Where do I even begin? I did not want this book to end! I was all in from the very first page and if I hadn't fallen asleep at some point, I would've Where do I even begin? I did not want this book to end! I was all in from the very first page and if I hadn't fallen asleep at some point, I would've read it in one sitting. This book was so good. Here's the thing: it's not like it's some great literary work or it made me have some huge epiphany or anything that deep. It was just good. Sloan and Rafe are genuinely good no nonsense characters that are attracted to each other and have open and honest communication with each other and are real with themselves and each other and it was PERFECT! It just made me feel good and happy and light to read a straightforward love story with some hot hot sexy times and ADORABLE children featuring an obscenely intelligent WOC and an insanely hot tatted ginger adonis. I loved that there was no major internal drama between the couple, I LOVED their families and friend groups, and I even enjoyed the stuff with the ex-husband because it was REAL. If you enjoyed Misadventures with a Manny (which I did) by Toni Aleo, then you will dig this too. I now have to read all of Rebekah Weatherspoon's back catalogue, buy this in paperback, and wait with bated breath for Xeni's story (because I was hoping that she would get her own book as soon as she was introduced). This definitely made my "Best of 2018" list. All the wine glasses (aka 5 'cause that is all Goodreads gives me). ...more
Finished this beauty early this morning and Knox and Eden are still on my mind. Naima Simone delivered a SEXY, angsty, heartfelt read with Sin & Ink aFinished this beauty early this morning and Knox and Eden are still on my mind. Naima Simone delivered a SEXY, angsty, heartfelt read with Sin & Ink and with each book I read from her, my fangirl feelings grow. If you’re in to HOT, muscled, tattooed, dirty talking alpha males with heart, slightly taboo love interests, sexual tension up the wazoo, and family drama - I highly recommend that you pick this up. 4.5 out of 5 wine glasses....more
Runaway Girl is the third Tessa Bailey book I've read this year and is thus the 3rd book by her to make my "Best of 2018" list. It is absolute GENIUS Runaway Girl is the third Tessa Bailey book I've read this year and is thus the 3rd book by her to make my "Best of 2018" list. It is absolute GENIUS on her part to do Addison and Elijah's story first and the Naomi and Jason. I don't know how she managed to make Naomi such a sympathetic character despite the fact that if you've read Getaway Girl you know that she jilted a gem of a man - or maybe it's because we know that jilting was to his (and Addison's) benefit that softens the blow. I LOVE Naomi and her heart and insecurity and kindness and determination. And JASON - man oh man. I think I love him more than Elijah (if you read The Major's Homecoming, you'll love Jason - in fact, now that I think about it, that book is sort of like a mashup of GG and RG and if you haven't read it yet, you need to ASAP). He is so big and alpha and fierce and sensitive in the most unexpected way. And Birdie - how I adored her too! I also really loved that the parents (multiple sets) were the big baddies in this story because sometimes that is true to life and I also loved that there was not necessarily resolution with them because sometimes you have to leave them and the nonsense and baggage they try to foist upon you behind in order to get your HEA and that is OKAY. My goodness, I LOVED this book. 5 out of 5 wine glasses....more
When Katy Ames started a "Choose Your Own Romance" story on her Instagram feed, I was immediately on board and looked forward to not only reading the When Katy Ames started a "Choose Your Own Romance" story on her Instagram feed, I was immediately on board and looked forward to not only reading the weekly installments of Jude and Eden's story, but also contributing to the direction and outcome of the story. So needless to say, I was ecstatic to see that their story was being released in novel form and I enjoyed the re-read and additions to the story, as well as the promise of more books featuring these characters to come! I'm such a fan of second chance romances and this is a superb one: full of angst and emotions and HEAT. Jude's selflessness is something that has remained with me since the first time I read their story and it was just reinforced with this reread. He is without a doubt on my Top 10 Book Boyfriend list and believe me when I say that there is some stiff competition there (how could it not be with the number of books that I consume?)! 5 out of 5 wine glasses. ...more
Can't Text This captured my attention from the very beginning and did not let it go! From Monty and Robbie's bathroom adventure, to the LOL-worthy banCan't Text This captured my attention from the very beginning and did not let it go! From Monty and Robbie's bathroom adventure, to the LOL-worthy banter of their text messages, to the tension with her coworker, and their mutual struggle with the strength of their feelings - this book had everything I look for in a feel-good rom com! I loved Robbie and his fierce devotion to Xavie (and I absolutely adored Xavie and the relationship he and Robbie had), as well as his overwhelming sexiness and humor. I also really loved Monty - but I wish we had gotten a little bit more about her childhood and unconventional upbringing, as well as what led to she and her twin being so very different. Perhaps there's a story featuring Denny in the future? I hope so! I can't wait to read Let's Get Textual and I Wanna Text You Up, and everything else that Teagan Hunter has written thus far and whatever else she blesses us with in the future. I can't remember the last time I smiled this much while devouring a book and it's an experience I hope to replicate soon. 5 out of 5 wine glasses. ...more
