When I first pulled this series up in Amazon, this story collection was NOT listed. I just happened upon it in Goodreads. I'm so glad that I did. I loved revisiting each couple and experiencing so many major and fun events with them. Childbirth, marriage, covid, and smexy time. It's also nice to see their struggles because HEA doesn't mean absence of conflict.

Reading a variety of shorts like this gave me an anthropology vibe. I could see this being a series. Shonda are you available??

Sadly I didn't love this story. It lacked the same level of comedy or sentiment as the previous couples. This was like one of those YouTube clips about ketchup for me. You learned a few interesting facts but for the most part Alton Brown's soothing voice just makes the rest of the words fade away.

Ani and Mac have a one night stand then end up being forced together due to their best friend's being engaged. It was a smooth transition into a relationship. The ending/final declaration was unexpected and a bit of a plot twist.

I think my expectations may have been too high. I was so excited with Anika being Indian and having an interracial couple. I had hopped there would have been more culture in their story.

I almost took a break from this series but my need to hyperfixate on a series from start to finish wouldn't allow the abandonment. I'm so happy I stuck it out.

Willow and Teddy are so adorable. Willow's back story tugs all the heartstrings. Seeing how Tristan is with her reinforced his kind heart and protective nature.

Teddy's relationship with her brother was solid, comical, and comfortable. It's nice to have a same sex love story with supportive families.

The intimacy was vanilla and safe but considering the journey to get there, it was appropriate and joyful.

This is a sweet love story I could see on Disney Plus, Netflix, or Lifetime.

Be still my beating heart. Collins story hit so close to home for me. This is an emotional second chance love story. It lacked the level comedy and smuttiness that the other books had because every interaction was intense and overwhelming.

A few pointers, it took me until chapter freaking 10 to connect the PUN of this book being named Mrs. Clause and the fact that her husband's name is Nick. Get it?!?! St. Nick!! It's Christmas time. Ho ho ho bitches. Also there was a clause in their prenup. So not one but TWO puns.

My man Nick omfg he was so sexy and emotionally raw. His communication sucked, he made mistakes but it hurt my heart knowing the level of suffering and regret BOTH went through. Fuck me, when he started talking in Italian I transported into a freaking world of desire. Side note, I've read enough smut with Italian speaking men that I recognized a ton of words which contributed to my reading pleasure. *If you don't recognize or know Italian no worries she has the translations at the end of the book. Some will make you want to cry.

Collins is equally guilty of poor communication and she made assumptions. However it's explained that this was an arranged marriage that she's known about since she was 14. So I can see how and why assumptions were made and their parting escalated.

I would pay $14 to go see this on a big screen. Loved them, loved their story, loved the epilogue. Highly recommend.

That must have been one hell of a Halloween party because the coupling is strong. I loved it. This is a nice shoot the breeze story where the main characters finally act on their feelings.

It's quick, cute, and sexy. Not as many laughs or emotional rollarcoaster as the previous books, however I appreciated the ease.

Caleb seems like a good guy and Yasmin is sweet and adorable. They are a cute match.

I loved everything about this book. I had so many feels. Anger, sadness, butterflies, joy, and disgust just to name a few. Fallon and Madoc were so unexpected. This was definitely more edgy than Jared and Tate. As mentioned in the story their issues are more "mature". Their love is intense. I'm here for it and was cheering for them every step of the way.

Jax was a breakout character in this story. I was already curious about him, now I may be obsessed despite the fact that he's still such a mystery. So glad I dropped the coin for this series and even more pleased to learn that the new Hellbent series Penelope is working on is 6 books and a spin off from this one. So there's that. Yay!!!!!

I was not prepared for the emotionally draining this book is. Everything I thought it would be, it wasn't. Every time I thought I knew the direction it was going in BAM plot twist. I had so many feels while reading this. It is not for the weak of heart.

Tiernan- Her parents destroyed her with their neglect and emotional abuse. I was devastated for her. She wants nothing more than to feel safe and loved. She was like a wounded animal lashing out then wanting nothing more than to please and revel in the kindness and love they are now receiving.

Jake- This is the second time I've read an age gap attraction/relationship written by Penelope Douglas and like the last (Birthday Girl) she writes these men and shares their soul to the point where any initial concern about them being predators in anyway is thrown out. We want what we want but we are in control of our actions. I appreciated how Jake confronted Tiernan and really made her analyze her actions prior to acting on his urges.

Noah- I adored him so much. He was so open and honest. He is the heartbeat of the entire story in my opinion. He offers support, a listening ear, and comfort while sacrificing his own wants. He is an alpha male and a jokester for sure.

Kaleb- First I want to say that his name starting with a K was the only annoying aspect of this book. Kaleb is so unpredictable and frustrating. His backstory was unexpected and heartbreaking. However it was amusing to see his "disability" didn't prevent him from enjoying his youth in town.

Tiernan's relationship with each guy is unique and on various emotional levels. At no point was I rooting for any specific one to "win" her as it was apparent she needed to grow and stand on her own first, however it was her bonds with these men that allowed her to do so.

I could probably do a 2 hour podcast discussing this book it was soo good. I need a movie with special commentary from Penelope. I will carry the lessons and emotion from this book with me forever, it's imprinted.

Crazy, Toxic, Dumpster Fire, Bitch. That is the ONLY way I can describe Clay. I don't know what I thought this book was about, but it was everything I didn't expect and everything I didn't know I needed. It was like watching a an evil villain tantrum on repeat. Clay made every alpha male I've ever read about seem small and weak. She is NOT to be fucked with.

I loved this book. There was soo much to digest. Grief, mental illness, acceptance, self hate, a need for validation, family, white privilege, power, greed, sexual deviance, sexual positivity, socio-economic standards and expectations, and so much more.

I only give Five Stars to books that give me strong emotional responses. This book had me on the edge. It was hot, messy, unbelievable yet totally believable.

This book consumed my entire being. There were so many emotionally charged moments ad unexpected twists. Friendship, love, abandonment, drug use, self hate, self love, forgiveness of others and yourself, grief, and acceptance are just a few of the issues touched. There was no lagging or useless words, this is probably one of the most intense books I've read in a long long time.

Grant's back story and personal struggles made this story for me. I literally just finished 11 other books by this author and NONE of the other men were as authentic, emotionally raw, and relatable as Grant.

The attraction, conflict, and love between Grant and Kate was exciting. I appreciated the entire Holbrook family and empathized greatly. This series is much darker than the others but still funny and heartwarming.