heart was stolen by , and belongs to , the reserved , passionate and enticing Drew.
I see it in his eyes, but especially the lines on his face that tell me, at one time, this man laughed and laughed hard.
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He made this book for me. My heart broke for him and I cried. At one point it was sad tears but mostly happy ones.
I’ve been alone for so long, I had forgotten what it felt like to have someone who had your back out of love, not obligation.
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I couldn't bear the thought of him being alone so long. Olivia breathed warmth and happiness back into the dark places his life had taken him and I am so delighted that I got to read this story.
This book will not really work as a standalone. This whole series has been a longstanding favourite of mine and if you enjoy romances with Alpha heroes , strong women and a small town feel to them, then I recommend this whole series highly. Seeing Sway , Axel and Izzy and all the characters from the series was like putting on a favourite old jacket and feeling all warm and content.
HEA? Yes! Absolutely perfect. Cheating? No
Merged review:
5 Perfect Ending Stars
What an unexpected surprise this book was. It kind of came out of the blue but it absolutely needed to be written , so thank you Harper Sloan. Thank you for writing a book that will stay with me for a long, long time.
Olivia (35) is a successful business woman who has full custody of her little niece Riley since the death of her sister. Olivia has a thriving coffee shop and a thing for one of her regular customers, Drew.
Drew (52) is very much the tall, brooding, silent type. Everything about him is mysterious and Olivia , whilst crushing on him, may consider him remote and detached but you really need to give those quiet types credit for their underrated observational skills.
I look down at the top of her head. She avoids looking at me, something she does a lot, but usually, it comes with sideway glances she doesn’t think I see. Oh, Olivia Elizabeth Kelley, I fucking see you.
I liked Olivia's character and Riley is a cute little girl (albeit rather articulate for her age).The relationship that builds between Riley and Drew, her 'Giant' , is adorable. She brings out the fun side of him and it does well to temper the lighter glimpses with the darker aspects of the book.
My heart was stolen by , and belongs to , the reserved , passionate and enticing Drew.
I see it in his eyes, but especially the lines on his face that tell me, at one time, this man laughed and laughed hard.
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He made this book for me. My heart broke for him and I cried. At one point it was sad tears but mostly happy ones.
I’ve been alone for so long, I had forgotten what it felt like to have someone who had your back out of love, not obligation.
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I couldn't bear the thought of him being alone so long. Olivia breathed warmth and happiness back into the dark places his life had taken him and I am so delighted that I got to read this story.
This book will not really work as a standalone. This whole series has been a longstanding favourite of mine and if you enjoy romances with Alpha heroes , strong women and a small town feel to them, then I recommend this whole series highly. Seeing Sway , Axel and Izzy and all the characters from the series was like putting on a favourite old jacket and feeling all warm and content.
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.
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
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
I think Ms Harlow saved the very best til last for Millie's book. This is an intense, passionate , sexy and addictive read whi5 Millie and Zach Stars
I think Ms Harlow saved the very best til last for Millie's book. This is an intense, passionate , sexy and addictive read which features the age gap / forbidden relationship tropes. I honestly wasn't sure about even reading this and I nearly skipped it because the heroine, Millie , used to date the Hero's son. Wait!!!! Don't go....let me explain...I was fully expecting to find this very 'icky' because I dislike it when one of the main characters has been in a relationship with someone the other main character is related to. Doesn't matter if it's a parent / sibling/ best friend / cousin , I just don't enjoy reading that. My friend Nicole , said this was one of her favourite reads of 2022 so I thought I would at least try the first couple of chapters. I was hooked.
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When Millie (32) and Zach (47) first meet , they do not realise the connection they share. Zach has only very , very recently discovered he has an adult son (28) that he had never been told about. Millie had had a relationship with the son well over a year before and they had spent most of that time as friends. There is one scene with some awkwardness but they address that well.
Despite the 15 year age gap, these two are absolutely perfect for each other. The chemistry between them is immediate , intense and it burns hotter throughout the book.
“Earlier you mentioned I’d be safe with you. If I go up to your room, does that mean you’re going to keep your hands to yourself?” “No. My hands will be all over your body.” Leaning closer, I put my lips against her ear. “My hands, my mouth, and my cock. Baby, if you say yes, you’re going to be up all fucking night.” She sucked in her breath. “Yes. I say yes. Yes.”
If you believe in soul mates then this story will wrap you up in its pages and hug you tight whilst you relish a true love story that absolutely was meant to be.
Zach is ex military and works for Cole Security (Jackson Cole from Beloved by Corinne Michaels who has co-authored with Melanie Harlow many times). He is in my Hero Hall of Fame. He ticks every box for me - gorgeous , protective , intense , brooding. His inner turmoil and the fact that he simply cannot stay away from our heroine is beautifully written.
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I adore Millie so much. She is the eldest of the MacAllister sisters who are all very likeable. Each sister has a book but they all read well as standalone novels. I loved her drive and determination to succeed in her business but ultimately family is everything to her and her conflict over her relationship with Zach is heart breaking. Millie is a loyal , kind , driven woman and Zach made her embrace a side of herself that she had kept hidden.
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This story is very character driven and the plot really is the development of their relationship. Great secondary characters that lighten the intensity when needed and help show different sides to Millie and Zach. A romantic, passionate read about a couple that you are rooting for from the very start.
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I listened to and read this book. Great narration by Sebastian York and Lucy Rivers. Listening time 8h 30m.
Short Review I saw a book friend's review of this novel and it prompted me to pick this up as I had bought i5 Winnie and Dex Stars (And Luna and Halle)
Short Review I saw a book friend's review of this novel and it prompted me to pick this up as I had bought it some time ago and it had been languishing on my TBR. I'm so glad that I did. This was a gorgeous read- if you enjoy Single Dad / Grumpy-Sunshine tropes , then snap this up. Fairly low angst , lots of steam, some push and pull plus brilliant side characters made this a 5 star read.
