If you know me well, you know I rarely give out 5 stars. The fact that this was inspired by Ted Lassoprobably most definitively garn5 Roy Kent Stars!
If you know me well, you know I rarely give out 5 stars. The fact that this was inspired by Ted Lassoprobably most definitively garnered that extra star, and if you harbored a longing for a solid happy ending for Roy Kent in a MM mashup, then this novel just might be for you. It obviously was for me!
This starts with Gavin, a professional soccer athlete on his last proverbial, and literal, legs as his body can no longer keep up with his love of the game. He holds everyone at at least a hundred arms length, traumatized by personal loss, forever in a flight mode of “anticipatory pain” should he slip and actually feel or bond with another. His surly misanthropic nature juxtaposes starkly against Oliver, a rising star with loads of talent and potential, who too has his own pain from a past betrayal, covering his loneliness with a sunshiny facade that he tries to convince himself is truly genuine.
I want to say that this was no mere romance. It was insightful with a lot of nuance and introspective pathos into the turmoil roiling inside these two men. They both don’t want to care for different reasons - one who's fortified with multiple layers of armor to deflect like nobody’s business and the other who can’t help but wear his heart on his sleeve.
Having said that, be reassured that the serious parts are offset with great humor, snarky comebacks and smart banter, family and friends who love to meddle, as well as a yummy delicious slow burn palpable UST and longing that was spot on. Just like the TV show, the evolution and growth of the characters were wonderful, struggling when they let down their guard and daring to hope to find happiness on their own and with each other.
This may not titillate everyone as much as it did me, and I truthfully and readily admit that seeing Roy in Gavin, and Ted in Oliver, tickled me pink and satisfied things I didn’t know I wanted. I jumped into this mid series just to read this book first. I wasn’t confused, but just know that there are 4 prior siblings who already got their happy ending first and 2 more to go, and that’s a lot of characters.
I’ve not read Liese before but I want to more, and I especially will revisit this great Bergman family soon!
A special thanks to Anne for putting this on my radar! If you find any fabulous fan fiction, just go ahead and send them my way please!
Another win for the wonderful world of Samantha Wayland!
Though this doesn’t focus on hockey players per se, there are plenty of past charact4.5 Stars
Another win for the wonderful world of Samantha Wayland!
Though this doesn’t focus on hockey players per se, there are plenty of past characters that make significant appearances, and now once peripheral characters Jack (bff of Garret) and cop Grady (who's made several appearances) get their turn to shine.
Jack and Grady have been besties for several years, always with certain boundaries and clear cut rules. Though Grady has been pining for forever, he would never pressure Jack into more. Grady’s got a terrible family and has resigned himself that being alone is just something he will bear for the rest of his life. Jack has had very unfortunate circumstances and feels he doesn’t deserve happiness either. These men hold each other at arms length for different reasons, but when both of them are struck simultaneously and literally with their pasts, they naturally gravitate towards each other for comfort and security.
And how that turns into so much more.
This is angsty and emotional. There might be triggers for some. Both have had it rough and difficult, and it was gratifying to watch them fall for the other effortlessly. Is this a little long? Is it a little cheesy? Yes it is. However, if you enjoy an interconnected series (that’s not advertised as a series) and you love gleeful fun found family dynamics, this overall is a great addition to the Wayland universe!...more
Another great story contributing to the Wayland universe, this time featuring hockey player Hunter and Ryan, the boy 4 Stars
Apparently, I’m on a roll.
Another great story contributing to the Wayland universe, this time featuring hockey player Hunter and Ryan, the boy he let get away.
Hunter is tired of living a lie and is ready to be honest to all those who are in his life. How fortuitous that he should run into his first love who he hasn’t seen in years. What ensues is a slow renewing of Hunter and Ryan’s friendship which naturally leads to rekindling their feelings and then some.
Once again, this has great appearances from several past characters as there’s a growing found family that just loves to get involved and meddle a teeny tiny bit.
As I’ve said every time, if you’re a fan then this shouldn’t disappoint. I could read about the characters in this hockey bubble for however long Wayland wants to continue giving us their stories!
