2.5 Stars I read these out of order BUT had I read this second, I would’ve 2⭐’ed it for the same reason I’m rating the first book two stars… The majori2.5 Stars I read these out of order BUT had I read this second, I would’ve 2⭐’ed it for the same reason I’m rating the first book two stars… The majority of the plot is a repeat from a different POV. So FYI before you purchase it.
It’s an easy/uncomplicated read, but you’ll need to go with a lot that doesn’t make a whole lot of sense.
**spoiler alert** I read this a couple of weeks back and never got around to writing a review. The blurb sets it up, River and Aiden have been BFFs si**spoiler alert** I read this a couple of weeks back and never got around to writing a review. The blurb sets it up, River and Aiden have been BFFs since childhood, and it’s confusing (and inconsistent), but I believe recently River started having romantic feelings for him. (although later it’s insinuated that she saved herself for him) so who knows. That was my biggest complaint that facts/personalities just changed/switched when the plot needed something different. Regardless, she’s suddenly interested in him just as he’s getting serious with his GF Emilia.
The writing wasn’t the cleanest and the tone was quite immature. It was jumpy, had personality transplants vs. development, and a whole lot of yelling/emotional outbursts. Like…
As many other reviews mentioned, the foundation of this book is built upon a conflict that doesn’t really make sense… like at all. That being that a lAs many other reviews mentioned, the foundation of this book is built upon a conflict that doesn’t really make sense… like at all. That being that a loaded hockey star is trapped in a marriage because he can’t get his wife to agree to a divorce… cuz she stole his kid for 2 weeks last time he tried and wouldn’t return until he promised to stay married. (in the blurb) So, from the get you have to overlook that this is a free country, and you can get divorced without your spouse being onboard and that it is illegal to kidnap your kid. It was silly.
I think the author was trying to give us the obstacle of a wife while justifying Manning basically having an affair without us hating him, but it felt lazy. I could take 5 minutes and come up with several logical alternatives (like the OW was blackmailing him) that IMHO would’ve worked better than what we were given.
BUT if you can get passed that the book is pretty good. Manning might be married but he’s all in with Evelyn and never waivers which is great for a romance, but not so great if you’re looking for drama.
3.5 Stars I gobble this one up… but… it’s set in 1854 Boston and didn’t really have realistic historical vibes, so FYI if that bugs you. I enjoyed it, 3.5 Stars I gobble this one up… but… it’s set in 1854 Boston and didn’t really have realistic historical vibes, so FYI if that bugs you. I enjoyed it, but Barrett Maddox sounds like a YA bad-boy – not a Duke. Not to mention the OW is Samantha Fox and the villain is Asher Grey. :)
Piper is BEAUTIFUL and super-duper sweet. She’s almost perfect, but her mom is sick, they’re poor, and she needs a hubs with money. STAT. Enter Barrett, he’s a Duke in America making money to fill his coffers. The two meet and are instantly smitten, but Barrett isn’t officially available because he has an arranged marriage waiting for him in England, so he agrees to help her find a suitable husband.
Bottom Line- This was a short, easy read that had a satisfying amount of angst from these two lovebirds trying to fight their feelings, and adequate drama from a jelly-ex mistress and a skeevy evil dude. It's safe, Barrett is never cruel -- ZERO feelings for any OW, and the forbidden stuff is squared away mid-book, so the plot moves along. **As I'm writing this, it is currently free in the kindle store.
Random- I’m a little confused because in this book Tom Maddox is the H’s younger brother and ends with him engaged to Penelope but in looking at future blurbs. Book 5’s Tom Maddox is the H’s cousin. (maybe there’re two Tom Maddox’s)...more
This is a very short tale about two toxic people that deserve each other… and I gobbled the first 70% down like chocolate pudding, but then it startedThis is a very short tale about two toxic people that deserve each other… and I gobbled the first 70% down like chocolate pudding, but then it started to stall a bit for me.
The book opens with the h (Harper) going to confront her BF's (Kai) sidepiece when she learns that the OW (Violet) is actually the fiancée and she is the sneaky link. She’s devastated and heartbroken but can’t quit him.
Their love is not healthy, but it was entertaining to watch… until it stopped moving forward and we started repeating the same argument/actions.
