romanticread's reviews
1061 reviews

**slight, kinda, sorta spoilers ahead**

I love Henley! She’s smart, sassy, and emotionally mature. She does have some issues from her childhood but she recognizes them. I know that some didn’t like the way she put up with Easton’s waffling (and boy does he run hot & cold) but I took it more like she was doing her and letting him do him.

And he does him all over the place. The man definitely fights his attraction to Henley, not wanting to take the chance of endangering his heart. It can be frustrating but with the help of his family he eventually figures things out.

Speaking of family. Cutler is an adorable kid, and I loved him from the Magnolia Falls series, but … I don’t know. Having him deliver these life lessons was a bit much. They were things that needed to be said and realizations that needed to happen but having them come from a kid … I did appreciate that therapy played a strong part in the story and the characters traumas are addressed. I love that authors are normalizing talking to professionals.

I really like Pavlov’s writing. She delivers such easy reads with depth and characters that I want to get to know better. I’ve enjoyed the couple of books that I’ve read so far and I’m looking forward to more in this series.

**I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**

Deke Me was the first of Readnour’s books that I’ve read and I enjoyed the heck out of it. Face Me Off takes place about the same time frame with related characters. And while you don’t HAVE to have read the first book there were a few moments that would make a bit more sense afterward – only because both Maddy & Ryan are friends with Amanda & Blake so some of their romance is mentioned here.

I felt like this one has a bit more steam than the previous one – I mean it does start as a “with benefits” situation so you gotta have those bennies, right? But I still loved the characters. Both are struggling with balancing what they want against the expectations of others. They also have some history together that has left them with hurt feelings and baggage. It’s a nice little Romeo & Juliet story – with a better ending, of course.

I did have some issues tho. While Readnour gives us some delightful characters, and I found Ryan’s cheekiness and confidence appealing, if I had to hear about the size of his package one more time …. it wasn’t even him! Yes, honey, I’m thrilled for you. There was also some overuse of metaphors and similes. It can make the writing interesting but if there are so many that I notice how often “like” and “as” are used then it might be a bit much.

These are nitpicky things but the one that I think needed a bit more development were Maddy’s parents. Are they caring parents that just didn’t understand their daughter? Were they looking out for the family and doing what they thought was best for everyone? Are they rich aholes? I wanted to understand them but I just never could get a good feel for them and in this case it’s really important.

But Readnour’s writing is smooth, her books move quickly, and are easy to read. Her characters are interesting, fun, and have a conflict that may be somewhat predictable but it isn’t heavy handed or overdone. Based on these two books I am definitely going to keep an eye out on the next one in this series and will be adding some of the others to my TBR pile.

**I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**

**a few slight spoilers ahead**

I know that not everyone enjoys an insta-love story but I like that Carr makes it a thing for all the guys. That it’s something that runs in the family with their parents being the first. Now it isn’t love at first sight for Levi and Kasi, but Levi just needed to really see Kasi as all grown up for it to hit. After that, it’s all over and we just need to wait for Kasi to catch up :)

Now, I like Levi but he’s definitely a bit … alpha? One of the things that bothers me is that Kasi has an issue when one guy treats her like “the little woman” but she’s ok when Levi does it? Complete with being told what to do and consequences? Sure, it could be because she loves and trusts him and he realizes that she’s strong on her own but … I don’t know. Maybe it just needed a little something to make that distinction a bit clearer.

And Kasi is strong. She’s been trying to keep her family and their farm going for months, all by herself. But she’s finally at the breaking point. Unfortunately she’s got a lot of pride that keeps her from asking for help from her friends. Until it gets to the point that she literally falls into Levi’s arms. And he’s not taking no for an answer *whew*

It’s obvious that someone’s trying to take advantage of Kasi. I mean he might as well be twirling his mustache and rubbing his hands together as he manipulates things. He’s just that over the top. But I do like the way that things get resolved – so satisfying!

