notguilty's reviews
1791 reviews

Protecting Mr. Fine by Lucy Lennox

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4.5

This is so on point. I loved growly, protective Ryan and his slightly chaotic, people-pleasing protectee, Zane.

Zane is delightful, though I too, want to scream with every ‘fine’ he utters!

It’s a bodyguard/protectee romance, but also, so much more. And it has a suspense element that really keeps you guessing and turning the pages.  I did slow a bit in the middle but otherwise, I really enjoyed the trajectory of their story.

I also really enjoyed the way the Bear facts podcast was woven into the story. It was a fantastic and fun element.

Also…Jude Marian…eeeeee

 
Winter Ends by Joelle Lynne

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4.0

Enemies to Lovers written so well that I struggled through the beginning. Shawn was so obnoxious I wanted to punch him as much as Daniel.

You need to read past that, because as expected, there is more to the story, and more to them.

The story really delves into self-worth, past trauma, and healing. And, of course, love. With a side of snowed-in cabin for the season!

A lot of heart went into this story.

 
Frost Impressions by Kelly Fox

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4.5

What a delight.  I love a story where grumps are really softies and the sunshiny is also dark. 

Gray and Sunny met at their worst. And to top it off Gray has to take Sunny in when his cabin roof collapses. 

It doesn’t take long for them to start peeling the layers back and see beneath that exterior. And it was wonderful. I especially enjoyed the way the community saw Gray, and how much they loved their grump. It was really special.

These are the kind of characters that will stick with me for a long while.

This story also had a lot of great lines! Here are a couple of my favs:

“Gray shook his head. “You two are the same person in different font.”

“But what I’m hearing you say is that we are both just really f*ing broken.”
Gray snorted. “Got my millionaire at a scratch and dent sale, folks.”

 
Celebrating the Season by Nora Phoenix

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4.5

This is a deliciously naughty and sweet holiday story with another gorgeous Forestville silverfox.

What starts as a sexy holiday hook quickly turns into something important. Except it takes them a bit to truly acknowledge it. In the process they hold up in a snowy cabin sharing their art, eating good food and working out A LOT!

Santa Ellery definitely approves.
Heath by R.M. Neill

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4.5

This may be my favourite of the series. Heath is absolutely precious and you can totally see why everyone on the ranch adores him, and his open acceptance of people makes him the perfect partner for Marko.

Marko is struggling with the choices of his father, as well as his own, and he needs someone who can see him for himself and who he’s become. But Heath does more than just see him. He takes care of him.

It’s such a sweet story full of adorable dates and so much love.

I definitely won’t look at a peacock the same again!

 
Deck the Palms by Annabeth Albert

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4.0

I love stories that have a character discovering a new path or dream. 

Nolan comes to Hawaii out of obligation to his family, putting his dreams of stardom and accolades on hold. What he discovers is a place where he belongs, makes a difference and falls in love.

Despite Hawaii not being his first choice, you have to give him credit, he put his whole self into his new role. Granted he also had a particularly grumpy and sweet Merry by his side.

And two especially wild but fantastic twins to keep them both on their toes.

Such a heartfelt romance, and I really loved the setting, especially at Christmas, it was great to hear about different traditions and food, even if it did make me extremely hungry!!

 
Good Pucking Luck by Riley Hart

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5.0

This was fun and playful even though it touched on some serious feelings of hurt and inadequacy. The chemistry between Hayes and Rylan was fantastic and made them a joy to read.

Poor Hayes deserves to be adored and seen for himself, and though you’d never expect it to come from a hockey star, they are perfect together.  Rylan is vibrant, warm and so much fun. And his support and care for Hayes was superb.

And the Jilted Exes Club is a great premise for a series. The jerk at least had good taste in partners. 

 
Fake It For Christmas by Raleigh Ruebins

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4.0

A cute and fun holiday romance about Shane who desperately wants to win a competition to be on Fixer Brothers. 

Enter Rowen who offers to fake a relationship. Rowen is laying low and licking his wounds after things go awry in New York.

I enjoyed their getting to know each other and falling in love while faking a relationship. It’s a classic trope for a reason, and the Fixer adjacent aspect is cute. 

 
No Business Like Snow Business by J.A. Rock, Lisa Henry

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5.0

Obsessed. Like I would totally read a serial series of Harvey and Sterling sleuthing out mysteries.  My younger Nancy Drew-loving self had so much fun. It perfectly suited them both and was such a terrific way to bring them together.

And trust me, no one was fooled as to why Sterling was really looking for his long (literally) lost Uncle. 

Harvey is super adorable, especially when he rambles on about Christmas facts. And watching super posh Sterling fall in love with Christmas Falls was spectacular.  They really are a perfect couple.

I also really enjoyed how the sleuthing brought us around our Christmas-obsessed town, and we got to meet lots a great personalities.

Now seriously, I would love for them to have more stories!!

 
Ice & Sweet by Charlie Novak

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4.5

So cute and swoony.

Andre and Luke share something similar.  They’ve both reinvented themselves after celebrity status. Older and wiser, and still crushing on each other years later.

They reconnect when Andre swoops in to save Luke from a flat tire in a snowstorm on the way to their friend's wedding. Swoon. Anyone else have a competency kink?

What transpires is a really sweet reunion where they can finally explore their feelings freely. And boy do they!! *fans self* 

Complete with snowball fights, mulled wine and lots of cake, you have a masterful holiday romance that will melt the snow.