It’s really short, but I still wish the author would’ve dug a little bit… like (view spoiler)[ had Harper confront Kai as to why he told Violet they were over if he loved her so much and planned to chose her. Or why he acted more concerned of Violet during the confrontation. (hide spoiler)]
Bottom Line- Ok trashy romance read that could’ve been great had the author written a couple conversations instead of having everything based on sex.
Safety- Not safe. He has a fiancée that I (and the h) assume he’s sleeping with as well, but she never confirms with him. He slaps her a couple times and is rough with her. ...more
This duet follows Jackson and Emily. I enjoyed the series but felt it dragged on at parts… like maybe streamlining into one book might’ve been better.This duet follows Jackson and Emily. I enjoyed the series but felt it dragged on at parts… like maybe streamlining into one book might’ve been better. I also needed more from Jackson’s POV… especially during book 2.
In interest of my time (and how far behind I am on reviews), I’m only going to write one review for both. I’ll try to be vague, but there will be small spoilery bits (plot outline), so please STOP if you want zero details. (view spoiler)[
Both books have a smidge of a love triangle going on. During book 1, Emily is engaged to Matt when she meets his “brother” (he’s sort of adopted) and the two have a connection. Matt’s a total jerk, so you probably won’t care much that Emily is emotionally and physically cheating on him… but FYI if that’s a hard limit.
I skimmed many times during this book because (for me) this conflict/back and forth went on for too long. I guess I wanted them (mostly Emily) to not waiver so much and know which dude she wanted… instead of stewing for hundreds of pages. I HATE The Bachelor for this reason. IMO, if it was true love you’d know, not be weighing your options. (hide spoiler)]...more
This is a tough one to rate. I did enjoy it at times in an OTT soap opera-esque sort of way with a Jerry Springer-level crazy OW… I mean technically tThis is a tough one to rate. I did enjoy it at times in an OTT soap opera-esque sort of way with a Jerry Springer-level crazy OW… I mean technically the h was the OW… but for simplicity I’ll refer to Sage as the h and Amy (the evil wife) as the OW. But I spent a fair amount rolling my eyes and (for me) almost 500 pages is WAY TOO long for me to stay on the Crazy Train… it’s just too much soap.
The blurb sets this up, the book opens with Oliver and Sage hooking up at a bar… like getting it on in the lobby. They part ways and we follow them separately for several chapters… stuff happens… we see where they are in their lives and wait for them to reconnect because we know they have a common link. Chapter 7 brings us the reconnection, OMG you’re married, and I’m having your baby revelations … and… toot… toot… all aboard. ...more
**I’ll try to be vague, but this will have some plot outline/relationship dynamic spoilers**
2.5 UGLY LOVE Stars This one is hard to rate. I was RIVETED**I’ll try to be vague, but this will have some plot outline/relationship dynamic spoilers**
2.5 UGLY LOVE Stars This one is hard to rate. I was RIVETED the first 60% or so in a can’t look away from the toxicity of the terrible characters sort of way, but then things started feeling sloppy (jarring transitions, skipping milestones, etc.), and the author mostly lost me at 75% with a HUGE 18-year time jump followed by a massive info dump. This reminded me of Undeniable with the much older married H, loads of cheating, and decades of wasted time except Alexa isn't really tough.
Tempting the Biker follows the unhealthy relationship of James/Murder and Alexa…and it is MESSY. In a nutshell, James has been unhappily married to Ruthie since they were 15/16ish because she got pregnant with their daughter, Rochelle. Alexa is Rochelle’s BFF and has the hots for James. Shit happens, and the two start a relationship when she’s 17. (my best guess is that he was 30/31ish because his daughter is 15)
I picked this up as a standalone and initially didn’t understand things like why the H hated his wife so much, or why we were jumping over important parts, but after researching a bit I discovered that this book overlaps with Lady & The Biker (the previous book) which is their daughter’s book. I’m not sure if it was planned this way, (I would think chronologically would be easier to follow), but this book’s Part 1 takes place 19-ish years in the past before book two… and Part 2 (the last 25%) takes place after it. Basically, book two makes up the 18-year time jump.