This book y'all! First of all, I'm trash for the whole nanny/single dad trope, plus he's royalty, and there's an age gap, AND it's just a good love stThis book y'all! First of all, I'm trash for the whole nanny/single dad trope, plus he's royalty, and there's an age gap, AND it's just a good love story. What sets this one apart for me is that while both parties hold secrets from each other, when ish hits the fan, they handle it in the way that I always long for characters (and people irl) to handle the situation - with love and patience and kindness and understanding. People make mistakes. Sometimes they learn from them, sometimes they don't. Being imperfect, being messy, being human does not make you a villain. I love that we got a happy ending but every detail wasn't tied up in a tidy little bow because that's not life either. A Nordic King is a beautiful story of second chances and redemption and the power of love and forgiveness - both in giving and receiving. This was my first Karina Halle book and I'm so blown away that it will not be my last! I own a few, but I MUST read her other two royal books and then move on to the rest of her catalogue. This was definitely a Best of 2018 read for me. 5 out of 5 wine glasses....more
Let me preface this by saying I gave this book 5 out of 5 wine glasses because in the end and overall, it is FANTASTIC! That being said I struggled wiLet me preface this by saying I gave this book 5 out of 5 wine glasses because in the end and overall, it is FANTASTIC! That being said I struggled with the book for multiple reasons, but for me, the best books are the ones that give me a hard time in certain ways. I enjoyed Contracted almost as much as I did Signed and way more than I did Endorsed, so there's that too. I was honestly super curious as to how Marni Mann was going to expound on Max and Eve's relationship since we already saw them established as a couple in the previous books, but she did a spectacular job of making the story engaging and one that I simply could not put down. I even had to seek out a friend to talk me through about halfway into the story! I loved Eve and how bold, strong, and adventurous she was and I especially loved how she gained the courage to go after what she wanted and accept nothing less than that, even when it was difficult. And Max... Sexy, dominant, alpha, EMOTIONALLY STUNTED Max! He drove me NUTS!!!!! It was as if he was out of touch with reality and oblivious to the clear emotional cues that Eve was sending. And, yes, he suffered heartbreak in his past, but come on man! On the flipside, it was his dysfunction and his friend's efforts to talk him out of his idiocy that really touched my soul and sparked an epiphany for me and a situation/person in my own life - so based on that bit alone, I have to give this a high rating. I place a high value on books and authors that serve as a mirror for me and Contracted definitely was that. Plus the sex was FIRE and Max did a helluva job redeeming himself in the end. I can't wait for Scarlett's story! 5 out of 5 wine glasses....more
This book literally came out of nowhere and completely rocked my world! While I'm a fan of the work that Jen Frederick has don with Elle Kennedy as ErThis book literally came out of nowhere and completely rocked my world! While I'm a fan of the work that Jen Frederick has don with Elle Kennedy as Erin Watt, this is the first solo book that I have read from her and it definitely won't be my last! I'm not gonna lie, I honestly didn't read the blurb I went into the book totally blind. But even if I had, it still would not have prepared me for the magnitude of this book. It will be really hard to describe the depths of my love for Leka and Bitsy's story without revealing aspects that will give away some of the plot and joy that comes with experiencing the story unfolding before your eyes. But I will say, that it is a delicious slow burn that is part taboo/forbidden romance, part mafia romance, and all parts wondrous. The way that the author utilized time jumps, the way she told the story and revealed tidbits of the characters bit by juicy bit - it was all just magnificent. I'm so hoping that the epilogue means that we'll get stories about the offspring!!! 5 out of 5 wine glasses. ...more
Just like with Fake Wife, Stacey Lynn captured me from the very beginning of Knocked Up. Braxton and Cara were both extremely likable and relatable chJust like with Fake Wife, Stacey Lynn captured me from the very beginning of Knocked Up. Braxton and Cara were both extremely likable and relatable characters and the connection and chemistry between them was palpable and so entrancing. Both of them had backgrounds that made them deeply sympathetic characters; and somehow she was able to craft their stories so that even though their histories were vastly different, they both worked to make two people that were perfect for each other. Knocked Up is sexy, emotional, and real - just what I love in my romance! Stacey Lynn has definitely become one of my auto-buy authors and I can't wait to read more from her! 4.5 out of 5 wine glasses....more
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of the book.
I did not think that it was possible for Sara Ney to give us a male lead that surpassed RheI voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of the book.