Dan finds the most delightfully ugly sweater ever, and he feels it’s his duty to wear such to show3 Stars
This is for those who want a holiday quickie!
Dan finds the most delightfully ugly sweater ever, and he feels it’s his duty to wear such to show it off even to the detriment of his own reputation and relationship. Thing is, such a sweater is just the thing to lure in Jake.
Meet cute with plenty of explicitness, this was a sweet story of opposites attract because of the hideousness of one particular woolen item. Enjoy! ...more
Again, this is a different side of Lane Hayes, and I’m just simply enjoying the ride!
This time ar4 Hearts
5 books in and for me, this keeps on truckin!
Again, this is a different side of Lane Hayes, and I’m just simply enjoying the ride!
This time around you’ve still got the requisite nerdy science guy in Thomas, who doesn’t want a makeover for his sister's upcoming nuptials but finds himself forced against his will to do so. When Thomas meets his hairdresser Noah, sparks fly immediately, and of course an arrangement is made for fashion and dating tips with a little fun in between.
Noah isn’t your typical jock (no bi-awakening needed here), and though he’s had some serious setbacks and has fought hard to get his life back in order, he’s not going to say no to some sexy extracurricular activities regardless of his resolve to stay commitment free. Noah’s all in to enjoy the time he has with Thomas in making him “presentable”, and Thomas is more than willing to acquiesce.
This continues to be narrated by Alexander Cendese, and he brings to life these characters (despite the absence of distinct characterizations), perfectly embodying both these men with equal adorable fervor and lusty appeal!
I dare you to NOT be charmed silly by a clumsy straightforward, makes-no-apologies, professor and the out and proud former jock who likes his loving on the bossy side! Simply put, this was another win for this smile inducing fun-tablulous series!
Thank you to the author for the audio in exchange for an honest review
If you love the friends to lovers trope and want to revisit past characters in this series, then grab this easy breezy freebie on Prolific Work3 Stars
If you love the friends to lovers trope and want to revisit past characters in this series, then grab this easy breezy freebie on Prolific Works.
I read it for a challenge, and it was an enjoyable 130 pages with no angst and all feel good. I wasn’t lost either with other characters from previous books popping in, but those who are purists will surely like seeing everyone basking in their happy ending as well!
This latest entry in the life and times of Jake Weston - athlete extraordinaire, genius billionaire - is a bit more sober as there’s a tough a4 Stars!
This latest entry in the life and times of Jake Weston - athlete extraordinaire, genius billionaire - is a bit more sober as there’s a tough arduous mountain to climb for our intrepid hero. He’s definitely had some setbacks. There’s assholes that abound, a demon to kill, a murderer to avoid and capture, and ultimately, a true love to win back. Thankfully, Jake has endless resources, fantastic friends, and allies to help him set things right.
In some ways this story is about a life of HUGE privilege and what money can do and create and how it can bring about wonderful things, carrying an advantage over much and many. There are moments of disbelief so take this with a grain of salt. Jake, though not surprisingly but earnedly arrogant, has a very very kind heart, generous to a fault, taking those who have had rough times under his wing, and giving them all the opportunities to flourish.
Admittedly, book two The Butcher of Oxford was my favorite. It had a desperate optimism, an astounding second chance, and love coming out on top, all challenges gleefully and smartly accomplished. Have no fear, love continues to prevail here, but know that this one has multiple players which contrasts “past” and present which can tax the brain at times. Overall though, when this series is dressed down to its bare bones, it’s an ultimate story of connection, of destiny imbued with magical paranormal elements all the while still steadily grounded, where evil monsters, parallel alternate realities, and not even death can conquer the inevitable, and that’s Jake and Timothy belonging to one another no matter what, forever and ever.
