4.5 stars - Leave it to Sara Cate to mix the kink and pregnancy tropes together in a way that had me sold. We've met Sadie as the partner at Sage's cl4.5 stars - Leave it to Sara Cate to mix the kink and pregnancy tropes together in a way that had me sold. We've met Sadie as the partner at Sage's club. Sadie is currently in grad school finishing up her business degree, and needs an english credit that lands her in Professor Lucas' class. The chemistry between these two is clear, but all that takes a backseat when Sadie ends up pregnant from a one night stand. She feels like her life is spiraling, and Luke has his reasons for wanting to take care of someone. What better way to satisfy both of their needs than for Sadie to move in and get some more "personal" tutoring from the good professor?
Sadie and Luke's dynamic was interesting, in that it started out as a non-physical Dom/sub relationship which was nice to see. They both had reasons for engaging in this dynamic, and it suited both of their needs. Of course, adding in the intimacy aspect elevated their connection, and the author did a good job at showing why Sadie and Luke were good for each other.
Romance aside - there were some reveals in this book that made my heart warm! If you've read the series, then this book will be satisfying to you in terms of the Goode family dynamic.
This is the last book in a trilogy, you must read Vicious Bonds/Wicked Ties first.
This was a great ending to Caz and Willow’s romance, as well as This is the last book in a trilogy, you must read Vicious Bonds/Wicked Ties first.
This was a great ending to Caz and Willow’s romance, as well as their quest to save Vakeeli! I love when pieces come together in a series, as it was gratifying when certain plot points/characters were revealed. Caz and Willow fought hard for their peace and happiness, and the ending was so fitting for them.
Definitely pick up this romantasy trilogy, it’s easy to follow, the world building was great, and each book kept me engaged!...more
I don’t have words to describe how much I enjoyed Wyatt and Dakota’s romance! These two were best friends growing up, but one summer he cuts off contaI don’t have words to describe how much I enjoyed Wyatt and Dakota’s romance! These two were best friends growing up, but one summer he cuts off contact and they don’t speak again until now, three years later. Wyatt is now a popular NHL player and single dad to an adorable little girl, and Dakota is one of the best (if not only) woman bull riders on the circuit right now. Wyatt and his daughter are back for the summer, and he’s here to make amends to finally get the girl of his dreams!
I love when a guy pines after a woman who has no clue her bestie loves her. While Dakota might’ve once seen Wyatt as her summer boy, he is ALL man now. Despite Dakota’s grudge, it wasn’t hard for them to fall back into their routine because they knew each other so well. Wyatt came back into Dakota’s life at a time where she needed a safe place to be cared for and encouraged. Likewise, Dakota showed Wyatt that her love didn’t come with conditions because she quickly fell in love with his daughter, Vienna, knowing that they were a package deal.
There were so many little things that made my heart warm (Wyatt’s closeness with his moms, Dakota’s tough but cuddly dad), as well as made me blush (“keep those boots on”). Definitely pick this one up because it had all the things I love about a single dad/small town romance!
TROPES: single dad, small town, childhood best friends to lovers (with a little dislike from her in between), heavy pining/“it’s always been you, she’s a bull rider, she’s the grump, forced proximity/roommates, no 3rd act breakup...more
4.5 stars - Didn’t know I needed Boner’s story until now! The love he had for Blue, and the lengths they went to protect each other, had me eating the4.5 stars - Didn’t know I needed Boner’s story until now! The love he had for Blue, and the lengths they went to protect each other, had me eating their book up. Blue’s past has made her hesitant to Boner and the type of loyalty and family that comes with him and the Fallen MC. No matter how bad things got, or how scared Blue was, Boner never gave up because he knew deep down that their love could be forever if she let it.
The MC action in this one was good as always! The author has been weaving a storyline throughout most of the books that seems to grow in intricacy, especially after this book. Both old and new enemies have arisen, and I can’t wait to see how it plays out in the next book!
The Fallen MC is an addictive series, and I enjoyed catching up with the other couples!
