Weeks 15-18, 2023

 

Kiss and Cry by Keira Andrews
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a great story of the enemies to lovers. Of course the enemy is really only on one side. Henry had one small incident years ago that seems to have caused him to form a judgement against Theo. Theo's attitude to life doesn't seem to help. But the are forced together by circumstances and things move forward from there. I love the final chapter that gives a picture into the future for these two characters.

View all my reviews Sam's Little Girl by Pepper North
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A sweet story. I love the care that Sam has for Hope from the beginning. I also like how he tries to work out any misunderstandings. I listened to the audio version and enjoyed it very much.

 

View all my reviews A Little Easter Escapade: A Holidays at Rawhide Ranch Story by Laylah Roberts
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love the development of this triad relationship. Marcus has had feelings for Isla for a while. But for her things are new. They also both know that while they can be happy together they really want more. Enter Elliot who is dealing with some of his own stuff. This story is very gentle. There isn't much in the way shenanigans that is sometimes present in this series. There also wasn't a rush to take control. This was a very enjoyable love story.

View all my reviews The Captain's Little Girl by Pepper North
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is sweet story of Cricket finally getting her solider. It was great to see their relationship taking off. This was a great addition to the series. Listen to the audio version that was really well done.

 

View all my reviews Alpha's Temptation by Renee Rose
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I had gotten the paperback copy of this book at a book convention and it has been sitting on my shelf. I saw that the audio was available so I decided to finally give it a try. This one really surprised me with the level of suspense. This is a very dramatic story that has surprises from beginning to end. The audio is very well done.

 

View all my reviews Married to My Best Friend by Riley Hart
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is such a fun troupe with best friends finding out they have gotten married. And from there things only get better for these two. I really enjoyed this short little story about finding love right under your nose.

 

View all my reviews Weighting for Love by Sam E. Kraemer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I like the fact that Talbot really wanted to make the changes for himself before he even went to the ranch. I think he really just needed something to give him a jump start. I also like the fact that even when he got home he continued to work on himself. While there are some are some elements that probably wouldn't happen in real life it is still an enjoyable with a great ending.

View all my reviews Return of the Chauffeur's Son by Tara Lain
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I listened to the audio version and I realized that it was a retelling of the movie Sabrina. I love both the original with Humfrey Bogart and the remake with Harrison Ford. And as much as I loved those movies I like Dylan's real feelings seem like a nicer version of the big brother. This story has a great ending. I listened to the audio version and it was really well done.

View all my reviews Unbonded for You by Amy Bellows
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow this one is another wonderful story in the Nerds Who Knot series. I love both the MC. The both of so much that they have dealt with and in some ways are two sides of the same coin. I love the fact that Thomas makes decisions for himself. Sebastian also has some tough choices. I love the way their life ends up working out so well for them. I listened to the audio and enjoyed it very much.

View all my reviews Ski Patrol by Lucy Lennox
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a fun rom-com. I haven’t read any of the other books in the series but I was able to enjoy this on it’s own. I like how BJ is working so hard to find someone special and almost misses it.

I listened to an audio version and enjoyed it very much.

View all my reviews Pick One by May Archer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Teagan is a complete mess and John enters. While the story is a familiar troupe this story adds some new twists that makes it a lot of fun. While this story is short I enjoyed it.

I listened to an audio version and it was very enjoyable.

View all my reviews The Beast Beside Me by Beau Lake
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This one is hard to review because on one hand I really love the over arching story. But frankly this story was a bit more “on page” violent. You can almost feel the hate. I had picked up the paperback at a book convention based on the blurb. I ended up picking up the audio copy during a sale on Audible. So I give the book a 4.0. The voice on the narration seems to fit the mood of the story. BUT the audio copy starts out with a very dramatic chapter that takes place much later in the story which really throws things off. I have reported this to Audible and they say they will push this to their tech team.

View all my reviews Raising Lucy by Becca Jameson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This story has a interesting vibe and my feeling on this story go back and forth between feeling like Roman is over reaching to understanding what was in his head. Of course understanding isn’t always agreeing with his methods. Also, his friends clearly know that he should approach things a bit differently but they don’t step in either. On the other hand Lucy does gives consent to participate in the activities once she is working for Roman although she doesn’t understand how she got there. Her anger when she discovers the truth is justified. I’m glad they were able to work things out but I think I would have made Roman work a bit more before I just forgave him.

I got the book as a give away at a book convention and picked up the audio as a way to mark this off my TBR pile. The only complaint on the narration is it seemed really slow and I had to bump it up to a faster speed.

View all my reviews Bigger Than Us by Jodi Payne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love plot of this story. Two men who on the surface seem to have nothing in common but a shared best friend. But they are forced to be together and of course feelings develop. I love how they find ways to encourage each other and help them do their best together.

 

View all my reviews Cattle Valley Box Set 6 by Carol Lynne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I have slowly been making my way through this series. All of the stories have been fun to read and I have enjoyed this series. The books in this collection have a variety of vibes from fun to those who have a more serious feel to them. I also love getting to see different peeks at Ryan, Rio, and Nate as their relationship continues to grow and change over time.

View all my reviews Red Velvet by Pepper North
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This story is very sweet. Milo and Riley have been attracted to each other but each had reason to not really pursue it. But an accident helps bring them together. Riley is able to explain her reluctance for Shibari and Milo is willing to set it aside but when she’s open to trying with him, Milo moves very slowly and checks in with her. Glad to see another happy couple.

View all my reviews Dog Driven by Terry Lynn Johnson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I saw this book on a Scholastic Book add at the school I work and it looked interesting. I found it on Audible so I decided to give it a try. It is a rich story with strong characters. McKenna is facing a change a health challenge that she has been unwilling to truly accept for many reasons. As the story and the race progress she comes to better understand herself and her disability. I love the message that you learn to work with her limitations but they don’t have to hold you back. I enjoyed this story as an adult and I think it would be a great read for teens and preteens as well.

I picked up the audio version and enjoyed it very much.

View all my reviews Anything You Want by Reese Morrison
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

James and Phillip are in a committed long term relationship but they both have some things they are worried about. But when they both talk to each other there really isn’t anything to worry about.

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