Longer Review Winnie (22) is the youngest of the original MacAllister sisters whose Dad, Mack, features in the first book in the Cloverleigh Series , Irresistible. Now Winnie is all grown up and is a little heart sore from not finding her HEA. A string of less than desirable love interests have dented her spirit and she has a deal with her friend , Ellie, that she is staying away from relationships for a while. When her hot new neighbour moves in next door her interest is piqued. Neither want a relationship and they can't resist the chemistry that sparks between them but with the chance of a new job looming , Winnie decides to go for it and just enjoy a no strings hook up for a while. Surely nothing could go wrong....
As a heroine, Winnie is easy to read about. She's funny and lovable and tries to see the best in every situation and person. Then we have Dex (34). He's gorgeous, gruff , ex military and current firefighter plus he's a single Dad to his hilarious and adorable daughters Halle (8) and Luna (5). I thought they were two of the best child characters I have read. Far from saccharine and cutsie , they are so realistic because they are a bit mischievous but lovely and most of all , their relationship with their Dad feels so real and normal. He is not a Hallmark Daddy - he's a man trying his hardest to get things right with his girls but he's very normal and the interactions and conversations between them are so brilliantly written. The whole swear jar and 'Fuchur Cat' thing had me laughing out loud.
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Now they were playing their favorite game, which was to stand next to me while I slept and talk shit about me. “Daddy.” The voice was a little louder now, and I recognized it—my five-year-old, Luna. “We heard you snoring.” I continued playing possum. (And for the record, I don’t fucking snore.) “Daddy always looks so funny when he sleeps.” Luna got the game started. “Don’t you think?” “Yes.” That was Hallie, my eight-year-old “He makes grumpy faces.” “And weird breathing noises.” “Yeah. And he’s so hairy.” “Daddy’s not that hairy,” Luna whispered defensively. “Just some right there.”
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I liked that the relationship with his ex wife felt realistic too. They probably never should have married but they both realise that they made mistakes and even though things are tense at times, they try hard to get along for the girls. I liked that he didn't run her down , she isn't portrayed as a hideous she devil but instead they just weren't the right fit for each other. They have both moved on.
Dex does mess up a bit with Winnie , well , quite a lot really but I loved his grovel. Superb and highly entertaining too.
If you love small town, single Dad, grumpy alpha - sunshine heroine, age gap (12yr older Hero) romances then this is an excellent read. No need to read in order , this works easily as a standalone.
HEA? Good ending but more HFN as they appear in the next book as secondary characters. Cheating?No
I read and also listened. Fab narration by Stephen Dexter and Kirsten Leigh with a listening time of 10h 5m.
The day I met you, I knew you were it for me, and that still holds true. There will never be another.
Well, that was quite 5 Alexis and Lucas Stars
The day I met you, I knew you were it for me, and that still holds true. There will never be another.
Well, that was quite the read. This book will stay with me for a long time. I couldn't put it down and am now suffering from quite the book hangover. I blame my friend Lydia , (Lydia's Romance) for recommending me this book at the start of the week which led me to functioning on 4 hours sleep at work. Eh...bookworm problems... it was absolutely worth it. Thanks Lydia!
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This story will not be for everyone. If cheating is a hard limit for you then be aware this story is centred around it. It packs a huge emotional punch more than once. Just as I started to recover from one revelation or discovery it built to another heart wrenching scene and my poor kindle heart would race then break all over again.
Alexis and Lucas have been married for 13 years and have an adorable 5 yr old daughter called Lizzie. They are the 'forever couple' in their friend group until the unthinkable happens and Lucas cheats on Alexis. When Alexis found out , my stomach was pitching right along with hers.
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Alexis reacts as you would expect and the fall out is huge. She is trying to keep things calm for their little girl but underneath that fragile composure of the waking hours , once Lizzie is tucked up in bed , all the anger, fury, heartbreak and devastation come out.
My husband's lying to me. There was no dinner. He was on a plane coming back to fuck knows who because it sure as hell wasn't me.
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Lucas is a complete and utter remorseful mess. You may well be thinking he deserved to be and for a good portion of the book I did too , but this author will take you on a journey with both of them - I don't want to give too much away because it would detract from the powerful writing - she convinced me that he was not a bad person.
She gave me her trust without hesitation and reservation. And like the biggest idiot known to man, I destroyed it, single-handedly tearing it down.
Also, I believed that he and Alexis could and would survive this as a couple.
The secondary characters play a big part in this story. I loved Lucas's best friend Eric. When Lucas has no one , Eric is the person who steps up and supports him and stops him from making a bad situation worse.
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Alexis's younger sister Lilian is so well written and I adored the relationship they have between them and with their Mum too. As a heroine , Alexis is strong and certainly no doormat pushover.
As a Hero , Lucas will earn your reader wrath and - I hope - your forgiveness in some way. I'm glad we got to see him with Lizzie , their daughter. She really is a Daddy's girl.
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That moment where he realised the enormity of what he had lost made for tough reading. Alexis's family had welcomed him from the start but then he broke everyone's trust in a huge way.
I will definitely be reading more from this author. I understand this is her debut and if this sets the precedent then I am excited to see what else she publishes. The writing flows , the characters will hook you in and the story will keep you invested.
