I didn't expect to love this book so damn much! It gave me all the warm fuzzies and I was seriously Emil and Christian's biggest fan right from the beI didn't expect to love this book so damn much! It gave me all the warm fuzzies and I was seriously Emil and Christian's biggest fan right from the beginning. ...more
I'm a sucker for any kind of "not sport" but also sport romance, you know what I mean? There's all sorts of traditional sport romance out there but toI'm a sucker for any kind of "not sport" but also sport romance, you know what I mean? There's all sorts of traditional sport romance out there but toss out a racing, FMX, F1, etc., and you've got me for sure.
So far, I've not been disappointed by a ND novel. I love the angst that she brings to the table. This one was no different. There was your expected "I hate you but I want you" then "I need you like I need air but I can't let anyone know, especially you" aspects. What added extra spice to this book is the fact that Axel and Sebastian are F1 race car drivers (NASCAR) and being gay is definitely not going to be accepted in this sport by the fans.
As things heat up between Axel and Sebastian, there is so much angst stemming from having to keep their tryst under wraps. The "will they, won't they" leaves you somewhere between biting your lip and wanting to toss your Kindle across the room.
The ending wrapped everything up with a tidy bow and I kind of felt… just okay. I don't know how else to describe it. I can't go further with that explanation without giving away spoilers.
It was good to see the original Squeak characters again in this novella, albeit briefly. These new characters and new storyline shed all new light on tIt was good to see the original Squeak characters again in this novella, albeit briefly. These new characters and new storyline shed all new light on the antagonist from Squeak and makes you dislike her just that much more. All is well that ends well in the Squeakverse. Happily ever afters have a uniquely different view there....more
There's so much to love about this book, where do I start? I've never read an enemies-to-lovers trope like Garron Park. Devon and Maddox truly do hateThere's so much to love about this book, where do I start? I've never read an enemies-to-lovers trope like Garron Park. Devon and Maddox truly do hate each other, even after they give in to their undeniable attraction to each other. Making it even more awkward is that their older brothers are best friends.
Devon has a dark family life. His dad is an abusive evil person. He endures this without telling anyone. However, when Maddox finds out, he takes care of Devon by tending to his wounds. It's an emotional peak that just wrenched my heart.
The heat between these two is just incendiary. It just fans the flame when they fight, like a form of foreplay. Then when it's over and the flames die down a bit, there's sweet aftercare that makes me swoon.
Nate and Xavier are hysterical with their antics and matchmaking. They left me wanting to read their story, as I think it would be so worth it.
This one is part of a duet and ends in a "happy for now". I'm anxiously anticipating book 2, for sure!
Just the premise of this book had me all emoji-heart-eyes. Adrian and Christos are hitmen that let a deck of tarot cards decide the fate of their targJust the premise of this book had me all emoji-heart-eyes. Adrian and Christos are hitmen that let a deck of tarot cards decide the fate of their target. AGGGHHH! I love it! I've never read anything with that premise before, so I was all about it.
Unfortunately, poor Lilly was in the wrong place at the wrong time when her boyfriend ends up on the their hitlist. When Lilly's card is drawn, it shocks Adrian and Christos to their core. It's NEVER shown up for them before. The Lovers.
This is where I kind of wavered a bit. I liked Lilly. Really. I just liked her less WITH Adrian and Christos. Yes, she was most things I like in my FMC within a dark romance. She's strong, intelligent and resilient. I just think that the bond between the guys was far stronger than the trio bond.
The spice was pretty hot. It was pretty heavily focused on the trio and not on the guys, so I missed that part a bit. I feel like more of a story between the guys (and spice) would have been so much fun to read.
All in all, this book is definitely a recommend from me. I love this author's writing and can't wait for the next release.
We have the basis of an excellent take on the rock star vs rock star trope in this book. Raphael, the lead singer of Dead Poets, and Jaehyun, a K-pop We have the basis of an excellent take on the rock star vs rock star trope in this book. Raphael, the lead singer of Dead Poets, and Jaehyun, a K-pop star are the MCs.
The thing that struck me most was how Jaehyun was so afraid of failure and how he would look in the eyes of others if he was "less than". It was so sad to see him drag himself so hard when, honestly, he was excelling. As is readily documented in K-pop idols of real life, Jae is micromanaged to the very tips of his hair. His discomfort with the public knowing his every move is almost palpable.
Raphael…ugh. I just can't with him for some reason. I wanted to just put the book down and walk away sooo many times because of this man. His (terrifying for me) obsession with Jae was so crazy. He stalked him for 2 years!
Now, the steam in this book was boiling. When they got to that point, their connection was electric. Raphael's realization that he is bisexual was pretty calm, all things considered.
Accurate representation within a story is so important and can make or break a whole book. I've dipped my toes in a couple of books this year that havAccurate representation within a story is so important and can make or break a whole book. I've dipped my toes in a couple of books this year that have touted ace/demi representation and have come away somewhat disappointed or have had a lukewarm overall feeling. Not so with Meet Me in the Blue.
