Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review
I would recommend if you're looking for (SPOILERS)
-m/f contemporary romThank you to NetGalley and Berkley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review
I would recommend if you're looking for (SPOILERS)
-m/f contemporary romance -workplace rivals -this is just a hookup -starts with a bang -hate how attractive you are -he falls first and hard -roasting you is my love language
I just love this book. The banter, the sexual tension, how gone he is on her and how she slowly breaks down her walls to let him in. Absolutely unputdownable. ...more
Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review
I would recommend if you're looking for (SPOILERS)
-m/f contemporary romThank you to Berkley and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review
I would recommend if you're looking for (SPOILERS)
-m/f contemporary romance -rivals to friends to lovers -this is just a hookup -consensual kink -hoooorny -steminist -insta attraction -he falls first and hard -wait are these feelings?
I love this book. I am forcing myself to write a review rather than immediatley reread it. There is just a magic to Ali's writing that is so compusively readable, and the moment when I had to go live my life I was counting down the moments until I could read again.
Rue and Eli have their lives figured out. And also just really enjoy sex, a hookup app later these two just have incredible chemistry and Eli's life turns on its head. I adored how just completely feral he was for Rue, even when he didn't recognize it at first, her mere existence just wrecks him in the best way and I ma here for it. I loved that we got to just see them fall in love. Their truth game felt so reminiscent to me of The Truth Above Forever by Sarah Dessen and I just ate it up.
Rue has such a wall around her, and to see them slowly break down, for her to trust and just want to be with Eli and grapple with that just made me want to hug her. How vulnerable she was, how she took her time, and her journey was such as beautiful and tender as Eli's at in her own time in her own Rue way. And gosh can we talk about the sex scenes, this was increidbly horny and I could just keep reading and living in this incredible. Just devestated the book is over but just another Ali masterpiece. This hit the you are the last person in the universe I should be falling for but I can't stay away from you vibes. Addictive perfection is Ali's brand....more
Thank you to Forever and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review
CW: family tensions, drunk driving accident (side character)
I would recThank you to Forever and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review
CW: family tensions, drunk driving accident (side character)
I would recommend if you're looking for (SPOILERS)
-m/f contemporary romance -second chance -forced proximity -snowed in together -opposites attract -only one bed -he falls first and hard
This just delivered on everything I trust Jaqueline Snowe to provide. A tropey read with excellent steam and just a fun time. Becca and Harrison had a great date two years ago, but then Harrison ghosted her, not ready to start dating after his divorce. But whoops Becca needs a place to stay during an epic snow storm.
I adored how different these two were, yet in their hearts they valued the same things. These two had amazing chemistry as they tried to pretend that nothing was sizzling during all of that attraction. Add in a need for body heat and these two were just explosive together. Harrison was so closed off, but to watch him just be gone on Becca was just the sweetest, how he couldn't stay away from her once they got together. This man was gone in the best way.
If you're looking for a great holiday read with steam, definitely check this one out.
Thank you to Sourcebooks and Edelweiss for the ARC in exchange for an honest review
This is the sixth book in the series, while it probably can be readThank you to Sourcebooks and Edelweiss for the ARC in exchange for an honest review
This is the sixth book in the series, while it probably can be read as a standalone I think it will be enjoyed more having read the other books in the series
CW: violence, murder, blood, guns, pregnancy and abortion (off page, not FMC), consensual kink
I would recommend if you're looking for (SPOILERS)
-MFM contemporary romance -friends to lovers -pining -grovel through puppy play -second chance -forced proximity -suspense -he paints her blue
I've been waiting to see Orpheus grovel since book 1, but of course Katee Robert dropped the mic and said no he won't just grovel I'm going to add in some puppy play and I was screaming. There is so much mess in this book and I loved it. This series features such layered people, no one is perfectly good or evil (Okay well some are really evil) but there's just so much mess mixed in with great sex.
Charon has been patiently waiting for Eurydice to get over Orpheus (and the car sex is epic) but hey if you're not getting over someone have him get under you and have I mentioned the puppy play. I adored the dynamic of these 3 as they figured out their relationship, all while dealing with the messy politics of Olympus. Eurydice has been seen in the other books through the eyes of her sisters but now she's grown up and trying to figure out what she wants. Asking for what she wants in and out of the bedroom. I had a lot of fun with this fun and loved seeing the peek into Hades and Persephone's HEA.