HEA? Yes. Cheating YES - Lucas's infidelity is described on page. Be aware (view spoiler)[ There is detail around childhood abuse contained in this book. Sexual abuse. Emotional abuse. (hide spoiler)]...more
I'm not quite sure what happened here. I love the Calamity series and somehow I missed reading this book. I saw someone's revie5 Wilder and Iris Stars
I'm not quite sure what happened here. I love the Calamity series and somehow I missed reading this book. I saw someone's review on GR and suddenly realised I'd missed it completely.
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Anyway...off to the trusty Kindle I went and I started reading this gorgeous age gap/ best friend's little sister / small town romance. This works as a standalone very well but this is a fab series so I would recommend all of the Calamity novels.
Wilder Abbott is 35 years old and a Science teacher at the High School. He's broody, handsome , keeps to himself and is popular with most students but not all.
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Wilder doesn't take any crap from anyone. He says it how it is and pulls no punches. He lives in a remote house and everything is just as he likes it until his best friend asks for a favour. Then his world gets tipped upside down because along comes his best friend's sister , Iris Monroe. She's no longer the kid she was last time he saw her and she is staying with Wilder for two months.
I loved both Wilder and Iris. She is free spirited and has gone against the demands and expectations of her family to carve out a career travelling the world , flitting from country to country and building her presence on Social Media.
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She's one of the loveliest rebel's I've read about.
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Wilder stole my kindle heart. Broody heroes are my jam. These two are , on the surface , a Grumpy / Sunshine combination but there is the most delicious chemistry bubbling away here and the push and pull makes for really enjoyable reading. Wilder feels guilty for being attracted to Iris - she's 10 years younger than him , she's his best friend's sister and Wilder has a past that changed him as a person.
“Damn it, Iris. I want you more than I can explain. It’s fucking maddening. But you’re too young. You’re Danny’s sister. You’re . . .” Everything I wanted. Everything I didn’t deserve. Her face softened as her hands splayed on my naked chest. “You want me.” I tilted my head to the ceiling and groaned. “I want you.”
How long til he cracks and they fall into something that could truly be amazing? Both are reluctant but that adds to the deliciousness of the story.
Not that Wilder loved me. Not that I loved Wilder. Not quite. Not yet. But damn, it was so close. It was inevitable. Like the spinning of the earth or the rising of the moon. Before I left Montana, I would be in love with Wilder Abbott. And that fucking sucked.
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This was a great book and one I would definitely re read. My musical muses for this novel are Wilder Days by Morgan Wade and Girl Going Nowhere by Ashley McBryde
HEA? Yes Cheating? No Be aware (view spoiler)[ Traumatic loss of a spouse - Wilder's wife was killed in a car accident a few years before. I always worry in case a dead ex is held higher in a character's affection than the new H/h but in this case that was unfounded. Wilder adores Iris and they are absolutely soul mates. (hide spoiler)]...more
Nostalgia is a beautiful liar. It let's us paint the past any way we want.
I loved this book. From the plot , the characte5 Jovie and Stone Stars
Nostalgia is a beautiful liar. It let's us paint the past any way we want.
I loved this book. From the plot , the characters, the writing style to the intermittent emotional punches to my kindle heart, I was hooked on Jovie and Stone's story.
Have you ever wondered how your life might have turned out if one meeting had never happened? Stone met Jovie in College , saw her first , connected with her first but one little twist of fate put her with his best friend , Jude.
'I've been in love with Jovie from the moment I saw her...and I saw her first."
Throughout College , Stone had to watch his closest friend in a relationship with Jovie. He spent three years convincing Jovie that he disliked her and yet all the time his brooding heart was being broken. When Jovie and Jude split up, ( such well written scenes that my heart hurt for Jovie) Stone thought he would never see her again but true love will always win in the end and after some serendipitous. intervention, their paths collide. And what a delicious collision it was.
Oh my goodness, if you love to read about Heroes that are reserved and coolly aloof on the outside but an absolute hotbed of emotion underneath then Stone Atwood is your man...actually he's mine...I read about him first. =0)
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As the Hero , Stone ticked every box for me. He is a lawyer because he likes sticking up for people. He is loyal to the nth degree and that is the reason why , when he and Jovie meet again , he feels guilty about pursuing anything with her. At 27ish he has carved a successful professional life but he is very much a lone player in life. He avoids romantic entanglements - brief liaisons are his thing and there is a tiny bit of OW drama (nothing major at all) with one of his previous hookups. Stone and Jude share the loss of a parent (Jude's mum died when he was 5yrs old and Stone's mum died of cancer when he was 10yrs old) and Stone lives with Jude and Jude's dad Paul , from the age of 10. The boys go to College together and always have each others backs but as years pass it becomes clear that the only man with true integrity is Stone. Loyal, hot , broody Stone...
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Jovie is a really lovable heroine. I liked her from the very start and I relished how she never let the break up with Jude break her. Yes , she was heartsore but she pushed forward in life and the fact that she is a successful Historical Romance Author absolutely delighted me. Jovie is strong , sweet , funny , kind and when she put adult Jude in his place I was cheering.
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The style of writing is really well done. The chapters are all fairly short and the present is interspersed with flashbacks to when they were all in College. I don't usually like flashbacks but it works very well in this novel and the whole thing flows beautifully.
Jovie and Stone have some serious chemistry although they don't get intimate in the book until the 79% mark on my Kindle. The build up is pretty amazing though.
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I didn't think this was a love triangle at all. It was a gorgeous love story about fate handing a second chance to two soul mates who should have been together from the start.
I read it on Kindle Unlimited and listened on audible -narration by Samantha Brentmoor and Wayne Mitchell - listening time 6hr 20m).
HEA? Yes - one of the very best epilogues ever - I couldn't stop smiling. I would love a little novella of their future but this ending was very satisfying and I'm just a greedy reader!
