Matthew and Sasha meet at Ian and Tessa's wedding. They both share a visceral reaction to one another, an attraction that hits you right in the gut. TMatthew and Sasha meet at Ian and Tessa's wedding. They both share a visceral reaction to one another, an attraction that hits you right in the gut. Too bad Matthew is there with his wife. It is soon revealed that his wife has been and continues to be unfaithful, while in his heart he knows that his marriage has been over for a long time. An unexpected event serves as the catalyst to the dissolution of the marriage.
I enjoyed the way the author moved us through the lives of her characters. The impending divorce and Matthew's contentious soon-to-be-ex gave this story its much needed angst and drama. This book lauded Sash as a woman of perfection, virtually on the path to be elevated to sainthood, while Matthew's wife was painted as a deceitful, manipulative, and whoring itchbay. Harsh. But true. The ex's actions weren't doing her any favors and I couldn't find an ounce of sympathy for her circumstance.
Although I wasn't a huge fan of Sash, I adored Matthew. He was a computer gee and a bit awkward, but he was also kind, considerate, generous, loyal, thoughtful, and a truly amazing father. I honestly cannot praise his character enough. He really was amazing. I loved that the author didn't create him to be perfect. He wasn't the perfect lover, the perfect lover, or the perfect man. But it was his slight imperfections that made him stand out. It was his humbleness despite his riches (dude's a billionaire) that made him special.
I've been a huge fan of Janet Nissenson's Inevitable series and despite the fact that this one wasn't as sensual or sexy or physical, it did spark a good note within me because it still hinged on the profound feelings of its characters, good and bad. If you're looking for a sweet, almost saccharine, romantic read, then Matthew and Sasha's story may just be the book for you!
Release Date: April 27, 2017 Genre: Contemporary Romance POV: Multiple - 3rd person Steam: 3.5 out of 5 Book Type: Standalone - Book 5 of the inevitable series with crossover characters [image]
Merged review:
Matthew and Sasha meet at Ian and Tessa's wedding. They both share a visceral reaction to one another, an attraction that hits you right in the gut. Too bad Matthew is there with his wife. It is soon revealed that his wife has been and continues to be unfaithful, while in his heart he knows that his marriage has been over for a long time. An unexpected event serves as the catalyst to the dissolution of the marriage.
I enjoyed the way the author moved us through the lives of her characters. The impending divorce and Matthew's contentious soon-to-be-ex gave this story its much needed angst and drama. This book lauded Sash as a woman of perfection, virtually on the path to be elevated to sainthood, while Matthew's wife was painted as a deceitful, manipulative, and whoring itchbay. Harsh. But true. The ex's actions weren't doing her any favors and I couldn't find an ounce of sympathy for her circumstance.
Although I wasn't a huge fan of Sash, I adored Matthew. He was a computer gee and a bit awkward, but he was also kind, considerate, generous, loyal, thoughtful, and a truly amazing father. I honestly cannot praise his character enough. He really was amazing. I loved that the author didn't create him to be perfect. He wasn't the perfect lover, the perfect lover, or the perfect man. But it was his slight imperfections that made him stand out. It was his humbleness despite his riches (dude's a billionaire) that made him special.
I've been a huge fan of Janet Nissenson's Inevitable series and despite the fact that this one wasn't as sensual or sexy or physical, it did spark a good note within me because it still hinged on the profound feelings of its characters, good and bad. If you're looking for a sweet, almost saccharine, romantic read, then Matthew and Sasha's story may just be the book for you!
Release Date: April 27, 2017 Genre: Contemporary Romance POV: Multiple - 3rd person Steam: 3.5 out of 5 Book Type: Standalone - Book 5 of the inevitable series with crossover characters [image]...more
This book was a sweet combination of many things. There were military men and women, PTSD, a precocious almost-genius 6 year old girl, a wise and wellThis book was a sweet combination of many things. There were military men and women, PTSD, a precocious almost-genius 6 year old girl, a wise and well-meaning mama, comraderie, a lot of laughs, and there was so much love among all of the characters.
Despite touching on heavy topics such as PTSD, torture and rape, overall the story was surprisingly heartwarming. All of the issues were handled delicately and sensibly. The author gave plenty of details without being too graphic or dwelling. It was more about accepting one's past, asking and getting help when needed, and being able to move forward.