I cannot wait for the next installment because Olympus is imploding and I have given up predicting what's coming next.
Thank you to Atria and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review
CW: toxic relationship with family, transphobia, microagressions
This is aThank you to Atria and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review
CW: toxic relationship with family, transphobia, microagressions
This is an interconnected standalone with Chef's Kiss
I would recommend if you're looking for (SPOILERS)
-m/f contemporary romance -trans rep -fake dating -just a hookup -opposites attract -let's just kiss for practice -bang it out of our systems -he falls first -only one bed
Gosh I adored this book. It started out with just a bonkers set up. Luna's life is not going her way, she gets fired, then why not agree to fake date a Frenchmen for a few minutes for some cash, and then accidentally need to stay fake dating him for a lot more money to help him inherit his family's lotsa money. Except whoops your mom comes to visit throwing you into in only one bed situation. It's kooky and fun in the best way.
I adored the romance between Luna and JP. They were opposites in the best way. Personality wise, their experiences as trans people, and just how they saw the world. But their differences also brought them together, into shared experiences into just soft tender moments of learning and experiencing together. The romance was just so soft and swoony, the fake dating chef's kiss as these two bumbled through falling for each other. The way these two just took care of the other, not because the other needed it, but because everyone deserves their safe space.
I have to shout out the choice to have this be a single POV romance, which I am always trash for. JP was prickly and grumpy at first, and I'm not even sure that he realized when he started to fall for Luna. But gosh once he did, he was just so swoony, speaking in French and just so tender and just so frustrated because she is just not putting it together that he wants it to be real. I just adored JP cause honestly who doesn't want a Frenchman to buy them eclairs and whisper french words and says screw gender roles let me take care of you. He's just so swoon.
What this book says about privilege, being trans in society, and everyone deserving and finding love. I could go on and on. Pick this one up, it's swoony, amazingly written and just a great book and I'm so glad I read it.
Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for the ARC in exchange for an honest review
CW: disfiguring injury, fire, anxiety
I would recommend if you're lookiThank you to NetGalley and Montlake for the ARC in exchange for an honest review
CW: disfiguring injury, fire, anxiety
I would recommend if you're looking for (SPOILERS)
-m/f contemporary romance -gender flipped phantom of the opera -forced proximity -insta attraction -in control rockstar -chaos former Broadway singer -horrrrny
This book was absolute chaos and I mean that in the best way. This was one of the closet third-person POVs and was just so fun and I'm going to say it again chaotic. This was a fun premise, two flawed individuals coming together in a gender flipped phantom of the opera retelling. Add in a crumbling brothel, some pet rats, and an eclectic German rock band,
Erika was such a fun protagonist. Not a perfect person, she's also really hard on herself, all while just being her authentic self. She was witty, sarcastic and flawed. And entirely too tempted by Christof the hot German front of the band who also takes everything onto himself.
These two were so horny for each other. Tiptoeing around the opera house just wanting each other. Add in some voeyuristic self-pleasure and these two were burning up the page. I had so much fun reading this one.
Thank you to NetGalley and Carina for the ARC in exchange for an honest review
CW: violence, death of family (past), claustrophobia, political upheavalThank you to NetGalley and Carina for the ARC in exchange for an honest review
CW: violence, death of family (past), claustrophobia, political upheaval
I would recommend if you're looking for (SPOILERS)
-m/f science fiction romance -bodyguard romance -insta attraction -forbidden romance -he's been hired to satisfy her -bang it out -just a hookup -steamay
Listen if you say to me an Anastasia x Bodyguard retelling and it's in space I am immediately going to download and read it. This was a great escapist read. It immediately hits the ground running and never lets up. Mara is strong, independent, confident in herself and her sexuality, yet a bit of a mystery. No past, without a family, and a mystery to herself.
