3⭐ Genre ~ contemporary romance Series ~ Hooked #2 Others in the series ~ Mr. Hook-up Setting ~ Boston, Massachusetts Publication date ~ April 23, 2024 Pag3⭐ Genre ~ contemporary romance Series ~ Hooked #2 Others in the series ~ Mr. Hook-up Setting ~ Boston, Massachusetts Publication date ~ April 23, 2024 Page Count ~ 378 (p+ 31 chapters +e) Audio length ~ 11 hours 50 minutes Narrator ~ Andi Arndt, Ryan West POV ~ dual 1st Featuring ~ billionaire, influencer/waitress, fake marriage, age gap, grumpy/sunshine, some steamage
I didn't read the blurb because this author is an automatic read for me. Plus I quite enjoyed book 1, so it wouldn't have mattered anyway if I did because I would have read this one anyway. Unfortunately I didn't like this one as much as I anticipated.
Grayson (30) & Jovana (22) meet at a bar and have a one night stand, he immediately gives her the boot after and she's super pissed, rightfully so. Flash forward 2 months and a scandal has his company, Hooked, needing her help and so they enter into a contract for a fake relationship.
Normally I don't mind the fake relationship trope, but I much prefer both parties to fully be on board with the plan and that was not the case here. I wasn't feeling the reason, or the big push, for it. I am, however, happy with how it played out in the end.
Playboy, anti-relationship, Grayson, is a big time a-hole and I wasn’t feeling him at all. Once he figures out his feelings for her he's all in, though, even if it takes an awfully long time.
I gotta hand it to Jovana, she stuck it out and in the end gets what she wants, but man oh man, he was difficult to deal with. I really enjoyed her relationship with her parents and her bff, Sloane, which showed more of her sunshiny character.
Overall, this was well written and certainly what I've come to except from this author, but I just couldn't get behind the content or the actions of the characters. Although this one didn't fully work for me I'll for sure read the next book (and anything else she writes), which is will follow single dad, Holden. Edit - just found out there will not be a book 3 anytime soon, poor Holden ...more
4.25⭐ Genre ~ contemporary romance Series ~ Spade Hotel #1 Setting ~ Hawaii & Los Angeles, California Publication date ~ December 28, 2023 Est page Count ~4.25⭐ Genre ~ contemporary romance Series ~ Spade Hotel #1 Setting ~ Hawaii & Los Angeles, California Publication date ~ December 28, 2023 Est page Count ~ 396 (26 chapters) Audio length ~ 10 hours Narrator ~ Savannah Peachwood, Tor Thom POV ~ dual 1st Featuring ~ characters in their 20's, fast burn ~ then kinda slow burn, one night stand, billionaire, college student, rich man/poor woman, age gap (27 & 22), opposites attract, alpha, secrets, lack of communication, plenty of steamage, no 3rd act breakup
Macon & Brooklyn Macon is at a club for a bachelor party when he's drawn to the tiny dancer on a stage. Initially she's not feeling him, but very soon she realizes she can't resist his charms, so they head out to the party bus to get very well acquainted with each other.
Holy Maconator, so perfectly alpha and obsessed (not creepily) with her right from the start. He falls first, too. Although a billionaire, he's not overly billionaire~ish, except for that one time he flew her on a private jet to get the best sushi on the island.
Brooklyn was super smart, hardworking and passionate about her ideas to save the hotel money. I'm all about saving money and she had some good ideas, although probably already implemented in real life. I liked how, besides that first encounter, she doesn't give in so easily and plays a little hard to get, which throws Macon off since he's not used to that at all.
My only harp is that I really wish they didn't keep their secrets from each other for so long. They weren't even really that big of a whoop, hers especially. But at least we don't have a 3rd act breakup, so that makes up for it.
Overall, a great start to a new series and just what I'd expect from Marni. I love that we got a glimpse of the Dalton's from her previous series that I loved so much. See my reviews for all 5 of those books here.
