vera_allbookedup's reviews
1878 reviews

I am so excited to dive into the Cage Family world! If you have not read the prequel, "Before I Knew," have no fear since it is included. The family dynamics and the drama that ensued following the death of the Cage patriarch is sure to intrigue, but let's start with Aston Cage and Blakely Graves. They met via text message before the drama started, before the Cage brothers' world changed forever. She was mistakenly added to the Cage Family group chat (just how many did they need?!?!). They met in person, both wanting to see where things could go. Just when their story was starting, Aston's lifeas he knew it imploded. And that is also when Blakely's life changed as well. Having lost her job over her boss seeing her dance with Aston, she's relieved when James Cage hires her to work for them. She's bound to run into Aston. They have their share of ups and downs, misgivings, and sincere moments. The spice is spicing. The push and pull of the Cage family drama had the potential to break what they had going, but the chemistry and atrraction, the partnership and support between Blakely and Aston was what kept them going to their HEA. Emma Wilder and Jason Clarke brought all their talent into voicing these characters. They kept me listening from start to finish in a day and left me wanting more. I can't wait to see what comes next in this series!

I received an advance copy of the audiobook at my request and voluntarily left this review.

I’m a sucker for single dad romances. This one was all the more swoony because Henry adopted Bohdi. Sigh… Add in the elements of childhood best friends to lovers to second chances and I was in heaven. Jade and Henry had a long past together. After college they were going to move back to Chicago where he was recruited to play pro hockey. Or so Jade thought. Instead, Henry bought her a one-way ticket to Holland to pursue her dreams of capturing the world through her camera lens. Seeing that as the ultimate goodbye, Jade stayed away and only visited home sporadically. Now she’s back in town subbing at their elementary school in Bohdi’s classroom. The attraction is still there and everyone can clearly see that Jade and Henry belong together. Even Bohdi!

At first I was all kinds of big mad at Henry for making choices for Jade after college. But reading the back story and getting a better understanding of Jade made me understand her need to please, to make herself want less so that she would be loved more (thank father dearest for that). Henry understood from a young age that he need to let her go so that he could know for sure Jade was in a place where she was all in for her, not him. The chapters in Bohdi’s POV were cute!!! And his uncles… oh boy! No wonder Henry earned the nickname “Daddy” from his teammates!

Then add in the full cast of narrators to the audiobook and I had myself one of the swooniest, best, ultimate chefs’ kiss of my life!

I received an advance copy of this book at my request and voluntarily left this review.

Everly Kent is taking one last summer to relax and enjoy life before she starts adulting. She's keeping an eye her brother's house while he's out of town. When she's asked to check in on Jack Wyld who is recovering from an injury, things start to get interesting. He's growly, grumpy, and stubborn. There may be an age gap between them and he may be her brother's teammate with the Minnesota Wildcats but together they just make sense. Ev brings out a side of him few people see. Everly may be Tyler's little sister, "Little Sharpie" to his teammates, but to Jack she's something more. Together they just make sense.

CJ Bloom and Sebastian York as the narrators?!?!? Say Less!!! I am convinced SebYo could read the back of any box and I'll swoon. The way he personified Jack.... wow! And CJ as Ev? The banter between the characters was just much swoonier with this combo.

I received an advance copy of the audiobook at my request and voluntarily left this review.

This is my first book by the author and it definitely won’t be the last. Mason and Lana meet at a photo shoot.  The chemistry between was evident from the first moment they touched. Mason was completely enamored but Lana had some hang ups. She’s divorced, mother of two, with a psycho ex, and she’s 11 years older than Mason. Mason didn’t have a great childhood and his family consisted of people who didn’t share his blood. He was kind, respectful, compassionate, and loving. He was patient and supportive.  All the qualities that made him the perfect partner for Lana and her kids. I liked the progression of their relationship and the gradual acceptance the kids had for him. This was the perfect book to get a taste of this author’s work and I look forward to reading more. 

I received an advance copy of this book at my request and voluntarily left this review. 

3.5 stars!

Taryn has this deep seated hatred for James. He has gotten so far under her skin that it's all she can think about. When he becomes the boss, she could pretty much be fired for insubordination but she still continues to be employed. I got the feeling throughout the story that there was some past connection between James and Taryn, but Taryn lost some memories when the train wreck that took her parents also took her memories. This was a fast read. The banter between the characters was good. I love anything Christmas related so reading about this love/hate office romance combined with unsanctioned time off and a crazy road trip was a great way to get my holiday romance fix.

I received an advance copy of this book at my request and voluntarily left this review.

DNF

I so need Aston and Blakely’s story now. Since the Cages were introduced with Ford, they have intrigued me. I cannot wait to dive into this series. But most especially, I need more of Blakely and Aston. Texting an unknown number and then meeting was a unique way to get things started. Blakely needs resolution and so do I. Can’t wait to explore this relationship.