Immediately drawn to Cal (although the sex definitely helped) he's sign to take care of all of her needs while she's back on her home planet. Trying to learn more about herself, and deny her feelings for Cal and insist it's all about sex. I love how the story wove the sex and intimacy, not afraid to show how Mara tried to distance herself from Cal and using his very willing body and instead falling for him. These two just keep crashing into each other and i was here for every moment of it.
Both Cal and Mara trying to figure out their places, this was such an enjoyable read, and I can't wait to discover more from this author.
Thank you to the author for an ARC in exchange for an honest review
CW: violence, kidnapping, family tensions, consensual kink
I would recommend if youThank you to the author for an ARC in exchange for an honest review
CW: violence, kidnapping, family tensions, consensual kink
I would recommend if you're looking for (SPOILERS)
-FMMM contemporary romance -insta attraction -stuck together -why choose -steammmyyy -i'm allergic to feelings and commitment
I was so excited to hear that Tessa Bailey was writing a polyam book and screamed when I got the ARC. Elise was driven and not looking for love when she finds herself trapped with 3 hot guys. I really appreciated how each of the guys had clear personalities and differences. Things were not easy going at first with jealousy and competition and four personalities trying to figure out a relationship.
But of course I got sucked in, to the mystery plot, but really as these four figured out what was going on between them as much as Elise tried to fight it these guys had fallen hard and were not giving up without a fight. While no (SPOILERS) sword-crossing I really enjoyed how they figured out their dynamics in a relationship and how steamy yet intimate the sex scenes were.
I won't say more but the fact that I read this the day I got the ARC in one sitting should say it all. TB books always pull me in and this was no difference. I can't wait to see what she writes next.
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon for the ARC in exchange for an honest review
The fourth book in the series this can be read entirely as a standalone
CWThank you to NetGalley and Avon for the ARC in exchange for an honest review
The fourth book in the series this can be read entirely as a standalone
CW: death of a parent (past), grief, violence, domestic violence (off-page, side character), sexism, slut-shaming
I would recommend if you're looking for (SPOILERS)
-m/f historical romance -an anonymous hookup -forbidden relationship elements -let's bang it out of our systems -horny swimming -just a hookup -we both like it rough
I have been so hyped for Lockwood and Nellie's book. The Duke who needs a wealthy heiress to save his family's estate and title vs Nellie, fiercely independent and judged for it. I love how this book gives us a glimpse at how it started between them, a swim in the ocean. Setting them up to collide throughout the series.
I've been wanting a closer look at Lockwood who just kept getting knocked around in previous books, trying to find the heiress who would rescue him. Resigned to the fact that love wasn't in the cards for him. Rocked by a hookup with Nellie. And then finally giving into the temptation as they stayed in each other's circles.
I adored Nellie. Always speaking her mind, soft for her dad, fiercely loyal for her friends. Trying to figure things out as her friends all seem like their moving on, getting engaged, married, likely having kids. And everything she wants seems so conflicted with that. But she also wants Lockwood, who is looking for everything she feels like she can never have, so of course the answer is to hookup with no feelings involved.
This book was steamy, and I don't think I'll ever be able to look at a body of water again the same way. I love how these two gave each other what they needed in so many ways, without judgement, with care, and just a bit of a push. This was high steam goodness as these two stopped with their brains and let their hearts take over.
CW (from the author): some incidental injuries during sex, murder, blood-related magic, explicit sex
I would recommend if you're looking for (SPOILERS)CW (from the author): some incidental injuries during sex, murder, blood-related magic, explicit sex
I would recommend if you're looking for (SPOILERS)
-f/nb fantasy romance -monster romance -magical pegging -a deal with a demon -fuck me in front of my ex -bang it out
I loved this one. Queer, sexy and just fun, all of the hallmarks of Katee Robert. I had been intrigued by Ramanu in the Dragon's Bride and so glad to see them get their own story. You don't need to have read it to appreciate this story or the book prior in Peculiar Tastes but they're both great so you should.
Lenora was stubborn, hard, relying only on herself, and trying to fight her attracting to Ramanu. Ramanu wants Lenora and is willing to do whatever they can to be together and was just soft and sweet and respect of the power that Lenora had and wanting to get her goals. I really loved their dynamic, their intimacy with sex and just they were lovely.