Cheating? Not between Stone and Jovie. (view spoiler)[Jovie is cheated on by Jude when they are at College. (hide spoiler)]
Although I got the book initially on KU , I loved it so much , I bought it to keep. I will definitely be reading more by this 'new to me' author. Many thanks to Kristi J , who mentioned this book in another review which prompted me to try it.
When you find The One, you take his hand, and you don’t let go.
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When I saw that Sarina Bowen had a new b5 Sparkly Snowy Ava and Reed Stars
When you find The One, you take his hand, and you don’t let go.
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When I saw that Sarina Bowen had a new book out , I was instantly curious. Then I read the blurb and was itching to read it. I was hooked from the opening page to the very last line. I am so here for Madigan Mountain and the characters that live there.
This is a gorgeous second chance romance , set on a beautiful mountain at the Madigan Ski Resort , in Colorado. The glittering majesty of the backdrop belies the murky darkness of the relationship between Mark Madigan and his three sons - Reed , Weston and Crew. Once they were a happy family but the death of Mrs Madigan ,when Reed was about 19 , threw them into a spiral of distress with Mark not being anything like the Father they had known. All three boys leave home at the first opportunity and the relationship they had splinters and shatters like the most fragile of icicles. Reed dives into his college life and he and Ava meet , connect and fall hard for each other. They are soul mates but life throws them a curveball and just when Ava needed Reed the most , he left her. He goes to San Francisco and for ten years builds a high flying career as a Venture Capitalist.
Meanwhile , Ava (32) is working at Madigan Mountain Ski Resort as his Father's right hand woman. She has made a success of her career too , even though she has not gone down the path she thought she would. When his Dad decides to move on with his own life with Melody , his new wife, Reed (32) is forced to return to the Mountain. Ava and Reed cross paths again - I loved the scene where he sees her for the first time in ten years. His shock is almost palpable. I also loved Ava's show of retribution - a small gesture but very entertaining.
The story is told in dual first person POV. There are some flashback scenes told in the third person which works really well. The flashbacks are few and brief but they say what needs to be said perfectly.
Back when we were a couple, I would sometimes stare at the handsome rich kid from Colorado and wonder how any boy could be so beautiful.
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I loved Ava and Reed equally. They are both so likeable from the very start. One thing I thought was really well done, was that you are assured all the way along that Reed never loved anyone like he loved Ava.
Ava Aichers, with whom I had the only truly passionate and absorbing love affair of my life, is right here in front of me.
No one came close but he was never derogatory about the women he had been with. His most recent date, Harper, is feisty and to the point (I would love to read a book with her as the heroine) and even though she was the 'Other Woman' in a way , I couldn't help but like her. She was pretty kick ass.
All the secondary characters are interesting , engaging and make you want more - I am itching to read Weston and Crew's stories. A Little Too Close and A Little Too Wild which also release this month (Oct 2022).
The baddies were a delight to boo at. That part of the plot was a little easy to guess but it was executed well and enjoyable to read.
As much as I loved the characters , it was clear that they very much had their flaws. Mark Madigan surprised me and I wasn't expecting a couple of the things that happened around him. Ms Bowen can certainly make her characters cut deep with their words.
This romance had the most delicious small town feel to it, which is like kindle catnip to me.
I groan into my coffee cup, because mountain gossip is swift and brutal. This place is like a small town on meth.
I relished every page and listened to and read it. Excellent narration , as always, by Andi Arndt and Sebastian York.
Reed Madigan is going to wreck me all over again. And I’m going to let him.
I will absolutely be devouring the other two books and this one is definitely going to be a go to re read for sure.
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And I don’t even care, because the only man I ever loved is kissing me in the snow on a moonlit night, and romantic moments are as fleeting in my life as shooting stars.
If you want to lose yourself in a second chance romance with passion , fun , heartache and a plethora of characters that you will fall in love with, then I recommend A Little Too Late.
HEA? More HFN but Ava and Reed will most likely appear in the next two books. It was a good ending though.
Cheating? No. Both H and h saw others during their 10 year separation but no significant relationships for either of them.
Be aware (view spoiler)[Loss of a parent at a young age / parental alcohol misuse / miscarriage are all themes in this novel. (hide spoiler)]
Now, this book will not appeal to everyone. I wasn't sure if it would appeal to me5 Drew and June Stars
********SPOILERS************************
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Now, this book will not appeal to everyone. I wasn't sure if it would appeal to me but it absolutely did. This book consumed me. I couldn't stop thinking about the characters , the themes running through it , the angst ( oh dear God , the angst), the heat that it packs...all of it. I read for four hours straight one night and finished it the next and in between I obsessed about this book. In fact , I think I still am.
Drew and June have been married for five years when June catches him in a hotel room with another woman , Lorelai. That is how the book starts and it packs a highly emotional punch even though the opening is told from Drew's POV. Clever writing , I thought - somehow seeing it from Drew's viewpoint makes it more impactful and powerful. My heart broke for June. What she saw devastated her and the irony is , it devastates Drew too. I know , I know ... he's cheating on her , he's in the wrong by a massive margin , but this book is so well written I was feeling all kinds of feels.
Needless to say, June uncovering Drew's affair causes them to separate. They have counselling which is pretty damn brutal and all kinds of emotions are brought up. Whether they will survive this with any kind of relationship intact is debatable but Drew is determined to earn back his wife's heart. June , understandably , is really unsure.
Let's talk about Drew...
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Oh Drew. This Hero pulled my heart in every direction. To be clear , I spent a good portion of the book wanting to kick his cheating arse on June's behalf. He says and does things that I wanted to stamp on his balls for. That opening scene with the OW shows he clearly finds her really attractive
"Peace as I push the head back away from my cock and spill over the flushed cheeks and pretty , swollen lips. It's a gorgeous sight........she knows what I like , how to please me after all this time together."
