This book goes on the shelf of favorites written by RJ Scott and what rises it to the top are the characters. They were all broken in some way or anotThis book goes on the shelf of favorites written by RJ Scott and what rises it to the top are the characters. They were all broken in some way or another, and I mean all the people at Whisper Ridge ( if you've read Winter Cowboy you know what I mean)...and maybe that's why it didn't take long for Quinn and Levi to feel right at home at the ranch.
Because, you see, Quinn and Levi were damaged, too. The author wrote them achingly real, in such a way they stroke a cord in me. Levi was a gruff loner, not interested in making friends or building lasting connections, with a shield around his heart he'd thought impenetrable. And Quinn ...he was precious. Good thing nobody saw inside his heart and mind, because they might of gotten dizzy. Inside he was a turmoil of fears, hopes, insecurities...and laughter and joy.
These two didn't start off particularly well. At the beginning they were like two magnets that would attract one moment and force back the other. Their interactions were delightful. Levi would get standoffish and, around him, Quinn would became all adorable and nervous, if not standoffish himself. As expected, eventually the pull became stronger than the push, and their chemistry was beyond the charts incediary...with a surprising dynamic that I found incredibly hot. The only way to describe it was they were custom made for each other, sexually and emotionally.
They found love, home and acceptance, with each other and at Whisper Ridge. Their story put me through the whole gamut of emotion, I laughed out loud, smiled and even cried a bit. It was a touching and delicious combination of funny, sweet, sad and sexy that left a lasting impression on me.
Also, at this point Whisper Ridge and its amazing people, the sense of family they give are almost home for me, too, and I'd love it if RJ Scott would write more books in this series.
Merged review:
This book goes on the shelf of favorites written by RJ Scott and what rises it to the top are the characters. They were all broken in some way or another, and I mean all the people at Whisper Ridge ( if you've read Winter Cowboy you know what I mean)...and maybe that's why it didn't take long for Quinn and Levi to feel right at home at the ranch.
Because, you see, Quinn and Levi were damaged, too. The author wrote them achingly real, in such a way they stroke a cord in me. Levi was a gruff loner, not interested in making friends or building lasting connections, with a shield around his heart he'd thought impenetrable. And Quinn ...he was precious. Good thing nobody saw inside his heart and mind, because they might of gotten dizzy. Inside he was a turmoil of fears, hopes, insecurities...and laughter and joy.
These two didn't start off particularly well. At the beginning they were like two magnets that would attract one moment and force back the other. Their interactions were delightful. Levi would get standoffish and, around him, Quinn would became all adorable and nervous, if not standoffish himself. As expected, eventually the pull became stronger than the push, and their chemistry was beyond the charts incediary...with a surprising dynamic that I found incredibly hot. The only way to describe it was they were custom made for each other, sexually and emotionally.
They found love, home and acceptance, with each other and at Whisper Ridge. Their story put me through the whole gamut of emotion, I laughed out loud, smiled and even cried a bit. It was a touching and delicious combination of funny, sweet, sad and sexy that left a lasting impression on me.
Also, at this point Whisper Ridge and its amazing people, the sense of family they give are almost home for me, too, and I'd love it if RJ Scott would write more books in this series....more
Shifting Shadows is fun and fast moving. I enjoyed the mystery of the plot, the magic and supernatural. I really liked both Deck and Colt, they were pShifting Shadows is fun and fast moving. I enjoyed the mystery of the plot, the magic and supernatural. I really liked both Deck and Colt, they were perfect for each other from the beginning. Fated mates with just enough push and pull against the bond to believe that the romance was more than just destiny, with trust, feelings and heat that slowly built between them.
Nicely paced romance and plot, it kept me engaged all throughout. I'm looking forward for more in this world....more
I loved this! The writing was vivid and flawless, the romance well paced, nothing felt rushed or forced, and the story and the characters just felt soI loved this! The writing was vivid and flawless, the romance well paced, nothing felt rushed or forced, and the story and the characters just felt so real. I got to know Bryce and Matty intimately, two imperfect, vulnerable men. Both dealt with loss, albeit for different reasons and on different levels, and they came from opposite worlds, with opposite views on life.
