This was my first book by Penelope Black, and I REALLY enjoyed it. I am a SUCKER for second chances and this one did not disappoint. I liked the charaThis was my first book by Penelope Black, and I REALLY enjoyed it. I am a SUCKER for second chances and this one did not disappoint. I liked the characters. I liked the added MC element. I liked the world building. I definitely felt ok reading this as a standalone but found myself intrigued by the Rosewood characters. I also enjoyed the suspense- if done well I think that can add a lot to a story. It was clear from the beginning that Jasper and Coraline still had feelings for each other. I liked the pacing- everything felt natural. I enjoyed watching Jasper try to play it cool when his plan the whole time was to get Coraline to agree to make their fake thing not a fake thing. I also enjoyed reading Coraline unravel while trying to convince herself what she was feeling was fake.
Coraline is following her dream. She is using the money her grandma left her to open her own bakery. She doesn't anticipate the building that she is renting being sold and now being blackmailed by someone unknown. She doesn't anticipate her ex making waves and trying to get her back. But what she really doesn't anticipate is her ex Jagger AKA Jasper coming to her rescue. Now she finds herself fake dating him to keep everyone at bay. But she realizes that what she is feeling isn't fake. Maybe she misunderstood what she saw a few years ago. Maybe she made a rash decision when she left and ended what they had without a word. She feels at home with him. He is supportive and builds her up. Maybe they should see if they could go the distance because the way he looks at her makes her think he is feeling the same thing. But now her insecurities are at play. She is finding things out that he didn't tell her but was it to protect her? Is she going to stick around and find out?
Jasper AKA Jagger has won the lottery. He has been thinking about Coraline on the reg for the last two years. Ever since she left unexpectedly without a word and then started treating him like he was the enemy. Now he realizes that she needs his help- so he presents a solution. He wants to fake date for a bit. He wants his mom off his back about settling down and he can keep her ex at bay. His real plan though is to see if he can get her to open up and drop the walls that she has built around herself. He wants to see if they still have the chemistry that they had before. If what he is imagining and remembering is as good. Of course it is better and he finds himself letting her in when he hasn't really before. He finds himself falling hard and fast. He will do anything for her. He will protect her and make sure she is good even if it is from her family and friends. He tells himself he is doing things to help her and will tell her at their own pace. But what happens if someone tells her one of his moves before he can? Will she run again? Will he be able to prove how much she means to him before it's too late?
Like I said, I enjoyed this one. I had a hard time liking Coraline's family- especially her mom but that might just be me. I found myself wanting to see who Hawke is going to end up with- the scene with the three of them was HOT by the way! But to my understanding the rest of the series will revolve around Coraline's brothers and sister? Either way I am in for more!
Thank you to Valentine PR and Penelope for a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review! ...more
I am REALLY enjoying this series. It's got this found family vibe with cowboys/bull riders and SPICE! I was lucky enough to get an ARC and was beyond I am REALLY enjoying this series. It's got this found family vibe with cowboys/bull riders and SPICE! I was lucky enough to get an ARC and was beyond excited. While I have only read book 1, I felt comfortable reading this one out of order and did not feel like I was missing on any of previous plots. This book was HOT! We have dad's best friend, steamy one night stand, a hot young bull rider, an older put together doctor, the temptress if you will and of course all of the side characters. I LOVED Colt. He had so much swagger. Not an ounce of self doubt. Just confident in his abilities and himself. He has been around. He doesn't think about settling down until he can't stop thinking about it. Then we have William. His exact opposite. The "older" man who has been married and divorced. The new town doctor who has settled with where he is in life. Colt's dad's best friend. GAHHH the tension between these two was palpable. The build up was done WELL Ashley! We kept getting these snippets of William about to give in and then he wouldn't. I think Ashley did a really good job describing the emotions both of these guys were feeling throughout all of this as well. Colt has been injured and is not able to do what he loves most. While William is feeling shameful for his behavior and not sure how to get around that.
Colt is going crazy. He had to have surgery after falling off of a bull and is having a hard time relearning how to do everything with his other hands. He can't drive. He can't get dressed. He feels helpless. All of his buddies are off for the rodeo while he is stuck at his parent's house. The one shiny thing is that William has moved back to town and is his new doctor. The same William who has none literally his whole life. The same William who he had a STEAMY drunken night with two years ago. The same William who he now wants to see unravel again. But William has drawn a line in the sand. He won't go there again with Colt. It was a mistake is what he says, but Colt can read people pretty well. And the way that William's body is responding is saying other things. Which is why Colt makes it his mission to explore more with William. But when William turns him down again the self doubt comes into play. Maybe he cared about him more than William did. Maybe he isn't worth it, but then William surprises him by making an effort. They are going to have a go at this and see what happens. But will that last if Colt's dad finds out before they tell him? Will William stick to his promises given the history between them?
William feels like a terrible person. He had a moment a few years ago with the one person he shouldn't have...his best friend's son. And MAN what a moment it was. And now, two years later, he finds himself back in Colt's orbit. William has moved home to take care of his dad. He absolutely will NOT go down the road that is Colt. Even if his body is telling him something different. He will be strong in this one thing. But Colt is trying REALLY hard to break down his walls. And William is only a man so he decides one night. One night to get this tension out. Then he will be able to move on but he can't...move on that is. He finds himself thinking a lot about Colt and what he feels for him. He wants more but can he get over himself in order to be who Colt deserves? Can he look Colt's dad in the eye and not feel ashamed over his feelings?
I really enjoyed watching both of these characters navigate uncharted territory. Their feelings. The taboo that is their relationship. Their friends. It was all sooo juicy. The spice in this one was off the charts. Just HOT yall. I loved watching William be there for Colt after he had been pushing him away for so long. I loved watching Colt embrace that. They were just so great together! I can't wait to read the other books in this series. But I REALLY can't wait for Whit and Conrad. I just KNOW their book is going to break my heart and then mend it right along with those two.
Thank you to Ashley for the ARC for this one in exchange for an honest review! It was truly a pleasure :)...more
This was a solid 3.5 stars for me. I liked the quirkiness of the story. The characters were fun. I liked the added element of mystery. It was very entThis was a solid 3.5 stars for me. I liked the quirkiness of the story. The characters were fun. I liked the added element of mystery. It was very entertaining- just not a wow for me. I can't say that I have ever read a book about a gator trapper. I liked learning more about that industry, and it added to the story.