Realmonte has impressively written something unique here (guaranteeing I will read whatever next he creates) closing out the first act of this series oh so very satisfyingly. His voice and storytelling are compelling and obviously entertaining, but again, don’t take it too seriously, enjoy the fun ride for what it is. There’s a very interesting set up in play should Realmonte move forward with his two protagonists, and I look forward to what other challenging adventures are in store for Jake and Timothy. I'll be there should they return because I’m confident they’ll come out on top no matter what, and that’s something to always rejoice in and look forward to!...more
Two quickie stories featuring George and Aidan from Rules of Play that were sappy sweet in all the best ways as these guys seriously make an ef4 Stars
Two quickie stories featuring George and Aidan from Rules of Play that were sappy sweet in all the best ways as these guys seriously make an effort to know, understand, and work on their relationship. Feel good all around!...more
The premise is simple. Newly out and proud hockey player is determined to not be a virgin by his 22nd birth4 Stars
My first Finley was a total success!
The premise is simple. Newly out and proud hockey player is determined to not be a virgin by his 22nd birthday. He somehow gets a straight former hockey player to help him out, become his friend, and by his totally wholesome winsome charm works his hoodoo voodoo on him and they fall in love.
Admittedly, not very plausible at all but this is fiction and one must go with the flow right? Whit is seriously the most guileless guy, all eager puppy with very little finesse and knows he’s a complete idiot to fall for Rainn. He just can’t help it. Rainn on the other hand feels just a tad bit sorry for Whit and gradually, he can’t help but be won over by Whit’s kind genuine nature…. among other things. Though Rainn’s supposed to help Whit with his “goals”, deep down he really doesn't want Whit accomplishing any of them unless it’s with him.
So ensue some snarky funny banter - the real boon of this book is the dialogue in my opinion. There’s a bit of angsty self examination in coming out and figuring out what to do in life but plenty of smexy to whet most appetites.
A really fun, mostly easy romance that will make me strongly consider Finley’s other works when I need that occasional contemporary detour!...more
Again, continuing the match up of a geeky, smart as all get out MC with a bigger, hot manly man who’s mostly straight, this formul3.5 Stars Rounded Up
Again, continuing the match up of a geeky, smart as all get out MC with a bigger, hot manly man who’s mostly straight, this formula consistently seems to work for Hayes’s latest series.
Here, uptight Asher decides to do a one night stand via a hookup app to blow off some steam, and it’s fortuitous that his paramour equally wants it to be an anonymous one off. The chemistry is explosive but both agree to stick to the rules and say goodbye. However, life doesn't always work according to plan, and Asher soon finds himself crossing paths with lacrosse coach Blake. What they both can’t deny is their combustible attraction, and Blake seizes the opportunity to embrace his hidden bisexual side, enlisting Asher’s help in coming out.
What ensues is a regimented plan to ease Blake into owning his truth as they agree to keep things professional and just friends. Of course, that’s not gonna last long as you well know.
What works for me in this series is the juxtaposition of complete opposites. The nerdy character is a genius and not without his peculiarities that only matter to him. He’s totally out of his element when he comes face to face with his wet dream and completely unable to say no when asked to help the out of his league jock that does not follow the stereotype. In turn, the presumed uber straight alpha is utterly charmed by his counterpart and takes quirks and foibles in effortless laid back wonderful stride.
Both Asher and Blake find a groove as they smoothly mesh their lives, and it’s only natural that they’d find in the other just what they need. Though not my favorite of the series, this still made me smile and snort with humor as Hayes brings the easy breezy sexy romance with nary a hint of angst with her latest installment. This was all feel good with an equally consistent narration from Alexander Cendese to boot! Enjoy!...more
Zach works IT for a high tech science company. One innocuous day, he spots a glowing emotive blob o3.5 Stars
A strange but completely endearing short!
Zach works IT for a high tech science company. One innocuous day, he spots a glowing emotive blob on his way through the lab, and Zach can’t help but be compelled to steal it away. Surprisingly. Zach’s presumably straight jock of a roommate Brad, is equally enamored and wants to help, so off they go on a roadtrip to deliver the little creature back to his home in the Louisiana swamp.