I was lucky enough to have the ebook and an audio copy.
Narration notes: Savannah did a lovely job. Tor was great, too, more so with his man voice than his lady one.
*Thanks to the author, Valentine PR, Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for the ARC and audio copy. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
4.35⭐ Genre ~ contemporary romance Series ~ Hooked #1 Setting ~ Boston, Massachusetts Publication date ~ October 3, 2023 Page Count ~ 322 (38 chapters p+e)4.35⭐ Genre ~ contemporary romance Series ~ Hooked #1 Setting ~ Boston, Massachusetts Publication date ~ October 3, 2023 Page Count ~ 322 (38 chapters p+e) Audio length ~ 8 hours Narrators ~ Alexander Cendese, Meg Sylvan POV ~ dual 1st Featuring ~ 2 parts, alpha hero, billionaire, boss/employee, forbidden love, forced proximity, office romance, one night stand, second chance, secret romance, workplace romance, steamage, NO 3rd ACT BREAKUP!
Easton/Mr. Boston & Drake/Love The first part is strictly in Easton's POV. He's one of 3 founders of the app for hooking up called Hooked. He matches 100% with Saaralove, which is unheard of. They meet up, and hook up, but they're both wearing masks so they have no clue what each other looks like. They text back and forth for a while, but never get the chance to meet up again. Until we flash forward 5 1/2 years and they're in each other's lives again, but neither knows who the other is.
I've got another book boyfriend to add to my list! Easton was perfect from beginning to end. A sweet, caring alpha that'll sizzle your socks right off.
I didn't love Drake at first, but I easily warmed up to her as her story unfolded and the reasoning for earlier things became clear.
There is a conflict, but can I get a whoop whoop for no 3rd act breakup? So refreshing! And what Easton did to resolve the conflict was everything.
Overall, a wonderful start to a new series. I can already see how Holden and Grayson's stories are going to be just as great!
Narration notes: I did not listen to this one, but am just giving the info above for reference.
*Thanks to Marni Mann, Valentine PR and NetGalley for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
4⭐ Genre ~ contemporary romance Series ~ The Donovans: Sweetbriar Ridge, #1 Setting ~ Virginia Publication date ~ September 19, 2023 Page Count ~ 290 (15 c4⭐ Genre ~ contemporary romance Series ~ The Donovans: Sweetbriar Ridge, #1 Setting ~ Virginia Publication date ~ September 19, 2023 Page Count ~ 290 (15 chapters + e) Audio length ~ 8 hours 20 minutes Narrator ~ Carly Robins POV ~ dual 3rd Featuring ~ small business owner, single mom, small town, friends with benefits, friends to lovers, no steamage
Levi & Jade Jade is trying to make a nice life for her and 8 year old son, Silas, by opening her own business. Books and Beans is a bookstore/coffee shop combo in their quaint town of Sweetbriar Ridge. There were some early snafu's, but the business took off with a little help from some friends.
Levi is back in his hometown and he's not too thrilled about it. He loves the hustle and bustle of big city life, and this town doesn't even have food delivery, gasp, can you believe it? As he spends more time with Jade he starts to think that maybe he's found someone that can change his tune.
I felt like they clicked and were sweet together. He was so good to Silas right from day 1, too, which was so cute. Hated the 3rd act breakup, as usual. I could have went without the whole saga with Levi's mom, too.
Overall, it was pretty delightful and a great start to the series. I'm looking forward to each of Levi's 3 sisters finding their happily ever after.
Series notes: Samantha likes to give us small town romance series and this one will follow a whole new branch of Donovans. I like that some characters from The Donovans: Laurel Bay series make an appearance and are referenced as to how their lives are coming along. I like to be kept up to date on previous characters I fell in love with. With that said if you have time read that series first, if not I suppose it's not a big deal if you don't.
I was lucky enough to have an ebook and an audio copy. Narration notes: Carly did a fine job as always, but I've said it many times that I wish there was a male narrator too.