Maggie has decided to throw caution to the wind and is moving back home to help open up a bookstore with her twin sister Vera. Maggie is going to pick up the mantle of gator trapping from her dad who has passed away. She hasn't been home in 6 years and has no idea what to expect. What she isn't surprised by is her competition's attitude. Gene is still the same misogynist that he was before but somehow he has gotten worse. Things take a turn for the weird and worse when Maggie finds his body after receiving a very vague call about a gator removal. Now the town is in shock- who killed Gene and why? Maggie decides to do some investigating of her own with their new tenant Jack who is a professor from Miami. They decie to join forces to dig deeper to see if they can uncover what happened. Once they start peeling back layers, they find things they didn't expect. A cover up. Election fraud. Nothing seems to be out of the realm of possibility. All Maggie has to do is clear her and her sister's name before their bookstore opens which shouldn't be a problem right?
This was a cozy, super fast and easy read. I would recommend it for a nice summer pickup. I am curious to see what happens with Maggie and Jack as well as Vera and Adam. Looking forward to book 2!
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review! ...more
Solid 3.5 stars- maybe even 3.75. I enjoyed learning more about the shocking twist at the end of book 1 where Grayson got the call that his brother's Solid 3.5 stars- maybe even 3.75. I enjoyed learning more about the shocking twist at the end of book 1 where Grayson got the call that his brother's wedding was off. I liked Spencer and Grace. I liked their background. Their slow burn for each other that would have never come to fruition if things hadn't happened in their favor. What I had a hard time with was the drawn-out plot involving Grace and her sister Amelia, who is also Spencer's ex fiancé. That was hard for me to connect to and that made the third act breakup even harder for me. I did like the way that the fake scenario for Gracie and Spencer turned real pretty fast. I also enjoyed the several extra spicy scenes- especially the tied up one. I had to fan myself a little bit there. I liked Spencer's family and how these characters had help recognizing who they were to each other since they were up in their heads for a minute.
Grace has kind of been pining over her sister's now ex fiance for forever. She was the one who was supposed to meet Spencer at the bar that fated night forever ago, but of course he ended up going home with Amelia, her sister. The louder of the two of them. The one who seems to always get what she wants now matter the consequences. Well it seems those consequences have caught up to her because Spencer is single and Grace doesn't know what to do with new information she has. She decides to be impulsive and flies out to Vegas to talk to Spencer in person. One thing leads to another and they walk up married. The agreed they would do this for one year so that Grace can become owner of her family's vineyard. What they did not agree to was making their fake relationship real but things start shifting pretty quickly. Grace starts realizing that she could get used to Spencer in her bed on a regular basis. She could get used to the way he worships her body. She could get used to the way he looks at her. But her life is in Minnesota, and he was just moved to San Diego. And now that Amelia knows that they are married, all bets are off. Will Grace and Spencer stand the test of time and distance? Adding in the elements of the paparazzi getting wind of their story- will they be able to hang on to the love that they feel for each other? Or will it truly only last one year like they originally agreed?
Spencer is at a weird point in his life. He broke off his engagement and is now finding out how big of a psycho his ex is. He has been let go from his team of 8 years and is now moving to San Diego where he knows no one. His careful plan is crumbling. It crumbles further when he wakes up married to Grace, his ex's sister. The one whose friendship he has always cherished. He never really thought of more with her but now that they are in this situation he finds himself unable to think of anything else. He wants to explore this thing that is growing between them. He knows that there will be trials coming up. I mean they don't even live in the same city but now that they have both declared their feelings for each other all will be well. Or will it? Add in a crazy ex, the press and his teammates and the pressure he is now feeling is tremendous. He also is not recognizing his wife because of how much she is caving under her circumstances. Maybe it would be best if they just end after the year they agreed. But then why does that thought alone crush him?
I liked the pacing in this book. I found myself REALLY rooting for Grace and Spencer to work while also screaming for something terrible to happen to Amelia (kind of kidding but not at the same time). I am enjoying this series so far and am looking forward to see who snagged Archer's attention??
Thank you to Valentine PR and Lisa for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!...more
So I just recently read my first Jessica Peterson book (Southern Seducer) and LOVED it. To say I was ecstatic that I then received this ARC would be aSo I just recently read my first Jessica Peterson book (Southern Seducer) and LOVED it. To say I was ecstatic that I then received this ARC would be an understatement. And let me tell you I was NOT disappointed. I absolutely LOVE Jessica's characters. Her world building. The emotions that her characters are experiencing and how she makes them very relatable. The chemistry that is building and building until you feel like you just can't take it anymore. MAN does Jessica make it worth it. She did all of that once again in this book. I LOVED the intro to this series. I loved our MCs. They had a pretty hard enemies to lovers in the beginning but they gave each other a chance. They realized they were both not in an ideal situation and then things started to shift. I liked the way they walked around their feelings for a long time. I didn't like Mollie's decision for a distraction but I loved Cash's response. I also liked that there wasn't a true third act breakup but still some angst on what was going to happen.
Mollie is angry. She had planned to come down to bumble F Texas to get her dad's money so she could invest it in her business and what was she told but she has to LIVE on the ranch for a year to be able to get it. Being a cowboy does not sound appealing. She is a city girl at heart but maybe it won't be as bad as she thinks. But then she remembers she will have to deal with him- Cash Rivers. Her foreman. The man who gave her a straight up scowl and who is so hot it is unfair. Somehow she finds herself agreeing to these terms and makes her way to the ranch. And then Cash tries to scare her off but he has another thing coming if he thinks she is that soft. She was raised on this ranch. She is a business owner. She has grit. So she sets out to prove him wrong and then things start to shift between them. She realizes they are both grieving her father but in different ways. She is bitter that she was never able to right things with him and that Cash had a relationship with him. She realizes that there is more to Cash than meets the eye which explains him coming to the bar the first night she goes out even though he hasn't been out in forever. Or how he starts to do little things for her that make her think what if they could be more. But she can't with him. He is her foreman. Their relationship can't get muddied. So she will just distract herself with someone else. But wow does that backfire in the best possible way. And now her and Cash are going for it. She finds herself wondering if she could work at the ranch. She finds herself not missing being alone. But then her mom calls with some news and Mollie has to decide if she stays or if she goes.