Also - the author was absolutely correct in saying we’ve met the heroine before, and I love how sneakily she wove that aspect into Asking for Trouble! ...more
I’ll be parked in the front row for the rest of Luna Lark’s debut shifter series (Luna Lark is Veronica Eden’s paranormal pen name).
Caden and Avery hI’ll be parked in the front row for the rest of Luna Lark’s debut shifter series (Luna Lark is Veronica Eden’s paranormal pen name).
Caden and Avery have known each other since they were young but after a heartbreaking “betrayal” between their families, Avery and her sisters are treated like the bottom of the pack, and Caden eventually takes over as Alpha for his dad.
Avery is used to being the outcast of the pack, but it’a 10x worse when her wolf is reawakened and she realizes Caden is her fated mate. Rejecting their connection to maintain the status quo, both Caden and Avery are left heartbroken until Caden starts groveling and begging Avery to give him a second chance. And once he is all in, he’s all in and they were so cute together. The author did a great job at building their connection, while also ensuring Avery made Caden work for her forgiveness. The spice was spicin, so 10/10 for that.
I can’t wait for the next book. There’s some unresolved pack drama that seems like it’ll cross over all the books, plus the author teased a potential couple, so I’m ready!
We’re back in Cherry Peak with our boy Johnny and his girl, Aurora! We’ve loved Johnny since day one, and seeing just how lovable and caring he is in We’re back in Cherry Peak with our boy Johnny and his girl, Aurora! We’ve loved Johnny since day one, and seeing just how lovable and caring he is in his book was a treat!
He’s had eyes for Aurora (who’s new to the town) since she walked into the town bar and begrudgingly gave him a dance before avoiding their chemistry like the plague. Johnny will not be deterred because he felt the same spark she did. I loved watching Johnny show Aurora all the ways he wanted to know her better, all while moving at Aurora’s pace. Aurora has her reasons for being in Cherry Peak, but even she can’t resist Johnny’s charm and the found family on Steele Ranch and her newfound friend group. And let me tell you, when Aurora gets jealous and finally claims her man, I was CHEERING.
Johnny and Aurora’s relationship fit perfectly into the Cherry Peak family. The author has a talent for creating found families. Each book makes me more nostalgic as we get to look back on past couples and see how they support Johnny and Aurora. I can’t wait for Bryce and Daisy’s book!
TROPES: small town, love at first sight (for him), found family, she’s older, golden retriever/black cat, LGBTQ+ rep (family and friends), acts of service
TW: parental abandonment, toxic family dynamics...more
Chris and Marissa’s book gave me all the forbidden/taboo/age gap/smut vibes it promised! We previously met Chris and Marissa in The Season of Secrets,Chris and Marissa’s book gave me all the forbidden/taboo/age gap/smut vibes it promised! We previously met Chris and Marissa in The Season of Secrets, but you can definitely read this book without reading the other.
Listen, I’m alright with the cheating trope when the ex-wife/husband is raggedy, which was the case with Chris’ wife. It was deliciously forbidden that he met the love of his life at the time when he did, and Marissa eventually stood her ground until he came correct, regardless of how long it took.
And the spice was SPICIN. QB Tyler spice hits different because she puts something in it that just highlights the physical (and emotional) chemistry between her characters. Chris and Marissa were nasty, and I ate it up....more
Billionaire + best friend’s sister + drunk wedding in Vegas = If You Give a Billionaire a Bride
Cash and Everly have known each other since they were kBillionaire + best friend’s sister + drunk wedding in Vegas = If You Give a Billionaire a Bride
Cash and Everly have known each other since they were kids, with Cash being best friends with Everly’s twin brother. Cash has always had a thing for her, but is warned away by her brother, so he settles for friendship instead. One night in high school, Cash and Everly make a marriage pact, agreeing to marry each other if they are still single at 30. Life happens and they fall out of touch, but end up in Vegas at the same time. One thing leads to another and they wake up with hangovers and wedding rings!
