romanticread's reviews
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This is my first Locke book and there were things that I enjoyed and things that I was only OK with. I was interested in Jay’s path as he worked his way through his problems. I felt for him, for the heartache he’d gone through, and his hesitation to get involved again. But the pull to Gabrielle and her sons was just too strong.

I did feel like there could have been some more time spent addressing the issues with Gabrielle’s oldest, regarding his dad as well as a new relationship for his mom. There’s a lot of mental health that could have been explored that I felt was only partially done.

Speaking of the kids, Dylan is pretty much the teen you would expect in his situation, a little sullen and walking that line between kid & adult. Carter is just downright adorable – cute, spunky, and fun. His interactions with Jay were some of my favorites. Gabrielle is a great mom, caring and thoughtful. She does a lot to help them as well as her friends & Jay.

As a first read for this author, I’m satisfied. The characters are interesting, their issues feel realistic, and the pacing is even. It’s a slow burn, angsty, and humorous with a satisfying HEA.

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

Minor spoilers ahead … maybe … not sure ...

This is the first book by Fox that I’ve read and the first chapter had me uncertain about what I was in for. But I loved the way Kess thought of Rowdy and the flirty – and naughty – interactions between the two. After that, there was no way I wasn’t going to keep reading :)

They’ve been dancing around each other for a long time but Kess has decided it’s finally time to do something about it. And the more he interacts with Rowdy, the more he discovers. And the more he wants to discover. With love, patience, and care, he gets to the heart of the man he’s coming to love.

Rowdy struggled so much with the scars from his childhood as well as the understanding & acceptance of his sexuality. And to protect himself he’s created this persona that hides the real him. He has people that love him and people that he loves, but even the ones closest to him don’t know his secrets. But once Kess decides to find out his truths, he has to decide how much he’s willing to trust him.

Pure Country is jam packed with enjoyable characters – from Kess and Rowdy, Emery & Woody & Stevie, to Jaxson & Skylar (so looking forward to his story with Kit!). Fox does a wonderful job of developing them and giving them time to come into themselves, which leads to so many swoony, steamy, funny moments. Found another author whose works are going onto my TBR list!

(There’s a lot here that I’m probably not the person to talk about. Sexuality is individual and the spectrum is wide & ever changing and it is awesome to have this reflected in stories. But since I’m not a member of the community, I can’t say that the representation in this book is well done or not, although other reviews suggest it is. I can say I LOVED that the representation is there at all and how it covers so much with care. It’s refreshing to see it handled in what feels like a straightforward, honest, and heartfelt manner.)

**I received  a complimentary  copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely  my own.**

I’ve only read a couple of Wolf’s books and like with those I really enjoyed her characters (but this time I never felt the need to give them a stern talking to). Hanna is dealing with grief, hurt from a broken relationship, and ADHD. But putting one foot in front of the other, she’s getting better. I appreciate how he recognizes things that are difficult or hurtful for her and has learned to handle them. She’s strong, sassy, and loving.

Remi is pretty dang awesome too. He understands all the various Kellys and why they react to him the way they do. He’s a good man but I do wish that he’d gotten some help with his issues. I think it would have been nice to make therapy more common for characters who have experienced the things he has. He’s got a lot to come to terms with and talking with a professional would go a long way. I mean, he’s awfully well adjusted for everything that’s happened to him.

While there is a romantic suspense element to the story, I don’t think it is a big enough part to truly satisfy someone looking for it. But readers do need to be aware because there is danger and mystery in the story. Just not a central part :) (There’s a few moments with the dialogue and the more … um, “flowery” moments that might not be everyone’s cuppa as well so just a couple of heads up things.)

I enjoyed it tho – the steam, the feels, and the supportive family & friends. From the few that I’ve read, Wolf’s writing is pretty on point. She delivers characters that have their issues, good points, and flaws. And while the story isn’t necessarily fast paced, it’s a satisfying trip as Remi and Hannah go from enemies to friends to lovers to more.

**I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.**

Oh my goodness, I couldn’t have loved these two together more! Winnie is fabulous and outrageous and so dang joyous. He loudly embraces life with energy & enthusiasm, finding delight in things big and small. He may be feeling a little down lately but he’s not going to let it defeat him, instead uses it as an opportunity to revamp himself.

And that radiance is a great foil for Alistair who tends to get caught up in his work and forget the rest of the world even exists. Winnie lets him for a little while but soon has him out seeing the sights of Paris, while getting to know each other. He may not know what Winnie sees in him at first but it doesn’t take him long to fall under Winnie’s spell, just like us.

Winnie Takes Paris is full of heat, humor, and heart. These two couldn’t be more different but complement each other so well – Alistair supports Winnie when he has doubts and Winnie reminds him that there is more to life than his studies. We could all do with someone who matches with us that well.

**part of a series but can stand on its own easily**

(I received  a complimentary  copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely  my own.)

While it really isn’t necessary to read any of the other books in the series to enjoy this one, returning readers are going to love how far Keegan has come and that he gets to explore his attraction to Kerry. He’s finally at the point in his recovery that he’s starting to embrace himself fully, not without some self-doubt and thanks to the support of those that love, but he’s getting there. He’s worked so hard for this and been thru so much that it makes this story so much sweeter.