Cash is in shock. His mentor died unexpectedly and though he verbally told him the ranch was his he gave it to his daughter, miss prissy pants herself. Now Cash doesn't know what to do. All of his plans for his family's ranch are out the window. Mollie is most definitely going to sell the ranch immediately. Unless he can scare her away from it. No way does she last out here when she is used to a life of luxury. But then he realizes he went to far. He is not a bad guy. He just is a caretaker. He has a lot on his shoulders. So when he sees that Mollie isn't quite what he expected he starts to wonder. He hasn't been able to do anything for himself in a long time. There's just too many people depending on him. But she helps him see that he deserves things for himself. He questions muddying things between them but can't fight what his heart is telling him. So when she brings some wanna be cowboy in the picture, Cash is done fighting his feelings. He is staking his claim and his claim is on Mollie. He wants to prove to her how amazing she is. He wants to prove to her that he can make her happy and that the ranch can make her happy. He thought he was doing that but then her mom called and told her she can come home. Will he be enough? Will they be able to make what they have work? Because he is a ranch man through and through but he is also a Mollie man.
GAH I just loved this. I can't emphasize it enough!! Just a very easy, enjoyable read. I laughed, I kind cried, I smiled, I got a little irritated- just a range of emotions that ended with a big old smile on my face. This book was great about letting you know that people are not always what meets the eye. And if you take the time, you might just be surprised what you find. There was the small town vibe. Touch her die vibe. Treat her like a queen vibe. So if you like those I would HIGHLY recommend this one. Oh also of course HOT cowboys!! I can't wait to see who all of the guys pair off with. And that ending with Wyatt had me shaking my head with a smile. I am also wondering who Wheeler will end up with anyone?? Oh and Jessica- I saw that secret shoutout to John Beauregard!!
Thank you to Valentine PR and Jessica for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review! ...more
I really really liked this one. It was such an original story to me! Maybe not the story itself but aspects of the story. The characters were great. II really really liked this one. It was such an original story to me! Maybe not the story itself but aspects of the story. The characters were great. I can't say I have read a book with a mortician or a cartoon artist as the main character before- LOVED. I am debating whether I should call Callum a grump or not. He was just more introverted I think. But man was Lark his true sunshine. The way that he opened up and started feeling more confident. Lark was on the struggle bus understandably. She had never dealt with the grief that came from her husband's passing. She did what most people would do and ran to somewhere new where no one knew her. She wanted to start over, but her heart was cutoff forever. Until she meets Callum and it starts beating again. This book made me over the moon happy. I found myself smiling and giddy almost the whole time. Their first spicy scene was SO HOT- read it and you''ll understand. I just love how GOOD they were for each other. How they found each other at the perfect time.
Lark has moved to Galway. She knows no one, but she is excited for this adventure. Until she realizes that she has moved next door to a funeral home. Albeit a funeral home with a hot mortician who she finds herself drawn to for some reason. She likes his quirkiness. He doesn't seem weirded out by how she is. She wants to get to know him. But she won't cross any lines- she can't open herself up the way she did with Reese. It was just too hard. So friends it is. But then Callum tells her about his problem- he needs to get married to keep his business. Instead of offering her services, she devotes herself to finding him a partner. Throughout all of her tutoring though, she finds herself enjoying life more than she has in a long time. She finds herself WANTING things she hasn't wanted in a long time. She wants Cal. Maybe if they get it out of their system they can move on. She has to set the expectation that she will not be his wife. Maybe they can be friends with benefits? I mean what could possibly go wrong besides acknowledging the growing feelings and thing that is growing on the daily between them. Absolutely nothing- right??
Callum is confused. He has been working at his family's funeral home for forever and now that his granda has passed there are hoops to jump through in order for him to take over. He has to get married. He has to ensure that the family legacy will continue. What does that look like for someone who hasn't been on a date in 6 years? For someone who is content in their existence. But then everything changes when Lark moves in next door. She is legit sunshine. She is rainbows. She is flowers and smiles and everything that Cal isn't. He is instantly interested but when she makes it clear that they can only be friends he decides that he will have to start looking for a wife. The problem? Every time he is out on a date, he finds himself wondering what Lark is doing. He wants more than she can give him. So when she offers herself up on a platter with no strings what can he say besides yes. But now the deadline is looming and so he decides to throw caution to the wind and take a chance with Lark. What could possibly go wrong?
I definitely recommend this one if you are looking for a slower kind of burn with some NICE heat. I enjoyed the found family in this one as well. Just overall a really fun read! I was excited to see that this is going to be a series and am thinking Lo and Aidan for book 2?
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review! ...more
This was a solid 3.5 stars for me. It was fast paced with some great characters. I liked the intermingling and referencing to several other LockeverseThis was a solid 3.5 stars for me. It was fast paced with some great characters. I liked the intermingling and referencing to several other Lockeverse characters. I like the dynamics and chemistry between Jason and Chloe. I think my "problem" was HOW fast paced this was. I think the majority of the plot in this book is over a two week timeframe and SO much happens and changed. I felt like there could have been a little more fill or buildup but overall this was an enjoyable read! I liked the found family and the text banter as well- that always adds relatability and LOLs.
Chloe's life is being upended, and there doesn't seem to be an end in sight. Her grandmother keeps falling and needs more care than she can give her. Her car insurance has been cancelled due to a bank issue. Her apartment has been condemned. She doesn't know what to do until a bet turns in her favor. Her boss has been bet by his brother that he won't ever get married (and stay married for 6 months). This is perfect- she can just fake marry the man she has had a secret crush on for 4 years who happens to be her billionaire boss. It will be seamless and wonderful. What she doesn't think about is moving into his ridiculously large house with her grandma? Or him buying her $40k worth of clothes? Or being treated like a princess? Or picturing this being an actual forever when she has never believed in marriage. But here she finds herself. Wanting a future with this man who treats her like a queen. The question is will she be able to tell him that?