Despite them deciding to stay married for business related reasons, Cash took this as a chance to show Everly that he was all in and would love and be devoted to her if she let him in. These two brought out the best in each other. Cash has a facial scar from an accident, and Everly reminds him of his beauty and never lets him hide or feel less than the beautiful soul he is. Everly is learning to trust again after a failed engagement, as she realizes Cash is nothing like her ex.
This was adorable and I had a good time reading it. The Stafford family is hilarious and catching up with past couples is always fun. The author definitely has me intrigued for Dawson’s book and Harrison’s books! I can’t wait!
TROPES: marriage of convenience, Vegas wedding, brother’s best friend, only one bed, “my wife”, billionaire, no 3rd act breakup, close knit family
TRIGGER WARNINGS: toxic parents/parental abandonment, cheating (not between H/h)...more
This was hands down the most emotional book in the series. Forget everything you thought you knew about Isaiah because baby he is HUSBAND MATERIAL, anThis was hands down the most emotional book in the series. Forget everything you thought you knew about Isaiah because baby he is HUSBAND MATERIAL, and Kennedy didn’t stand a CHANCE. Isaiah showed Kennedy the unconditional love and devotion she’d never had growing up. Kennedy gave Isaiah a place to hide away from the world when he needed a safe place to break.
There are so many little (and big) moments that were beautiful and will take you by surprise. I’d list them all but I think experiencing this book for yourself is the best way to feel all the emotions of Isaiah and Kennedy’s journey both as individuals and as a couple. And their CHEMISTRY?! Once Isaiah was let loose, he wasted no time showing Kennedy just how good they could be together.
I have all the warm fuzzy feels being back in a Liz book with these characters we’ve come to love so much! Isaiah and Kennedy as a couple were a great addition to the found family, and I wish I could reread this book and the series for the first time again.
TROPES: accidental marriage (Vegas), baseball, workplace/forced proximity (he’s the player, she’s the athletic trainer), found family, man obsessed/it’s always been her
CONTENT WARNINGS: mental health rep, mentions of parental death/grief, toxic family dynamics...more
If you loved the movie Life as We Know It, you will LOVE Liam and Zoe!!!!
Liam and Zoe can't stand each other. It's clear to the reader that under allIf you loved the movie Life as We Know It, you will LOVE Liam and Zoe!!!!
Liam and Zoe can't stand each other. It's clear to the reader that under all that dislike is passion, and it's clear to their best friends as well. So imagine their shock when they are left as co-guardians of their friends' toddler in the wake of their friends' car accident. Liam and Zoe have to turn their life around completely, including getting used to the idea of living together and being parents.
Liam was a hero who grew up guarded after childhood trauma left him afraid of loving anyone. While he doesn't believe he is the best person for Zoe and Mira (the toddler), his actions say otherwise. He is a bear cub who loves hard without knowing he's doing it. Likewise, Zoe has her own demons to face after a divorce that left her feeling shaky about trusting herself to find the right partner again. It's a very slow burn, but Liam and Zoe find what they want and need in each other, and they both deserved it more than anything. Even better, they became the parents their friends knew they would be, and I think that's what made me the most emotional of all!
TROPES: co-guardianship, roommates, sports romance (NFL), "hate/dislike" to love, grumpy/sunshine, she loves romance books
TRIGGER WARNINGS: death/grief; domestic violence (mentioned - not between H/h), ...more
I’d been waiting for the conclusion to Marina and Caspian’s duet! Overall, several events were predictable, bBallad of Sea and Sky must be read first!
I’d been waiting for the conclusion to Marina and Caspian’s duet! Overall, several events were predictable, but I was fine with that as it made the story easy to follow. The road to intimacy was drawn out a bit too much. They knew they were mates and should’ve solidified that bond a lot earlier in this book. I will say the best parts were the action scenes at the end!!