So, I think things would’ve been less confusing, and I might not have been as torn with Alexa chasing after James so hard when Ruthie was shown to be mostly good to her (because she ends up being an evil bitch) But… I’m kind of glad I skipped it because it sounds like Alexa was a terrible mother, and I can typically overlook shitty partners, but shitty parents are harder for me to get past... and the whole Woody Allen theme doesn't do it for me, so I'm leaving that puppy untouched.
Bottom Line- This was hard at times to get through, but I was sucked in. I believed they loved each other… ugly as it was… but it’s tough to swallow. My problems (morale choices aside) were that the blackmailing plot device felt flimsy and not really thought out because I could easily pick holes in it… and we skipped over the majority of their relationship with the massive time jump/info dump and are given few details. I also felt we deserved more resolution after wading through almost 400 pages of their relationship shit show, but it ends abruptly because I guess there’s a novella with their HEA.
Triggers- h is raped partly on-page but she passes out so it fades to black.
Safety-(view spoiler)[James says he’s been faithful to Ruthie the entirety of marriage (15yrs) when Alexa starts pursuing/flirting with him. The first time they're together Ruthie said it’s over/wants divorce cuz she met someone, and Alexa begs him to erase the touch of her rapists. After that they’re hooked and continue the affair while she hangs with his daughter her BFF waiting for him to visit, and he occasionally sexes his wife (mostly off-page), but there is a lot of back and forth… like she knows he just fucked his wife, or she thinks I hope she tastes my pussy on his breath when he leaves.
During the 18-year jump sounds like she was with others (like she was a stripper and got around) and had a 2-yr relationship with the H from book 2 (East) who ends up with her daughter... after he helped raise her. James was actively trying to impregnate his wife all this time (blackmailed), but I’m unsure if he was with club girls also during this time because it does say he stepped back from fucking Alexa when she got serious with the OM his daughter married. This might've been covered in the second book. (hide spoiler)]...more
Kain brings us another ride on the HotMess Express. This situation was introduced in the last book (Cooper), Kain and Harpe**Spoilers from last book**
Kain brings us another ride on the HotMess Express. This situation was introduced in the last book (Cooper), Kain and Harper were fooling around when he got back together with his ex (Ginger). She continued to chase/sleep with him after he was back with Ginger, even after they announced their pregnancy. Eventually she too got pregnant, and we were told he offered to leave Ginger for her, but she turned him down… but then continued to smart off/annoy/chase him every chance she got.
I read this series because I needed easy OTT shenanigans, but like the previous book… it won’t be for everyone. Especially the safety gals, or readers interested in something realistic, developed, or romantic. Basically, this is for readers looking to get lost for a few hours with mindless trashy soap-smut.
It’s similar in many ways to the last book. Kain is a jerk, Harper is pretty pathetic, and there’s loads of OW drama, plus we have another h that magically “quiets the noise” for her hero. The big difference is that technically Harper is the OW… sort of the club bunny (barmaid) weasleing her way in between the H and his Old Lady.
I didn’t enjoy this one as much because I found Harper and Kain even more unpleasant than the last two. Kain isn’t sleeping around as much as Cooper, but he felt weak…. And he’s a terrible person in general.
It’s a shit move, but right now, I have no choice. I must put Ginger first, and if that means Harper will hate me for now, then it’s how it has to be.
“You’re dead to me, you and that fucking kid,” he spits out as they drag him from the room.
And where Mila had a teeny-tiny baby backbone… Harper has nothing. She rejects him but then chases him around playing games to annoy him like a 10-yr old. (their relationship was quite immature) Then stubbornly keeps coming around despite being told multiple times to stay away by the H and her friends. Sometimes she was so dumb.
I pursued him relentlessly, playing games, making him jealous, and even after Ginger came back, I didn’t step back. I chased him, knowing he had a girlfriend. I’ve become the type of person I hate. I’ve become just like my father.
“I don’t know why you thought it would be a good idea to go and see her. You slept with her ol’ man behind her back and got pregnant.
There’s a side plot of Harper’s dysfunctional family dynamic that could’ve been interesting, but it wasn’t really explored.