Jason is a busy man. He is the CEO of his family's airline company. He doesn't have time to date. Especially since the one woman who he has ever thought of a future with is off limits- Chloe. His executive assistant but first his good friend. Yet he finds himself irritated when she talks about an upcoming date. He then finds himself irritated when his brother's bet him that he won't ever get married (and stay married for 6 months). Now his world has been turned upside down because Chloe has taken on the bet- she wants to get married. Sure she is doing it for the money, but this is Jason's chance to get her to see him for more. To get her to experience what life with him would be like. He is not going to let this chance slip by. Especially since sex is on the table. He has been dreaming about all of this happening with her for years. So what does he do? He treats her like his queen. He wines and dines her. He worships her body. He welcomes her grandma to his house. But is it enough? Because he is finding himself not looking forward to the end of this bet.
Like I said, this was a quick easy read! I do plan on going back and reading Renn's story and found myself REALLY intrigued by all of the other couples mentioned. I also am wondering who of the Brewer brothers is next??
Thank you to Valentine PR and Adriana for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!...more
I teetered on a 4.5 or 5 stars but after sleeping on it went with 5 stars. Ashley legit knocked it out of the park with the final book in this series.I teetered on a 4.5 or 5 stars but after sleeping on it went with 5 stars. Ashley legit knocked it out of the park with the final book in this series. We had been getting teases about Natty and Silas throughout the other books, but the story was so much more than I thought it was. I loved the different timelines and dual POVs. I loved the instant connection and love that turned into so much more. I loved hearing about our other characters. I had a REALLY hard time with Alec- I couldn't really move past what happened with him and Natty. I also wish we had seen more of how their relationship developed. And man oh man the almost ending was so heart breaking! I loved that both of these characters had been through so much and even though Natty was known as the sunshine one she ended up needing Silas to be her sunshine too. This story made me feel a lot of things- I was hopeful. I was sad. I was falling in love. I was sick to my stomach. I was proud. I was falling in love again. I was scared. I was sad. I was REALLY sad, and then I was smiling and wistful like. Most of these books have had some dark under tones, but this one definitely took the cake in that department. I would check the TW before reading.
Natty has been waiting for her soulmate to come back to her for two years. For two years, she has lived in another club. Made another life. Been happy, but she hasn't felt whole. She has been getting bits and pieces of him throughout this time and she thinks they are going to get reunited when in fact she gets kidnapped. By none other than her childhood friend and Silas's brother Alec and their father Fable. Fable who is the evil of all evil. She tries to draw on everything Silas trained her on but this is Alex- he wouldn't do anything crazy right? Wrong. She was so wrong. Now she is broken. She doesn't know what to do or think. Will Silas come for her? Will they make it? And then he does. He shows up, but is he ready to move on from his life of vengeance? Especially since Fable is still out there as a threat. Natty decides she is going to take matters into her own hands because the one thing she knows is that Silas is her husband, and she is not going to be left behind this time. She just hopes that there will be enough of them left to build from. She hopes that love will be enough to survive what they have been through.
Silas is lost. The love of his life is gone. Taken from him by his brother and father. Taken from him- the one man who should have been able to protect her. The man who would do anything for her. Her husband. The same husband who hasn't been around her in two years. The same husband who trusted his mom's direction on why she left and what his focus should be. The same husband who decides to he** with it and goes for her. The same husband who finds her broken and not like the beautiful sunshine she is. The same husband who finds himself needing to leave again. He has to keep her safe before they can finally have the life they are owed. But then she pulls a fast one and takes matters into her own hands. She makes him realize that they can do this thing together. She makes him realize that their love is strong enough to survive. They are an immovable force. But will they be able to stop Fable in time? Will they have their happy ever after? Because he has just started to think about what that could look like with her and he is holding onto that hope for dear life.
This is a devastating love story filled with betrayal for the right and wrong reasons. This is a story about finding the person that means everything to you and how far you would go to save them and then be with them. I loved Alec's arc even though I am still struggling with his actions. I love the happiness that Killian was able to experience. I am glad that Simon was able to meet his grandbaby before he passed. And OMG did I love Silas' side gig as a farmer. I loved watching them fall in love all over again in their new life without fear and danger lurking around every corner. I am SO sad that this series is over BUT at the same time am very excited to see what Ashley has in store for us next!! These books got better and better as I read them :)
Thank you to Ashley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!! I am so happy I was able to be on this journey with you!!...more
This was a solid 3.5 for me. I did appreciate that it was a true standalone as I had not read the previous book and didn't feel lost that I hadn't. WhThis was a solid 3.5 for me. I did appreciate that it was a true standalone as I had not read the previous book and didn't feel lost that I hadn't. While this was a pretty fast and easy read, I didn't find myself completely invested in the characters. I felt like their transition from coworkers to more was very fast and I couldn't feel the chemistry like I have been able to in other books. That being said, I did enjoy the story and thought there was a lot of potential. There was a happy ever after, and it never hurts to read a story where people are falling in love. I did also enjoy reading a women grump (is that called reverse grump??).
Juliette is in a no win situation. She is a PR rep and is now on her third PR nightmare for one of her clients. To make it a little more awkward, one of her friends is her boss. She is giving her another chance but this is the last straw. She is going to be the PR rep for Simon Bennett- AKA America's sweetheart. He is about to work on a tour documentary and could use a hand making sure nothing gets out of control. Juliette accepts of course and finds herself outside of Asheville with the man himself. They are sharing a house. She is sharing a house with Mr. America and of course he is hot. But no she can't think of anything more. Everything between them has to stay professional. Until they start to get to know each other, and she finds herself slowly lowering her walls. She also finds herself rattling his cage unintentionally. She inspires him on some upcoming music and then all bets are off. They are now staying together on the reg. But how will things change when they go on tour? Will the documentary team understand Simon's limits on what he won't talk about on the film? She knows that it is the smartest move to keep them under wraps for now, but what will happen when people find out? Will they be able to stand the test of true fame?