Their ending was a bit abrupt but honestly I always want more Katee words. And gosh that epilogue had me screaming, I can't wait for more.
Thank you to NetGalley and Forever for the ARC in exchange for an honest review
CW: stillbirth (past, recounted), death of parents (past), death of a lThank you to NetGalley and Forever for the ARC in exchange for an honest review
CW: stillbirth (past, recounted), death of parents (past), death of a loved one (past, recounted), grief, suicidal ideation (past), depression
I would recommend if you're looking for (SPOILERS)
-m/f contemporary romance -second chance romance -angst -mutual pining -bang it out of our systems -this is definitely just a hookup
Kennedy Ryan knocked it out of the park again. She handled such heavy topics deftly, all while balancing an epic romance. This was one of the best written second chance romances I've ever read. Deftly handling the complexities of grief, how love doesn't heal all wounds, living in the grey areas, and just so much family.
Yasmen and Josiah in a lot of ways seem like the perfect couple, but when life smacks them down, rather then lean on each other they handle their grief very differently. Now they seem like the perfect divorced couple, with simmering sexual tension and a lot of healing that needs to happen. I adored how both Yasmen and Josiah clearly grew throughout the book, dealing with their communication issues, the impact their choices had on their family, and just how hard it can be to trust to love someone again after deep hurt.
This book is messy in the way that life is messy and just painted things with honesty in the grey areas. I really appreciated how therapy was reflected.
Gosh the sexual tension and passion between these two. You just keep turning the page trying to figure out how they are going to get their HEA, and they do after it being well earned. This is a heavy angst filled book, with a gorgeous journey. I truly hope Yasmen's friends get their HEA, I adored their girl group and just all of their vibes.
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon for the ARC in exchange for an honest review
CW: death of a parent (past), parent with bipolar disorder, fat phobia, biThank you to NetGalley and Avon for the ARC in exchange for an honest review
CW: death of a parent (past), parent with bipolar disorder, fat phobia, biphobia, threat of revenge porn (past), tabloid gossip
I would recommend if you're looking for (SPOILERS)
-m/f workplace romance -insta attraction -lets bang it out of our systems -childhood celebrity crush -mutual pining -elements of forbidden relationship -fat, bi, porn star -bi, former child star
This was such a wonderful escapist read that I enjoyed every moment of. Just the right amount of bonkers of having a pornstar star in a Hallmark-like movie, crew needing replacing and of course replaced by members of the porn filming crew. In a small town. And two people who have been lusting after each other for years and are supposed to be living quiet celibate lives. It is a recipe of disaster, romance, and epicness.
All tied in was a gorgeous story of body positivity, sex positivity, amazing secondary characters, and so much sexual chemistry. Bee and Nolan were alike in so many ways, trying to figure out a new path in life, prioritizing family, and in complete denial they were falling for the other. Every moment of them together, filming, trying to pretend they weren't wildly attracted to the other, just filled with so much laughter and heart.
This book also deals with some heavy topics with ease and sensitivity. Nolan's mom's mental health diagnosis, the responsibilities he felt for his family, how he and his former bandmates were dealing with fame, how the world treats sex workers and people who don't fit within the typical Hollywood expectations.
A wonderful holiday romance, full of heart, steam, and laughs, I'm hoping this is the first in a series.
Thank you to Avon and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review
CW: death of a loved one to alcoholism (past), grief, death of a parent (pThank you to Avon and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review
CW: death of a loved one to alcoholism (past), grief, death of a parent (past)
I would recommend if you're looking for (SPOILERS)
-m/f historical romance -family rivalry -frenemies to lovers -one night stand -this is just a hookup -an engagement gone wrong -sex education
I feel like every book in this series just gets steamier and steamier. I adored the set up. An engagement set up by their parents, Preston has no intent to keep. A masquerade party where all bets are off, and figuring out what's going to happen next. Every scene between Katherine and Preston is simmering with sexual tension.
I loved that the propulsion of the story was entirely Katherine wanting more from her live, wanting to be an active participant and not being out of control. Going after Preston, her museum. He's the one scrambling, in denial about his feelings, what to do. Not realizing how entirely soft he is on her, how protective, chalking it up to attraction when we know it is so, so much more.