Bottom Line- This didn’t work for a few reasons. First, I didn’t like the scenario. I find it easier to take when the OW is the one trespassing and evil, but here, Harper was the one overstepping… and I couldn’t really hate Ginger because she had a good reason for acting the way she did… I actually felt sorry for her which didn’t help me. Also, this series is very formulaic, and this is the second book, so my patience for terrible people acting terrible isn’t as great. BUT, the biggest issue is that it just isn't that soapy. There isn't a serious tone to it- no real feels; it isn't fleshed out or romantic... so I needed loads of drama-llama to keep me going... and it just wasn't there.
The ending was also rushed ....POOF... they're getting married, and they haven't even been in a relationship...and things felt a smidge lazy/manipulated because the narrative is rewritten.
(view spoiler)[ In Cooper we we're told he offered to leave Ginger when he learned Harper was preggers… Here… we’re told he wanted Harper, but Ginger needed him because she had to go off her meds during the pregnancy. He had no choice but to put Ginger first because she was unstable. (hide spoiler)] After chapters of drama, sleeping with OW, pushing away, acting like assholes, I needed more than 5% to tie it together for a believable all-in/couple goals HEA.
OPP Shenanigans- (view spoiler)[Kain is having sex with both Ginger and Harper for part of the book. After they stopped sleeping together, Harper sees him outside an Inn with another woman, and he hooks up with new girl Silk. (all off-page) Later, she catches him making out with a no-named club girl (possibly Silk) at a party. (hide spoiler)]
** Random thought- There’s this ongoing theme with the club girl Lacey causing trouble but it never being addressed. In Cooper, Lacey was his ex’s BFF and instrumental in trying to come between Mila and Cooper. Later it’s insinuated she slept with Cooper, but it’s never mentioned again. Here, we’re told Lacey told Jase’s ol’ lady (Kayla) he slept with Kim. (We’re also told Kim is crazy, but she’s watching the babies later ...more
3.5 Sister-lurving Trainwrecky Stars The blurb sets this up, Raven has been in love with Ares FOREVER, but he’s been dating/engaged to her sis. This tr3.5 Sister-lurving Trainwrecky Stars The blurb sets this up, Raven has been in love with Ares FOREVER, but he’s been dating/engaged to her sis. This trope isn’t for everyone… and I wouldn’t double-dip with any of my sisters… but in Pretend-land… YUM.
The drama-llama with this one is HIGH. Evil sister, wicked mother, meddling g-ma… ✅✅✅. The plot is unrealistic and absurd… totally OTT soap opera level… and I gobbled it up.
I can get behind a whacky telenovela-esque storyline. I LOVE the drama, but, I like it in smaller doses and almost 400 pages IMHO is WAY too long for a soapy plot. Also, I need some consistency, and the author flip-flopped tidbits to manipulate drama rather than taking the time and effort to actually build it… which felt lazy. For example, (view spoiler)[ Ares constantly tells the h that he wants their marriage to work and is dedicated to her, but every time the sis slithers out, he backpedals.
30%- “This is it,” I whisper. “From this moment forward, you’re my wife. Mine to care for, mine to cherish, and mine to protect. I know this isn’t what you would’ve wanted for yourself, but I swear I’ll give you my all, Raven.
32%- ”I’ve never loved anyone but you, Hannah. I never will. How could I possibly want someone other than you?”
50%- I’m a Windsor, Raven, and you know as well as I do that marriage means something in the Windsor family. The moment I married you, I became yours.
60%- “Han,” I murmur. “Don’t cry, please…. “Fuck,” I murmur as I cup her face, wiping at her tears with my thumbs. “Han, please… I’m sorry. I just… I’m fucking exhausted too, you know? I feel like I’m fucking trapped, and no matter what I do, I’ll be letting someone down.”(hide spoiler)]
Back and forth it flips to generate drama rather than making the OW smarter/more manipulative. Until late in the book when it’s time to wrap things up and send this couple to HEA-ville.
Suddenly after reading hundreds of pages of insecurity and waffling… poof…(view spoiler)[ It makes me wonder if my suspicions about Hannah and Ares were true. He never seemed happy around her — not the way he is with his family.
