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vicki_williams's reviews
2706 reviews
Paper Roses by Lily Morton
funny
inspiring
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Fantastic end to a wonderful series.
I loved every moment of Jed and Artie’s story. These two wonderful men had me hooked from the very beginning and both of them have burrowed into my heart. Artie is clever, funny, super sweet with some sassiness to balance it all out. Jed is still in mourning and that grief has held him back from forming a close relationship with another. When circumstances have him becoming Artie’s fake husband feelings eventually happen. The road to their HEA does have a few pot holes along the way but nothing that derails them from their goal.
This very enjoyable and engaging read has plenty of humour, sass and banter. Add in some steamy mixed with sweet, a plot that gave me plenty of laughs and some feels along the way including the bonus of a cameo from some Cornwall friends, I was left a very happy and satisfied when I closed my kindle.
Handy by K.M. Neuhold
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
This is another wonderful low angst steamy read from KM Neuhold. Handyman Griff is the grumpiest grumpy bear to have ever grumped whilst Ledger, a park ranger, is full of energy and sunshine. These neighbours have an introduction to each other that is certainly a bit different. When circumstances lead to Griff spending a lot of time with Ledger it quickly leads to plenty of no strings attached steamy times.
It takes time for Griff to appreciate that he is basically very lonely but there’s underlying reasons why he is so closed off. Of course he is by nature a grump so that doesn’t change at all but Ledger adores him as he is. I loved how Ledger knew what his touch starved grump needed, never pushed him and loved Griff wholeheartedly. It was heartwarming to see Griff become a tiny bit more social and bring colour into his life with Ledger by his side. Their HEA left me with a big goofy smile on my face and a warm and happy. The Big Bull Construction crew are in attendance and some characters from other series make appearances in this thoroughly enjoyable and engaging romance.
A Simple Mistake by Alice Winters
adventurous
funny
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Fantastic start to a new series.
Once again the dependable Alice Winters has gifted us with another incredible read. Liam is very much a “morally grey” character filled with sarcasm whilst Gabriel is a sunshiney person full of goodness. They work together as homicide detectives until circumstances see them parting ways. When Gabriel’s life is in danger, Liam returns to the Police Department to get his man back alive. Although only Liam knows that Gabriel is his man. There’s plenty of snark and humour balanced with some action and drama and a slow burn romance beautifully entwined between these elements. The intriguing plot had me pulled in from the very first line and kept me engaged to the last. It also kept me guessing and certainly had me thinking “ohh, plot twist”. There’s plenty of side characters to keep things interesting but I especially loved Lucille Pawl who absolutely oozes attitude! I can’t wait for more in the Deadly Mistakes series.
Reckless Hearts by Jax Calder
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Wow, just wow. What a ride Seb and Marcus took me on. There’s plenty of angst along the way which meant some tears and an ending that warmed my heart (cue happy tears) as these two wonderfully imperfect men struggled and fought hard for their HEA. A HEA that was years in the making. This author certainly knows how to weave a story with strongly developed characters and a compelling narrative that grabbed my attention immediately and wouldn’t let me go. This is the story of a broken man and “just two imperfect people loving each other” that is worthy of more than 5 stars.
Not Catching Love by Saxon James
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
5.0
What a way to farewell the Bertha House and all its occupants.
Zander and Derek finally get their story told and what a story it is. Zander’s life is ruled by his anxiety whether it be catastrophizing, negative thoughts or crippling health anxiety. He not only has Seven and Molly to help him when an attack occurs but also local pharmacy nurse Derek. Unfortunately for Derek his life has become centred around Zander and his panic attacks. That in itself is not healthy for him but professional ethical boundaries also need to be considered. Zander’s highs and lows can be a bit confronting and Derek is such a calming and soothing influence, eventually though Derek has to make some difficult decisions regarding himself and his career and whilst the issue of Zander refusing to seek professional help causes some angst.
It’s not an easy journey these two men must travel, separately and together, to get their well deserved and longed for HEA. I felt all the highs and lows with them, enjoyed the personal growth Zander experienced and loved the connection between them which developed further over time. Although sad to see the Bertha House come to a close my heart was so happy with the outcome of Zander and Derek’s story and I was definitely smiling at the end.
How to Hack a Hellhound by Shannon Mae
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.5
Quinton (Q) is prickly, snarky, sassy and full of attitude and I just loved him. His backstory is not pretty but even he admits to having a bad attitude before things turned ugly. Fortunately Liam is also somewhat quirky so these two wonderful characters made for a perfect match. Liam’s controlled nature was the perfect foil to Q’s grumpiness. His somewhat limited understanding of humans makes for some interesting and endearing moments which had me laughing.
The road to their HEA does have some angst due to external influences, there’s plenty of cuddles balanced perfectly with steam and lots of moments that had me giggling as I devoured this wonderfully entertaining and engaging read. I was left with a big smile on my face at the end and I can’t wait for the next instalment where Aidan and Atlas get their story told.
Snowbirds by Elle Keaton
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
I really enjoyed this engaging novella set in a 50 and over community in Arizona. The descriptive writing of this talented author had me definitely feeling the Arizona sunshine, gossiping about the neighbours and wanting to enjoy a vodka lemonade out on the patio. These are experiences that Hatch and Ivan get to enjoy/suffer through as well as motorcycle gang encounters, scary taxidermy and naughty ceramic frogs. These two wonderful men have known each other in a working capacity for years but when Hatch is made to go on vacation Ivan decides to follow him so he can woo him. Ivan’s wooing leads to a heartwarming HEA that left me smiling. I loved Hatch’s parents who live in the community and the visual of leather and combat boots wearing Ivan in a suit! This is part of the Reclaimed Hearts series and I definitely feel like a reread is now in order.
The Best Man's Secret by Ana Ashley
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
This third instalment in the Spencer Brothers series is just as entertaining and engaging as the previous books. Adam and River are two very likeable characters who have been besties forever. Their friendship means the world to both of them but when Adam is jilted on his wedding day it causes a series of events that are life changing for not only himself but also for River.
The story telling ability of this author weaves a beautiful tale of love with a dash of angst and plenty of sizzling chemistry that when ignited leads to steam and sweetness. Of course the brothers and their partners from the previous books play a major role as Adam and River make their way to a well deserved HEA. I enjoyed the fact that Adam embraced the emergence of his awakened desires without drama and that even though it took a little bit of time, he and River were able to communicate maturely about the changes in their relationship and act accordingly. I had the biggest cheesiest smile on my face at the end!
Silent Knight by Davidson King
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.5
This is a super quick read featuring Ezra, Senon and some villainous demons.
Ezra lives his life doing the best he can and being the best he can. Circumstances have part demon/part angel Senon finally revealing himself to Ezra as the being that has protected him all his life. So begins a battle against the evildoers for Ezra and Senon where difficult decisions need to be made before they get their HEA. With some drama/action and a steamy scene this makes for a very enjoyable quick and easy read with a very satisfying ending.
Frederick by Taylor Rylan
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
Enjoyable fated mates romance
Frederick and Dominic do not have the perfect meet cute. It’s very much the opposite with Frederick’s initial reaction leaving Dominic with a very poor first impression of him. As both have some maturity under their belt, they soon communicate and discuss the issue thoroughly and thoughtfully together prior to their claiming. Once claimed the heat rises and there’s plenty of steam mixed with sweet. The investigation that lead these two wonderful men into each other’s orbit also has a major breakthrough regarding one of the villains.
I found this to be a very enjoyable reading experience as was expected - likeable characters, low angst and steamy with an HEA that left me feeling happy.