I was kind of annoyed by Olivia in this book. I felt like her issues were of her own making. One simple conversation that she couldn't manage to initiI was kind of annoyed by Olivia in this book. I felt like her issues were of her own making. One simple conversation that she couldn't manage to initiate would have alleviated all of her worries. And I thought it was pretty selfish of her to push all of that responsibility on to Nate.
Nevertheless, the story still pulled me in. There was some sweet romance and steamy scenes. It just seemed like the entire book was unnecessary and unrelatable. ...more
**Copy provided in advance in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.**
I'm conflicted. This book knocked me on my ass right out of the gate. The **Copy provided in advance in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.**
I'm conflicted. This book knocked me on my ass right out of the gate. The storyline hooked me. I absolutely loved the characters. I was there with them feeling their heartbreak and later putting the pieces back together. But then things started happening that I didn't like or didn't agree with.
For instance, I hated Jake's decisions he made on Conor's behalf. It was risky and unfair. But, on the other hand, it added to Conor's loneliness and the strength she dug deep for made me love her more. I also didn't get what right Jake had to help Conor. I wanted to know when he got his degree in psychology. That was irresponsible and could have backfired. And lastly, it's hinted at that Jake is into (view spoiler)[bdsm (hide spoiler)] but nothing ever really came of it.
In the end I'm still giving a high rating because the feelings I experienced throughout the book are one of the reasons I read. Overall, the things I didn't like were minor in comparison to what I loved and I still highly recommend....more
That was pretty great. Lia is at her wits end. She and Leo had a passionate marriage up until some months ago. Now Leo is snippy (when he bothers to sThat was pretty great. Lia is at her wits end. She and Leo had a passionate marriage up until some months ago. Now Leo is snippy (when he bothers to speak at all), doesn't want to be touched, and works long hours to avoid being home. Lia has tried many times to communicate with Leo to no avail. And after her request for divorce is met with a firm no she's even more confused. With the lack of affection from her husband she's tempted by a co-worker.
This book pulled me in. I could not put it down until I found out what was up with Leo. And it's gooood. I mean it's not good but it wasn't on my radar whatsoever. I didn't see it coming but it explained everything. Unfortunately, the story was pretty uneventful after the reveal, otherwise, this would have been a solid five stars. Nicely done.....more
Oh my goodness this book was hilarious. Sandy and Helena are a trip. I couldn't breathe from laughing so hard. But... underneath the humor was a very Oh my goodness this book was hilarious. Sandy and Helena are a trip. I couldn't breathe from laughing so hard. But... underneath the humor was a very good storyline. A lot of heart and feelings and things. I teared up a bit when I learned why Sandy hates Darren. But love triumphs in the end and all that. Such a fun read....more
That was pretty fantastic. Annalia (Lia) is the daughter of a migrant farm worker turned **Copy received in advance for voluntary review**
*4.5 stars*
That was pretty fantastic. Annalia (Lia) is the daughter of a migrant farm worker turned motel housekeeper. While working on the Sawyer farm, Lia met twin brothers, Preston and Cole Sawyer. Even though Lia's mom moved on to another job, the three remained best friends.
As they grew older, Lia knew Preston was the one for her. However, both Sawyer boys wanted her. Preston stepped aside so Cole could pursue her. Four long years of misunderstandings and not speaking up (by Preston or Lia) kept them apart. But one night Preston and Lia can no longer deny their attraction.
From the blurb you know a baby was born from that night and Lia left them both for six months. You may be thinking what on Earth would possess a mother to do that and Sheridan takes us there.
I just loved Lia in this book. She stole my heart. I felt her struggle and I was so happy when she found her voice. I thought Sheridan was spot on when describing the effects of(view spoiler)[ postpartum depression (hide spoiler)]. It's real.
And Preston. My poor dear boy. He always tried to do the right thing. But he had to learn being all in for one thing doesn't mean he can neglect everything or everyone else.
My only minor complaints would be that the miscommunication started to get a little frustrating and the sexual tension was stab-worthy. But still I thought this story was a success and highly emotional. Well done. ...more
WTF. I did not expect that ending. At all. However, I can't feel sad about it. It was so sudden and disconnected from the rest of the story it left meWTF. I did not expect that ending. At all. However, I can't feel sad about it. It was so sudden and disconnected from the rest of the story it left me feeling indifferent.
From the blurb I thought this was going to be an angsty story of the unrequited love of a clueless man. But the unrequited part was in Rose's head. The ball was in her court all along. Her immaturity annoyed me.