Kerry has also been struggling after his sister’s murder and the death of his father. He’s never quite worked thru them and it’s colored all of his relationships in the decades since. He’s a stand up guy but one that isn’t willing to open himself up to others … until Keegan. He doesn’t handle things well once his heart starts getting involved but that’s to be expected. And when he steps up he goes all in!

Every time I think I’ve found my favorite of Walker’s couples a new book comes along and I fall all over again. Once we get over the back and forth of Kerry struggling with his feelings, these two are adorable together. Unfortunately we only get snippets (like their first date) but I’m only upset because they are so sweet and how come we can’t have more of that? Unlike some of the previous stories we don’t get a lot of a suspense element, but I didn’t really miss it and just enjoyed the more intimate look of two guys trying to find their footing together.

(There’s an end of the year novella coming soon and I’m ready to get my hands on it. The sooner the better because Sven is going to be ah-some!)

**I received  a complimentary  copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely  my own.**

Brooks continues all the hijinks and fun from Adventures of a Bookworm and I’m here for every moment. It looks like Paige’s adventures will find their resolution at the end of the next book, but as readers have come to expect it isn’t going to be smooth sailing for our heroine. And as with the first book, she meets fantastic new people and gets into one hilarious situation after another.

Paige’s friends, old and new, are an eclectic group – from a dom billionaire to a furry real estate agent, Paige brings them all together with love & acceptance and they repay her in kind. Her openness and willingness to try new things is delightful … and leads to more than one mishap.

I will admit that there were a few times where I wasn’t thrilled with the direction things took but Brooks is a skilled writer and had me back on board within just a few pages. She delivers quirky fun, humorous moments, and a surprising amount of growth. Is it realistic? No. Is it entertaining? Oh, yes! I am so glad I found this delightful little rom-com. I’m not usually a fan of books that have a cliffhanger but for Paige I’m more than willing and looking forward to more.

(I received  a complimentary  copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely  my own.)

I enjoyed the heck out of Miles & Brooke’s journey. He’s so supportive of her – helping her when she needs it, making sure that everyone knows how amazing she is, and taking delight in her successes. Big ol’ cinnamon roll and I’m here for the way he loves. She’s there to show him support as well, cheering him on and believing in him. Both are coming into their own, with him stepping up as a leader of the team and her finding a path that fulfills her and makes her happy.

But as much as I love them and was super excited to see them find that HEA, I did have a few issues. I felt like there needed to be a bit more to address the issues Jay had with the pair together, even if just a heartfelt conversation to address it. And with everything coming at Miles, I felt like everyone should have shown him more support than they did. For them to be so close, there needed to be a little less doubt. And while I understand Brooke’s issues, this was about him and he needed both her & the guys during that time.

Lawson wraps things up so well, tying up everything in a way that had me grinning (well, more of a smirk than a grin) and I’m so excited to see what she has in store next. Looks like it’s going to be Chloe and Jay, lots of secrets waiting to be revealed :)

**I received a complimentary  copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely  my own.**

Isaac and Jamie have been best friends for 3 years, but one night changes everything as they start to see each other in a different way. I feel like it might need a warning that this is VERY low angst. Just a super sweet (and funny and steamy) story of two best friends realizing, and working thru, their attraction for each other. It’s a lot of bi-awakening and exploration of their sexuality, and thanks to their deep friendship and support from a close friend group its not a difficult transition.

It’s Complicated is not going to be for everyone, and that’s ok, I really enjoyed these two together. They have typical bro moments while also being super supportive, pushing where needed or just being there for each other when things are tough. This is my first book by Dixon so I’m not sure how normal this is for her. But if this is any indication I’m going to have to add some books to my TBR.

(I received a complimentary  copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely  my own.)

I ah-dored Destiny and Fletch together. She’s over-the-top sunshiny happiness and he’s a reserved grump who just needs to be reminded to loosen up and enjoy life a little more. Together they are sassy, funny, sweet, and sexy.

Destiny is so upbeat, go-with-the-flow, sweet, and fun. She embraces life in such a big way that it’s enviable. And she doesn’t let much get her down, even Fletch at his grumpiest.

Fletch may be set in his ways but he’s a good man, which is obvious by how much he loves his dog … and they way he steps in to help Destiny when she needs it. His life just needs a little shaking up and Destiny is the woman to do it.

We know where this is going, THEY know where this is going if they are honest with themselves, and they do get there. And surprisingly with a minimal amount of drama along the way. Instead it’s a story full of so much sweetness, humor, and spice, with a supportive, loving, fun group of people who open their arms, welcoming Destiny into their lives, and are there when she needs them. Including, and most especially, Fletch as he shows her all those things that she should be putting on her perfect man list.

**I received a complimentary  copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely  my own.**

Merry Kissmass is mostly light-hearted, with a few moments of seriousness as we get to know Pierce a little more, and definitely contains more than a hint of insta-love. Readers need to be OK with that, because the holidays really do work their magic as Brynn & Pierce reconnect and fall in love all over again. Piper Rayne gave me exactly what I was looking for in an end of year romance – holiday fun, stickily sweet with family hijinks, all tied up with a HEA bow.

(Part of a series but can totally stand on its own.)

**I received a complimentary  copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.**