This is only the second book by Carr I’ve read and I’m loving this one too. There were a few things that got to me but overall it is just great! It’s steamy, sweet, and an easy read.

**I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**

So I enjoyed the crap out of this story but I’m not sure how much more I would have loved it if I’d read the first book in the series. There were a few plot holes & some character development that I might have gotten if I’d met them before. But based on what I got as a first read, it was still well worth it.

Chastity has scars gotten at the hands of her father (this is one of those places where I don’t think I got enough detail but may have better understood with her brother’s story). She’s spent years emphasizing her brains, not her femininity, hoping that she’d find someone who valued her as she was. But it’s left her alone, awkward, and looked over.

Lucian’s parents were horrible, to him and to each other. To outrun the pain and wounds that their actions & words left him with, he has turned himself into a devil-may-care rake. Someone that makes no attachments, locks his heart down, making sure that he cannot be hurt or commit any harm to others.

I loved these two together and my heart broke for them both, for their pasts and the present. There’s so many ups and downs for them as they figure out if they can let the pain, the scars, of their past go and take the chance on a future. It’s scary, painful, but totally worth it if they are brave. And I’m here for every moment of it.

**I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**

I didn’t know going in that this was a novella and I think that probably influenced how I felt about it. I loved Xander & Rachel and the relationship they created together. But my biggest issue, being such a short story that I enjoyed that much, is I wanted SO much more!

Xander is known for his temper, on and off the ice, but he’s not a bad guy. He usually gets in trouble standing up for himself and his teammates. And once he meets Rachel and her son, he finds himself standing up for them too.

Rachel is a good mom with a terrible ex. She’s making sacrifices to make her son happy and trying her best to limit the fall out from her ex’s bad behavior. The last thing she has time for is her son’s sexy new coach. But he’s not one to give up.

I would have loved to see more of the reforming of the bad boy. He immediately feels this pull towards Rachel and as they get to know each other he shows himself to be a good man. He takes care of her when she needs it, supports her, and respects her. He’s an amazing boyfriend and I really just wanted more of it!

I definitely think that if I’d known that this was a novella my attitude would have been different as I read their story. It’s smooth, flows well, and is believable with likable characters – everything that makes for a great read. It’s because I liked them so much, I enjoyed their story, that I was looking for more out of it, that extra detail and development. Make it a full length story and you're getting 5*s from me. 

**I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**

I was so happy to see Henry find his HEA. He’s such an old soul – serious about his family, his friends, and his sport. He was such a delightful part of Mr. Heartbreaker as he provided guidance and a level-head to the others. They call him Daddy for a reason (and not an “ewww” one) as he’s the father figure to more in the group than just Bodhi. But now that he’s got a second chance with the only woman he’s ever loved, their love & attraction still as strong as ever, he’s struggling to take it slow :)

While his connection to Jade is lovely, it’s his obvious love and care for Bodhi that is swoony. Bodhi is just as much an old soul as Henry but with the enthusiasm of a child. I loved getting his side in a few chapters and it is relatable how badly he wants a woman’s influence in his life. Enter Jade as his substitute teacher – obviously someone important to his dad in the past – what could be better?

I feel for Jade. I totally understand why she’s stayed away for so long and why she’s hesitant to see Henry again, knowing how strong her feelings for him are still. It had to be hard balancing that pull with trying to figure out where she’s going with her life. Now she’s finding herself at a crossroads again, unsure of who she wants to be, and realizing that their feelings for each other are still just as strong as ever … Can they make it work?

Looking from the outside I think there could have been a better way to handle it all those years ago, but I get where they are coming from and why they would think the way they did. While I don’t feel like Jade’s issues were completely resolved, and I really needed that clarity moment about whether staying is right, I know we’ll see more of them over the next couple of books to get some of those answers.

Seeing them together tho is *chefs kiss*

I love the guys in The Nest – the way they each have their strengths that they bring to the group and how they are there to support one another, never failing to show up, from listening & providing advice to giving each other heck to being there for Bodhi. It’s sweet and wholesome and I love seeing them find someone to share their lives with, bringing them into the fold. I’m so looking forward to what’s coming next for them!