You see, Rook was written in such a way that I really felt that the author understood what it mean to BE ace/demi. The manner in which Rook struggled with romantic connections or any intimacy at all before he was absolutely emotionally secure with that person was something I could FEEL not just read.
Luka was everything for Rook. When he left town, he took Rook's heart even though Rook wasn't aware that's what was happening. Luka left because he felt like he had to in order to save himself. Coming home because of his father's failing health forced him to face some hard truths head on when there were many amends to be made.
This was my first book by this author and I very much appreciate the writing style. The flow was very easy for me and I was pulled into the story before I realized. I loved the descriptiveness that was used about the environment that Rook and Luka exist in. It makes me so homesick for the PNW. I miss those lush forests and misty mornings.
This is one emotionally charged, heartbreakingly raw romance. It's rare that you get to see so much of the beginning of a second chance romance and alThis is one emotionally charged, heartbreakingly raw romance. It's rare that you get to see so much of the beginning of a second chance romance and all the way to the end of the HEA. To be a part of the budding love, angsty separation, moving on, whatever happens while apart, then the coming back together is just like being in an emotional tornado. Colin has managed that beautifully and without flaw.
I'm not going to go into much detail about the story because I feel that Ryan and Dominic deserve to have you experience it for yourself.
Unfortunately, there is a LOT of trauma to be had on both parts, but mostly Ryan's. There is much hurt/comfort going on in this book. Also, a bit of déjà vu, if you will.
The spice level is HOT, as it is erotica. However, I do feel like there is so much more story in this book than just scenes, so I'm not really sure I'd label it as erotica. Either way, it's a fantastic read.
This little novella is such a sweet debut. Unlike the title states, I actually didn't hear about it via TikTok. I found out about it through a book grThis little novella is such a sweet debut. Unlike the title states, I actually didn't hear about it via TikTok. I found out about it through a book group and I'm quite glad I did.
The best about this novella: *Cory's mom. She's absolutely supportive of her son. *Lizzie, Cory's BFF. She's his ride-or-die. Unless there's large crowds. *Mrs. "Honey" and Mrs. Bush. You'll see why.
The story is about Cory, a gay 17 year old who loves to wear makeup and is very good at the application thereof. Not going to lie, I'm always a little envious of those who can do makeup so well as I've never quite gotten past the mastery of mascara. *laughs* Of course, he has had his battles with homophobic persons and especially one teacher who seems to target him purely for his makeup.
He meets Ben, a footballer (soccer for us Americans) who takes up for him against a bully and then vies to be his friend. Cory is assigned to be Ben's tutor in math, which shocks the time out of Cory as he's not fabulous at the subject. The growth between Ben and Cory was typical for that age. It's shy and sweet.
While this is a story set at the END of "high school" (sorry, I don't know what it's called in the UK), the characters are nearly aged out and there is no intimacy.
I'm pretty sure that spending 10 years in prison for something that you didn't do would mess anyone up. Depending on what happened while you were therI'm pretty sure that spending 10 years in prison for something that you didn't do would mess anyone up. Depending on what happened while you were there surely would lend to how messed up you are when you get out. Just my opinion though. Our MMC, Kaivan (Kai), is in just this sort of situation and he is MESSED up.
Our FMC, Raine, is just trying to make it through each day. She went through some serious trauma while in foster care and the only person she felt she could trust was the person who betrayed her the most.
Avro has become Raine's BFF and confidante. He has more than friendly feelings for her and decides to introduce her to his boyfriend, Jace. The dynamic between the three of them is super spicy and very much fantasy inducing. Jace has a VERY dirty mouth.
I'm so excited to read Book 2 because that cliffie left me gasping for air!
This author's debut novella was an emotional read about two men who mutually longed for each other for years but never acted on it until it was almostThis author's debut novella was an emotional read about two men who mutually longed for each other for years but never acted on it until it was almost too late.
Emmett and Cash are teacher/student when we first meet them. Emmett had developed feeling for Cash, but kept them under wraps for obvious reasons. He didn't know that Cash felt the same. They parted ways after graduation when Cash went to California.
Fast forward 5 years later, Cash is back and Emmett is engaged to a woman. Awkwardness abounds when Cash finds out and his heart is broken but Emmett is oblivious. Forced proximity makes Cash miserable and Emmett question his engagement when Cash takes a substitute teaching job at the high school.
I found Cash and Emmett's story to be a sweet, emotional journey that sort of had to take the path that it did in order for them to end up together. I really feel like the author did a good job telling their story. It flowed well, even with the time jumps and memories. It didn't feel rushed or told too quickly, and all of the pertinent story points were met. A well done debut novella for this author!
One thing about this novella is that I wish that it was a more fleshed out novel. Cain and Aiden are such a cute couple that giving them a full story One thing about this novella is that I wish that it was a more fleshed out novel. Cain and Aiden are such a cute couple that giving them a full story would be awesome.
How they've managed to dance around each other for 8 years since their meet cute and not at least dipped a toe past that is beyond me. They're adorably well matched and everyone is rooting for them in one way or another. Just insert a meddling mom and sister....more