Simon is in a great place. He is in between tour stops and enjoying his time in the mountains. He is a little nervous about this upcoming documentary situation but understands he has a new PR rep who will help him. Then he meets her- Juliette that is. And he finds himself intrigued. She is kind of uptight and short with him. She doesn't seem to want to let her hair down so to speak so he makes it his mission to get her there. And then he does and he just knows that they are going to become something special. She pushes him more than anyone else ever has. She has inspired him to write a bunch of new songs. She inspires him to confront his past and open up about it which he hasn't done like ever. And now they are exploring what their relationship. Things have changed for the better and they can't keep their hands off of each other. He knows that once they go on tour it will be a little different and he wants to respect Juliette's wishes about staying quiet, but he doesn't want her to be his little secret. He wants people to know he is with this beautiful woman. But now the film crew has caught wind of what they are and everything has changed in the worst way. Will he be able to get over his past and trust Juliette?
Like I said, this was a very easy fast read. I would like to point out that the spicy scenes are closed door, but it didn't take away from the story for me.
Thank you to Valentine PR and Samantha for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!...more
What an original story! I can't remember reading a book about such a high profile FMC with an also high-profile (not as high) of an MMC. Well done LulWhat an original story! I can't remember reading a book about such a high profile FMC with an also high-profile (not as high) of an MMC. Well done Lulu! These characters were great. I was able to read this as a standalone but do plan to go back and read Jupiter and Ace's stories as well. I have found myself DYING to know what happened at last year's opening day with Ace LOL. I really enjoyed watching Radley come out of her shell and the mental health rep with her. It goes to show you that if you have the right person in your life supporting you and pushing you that you can overcome more than you think. I LOVED Lux. What a SWEETHEART!! He was so patient and kind and supportive and loving and just everything you would want in a partner. I am curious to see how he showed in other books. It didn't seem like he was this reformed playboy but that he had previous experience but never with a girlfriend. I loved the touch her and die vibes. I loved how he was protective of Radley but also let her do her thing. I loved how he pushed her and helped her security detail recognize when she was going through something. He helped her realize her strength which was AWESOME!! I did enjoy the pace of this one. It was realistic- boy meets girl, they start texting, then going on dates and things evolved. I liked that there wasn't a lot of drama per say but more internal conflict.
Radley is in one of the most unique situations a person can be in. She is the daughter to the President of the United States, and she has decided to venture out and go to Columbia. Her guard is up because of a traumatic experience she just had with a guy. She is moving forward day by day but currently has constant shadows in the best way. She is comfortable with her bubble until it gets popped by a hottie with a body. Said hottie shows back up and is determined to get to know her while seeming to not really know who she is. Should she trust him? Let him in? That didn't go well for her last time- but there is something about this guy that seems different. So she gives him an in. And slowly but surely he helps bring down her walls. He helps her see how amazing she is and all of the things she can accomplish if she puts her mind to it. Oh and did we mention that he is an outfielder for the local baseball team who her family happens to hate because they are die hard Phillies fans? But he doesn't seem to pay attention to the noise- instead focusing on Radley. But will all of these things stand when she runs back into the one guy who ruined everything for her? Will she trust Lux completely how he is for her?
Lux is on cruise control. Baseball season just ended, and he wants to go on vacation with his boys. But he can't stop thinking about the honey eyed bombshell he saw at the bookstore. The same one he ran into in a hilariously embarrassing way again. He reached out but hasn't heard anything back until he does. And now he is feeling all kinds of things in his chest. He is excited and shy and hopeful and encouraged. This girl who seems to not care one bit about his level of fame because guess what hers is HIGHER. He hates how she closes in on herself sometimes. He wants her to recognize all that she can do. So he gives off touch her and die vibes while also building her up. He makes it his mission for her to feel safe with him and smile with him and all of the things. But will he be able to keep himself in check when they run into the bane of her existence? Bad press wouldn't be good for either of them.
I highly recommend this one if you want to smile and laugh while falling in love with these two falling in love. Like I said I have not read anything else of hers but BOY I can't wait.
Thank you to Valentine PR and Lulu for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!...more
I was lucky enough to get an ARC for this one and to say I was excited is an understatement! I have only read Loving Romeo with plans to read the otheI was lucky enough to get an ARC for this one and to say I was excited is an understatement! I have only read Loving Romeo with plans to read the other two. All that to say I really liked this book. Laura does such a good job with the found family. The text threads in this one between the guys was *top notch.* I liked that everything felt natural and paced really well. I enjoyed watching Emerson come out of her shell. Not that she was a grump, but her confidence had been shot. Nash and Cutler's confidence more than made up for it. I liked the emphasis on how much one person can change your perspective on things. Where Nash had never thought he could do a relationship because of Cutler, he found himself wanting to go with the flow and try something new. Emerson had a plan which ended up changing due to a man that walked into her life when she least expected it. But back to the text threads- I liked how the guys ribbed each other but also loved each other something fierce. Ride or die baby.
Emerson does not want to go home. Everyone knows her story there. She wants a blank slate which is how she has found herself in Magnolia Falls as the temporary town pediatrician. Her first patient happens to be Cutler- the cutest little boy she has ever seen- with his also hot dad Nash. Nash is giving off all kinds of not welcome vibes. Fine let him be like that- this is all temporary anyways. Until she finds out that they are neighbors. And her dog breaks into Nash's house. And she has dinner with Nash and Cutler. And now she is opening up about her recent heartache to Nash. And he is helping her through her trauma and kissing her and exploring her. And they are spending all of their time together. They decide to go with the flow. Enjoy the time they have together. She has to reminder herself not to get in too deep...that she is leaving at the end of the summer...right? But how can she leave her now refueled heart? How can she leave Cutler who talks to her about things he doesn't talk about with anyone else? How can she leave Nash who has helped her realize how amazing she is and what life is all about? Maybe she won't.
Nash has one sole focus in life...his son Cutler. His heart beats for Cutler. He also has four "brothers" who are his forever ride or die, but he has not had a relationship since Cutler's mom. And wow what a trainwreck that was. He does casual. That's it and that's all. But now his perspective is changing. The new town pediatrician who happens to be stunning is also his new neighbor. He isn't one for change, but here he is inviting her over for a casual dinner. Wondering what she is doing in that house all by herself. Wondering where she goes when she seems to get lost in her thoughts. Wondering what her lips taste like. Wondering what she would feel like. Well now he knows- she has opened up to him and while normally he would not be invested, he finds himself wanting to make her smile. He wants to make her realize how amazing she is. So they go for it- they are going to enjoy their time together while she is here. He has to remind himself she is leaving. He has to proclaim that he doesn't "care" to his friends when they ask but deep down he REALLY cares. He has involved Cutler in this one and they are both in deep. He realizes he has to take a leap and tell her how he feels. But will they be enough to get her to realize what they could be to each other? Does she feel how he does? There is only one way to find out.
