This being my second smutty alien book, I went in with low expectations and that helped a lot! This was a leave your brain at the door kind of read whThis being my second smutty alien book, I went in with low expectations and that helped a lot! This was a leave your brain at the door kind of read where women are abducted by aliens, there are talking tigers, pink one armed T-rex's exist. My only big gripe about the cover is it only shows one love interest when there are two in this book so it can lead to some confusion.
My only other super smutty alien read was Ice Planet Barbarians which in the first pages had gang rape, murder and spilling of buckets of human excrement followed by immediate dubious consent issues with the hero and it made me feel sick while reading that book. I had avoided smutty alien books ever since. Having that as my only comparison, I was very happy with this book and was able to really enjoy it. I thought the author handled some of the more triggering aspects of this genre really well and I was able to enjoy the story. I still couldn't completely ignore some things, and therefore it's a 3 stars I liked it rating. But I would be willing to try more by this author, I've heard great things about her demon books....more
I'm sure all the fangirlies are going to come after me for this, but this book was BADDDDD. Like soap opera, comically bad. Which is okay! But over 1 I'm sure all the fangirlies are going to come after me for this, but this book was BADDDDD. Like soap opera, comically bad. Which is okay! But over 1 million ratings on Goodreads??? Guys....
Advertised as a contemporary romance, what we got was college romance, turned murder mystery, turned mafia then a horror show (I exaggerate on that last one). This book wanted to be what felt like 12 different genres or tropes and I got whiplash from it. Also, the billionaire trope does nothing for me because there are no ethical billionaires and also, who does no work and is just a billionaire at 26?? The suspension of disbelief in this one is more than a fantasy novel.
I will say, I am glad Ana Huang has had great success in a white dominated genre, and I'll continue to try her other books to see if they're more my speed. I'll give her this, I read the entire book and did not DNF it which is almost like a love language for me with bad books. Her writing is actually great, it's just the plot I take issue with....more
Forever the Highlands is the final book in The Highlands series, a spinoff of The Adairs series. This book is the romance between 3.5 stars rounded up
Forever the Highlands is the final book in The Highlands series, a spinoff of The Adairs series. This book is the romance between Fyfe and his best friends sister Eilidh. For years he thought she just had a schoolgirl crush on him, until life circumstances have brought them together.
I really did enjoy this book, this whole series is a great escape from reality. I love the characters she writes and I find her writing so comforting to fall into (mentally). I greatly appreciated the character name pronunciation at the beginning of the book. And I appreciated while this book was slightly angsty that lots of dramas didn't get dragged out longer than necessary.
But I have a major gripe. I have a challenge for Samantha Young in 2025: try to write a book without having a shitty mother. Every book in this series it seems like there's some terrible mother written in and while I am sure there are many bad moms in real life, I'm getting sick of reading about them in these books. That and some editing errors took away from my overall enjoyment.
That being said, I will still read everything and anything Young writes....more
My Beloved is a short story that picks up a few months after the end of Thin Love. Kona and Keira are getting married and finally having their happily ever after. Except, the wedding is kind of a disaster and the paparazzi won't leave Keira and Ransom alone.
I loved this short story if only because Eden Butler delivered all of the feels. Lots of love, angst, desperation and anger from all over the map in this one. This short story shows that Keira and Kona have to fight for their HEA, it's not something that comes easily wrapped up at the end of the last book.
Kona was for sure a gigantic jackass in this short story. Like a true guy, he didn't really understand how badly he fucked up until it all blew up in his face. I could not get over what an oblivious idiot he was being in his choices, especially because he seemed terrified and insecure about Keira leaving him.
One of my favorite tiny aspects of this book was the closure Keira was able to come to in regards to her relationship with her mother. In the previous book she seemed so evil and uncaring, but this novella proved that Keira's mom really did love her in her own messed up way.
I mentioned this in my last review, but I'll say it again. I HATE how Keira calls Kona "Bebe". I always without fail imagine the little girl from South Park who developed early. So .5 points off for that. But that's just one of my weird pet peeves.
"I lost you once, Keira. It cost me decades. It cost me a lifetime of memories with you, with my son. I'm not doing that shit again."
Merged review:
4.5 Oh My God KONA YOU IDIOT stars
"Only you, Wildcat. Only you could give me this. Only you could make my heart this damn full."
My Beloved is a short story that picks up a few months after the end of Thin Love. Kona and Keira are getting married and finally having their happily ever after. Except, the wedding is kind of a disaster and the paparazzi won't leave Keira and Ransom alone.
I loved this short story if only because Eden Butler delivered all of the feels. Lots of love, angst, desperation and anger from all over the map in this one. This short story shows that Keira and Kona have to fight for their HEA, it's not something that comes easily wrapped up at the end of the last book.
Kona was for sure a gigantic jackass in this short story. Like a true guy, he didn't really understand how badly he fucked up until it all blew up in his face. I could not get over what an oblivious idiot he was being in his choices, especially because he seemed terrified and insecure about Keira leaving him.
One of my favorite tiny aspects of this book was the closure Keira was able to come to in regards to her relationship with her mother. In the previous book she seemed so evil and uncaring, but this novella proved that Keira's mom really did love her in her own messed up way.
