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bandherbooks's Reviews (3.65k)
There is definitely a very cute dog, but the dog is not named Cooper (one of the hero's is), and there is a fun summer RV Park/Campground/Summer camp setting, but overall I wasn't entirely charmed by what is apparently the first in a series by Lori Foster.
There is some content to this cute-cover book that may bother some readers.
Phoenix Rose was robbed at her business by gun point, assaulted, almost raped, and left so traumatized by the ordeal she had to leave her fiancee, her livelihood, and her home. She's hoping to find a fresh start as a groundskeeper at Cooper's Charm, a quaint RV Park, Campground, and Cabins. She's immediately attracted to the titular Cooper, a man ten years her senior, a widower, and someone who she most definitely should not be having feelings for.
Eventually her sister Ridley follows her to the resort, also starting a job there, and starts a romance with a sexy scuba instructor named Baxter. Ridley has her own trauma from a terrible divorce and thinks all she wants from womanizing Baxter is sex, but he surprises her at every turn.
What follows is a standard "women's fic" tale of two sisters finding love despite their issues, two very sexy, very charming men who turn out to be absolutely perfect for our heroines, and a very cute puppy who is the lynch-pin to the lame "mystery" part of the story.
I'd be fine with all of this and it was a pleasant enough read, there were just too many things that irked me, especially in 2018. Content warning (and spoilers) ahead!
Phoenix is described as 'pudgy' and 'curvy in all the right places' and constantly thinks about her weight, especially in comparison to her sister who is "sexy all the time no matter what because she's thin" and the far thinner dead wife of her love interest. I'm cool with a fat heroine, but her constant inner monologue about her weight made me weary, especially since she insists she doesn't have hang-ups like "other girls." Side-eyed that statement a little bit.
Baxter's reason for being a non-committal womanizer is because he had major feelings for a woman who, dun dun dun, turned out to be a LESBIAN! Gasp! She used him for sex to figure out she was gay, and it made him completely not trust women. I just, why? Why is this the reason?
The dog is in peril on page, but no worries, doesn't die.
Pregnancy is discussed in various ways, some of which may be upsetting to readers.
There is kind of a lot of violence. Cooper's wife was murdered, Phoenix is under threat by an unknown person or person trying to hurt her. Phoenix's anxiety and PTSD surrounding her attack(s) are relatable, but also seem to be conveniently resolved or not resolved depending on where you are in the story.
There is some content to this cute-cover book that may bother some readers.
Phoenix Rose was robbed at her business by gun point, assaulted, almost raped, and left so traumatized by the ordeal she had to leave her fiancee, her livelihood, and her home. She's hoping to find a fresh start as a groundskeeper at Cooper's Charm, a quaint RV Park, Campground, and Cabins. She's immediately attracted to the titular Cooper, a man ten years her senior, a widower, and someone who she most definitely should not be having feelings for.
Eventually her sister Ridley follows her to the resort, also starting a job there, and starts a romance with a sexy scuba instructor named Baxter. Ridley has her own trauma from a terrible divorce and thinks all she wants from womanizing Baxter is sex, but he surprises her at every turn.
What follows is a standard "women's fic" tale of two sisters finding love despite their issues, two very sexy, very charming men who turn out to be absolutely perfect for our heroines, and a very cute puppy who is the lynch-pin to the lame "mystery" part of the story.
I'd be fine with all of this and it was a pleasant enough read, there were just too many things that irked me, especially in 2018. Content warning (and spoilers) ahead!
Phoenix is described as 'pudgy' and 'curvy in all the right places' and constantly thinks about her weight, especially in comparison to her sister who is "sexy all the time no matter what because she's thin" and the far thinner dead wife of her love interest. I'm cool with a fat heroine, but her constant inner monologue about her weight made me weary, especially since she insists she doesn't have hang-ups like "other girls." Side-eyed that statement a little bit.
Baxter's reason for being a non-committal womanizer is because he had major feelings for a woman who, dun dun dun, turned out to be a LESBIAN! Gasp! She used him for sex to figure out she was gay, and it made him completely not trust women. I just, why? Why is this the reason?
The dog is in peril on page, but no worries, doesn't die.
Pregnancy is discussed in various ways, some of which may be upsetting to readers.
There is kind of a lot of violence. Cooper's wife was murdered, Phoenix is under threat by an unknown person or person trying to hurt her. Phoenix's anxiety and PTSD surrounding her attack(s) are relatable, but also seem to be conveniently resolved or not resolved depending on where you are in the story.
I didn't really read the blurb of this book before starting it, as I participated in an online Q&A with the author on the page of one of the Romance Groups I follow, so I was pretty sad to realize the heroine has returned home to England after being kidnapped and placed in a harem for seventeen years. Eek.
So, I read it and the writing style suited my tastes, but I couldn't really completely get over my squeamishness with this problematic plot point. Especially when there was never any nuance to it and it was typical harem-trope nonsense. All the women were evil and manipulative, the "sultan" was a gross, fat rapist, and there were no characters of color besides the heroine's "half-caste" son who were not caricatures.
So. There we are.
So, I read it and the writing style suited my tastes, but I couldn't really completely get over my squeamishness with this problematic plot point. Especially when there was never any nuance to it and it was typical harem-trope nonsense. All the women were evil and manipulative, the "sultan" was a gross, fat rapist, and there were no characters of color besides the heroine's "half-caste" son who were not caricatures.