I found myself smiling EVERY time Cutler talked. I was also comparing him to my 5 year old- news flash mine doesn't have that kind of game hahaha. I had a lot of good feelings while reading this one- hope, appreciation, wonder and warmth. I enjoyed that this was a true standalone but of course with my being a series addict I WILL be reading Ruby & River's story as well as Kingston & Saylor's. By the way I have to give kuddos to Laura about these names!! Love them. I am also now WAITING ON PINS AND NEEDLES for Hayes and Savannah. I am sensing some DEEP feelings coming our way in that one- can't wait!!
Thank you to Valentine PR and Laura for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!! ...more
This was SOO different than how I thought it was going to be. I read the synopsis as being similar to the Maid by Nita Prose. This is not that at all.This was SOO different than how I thought it was going to be. I read the synopsis as being similar to the Maid by Nita Prose. This is not that at all. I ended up reading this in almost one setting (it was a 5 hour car ride) but once I got into this I couldn't stop reading it. There are so many layers to peel back here. This book is about Lenn Marks, a woman who has experienced HORRIBLE trauma in her childhood and after receiving a piece of mail that references what happened, her whole world starts to fall apart. She has never truly grieved or acknowledged even what happened. She has been suppressing her emotions about the event her whole life. This has contributed to her being very particular about the order of things. She has a routine and she sticks to it. But now she is going outside of her comfort zone and for MOST of those experiences, she starts to realize what she has been missing. While also realizing at the same time, that she has people in her life who are not going to leave her. They truly care and want her to be happy. I would definitely check out the TW before diving into this one. There are some heavy topics.
Lenny Marks is set in life. She has her routine. She has Friends. She has decided she is going to ignore the letter she received written to her old name of Helena Winters. The one from the parole board referencing her stepfather. What she is not going to ignore is her foster mom's advice to start making friend. She wants to get out there a little bit more. The problem is that she has never been the best at reading people. She says what she thinks without thinking sometimes which can be construed as rude. She isn't the best at reading a room. She doesn't feel like she can be her true self around people so she acts a little differently. The one person she does feel like herself around (other than Fay her foster mom) is Ned from her local grocery store. After a night out with some coworkers, she can't ignore the letter anymore. She realizes it is the parole board asking her as a victim if she would testify to why her stepfather Fergus should stay in prison longer. But Fergus didn't do anything wrong from what she can remember right? But now she is not so sure. She is starting to remember things differently. Like the abuse her mother endured. The shed that she was put in during Fergus's rages. The fact that Malcolm was actually her little brother, not an imaginary friend. Now her life is upside down. She doesn't know how to get back to her routine. All she can do is tell everyone that she is fine even though she doesn't even believe it. But then her people show up for her. And Fergus is out of prison and her backyard. That is when she decides that all bets are off. She will NOT let what happened before be repeated.
This was a book about a woman overcoming a lot. She is just realizing how strong she is and how much she truly has endured in her short life. She opens up her bubble and starts to let people in that she didn't before. And now she has true friends and people that care about her and her well being. She realizes everything can't be planned but it is how you respond that matters. Like I said, this book caught me completely by surprise but in a WONDERFUL way. I can't recommend it enough!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!...more
Yall this book was sooooo good! I felt so many emotions while reading this one. I felt like Jessica was writing about me after having my first baby (mYall this book was sooooo good! I felt so many emotions while reading this one. I felt like Jessica was writing about me after having my first baby (minus PPD). The fears. The new realities. The not feeling good enough. The overwhelmingness. And I did it with a partner. I just felt weirdly heard. Especially when she started mentioning how no one talks about these things. Anabel's journey through PPD while exploring her new relationship and feelings for Beau was nothing short of incredible. Their connection was so raw and rich. They were so honest and real with each other. They had been through so much together and now they are both in this point in their life where they are broken in a sense. I loved LOVED how their connection changed. I have not read a lot of friends to lovers but MAN I might need some recs on more to read. The angst! The buildup! The connection when sparks fly. The heartbreak when things didn't go how they planned and then the true joy and hope when they did. I felt every possible emotion yall. I laughed out loud and I cried while reading this one. I am truly thankful to Kindle for recommending this one to me!!
Anabel and Beau have been BFs for 17 years. They have been through literally everything together. College. Relationships. The super bowl. Promotions. Trips. Divorces. You name it. They have done it. EXCEPT for their feelings for each other. They have kind of always been simmering there in the background but neither one of them has owned up to feeling anything in fear of how much it would change their relationship. Well now Anable has just been diagnosed with PPD and Beau has the grand idea of having her and her baby, Maisie, up to his family's world class resort that is a farm for the weekend. Bel feels broken. She is not herself but when she is with Beau she feels different. She doesn't feel like she has to wear a mask. She finds herself recognizing how handsome Beau is. Scratch that HOT Beau is. She finds herself wanting to kiss him and now that they have done that- she wants more. She wants her first time post baby to be with Beau. She gets to experience the ranch with him and the whole time her feelings are getting deeper and deeper. But Beau is keeping her at arms length because he has a major medical condition he is dealing with. He knows he can't give her what she wants- so she decides she will take what she can get while she can get it. She is hoping she will change his mind, but in the end will she? Will she be able to get him to live for tomorrow instead of not planning a future? Will they still be able to be friends after all they have been through?
Beau has given up on life. He has been hit with a hard diagnosis that reminds him too much of his dad and what he went through. He has made amends with that and has started to plan out the end. He invites Bel out to the ranch for some fun not thinking about how his feelings for her have always been there. He has always wanted more with her and now that she is ready for something he can't give it to her. Ain't that some s*it. But she wants to try other things with him. She is going through hell with her new life situation and is making a point of doing things to keep him busy. He realizes he truly does love her. But he can't give her what she wants can he? He has to let her go because he knows that is what is best right? Or is going to wake up and realize he made a huge mistake?
