Cute! Given the fact that both Dallas and Kylen were dealing with some truly awful people, I was glad that they were able to find solace in each otherCute! Given the fact that both Dallas and Kylen were dealing with some truly awful people, I was glad that they were able to find solace in each other. Dallas had his own self discovery journey he was going through at the same time and I liked how Kylen was so patient and understanding. I had hoped with both of them being single dads there would have been more scenes with their kids but I get giving them more page time can erase from on page relationship development.
There was a lot going on in this book with both characters having a lot to deal with on top of their relationship so at times the storylines felt like a bit too much? But the fact that it was so hectic and Dallas and Kylen stayed supportive of each other kind of worked for me?? I also loved their meet cute on the plane!
I wish both Kylen’s family and Katie had gotten to experience a little bit more of the consequences of their actions, but overall this was a cute read. ...more
But he was coming to terms with the fact that maybe young, powerful love wasn’t always the forever kind. Maybe the forever kind had rougher edges and But he was coming to terms with the fact that maybe young, powerful love wasn’t always the forever kind. Maybe the forever kind had rougher edges and harder starts.
So cute omg! I loved Frey and Renato together! I liked their unconventional start, and how when they got together they both realized that they had been making the other feel a bit "othered". They didn't actually know much about each other and as they got closer they realized that they were both making judgements when they didn't know the full story.
I liked how sweet Renato was with Rex, I wish there had been more Rex in the book! I liked how after Renato discovers Frey's book, Frey does go all grand gesture and wants to make sure Renato knew that he was not always that person and that keeping the book was so Frey could protect himself against heartbreak.
I thought they had good chemistry together, the sex was fun between these two, and I thought the way they were sort of opposites in their work persona's was a fun difference. ...more
Bronx was a protector. He couldn’t help that, and maybe for the first time in his life, he had someone who wanted to be protected.
This was so cute! Bronx was a protector. He couldn’t help that, and maybe for the first time in his life, he had someone who wanted to be protected.
This was so cute!!! This series has taken me on such a ride because i originally dnf'd book 1 but absolutely adored book 5 and now this one so im going to reread book 1 because maybe i was just in a weird slump????
Anyway, absolutely loved Monty and Bronx. They worked so well together, I loved the little "in your face" moment Monty had with his dad, and I loved seeing him stand up for himself. I also liked that his condition wasn't the sole focus of the story, it was still very much part of him but it was written so casually like it was evident it didn't hold him back from having a full life and the things he couldn't do anymore, he found ways to still be able to enjoy it.
I liked Bronx and Lucas' relationship. I think it was healing in a way for Bronx to have Lucas be so straightforward about his own feelings because it helped to prove to Bronx he was doing his best and Lucas wanted to be with him, and that the only dad that mattered to him was Bronx.
I liked how when both Monty and Bronx realized they had shifted into having feelings and it was no longer casual it only took 1 chapter or so for them to confess. They knew what they wanted and they were both willing to tell each other in hopes the other felt the same.
Their love story really was a new beginning for both of them - they found each other at the perfect time. Also the spice was just great. Half the time the scene started in the middle of them already going at it lol and honestly it worked. ...more
Sometimes it felt like all I was was a “good man.” I wasn’t the fun one, the interesting one, the creative or talented one. I was sim3.5 rounded up!
Sometimes it felt like all I was was a “good man.” I wasn’t the fun one, the interesting one, the creative or talented one. I was simply the reliable one. I looked out for others, but no one really needed me. They just needed someone.
Conflicted because I adored Nine. He said shit like above and I just wanted to hold him and give him his happy ending! I liked Cooper too. I thought they were cute together and I liked the fake dating to more journey that they went on.
But there was just something missing for me? I didn't really like Nine's family lol and I felt like they had a big part in making Nine feel the way he did and then it's kind of just brushed over? Like both his brother and mom say some pretty homophobic things and it's just kind of "whatever'd"?
Idk if I'm explaining this right or if this makes sense lol TLDR I enjoyed the story and had fun reading but there were some things that felt unfinished for me which is why it is a half star rating. ...more
I expected to like this a lot more, but i found myself skimming a lot of the paragraphs? I was also expecting a little more of Trev with his kids3.5!
I expected to like this a lot more, but i found myself skimming a lot of the paragraphs? I was also expecting a little more of Trev with his kids considering they were the reason for hiring Cam in the first place? Idk, all the tropes and potential were there but it just didn't fully work for me. ...more
Oh my god?????? I don't even know what to say about this, this was such a punch to the heart.
The foundational friendship between Rye and Jake was so Oh my god?????? I don't even know what to say about this, this was such a punch to the heart.
The foundational friendship between Rye and Jake was so wholesome. The trust, and care, and just general closeness between these two??? I couldn't. Rye accepting that Jake's promises were something he could take seriously and trust made me so overwhelmed with emotion. Just, overall, Rye learning to trust and find safety in Jake was enough where I needed to pause reading because I was just all up in my feels. I loved Jake's willingness to change his own behavior (like the cursing) to create a soft, and safe environment for Rye. I loved how fully he became Rye's person, while also dealing with his own physical stressors.