*Thanks to the author, Valentine PR and NetGalley for the ARC and audio copy. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
3.75⭐ Genre ~ contemporary romance Series ~ Lake Starlight #3 Others in the series ~ The Problem with Second Chances #1, The Issue with Bad Boy Roommates3.75⭐ Genre ~ contemporary romance Series ~ Lake Starlight #3 Others in the series ~ The Problem with Second Chances #1, The Issue with Bad Boy Roommates #2 Publication date ~ August 8, 2023 Page Count ~ 264 Audio length ~7 hours 13 minutes Narrators ~ Aiden Snow, Emily Woo Zeller POV ~ dual 1st Featuring ~ high school sweethearts, close proximity, enemies-to-lovers, runaway bride, flashbacks, small town, will they or won't they, slow burn, no cheating, second chance, some steamage
Lance & Kenzie were high school sweethearts, but made a decision to break up before they left for college. Now it's 8 years later and Kenzie is set to marry Lance's nemesis, and a real douche canoe, Will, and somehow Lance ends up being their wedding planner.
The tension was so high when these two were near each other. Although weird that Lance was planning her wedding it was cute that he obviously knew way more about Kenzie than her tool of a fiance did....that should of told her something right there. I actually liked Lance more than Kenzie for that reason...among others. We have the miscommunication from college that I could do without, but I didn't find what happened to be too bad, I mean it wasn't great, but there could have been something worse. This was a slow burn and I kinda wish it wasn't. Although the story is about their journey back to each other it took longer than I would have liked, but when they finally got themselves figured out I love that they were all in. I just hate that so much time was wasted, but at least they're only in their mid 20's.
Overall, not my favorite of the series, but well written and still a great story. Yes a standalone, but Brinley and Van from book 2, and, cousin, Easton, all play huge parts in the story, so you might as well start at the beginning. I still need to go back and read the whole Bailey and Greene series myself, I really wish I had read those before this series.
*Thanks to the authors and Valentine PR for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
4⭐ Genre ~ contemporary romance Series ~ The Donovans #5 Others in the series ~ The Donovans Publication date ~ July 18, 2023 Page Count ~ 288 Audio length4⭐ Genre ~ contemporary romance Series ~ The Donovans #5 Others in the series ~ The Donovans Publication date ~ July 18, 2023 Page Count ~ 288 Audio length ~ 7 hours 26 minutes Narrator ~ Carly Robins POV ~ dual 3rd Featuring ~ small town, boss/employee, fake relationship, friends to lovers, forced proximity, no steamage
Patrick & Marissa have grown close, in a strictly platonic way, over the 5 years they've worked together. When Marissa needs help due to her mother's declining health and her brother's destructive behavior Patrick comes up with a solid plan ~ they'll enter into a marriage of convenience in order to protect her assets. And to get meddling mom, Kate, off his back will be an added bonus.
Not hard to figure out what is going to happen if you've read the fake relationship trope before. I liked how they didn't have to force themselves to be together since they are already so comfortable with each other, so it just seemed natural. As usual there's a bit of miscommunication 3rd act shenanigans because neither think the other feels the same way they feel.
Overall, another delightful Donovan read. I'm sad this series is over, but we met cousin, Levi, who will begin a whole new series featuring more Donovan's ~ coming out in September 2023.
Series notes: All of the Donovan's are heavily involved in each installment, so just read them in order.
*Thanks to Samantha Chase and Valentine PR for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
4.75⭐ Genre ~ contemporary romance, romantic comedy, adult romance Series ~ Lake Starlight Others in the series ~ The Problem with Second Chances Publicat4.75⭐ Genre ~ contemporary romance, romantic comedy, adult romance Series ~ Lake Starlight Others in the series ~ The Problem with Second Chances Publication date ~ June 27, 2023 Page Count ~ 258 POV ~ dual 1st Featuring ~ bad boy/good girl, close proximity, first responder, military, veteran, opposites attract, roommates-to-lovers, small town, will they or won't they, widow, starting over, slow burn, minimal steamage
Brinley & Van Brinley (great name!) was widowed at just 21, 4 years ago. Not just her super large family, but everyone in their small town is very protective of her, so when her new roommate turns out to be a tattooed well built hunk everyone is on high alert to make sure she doesn't get hurt.