I did not think that it was possible for Sara Ney to give us a male lead that surpassed Rhett, but she came pretty darn close with Rowdy. Jock Row is a yummy slow burn with great characters, an engaging plot, and so much wit and heart. The unconventional way that Rowdy/Sterling and Scarlett bond and connect was so delightful and as much as I really wanted them to go ahead and hookup, I never wanted their story to end and I'm so glad that this is just the beginning of the series! I loved Sterling's mom and their epilogue was EVERYTHING! Looks like the Douchebags have some competition! 5 out of 5 wine glasses. ...more
Where do I even begin with this?!?! Firstly, while Block Shot is not nearly as intense in subject matter as Long Shot, it is still just as gripping anWhere do I even begin with this?!?! Firstly, while Block Shot is not nearly as intense in subject matter as Long Shot, it is still just as gripping and phenomenal. I don't know how Kennedy Ryan is able to grapple with such difficult topics (I won't disclose what that difficult topic is because NO SPOILERS) with such grace, reality, and sensitivity. I've read a few books that deal with similar subject matters, but never had a read a book that addressed it from so many real angles and perspectives. Banner Morales is the type of heroine I would want in my girl squad, as well as the type of woman that I want to be. And Jared! Oh man, for all of his semi-sociopathic attitudes and ways, one can only hope for a man that loves them like Jared loves Banner. In a lot of ways, he was not a very likable character, but somehow Kennedy Ryan made it work. I think the key is that he and Banner truly do balance each other out, just as he describes it - they are each others "equinox." Dividing the book into 3 parts was genius and the storytelling (the twists and turns and ups and downs) made it so that I just could not put down Block Shot and when I was forced to, I was thinking about the book and counting down the moments until I could get back to it. 5 out of 5 wine glasses. ...more
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of the book.
This book stirred up so many emotions in me that I don't even know where to start. It is defI voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of the book.
This book stirred up so many emotions in me that I don't even know where to start. It is definitely one of my favorite books of the year - it was absolutely outstanding. From the pacing to the the length, the even way Erika Kelly developed and shared these amazing characters, to the depth and realness of the emotions they felt, to the families, and that ending - it was perfection. Reading about Callie and Fin made my heart ache, rejoice, burn with desire, and hope - all in equal measures. I'm not sure I've ever read such a well-balanced book. That seems a paltry way to describe how much I loved it but I don't really think I know any words that can come close to explaining it. I can not wait for the rest of this series - the Bowie brothers are guaranteed to rock my world. I'll be pre-ordering each and every one of them as well as buying every other book Erika Kelly has written and will write. This book won her instant entry on to my "Must-Read/Auto-Buy" author list. ALL OF THE STARS. ...more
Almost immediately, this book gave me One Last Time (Corinne Michaels) vibes and since that still remains onFrom beginning to end - I LOVED this book.
Almost immediately, this book gave me One Last Time (Corinne Michaels) vibes and since that still remains one of my favorite books of the year, I was all in! I loved Vera and her dedication to her children, I hated her rat bastard of an ex, and Lincoln was so unbelievably swoon worthy. I even adored Vera's sons, her sister, and her brother-in-law/Lincoln's best friend. The chemistry between Vera and Lincoln was incredible and her history with her ex made her such a sympathetic character - it made it really easy to cheer her on. The obstacles to HEA were real and I enjoyed the tension that they provided (though I did feel like they came to a head and were resolved rather swiftly). I also wasn't expecting Misadventures with a Manny to be the slow burn that it was, but when we finally get to the couples first hookup, it was so worth the wait! I've thoroughly enjoyed both of Toni Aleo's contributions to the Misadventures series so far and I fully plan to read her Assassins series soon! 5 out of 5 wine glasses....more
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of the book/
This book won my heart from the very beginning - the prologue set the story up to be a real I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of the book/
This book won my heart from the very beginning - the prologue set the story up to be a real page turner! I stayed up way past my bedtime to finish reading Ezra and Kayla's story and went back to read my favorite parts after I was done. Both Ezra and Kayla are such sweet and inspiring characters that embodied so much of what it right in the world, while still displaying the shortcomings and pitfall that come with youth and being human. I just loved how they were able to work their way to each other and keep their relationship together even when faced with really difficult challenges. They each had such strength of character - I found it truly inspiring. I also love how the author was able to leave a few really strong messages without the book coming off as preachy. It was just real and lovely and inspiring - a book that I will wholeheartedly recommend as well as read over and over again! 5 out of 5 wine glasses....more
AHHHH!!! This was EVERYTHING I wanted from this book and more! It was like an orchestral piece that had a sweet, melodic opening (Robbie), developed tAHHHH!!! This was EVERYTHING I wanted from this book and more! It was like an orchestral piece that had a sweet, melodic opening (Robbie), developed to a sensually hypnotic interlude (Julien), followed by a dramatically intense and emotional crescendo (Priest). While each piece can be appreciated individually, you can't get the full measure or feel the magnitude of it unless you take them in all together. The way Ella Frank told this story - with the masterful 3 person POV third person narrative and the flashbacks that filled in the blanks of Priest's childhood and his history with both Julien and Robbie - is breathtaking! I was so not prepared for the level of suspense and emotion and HEART in this book and I was so sad when it ended, then relieved when... well, you'll just have to read it for yourself (no spoilers here). 5 out of 5 wine glasses....more
Ryan - Sweet Red Reader
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