I'm normally not the biggest fan of time jumps but I feel like they worked really well in this story, as it helped to show the progress of Rye while also being realistic that his trauma was not just going to go away because he wasn't in that place anymore.
The truly was such an oof of a book, like Rye's story was so tragic, but his return to the world was full of hope and he did have a village of people who cared so much about him and wanted to help him. His trauma was taken very seriously, especially by Jake, and he was such a protector but I liked how eventually he allowed for Rye to see his pain as well. I thought Rye and Jake communicated well with each other, they were clear when they needed to talk and before going from friends to more they had a conversation of what that would look like. Jake never assumed anything and was so patient letting Rye take the lead but would have been happy to just be friends.
I just loved these two a lot, they really found homes within each other, and their progression from how they were when they met to how they ended up was filled with so much care and comfort and support, and it was just a really beautiful story.
My only thing was I wished there was more discussion on how the initial search had gone when Rye was first taken, like how was it missed exactly that he was literally in the same town the entire time? Especially since he was so close to where Jake lived. ...more
This was cute! This is probably the first book I've read with such explicit discussion about asexuality so it was interesting/rewarding to learn whileThis was cute! This is probably the first book I've read with such explicit discussion about asexuality so it was interesting/rewarding to learn while also getting to read about these two grow closer. Self discovery is a great plotline in books, and I liked how this one was handled. At times the rambling was a lot lol but it made for fun topic of conversation. ...more
"He seems sweet. You puked on him, broke his nose, and he brought you home to tuck you in. You could do much worse, Reid."
Listen. I may or may not "He seems sweet. You puked on him, broke his nose, and he brought you home to tuck you in. You could do much worse, Reid."
Listen. I may or may not have imprinted on Reid a little bit. Okay, a lot a bit. Majority of my thoughts while reading this was "wow reid is perfect, i hope reid is happy, reid is so cute, my little feral pookie, uh oh ok yeah dante cools too i guess but mostly because reid likes him".
This series definitely was less sunshine and rainbows than the authors Sweet Southern series, but it had a few things that were the same: characters you can't help but root for, and found family. Two things that Maya Jean excels at writing.
I loved the meet ugly, and how Dante and Reid have this instant connection. There is some reluctance on Reid's part to succumb to his feelings; he's spent a long time punishing himself for things that are not his fault so the thought of someone taking care of him is not something he thinks he deserves. (spoiler: he does deserve to be taken care of. SO MUCH.). I liked how Dante met Reid where he was at- he understood that Reid needed something to make him not feel as bad anymore but found a way to give that to Reid in a safer way. Still getting an outlet of the bad feelings, but isn't it nicer when its a tall, sexy man taking control in the bedroom???
These two definitely have an unconventional love story, but it's evident that that's what this is: love. I loved the chaos that reigned when they were together, I liked Dante's protectiveness of Reid, I liked Reid's unwillingness to behave but also how pliant he became once he trusted Dante to give him what he needed.
also Parker/Mason is sooo galaxy brain, can't wait!!...more
I was expecting a little bit more of a power dynamic based on the teasers that were used to promo this book so I think overall this ju3.5 rounded up!
I was expecting a little bit more of a power dynamic based on the teasers that were used to promo this book so I think overall this just wasn't what I was expecting? That's not necessarily a bad thing but I felt like Hugo and Boden spent more time not together than they did together so it was hard for me to really see their connection.
I liked the arc of Boden being rightfully upset about Hugo being a coach and then having that moment of understanding when he finds out about Hugo's past and who he is in relation to the PPHL world. I liked the friendship between Boden, Ford and Tucker - I think especially Ford and Boden. Their little found family is so cute and I hope there will be books for Micah, Jonah, and Journey.
Overall, this was cute but it was just missing a little something for me!
I am SO unbelievably curious for book 3 though because if it Ford and who was implied then there's going to need to be the redemption arc of a lifetime like omg !?...more
wish there had been more Embry/Matteo but i missed this group and cannot believe it's actually over now!! wish there had been more Embry/Matteo but i missed this group and cannot believe it's actually over now!! ...more
Definitely liked this one better than the first! I love established relationship books of couples working through something but ultimately still endinDefinitely liked this one better than the first! I love established relationship books of couples working through something but ultimately still ending up together.
Rafa's insecurities were a big part of this book + Shane feelings like he needed to be the strong one so he wasn't telling Rafa about his nightmares.
Again, felt mixed feelings about Rafa's family, would have liked for them (mostly his mom) to be on board with Rafa's happiness without having to experience a traumatic event first lol but glad she got it together eventually.
I do think Shane and Rafa were cute together, and I think both their feelings were super valid. This relationship is still new to them so it made sense that they were worried about what they were. ...more
Hmm. Okay - so concept-wise I loved this. Bodyguard + his protectee? Throw in a little son of the president of the united states? sure, love that.