Book boyfriend alert!! I loved Van so much! For looking like a bad boy he totally did not give off that vibe at all. His backstory was heartbreaking, but what he did to move on from it was commendable. He's sweeter than chocolate icing, respectful and patient with the added bonus of rock hard snug-able abs and he cooks! And the camping with the Girl Scouts, gah, just adorable!
We have a bunch of Bailey's involved in the story. I liked the close cousin relationship Brinley has with Calista, Easton and Lance. I really need to go back and read that whole series. I especially want to meet the infamous Great Grandma Dori who sounds like she was an absolute delight. We've got the setup for The Trouble with Runaway Brides, so I'm looking forward to that.
I really loved everything about this book. They were so comfortable with each other right away. Their mutual attraction is undeniable. I'm not even mad about the 3rd act breakup as I can see why they felt they had to walk away. Could I have went for a longer discussion about it? sure could've, but I'm happy with how it ended.
The only reason behind my -.25 is because of the bonus chapters that I read from signing up for the newsletter. I won't give anything away, but I didn't like the place they visited since IMO there are more worthy places where they could of found what they were looking for.
*Thanks to Piper Rayne and Valentine PR for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
4.25⭐ Series ~ Lake Starlight Publication date ~ May 16, 2023 Page Count ~ 282 POV ~ dual 1st Featuring ~ soccer, childhood sweethearts, friends to lovers4.25⭐ Series ~ Lake Starlight Publication date ~ May 16, 2023 Page Count ~ 282 POV ~ dual 1st Featuring ~ soccer, childhood sweethearts, friends to lovers to enemies to lovers, small town, slow burn, second chance, flashbacks, minimal steamage
Calista & Rylan were childhood sweethearts on the same professional soccer career track, but plans get derailed when Calista gets injured and her dream is over.
Everyone knew they were meant to be, especially the meddling grandma's. Normally I am not a fan of meddling, but the retirement home ladies were so cute. I actually thought the app Buzz Wheel, where busy bodies could post what's happening in the town, was a fun element that gave that small town vibe.
There is a great cast of side characters and while this is a standalone I do wish I had read the Greene family series and the Bailey family series first, just so I'd have some background on these two. It does make me want to read them more now after having met some of the family here.
I hate how so much time was wasted for them to figure their stuff out, but I suppose that's all part of growing into your own person. They often referred to themselves as being on a roller coaster and that's the perfect description for what went on for 16 years. And that epilogue ~ gah the cutest! Overall, another delightful read from these two fun authors.
4.25⭐ Series ~ The Dalton Family #5 a series most enjoyable when read in order, but not totally necessary. Others in the series ~ The Lawyer #1, The Bil4.25⭐ Series ~ The Dalton Family #5 a series most enjoyable when read in order, but not totally necessary. Others in the series ~ The Lawyer #1, The Billionaire #2, The Single Dad #3, The Intern #4 Publication date ~ April 27, 2023 Page Count ~ 362 Audio length ~ 9 hours 43 minutes POV ~ dual 1st Featuring ~ lawyer, billionaire, sisters best friend, best friends brother, off limits, forbidden, secret relationship, grumpy/sunshine, alpha, virgin, steamage
Camden & Oaklyn First off I just love both of their names. They have know each other since they were 12, but deemed off limits due to Oaklyn being Hannah's, Camden's twin sister, best friend. Oaklyn is ready to lose her virginity at 25 and she wants Camden to help her with that and expand her sexual knowledge.