And…
It’s because I never loved you in the first place. You were an obligation, someone I tolerated and placated because I had no other choice.(hide spoiler)]
Bottom Line- This one is only for readers that enjoy craptastic soap. In other words, it’s a great read if you’re looking for a few hours of mindless OTT/trashy drama… not great if you’re in the mood for romance or a logical plot… just don’t dig deep. I think it could’ve been awesome had it been about 150 less pages, so it wasn’t so repetitive. I can overlook more (holes, crazy, manipulation, inconsistency) in smaller doses. I’m rounding up because this was free to read with KU and the author served up some often-overlooked good old OW comeuppance.
**I noticed mentions in several reviews that Raven (this h) was the OW in the last book. I was curious and since this is the first book in the series it took me a minute to locate and skim that book. Raven had a FWB relationship with the H in Bittersweet Memories. She wasn’t nasty at all and stepped aside for that h. FYI....more
This is full of tropey goodness. ✔️ enemies-to-lovers ✔️ hung up on dead ex ✔️ H engaged to h’s sister ✔️ child with OM … there’s angst, drama, humor This is full of tropey goodness. ✔️ enemies-to-lovers ✔️ hung up on dead ex ✔️ H engaged to h’s sister ✔️ child with OM … there’s angst, drama, humor ✔️✔️✔️
After being kicked out of her home Lily Lawson has been living on the fridges of society trying to locate her missing child. Hanging with her bestie Derek Craven (H from book 2) and living by her own rules when’s she’s approached by her sister’s childhood love to stop her betrothal to Alex Raiford.
Bottom Line- I’m not going to spend too much time on this, there are a ton of reviews out there. It’s a solid romance with enjoyable characters.
DNF after Unwanted Mate (book 1) This is a bundle (I can’t find the individual books anywhere) that I found on scribd. I picked it up because I heard sDNF after Unwanted Mate (book 1) This is a bundle (I can’t find the individual books anywhere) that I found on scribd. I picked it up because I heard somewhere that they were all rejected mate books. I’m only rating the one I read.
Unwanted Mate 2-⭐’s The book opens with the H (Bear- a wolf shifter) meeting his fated mate (Mika aka Meek) at a diner. She’s a human and he’s not interested because he already has a girlfriend he plans on mating, Hannah. This shouldn’t be a spoiler because it’s in the blurb… but after he’s a jerk to her, the next scene is a sickly/confused Meek running into Bear’s sister who quickly realizes that Bear “mindwiped” her.
It had a YA/immature feel to it, and the plot felt disjointed/didn’t flow smoothly. This was mostly a result of missing worldbuilding. Basically, we’re thrown in… then stuff happens that is never really explained or super logical. For example, the “mindwipe” comes out of nowhere, we end one scene and then are told that’s what happened without even informing us it was an option. (which is a pretty peculiar ability for a shifter) Later, she needs blood to survive… Why? - because we’re told she does… and it has to be someone related to Bear since he refused. Again odd, but Ok, but then towards the end another is mortally wounded and the character rips open his wrist to feed the individual blood, then another licks it to seal the wound and stop the bleeding. ...more
I read this over a week ago and have read several books since, but I’m going to do my best here. The blurb is pretty vague, but I think seasoned readeI read this over a week ago and have read several books since, but I’m going to do my best here. The blurb is pretty vague, but I think seasoned readers will read between the lines and take a good guess of how things will play out with the author’s MMF disclaimer…. I’ll keep things general, but I can’t really review without giving some deets/examples, so please ...more
3.5 Stars Withering Hope is a survival romance between Aimee and Tristan. The blurb sets this one up, and the book opens with the plane crash, so thing3.5 Stars Withering Hope is a survival romance between Aimee and Tristan. The blurb sets this one up, and the book opens with the plane crash, so things kick off quickly. This made things “cleaner” for the potential romance because we never meet Chris (until the end), so he felt less real. (atleast for me) The romance is a slow-burn (like over halfway for a kiss) which made for a believable, naturally evolving friends-to-lovers romance, but not super riveting. Both Aimee and Tristan are very likable. I felt like I “knew” both of them but wish there was more from Tristan’s POV.