I enjoyed this story immensely. I respect and admire anyone who serves in the military and this book shed light on what many of them have endured or are still trying to deal with. My only disappointment was towards the end. Without giving a spoiler, a situation occurs and the heroine, Gina, went off her rocker and completely disrespected the hero, Reese. It was uncalled for, unjustified, and unnecessary to the plot IMO. I really wish I could remove that part. And I don't think she atoned well enough for her behaviour.
My favourite characters: Piper (so effin cute), Junebug (she was a riot), and of course, Mr. Alpha himself, Reece.
This book was a sweet combination of many things. There were military men and women, PTSD, a precocious almost-genius 6 year old girl, a wise and well-meaning mama, comraderie, a lot of laughs, and there was so much love among all of the characters.
Despite touching on heavy topics such as PTSD, torture and rape, overall the story was surprisingly heartwarming. All of the issues were handled delicately and sensibly. The author gave plenty of details without being too graphic or dwelling. It was more about accepting one's past, asking and getting help when needed, and being able to move forward.
I enjoyed this story immensely. I respect and admire anyone who serves in the military and this book shed light on what many of them have endured or are still trying to deal with. My only disappointment was towards the end. Without giving a spoiler, a situation occurs and the heroine, Gina, went off her rocker and completely disrespected the hero, Reese. It was uncalled for, unjustified, and unnecessary to the plot IMO. I really wish I could remove that part. And I don't think she atoned well enough for her behaviour.
My favourite characters: Piper (so effin cute), Junebug (she was a riot), and of course, Mr. Alpha himself, Reece.
Pepper was misunderstood and Atlas was an oblivious fool. He remains that way for much of this story, but there was no denying the chemistry between tPepper was misunderstood and Atlas was an oblivious fool. He remains that way for much of this story, but there was no denying the chemistry between these characters. And when he finally woke up, he dove right in and I became his number one cheerleader!
I loved Pepper immediately and wanted her to only have great things. She had to put up with a lot and I kept thinking there were better ways to live, but my solutions wouldn't have helped this story and I get that. How her sister became a police officer, I'll never know, but it made me laugh uncontrollably.
Seriously? Did the police department not have a competent psych eval? Were the people of their community not discerning or skeptical?
I enjoyed this story so much, even the drama-filled bits that made me chuckle. The feelings were what mattered most and there was no doubt that Atlas and Pepper had those in abundance....more
I've never tried this author before, but after reading the blurb, I knew I wanted to give this book a shot. And I liked it. I really did. While I founI've never tried this author before, but after reading the blurb, I knew I wanted to give this book a shot. And I liked it. I really did. While I found the blurb a bit misleading (Who is they? And I thought the notes left by Harvey were kinda dope), it wasn't hard to immediately get sucked into the story.
Both characters were messed up, but they somehow worked together really well. At least when Harvey would get out of his own way. And when they came together... *heh heh* ... it was great. I'll definitely be trying this author again....more
Man, Sasha's self-hatred almost got the best of him.
Men kidnap Roan, his father refuses to negotiate, Sasha and Roan form a strange bond, bad things hMan, Sasha's self-hatred almost got the best of him.
Men kidnap Roan, his father refuses to negotiate, Sasha and Roan form a strange bond, bad things happen to Roan, Sasha goes ballistic, and they get to be together.
That's the simplified version. Seriously, things went from pretty light and easy with a bit of robbery, a bit of kidnapping, some roughing up of the victim, some slurs, but nothing too dark. Then Roan gets hurt and Sasha loses his mind. Murder rampage and everything kind of lost and I enjoyed it.
Just saying.
I really liked this story, even when Sasha gave me whiplash due to his back and forth. I know there's another book out there, but I'm good with where these characters left things....more
So many things about this story worked well for me. It had a heavy tone, but it was punctuated with light and humor, gaining several of my smiles. BotSo many things about this story worked well for me. It had a heavy tone, but it was punctuated with light and humor, gaining several of my smiles. Both protagonists shared a vulnerability they weren't afraid to face. Their pasts shaped them, creating such strong and meaningful characters I couldn't help but want to learn more about.
I'm a sucker for found family and what these people created was something anyone would love to be a part of. There's an ease and comfort with them and yet they live most of their lives on the edge. Silas and Iz deserved every moment of happiness they could get with each other and I'm looking forward to seeing everyone again in the next book.