A well earned grovel, Katherine truly made Preston work for it and he did. Chasing her, proving to her and to himself how he really felt. I laughed, I sighed, I cheered. Honestly a wonderful and well earned HEA. And easter eggs for who I think the fourth book that I am eagerly anticipating. This series just keeps getting better (and I can't not scream about the covers)
This was a Nick and Sit recommend read and lets all be glad they decide to use their power for good and not evil (well other than destroying my TBR)
CWThis was a Nick and Sit recommend read and lets all be glad they decide to use their power for good and not evil (well other than destroying my TBR)
CW: death of a parent (past), grief, mentions of alcoholism, dom/sub relationship (consensual)
I would recommend if you're looking for (SPOILERS)
-m/f insta attraction -one night stand -let's bang this out -close-proximity -mutual denial -it gets me off to get you off
Thinking about this book makes me sweat, let alone reading it. The advertisement that its mostly vibes and sex is spot on and it is in the best way. No unnecessary angst. The plot is these two idiots admitting to themselves and then each other that they've fallen. I am trash for we like having sex with each other and then it only gets better because we're falling in love.
All of the steamy/dirty talk. Both MCs getting off on getting the other off. So much consent. Lots of talking, exploring. They honestly couldn't get enough of each other and I loved it. I honestly never wanted to put it down and want to just pick it up again. Honestly the best example of high steam low angst and now i just need more. Also the writing is just gorgeous, it pulls you in. I'm sorry this isn't coherent just read this book.
Honestly this might just be two simps who fall in love with each other accidentally and do it through having sex with each other. Read this book, you're welcome.
The teaser for book 2 just has me feral.
Steam: 5 (use of sex toys, some light consensual kink and just all the sex)...more
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballentine for the ARC in exchange for an honest review
CW: alcoholism/addiction, grief, death of a loved one in a car accidThank you to NetGalley and Ballentine for the ARC in exchange for an honest review
CW: alcoholism/addiction, grief, death of a loved one in a car accident involving drugs/alcohol (past), brief mentions of past body shaming, abusive parent (past), death of a parent (past), parental abandonment (past), estrangement from family (brief mentions), revenge porn/non-consensual circulation of naked photos
I would recommend if you're looking for (SPOILERS)
-m/f frenemies to lovers -Hollywood romance -forced proximity -fake dating -childhood crush -let's bang it out of our systems -single father -only one bed -mutual masturbation -so much sexual chemistry and pining
As the content warnings probably make clear, this book deals with so heavy topics, but it does so beautifully and honestly. Both Grey and Ethan are at lows in their careers. So why not fake date to get people talking and help get some good press coming towards them? This book was tropey ooh gooey goodness. Ethan was Grey's childhood crush and the PINING, the sexual tension between these two was incredible as they both tried to fight it. Chef's kiss honestly, actual fire coming out of the page.
I loved everything this book had to say about being a woman in Hollywood, about being a minority in Hollywood, and dealing with addiction. Love doesn't heal you, but it can be a partnership and someone you can grow with. I honestly can't say enough good things about how much I loved this book. It's a book that makes you hate your job because all you want to do is keep reading it, it's that addicting.
These two being together, the banter, the fire, it wasn't always healthy, but they also saw each other and were real and honest. Letting your guard down is so hard and this book highlights this in so many ways, what you show the world, what you reveal of yourself, what you show to someone you are falling for. Being vulnerable is hard. The ending was beautiful and so well earned.
I cannot wait to read whatever Ava Wilder has coming out next.