This contains romance, a bit of suspense, and did I mention telepathic adorable creature alert? Check out this freebie from the author’s website if you want a nice little distraction between longer reads! Enjoy!...more
I’m by no means a Garrett Leigh expert, but I felt this fell in line with her typical angsty MC’s with plenty of emotions and a back and fort3.5 Stars
I’m by no means a Garrett Leigh expert, but I felt this fell in line with her typical angsty MC’s with plenty of emotions and a back and forth POV. Though heavy in the personal background drama of Jax and Tanner’s pasts, this still was easy reading while they fall for each other as they cope (or not) with what haunts them daily.
Overall, I’m thankful for the very minimal relationship angst as these two slowly progress regarding their growing feelings. Though not as laid back breezy as Featherbed, this was still lite reading with a good ole punch of feels as Jax and Tanner find in the other a reason to heal and move forward together....more
I will readily admit that I’m not a Hayes expert, and though I’ve had some wins with this author, I’ve not read her in years. When4 Surprising Hearts!
I will readily admit that I’m not a Hayes expert, and though I’ve had some wins with this author, I’ve not read her in years. When the chance to sit back and relax with an audio crossed my path, I said, why not?
Suffice it to say, I immensely enjoyed myself.
This starts off with typically happy go lucky Simon. He’s a pro football player on hiatus due to several concussions, uncharacteristically anxiously awaiting for a call to return to the game that just might not come. Simon’s reluctant backup plan is to finally finish getting his college degree, but he needs some help with his classes, and that’s where his brother’s best friend Topher comes in.
Topher needs money, and what better way to do that than to do what he does best, and that’s being smart. There’s just one snag. Jocks are his kryptonite, and Topher literally cannot function properly when around them. It doesn’t help that he’s had a crush on Simon for years either. The arrangement in theory might be perfect, but it’s SO not gonna work. However, Simon is desperate and suggests a nonsensical plan - they’ll role play so as to focus Topher’s mind off the obvious. What it does instead is set these two up for some ridiculous scenarios that do nothing but incite absurd witty banter and spur their libidos in the best way possible.
I’ve only listened to Alexander Cendese once, but he outdid himself here. He imbues Simon with a brash charming pushiness that means absolutely no harm. Simon’s seriously the friendliest, laid back guy ever. Nothing seems to phase him and though he’s a teeny tiny bit dim, he handles himself and Topher’s quirkiness with aplomb. In contrast, Cendese aptly portrays Topher with all his uptight fumbling clumsiness that endears you to his geeky stuttering as he spouts obtuse facts while being brazenly forward when it comes to all things sex. The juxtaposition between these two was fun, funny, and simply entertaining.
Let’s be frank. Regarding one’s expectations, just know this is obviously pure fiction in its utmost carefree form. Check your BS meter at the door, and come on in and get comfy! This is sweet, quite smexy, and with barely a smidge of angst, if you could really call it that. No in the closet anxiety, no lamenting anguish, no self sacrifice. If I’m gonna read a contemporary these days, and a sporty one at that, this is exactly how I like it and need it to be!
Overall, the narration only elevated this story with spot on comedic timing and gleefully increased the playful silly sexiness whenever these two were interacting. To say the least, I’ve never been so tickled by a Hayes book. I smiled, snorted, and laughed out loud.
Apparently, this is the beginning of a new series about Topher and his brainiac friends, and if they are as delightful as this first installment, then I’m definitely on board for more!
Thank you to the author for the audio in exchange for an honest review
A much needed epilogue regarding Graham and Rikker, looking in on them approximately 8 months later which totally makes up for the absolute fre4 Stars
A much needed epilogue regarding Graham and Rikker, looking in on them approximately 8 months later which totally makes up for the absolute fretful time they gave me in The Understatement of the Year.
I’m ecstatic to see them secure and so in love despite some ongoing challenges. Warms my cold heart right up!...more
This next volume containing comics #5-8 shows the pressure is on as the students at King’s Row face off with each other to grab the top 3 spots4 Stars
This next volume containing comics #5-8 shows the pressure is on as the students at King’s Row face off with each other to grab the top 3 spots for the fencing team!
I look forward to seeing how this all plays out! ...more
* A Reader Obsessed *
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