I can't recommend this one enough. I am DYING to read the rest of these- especially Millie and Nate. That one sounds like it is going to be straight up tragic. Thank you Jessica for writing such a relatable book and character in Bel. I would also like to mention that I listened to half of this one on Audible and Jason Clarke NAILED Beau's accent. Both of the narrators were fantastic!
If you have any friends to lovers recs let me know :)...more
For being a short book, I liked the pace of this one. Jason Clarke did fantastic as the narrator. I loved him doing both voices. We did not get dual PFor being a short book, I liked the pace of this one. Jason Clarke did fantastic as the narrator. I loved him doing both voices. We did not get dual POVs in this one. We only got Paul's which I liked because usually when there is only one it is the FMC. I do wish we could have "heard" what Demi Lee was thinking behind the scenes. I would have given this more stars but struggled with the ending a little bit which I will go into later. I liked the pace. I liked the MCs. I liked the setting and world building. I liked the buildup and the angst. I also loved when there was that f*** it moment and things started to shift. I liked Paul's gestures towards Demi Lee when he was ready to tell her how he felt. I found myself invested in these two and wanting things to work our for them.
Paul Bradford is on his way to a real estate conference when his best friend Finn asks him to check on his baby sister. She just got out of a relationship. She is miserable. It is the literal last thing he wants to do but where does he find himself one night after his sessions? At Demi Lee's door. She really does look rough. He had to google how to help in this situation. He is prepared with chocolate, pizza and a movie. What he is not prepared for is for Demi Lee to ask him to be her plus one at a wedding this weekend. What he is not prepared for is him saying yes to a fake dinner with her to get her ex jealous. And he is definitely not prepared for how different she looks and how he wants to nuzzle her neck. He isn't prepared for how much fun they have together at the wedding. And how proud he feels having her on his arm. But at the end of the day, she is Finn's sister. And that is a line he will not cross. So he walks away. He knows Demi Lee is disappointed. Hell he is too but what was he supposed to do.
Fast forward a few days and Paul is back at work. His coworker helps him see the error of his ways and now he is determined to see if things could work between him and Demi Lee. He starts a campaign to get her attention. They start talking every day. They start developing feelings. Lines get crossed but not THE line. And then Finn finds out. Gives them an ultimatum which they have to follow. And while they are doing that they realize how much they care about each other. And how perfect they fit.
I had a hard time with the build up to them being together since this was a SLOW burn. But then we were literally left hanging. Too much build up for a closed-door scene that wasn't referenced again. I felt straight up teased. I don't have a problem with closed door at all but felt the build up could have been less if that makes sense? I would love to read more of this series but honestly am not sure about paying $6 for a book when the rest seem to be under 200 pages. I wish they were on Kindle Unlimited.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. ...more
This one was a 3.5 star read for me. Sometimes first books are here for me because it's the intro to a new world, new characters and maybe the author This one was a 3.5 star read for me. Sometimes first books are here for me because it's the intro to a new world, new characters and maybe the author is testing the waters. Usually the stories get better as the series goes on. I liked the characters in this one. I liked the found family and the text banter. I had a harder time with the timing of everything. The transition from enemies to lovers was pretty fast in my opinion or maybe it just didn't seem as natural though the situation they found themselves in was not as natural. I also didn't love the reason for the tension at the end. I just didn't feel like a lot actually happened if that makes sense? That being said, I am planning on reading the future books in this series to see who brings down all of the side characters I adored.
Weston feels like he is at a fork in the road of life. He isn't enjoying these one off hookups and has slowly stopped them almost altogether. He is enjoying his career but finds himself wondering what else is there. Then everything changes. He gets a call from a hospital that his son was in a car accident. A son he didn't know that he had. When he arrives, he finds a woman who is the sister of one of said hookups being a guard dog over his son. He is his actual son. Because he is not a monster, he wants Sadie, his son's aunt, to be in his life. He invites her back to stay with him for a minute. They can coparent together and figure out what this looks like. The problem is the longer they are coparenting the more Weston finds himself envisioning a future with her in it not as his son's aunt but as his more. He is honest with himself and recognizes that he had no feelings for his son's mom. It was a one night thing. But what he feels now? He has never felt before. He respects Sadie's wishes though and keeps things platonic for as long as he can. Until he sees his window and decides to shoot his shot. But he has to remind himself being the partner of a famous athlete isn't for the faint of heart. Especially when there is scandal involved. Will Sadie be able to stick it out and be with him how he wants? All Weston knows is that he is excited to be a part of the single dad club with his teammates and he hopes that he will be the first that gets to break the mold.
Sadie is so angry. Her sister was killed. Her nephew doesn't have a mom. Her nephew's dad shows up and acts like he has never heard of him despite her sister specifically telling her the opposite. She feels cornered. She doesn't want to get cut out of Caleb's life so she agrees to get close to the enemy that is Weston Shaw. She agrees to help coparent and try to figure this thing out together. What she does not agree to is the guilt she starts feeling over realizing that Weston is not who she thought he was. He is kind and genuine and really didn't know. What she doesn't expect is to find her sister's journals which confirm the truth, she never told him. What she doesn't expect is to find herself envisioning a little family with her, Caleb and Weston together. That can't happen though right? It's too taboo. I mean Weston was with her sister but was he? Now she is navigating through these feelins that she has and how she wants the world to know but the world is mean. She decides to lay low for a while until things calm down. But she hates that. She has to decide if what she feels for Weston is bigger than caring what people she doesn't know think. Let's hope she chooses wisely.
Something I did enjoy in this book was how grief was portrayed. It was genuine in that it comes in waves and all forms and that there are layers which we witnessed in Sadie. I appreciated that in this storyline.