Usually Marni gives us a fast burn with some steamage in the 1st or 2nd chapter, but this one was on the slower burn side and I didn't hate that for them. I mean there was some action, but not action action until later one. Camden did like a complete 180 on his outlook of what he saw for himself and I loved that about him. Oaklyn just leaves a ray of sunshine where ever she goes.
Overall, a delightful end to the Dalton Family series. I bet we haven't seen the last of them though.
Side cover notes ~ he has a nice looking jawline, not a fan of suit jacket sleeves scrunched up, but I do like that he is wearing a leather bracelet as that was brought up a few times in the story.
*Thanks to Marni Mann and Valentine PR for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
4.5⭐ Genre ~ sports romance Series ~ Kingsmen Football Stars #3 Others in the series ~ books #0.5 - 3 Setting ~ California Publication date ~ April 4, 20234.5⭐ Genre ~ sports romance Series ~ Kingsmen Football Stars #3 Others in the series ~ books #0.5 - 3 Setting ~ California Publication date ~ April 4, 2023 Est page Count ~ 228 Audio length ~ 5 hours 53 minutes Narrators ~ Jason Clarke, Savannah Peachwood POV ~ dual 1st Featuring ~ football, teacher, off limits, teammate/friends sister, brothers teammate/friend, neighbors to friends to lovers, fling to love, grumpy/sunshine, close proximity, opposites attract, some steamage
Finally! Chase & Twyla's story, woo hoo! I've been waiting for ages for them to get together and it was just as great as I had a feeling it would be.
Twyla is fresh from dumping her cheating fiance, so she temporarily moves from Connecticut to California and right across the hall from a 6'4" 265 lb solid muscle beefcake. Chase is an anti-social grump, but perhaps he was just waiting on a special someone to show him some sunshine. And Twyla is just the lady that might cut through that hard muscly exterior and bring out the sweetness.
Miles is a way overprotective brother (his reasoning is semi acceptable), so Twyla thinks it's a good idea to sneak around. You know how that'll go six way from Sunday night football.
These two had undeniable chemistry that had me fanning myself a time or two. I loved them and what was in his secret room too.
Overall, a wonderful end this trilogy + the .5 prequel that started it. I am super excited for the set up for a new series that will follow football team Chicago Grizzlies. I've been waiting on the first couples story for 3 books and I know that it will be just as delightful as this one.
Narration notes: I did not listen to this one, but am just giving the info above for reference.
*Thanks to Piper Rayne and Valentine PR for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
4.5⭐ Genre ~ sports romance Series ~ Kingsmen Football Stars, #2 Others in the series ~ books #0.5 - 3 Setting ~ California Publication date ~ February 14,4.5⭐ Genre ~ sports romance Series ~ Kingsmen Football Stars, #2 Others in the series ~ books #0.5 - 3 Setting ~ California Publication date ~ February 14, 2023 Est page Count ~ 254 Audio length ~ 6 hours 24 minutes Narrator ~ Aaron Shedlock, Cindy Kay POV ~ dual 1st Featuring ~ football, one night stand, single dad, boss/nanny, off limits, forced proximity, steamage
Brady & Violet had a no names one night stand ~ flash forward 6 months and Violet is now Brady's son's new live in nanny. So now we're in forbidden territory, add in the forced proximity with a side of a walk-in pantry and wowza with the chemistry.
Brady was such a great dad and Theo was a great 6 year old boy. He was perfectly behaved and such a delight. Perhaps that's due to Brady and Hannah's wonderful co-parenting regime. I loved Theo and Violet's relationship too. I am going to give myself 2 more single dad books before I determine that maybe I really don't mind them at all.
Brady has a wonderful relationship with his parents ~ his mom is a hoot! But, Violet's mom was a bit much with her meddling.
Overall, an all around delight! I am loving this series. I've smelled the set up since book 1 for the next book and I'll be ready and waiting for Chase and Twyla's story.