My only grump is that I felt like too much page-time was dedicated to the conflict (stranded in the jungle), and not enough was dedicated to the conclusion. (I feel like I say this A LOT. Authors- we want thorough resolutions!!) For example, we spend 95% with them alone, then squeeze everything (fiancé-fallout, HEA, epilogue) into 5%… ugh.
Bottom Line- I waffled a bit on rating this one… I enjoyed it but found my mind wandering at times in the middle. I was frustrated when the ending was rushed, but it was quite emotional… I cried like a baby… which I NEVER do… but it also could’ve been hormones because later on a tv show made me choke up. ...more
Destined picks up many years after the first book left off with that couple’s (Sera & Liam) children. They now have ten, and Isabella is the second olDestined picks up many years after the first book left off with that couple’s (Sera & Liam) children. They now have ten, and Isabella is the second oldest (I think) preceded only by her twin brother Ethan. (book 3) Their family lives in a compound of sorts with Liam’s friends. Ethan runs into one of Sera’s pre-vampy friends and invites her to visit. She arrives with her two daughters and her eldest’s boyfriend (Stefan) who ends up being Isabelle’s life/soulmate… which is a problem because she doesn’t want one.
This reminded me a lot of Like a Memory (another 2-⭐), and I had many of the same issues. First, I found Isabelle being a hermit to avoid running into her soulmate very childish. It makes zero sense that after experiencing her happy/supportive childhood with her uber devoted parents that she’d be like…. I want nothing to do with that. Second, Isabelle is annoying AF. I think the author was going for cute/endearing with all her stomping, ill-tempered, judgey ass antics, but this was an EPIC fail for me. She was RIDICULOUS with her nonstop freak-outs. Like becoming hysterical when facing being bitten to finalize the bond, or constantly shivering and shaking every time the scary human gives her a hateful stare…. when she’s a freaking VAMPIRE!! Third, the pacing is SLOW with large chunks of filler. (like the stupid bear trap they never fill in despite the kids almost dying several times) At 21% the couple had barely spoken, and it takes 75% until they’re remotely together. Fourth, there’re a ton of secondary characters (siblings, friends, neighbors) incessantly popping up and plot blocking the already slow-moving storyline.
Bottom Line- This didn’t work for me. It read more like YA than adult PNR despite the content… and the sexy cover. Issy was way too immature for a 267-year-old vampire, so their relationship fell flat. (Stefan was no peach, but he was mature… and I kept picturing Stefan Salvatore) The “world/setting” is unique but didn’t work for me. I can’t get behind vampires that are scared of humans, scared of biting, or look at killing bad humans or vampires (even in self-defense) as unforgivable.
"He killed our kind, Isabelle, not ones like us, but the wrong ones, ones like you met at the club. Didn't he tell you this?" Isabelle wasn't going to admit he had told her, but she hadn't seen the difference. "I'm going to take your silence to mean he did tell you, and you didn't want to hear it, or you never gave him a chance to explain," her mom said.
"You judged him too quickly, Isabelle." "He killed a man!" she yelled. Her mother clasped her hands tiredly before her. "Your father killed a man; does that make you dislike him?" "He did it to protect you!" "Stefan killed a hunter, Isabelle. It was either him or that man. Who would you rather was alive?"
"I know you, Isabelle; you're quick to judge and very quick to lose your temper.
Safety- h is a sheltered virgin. H is 267 and has been around. He says (before meeting h) that the sex with Jess (the gf) is great. She tries to initiate sex (after he met h) but he can’t get it up and finds her touch revulsive. Nothing ever on page with OW, no double-dipping. ...more
I found this listed in an old notebook under a hero married someone else list. I’m not a huge fan of this author’s writing styl1.5 Crying Cowboy Stars
I found this listed in an old notebook under a hero married someone else list. I’m not a huge fan of this author’s writing style, but it was literally the only book I hadn’t checked off… so I couldn’t not read it. :) Joke was on me because the H didn’t even marry an OW… he was only engaged. ...more
I loved the first two books in this series, and the blurb hooked me, but this is nothing like the two previous books. Elissa and2.5 Disappointed Stars
I loved the first two books in this series, and the blurb hooked me, but this is nothing like the two previous books. Elissa and Liam had a brief, but deep connection 6 years earlier. During that time, she’s stayed in NYC while watching him become one of Hollywood’s leading men. Their paths cross again when he returns to NYC with his fiancée in tow for a play that she’s the stage manager for. This sounds super juicy, but where…
Holt and Cassie’s story had chemistry, passion, angst, and heartbreak… a back and forth, emotional, rocky history. (begging and pleading) with a complex hero. (Holt had issues, was a prick, made bad decisions, and had to grovel his way back.) Liam and Elissa had chemistry, but they had only a few days together, not a defined relationship, and a quiet, non-confrontational breakup. Liam isn’t complex, he’s nice with no baggage or depth. The couple spends the majority of the book as co-workers, they’re not working through any past hurts or insecurities... when the time is right- everything falls into place…poof.