Still the story was okay...until the ending. HEA lovers should steer clear. ...more
Now I'm not going to justify it by saying it was normal for the times and all that. But what I will say is if Alexandra was okay with it then why shouldn't I be? And even though Savage had Branford go there she was still sensitive to the reader. We didn't get many details (but what we did get we know it's very clinical), we felt Branford's anguish over having to perform this duty, and most of all I liked that the concubine was Alexandra's friend. I would have hated it if she was some smirking bitch trying to make a play for Alexandra's position.
Alexandra really stepped up in this book. This is what I've been waiting for from her. Where Branford is very reactive and wears his feelings on his sleeve, Alexandra has a quiet strength. She's supportive, she wants to do her duty, but most of all she wants to be Branford's wife. She wants to care for him and share his burden. She's also becoming more confident with the idea of being queen. I just loved her.
This installment surprised me. I'm not someone that is turned off by cheating in books, it gives me that delicious angsty feeling. I devoured this book overnight because I had to know what happens. And I wasn't disappointed. But I was more engrossed in getting to what many of us have guessed as the cause of Alexandra's infertility and what it is doing to their relationship and what it means for their future when I assumed I would be more obsessed with the concubine. I wasn't. Once again we're left at a cliffhanger but we were also wonderfully teased at what's to come.
If cheating in books, no ifs, ands, or buts is a deal breaker, you won't like this book. But if you can look deeper you may agree with me this didn't feel like cheating at all and I applaud Savage for putting it in. It really did feel necessary imo. But I'll leave that for you to decide for yourself.
I'm looking forward to the next installment. Well done! ...more
I was pleasantly surprised by how much I liked this book. It's about so much more than cheating. It's about how easy a solid marriage can be destroyedI was pleasantly surprised by how much I liked this book. It's about so much more than cheating. It's about how easy a solid marriage can be destroyed by secrets and no communication. It brings doubt and then external factors come into play and things get more complicated.
Sadie screwed up big time. But so did Nathan. Others may disagree with me but he was partly to blame. He checked out and left his emotionally needy wife vulnerable. He should have confessed what was bothering him. Because he was right to have his feelings too.
The uncanny connection Sadie had with Finn made me question if Sadie and Nathan were going to make it. That combined with finding out the reason for Nathan's coldness had me glued to the pages to find out everything. I was happy with the ending. An epilogue would have been nice but I'll live. I was glad to read Andrew is getting a story. I'm looking forward to it. Nicely done.
I'm so conflicted! Going into this book I was firmly Team Jackson. I enjoyed the progression of their relationship, especially since everything is outI'm so conflicted! Going into this book I was firmly Team Jackson. I enjoyed the progression of their relationship, especially since everything is out in the open now. But this felt like two different books - part one Jackson, part two Death. That's the only reason I'm giving four stars instead of five is because this book is so romance focused that the game was neglected. We get to know Death more intimately now. And curse you Kresley Cole for making me love him! This is one of those love triangles where the heroine has an impossible choice, I'm going to be sad for the loser. But I'm excited to read on. Dead of Winter promises lots of action and I'm dying for Evie to be reunited with her friends and allies. Great story!...more
This felt like two stories in one. The plot was kind of all over the place. But that didn't ruin my enjoyment of the story. Poor Kelli. She just couldThis felt like two stories in one. The plot was kind of all over the place. But that didn't ruin my enjoyment of the story. Poor Kelli. She just couldn't catch a break. Misunderstanding after misunderstanding (plus some Romero hard-headed pride and jealousy) kept her and Isaiah apart. Of course, Kelli made her share of mistakes as well.
But fate keeps bringing them back together. Lots of good stuff in this book - firefighters, mafia, bodyguards, car crashes, car hood sex, terrorism (not good but intense), cat burglary (giggles), a chili cook off, and Halloween.
I'm looking forward to Nathan's book. Well done! ...more
That's not what I was expecting. All of our questions were answered. I didn't even imagine that being the reason Dante was protecting Scarl*3.5 stars*
That's not what I was expecting. All of our questions were answered. I didn't even imagine that being the reason Dante was protecting Scarlett but it's a good one. A strong one. There were a couple of surprises - the one at the end especially made me gasp and tear up. Lilley knows how to rip your heart out. The angst kept me turning the page, I had to find out how it all ends. But...I still feel unfulfilled.
I think it's mainly because (view spoiler)[Tiffany is a winner, as she put it, just in a Plan B kind of way and she doesn't deserve to win anything (hide spoiler)]. All of the lives Adelaide ruined and the trickle down effect all of that caused is just sad. It didn't feel like the justice was good enough.
