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2303 reviews
This Life and All the Rest by Brit Benson
dark
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I don’t know why I loved this series so much, but I did. Yes, there is a series of miscommunications, and so much angst, but I love Lennon and Macon so much! I love how vulnerable these two are, and how they keep coming together even through all the hardship.
The Love of My Next Life by Brit Benson
dark
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Macon has been the thorn in Lennon’s side since she started elementary school. He was always the boy who pulled her pigtails. He was also her best friend's brother. Now, they are nearing the end of high school and things feel different. Macon is a pot-head and delinquent, but Lennon is also drawn to him. He can hurt her, and cause pain. They were doomed from the start.
This book is part of a duology and ends on a cliffhanger. You will not get a happily ever after at the end of this book.
Wow, Brit Benson knows how to write complicated characters. Macon and Lennon are an angsty couple that carry a lot of pain with each other. She caught me in this web that made me fall in love with the characters she created. Lennon is the good girl, who is striving for perfection. Macon is the bad boy, who antagonizes her. But as we delve deeper into Macon, we learn there is a lot that is misunderstood about him.
I loved these two together and kept hoping for a good ending. Alas, this is a duology and we end with tears on Lennon’s and my part. Reading this book will leave you with angst and immediately wanting to pick up the next!
This book is part of a duology and ends on a cliffhanger. You will not get a happily ever after at the end of this book.
Wow, Brit Benson knows how to write complicated characters. Macon and Lennon are an angsty couple that carry a lot of pain with each other. She caught me in this web that made me fall in love with the characters she created. Lennon is the good girl, who is striving for perfection. Macon is the bad boy, who antagonizes her. But as we delve deeper into Macon, we learn there is a lot that is misunderstood about him.
I loved these two together and kept hoping for a good ending. Alas, this is a duology and we end with tears on Lennon’s and my part. Reading this book will leave you with angst and immediately wanting to pick up the next!
Forsaken Oath by Penelope Black
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
This book is different than the first book in this series. We have Eloise and Beau. Eloise is her two sisters' caregiver and has been working to make ends meet as best she can. She never planned on racing the Gauntlet, but when her sister enters her, she decides to go for it. She didn’t expect to encounter someone she met on a wild night. Now Beau is her fiercest competition. As every race brings her closer to victory, it also brings her closer to Beau. Can she have both? Victory and love?
I never knew I could enjoy street racing as much as I did here. Elosie is a strong woman, working hard to provide for her two sisters. She has put the need to care for her sisters above herself. Spending a little bit of time with Beau made her realize she was deserving of something for herself.
I loved Beau and Eloise's relationship. I especially loved how Beau worked his way into her heart and showed up for her, even when she was reluctant.
There were some twists and turns in the form of romantic suspense, which kept me turning the pages, trying to figure out what was happening. This is a great series that Penelope has created and I loved watching Eloise and Beau’s relationship grow!
I never knew I could enjoy street racing as much as I did here. Elosie is a strong woman, working hard to provide for her two sisters. She has put the need to care for her sisters above herself. Spending a little bit of time with Beau made her realize she was deserving of something for herself.
I loved Beau and Eloise's relationship. I especially loved how Beau worked his way into her heart and showed up for her, even when she was reluctant.
There were some twists and turns in the form of romantic suspense, which kept me turning the pages, trying to figure out what was happening. This is a great series that Penelope has created and I loved watching Eloise and Beau’s relationship grow!
My Darling Mayhem by Ashley Munoz
emotional
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Wren has made a peaceful life for her and her son, Cruz. She was a bit lonely, but things were safe. Until her neighbour moved in and ruined everything. Archer is not just a member of a motorcycle club, he is the leader. Archer is working to get custody of his brother, Knox. Knox and Cruz are classmates and become fast friends. While the boys spend time together, Archer works her way under Wren’s defences. But their worlds collide in multiple ways, and Wren’s past comes into her present. Archer and Wren must decide if their love can withstand everything.