I mentioned this in my last review, but I'll say it again. I HATE how Keira calls Kona "Bebe". I always without fail imagine the little girl from South Park who developed early. So .5 points off for that. But that's just one of my weird pet peeves.
"I lost you once, Keira. It cost me decades. It cost me a lifetime of memories with you, with my son. I'm not doing that shit again." ...more
I devoured this in one sitting! Very emotional. Everyone who reviewed said it was angsty but IMO it really wasn't. There were lots of issues and emotiI devoured this in one sitting! Very emotional. Everyone who reviewed said it was angsty but IMO it really wasn't. There were lots of issues and emotions and intensity, but I didn't feel that angst burn in my chest....more
A cute little MM romance, but nothing that blew my head out of the water. Two men who work in the plant industry, one is easy going the 2.75-3 stars
A cute little MM romance, but nothing that blew my head out of the water. Two men who work in the plant industry, one is easy going the other is stuffy. They meet and hate each other, until they suddenly begin making out. I enjoyed this book, but I didn't feel any major love for it either.
If you're looking for something light and hot, this is the book for you!
Was this book good? Technically no. Did I have fun reading it? Yes. Was 500 pages way too long? YES.
A F/F bully romance from Penelope Douglas (who basWas this book good? Technically no. Did I have fun reading it? Yes. Was 500 pages way too long? YES.
A F/F bully romance from Penelope Douglas (who basically only writes bully romances) about two seniors in high school who hate each other... until they don't.
I will say outright even though the characters are teens this is not a YA book, please do not say its for teens. It's absolutely for adults and has adult content. It's spicy and like I said before, I had fun reading it. But plotwise it was all over the place and I didn't actually like or get attached to any of the characters. This book reminded me a lot of Tijan's books if that's the vibe you're going for.
BUT if you do read this please read all the trigger warnings, please and thank you....more
A fun and spicy queer hockey romance, MUCH better than the first book. Not a complete 5 star read because of some issues with it (view spoiler)[ casuaA fun and spicy queer hockey romance, MUCH better than the first book. Not a complete 5 star read because of some issues with it (view spoiler)[ casual racism in descriptions of a character (hide spoiler)] and this is definitely like, a fantasy hockey league that does not follow real life rules (for obvious plot reasons).
Not sure if I would read the rest of the series though....more
To be fair, I am not the target audience for this book. It was both better and worse than I was expecting, and I did laugh quite a bit while reading iTo be fair, I am not the target audience for this book. It was both better and worse than I was expecting, and I did laugh quite a bit while reading it. ...more
A Schitt’s Creek inspired romance of a fallen Hollywood It girl who is sentenced to a small coastal town and the grumpy fisherman who is d 3.5 stars!
A Schitt’s Creek inspired romance of a fallen Hollywood It girl who is sentenced to a small coastal town and the grumpy fisherman who is drawn to her.
My first ever Tessa Bailey who I’ve been meaning to read for several years (don’t come at me, I know). I never picked her books up because every time someone recommended them to me, it was followed with “her characters are the best dirty talkers” or something to that effect. And… that doesn’t really interest me. I am an angst romance gal, I’m not really here for the spice. I don’t judge others for loving it, I am cheering you on. That’s just my reading tastes.
I really enjoyed the first half of this book, but overall felt the pacing was really off. Brendan went from hating Piper and being awful to her, to in love with her in like two seconds flat. I need a little bit more development than that. The second half did bring some angst in, mostly from how Piper was dealing with her own insecurities and I enjoyed that. But everything was resolved VERY quickly and honestly, I wanted Piper to get more apologies from those in her life who made her feel shitty. We got almost no groveling from anyone but Brendan and that rubbed me the wrong way.
A very cute and spicy book inspired by Schitt’s Creek, I enjoyed it but maybe my expectations were too high of Ms. Bailey and I’ll need to try something else by her in the future....more
Despite this book having a beautiful cover, the inside of it was a mess. A young woman answers an ad to be a mail order bride and moves from New York Despite this book having a beautiful cover, the inside of it was a mess. A young woman answers an ad to be a mail order bride and moves from New York City to Montana to marry two men. Once married the three of them need to navigate this new relationship together.
First off, I was in for this somewhat bonkers plot, but it really wasn't developed well at all. Everything felt rushed or not fleshed out and thrown in for drama. I hated Will and honestly thought he hated Julie himself (as he bought her an ugly ring and constantly spent time with another woman). Forrest was fine, just boring. And honestly I thought with this setting there'd be more history in it and some more spice considering it's a three way marriage.
I will say it held my attention enough to finish it but I didn't enjoy this book nor would I continue reading the series. But remember I am picky and you may love it so go ahead and try yourself. ...more
The Duke Heist is the story of forgettable Chloe Wynchester, she has a face that is not easily remember 3.75 – 4 stars!
What a delightful little book!
The Duke Heist is the story of forgettable Chloe Wynchester, she has a face that is not easily remembered and it allows her to sneak in and out of social situations as she pleases. Chloe and her other siblings are mostly all adopted orphans, and when a family painting that has great meaning to them is stolen, the family works together to steal their prized possession back.