HowHmm. Okay - so concept-wise I loved this. Bodyguard + his protectee? Throw in a little son of the president of the united states? sure, love that.
However, I just felt like before the Big Thing, Shane and Rafa didn't actually talk to each other that much? Like, yes, Rafa was cooking for Shane but I felt like it mostly happened off page so when the love declaration happened I was kind of like "really? already?". That's not to say I don't think they worked well together, I do, I just think that I wanted them really testing the waters sort of? Shane was such a good agent and didn't want to cross any lines that it took away from the connection I think they could have made?
Regardless, I am reading book 2 because I love an established relationship and I think I'll enjoy that a lot more.
Mixed feelings on Rafa's family. I liked all his siblings, but his parents were meh for me. Obviously happy they had a change of heart but idk not really rocking with his dad's entire being lol ...more
I have not been so thoroughly pummeled by a book in a while so this was a surprise to the heart.
“Innocent?” Jasper dropped down and framedHoly fuck!
I have not been so thoroughly pummeled by a book in a while so this was a surprise to the heart.
“Innocent?” Jasper dropped down and framed Nicky’s head with his forearms. “You are many things, Nicholas Blumfeld.” He kissed the end of Nicky’s nose. “Many, beautiful, clever, talented things. But innocent isn’t one of them.”
I genuinely don’t even know how to write a coherent review, there is so much I want to say and yet I can’t find any words to accurately describe my feelings about this book.
First of all, when Jasper and Nicky reunite??? In the confessional???? I was shook. I don’t think I actually read the description of this book lmao so I was like NO WAY??? Nicky’s entire recovery story made me so emotional, I was so proud of him and the way he was so aware of his own triggers. I loved his parents and how supportive they were of him and how they just wanted to help, his mom especially. I loved seeing Nicky reconnect with Jasper and lean on him as a friend again, I thought their flirting was cute while Nicky respected Jasper’s profession even though he was so heartbroken. The fact that he would rather have Jasper in his life as friend than not at all spoke a lot to how much history and care is shared between the two.
Now Jasper?????? I was expecting a lot more regret and thinking his feelings were a mistake but that fact that Jasper was solid in his own sexuality and the real conflict was just that he felt being a priest was his calling was actually such a more interesting take. His own reflections were more on how he can continue to do the work he was doing if he was no longer a priest. I loved his tenderness for Nicky. I loved how he just wanted to help and would have done anything to make sure Nicky was okay and knew he was loved. I liked that in their second chance they had really good communication, Jasper was constantly asking Nicky if he was alright and wouldn’t let him brush it off. They really did speak to each other and even when Jasper told Nicky he was choosing him, Nicky was so vulnerable in his feelings, telling Jasper straight up to not give him hope if he wasn’t serious.
I just loved them so much and am so happy they got their happy ending. Their love for each other was so evident even if at times it had to show itself in a different way.
Jasper drew him closer and kissed him softly. Outside madness waited, but as long as there were moments like these where he had Nicky all to himself, in these pockets of love and tenderness, it was all worth it. ...more
It's so crazy to me how far they both have come! Their communication was great, the way they just know each other I missed my babies so much omfggggg
It's so crazy to me how far they both have come! Their communication was great, the way they just know each other SO WELL ???? Obsessed, truly. Quaid especially has come so far from the insecure man he was in book 1; so emotional thinking about his progress and how secure he is in his relationship and the trust he has in Aslan. And Aslan! Anticipating Quaid's needs, and compromising on food and taking care of him!!!!!! Genuinely could read 8 more books about them together.
I lowkey felt like the Costa bits were dragged out but a few of them did make me lol so its fine
Initially i was going to make a comment about how I wished it was less case focused and more on them having their baby but after reading the authors note at the end i totally understand why that wasn't a thing, and I truly just thank Nicky James for coming back to this couple and giving them a little bit of an extra happy ending.
Also was not expecting the Arden/Iggy cameo! Glad i just so happened to read their book first! ...more
Super conflicted about this one. I am a Bachelor reality show lover so I was excited to read this but I almost just hated how behind the scenes it wasSuper conflicted about this one. I am a Bachelor reality show lover so I was excited to read this but I almost just hated how behind the scenes it was? Like Molly and the rest of the producers made this unbearable! I get that both Roan and Walker were in it "for the wrong reasons" but I almost felt like it being so out in the open like that distracted me. I think there was just a lot going on, and there were too many distractions from the relationship?
Despite that, I really liked Walker and Roan together! I thought they had good chemistry and seemed to really understand each other. I liked how supportive Walker was in Roan's time of need, and this line was super cute:
Roan glanced up then, and Walker gave him a small, lopsided smile. Roan’s eyes grew brighter, and he kinda thought the kid was adorable. Exactly his type, if anyone asked. But he’d never tell.
But idk! I think the behind the scenes didn't work for me, and Molly's presence just annoyed the shit out of me lol she had too much page time. ...more