If you Iike selkie and siren lore, then this was a good, cozy duet! The author’s writing style is engaging and it will keep me coming back for more!...more
3.5 stars - I love a good sports romance, so seeing an Olympic swimmer and Olympic gymnast as the main leads caught my eye! TJ and Caleb are veteran a3.5 stars - I love a good sports romance, so seeing an Olympic swimmer and Olympic gymnast as the main leads caught my eye! TJ and Caleb are veteran athletes both competing for a return to the Olympics. They’ll be spending a lot of time together due to being a part of a documentary and finding out they live in the same building.
TJ has her reasons for disliking Caleb at first, but she quickly learns that he is much more than the persona he puts out for the public. She needs someone like Caleb to push her to find out what she likes outside of life as a gymnast. It doesn’t take long before the dynamic between these two transforms into a friendship (and love) based on their shared goals and abilities to be vulnerable with each other.
As far as the romance, I wasn’t really connected to the couple and I know why. The writing did a lot of “telling rather than showing”. Instead of showing us these different bonding moments between the couple, we got narratives of the events from TJ or Caleb in their inner monologue which kept me disconnected from their connection. The idea of them growing closer mostly happened off the page, and I wanted more of the stuff we were “told” about. Due to that, the story dragged. Overall, the premise of the story was good, but I wasn’t sold on the romance and was more interested in the competition stuff towards the end....more
There's a lot of words I could use to describe how I felt reading this book, but none really match how beautiful this romance was.
Matteo and Sofiya aThere's a lot of words I could use to describe how I felt reading this book, but none really match how beautiful this romance was.
Matteo and Sofiya are arranged to be married by their families. Matteo is the head of the Italian mafia and Sofiya is the daughter of the Bratva head. Sofiya, diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, has been a wheelchair user for several years, and has been mistreated and hidden away by her father. Matteo has no idea of Sofiya's health condition until she comes down the aisle, and they begin living together. It is a tough transition for Sofiya, who is used to the cruel views of mafia families, as she expects nothing less from the Italians. For Matteo, he is thrown because while he thought this would just be an arranged marriage, he feels more for Sofiya than he's felt for anyone in years. These two slowly warm up to each other, with Sofiya realizing Matteo is a complete 180 from the family she left, and Matteo knowing he will do anything to give Sofiya the independence that was stolen from her by her father.
The disability representation was beautiful. Sofiya's condition and feelings were never treated as a superficial plot point. We saw the daily ups and downs of Sofiya's journey, and seeing her gain confidence in herself and her ability to care for herself made me emotional. Matteo was the epitome of a book husband. He never assumed to know what was best for Sofiya, which is important when supporting someone with a chronic illness/disability. He listened to what she needed, and did all he could to educate himself and his family so that they could give her the tools and the power she needed to finally be in control of her life. Some of my favorite scenes were of him tenderly caring for her, whether it was in the bed, in the tub together, on the sofa, etc. This big mafia dude was putty in Sofiya's hands and I ate it up.
The romance was top tier and even the intimate scenes made me emotional (you'll see why). I honestly could gush about this book all day. Her writing was top notch, and she balanced the excitement we love to see in mafia romances with the romance we're all here for! I'll definitely be reading more of this author's mafia romances! ...more
Omg, this novella was adorable! I love mutual pining, and Jamaal and Winnie had it in spades!
Winnie is an executive assistant to the head of a tech coOmg, this novella was adorable! I love mutual pining, and Jamaal and Winnie had it in spades!
Winnie is an executive assistant to the head of a tech company, but has had her eyes set on Jamaal from IT since she started. Winnie comes up with any ole excuse to make her way to the IT basement, not realizing that Jamaal has been crushing on her just as hard. My favorite part of this book was seeing how gone they were for each other when we were in each character's thoughts. It was hilarious and adorable, and I couldn't stop cheesing.
Once they realize the feeling is truly mutual, it doesn't take long for them to start exploring their connection. I've never seen two people happier and relieved that they finally got the crush of their dreams! Make no mistake, Jamaal's nerdiness and Winnie's quirkiness did NOT get in the way of their insane chemistry. They ate each other up (literally), and I was here for it.