Wren is a strong mother, who has worked hard to protect him from her past. She is fierce and stands up for herself. Once you work your way into her heart, she will not let you go. She tried to hate Archer, but he kept showing up for her. Add her son’s friendship with Archer’s brother, Knox, she was in trouble. Archer comes off as a badass MC Club president, but all he wants is better for his brother. He will burn down the world for the ones he loves, but underneath it all he is a big teddy bear.
I loved how Wren and Archer start as enemies, but as they (and we) learn what they have both been through they become more than lovers. I loved all the supporting characters, meeting new characters and having cameos from old ones. I was never sure who to trust, but Ashley wove this story perfectly.
If you like a badass MC club president and his willingness to burn the world down for the ones he loves, this is perfect for you! Thank you to Ashely Munoz for a copy of this book. All opinions are 100% mine.
Wren is a strong mother, who has worked hard to protect him from her past. She is fierce and stands up for herself. Once you work your way into her heart, she will not let you go. She tried to hate Archer, but he kept showing up for her. Add her son’s friendship with Archer’s brother, Knox, she was in trouble. Archer comes off as a badass MC Club president, but all he wants is better for his brother. He will burn down the world for the ones he loves, but underneath it all he is a big teddy bear.
I loved how Wren and Archer start as enemies, but as they (and we) learn what they have both been through they become more than lovers. I loved all the supporting characters, meeting new characters and having cameos from old ones. I was never sure who to trust, but Ashley wove this story perfectly.
If you like a badass MC club president and his willingness to burn the world down for the ones he loves, this is perfect for you! Thank you to Ashely Munoz for a copy of this book. All opinions are 100% mine.
Promise Me Sunshine by Cara Bastone
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Lenny lost her best friend and soulmate, Lou, to cancer. She feels stuck in her grief, wandering the city at night. She can’t return to the apartment they shared and rides the Staten Island Ferry all night. She has pushed away everyone who cares about her and knows she is not okay. She fakes being okay, on the short term and takes temporary nannying jobs around the city. She gets a job for the family, Reece and her daughter Ainsley. For some reason, Ainsley’s surly uncle is always hanging around when she is there, watching her. Miles doesn’t let Lenny push him away, like she has everyone else in her life. What develops is a beautiful friendship that helps her navigate her grief, as he has done this before. Through their friendship, they learn to work on themselves and heal, seeing what comes out on the other side of this insurmountable pain.
Wow. This is a beautiful story with a glimpse into the process of grief and grieving. It has moved up to one of my favourite books this year and will be in my top 10 for sure. This book deals with serious subjects, but it adds humour and laughter at the same time. It allows us to sit with the uncomfortable feeling of loss while making us laugh at the same time.
The relationship between Lenny and Miles is beautiful. Miles helps Lenny work through her grief and begin to open herself up to life and living again. In turn, Lenny helps Miles deal with some of his underlying pain from his family history. There are tons of humorous moments, both between Miles and Lenny and with Ainsley, his niece.
Though this is touted as a romance, it is so much more than that. It is a story of grief, loss, and pain and how to move forward after losing your person. Cara Bastone did an excellent job capturing and writing these emotions. Be prepared; this story will make you cry, but when you come out on the other end, you will have smiled and feel like a better person. This book was so good. I cannot recommend it enough. Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin Random House for a copy of this book. All opinions are 100% mine.
Wow. This is a beautiful story with a glimpse into the process of grief and grieving. It has moved up to one of my favourite books this year and will be in my top 10 for sure. This book deals with serious subjects, but it adds humour and laughter at the same time. It allows us to sit with the uncomfortable feeling of loss while making us laugh at the same time.
The relationship between Lenny and Miles is beautiful. Miles helps Lenny work through her grief and begin to open herself up to life and living again. In turn, Lenny helps Miles deal with some of his underlying pain from his family history. There are tons of humorous moments, both between Miles and Lenny and with Ainsley, his niece.