Matty and Bryce seemed an unlikely pairing and that's where the author worked her magic. She built for them a slow connection, from a tentative friendship and then more. They had so much to give, so much support and understanding. But they also had a lot to learn about themselves and to make important choices in order to make their relationship work.
Influenced is really about growth and taking chances, about finding yourself and who to trust, and that you can learn from people who are vastly different from your own self. It was captivating and insightful, and I love every page....more
The Trail Boss and the Brat is a beautifully written, emotionally charged age gap love story featuring Quint and Ashley. They're amazingly drawn, multThe Trail Boss and the Brat is a beautifully written, emotionally charged age gap love story featuring Quint and Ashley. They're amazingly drawn, multi-faceted characters. Absolute opposites, yet both wounded, lost souls who gradually find healing in each other. Both kind and insightful, and I loved their connection, their honesty and their willingness to be vulnerable with each other. Watching their growth together and blending of needs, their openness and give-and-take, seeing them working together for their own, special HEA made their romance immensely touching.
Truly delightful, well-written and full of feelings, The Trail Boss and the Brat sucks you into the world of Farthigdale Ranch. It is a world of hard work and appreciation for nature. It's family and home, and a place that brings me great joy to visit.
I went into this book with very high expectations, and boy, did it deliver! Excellent humor, great banter, friendship, realistic college guys and two I went into this book with very high expectations, and boy, did it deliver! Excellent humor, great banter, friendship, realistic college guys and two charming main characters, it was fun, flirty, angst-free, sexy and exactly what i needed.
The protagonists, Robbie and Brandon, were amazingly written. I loved them and how their relationship evolved. The experimenting, the kisses and touches, the steamy sex scenes ... they definitely had a sizzling chemistry. But it was their honest vulnerability, the tiny tender moments they shared that made this book special. The easy friendship, the complicity, support and love that eventually unfolded between them was all I could have wished for both.
I just adored every moment spent reading about Robbie and Brandon. With just the right amount of freaking out, uncertainty, a perfect dosage of fluff and the swooniest epilogue, this was an endearing, thoughtful romance and I can't recommend it enough.
* I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book provided by the author via Foreword PR in exchange for an honest review...more
I loved this! I honestly expected the book to be more angsty, considering Texas's bitterness and grief, and Sawyer's finding out about his ex bf crimiI loved this! I honestly expected the book to be more angsty, considering Texas's bitterness and grief, and Sawyer's finding out about his ex bf criminal dealings. Instead I had a grin plastered on my face for most of the story.
Sawyer's reactions to biker club life and his initial interactions with Texas were hilarious. These two men clashed, snipped at each other and played pranks, all the while attracted to one another. Their relationship evolved through banter, doubts, heated kisses and passionate love making, and touching heart to heart moments. They were funny, sweet and hot, and I simply adored them together.
The danger to Sawyer's life added suspense to the plot, the angst to a minimum, so the book as a whole was lighthearted and entertaining. And, the Disciples and their friends were as fun to be around as ever. Can't get enough of these guys and I look forward to seeing them again next in this series. ...more
I'm honest and admit that I'd expected this book to be a light, fluffy romantic comedy, that's why I was been taken by surprise by the emotional punchI'm honest and admit that I'd expected this book to be a light, fluffy romantic comedy, that's why I was been taken by surprise by the emotional punch it packs. Christian's grumpiness was hilarious and there've plenty of funny and entertaining scenes in the book, but as a whole it played havoc on my emotions.
The character trio of Christian, Jaxson and Tina is amazingly written, with wonderful layers of personalities and attitudes. And this wasn't just a romance, but a tale of how Christian falls in love with both Jaxson and his daughter, and how the three of them form their own special family unit. It was so moving, sweet, funny and so endearing, plus very sensual and romantic.
Don't miss out on this story, because it will grab your heart and won't let you go. It's a delight to read and I highly recommend it....more
After meeting both Reuben and Freddie as side characters in To Hold a Hidden Pearl, I couldn't wait to read their story...and it's just as amazing as After meeting both Reuben and Freddie as side characters in To Hold a Hidden Pearl, I couldn't wait to read their story...and it's just as amazing as I had expected it to be. Delightfully English in details and with a touch of French charm thanks to Reuben, full of humor and emotions...and lots and lots of tea.