Yet all during this , he keeps thinking about his wife.
"While it feels amazing, it's not enough to stop the memories that tease my mind back to the first time I looked upon my wife and knew I loved her."
Drew and Lorelai , the OW, have known each other since college and hooked up a couple of times then. The reason they became friends is complex and pivotal to the book. Initially when we learn they have been having an affair for a year , I thought it was a case of them hooking up at every opportunity. That is not the case , Drew confesses it has been a handful of times during the year. What made me madder at him is that the day they are found out he still sleeps at the hotel with her after June leaves. He does try to follow June but she runs. He blows up her phone. He and Lorelai don't have sex again but he is photographed kissing her forehead and putting her in the cab the next morning.
The opening chapter of this book is one of the most impactful I have ever read and I think it will stay with me for a long time. The juxtaposition of a Hero who loves his wife but is having sex with and has an emotional attachment (at that time) with another woman. This quote ripped my tender romantic heart to shreds...
My heart racing, I hang my head and make my way back inside. Back to Lorelai. Into the arms of a woman who is not my wife , but my relief. A woman I don't love , but I cherish. A woman who has saved me in some ways, yet is also my greatest downfall.
Right there - I hated him right along with June. He didn't practice safe sex with the OW -he makes her sign an NDA and promise to use birth control. And she wasn't the first woman he cheated with - there had been one off interludes with three others. How could he do that? Think that? It would be very easy to write him off , decide he is irredeemable. How on earth was the author going to make me like him? Make me think he was worthy of June? Well, I'll tell you now that I spent much of the book thinking June would be better off with someone else entirely and yet....
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I can't explain it. This author is new to me - I think this is her debut - but she weaves some kind of magic with her words. She convinced me that June and Drew would survive and that they would survive this very well. June is as complex as Drew in many ways and I loved watching her find herself again. She has been through a hideous trauma and Drew's infidelities makes her explore that more. Her family and friends are awesome and their characters are interesting - I really want Reed , her brother's , story. Then there is Noah - Drew's arch nemesis and her new colleague. And friend. Whilst Drew is reflecting on the colossal screw up he has made, June is exploring her emotions , feelings and desires with Noah. I loved that she did that . Screw you Drew .... your wife is hot and other people know it. Our H needs to see that he may not win her back, that it feels absolutely awful to think of the person you love with someone else. June and Noah don't go all the way but they are intimate and care for each other. I adored Noah ...there's a book I have got to read. Please write his book Ms Rhymes.
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There is a scene towards the end that is one of the hottest I have ever read. Seriously , kindle freezer moment required...
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I could go on about this novel. The angst is intense and it truly is an emotional roller coaster. I suspect readers will love it or hate it. I loved it , devoured it , thought about it and it is one of my top reads of 2022. For me there was enough resolution , enough grovelling and also I thought the actions that he took to redeem himself were truly meaningful.
Thanks to Lydia's Romance and Malene for the recommendation. They went first and this nervous Nelly jumped in after...
HEA? Yes Cheating? Yes Be aware : Descriptive account of violent assault. (In June's past). MFM scene....more
This was a really enjoyable read that had me hooked in from the start.
Hayden (30ish) is an ex soldier who is now a fire fight5 Adele and Hayden Stars
This was a really enjoyable read that had me hooked in from the start.
Hayden (30ish) is an ex soldier who is now a fire fighter. We first met him in Fixed , he is Duke's best friend and served with him in the military. Hayden has left Savannah and moved to California for promotion and also he has seen all his friends settle down and start their own families. He really is a heart stoppingly gorgeous Hero.
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He is funny and outgoing plus he rescues people, including Adele. He was so determined to bring her out of her shell. He saw her beauty but he was intent on seeing past that , helping her to live her life again. That said, he definitely calls her out on her grumpy moments.
“Can’t you just accept my apology? I was having a bad day, that's all.” He looks me over like he’s actually debating on whether or not he can accept it. “No,” he says bluntly. “I don’t think you really mean it.”
Adele (28) is the kind of heroine that you want to hug , cheer for from the sidelines and help her fight her demons and this girl really does have some demons.
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She has been through some awfully traumatic events as a young adult and although she has left that behind , the spectres of her past still haunt her. Watching her do something as simple as forge a friendship with Janey , her office colleague , pulled my heartstrings.
She’s blowing up my Instant Messenger, keeping me up to date with all the latest office gossip. I want to say that it’s annoying, but I secretly love it. I have a friend. Not someone who has to like me because we’re related, or because they’re friends with my boyfriend. Someone who’s spent time with me and liked me.
This book could have gone down a fairly downbeat path because some of the topics it embraces are bleak but the author has managed to balance it all so that the sadder parts are powerful but ultimately I felt like a read a gorgeous love story about two characters who I was really invested in. There are funny and endearing moments and the opportunity to catch up with characters from other books in the Flawed Love series. Also , Adele's big brother , Chance is the Hero from Cocky Bastard which is a book I have had on my kindle TBR for ages. (It is now lined up to be read asap).
I'm so glad I have discovered this author and the world of characters she has created.
HEA? Yes Cheating? Yes Be aware: (view spoiler)[ Drug addiction , rape , loss of parent, sexual exploitation are all discussed in this book. (hide spoiler)]...more
This is such a good series and this is my favourite of the four novels.
Elliott is the best friend of Lucy , the heroine from5 Elliott and Duke Stars
This is such a good series and this is my favourite of the four novels.