The fiancée is super sweet, Elissa acts the professional… there’s just nothing happening to cause drama. It’s OBVIOUS that more is going on. I guessed the big secret very early on, and predicted the actual ending before I was halfway through the book. The “conflict” isn’t revealed until the very end, so there’s no chance for anything other than acceptance.
The one shining light for me was her BFF Josh, who actually had a personality and was funny. I would read his book.
“That’s because what he did was a dick move, and unlike you, I don’t like dicks.”
“Think about this for a second. Think about who you are. Your core values. This isn’t you.” … “If you do this, I won’t be held accountable for your actions. Don’t come crying to me when it all goes to hell.” … He sighs and opens the door for me. Before I can get past him, he grabs my hand. “Lissa, wait. Just promise me one thing.” I look up at him. “Stretch before you start. Your fitness levels are appalling. You could legit pull something. Jogging isn’t a game. It’s serious business.”
Bottom Line- L. R. is a great writer, there just wasn’t enough meat on the bone for me. Also, it’s pricey for a book based on lack of communication that goes on forever with secrets that are immediately forgiven. There’s no real angst, drama or feels... all the characters are super nice and understanding. Pfft
My fav book quote… Years ago I saw a magazine article that claimed everyone should have their heart broken at least once in order to become a better person. It said that the pain of losing someone you love will teach you about yourself. Develop your strength and resilience. Whoever wrote that article can go fuck themselves. Heartache doesn’t teach you to be resilient. It teaches you to protect your fragility. It teaches you to fear love. And it draws a bright red circle around all the ways you’ve failed as a person and laughs while you cry....more
I read the first book last year then moved on, but then I saw this come across my feed, and the potential OW drama caught my eye. I LOVE OW drama, I dI read the first book last year then moved on, but then I saw this come across my feed, and the potential OW drama caught my eye. I LOVE OW drama, I don’t necessarily like the cheating especially in PNR, but a meddling wannabe OW can generate loads of drama. I quickly re-read Dark Prince, but in case you haven’t… here’re the cliff notes. Vivienne tried to steal a necklace from Lucca to save her drug addict brother, Rikkon. We later learned that they were the heirs of the Nightingale throne, and had been exiled/lost powers when their evil mom got mad because Viv wanted to save the vampires. Rikkon was miserable, and obtained a spell to take their memories. At the end of book 1- Vivi got hers back, but Rik is still in the dark. Some outline spoilers ahead…
The book opens with an unhappy Rik becoming friends with Miranda who is the sis of book 2’s h. Mir decides she’s going to help him get his memories back which takes until about 25%, that is when we find out he has a soulmate, Eriel. After that (for me) the plot started to drag a smidge because, being honest, I only read this for the OW drama. It takes us almost halfway for them to get to Ellnesari where things picked up. All this time, the couple's attracted to each other, but he’s still committed to marrying Eriel. Then around 55% things pick up, and the last ½ is quite good because Mir finally turns 18, so we can move into romantic feelings, and the OW comes to town.