I adored the romance between Reuben and Freddie. They were complete opposite, from their different upbringings to their life experiences and personalities. On paper they didn't make sense, but, through wonderfully written dialogue, they started to know each other. They became friends, discovering each other's layers, until eventually feelings grew and they fell in love with each other.
Reuben and Freddie's romance, their shared moments, was the main focus of To Catch a Fallen Leaf, but what I also appreciated was how much of the story concentrated on life at Rossingley. That meant lots of colorful secondary characters, witty dialogues and banter, and different kinds of relationships that added charm to the book and made it all the more fun to read. I loved it and I can't wait to see what happens next at Rossingley.
* ARC provided by the author via Indigo Marketing & Design in exchange for an honest review...more
I'm a huge fan of stories about reformed bad guys and His Silence was all kinds of stunning.
Not only Casper's voice became the push David has needed I'm a huge fan of stories about reformed bad guys and His Silence was all kinds of stunning.
Not only Casper's voice became the push David has needed to finally change his life, but once they met, David was the man who looked at Cas like he hang the moon and the stars, who heard and understood him even if Cas didn't have a voice, the man who held and treated him as the most precious thing in the world. David had a dark past, but he has found the man who brought light into his life, and the way the author wrote their story made me feel like the witness to something special and filled my heart with butterflies.
The blurb for Dawn's Desire doesn't even begin to convey what a brilliant combination of funny, sweet, saddening, intriguing and hot the story really The blurb for Dawn's Desire doesn't even begin to convey what a brilliant combination of funny, sweet, saddening, intriguing and hot the story really is.
Nate was such a wonderful surprise, because I'd expected a bitter, irascible cowboy and instead I found an utter sweetheart...yes, set in his ways and surly, but with the warmest soul. The book is told from his point of view and his voice was incredibly humorous, especially when recounting his initial reaction to Bishop. The attraction to the surfer boy, long haired paleontologist took Nate completely by surprise, but, despite the countless reasons he'd thought he should have stayed away, it wasn't long before he accepted his feelings, especially when Bishop made it more than obvious that he wanted Nate just as much.
I absolutely loved Nate and, seen through his eyes, I adored Bishop, too. They were complete opposites that simply clicked together, with a unique sexual dynamic and a special emotional connection.
Their story was delightful. The mystery woven into the romance kept me captivating, more so thanks to the way the author made the setting come to live. There were plenty of vivid descriptions of the surroundings, the ranch and its people, and the university guys, and I was fascinated by each of them. I only wish that the ending hadn't left me with so many questions, because the mystery wasn't elucidated and Nate and Bishop's future as a couple wasn't exactly clear. Even with those niggles, the story was an absolute pleasure to read and I can't wait for the next books in this series....more
What an enjoyable, fun read! The protagonists were complete opposites, Martin needing absolute order and Russ perfectly happy living with his things iWhat an enjoyable, fun read! The protagonists were complete opposites, Martin needing absolute order and Russ perfectly happy living with his things in a messy heap around him. When they started flat-sitting each other's homes, I promise my belly ached from too much laughter. They were shocked at seeing some living conditions so different from their own, but the adorable thing was how both men slowly and subtly started to change, first their flats and then their own way to see things.
When they eventually met in person, of course they felt like they already knew each other. They were so incredibly cute and I loved how they managed to work around their differences and be happy together.
This short story brought me so much joy. Recommended to anyone who needs a mood lifter....more
It appears this is this author's first book, but if it is, I'm gonna take my socks off and eat them. Maybe they've written under a different pen name,It appears this is this author's first book, but if it is, I'm gonna take my socks off and eat them. Maybe they've written under a different pen name, because the plotline is too structured and the writing too fluid, everything simply too on point for Sweet Hart to be Rae Marks's debut novel.