I did enjoy the twists and depth the author was able to add to their story. Yes it was all about the romance, but we were able to learn about Jamaal and Winnie as individuals. This helped us see why they were the way they were, and just made their happiness that much more rewarding!...more
You must read Hush Hush and Say Yes prior to reading The Proposition!
It was fun being back with James and Avery! We get to see life after their maYou must read Hush Hush and Say Yes prior to reading The Proposition!
It was fun being back with James and Avery! We get to see life after their marriage, including how they keep things interesting both in and out of the bedroom. It was just as entertaining as the first two books were.
I can't wait for us to get Natalie's story! The sneak peeks into her romance are getting me excited!...more
A top read of 2024! Daphne and Chris’ love was so organic, and the author’s writing was easy to read. And my mind usually can’t process third persA top read of 2024! Daphne and Chris’ love was so organic, and the author’s writing was easy to read. And my mind usually can’t process third person unless I really love the book, but I ate this up!
Daphne and Chris' love story as an unorthodox start. Daphne and her bestie are at a baseball game, drunk to forget about her finalized divorce. She's not a sports girl, but had the tickets and nothing else to do. A few drinks and some animated fans leads Daphne to try her hand at heckling one of the players. Turns out she heckles Chris, one of the home team players, and clearly what she said struck a nerve because it makes him emotional.
Given that Chris didn't get a great look at Daphne, she thinks the best way to appease her guilt is to apologize via Instagram DMs, to which Chris responds. The only catch? Somehow Daphne forgot to mention she herself was the heckler, and we can all guess where this is going to go. Especially when Daphne starts working with the journalism/behind the scenes team, where Chris is not a fan of in-person Daphne once he realizes she's the heckler.
I'm normally not a fan of hidden identity storylines, but this one made it work, in that we got to see two people essentially fall in love with each other twice. One on hand, we have them anonymously in the DMs, and in the other we have the dislike to lovers storyline in real life. Their journey was the epitome of love can spring from anywhere, especially when you realize that Daphne has brought Chris out of his shell in a way that he hadn't been able to do since he experienced a recent loss. Daphne was able to connect with someone who accepted her for who she is, despite how shaken her confidence was after being married to her douchebag of an ex-husband.
This was one of those romances that snuck up on me. It highlighted Daphne and Chris' connections, without there being a bunch of drama/side plots to distract the reader. I am definitely interested in reading more from this author, because this book was just so pleasant and warm to read!...more
4.5 stars - I love me a silver fox, and this novella delivered!
Alex, at the recommendation of her mom, plans to spend a few days at her parents' v4.5 stars - I love me a silver fox, and this novella delivered!
Alex, at the recommendation of her mom, plans to spend a few days at her parents' vacation home to get away from life stuff. Elijah, the best friend and coworker to Alex's dad, is also sent to the vacation home by her dad because he needs a break from working and to breath a little. Nobody knows the vacation home is empty until Elijah walks in on Alex in the kitchen in an apron...naked.
This was quick and fun. Elijah and Alex were completely comfortable with each other. Despite being a novella, the author was able to build an emotional connection between the characters in the time they spent together at the vacation home. This allowed them to explore some fun kinks that had been on their minds, and I was absolutely tickled by how into it both Elijah and Alex were.
If you like age gap, kink exploration, and need a quick read, definitely pick up Silver Foxed!...more
Nathan and Avery owned my heart! Nathan and Avery fell in love one summer when they were 18. That changed when Nathan left for the league, and left AvNathan and Avery owned my heart! Nathan and Avery fell in love one summer when they were 18. That changed when Nathan left for the league, and left Avery heartbroken. Now, Avery is the head coach of the high school baseball team and a recent runaway bride. Nathan has been back in town after a baseball injury, and he threw himself head first into working full time on his family's farm. That is, until the high school brings him in to be another coach on the baseball team. When I tell y'all Avery was not happy, that is an understatement. I love that her heartbreak and strong dislike were apparent, and it took her awhile to let herself be open enough to accept his apologies, friendship, and eventual love. While Nathan is willing to accept friendship and co-coaching for now, he has no doubt in his mind that Avery is his home, if only she would take a risk on him again.