Thank you to the author and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest reivew
CW: anxiety, panic attacks (on page), death of loved one (past), griThank you to the author and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest reivew
CW: anxiety, panic attacks (on page), death of loved one (past), grief, queer phobic slur (not named but a plot point), mistreatment by family (past), chronic pain, injury during a game
This is the fifth book in the series. While it can be read as a standalone spoilers for previous book in the series, and I think the story line is appreciated more reading the books before it (WHICH ARE ALL AMAZING)
I would recommend if you're looking for (SPOILERS)
-m/m sports romance -frenemies to idiots to lovers -only one bed -childhood crush -Ted Lasso vibes -bang it out/just a hookup -close-proximity/neighbors -hurt/comfort -Gorgeous Grump cinnamon roll -Sunshine people pleaser -The return of the A-Frame (aka the Bergman hookup spot)
I love this family, I love this series. Chloe has done it again. Dealing with heavy topics with grace, this felt like the lightest and funniest edition to this series, and also the steamiest. I adored Oliver and Gavin. Both lonely in their own ways, one surrounded by loved ones and their partners, the other doing his best to push the world away. Their dedication to their team not wanting to be distracted from their goals.
I loved the banter between them, the glimpses of my favorite family. Oliver falling for his childhood crush, emotionally constipated Gavin confused by the thing thumping in his chest. So much tropeyness and I couldn't get enough. And that they were neighbors, honestly genius. So much close-proximity goodness as their lives intersect in a million ways and they tried to deny their feelings, which only makes them more annoyed to be attracted to the other. How soft both of them were when the other needed it, caring, the intimacy growing despite their best efforts. And I just want to scream how wonderful it was to see the Bergmans, always there for each other, maybe too much at times, and the beloved A-Frame. The little easter eggs about the past couples. How Gavin just immediately fit in.
Read this book, read this series.
I cannot wait for the next book I feel like something is up with Viggo
Steam: 3.5
Disclaimer: The author and I are friends which did not effect my review...more
This is the second book in the series and could probably be read as a standalone but the first really gives you an introduction into the world
I would recommend if you're looking for (SPOILERS)
-m/f historical fantasy romance -enemies/rivals to lovers -forbidden romance -rake of a pirate -bookish chosen one who is definitely not a witch -this is just a hookup
I love this series so much it is so original and just a bit bonkers. I loved the rivalry between the witches and the pirates, and of course I can't get enough of the flying houses. How Charlotte and Alex definitely kidnapped the other both in denial about their feelings for a long time.
I loved having glimpses of Celia and Ned. This book had me constantly laughing and turning the page to figure out what was going to happen next. Full of adventure, shenanigans, and an obsession with Austen characters this is pure escapism and just what I needed. I truly hope that there is more coming in this series.
Steam: 3 (you know they're having sex but vague terms used)...more
Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin for the ARC in exchange for an honest review
CW: death of a parent (cancer, past, off-page), grief, toxic relationThank you to NetGalley and Harlequin for the ARC in exchange for an honest review
CW: death of a parent (cancer, past, off-page), grief, toxic relationship with parent/emotional abuse, biphobia (off-page)
This is the second book in the series but it completely stands alone (though I highly recommend Hot Copy)
I would recommend if you're looking for (SPOILERS)
-f/f workplace romance -insta attraction -just a hookup -close-proximity -idiots to lovers -mutual pining -the hottest apartment tour I've ever seen -kitchen sex -don't come a knocking when the car is a rockin
I loved this book so much. Amy and Sophie were perfect for each other fitting into all of the spots of each other. I'd consider them almost the hard and soft one rather than grumpy and sunshine. Amy all hard exterior edges, taking care of everyone else around her rather than letting herself be taken care of. Sure of herself, taking this huge risk in opening a restaurant and struggling to ask for help.
And Sophie, leaving her fiancé behind, learning about herself, coming out as bi, learning more about herself, finding strength in a million different ways. Amy and Sophie clashed but mostly because they hated just how much they were attracted to each other and I loved each and every time it erupted. Ruby is amazing at showing the progression of the relationship building the sex and intimacy and so many different ways. I loved each and every time Sophie pushed back at Amy forcing her to be vulnerable, they were able to entirely be themselves and love the other. And all of the food, and cooking as a love language. This book is yummy, steamy, and so tender.
I loved seeing glimpses of Wes, and honestly I hope Jeremy gets his own book after seeing him through both characters. Also can we just get a double date of Wes, Corinne, Amy and Sophie please cause that would just be epic. These are such wonderful realistic, authentic couples and I'm just sad this book is over.
Steam: 4
Disclaimer: The author and I are social media mutuals...more