Immediately gripping is the best way to describe it. It began with Brayden knocking at a run-down apartment's door, hoping that whoever opened it had answers about his brother's Mase location. Well, he didn't get any answers, but he met Sam, the most infuriating and sexiest man ever, and also the one who Brayden knew for a fact withheld information on Mase's whereabouts. Brayden wouldn't have anything or anyone stand in his way, even if that meant following Sam to Kiev and straight in the middle of covert operation set up to infiltrate an international trafficking organization.
Things moved fast after Brayden set foot in Kiev and it all happened in a rapid sequence of events. A fake relationship between Brayden and Sam, shootings, danger, surprising shifting alliances, scheming, undercover agents, action. Brayden was taken hostage and shot a couple of times, Sam and his men had to thread water carefully with the gang leaders ... I never knew what would happen as I turned the pages and it was beyond exciting.
Brayden and Sam had each other to, let's say, relief some of the tension lol. They took full advantage of having to fake a relationship and their initial instant attraction transformed into some pretty darn hot sex scenes with a dash of kink dynamic. Acting on their chemistry was the easy part for them, because they showed that under the trained military toughness they hid vulnerabilities that actually blocked them from admitting the strong emotional connection that both slowly started to feel. I loved them together, although I often got irritated at Brayden when he took decisions that risked everyone's lives, or at Sam's stubbornness, but it only got me more invested in their fight for survival and their relationship.
As a whole, Sweet Hart was a thrilling mix bag of romance, secret op, mafia and action. At its core, though, it was a book about family. The found one that Sam, Mase and their group of misfits built for each other, and Brayden's troubled one. Each had their own problems and ways to show emotions, but the bond that united their members was strong. Two different kind of families that met, often clashed and eventually mixed. Brayden and Sam as a couple, and Mase, kind of linked them in this book and maybe Nick, Brayden's twin, will too next in the series. I'm definitely enamoured with this group of men and their different personalities, and I'm looking forward to reading all their future stories.
AND... debut novel or not - still convinced it's not- congrats to Rae Marks for having written an awesome, intense, emotional, steamy, romantic, fast paced and thrilling book....more
This was brilliant! When I read the word genie in the blurb, I'd expected a plot filled with wishes granted immediately and some shenanigans of the seThis was brilliant! When I read the word genie in the blurb, I'd expected a plot filled with wishes granted immediately and some shenanigans of the sexy kind, but what I found instead was the sweetest, most heartwarming of romances.
When Ben bought a brass lamp and took it home, he'd made a half joke in his mind about a genie popping out of it. Nothing happened at first, until Daeliel materialized, the personification of all of Ben's fantasies. I absolutely loved this two, complete opposites and so perfect together. Ben was an absolute dream of a man, with so many hidden depths and the most tender of hearts. Watching him interact with the penguins at the zoo made me melt...actually, everything about him did. Daeliel was not a sweet, accommodating genie. He was sassy, snarky, colorful and dramatic, challenging Ben at every turn, but also kind and giving.
At the beginning they were downright hilarious, bickering and riling up one another. But, soon Daeliel started to fill every lonely corner of Ben's heart and life, and in turn, Ben soothed the genie's hurt soul.
And while their story made me swoon and awwww and smile, it also kept me on edge when it became clear that their relationship had a time limit. I hoped for a happy ending, and getting there has been a difficult waiting game. Oh, but I enjoyed waiting so very, very much! Because this book had everything. Magic, humor, heart, heat, heartbreak and a hugely satisfying HEA. Ben and Daeliel truly deserved each other and all the happiness in the world, and reading their story brought me immense joy.
I'm yet to read a book by VL Locey and not completely love it, and her first dip in historical is as brilliant as I'd expected it to be. The writing wI'm yet to read a book by VL Locey and not completely love it, and her first dip in historical is as brilliant as I'd expected it to be. The writing was vibrant and skillfully managed to capture the old wild west and what life might have been in those times.
The plot was exciting and fast paced, and in some ways moving excruciatingly slow, because of the high stakes and the constant worry for Spencer and Crow's lives. The romance between Spencer and Crow was not a sex-filled romp but a gradual realization and buildup of emotions that was congruos to their circumstances. I loved these two men. Complete opposites in stature, education and personality, the feelings between them grew quietly and steadily, in a slow burn that was beautifully tender.