I was emotional this entire story. Avery and Nathan's battles with depression resonated with me deeply, from showing how hard it is to get up in the morning to feeling ashamed to ask for help. The author did a great job at showing Avery's healing process. She needed more than Nathan's love to cope and the author did a great job at realistically portraying that.
Now - the romance? TOP TIER. Past hurt aside, Avery and Nathan were perfect for each other and had some good behind chemistry both on the field and in the bedroom. Nathan's humor and corniness was the perfect match for Avery's grumpy side. It was so sweet when they would laugh together because it was clear that they found a "home" in each other, and they took the time to make sure their relationship had a sturdy foundation before truly giving their love a second chance.
TROPES: small town, close knit family, runaway bride, sports romance (H/h are baseball coaches, H is a former MLB player), grumpy/sunshine, second chance, roommates, "it's always been you", caretaking, mental health representation
TRIGGER WARNINGS: panic/anxiety attacks, mentions of suicide/suicidal ideations, depression, death of a parent, substance abuse, parental abandonment (side character)...more
Drunk on You is the first book in the author's new Love & Whiskey series! As the series title suggests, each book will involve characters working at tDrunk on You is the first book in the author's new Love & Whiskey series! As the series title suggests, each book will involve characters working at the family whiskey business.
Anastasia is the estranged daughter of the CEO. When her dad announces his intentions to retire, he's made it clear he wants his replacement to be family-oriented and not make the same mistakes he did when raising his family. Anastasia will stop at nothing to prove she can handle the family business, including getting herself set up as a fake fiancé with a stranger from her hometown. Her competition? Julian, her father's righthand man is also vying for the position and thinks hiring a fake fiancé is the way to go. The problem? These two have no idea that the other is their competition, and sparks fly before the truth is quickly revealed. That is where the fun begins!
Anastasia and Julian were a match for each other, both in business and bed. Anastasia has walls a mile high and shirks intimacy, but Julian chips away as they mix their need to be CEO with their desire to explore a real love match. The pranks they pulled were absolutely hilarious, though. I think when a couple has so much passion and attraction between them, it makes their interactions as enemies/competition steamier because you know there is a thin line between hate and love.
Romance aside, I loved seeing Anastasia repair her relationship with her father. Family scenes are some of my favorites in books and it was nice to see them finally make up for lost time.
TROPES: fake engagement, enemies to lovers, office romance, age gap, he falls first, The Hating Game-vibes
Ian and Harlow just gave me all the friends to lovers feels! These two have been best friends since they were kids. They went their separate ways whenIan and Harlow just gave me all the friends to lovers feels! These two have been best friends since they were kids. They went their separate ways when Harlow moved across the country and Ian moved to England for their respective careers. Years later, and Ian has returned home to the family business, and Harlow and her daughter have recently moved back in with her parents while she works on her next novel. Though they haven't spoken in years, it doesn't take them long to rekindle their friendship. And when Ian realizes that Harlow's writer block is worsened by her unsupportive parents, it makes total sense to him to let Harlow and her daughter move into his empty rooms upstairs.
Ian and Harlow were so at home with each other, and time couldn't lessen their understanding and support for one another. It's no surprise that they are now confused by their romantic feelings because they've played the "we're just friends" card for as long as anyone has known them. That excuse doesn't last for long when they're living together and getting to know the new versions of the person they love the most. Though both had their reasons for not wanting to rock the boat, nothing warmed my heart more than them deciding to take a leap of faith on creating their own little family.
As usual, the Wilder family is the best supporting cast in that they were #TeamIanandHarlow from day one. It was great catching up with the past couples, as well as seeing Ian's role in the family dynamic. I can't wait for Poppy's story next!
TROPES: best friends to lovers, single mom, thriller author (heroine), roommates/forced proximity, mutual pining, slow burn, he's a grump, but not with her; big family
TRIGGER WARNINGS: grief from parental death, parental abandonment during pregnancy...more
Caitlin (The Love Librarian)
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