Elliott is the best friend of Lucy , the heroine from Score. Duke is Lucy's big brother. At 35 he has finally left his military career and is starting a new chapter in his life as a civilian. He has always had a thing for Elliott but she has been off limits and also, a few years into their acquaintance she had married her boyfriend from college. The last person Duke expects to encounter in his and his sister's old house is Elliott and her twin girls. She is no longer married and that long ago attraction flares back to life. All the lingering looks, bodies brushing against each other by accident, secret longings - OMG I am so here for that. And then the whole scene where the gorgeous, tough Duke interacts with Brooke and Bailey , Elliott's twins....well, good bye ovaries.
The sight of Duke laying in the little pink bed, my tiny little girls in those big tattooed arms of his was something to behold.
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Elliott is a lovable heroine. I loved the way her character developed and she rediscovered herself. She is funny, loyal , kind and yet she has flaws too. Her ex- husband really did a number on her and the impact of that is clear. She married him at 18 and now twelve years later she is a 30 year old divorced single mum who is trying to hold everything together.
Duke is my kind of Hero. He's just the right amount of dark and brooding mixed with Alpha but is absolutely the right man for our heroine (and her little girls). The relationship that develops between Duke and especially Brooke is adorable. I read the spin off books about Brooke (Force) and Bailey (Until Mitchell) so I knew they both adored Duke but it was a real treat seeing that develop and particularly the bond he has with Brooke as she is a very similar personality to him - reserved, quiet , measured. Still waters run deep kind of people which balances well with Elliott and Bailey who are much more outgoing and sociable.
I felt for Duke as he doesn't give himself credit for what an awesome guy he really is. He is scarred by his past and it has hugely impacted on him.
I’ve had women use me plenty over the years. I’m the guy they go slumming with. The guy who fucks them dirty before settling down with a decent white-collar guy who can give them the picket fence life they’ve always wanted. I’m the one they use, never the one they want forever. I’m the dirty secret. The one they hide from their family. I'm the late-night phone call when they say they’re out with friends.
Elliott is just the woman to show him what his true self worth is but it takes time.
She’s not just out of my league, we aren’t even playing the same damn sport.
This novel has so many elements that I enjoy and it's all written so well that it makes for a book that I could not put down. Cute kids, big tough hero, lovable heroine, awesome secondary characters , a good dollop of OW drama , no cheating between the H/h and also the H has not been a manwhore. I'm so glad I discovered this new to me author.
It's been a little while since I have stayed up half the night because I just couldn't put a book down but 'Just The Way You Are' 5 Alli and Sam Stars
It's been a little while since I have stayed up half the night because I just couldn't put a book down but 'Just The Way You Are' had me hooked from the first couple of pages. I normally run a mile from a book where siblings have both loved the same person - I find it a bit icky- but the writing in this book is so good and there were certain things that worked as caveats to my usual rule that I took a leap of faith and went for it. I am so very glad I did.
Alli (27) and Sam (29) have been married for nine years and have an eight year old daughter, Megan. They married because Alli got pregnant the one time they had sex when she was eighteen and he was twenty. The big issue around this is that Sam had been in a relationship with someone since he was 13 and that someone was Alli's big sister Tessa. The beautiful, stunning, popular, now supermodel, Tessa.
Alli and Sam stayed in their small town and made a life for themselves, Tessa went and conquered the modelling world and she doesn't come back until her and Alli's Granny (Phoebe) becomes poorly. When Tessa sweeps back into town she is apprehensive about seeing her first love, Sam. She and Alli hate each other following the events of nine years ago but even before that Alli had always been in her big sister's shadow. Tessa is stunned to find that Alli and Sam have separated and are looking to divorce - Alli finally decided to let Sam go , walk away , because for all these years Sam has loved Tessa and although Alli has loved him with all that she has, she just can't be second choice anymore. Meanwhile, Tessa sees an opportunity to get Sam back. Hang on to your hearts my fellow angst junkies....this is game on.
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I was thinking that it would have been good to see a flashback of the fallout after Sam and Alli slept together but actually that may have detracted from my sympathy for Alli. She is such a strong heroine and I loved her character. She was so isolated when she was little and Tessa swanned about with her stunning looks, popular personality and pretty much mesmerised everyone , even their parents appeared to prefer her. In Sam's presence especially, Tessa eclipsed Alli. How do you ever compete with that? How hard must it have been for Alli who had loved Sam from the very start to see him of all people fall under Tessa's spell?
"You know what you said about Tessa teaching you how to dream? Well, since I spent most of my time standing on the ground beneath that damn treehouse, I always had to look up to see anything, and when I looked up, I saw you." Her eyes grew watery. "You were my dream, Sam. I wanted so badly to be yours."
Nine years later, Alli is finally done chasing her dream. Her husband is mooning over her sister and she is done. I was cheering for Alli for standing up for herself and realising that she deserves to be loved for who she is and not be married to someone who married her out of a sense of duty. All that said, you can feel her heart breaking at the same time.
"I'm surprised you didn't jump in front of her, protect her from her nasty little sister," Alli said to Sam. "I don't think I need to get between you two any more than I already have." "Is that where you are—between us? Or are you with Tessa now? You never run late, Sam. You never forget about your business. Oh, you can forget to come home for dinner or buy me a birthday present or show up for our anniversary, but you never forget business—until now. I guess Tessa must have kept you occupied." "It wasn't like that. We were talking." "Oh, sure, talking. God, I hate you." She felt the anger rage within her, and she just couldn't stop it from bursting out. She picked up a fish and threw at him. "I hate that you took her out on our boat.... I hate that you can lose track of time with her but not with me." Sam sidestepped another throw. "Alli, calm down." "And I hate it when you tell me to calm down," she cried, launching another fish in his direction. "Did you kiss her like she was the only woman in the world and you couldn't live without her? Why do I let you do this to me? Stay away from me, Sam. Just stay away from me." She peeled off her gloves and tossed them onto the deck. "I don't want you anymore. I don't want to be second choice, second best, second whatever. I don't want to be the one who trails after you like some stupid lost puppy dog. I don't want to be the one you got stuck with after the one you loved got away. She's here, Sam. Tessa is right here in Tucker's Landing. You want to make love to someone. Make love to her."