The ups and downs of suspense and anticipation never let up, continuing until almost the very last chapter, making it hard to put down the book. I loved it and I can't recommend it enough....more
The author knew how to hook the reader into being really invested in Will and Eddie's stories, because the book began with both of them at their most The author knew how to hook the reader into being really invested in Will and Eddie's stories, because the book began with both of them at their most saddening, devastating points in their lives.
So, when Will and Eddie actually met, I was already in love with them and rooting for their happiness. Attraction ignited as soon as they saw each other, but insta-lust was only the beginning of their journey together. It became a battle of keeping their hands off one another and in the meantime they were given the chance to build on their emotional connection.
Beyond loving Will and Eddie, I found most of the secondary characters incredible. Their families were both delightful and the cruise ship's crew added to the story's entertaining level.
As a whole, this was a light, fun, absolutely smoking hot and intensely emotional book. A must read....more
Opposites in every way, at first glance Christopher and Maverick didn't make a lot of sense as a pairing. Christopher wore his heart on his sleeve whiOpposites in every way, at first glance Christopher and Maverick didn't make a lot of sense as a pairing. Christopher wore his heart on his sleeve while Maverick kept everything bottled up inside, the first with an easygoing personality while the other was stuffy and tense.
While Christopher kindness and humor made him instantly lovable, I admit that I didn't immediately like Maverick. He had stuck-up down to a t, including rudeness and hurtful jabbs. Also, how he reacted to Christopher's unintentional mistake (offering Maverick's dad a candy) was a bit over the top. The more the story progressed, the more I warmed up to him, when I started to realize that, while he continued to be stuck up and haughty, he was actually quite a sweetheart when he let his walls down.
So, yes, I learned to not make assumptions about someone. I never would have guessed Maverick's inner turmoil and the level of powerlessness that almost consumed him. I wanted to hug him when I saw how strenuously he clung to that bit of control he felt he had over his life. Christopher chipped at that control with his smiles and charming personality, making Maverick simply ...more
I love Barbara Elsborg's writing and the stories of the Unfinished Business series are ones that touched me more than any other of her books. I'd sit I love Barbara Elsborg's writing and the stories of the Unfinished Business series are ones that touched me more than any other of her books. I'd sit patiently waiting for each installment and Cato's story was one I was particularly excited for, running possible pairings for him in my mind.
I've only known Cato as Jonty's Terrible Twin, with almost equal sass and humor. But, sarcasm and sharp wit hid loneliness and need for his own special someone. Well, he found Vigge, who was most definitely Cato's balancing match. Perfectly opposed, taciturn versus outgoing, yet perfect for each other, both big hearted and kind.
I found beautiful how the story revealed the vulnerability both MC tried to conceal. A recent ugly breakup ate at Cato's self confidence, while Vigge has tought himself not to wish anything for himself, to not live beyond his work as a cop. He had never expected that romance was even in the cards for him, mostly because he thought not to deserve to be loved. Meeting Cato showed him just how empty his life was...an emptiness that Cato slowly started to fill by force of smiles and kisses. Oh, Vigge had tried to stay away from Cato, but somehow he always found himself looking for him. He was so cute, the big, bad cop, unable and then unwilling to resist the pull towards Cato.
The book has just enough romance as it has plot, in an amazing flow between the two. Someone threatened Cato in an escalation of attacks and Vigge himself had a mystery to elucidate from his past. Vigge was the one Cato ran to asking for help. Trying to figure out who was threatening Cato brought them close together and feelings started to bubble to the surface, Vigge slowly letting his walls down and eventually completely opening himself to Cato.
Both mysteries were really intriguing. While Vigge's was cleared up quite easily, Cato's continued all through the storyline. It was suspenseful and also fun, because I tried myself to guess who was the culprit...with scarce results from my part and a surprising elucidation.
As a conclusion, this was an all around awesome book. Hilarious banter, astrology, silly innuendos, snark, family drama and dramatics, charming characters, high steam and high emotions, a beautiful love story, suspense, mystery that worked hand in hand with the romance... what else could you ask for? It also didn't hurt that I got a pretty hefty dose of Jonty throughout the story. He never stops brightening my days, so more of him is always a delight.
Anabela.M.
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