Though this is touted as a romance, it is so much more than that. It is a story of grief, loss, and pain and how to move forward after losing your person. Cara Bastone did an excellent job capturing and writing these emotions. Be prepared; this story will make you cry, but when you come out on the other end, you will have smiled and feel like a better person. This book was so good. I cannot recommend it enough. Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin Random House for a copy of this book. All opinions are 100% mine.
For the Show by Katie Van Brunt
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Millie believed she was going to make it on Broadway until a harsh director tore it away when she gained a bit of weight. Now, she is hiding from the stage and voicing erotic stories from home. Ezra is a kind middle school teacher. He is exhausted by his father’s womanizing ways and expectation that he will be the same. When a family crisis forces Ezra to visit his father in Hawaii, Ezra has no choice but to quickly find a “wife”. Who better to fill the role than an actress and one-time fling, Millie. What starts as a practical arrangement soon becomes something more complicated. The line between acting and reality starts to blur. Ezra and Millie must decide whether their relationship is pretend after all.
Millie and Ezra are such well-developed characters, and that made it easy to connect to them. Ezra gets top marks for boyfriend goals. He loved hard and cared for Millie in such kind ways. He was so kind and thoughtful, it made me swoon. Millie’s struggles with her health and body image were so relatable that I found myself rooting for her and her success.
These two together were great, though! I loved watching them in Hawaii, and though they had struggles, they had some great laugh-out-loud moments, too. I loved how they supported each other through the hard parts and worked to communicate with each other about their feelings and worries.
The author did an excellent job writing a story I loved while tackling tough topics like depression, childhood trauma, and health problems while adding some humour to balance it out perfectly. Thank you to Grey’s Promotion and the author for a copy of this book. All opinions are 100% mine.
Millie and Ezra are such well-developed characters, and that made it easy to connect to them. Ezra gets top marks for boyfriend goals. He loved hard and cared for Millie in such kind ways. He was so kind and thoughtful, it made me swoon. Millie’s struggles with her health and body image were so relatable that I found myself rooting for her and her success.
These two together were great, though! I loved watching them in Hawaii, and though they had struggles, they had some great laugh-out-loud moments, too. I loved how they supported each other through the hard parts and worked to communicate with each other about their feelings and worries.
The author did an excellent job writing a story I loved while tackling tough topics like depression, childhood trauma, and health problems while adding some humour to balance it out perfectly. Thank you to Grey’s Promotion and the author for a copy of this book. All opinions are 100% mine.
When We Burn by Kristen Proby
challenging
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Bridger and Dani have known each other since childhood. They have always had a connection. His home was a safe escape for her family when her father abused them. Dani left town as soon as she could to escape the trauma. Now that her father has died, she wants to return to be with her siblings. She lives across the street from Bridger Blackwell, the man she has always had a crush on. Even more, Bridger’s daughter is a student in her kindergarten class. Soon, they are spending time together both at school and on weekends. With Dani’s trauma and Bridger’s past coming back to haunt him, they are left wondering if their love can stand the test of time.
Bridger and Dani were perfect for each other. Their connection gave me “it’s always been you vibes,” and I loved it. Dani’s trauma is deep, but I loved how Bridger seemed to calm her. Bridger was gentle and kind with Dani, knowing what she needed and when. Understanding her past allowed him to approach their relationship with patience and kindness. Dani seemed to fit right into the family and loved Bridger and his daughter how they needed to be loved.
One of my favourite parts of this book is that Dani and Bridger get together early in the book, and we see much of their relationship. They are also out in the open about their relationship, and we see them living as a couple. Dani’s brother’s only concern is that she will feel safe and protected, and he knows that Bridger will do that.
There is some drama and suspense in this book, and it added to the story and kept me reading way past my bedtime. With Dani’s history, there is a lot of trauma and anxiety, including panic attacks. I felt these were handled well and with care and compassion.
I loved that Kristen took me back to Bitterroot Valley. This town captured my heart with the Wild family, and now we get to see more of it with the Blackwells. The small-town vibes are real, and I loved every minute of it. Thank you to the author for a copy of this book. All opinions are 100% mine.