Series notes: yes a standalone, but our book 1 characters make a few appearances, so you might as well read books .5 and 1 first.
Narration notes: I did not listen to this one, but am just giving the info above for reference.
*Thanks to Piper Rayne, Valentine PR and NetGalley for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Book 3 in The Donovans series ~ yes a standalone, but best to read in order because the whole Donovan clan is heavily involved. This is4.5⭐ rounded up
Book 3 in The Donovans series ~ yes a standalone, but best to read in order because the whole Donovan clan is heavily involved. This is my favorite of the series thus far. We really had the set up for these two since book 1 and I've been patiently waiting.
Featuring ~ dual 3rd person POV, meddling mother, fake dating, opposites attract, he falls first, small town, no steamage
Ryleigh & Ryker Meddling mother, Kate, is back and setting Ryleigh up on dates, which leads Ryleigh to begin fake dating Ryker. Kate is a little more tolerable in this one, still a bit of a pill though.
Ryleigh has been declining dates from Ryker for months because he wasn't her type, but he's thrilled to finally be able to have a chance to show her who he really is. She totally was judging a book by it's cover, but as they begin spending more time with each other she sees him in a whole different light. He was the sweetest 'bad boy' you'll ever meet.
I was lucky enough to have a kindle and audio copy. Narrated by Carly Robins for 7 hours and 3 minutes. She did a fine job, but, as always, I wish there was a male narrator.
Overall, another delightful quick read with a sweet ending. I believe we have our set up for the next book in the series and I'm ready for it.
*Thanks to Samantha Chase, Valentine PR, Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for my ARC and audio copy. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Featuring ~ dual 1st person POV, lawyers, age gap, alphahole, billionaire, boss/employee, best friend's cousin, cousin's best friend, enemies-to-4.25⭐
Featuring ~ dual 1st person POV, lawyers, age gap, alphahole, billionaire, boss/employee, best friend's cousin, cousin's best friend, enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity, office romance, one night stand, good amount of steamage
You don't need a lighter for your cigarette if you are around Declan & Hannah cuz their chemistry is full of flames.
Hannah is a delight. Super smart, super sweet and handled working with Declan with professional ease Declan is an alphahole to the max and down right rude at times. But for every a$$holery thing he says and does he eventually becomes just as sweet as nutella brownies.
There are only a few scenes of the steamage nature, but they are long and descriptive and scorching ~ totally cold shower worthy. I've listened to the first three books and read this one, but I have no doubt I'd be crossing my legs if I'd listened to this one.
Ford is still my favorite Dalton, but Hannah is a close second. I'm definitely looking forward to seeing what Camden has to offer in the final book in this series ~ The Bachelor.
*Thanks to Marni Mann and Valentine PR for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
4⭐ Genre ~ sports romance Series ~ Kingsmen Football Stars #1) Others in the series ~ books #0.5 - 3 Setting ~ California Publication date ~ December 27, 24⭐ Genre ~ sports romance Series ~ Kingsmen Football Stars #1) Others in the series ~ books #0.5 - 3 Setting ~ California Publication date ~ December 27, 2022 Est page Count ~ 260 Audio length ~ 6 hours 23 minutes Narrators ~ Joe Arden, Callie Dalton POV ~ dual 1st Featuring ~ met in college, characters in their late 20's, football, quarterback, athletic trainer, office (field) romance, one sided enemies to lovers, secret dating, steamage
Lee & Shayna Shayna is the new athletic trainer and Lee is the star quarterback of the San Francisco Kingsmen. They haven't seen each other in 8 years after a bet drew a wedge in their budding relationship. Shayna tries to stay mad at Lee, but it's super hard when he's genuinely sorry for what he did and he's got rock hard, smooth abs to boot.
Yes it's predictable because we know how the sneaking around due to a no fraternizing policy will turn out if you've read the trope before. The usual conflict towards the end I could have went without, but all wrapped up perfectly.
