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ljamison01's reviews
1086 reviews
The Baseball Card Boyfriend by Krista Sandor
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Maggie has suffered through a great deal of loss lately her grandfather just died and she discovered her boyfriend cheating on her. So with little to no money, no place to live and no job she jumps on a bus to fulfill her grandfather’s last wish: that she take an old baseball card and some memento to Christian. Now Christian has suffered a bad career ending injury and he’s been self medicating with alcohol. While on the bus with a load of geriatric drag queens (love those names!!) she sees a dog on a train track and asks the bus driver to stop. She runs to rescue the dog and Christian runs to rescue her and unfortunately in the midst of all this Maggie falls, hits her head and loses her memory. So she agrees to work with Christian as his housekeeper while she tries to regroup. Christian although grumpy was very attracted to Maggie and really wanted to pursue a relationship with her. Maggie only hampered by the memories she cannot recall wants to hold off. This story is very cute with lots of secondary characters who are funny and brings lots of levity to the story.
Reluctantly You by Cora Rose
emotional
medium-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
5.0
This is the third book in Our Exception series focusing on the oldest brother Mitch. Mitch is in a downward spiral, he has lost contact with his brothers who are getting married to men and excluding him from the festivities and their lives. Mitch is lost, he’s depressed and he’s confused. Mitch has found out that the man he thought was his father for over thirty years isn’t his father. The company that he worked for and thought he would someday own has been sold. He’s being forced to switch offices and Mitch feels like he has no control. The first 1/3 of this book is very sad, Mitch literally has no one and he is in such a bad place. Mitch’s brothers have all come out as gay and although Mitch likes to meet up with young men and have them service him he doesn’t consider himself gay. In fact he appears quite homophobic at times. His brothers worry about what he will say or do. Mitch’s only saving grace is Gideon his new boss. Gideon is very harsh with Mitch at first until he realizes that Mitch is depressed and needs help. Gideon was so good for Mitch being tough when he needed, but loving and considerate when that was needed. I enjoyed their love story and they way they fit and balanced each other. This truly a very enjoyable story of a man finding himself and love.
Mr. Heartbreaker by Piper Rayne
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Kyleigh and Rowan met at a wedding. Rowan is a hockey player and he use to play in college with Kyleigh’s brother. So Kyleigh gives Rowan a different name just in case he remembers her name from her brother. Now these two have an instant attraction and they spend the night together. The next day they part and don’t exchange number but as fate would have it they end up in the same cafe having breakfast and they agree to continue hooking up but will not have a relationship. Kyleigh has some family issues that is affecting her job so she is not going to work. So her and Rowan are getting together every day but they are still trying to keep things open and loose so that no one feels like they are committed. But, both are starting to get feelings for each other and then suddenly Kyleigh’s brother is traded to Rowan’s team and she must break up with Rowan. Because Kyleigh’s brother doesn’t want her dating any of his teammates. How will Rowan handle it when Kyleigh decides to not see him anymore? Will he be angry when he finds out she’s been lying about who she is for weeks? Will Kyleigh’s brother coming home help resolve the family crisis? I really enjoyed this story it was fast paced, very spicy and I loved the characters. Rowan was a very interesting man who had some insecurity issues that he needed to work through and although Kyleigh seemed well adjusted she let her family crisis affect her whole life. I felt she was a just a little weird about how she handled the crisis. I guess it’s not how I perceive an adult would act in the same situation. This is the first book in this new Nest series and I eager to read about the men living in the nest.
Redefining Strength by Samantha M. Thomas
emotional
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? Yes
4.0
I hate starting a series in the middle or in this case at the end. This book is about Lennox he is the youngest sibling, he is extremely grumpy and closed off toward his family and others following some incident. His sibling hires a very transient physical therapist to help him heal. Roxie comes to town with her young daughter Ivy. Immediately upon meeting them sparks are flying between Roxie and Lennox. This book is a very emotional journey of two people who under gone trauma and need to heal. Now Lennox needs to physically heal as well too. The attraction between them seems to open them up to dealing with their issues and Lennox’s interactions with Ivy certainly don’t hurt. Great story of how the power of love can conquer all. I felt very lost at times because I was coming at the end of this series and the incident that occurred to Lennox was mentioned in previous books in this series. This book is enjoyable but probably a much better book if read after the earlier books in the series.
Crossfire by Kathy Lockheart
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
After finishing the book I saw that reading the book Secret Vendetta may give some context with this book. I didn’t read Secret Vendetta and although it sounds interesting the book Crossfire didn’t need any explanation. This book has CIA agent Grayson investigating and trying to take down a very elusive criminal. At a meeting where he is supposed to eliminate this man Ivy innocently appears and he is unable to complete his task. Now Grayson is determined to find out if she is involved in criminal activity or just an innocent bystander. Especially because Ivy very easily beat up and took down a large man during this meeting. The story is filled with lots of mystery, suspense and twists and turns. I wouldn’t call this a true romantic suspense book. The romance seemed to occur very quickly but it’s wasn’t a big part of the story. This is the first book of a duet and it ends on a cliffhanger.