I went into this book pretty much blind. I received a copy in my Read, Romance, Repeat box and I have to admit, if I didn’t get it in a subscription box I never would have picked this book up on my own. And that would have been a shame because I really enjoyed this story of the plain jane wallflower and the somewhat oblivious duke. I loved all the banter between the siblings, I thought it was interesting to read a book in this time period centered around adoption. And most of all, I really enjoyed the story of two people who had been overlooked in some point in their lives, and just wanted to be loved.
I will definitely be reading more by Erica Ridley and if you want a cute escape from reality, you need to read this book!...more
If I could give the writing style 5 stars I would, but unfortunately, everything else in this book was completely lackluster. The romance, the charactIf I could give the writing style 5 stars I would, but unfortunately, everything else in this book was completely lackluster. The romance, the characters, the story. I was hooked for the first 100 pages or so and then it somehow got incredibly boring and dragged out. This book would have been a great short story, imo....more
So… it’s been a minute since I’ve read a Karina Halle novel. Not gonna lie, I kind of quit her after the North Ridge series. Not because anyt 4 stars
So… it’s been a minute since I’ve read a Karina Halle novel. Not gonna lie, I kind of quit her after the North Ridge series. Not because anything was wrong, but the woman writes so fast I can’t keep up!! And I lost my reading mojo on top of that. And I’m not reading as much indie romance as I used to. But when I went to a signing of hers recently, I was reminded of all the books by her that I love, and found myself wanting to pick her up again. And now I have a back log to catch up on!
Discretion is about young and broke tourist Sadie, who on her way to the train station in Nice gets attacked in the street. Sadie is rescued by Olivier, a Dumont, one of the wealthiest families in France. From there, it’s an instant spark and Sadie and Olivier are inexplicably ddrawn to each other. But Olivier’s past threatens the two of them, maybe even their lives.
There’s a reason Halle is one of my favorite authors: she’s a damn good writer. I know even if I don’t always super love a story by her, the writing will suck me in. And that’s what happened with this book, I’m not really one for the Cinderella trope but from page 1, I couldn’t put this book down. I’m definitely intrigued by this first book and want to read more. And I for sure need to play catch up/reread all my Halle favorites....more
“Damon Isaac King … wait, your initials are—” I grit my teeth. “I know. You don’t think Stacy has made that joke to our parents ever sin 4.5 stars!
“Damon Isaac King … wait, your initials are—” I grit my teeth. “I know. You don’t think Stacy has made that joke to our parents ever since I came out? ‘No wonder he likes dick when his initials are DIK.”
I don't want to jinx it, but I've been on a reading winning streak lately and this was just the most recent book I read that was awesome! All my trusted MM reviewer goodreads friends loved this, so I shouldn't be surprised, but I am a wildcard and don't always love what everyone else does.
A great play on the fake boyfriend trope, this one comes with a little bit of a twist. When Maddox was in high school, he broke up with his girlfriend by telling her he was gay (when he really wasn't). In return, she "outed" him to the whole town, including his parents. Not wanting to seem like an asshole, he went along with the charade and moved to NYC. Now years later, he reconnects with his ex, only to have him and his "boyfriend" invited to her wedding. Thus begins a fake boyfriend drama llama.
I love a good MM read, I haven't read one for a while and this is a genre I need to dive into more often. Loved the banter between Maddox and Damon and their friends. This was on steamy book so if you are looking for something smutty look no further. It also had sweet moments but it wasn't sugary so I was very happy about that. I would love to read this author again!
“I finally get it. I don’t give a shit about labels, because I don’t need to. All I need to care about is making this guy mine.”
“I know many scientific facts about the human heart- not the least of which is that it's far easier to make a heart stop beating entirely 4 stars!
“I know many scientific facts about the human heart- not the least of which is that it's far easier to make a heart stop beating entirely than to keep it from loving the wrong person.”
A fabulous historical romance to end 2018 with!
Devon Ravenel is a rake who just inherited a title and an estate, as well as debt and four women he has no idea what to do with. Three are his young cousins and one his cousin's widow. Firmly intending on selling the estate to settle the debts and dust his hands of the woman, Devon visits the estate and realizes this may be one problem he cannot just get rid of.
Full of Kleypas charm, I was so happy to fall into one of her historical romances again. I swear I didn't enjoy this genre until I read her, these books have become a wonderful escape from reality. I love the bickering that happens with her main characters, the descriptions of the surroundings anf of the time. Kleypas takes the past and makes it magical.
5 stars for the character development and an interesting heroine... 2.5 for the actual romantic plot. I enjoyed getting to know Avery, she 3.5 stars!
5 stars for the character development and an interesting heroine... 2.5 for the actual romantic plot. I enjoyed getting to know Avery, she was so cute and I related to her a lot. But Joe.... fell flat. He was boring. I had no idea that a Travis man could be boring! How tragic.
Loved the bits with Steven and Sofia, and Coco the dog. Again, this book had all the right pieces... except for an intriguing leading man. I wish we had gotten more out of Joe. I still love Lisa Kleypas!! Would gladly read more from the Travis series.