Bridger and Dani were perfect for each other. Their connection gave me “it’s always been you vibes,” and I loved it. Dani’s trauma is deep, but I loved how Bridger seemed to calm her. Bridger was gentle and kind with Dani, knowing what she needed and when. Understanding her past allowed him to approach their relationship with patience and kindness. Dani seemed to fit right into the family and loved Bridger and his daughter how they needed to be loved.
One of my favourite parts of this book is that Dani and Bridger get together early in the book, and we see much of their relationship. They are also out in the open about their relationship, and we see them living as a couple. Dani’s brother’s only concern is that she will feel safe and protected, and he knows that Bridger will do that.
There is some drama and suspense in this book, and it added to the story and kept me reading way past my bedtime. With Dani’s history, there is a lot of trauma and anxiety, including panic attacks. I felt these were handled well and with care and compassion.
I loved that Kristen took me back to Bitterroot Valley. This town captured my heart with the Wild family, and now we get to see more of it with the Blackwells. The small-town vibes are real, and I loved every minute of it. Thank you to the author for a copy of this book. All opinions are 100% mine.
Captivating by Bella Matthews
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Lilah Ryan is a pop princess, and with that comes security issues. A close call sends her home for a break, but she is balking at the security her family and label want to place on her. Killian St. James is the boy Lilah used to love. He is a decorated MMA fighter, who broke Lilah’s heart 10 years ago. Killian volunteers to protect Lilah, hoping to right the wrongs of years ago. Not only is he offering protection, but they are going to pretend to date in the hopes of keeping the stalkers at bay. When lines start to blur, and sparks start to fly, Lilah discovers she may want to trust Killian with her heart again.
I love the energy that Lilah had, and how she was not afraid to speak her mind. Killian is broody and takes the hate from Lilah like a champ. When they come together, they are perfect. They have this banter and tension that is perfect. Lilah hates Killian, but he is relentless in protecting her and proving to her that she is the one. I could feel the pain both Lilah and Killian were feeling over what happened 10 years ago.
With this book, we get the family we come to expect from Kroydon Hills. Bella Matthews is a master of writing big families, wonderfully crafting relationships and closeness.
This book drew me in and I became obsessed. I stayed up late, and read the entire book in one sitting! If you love an angsty romance filled with sass and a little suspense, this is the one for you! Thank you to the author for a copy of this book. All opinions are 100% mine!
I love the energy that Lilah had, and how she was not afraid to speak her mind. Killian is broody and takes the hate from Lilah like a champ. When they come together, they are perfect. They have this banter and tension that is perfect. Lilah hates Killian, but he is relentless in protecting her and proving to her that she is the one. I could feel the pain both Lilah and Killian were feeling over what happened 10 years ago.
With this book, we get the family we come to expect from Kroydon Hills. Bella Matthews is a master of writing big families, wonderfully crafting relationships and closeness.
This book drew me in and I became obsessed. I stayed up late, and read the entire book in one sitting! If you love an angsty romance filled with sass and a little suspense, this is the one for you! Thank you to the author for a copy of this book. All opinions are 100% mine!
The Shots You Take by Rachel Reid
challenging
emotional
hopeful
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Riley is going through the worst day of his life. His father’s funeral is the last place he expected to see his ex-teammate and ex-best friend, Adam. Adam worries he made a mistake coming to the funeral, but he wants to apologize for how he left things all those years ago.
Initially, Riley does not want him around, but Adam keeps showing up and reminding him of the good times. Not only that, the chemistry is still intense between the two of them. Riley needs to decide if he can move on from the pain of the past or if he will carry it with him forever. The grief in this book is raw and real. Riley is grieving the loss of his father, and the author manages to convey this through the pages. Initially, I didn’t think I agreed with the romance. I disliked Adam, especially once we learned what he had done. As we progressed through the story, I started to like him. He cared so much for Riley, and we learned that Riley crushed Adam in his way. I loved the parts of the present where Adam showed up for Riley and was there to hold him, feed him and make him laugh when things felt hard. It was those kind, tender moments that stood out for me. Though Adam redeemed himself, it took some time for both the reader and Riley to come to terms with it.