Series notes: Please do yourself a favor and read the prequel False Start first as it gives the scoop of the bet that took place in college. There's a link to get it free on my review there.
It was exciting meeting some of the players on the team and I'm looking forward to each of their books. Up next is You Can't Kiss the Nanny, Brady Banks. After I am done with their football series I will most definitely have to check out the Hockey Hotties.
*Thanks to Piper Rayne and Valentine PR for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Re-released with updates ~ originally published in 2017 as My Image of You
Featuring ~ dual 1st person POV, 2 part story, insta-lov3.5⭐ rounded up.
Re-released with updates ~ originally published in 2017 as My Image of You
Featuring ~ dual 1st person POV, 2 part story, insta-love, age gap (33 & 25), photographer, nurse, parental neglect
The intriguing prologue had me waiting ages and ages to find out what happened to lead to the circumstances of Ally's memory loss.
Part 1 is told solely by Adam, a super famous, wealthy travel photographer. He is controlling, obsessive and possessive from the moment he meets Ally, and honestly he was giving me creepy vibes for quite a bit. He was all about how manipulating her family is, but hello pot have ya met kettle? I did like part 2 Adam much more than part 1.
Elena was a fun, sassy lady and I loved her commitment to the animal shelter. Sarah wins the award for worst mother of the century.
Part 2 picks up where the prologue left off and we finally get some chapters from Ally's POV. Ally comes off very immature and weak. And I know most of it stems from her family life, but I was waiting with bated breath for far too long for her to grow up. I was really frustrated with her at the 54% mark. It took a bit, but I'm happy she finally matured into a strong woman.
Overall, a good read and I really liked the epilogue.
*Thanks to Melanie Moreland and Valentine PR for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
4.5⭐ Genre ~ Holiday romance Setting ~ NYC Publication date ~ November 15, 2022 Page Count ~ 252 (35 chapters +e) Audio length ~ 6 hours 10 minutes Narrato4.5⭐ Genre ~ Holiday romance Setting ~ NYC Publication date ~ November 15, 2022 Page Count ~ 252 (35 chapters +e) Audio length ~ 6 hours 10 minutes Narrators ~ John Lane, CJ Bloom POV ~ dual 1st Featuring ~ blind date, lawyer, event planner, grump/sunshine, opposites attract, British hero, brother's best friend, best friend's sister, secret relationship, slow burn, steamage, Christmas up the wazoo
Kenzie & Andrew Their meet cute was anything but when Andrew seems pretty disgusted with Kenzie's attire on their blind date. They part ways on a bad note, but soon Andrew needs Kenzie's help planning his office Christmas party. She agrees with one condition ~ he has to do 3 Christmas activities with her, so she can try to sway him from his Grinch ways. Although I spent over 30 years living in New York state I have never been to NYC during Christmastime, but I feel like it was depicted perfectly.
Once all the grump gets out of Andrew he turns out to be super duper sweet. Kenzie is just over the top always sweet, and a pushover at times. I love how he helped her stand up for herself. I can't say I was impressed with why Andrew hates the holiday, but that was quite a grand gesture he did that I wasn't expecting.
Overall, a delightful story that'll be sure to get you in the Christmas spirit.
Narration notes: I did not listen to this one, but am just giving the info above for reference.
*Thanks to Piper Rayne and Valentine PR for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Holden & Julep What happens when someone tells you that something or someone is off-limits? Duh, it makes you want it all that much more. Holden is the quarterback and Julep is studying sports medicine. When Holden gets injured Julep is assigned to help him get back out on the field. (Great job, Coach, pushing them into forced proximity, so really he should blame himself.)
Each have a sad and emotional past and their similar stories bring them together to form a bond. Your heart breaks for both of them. You can't help but love Holden and how he found solace in gardening. He seemed very mature for his age. Julep found her solace in pole dancing. She, on the other hand, lacked maturity at times. It's slow burn, but you just know that action is a coming with how they interact with each other and there's a good amount of steamage.
