bookilydo's reviews
408 reviews

I really liked this until I stepped back and started thinking about it. I wanted more depth to the conflict resolution. Without giving too much away, the FMC definitely has reasonable trust issues but the abandonment of those in the name of love feels too easy here. I was also *really* hoping for an epilogue. I want to know how the FMC's family relationships resolve. How do our MCs reconcile a future together given geographical and professional challenges? I want to know if anyone ends up with a gold statue! Also, I want a series; I need a Nick book, a Charlie book, and definitely a Marco book.

I loved this so much. Noah and Shay are perfect complements for one another and Genny is more than just a plot moppet - she's the perfect inclusion in this story and reminds me so much of my own daughter. This is the Hallmark movie true in only the best way, and it doesn't take itself too seriously. I hope there are many more books featuring Shay's friends and the whole cast of characters from Friendship, RI.

I'm not typically a mystery or thriller reader, but this blended those elements with romance. It was an unconventional read for me, but was entertaining. There were lots of twists and turns with some jaw-dropping revelations towards the end. It would make for a very fun movie adaptation.

Going back to start at the beginning of an author's backlist is interesting. You get to see their roots and appreciate how far they've come. That was the case with Beautiful Bastard. Christina Lauren has come a long way since their roots - this was a fun, spicy romp of a story, but I didn't LOVE it the way I love MANY of their later books. So much of what I love about their writing is that slow burn of emotion between characters that makes you feel giddy about them finally getting together, but that wasn't the case for me here. All good, though. I'll always read Christina Lauren!

This was my first monster romance, and wow was it a doozy. There is a plot, but it definitely takes a back seat to the spicy scenes. There are a LOT of those. Very open door scenes, some very public, and some even performative.  There is one female main character and her five monster lovers - a shape-shifter, a vampire, a sphinx, an invisible man, and a golem.

This is the first in a series, but I don't think I'll be reading more. It's just not my thing, but the writing is good, so if you're into the explicit monster romance genre, this would be your thing!

I continue to love all the Bergmans, their significant others, and their offspring so much. Chloe Liese has written another story about imperfect people navigating life and in a way that feels so real and attainable.

This enemies-to-lovers sports romance is so satisfying! There are the usual hijinks but also some incredibly vulnerable and tender moments between the MMCs. It's lovely to read about men actively rejecting toxic masculinity and being incredibly hot while doing it! LOL.

Highly recommend.

This book is a calm, sweet look into a marriage of convenience that turns into something more. It is not a romp full of hijinks, and it's exactly perfect for the two main characters. We know them from earlier books in the series, but get a front row seat for their blossoming love story.

The author has proved in earlier books that she can deal sensitively with neurodivergency and we learn in this book that she can do the same with chronic illness, as well. I just loved the gentle, sweet, carrying understanding that both characters give one another throughout their story arc.

This section of the author's now really hit the mark for me:

"I hope its message has both resonated with and encouraged you, even if you aren’t chronically ill like Rooney or neurodivergent like Axel: that self- acceptance and self- love are multilayered and delicate, that the bridge we cross to entrusting that tender place within ourselves to worthy others is frightening, but it is also a gift."

The final Cane Brothers story did not disappoint. I loved this best friends to lovers story! Lia - the FMC - is geeky and relatable. She's gotten comfortable in a relationship and is on the slippery slope of overlooking small red flags. Unfortunately, it takes an engagement and a truly horrendous MIL-to-be to make her see that the red flags all add up to a flashing neon sign telling her to get out before it's too late. Thankfully, she has her best friend to boost her confidence and self-esteem in the lead up and aftermath.

The friendship between Lia and Breaker is so sweet and comfortable. They complement one another so well, and Breaker is definitely the sweetest of the brothers. He is much more down-to-Earth and less ostentatious than his older brothers.

Their story was the perfect one to close out this series for me!

Silas House is a master storyteller. He weaves words together to form a lush landscape and full-bodied characters to fill it. While I am not from Appalachia, I am from nearby, and the language and mannerisms of mountain folk shine through in House's words. He brings alive the land, the people, and the religious fervor held therein.

I do not often listen to audiobooks, but I listened to the bulk of this on a road trip to Nashville. The voice actor, Charlie Thurston, does well with the various voices and accents. Nothing is too over-the-top or put on.

I'll highly recommend this novel to all.

Another fun novel from Meghan Quinn, this one about the eldest Cane brother. It features a billionaire, a fake betrothal, a fake pregnancy, and enemies-to-lovers.

I enjoyed the chemistry between the two main characters, but I didn't see as much of the character growth as I wanted there to be. I also feel like one of the major plot lines was left a bit unfulfilled. <Spoiler>What happened with Ellie and Dave? How in the world did Ellie end up as a bridesmaid in the next book?!

I feel like the spice level in these books is just right, and the sex scenes further the story. I'm enjoying these books!