Brutal Bargain by Laurelin Paige
funny
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
This is the fourth book in the Brutal Billionaire Series. This is actually my first book in the series. So the first chapter was a little confusing to me. I wasn’t sure if they were related or what since it was discussing how Ax had been teasing her forever. Now Ax and Adly have been engaging in some sort of role playing intimate relationship, where they meet have dialogue about selling or buying something that isn’t real. These moments are not only funny they are hot. Although Ax professes to be the ultimate bachelor, where he only hits something once and does not want or need a girlfriend, him and Adly have been role playing for over a year. When Ax finds out the Adly is preparing a prenup to get married he’s determined to be her husband even if it’s a secret and no one else knows. As secrets become revealed so do the real feelings they have for each other. This was very funny, banter filled, steamy romp of good times. I always think it’s a bonus to read all the books in a series in order but in this case it’s not necessary because you do eventually figure out the characters and they relation to the main characters.
His Secret by Isabel Lucero
emotional
fast-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? It's complicated
5.0
I enjoyed the story of Adrian and Matias. These two men met in college their senior year. They were taking a class together and Adrian invited him to a party at his house. As they became friends Matias was extremely attracted to Adrian but assumed Adrian just wanted to be friends. Eventually Adrian confessed that he was attracted to Matias and these two then began a very secretive relationship since Adrian did not want others to know that he was gay. Their relationship is so sweet and loving and it seems like it’s destined for great things but then life intrudes and fast forward eight years and Adrian is married and assigned to work with Matias. Adrian really was one confused man who knew he was gay but had to pretend for his family and his wife. Now that he is back around Matias can he continue to hide who he is? Or will his desires make him become open to exploring a relationship out in the open as Matias is. My heart broke for Matias who had his heart broken by Adrian and then he became a cold, detached unemotional lover with his partners for fear of being hurt again. I loved the story, the characters and all their trials and tribulations. What an amazing love story.
The Way We Play: or Tempting the Kicker (The Bradford Boys) by Tia Louise
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
The Bradford clan is a large family of four brothers and one sister. Zane is the grumpy brother. Because of several losses, his job as kicker and causing his sister’s injury he’s a little bitter. He is not looking for love or relationship because he thinks he destroys everything. Now Rachel is the original Ms. Sunshine, she is happy and light. Now Rachel’s life is not necessarily easier she just deals with her loads in life differently. Rachel is currently taking care of her special needs brother because of how he was treated. Unfortunately there is history between Rachel’s father and Zane’s parents. So this little issue also cause some minor conflicts. This is a lighthearted feel good book. Especially when starts to fall in love with Zane and started to let go of his fears of also breaking and destroying things. Tia Louise is a new author to me and I’m eager to read about the remaining Bradford child especially because the banter between them was so hilarious.
By Blood to Avenge by Natasha Knight
dark
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
5.0
This is the second book in the Sinners Duet. This book begins where the first book ended with Blue being kidnapped after a car accident. Who has kidnapped her and what do they want and can Zeke get to her in time. Zeke was such a tough guy, so dark and troubled it was hard to believe he would allow himself to fall in love with Blue. Now Blue was spunky, courageous and brave. This book had some really dark moments and lots of gore and violence so please check the trigger warnings before reading. I enjoyed this couple and the plot was just amazing with lots of twists and turns and a great deal of suspense. This secret society was so detailed with all the intricate policies and expectations. I truly don’t know how Natasha Knight came up with this stuff. Excellent read if you like secret societies and dark romances.
The Breaking Point by Fallon Greer
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
This was a fun light hearted read. This is the story of Grace the hockey coach’s daughter and Brady a player and foster child of her parents. Grace is a young girl who was incredibly naive but deeply smitten with Brady. As a young teenager she followed him around and dressed to entice him. Brady noticed because he liked her too but he liked being with her family since he was cared for and had food to eat. His own mother was an alcoholic who neglected him and was unable to take care of him. The story is told using flashbacks to their teenage years, this is usually a literary device that I do not enjoy, but I understood the reasoning for using it in this book. I really liked Brady, he obviously cared a great deal for Grace and he really tried to protect her and keep her safe from himself. Grace’s infatuation with Brady made her do stupid and reckless things which made me annoyed with her. Grace’s father while he advocated for fostering Brady he really didn’t want him hanging around Grace and she knew this and her chasing him sometimes put Brady in difficult situations. I thought this book would be angsty it wasn’t. Grace’s pining for Brady and his for her just seemed very immature and could be easily solved by talking things out.