P.S. Anyone else not surprised, yet equally intrigued by who Leo really is?...more
I got why Bryce was hesitant to fall in love again. Being left at the altar without an explanation would drive the knife pretty deep into anyone's heaI got why Bryce was hesitant to fall in love again. Being left at the altar without an explanation would drive the knife pretty deep into anyone's heart. But I loved how irresistible Maya was to him. The more distance he wanted to put between them, the tighter he held onto her. She had her own baggage, but I was impressed with how wholly she devoted herself to their relationship. I swear, Ari Reavis has such a way with describing the emotions her characters go through and I couldn't help but feel everything. I was frustrated and intrigued and delighted and if you're someone who loves the way angst pulls at your heart, you'll enjoy this book too....more
A small-town romance with the promise of a sweet happily ever after? Count me in. The blurb really got me and I was definitely in the mood for a sweetA small-town romance with the promise of a sweet happily ever after? Count me in. The blurb really got me and I was definitely in the mood for a sweet romance. And Nina Croft more than delivered on her promise.
Tanner O'Connor was one of the towns bad boys. Time spent in prison for a crime he didn't commit only hardened his shell. But beneath it all beat a heart that loved the town of people who judged him cruelly without knowing him. He was a man who portrayed someone who could care less while he was a man who perhaps cared too much. He wasn't good enough for the town's goody-two-shoes, but he couldn't help but crave her all the same.
Emily Towson lived a sensible life as a sensible teacher in a town of people who tried to be sensible. And she was tired of it. For years she yearned for the town bad boy but she knew that he couldn't possibly want her because she was too... sensible. But what happens when the sensible girl chooses to break out of the shackles of society's expectations?
This was a generally enjoyable story. I loved so many elements of it. The characters for the most part were likeable, aside from Tanner's never-ending self-deprecating thoughts and Emily's limited attempts to not come off as judgemental and failing horribly. I especially enjoyed the side story of Emily's grandmother and her burgeoning relationship with Josh. Honestly, I think that was the best part of the story. And I cannot forget to mention Tanner's brothers. Their relationship was so genuine and loving and funny. Handle With Care was a small-town romance full of depth, warmth and feels.
A small-town romance with the promise of a sweet happily ever after? Count me in. The blurb really got me and I was definitely in the mood for a sweet romance. And Nina Croft more than delivered on her promise.
Tanner O'Connor was one of the towns bad boys. Time spent in prison for a crime he didn't commit only hardened his shell. But beneath it all beat a heart that loved the town of people who judged him cruelly without knowing him. He was a man who portrayed someone who could care less while he was a man who perhaps cared too much. He wasn't good enough for the town's goody-two-shoes, but he couldn't help but crave her all the same.
Emily Towson lived a sensible life as a sensible teacher in a town of people who tried to be sensible. And she was tired of it. For years she yearned for the town bad boy but she knew that he couldn't possibly want her because she was too... sensible. But what happens when the sensible girl chooses to break out of the shackles of society's expectations?
This was a generally enjoyable story. I loved so many elements of it. The characters for the most part were likeable, aside from Tanner's never-ending self-deprecating thoughts and Emily's limited attempts to not come off as judgemental and failing horribly. I especially enjoyed the side story of Emily's grandmother and her burgeoning relationship with Josh. Honestly, I think that was the best part of the story. And I cannot forget to mention Tanner's brothers. Their relationship was so genuine and loving and funny. Handle With Care was a small-town romance full of depth, warmth and feels.
Ari Reavis has this consistent ability to tug at my heartstrings. Her books are so unique, her stories are full of feels, and I'm in love with the wayAri Reavis has this consistent ability to tug at my heartstrings. Her books are so unique, her stories are full of feels, and I'm in love with the way she writes.
Livia had escaped a traumatic relationship and was determined to never give her heart to anyone ever again. Then she met Owen, a man unlike any other and she couldn't help but give him all of herself and more. He deserved someone special because Owen was one heck of a guy and I was thrilled that Livia, despite her fear, stepped up to the plate. Their relationship was so special and while there was a ton of tension, angst, and absolute terror, their love shone through every moment.
This second book of the series was much darker than the first, but this difference was still tempered by the love story that developed between these characters. Livia's ex was a nightmare, and his antics were extremely dangerous, but it only added dimension to what Livia and Owen shared. That no matter what came at them, they would face it together.
I was so happy to see the first couple make appearances throughout the story and Livia's dad and Owen's uncle were such amazing father figures.. I've been getting teased with Bryce's story and I'm excited to get to that one next....more
This novella was super sweet. The instalove, obsessed and possessive vibes that Justin was giving worked really well with tMy favourite of the bunch!!
This novella was super sweet. The instalove, obsessed and possessive vibes that Justin was giving worked really well with this story. I kept cheering them on and I only wanted more.