I disliked Tessa for the most part. I think she is a character that will divide readers and maybe how you feel about / towards her will influence how much you enjoy this book. I felt some sympathy for her initially - your boyfriend and sister sleeping together and getting pregnant would be pretty devastating and a good reason to stay away but honestly , Tessa was never going to settle for small town life, she was heading for the bright lights and fame and fortune and nothing was holding her back. Tessa was all about herself and that vanity and sense of self importance radiates from her.
Tessa straddled the bike, her short dress hitched up to mid-thigh. "I think I should be wearing jeans for this," she said. "I might stop traffic."
Alli has strength, is grounded, funny and independent. She may not be a supermodel but she is gorgeous and she doesn't see her own beauty but Sam does.
Her eyes were sparkling with mischief, her cheeks a rosy pink, her hair a glorious tangle of reds and golds that reminded him of incredible sunsets over the ocean. He'd always thought Alli was pretty, but today she looked spectacular.
And then there was Sam. Oh Sam...you idiot man.
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I went from feeling sorry for him to wanting to slap him upside the head. He messes up repeatedly. Just as I got to a point where I thought he had got his head on straight , he would say or do something and I was back to being so frustrated and disappointed with him. Did he redeem himself? Yes but good Lord it was an arduous (and utterly deliciously angsty) journey to get there.
A long time ago he'd thought of himself as a one-woman man, and Tessa had been that woman. Then Alli had come along and they'd married and shared so many days and nights together that she'd become a part of his existence. She had carved a place in his life, a place that now felt empty, more empty than he would have imagined.
The chemistry between Alli and Sam is palpable and the scenes of them together are passionate. When he is under Tessa's spell , that chemistry just isn't there. Yeah, she's a beautiful woman but she has no substance. A first love is a pretty memory, but that is all it is. It's as delicate as Tessa's bone structure. Alli is strength , passion, has shown undying loyalty to Sam and she has truly loved him from the very beginning. The love has never wavered but one sided marriages do.
The story is told in multiple viewpoints - mainly Allie & Sam's , but also Tessa, Phoebe and Jimmy's (Tessa's friend). It has humour as well as heartbreakingly sad moments. You will need tissues...
HEA? Yes Cheating? Definitely emotional. Also, whilst Sam and Alli are separated there is a chaste kiss between Sam and Tessa. It didn't bother me. It's important to the plot.
Huge thanks (again) to Lydia and Nicole who introduced me to this book.
Musical Muses: Love You Like I Used Too - Russell Dickerson (Sam and Alli) You Belong With Me - Taylor Swift (Young Alli) The Walls Are Way Too Thin - Holly Humberstone (Young Alli) Girl Crush -Sugarland (Young Alli) Closer Than You Might Believe - Alanis Morissette (Young Alli) Whatever It Takes - Lifehouse (Alli and Sam) Last Shot - Kip Moore (Sam and Alli) I Don't Love You Much Do I? - Guy Clark (Sam to Alli) Stuck On You - Lionel Richie (Sam to Alli)
I definitely felt the angst with this one. I devoured every page and stayed up way too late reading it. This may not be everyo4.5 Lanie and John Stars
I definitely felt the angst with this one. I devoured every page and stayed up way too late reading it. This may not be everyone's cup of tea , but for me it was the right amount of tension and drama at the right time.
Short review - unexpected pregnancy for a couple, both Detectives , who have been together for a relatively short time. Lanie Falconetti loves John O'Reilly. He's attracted to her and clearly cares for her but he believes himself to be in love with his work partner, Beth, who he slept with once a few years before. Some truly heart wrenching scenes - I cried for Lanie.
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Excellent attempts at redemption by John. Detective O'Reilly smashed my poor kindle heart but he absolutely did step up once he realised that Lanie was the one he was truly in love with.
Not safe for anyone who is not comfortable reading about emotional cheating because that is definitely a theme but that is resolved fairly early on in the book and I would say that the main body of the novel is about John trying to win Lanie back.
It wasn't a five star for me because the ending , although lovely , was a little abrupt. I wanted an epilogue.
More detailed review with spoilers...
Damn you Detective John O'Reilly... you robbed me of several hours of sleep and had me running on caffeine at work. I couldn't put this book down. The start is definitely punchy and there is a scene early on when Lanie is sat with him in hospital because he has been hurt. John wakes up and makes a humdinger of a cock up....
John swam in a thick grayness, somewhere between light and dark. His body felt as though he should be in pain, but the sensation hovered just out of reach. The cold was real, and shivers racked him. “John?” A lyrical voice soothed over his nerves, a familiar touch stroking his jaw. He turned toward the warmth. Lips brushed his. “I love you.” He struggled to open his eyes. “Beth?” Warm fingers linked through his. “No, it’s me.”
Uh oh.
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He doesn't help things at all when he and Lanie talk a little later...
“You love her, don’t you?” The quiet, deadly words brought him to a stop. For the first time, he glimpsed agony beneath the ice. Guilt cramped his stomach, and he softened his voice. “Lanie, I didn’t mean for this to happen.” “I’m sure you didn’t.” Her gaze didn’t move from his, but the existence of their unborn child hung between them, the double meaning heavy in her words. “Were you sleeping with her, too?” Anger rocketed through his veins. “No, damn it, I wasn’t sleeping with her.”