Bottom Line- The first half was slow going for me, but I enjoyed the second half. The OW drama was good, but it’s not really angsty. We are privy to Rik’s thoughts so we know where his head is at, and how much his actions are the bond forcing things. As far as safety, the bond compels him to return a few passionate kisses almost all in front of the h, and he calls her love (again bond) ...there’re a few instances of touching and one close-ish call. He’s always fighting the bond which helps, and the OW can’t know of his true feelings or she’d kill h. If you want specific details, you can message me. :) ...more
We finally get to the dad’s book. This is the end of the road for me, I’m skipping Coto’s novella. I will definitely come back if Vhon ever gets a booWe finally get to the dad’s book. This is the end of the road for me, I’m skipping Coto’s novella. I will definitely come back if Vhon ever gets a book. Berr is the ruler of all the Zorn people. We’ve seen him slowly warm up to Zorn- human female pairings. We also know from Rever’s book that he’s bonded to an awful woman (Alluwn) that hates him.
Shanna finds herself stuck on Zorn after being kidnapped by another species. Originally, I wasn’t digging her. IMO, the author oversold her tough girl, badass, aggressive attitude. It didn’t mesh; she goes from “I’m human hear me roar” to I want to jump your bones in a snap. Berr is ok, much what you expect from the typical Zorn male.
There’re a couple plot holes like Berr has 4 grown sons, I think Ral is mid-30’s so he has to be pushing 50, but looks 30. So, they clearly age slower, but nothing is ever said about how this will work with the human mates who age normal. Also, in the beginning of the book there’s a situation where he changes a law mid situation… because he makes the laws. But, at the end his hands are tied with the law.
Bottom Line- This is smutty sci-fi. There’s some drama, but nothing really deep. I wouldn’t recommend this series for safety readers because their society is very male driven and they have sex with multiple women prior to their females arriving. The house helpers and crazy wife churn up some drama… and Shanna certainly didn’t need someone saving her… no damsel here. Ariel finally has her baby. ...more
12/15/2022-reread via audiobook. 2.5 generously rounded up ⭐’s I don’t like to change my original ratings… but this was a mess. Like I’m wondering if 12/15/2022-reread via audiobook. 2.5 generously rounded up ⭐’s I don’t like to change my original ratings… but this was a mess. Like I’m wondering if I was drinking when I read this type of mess. There’s so much ridiculous going on… from (view spoiler)[ a grown adult Ashlyn sobbing like a baby because her parents are disappointed in her… ugh. To her parents acting all pouty and indignant when they did the EXACT same thing -eloped in Vegas. To multiple hospital stays… a fetish website… a serial killer. (hide spoiler)] It’s a bit of a Hot Mess Express.
******Original Review***** 3.5 Double Virgin Stars I have mixed feelings about this one. I liked both mc’s, I liked their chemistry, I liked the drunken Vegas wedding, I even liked that Dillion wasn’t the typical OTT alpha. (although he lost points by being so gullible/nonconfrontational with Isla) There’s a crazy ex fiancée, tons of sexy-time, and even a grumpy hairless cat in the mix. I was totally loving it, but then things went a smidge sideways.
The plot got congested with too many secondary characters, and too much going on. Then it started getting choppy, skipping around. For instance, at one point, we start a new chapter, and some MAJOR shit is going down, but it’s SUPER confusing because there wasn’t any transition at all. (like they were turning in for the night the page before… then boom, she’s in a super hairy position that skipped all over how she got there- It reads like she skipped a chapter) Then there’s all kind of stuff being thrown in the mix, and I was overloaded.
This is one of those series where it follows family friends, so you’ll get more if you read the other books, but you don’t necessarily have to. Ashlyn is the daughter of Cash and Lilly Mason (Until Lilly) in the past books she’s “hated” Dillion her “jerky" boss who had a bitchy fiancée. We learn here that all was not as it seemed.
Bottom Line- This series is very Kristen Ashley, insta-lovey, alpha-male fluff. I’m rounding up because I did like more than I didn’t, (and am invested in the series) but it was a little disappointing… and if you’re not into fluffy-smut… I’d skip. It wasn’t her best, she put way to much crazy in her book sandwich, but if you like these books, you’ll probably like this one too. There’s plenty of her usual stuff, whispers (86) growling (48) with lots of tears (50), and first gen parents butting in. Which did drive me bonkers, but seems to be a theme with the daughters of the spinoff. There’s only a short epilogue 1-year and 5-years out. *They’re both virgins, but act like pros, so there isn’t any awkwardness-quite unrealistic, but makes for better sexytime....more
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