Justin + Aubrey (and their little ones) = FOREVER!!...more
What I don't like? People who preach to other people. You can have your values, but you don't need to judge people for not sharing all of them.
So MaggWhat I don't like? People who preach to other people. You can have your values, but you don't need to judge people for not sharing all of them.
So Maggie... please stop! Stop playing games. Stop trying to get people to be more like you.
Making her a curvy, plus-sized model, with a black belt in something or other didn't alleviate my stress.
Justin was the showstopper of this book and when their relationship finally took off, I didn't care anymore about how peeved I was with Maggie at the start....more
I'm trying to figure out why these heroines are so difficult? Their communication skills are atrocious and their denial game is strong. It's like MylaI'm trying to figure out why these heroines are so difficult? Their communication skills are atrocious and their denial game is strong. It's like Myla knew how much trouble she was in, the danger Kai rescued her from, the scariness he was protecting her from, the situation she was ill-equipped to handle, and she nothing to help herself or show her appreciation.
Let's just push away and hurt the one person who seems to have your best interests in mind. You know, the person bending over backwards to make sure your life is right. Every time she pushed Kai away or demeaned his feelings, I wanted to scream.
Yes, he was secretive, but no one needed to know the bad things he had to do to protect all of the good.
However, the more I read, the more I tried to understand and my patience paid off. The author gave me a story featuring a wounded woman and the man who would burn down the world to keep her safe and happy.
Once again, I felt like I picked up this book mid-story. I didn't get to witness the events that brought Myla and Kai together, but I enjoyed the rollercoaster they had me on....more
Autumn and Kenton got off to a rocky start and that was on top of the fact that she was the only witness to a quadruple murder. Or was it five people?Autumn and Kenton got off to a rocky start and that was on top of the fact that she was the only witness to a quadruple murder. Or was it five people?
Autumn was working two jobs and her job as a stripper had her running for her life. A stripper's life ain't easy. With her stripper past, Kenton made assumptions about her character and she didn't attempt to correct him. Once the miscommunication was cleared up, Kenton still had to put in work because Autumn had her walls up and was constantl reinforcing them. Too bad those walls weren't strong enough to keep a man as persistent as Kenton out.
There's a bit of OW drama and the supense of hiding out from a hitman, but it was the chemistry between these characters that really carried this story. Although I felt like I was missing a huge plot point, I found myself enjoying everything I got. With an amazing cast of side characters, I'm looking forward to continuing this series....more
Don't you just love it when a one-night stand turns into happily ever after?
Alana came from a family who lived to put her down, to diminish her. They Don't you just love it when a one-night stand turns into happily ever after?
Alana came from a family who lived to put her down, to diminish her. They called it religion and she called it oppression. She got free, but they're her parents so she still allows him into her life, demeaning every action she makes. One night she wants to escape it all and finds a connection with Ethan. However, after a hot night of passion, she runs away. She knows that she could have so much more with him, but old habits die hard. But doesn't she deserve to be happy?
That one night of passion leads to a whole new life and Ethan wants to be there, every step of the way. These characters were so sweet and I loved how the chemistry between them only grew as they got to know each other better. Ethan's family, his best friend Bryce, and her best friend Livia added the love and support Alana desperately needed. There was even a suspenseful and heartbreaking twist that caught me by surprise.
I love the warmth and sensuality this author infuses her characters and stories with. I'm so glad there are more stories to come!...more
Echoes of You is a seemingly light friends-to-lovers romance with a bit of suspense.
I thought Nash and Maddie were a bit slow on the uptake, but theirEchoes of You is a seemingly light friends-to-lovers romance with a bit of suspense.
I thought Nash and Maddie were a bit slow on the uptake, but their eventual relationship was better for it. They were best friends for most of their lives, but Nash never felt quite good enough for her. So when she knew her heart couldn't take anymore disappointment, she tried to move on. Where she moved to caused her a lot of pain and the only place she deemed to be safe was back at home... with Nash.
When Nash finally got out of his own way, I couldn't have been happier. I wish he had followed his heart sooner, but I guess if he had there wouldn't be so much of this story to tell. Maddie had to live through pain and shame in order find something truly hopeful and beautiful with her bestie.
I loved how when I thought I had one part of the story figured out, the author threw another twist to shake things up. It kept things interesting, that's for sure.