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The secondary character I loved the most was Cait , Lanie's cousin. She is also in law enforcement and she has to question John about an event that happened. At this point she is all about protecting her cousin.
She scratched a note on the pad, and then her gaze flickered to his face. “Were you involved?” He shifted his gaze away. “That came later. Beth… She was scared and alone.” “And you were her knight in shining armor.” Sarcasm clipped the words. John bristled. “Are you always so antagonistic when questioning a witness?" “O’Reilly, you haven’t seen antagonistic yet.”
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Yesssss!!! You tell him Cait.
Lanie was a very likeable heroine. She's pretty badass and clearly had fallen hard for John. They connected physically from the start but he had not really engaged with the pregnancy at all , constantly distancing himself. Lanie is strong though and once she pushes him away she doesn't pull any punches about how she feels. I thought her struggle with bonding with the baby was well written. Towards the end I got a little frustrated that she was still pushing him away. He had redeemed himself but she still seemed so hesitant , right up until the end. Then again, a lot of women would possibly have never become involved with him again.
John was a well written Hero who evoked so many feelings. I got so mad with him and yet I also felt sorry for him plus he had lost both of his parents and I really sensed how alone he was in the world before Lanie. In terms of character development there is a lot going on. He also tugged my heartstrings when it came to him and his new baby boy.
The character I disliked intensely was Beth. (But I was probably supposed to). She got under my skin and the audacity of what she said to Lanie incensed me....I loved being incensed - The reader's fury at the other woman is a weird kind of deliciousness in romance. Both she and John had both lied to Lanie and others. I would have liked a clear scene of the door smacking Beth in the butt as she left their lives. It was obvious John was deeply in loved with Lanie by the end but I would have relished him telling Beth to go away.
This was a new to me author but I will definitely be reading more of her work.
HEA? Yes - but a little rushed and no epilogue. Cheating? Emotional cheating.
Huge thanks to Lydia and Nicole for recommending this book. ...more
'You’ve always been everything I thought a woman should be. And I have wanted you every second of my life since we first m5 Daisy and Matthew Stars
'You’ve always been everything I thought a woman should be. And I have wanted you every second of my life since we first met.’
Daisy Bowman and Matthew Swift brought this fabulous series to an absolutely gorgeous conclusion and I was not ready to bid adieu to my Wallflowers and their handsome men.
Each book has been so lovely , from Annabelle and Simon (Secrets of a Summer Night) , to Lillian and Marcus (It Happened One Autumn), to Evie and Sebastian (Devil in Winter) they each had something unique to them whilst also sharing common themes of friendships, romance, passion and fun with occasional tugs on the heartstrings. The writing is beautiful and I really felt like I was there in the glittering ballrooms or the beautiful landscape surrounding Stony Cross Park.
Daisy and Evie have been my favourite heroines but ultimately Daisy stole the show. She is a perfect blend of strength, determination, wit, resolve, loyalty and also she is a romantic who always has her nose in a novel. That's my kind of heroine. On one occasion she is conversing with one of the aristocracy at the house party she is at;
‘Do you ever read novels, my lord?’ He looked sincerely appalled by the question. ‘Oh, I never read novels. I was taught from childhood that one should only read books that instruct the mind or improve the character.’ Daisy was annoyed by his superior tone. ‘What a pity,’ she said beneath her breath.
Daisy had spent the last three years in the UK with her sister and parents looking for a husband. Her parents had great expectations especially after Lillian 'marries well'. It seems that Daisy is unlikely to make an advantageous match and her Father , vile weasel that he was, threatens to marry her off to his favourite employee , Matthew Swift.
Matthew is a fellow American and he arrives in the UK from New York , but for years Daisy and her siblings have loathed him because he is so favoured by their Father and he is a driven and focused business man. They perceive him as cold. Spoiler alert....Mr Swift is far from cold....
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Watching Daisy come to the realisation that she is falling for her arch nemesis was entertaining and adorable.
‘I have the most horrible suspicion that Matthew Swift might actually be everything I ever wanted in a man.’
He wants her desperately, always has , but he tries to keep her at arms length. He has his reasons but slowly Daisy discovers her inner temptress and suddenly all bets are off.
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Matthew never stood a chance. Our girl had had his heart from the beginning.
She was the most provoking, beguiling woman he had ever met. Thunderstorms and rainbows wrapped together in a convenient pocket-sized parcel. Bloody hell, how he wanted to bed her.
Both Daisy and Matthew had been treated badly in their pasts and it impacted hugely on their adult lives. One of the best themes in these books is the way that friendships can help you navigate the harder paths in life. Marcus Westcliff is Daisy's aristocratic brother in law and I thought he was a pivotal character in this novel in particular. He sees how good our H & h would be together and he is protective of them both. When Daisy's father is especially cruel to her , Westcliff is so kind :
‘Daisy,’ Westcliff said gently, ‘most lives are not distinguished by great achievements. They are measured by an infinite number of small ones. Each time you do a kindness for someone or bring a smile to his face, it gives your life meaning. Never doubt your value, little friend. The world would be a dismal place without Daisy Bowman in it.’
Very true, Westcliff , very true.
Matthew is such a brilliantly written Hero. He's cool and composed on the surface but there are delicious glimpses of all that passion bubbling under the surface and also his vulnerabilities. He is all about Daisy. My heart ached for him when something happens and for the first time he realises that there are people on his side and willing to fight for and alongside him and also that Daisy would stand by his side through anything.
And finally, after losing her heart to Heroes in novels , Daisy has her very own man who is as besotted with her as she is with him.
HEA? Yes Cheating? No
The series are interconnected but you could still read each novel on its own. Daisy and Matthew are enemies to lovers. I bought the book - not available on KU at time of review....more
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