So just because it turned out different than I was hoping doesn't mean it's bad. It's still quite a page turner and a worthwhile read. ...more
If you've read books from Zapata before, you know she's a fan of the slow burn. This book is no different.
After getting dumped by her boyfr*3.5 stars*
If you've read books from Zapata before, you know she's a fan of the slow burn. This book is no different.
After getting dumped by her boyfriend, Gaby decides to take a job selling merchandise and traveling with her brother Eli's band.
Gaby has always been comfortable around the band. She's known them forever. She's one of the guys. She can dish out teasing and pranks as well as she can take it. In fact, this book had a few more TMI moments than I cared for and quite a bit of potty humor.
But it's not long before Gaby falls for the lead singer of the band touring with them, Sacha. The two become fast friends but Gaby is unsure if he wants something more. Even when Sacha starts giving obvious signs, Gaby is clueless. But she finally takes a chance.
All in all, this book was okay. It had some funny scenes and the story hooked me. I liked it well enough. ...more
Meh. I thought this book was just okay. Anna wasn't very likeable to me. She was judgy, she was fickle, she was self-centered, and she hate*2.5 stars*
Meh. I thought this book was just okay. Anna wasn't very likeable to me. She was judgy, she was fickle, she was self-centered, and she hated her dad for some poor-little-rich girl reason. All normal behavior for an eighteen year old but it was off-putting.
I also thought the storyline was bland, even the ending was ho hum. Anna never really learned any particular lesson or became a better person. The only saving grace was Etienne and what he was going through with his parents. He had a rich character arc and I think the book would have benefited having his pov occasionally.
**I received an ARC through Netgalley courtesy of the pubisher in exchange for an honest review.**
I never really thought about just how muc*3.5 stars*
**I received an ARC through Netgalley courtesy of the pubisher in exchange for an honest review.**
I never really thought about just how much this story was needed until I reread Double Time recently. I realized Trey, Reagan, and Ethan had so much more to tell and we hadn't even gotten to the hard part of their relationship. Outsider is that hard part.
Reagan is struggling with finding her place in the band, Exodus End. She knows she doesn't belong, she knows it's a temporary gig but she still wants to put her stamp on the experience in some way. She's also struggling with the tabloids having it in for her and outing her polyamorous relationship.
Trey's only struggle is trying to be supportive of his lovers whle they come to accept their relationship in the public light. Trey has always been confident with his sexuality and has had a supportive family.
Ethan certainly struggles with going public. He hasn't even come out to his mother and brothers yet. But will the idea of possibly losing Reagan and Trey give him the courage? Ethan also struggles with where he fits. He feels like a tagalong to rock stars, Ethan and Reagan with his token bodyguard position. He wants more out of a career.
Lots of depth to this book. It was hard to get into at first and Reagan's "the world only revolves around me" attitude got old after awhile. I also got tired of the threesome always getting it on when they should have been talking. But those scenes were certainly sexy. And I really enjoyed Trey and Brian's bro moment. It was a long time coming and made me smile.
For the most part, I enjoyed this book and I thought Cunning did a good job with Trey's HEA. ...more
We were introduced to Oliver King in Hearts of Fire. He was a drunk. He followed the circus with his sister and depended on her kindness.**4.5 stars**
We were introduced to Oliver King in Hearts of Fire. He was a drunk. He followed the circus with his sister and depended on her kindness. He had such an obviously sad story and you couldn't help but feel for him and wonder what brought him so low.
This story is split into two parts - before and after. It was great getting to know King when he was on top of the world as a shit-hot Investor. But the story is told from Alexis's pov. It begins when Alexis was hired as King's PA. Their banter was adorable and a misunderstanding had the two in a friends-only relationship in addition to boss/employee. Alexis was amazing. She was such a great character. She was funny and quick-witted and smart. Her chemistry with King was off the charts and Cosway tortured us with sexual tension. I loved it.
The only thing I'm a little critical of is the reason King took off. I didn't think he should have jumped the gun so fast. But he more than paid for it and his reunion with Alexis had me teary-eyed.. It really was a beautiful story. I wish the next book would have stayed in the circus family but it should still be very interesting. I'll be reading. Bravo!
Mase Colt-Manning is the son of rock star, Kiro Manning, and half-brother to Harlow and Nan. He runs his family's horse ranch in Texas but he frequentMase Colt-Manning is the son of rock star, Kiro Manning, and half-brother to Harlow and Nan. He runs his family's horse ranch in Texas but he frequents Rosemary Beach to visit Harlow and his niece, Lila Kate.