I am in love with Hartleys and will definitely be reading the other books in the series....more
This was my first time reading from Mila Kane and I'll be back for more. I loved how possessive and almost out-of-control Renato's obsession with CharThis was my first time reading from Mila Kane and I'll be back for more. I loved how possessive and almost out-of-control Renato's obsession with Charlie. Honestly, it was the only thing I really appreciated about this book.
Charlie has been taking care of her sister for years. More a mother than anything else, she's constantly cleaning up her messes and trying to keep her in line. When Lucy's latest mishap puts them on the radar of both the mob and a cartel, Charlie doesn't have a clue what to do. And it's very obvious. Lucky for her Renato took such a shine to her.
Charlie drove me nuts. Her sister drove me nuts. They were just too silly to take seriously. Again, I'm thankful for Renato and everything and everyone that had anything to do with him. I wonder if there are books for the side characters because I also liked them. Giada, Elio and Sonny deserve happy endings too....more
Sweet baby love, this story wrecked me and I'm sitting here kinda rocking in my couch, typing this review, wondering when I'll start feeling normal agSweet baby love, this story wrecked me and I'm sitting here kinda rocking in my couch, typing this review, wondering when I'll start feeling normal again.
Zip was a firecracker. She was cranky, sweet and so tenderhearted even when she was mad. Nash was a sweetie, even when he was doing his best to be cruel and push people away. Their dynamic was intense, full of feels and I'm a mess here in the end.
I'm being intentionally vague here. There is so much to experience in this book and you really to experience it all for yourself.
Know this: This story will tear your heart out. It will also make you smile and swoon and believe in the love between Nash and Zip, far sooner than they did....more
The eldest North son is dead and it has been ruled a suicide. However, Jax has some serious doubts. All clues point to the Knight family's involvementThe eldest North son is dead and it has been ruled a suicide. However, Jax has some serious doubts. All clues point to the Knight family's involvement and he intends to take them down. That is until he officially meets Emma Knight, the woman he was meant to use to further his revenge. She was nothing like he expected and he's got a choice to make—love or vengeance?
Emma tended to drive me up the wall, but I enjoyed the heck out of this story. Jax more than made up for any ill will I may have felt towards his lady love (which wasn't much). The bond that quickly grew between these characters drew me in like nobody's business. I was glued to these pages and I didn't just want, I needed to know how it would all turn out. Was Chance just like his father? Would Brody be okay? Have I already read Savage's book because dude needs his own story. And how exactly did Hunter die? Besides all that, thank you dear author for giving me some glimpses of the absolutely yummy Grayson and his equally delicious best mate, Eric.
LRJ has been a favorite of mine since I rediscovered my love for romance novels. She delivers stories full of intensity, whether it's through feels, suspense, or heat. Her stories are easy recommendations to make....more
Part One: The Bastard ~ This story was almost overwhelming in its passion. It felt at times as if I was stuck in the erotic embrace of the couple whilPart One: The Bastard ~ This story was almost overwhelming in its passion. It felt at times as if I was stuck in the erotic embrace of the couple while learning virtually nothing about the situation at hand. There's something going on at Eric's dad's company... something that is potentially dangerous... something that has jeopardized lives... and yet I'm no closer to figuring out what that something is at the end of this book. I hope it all becomes clear in the next one.
There's no doubt that Eric and Harper share a once-in-a-lifetime connection. Their connection never broke during their six year separation. I'm not sure what the future holds for this couple but knowing LRJ, their happy ending is somewhere on the horizon and I'm eager to watch it unfold.
Part Two: The Princess ~ Aside from wishing that this was told entirely from Eric's perspective, hating Harper, and finding out that it's a filthy trilogy and not a filthy duet, I'm totally on board to discover all of this story's hidden truths and find out what's really going on. LRJ has the amazing ability to completely hold me captive to her stories and keep me guessing and I love it. With one heck of a cliffhanger, where Harper is once again questioning Eric, I'm really looking forward to how this author will close out this couple's saga.
Part Three: The Empire ~ I love Eric so much! This man, this savant, this SEAL, this self-made billionaire, this honorable and incredible man earned a special place in my heart. I loved him for his inner strength and for his vulnerabilities. I admired his perseverance and his ability to see the big picture. I never doubted him and I'm glad that Harper learned not to as well. I must admit that I found parts of their dialogue and Harper's inner thoughts a bit repetitive, but I was still able to be wowed by this couple's romance. The Empire perfectly wrapped up the love and intrigue that the Filthy Trilogy successfully portrayed and I can't wait to see where all of these characters end up next!...more