**I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**

There were things I enjoyed about this book and things that weren’t my favorite. The characters were amazing, all of them, and the best thing about the book. I loved them all and couldn’t wait to get to know them better.

Bodhi and Mason have a special bond (although I would have loved to see more of them together) and the friends they’ve met have become a second family. The found family aspect is beyond sweet and just tugs at the heartstrings, especially as we get to know Mason’s history.

From the moment Mason meets Lana, he knows that she’s the one for him. The insta-love may not be for everyone but I found it sweet. Especially as Mason woos her, helps with her kids, and shows them that they are loved & important. It’s not all smooth sailing, but with good communication and patience they’ll figure it out.

On the lesser side, this is my first book in this series so I’m not sure how much of it would have been different if I’d read any of the others. While I loved their support for Mason and Lana, it did leave me confused about all the different people and how they relate to each other. Because I loved so much of the rest of the story, I think I probably should have just read the others first … more books for my TBR :)

**I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**

I’m not a huge fan of romances where both characters have feelings for each other but they feel like they have to hide it for some reason. I understand where they are coming from, and it is definitely hard to put yourself out there, but it can get a little old after a while.

I think that Peterson does a great job with her story though. Pacing is well done, with a good flow from friendship to something more. The characters are believable in their actions & feelings and the way they approach a change in their relationship as well. So while it isn’t my personal favorite, I feel like it will delight those that enjoy that kind of thing.

While Wyatt wasn’t quite the home run for me that Cash was, I did enjoy it a whole heck of a lot. Peterson gives us another dirty talking Rivers cowboy and a sassy woman to keep him on his toes. The relationship between Sally and Wyatt is the sweetest – the connection they have and their history together – and I was so happy for them to figure things out.

**I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**

This is the first by Berry that I’ve read and I doubt it’ll be the last. Her writing is well-paced and her characters are fun. Both Markus & Adam went through things in their childhoods because of their sexuality, but even tho it didn’t leave them unscathed they aren’t going to let it get them down. Both have become good men – sweet, caring, and giving.

They find themselves connecting pretty much right away as it seems like life keeps throwing them together. There’s a little bit of a dance as they feel each other out, deciding if they are willing to take a chance on their attraction, but they soon become friends and maybe even something more. As long as they are willing to take that chance.

While I enjoyed Markus and Adam’s story, I do really wish they’d done a bit more talking. There’s a little bit of angst, most of which could have been avoided with a few questions from one or the other of them. But even that was a minor complaint. In general, it was a really smooth and easy read with lots of feel good moments flowing into a HEA ending.

**I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**

Hayes latest is a fun, sweet, and humorous holiday romance. When Hudson first meets Moody, he’s funny, upbeat, and quirky. They spend a couple of days together, and one steamy evening, before Hudson heads back home … with a warning from Moody not to come back until January.

December Moody is very different from every other month Moody. While he’s a little bah humbug-y, he’s not horrible about it. He still finds things he enjoys, is willing to help friends and family, and makes his bookstore a welcoming place (in an entertaining way by bringing the opposite of the rest of the town’s Christmas cheer). We find out eventually why he has such an issue with the month, and its understandable why the month isn’t his favorite.

Hudson is smitten after his first visit and just as smitten with grumpy Moody. He slowly and carefully brings Moody back around to enjoying the holiday season again – from convincing him to go tree shopping to making a gingerbread house. He’s sensitive to Moody’s feelings but also sees hints that suggest that Moody isn’t as sour on the season as he wants people to think he is.

So far I have loved everything I’ve read from Hayes. It’s her characters that keep me coming back over and over again. Only one hasn’t been my cup of tea but even he was interesting & well developed and I enjoyed the heck out of his story. Hayes is a favorite and I look forward to every book that she comes out with.

**I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**