Reese Ellis is currently working as a maid for a company that cleans the houses of the elite in Rosemary Beach. One morning while cleaning Nan's house she has a run in with Mase who is staying there while Nan is on vacay. Reese has a horrific past with her mom and stepfather and she has a learning disability.
Sparks fly and Mase claims Reese as his almost immediately which means the gang claims her as well.
There were quite a few things that rubbed me the wrong way about this book:
1. I listened to the audiobook version. The male narrator's southern accent sounded like he was trying to impersonate McConaughey. He sounded like a douchebag. The sex scenes, in fact, everything sexual read by him was cringe-worthy.
2. Every heroine in this series is poor and damaged. I have a feeling the next book we'll find Reese knocked up. That's the only thing Glines' heroines know how to do. Aren't there any female lawyers or doctors or even debutantes in Rosemary Beach worthy of love? These books are too expensive for the same old cookie cutter template to be used over and over again. *Huffs* instalove - assuming - not communicating - running. Is that all ya got? Bo-ring.
3. I hated how everyone fell all over themselves to help Reese - rushing her to the hospital to get stitches, making sure she had rides to and from work, using Kiro Manning's power to get her a therapist - all in the same weekend of meeting her. Huh. Would she have gotten the same treatment if she was an ugly maid? It didn't feel genuine.
4. The number of times Mase got hard over Reese's butt freckle was nauseating. Just stupid.
5. By this point Nan is just ridiculous. She's a caricature of a cackling super villain. We're on book eleven and no growth at all? I had hope after what she did for Harlow but no she's back to being a bitter, spoiled bitch. And she must be rubbing off on Jimmy because I didn't like him in this book and I've liked his friendship with the other girls so far, just not with Reese.
This book was predictable and lazy. The worst of the series.
I can honestly say this is the first time where in book one I was left loving the heroine and fully on **Warning: My review contains major spoilers!**
I can honestly say this is the first time where in book one I was left loving the heroine and fully on her side to hating her within the first ten percent of book two.
This book begins two years after Katia left Marcus. She took her mother, cut herself off from Marcus, and disappeared with only her friends Josh and Candy knowing her whereabouts. Normally I wouldn't have a problem with this but it's not just Katia and her mom stubbornly living in poverty. Marcus and Katia have a daughter. Penny. Just because Katia doesn't want to see Marcus again she's selfishly keeping Penny from knowing Marcus (like her mother did with her and Pierre) and she's denying Penny the safety and comforts that Marcus's money would provide. Or Pierre's for that matter. She's refusing ALL help. Grr...
When Katia is finally convinced to return and face Marcus the story gets even more ridiculous. She's incredulous when she sees Marcus with another woman, even though he claims there hasn't been anyone else since she left. In two years? I call bullshit. There's a very predictable nightclub scene and a very OTT scene involving Katia's mother, which I'll admit made me tear up a bit because it reminded me of my own regrets.
Now here's the kicker. Katia is so outraged over her mother and she blames Marcus that she actually hires a hitman to take care of him. Get this - she approaches Marcus's friend, Mack, to direct her to a hitman! And then she's surprised that Marcus found out about it! For real?!
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Katia has thoroughly destroyed Marcus at this point and not in the fun way that he deserves. And he still doesn't know about Penny yet!
Jewel did a complete one-eighty with this book. I loved part one and I was expecting Katia's resistance/Marcus's groveling but I didn't expect to hate the characters and the plotline so much. Very disappointing....more
This book put me through the ringer. I really enjoyed the beginning. Alix is a charming tomboy. She's sassy and funny and curious but full of southernThis book put me through the ringer. I really enjoyed the beginning. Alix is a charming tomboy. She's sassy and funny and curious but full of southern manners. Her mama taught her right. She befriends Nick Anderson, a boy from the wrong side of town who's judged by the sins of his father. But Alix doesn't give a lick. The problem is Nick is super protective of a quiet girl named Lindsey and when they're older secrets, jealousy, and miscommunication tear Alix and Nick apart.
I didn't like the foreboding at the end of each chapter. Allred kept warning us of bad things to come. I just kept yelling, "Do it already!" But then I got my wish because the second half of this book was filled with angst galore. Every-damn-body's dirty secrets came out. It made my head spin.
I'd also have liked more details. Some things were confusing. For example, the beginning of the book reads like it's the 60s or possibly 70s what with drive-in theaters and old cars and no cell phones and the shame of having a baby out of wedlock but then fifteen years later it felt like present day.
A lot of the behavior seemed so far-fetched. I just kept thinking there's no way this would happen.
But with all its faults it did suck me in. I read it in one sitting. My advice is to suspend belief and just enjoy the ride. ...more
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