I can, a little bit, see Coach's rule for off-limits, but I, also, don't like when parents feel like they can tell their adult children what to do.
This is my first time reading Kandi's work and I hate that I started on book 3, but it seems like I probably didn't miss out on anything from the previous books. I like the 2nd epilogue that sets up the next book in the series.
*Thanks to Kandi Steiner and Valentine PR for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Featuring ~ dual 3rd person POV, second chance, brother's best friend, best friend's si4.35⭐ rounded up.
Book 1 in a new series following the Donovans.
Featuring ~ dual 3rd person POV, second chance, brother's best friend, best friend's sister, baby of the family, meddling parents & brothers, forbidden love, age gap (23 & 32), returning to hometown, small town, military men, secret relationship, fade to black, no steamage
Arianna & Will meet while in California and spend only one day together exploring the town before they head back to their lives. They want to make long distance work, but for certain reasons it just does not. Flash forward a year later and Arianna's brother, Liam, is home from his tour with the Marines and he brings a surprise guest with him, Will. And it looks like Will is sticking around since they're going into business together. With a super protective older brother and meddling parents, how can they make it work?...by sneaking around of course.
They were so cute together and I enjoyed watching their love blossom. Will was such a sweet guy and never acted all military tough. One thing I have to say ~ Arianna made a big stink that she was all grown up now and how her family needs to take her seriously, but then in other chapters she's whining and stomping her feet about something ~ a bit counterproductive there. It took a while, but I'm glad she finally stood up for herself.
I feel invested in the Donovan clan and will for sure need to read the rest of the series.
*Thanks to Samantha Chase and Valentine PR for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
4⭐ Genre ~ contemporary romance Series ~ Colten & Josie #2, Life #4 Others in the series ~ Pieces of a Life Publication date ~ September 19, 2022 Est page 4⭐ Genre ~ contemporary romance Series ~ Colten & Josie #2, Life #4 Others in the series ~ Pieces of a Life Publication date ~ September 19, 2022 Est page Count ~ 370 Audio length ~ 8 hours 19 minutes Narrators ~ Emery Erickson, Alastair Haynesbridge POV ~ multiple 1st Featuring ~ dual timeline, childhood sweethearts, mental illness, second chance
There are some heavy topics in this one ~ see my warnings below.
Colten & Josie's relationship still continues to be a complicated one. Josie has a lot going on in her head and is having trouble coping. Colten always said he'd stand by Josie and he never stops fighting to have his happily ever after because what he and Josie have is everything.
I don't want to say too much, so just know that if you decide to read this duet you're in for quite a twisted and emotional roller coaster of a ride.
CW ~ (view spoiler)[references to suicide, rape and death of children, attempted suicide, assisted suicide (hide spoiler)]
Narration notes: I did not listen to this one, but am just giving the info above for reference.
*Thanks to Jewel E. Ann and Valentine PR for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Book 3 in an interconnected series ~ best when read after book 1 and 2.
Featuring ~ dual 1st person POV, Vegas wedding, only one bed, forced prox4.25⭐
Book 3 in an interconnected series ~ best when read after book 1 and 2.
Featuring ~ dual 1st person POV, Vegas wedding, only one bed, forced proximity, childhood sweethearts, reunited lovers, second chance, steamage
Dom and Valentina's history goes back two decades to when they were 16. They can never seem to get their act together and make their relationship work. When they drunkenly get hitched in Vegas they're ready to get it annulled asap, but their Italian parents have another idea ~ take 3 months to try to make it work.
Dom is a workaholic, leaving no time for a social life. He only has one thing on his mind ~ making as much money as he can, leaving no time for a wife. But can forced proximity make him realize he can have both a career and a family?
As with Carm, in the previous book, it really took me a long time to warm up to Dom too. Finally hearing his full side of the story helped me fall in love with him. I'll be honest though I did perk up when it was implied that he's left handed ~ I have a weird thing about that. ...more
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