One of the things I liked is that this book featured 40-something people finding themselves and each other after a long time apart. These two men had lived so much of their lives, but at the same time, they started living when they came together. I also loved the small town Nova Scotian community and all the people who supported Riley.
I thought this was a great second-chance romance. I felt connected to Adam and Riley and loved that they did the work to move forward in a relationship. Thank you to Netgalley and Harlequin Romance for a copy of this book. All opinions are 100% mine.
Initially, Riley does not want him around, but Adam keeps showing up and reminding him of the good times. Not only that, the chemistry is still intense between the two of them. Riley needs to decide if he can move on from the pain of the past or if he will carry it with him forever. The grief in this book is raw and real. Riley is grieving the loss of his father, and the author manages to convey this through the pages. Initially, I didn’t think I agreed with the romance. I disliked Adam, especially once we learned what he had done. As we progressed through the story, I started to like him. He cared so much for Riley, and we learned that Riley crushed Adam in his way. I loved the parts of the present where Adam showed up for Riley and was there to hold him, feed him and make him laugh when things felt hard. It was those kind, tender moments that stood out for me. Though Adam redeemed himself, it took some time for both the reader and Riley to come to terms with it.
One of the things I liked is that this book featured 40-something people finding themselves and each other after a long time apart. These two men had lived so much of their lives, but at the same time, they started living when they came together. I also loved the small town Nova Scotian community and all the people who supported Riley.
I thought this was a great second-chance romance. I felt connected to Adam and Riley and loved that they did the work to move forward in a relationship. Thank you to Netgalley and Harlequin Romance for a copy of this book. All opinions are 100% mine.
The Last Guy On Earth by Sarina Bowen
challenging
emotional
hopeful
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This book is not only a second chance romance but a coach/player romance. Clay Powers is the coach of the Colorado team, and when veteran goalie Jethro Hale is traded to them, neither is happy. They used to play together in the minor leagues and occasionally hooked up. Things ended poorly, and now they must figure out how to work together professionally. Jethro sees this as a way to right the wrongs of the past, but Clay doesn’t know if he can move forward.
Clay and Jethro were both interesting characters, struggling with their family histories. The tension between the two was palpable, and I loved watching them talk about their history and how to move forward. I found myself connecting with Jethro and a lot of his feelings. Their romance was sweet and kind.
This book is told mostly in the present timeline, with some flashbacks to 15 years ago when they were teammates. The one thing I did struggle with was the past timelines and how the POVs were written. I did, however, like to see what happened with them 15 years ago, as it gave me a greater understanding of their past and how it moved into their future.
I loved the inclusivity of the team and management regarding LGBTQIA+ team members. I know this is not how sports can be, especially for men, but I like to think this optimistically can be something that will happen.
This was a great book about love and finding and understanding your first love. If you like a second chance romance with two people who talk to each other. This is perfect for you! Thank you to the author for a copy of this book. All opinions are 100% mine.
Clay and Jethro were both interesting characters, struggling with their family histories. The tension between the two was palpable, and I loved watching them talk about their history and how to move forward. I found myself connecting with Jethro and a lot of his feelings. Their romance was sweet and kind.
This book is told mostly in the present timeline, with some flashbacks to 15 years ago when they were teammates. The one thing I did struggle with was the past timelines and how the POVs were written. I did, however, like to see what happened with them 15 years ago, as it gave me a greater understanding of their past and how it moved into their future.
I loved the inclusivity of the team and management regarding LGBTQIA+ team members. I know this is not how sports can be, especially for men, but I like to think this optimistically can be something that will happen.
This was a great book about love and finding and understanding your first love. If you like a second chance romance with two people who talk to each other. This is perfect for you! Thank you to the author for a copy of this book. All opinions are 100% mine.