Thank you to Valentine PR and Willow for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review! Looking forward to book 2....more
I really enjoyed this one. I am becoming partial to best friends to lovers! I am enjoying this world and the supporting characters. Has anybody heard I really enjoyed this one. I am becoming partial to best friends to lovers! I am enjoying this world and the supporting characters. Has anybody heard talk of books not just about the Noughton brothers? I would LOVE to read Lottie and Brooks as well as some hints of other cousins pairing off. A girl can dream right? Anyways, I enjoyed how this one made me feel. I felt really connected to Sadie and Jude and what happened to them. I was annoyed that Jude was never going to tell Sadie how he felt. He was kind of "forced" into this situation but gladly at the same time. I loved how Jude was different with Sadie and more of a grump with everyone else. I loved how Jude was her rock and the angst that they both had feelings for each other for a long time but didn't act on it. I was sad for Jude and how he thought he was doing the right thing by Sadie in pushing her away when all she wanted was him to chase after her. She wanted to be put first which he did in the BEST way once he figured that out!
Jude has been in love with his best friend since as far back as he can remember. He would do anything for her. His main goal is to ensure her happiness. He has convinced himself that he will never tell her how he feels because she deserves more than to be a farmer's wife. Things have changed though. Sadie's dad has died unexpectedly. The farm is in jeopardy of being taken away unless Sadie or her mom can get a loan from the bank. The only way they can get a loan is if they are married. And Jude is HAPPY to help. He will just be fake married to the woman he has been in love with for forever. They can do this right? But then Sadie tells him she has feelings for him too. And even though they have already tied the knot, they jump into something real. The challenge with that is that even though they know everything about each other, they have never been on a date. Jude is still uncertain about Sadie wanting him wholeheartedly which ends up biting him in the a**. And now Sadie is acting weird and so he decides to let her go so she can explore the world outside of Plain Daisy. He convinces himself it is for the best but her reaction says otherwise. Is it too late to make things right? He wants her for the rest of his life but maybe he needs to be more clear.
Sadie's life has turned upside down in 24 hours. Her dad has died unexpectedly on the same day she was planning on telling Jude how she has felt for him for years. She know has found out that the bank is going to take back their farm if they can't get a loan. Oh and she can't get a loan unless she has a guarantor or maybe a husband. The teller suggests Jude. But she can't ask that of him. He only sees her as a friend. She doesn't want to tie him down. But shockingly he says of course he will do it. And so now they are planning a wedding in the most unromantic way as possible. Sadie has convinced herself that Jude is regretting this decision but then they kiss each other and it is simply magical. Now they have both admitted they have feelings for each other. And they decide to try this out for real. They have been through so much, they can navigate this new things between them right? But then Sadie finds out she is pregnant, and when she asks Jude about the future he is too vague. He wants her to be happy. But what about him? What does he want? Maybe it isn't her and it definitely might not be a baby. Sadie is unsure of what to do now but then Jude makes a grand gesture that makes his feelings towards her clear!
I am glad that Jude finally figured his stuff out- reading about miscommunication is so frustrating for me. I was cringing at some of Jude's responses BUT then he made it all better. I also loved how Jude's family helped him breakthrough his insecurities. It showed that they knew how to be there for each other when they needed to be. I can't wait to continue this one and see how Briar and Emmett's story unfolds. And like I said I am going to hope that there are more books to come involving the cousins. There were too many breadcrumbs for us to not get more right??
Thank you to ValentinePR and Piper for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!...more
This was my first book by Ashley, and I found myself ordering the rest of the series and pre-ordering the next two. I REALLY liked this as an intro toThis was my first book by Ashley, and I found myself ordering the rest of the series and pre-ordering the next two. I REALLY liked this as an intro to the series. The characters were great. I found myself trying to figure out who everyone would end up with or how their story would go. I of course loved the world. We were in rodeos and traveling with the rodeo folk and horses and mountains and pretty views and sexy AF cowboys. I really thought that Ashley did a great job with the mental health struggles that Shooter has been dealing with and letting us see that what people see on the outside might not always be what is happening underneath. I liked their meet cute and that it wasn't in fact a meet cute. I liked how they circled around each other for a while before things came about. I also enjoyed how much Sterling did not put up with Shooter's sh*t. He wasn't here for games. He wanted things to be genuine. I also loved how much he helped Shooter. It is so amazing when you find that person and things just click where you don't feel alone anymore.
Shooter is the NRA world champ AGAIN. He is on cloud nine and ready to party. He ends up at a bar in Vegas with his friends when someone catches his eye. He finds himself having a time in the bathroom with said stranger. Normally he doesn't think twice about on the road hookups, but for whatever reason he finds himself thinking about this guy long after their one night together. So isn't he shocked when he finds out that the stranger is Sterling Addams. His new competition. The same competition that his dad can't stop talking about and comparing him to. So Shooter does what he always does he trains. He ignores it, but he can't ignore this draw to Sterling. Even though he knows he shouldn't, he makes moves. But then Sterling starts doing the unthinkable- he starts winning. And Shooter finds himself on a downward spiral and the one person he wants to turn to is in fact Sterling. He pushes him away for as long as he can until he almost gets hurt and he realizes he might not want to do this anymore. He is finally honest with Sterling about all he has been struggling with and instead of the judgment he is expecting, he gets nothing but support. So Shooter decides to start making new moves and new plans. Plans that might be different from what he thought his dreams were but as long as Sterling is by his side, he can do anything.
Sterling is questioning a lot of recent decisions he has made most importantly the one night stand with Shooter Graham. THE Shooter Graham. The man he has been idolizing for forever. The man he will be competing against next season. The man he now calls a neighbor in this small town they live in. The man he can't ignore anymore. He tried to. He really does. He puts up walls but they get torn down. There is something about Shooter that makes Sterling want to learn more about. He wants to know what makes him tick. He wants to know how to make him smile. He wants to know if he enjoys what he is doing and why he acts the way he acts. When he finally finds out, he is heartbroken. He wants what is best for Shooter, but does Shooter want what is best for himself? All Sterling can do is be by his side and help him through it, if he will let him.
There were definitely times where I was annoyed by Shooter's behavior and his temper tantrums, but I can also recognize someone when they are deflecting the pain they are feeling. I also listened to half of this book on audio and have to say that the narrators did a FANTASTIC job. The tension and inflection was done perfectly. I can't wait to read more about these cowboys and meet new characters, and I sincerely hope our main men (you know who I mean if you have read this) get the second chance romance they deserve- pretty please Ashley!!!...more
Loading...