So. There we are.
Fairly standard New Adult romance featuring a bad-boy player who falls hard for his friend after they have a drunk "one night stand" that turns into a fling that turns into love.
The story opens with a bang, as Allie, hiding from the long-term boyfriend she recently dumped, barges in and and busts up hockey player Dean's three-way and then ends up sleeping with him the same night after a bottle of tequila.
I loved seeing Dean beg Allie. I loved that Allie owns her sexuality and but also fears her dependence on having a boyfriend. I didn't enjoy that the characters' first time together was told in bits and pieces as a booze-fueled flashback that Allie only slowly begins to remember after waking up naked with Dean.
The story felt a bit bloated at times and the romance arc wasn't the most thrilling for me personally, but it was overall a fun audio book. The male narrator was pleasant, including his female voices, and I liked the female narrator as well. I would listen to the previous three books in the series.
Content warnings for alcohol, drugs, secondary character death, and depression.
The story opens with a bang, as Allie, hiding from the long-term boyfriend she recently dumped, barges in and and busts up hockey player Dean's three-way and then ends up sleeping with him the same night after a bottle of tequila.
I loved seeing Dean beg Allie. I loved that Allie owns her sexuality and but also fears her dependence on having a boyfriend. I didn't enjoy that the characters' first time together was told in bits and pieces as a booze-fueled flashback that Allie only slowly begins to remember after waking up naked with Dean.
The story felt a bit bloated at times and the romance arc wasn't the most thrilling for me personally, but it was overall a fun audio book. The male narrator was pleasant, including his female voices, and I liked the female narrator as well. I would listen to the previous three books in the series.
Content warnings for alcohol, drugs, secondary character death, and depression.
Russell Hart is desperately in love with Abby Sullivan, but he's placed himself strictly in the "friend-zone." A carpenter with no advanced degrees, a falling apart house he's slowly renovating as time and money allows, and dark desires has no business touching any part of rich girl, virgin, mastermind mathematician Abby. She's not for Russell, and he knows it.
Oblivious to Russell's desires until a night they accidentally spend together in bed, Abby is delighted this grumpy, huge man seems to be brought to his knees by her growing sense of her own sensuality and worth. But, Abby cannot figure out why Russell keeps trying to push her away, adding yet another stress on her life she doesn't need as she is also secretly running her family's hedge fund while her father is in hiding after suffering a nervous breakdown.
Forced proximity and Abby and Russell's friends (from the previous two books in the series) keep bringing these two together despite Russell's fears, but how can this couple ever work if they keep hiding their true feelings?
Not my favorite, as I did not like that the tension in the story came mostly from Russell refusing to tell Abby anything but then not being able to control himself sexually around her. A bit too much angst revolving around lies and misconceptions. BUT, still a hot story and I loved that Abby was a hedge fund manager.
Oblivious to Russell's desires until a night they accidentally spend together in bed, Abby is delighted this grumpy, huge man seems to be brought to his knees by her growing sense of her own sensuality and worth. But, Abby cannot figure out why Russell keeps trying to push her away, adding yet another stress on her life she doesn't need as she is also secretly running her family's hedge fund while her father is in hiding after suffering a nervous breakdown.
Forced proximity and Abby and Russell's friends (from the previous two books in the series) keep bringing these two together despite Russell's fears, but how can this couple ever work if they keep hiding their true feelings?
Not my favorite, as I did not like that the tension in the story came mostly from Russell refusing to tell Abby anything but then not being able to control himself sexually around her. A bit too much angst revolving around lies and misconceptions. BUT, still a hot story and I loved that Abby was a hedge fund manager.
I was so intrigued by Ruth Kabbah's sister in the first Ravenswood book, so I'm so glad she has her very own romance story!
Untouchable features a woman dealing with the repercussions of destroying the property of her sister's abusive ex-boyfriend, an act that while justified, has lost Hannah her job, a job she loved.
So, when the chance at being able to work with children again presents itself, Hannah jumps at the chance, even if it means she'll be nanny-ing for her onetime childhood crush, the brooding and sexy Nate.
Nate is also super reluctant to hire Hannah, even though he really needs her help and she is the best candidate for his children. He wants Hannah, and he doesn't want to be a creep.
What follows is a fantastic romance featuring two characters with very real problems (Hannah's depression, Nate's mother's cancer) but who are perfect for one another. There are no "magic sexy times/relationshps" that solve Nate and Hannah's problems, but they find their strengths help.
Love this story!
Untouchable features a woman dealing with the repercussions of destroying the property of her sister's abusive ex-boyfriend, an act that while justified, has lost Hannah her job, a job she loved.
So, when the chance at being able to work with children again presents itself, Hannah jumps at the chance, even if it means she'll be nanny-ing for her onetime childhood crush, the brooding and sexy Nate.
Nate is also super reluctant to hire Hannah, even though he really needs her help and she is the best candidate for his children. He wants Hannah, and he doesn't want to be a creep.
What follows is a fantastic romance featuring two characters with very real problems (Hannah's depression, Nate's mother's cancer) but who are perfect for one another. There are no "magic sexy times/relationshps" that solve Nate and Hannah's problems, but they find their strengths help.
Love this story!
I've been reading mostly contemporary and historical romance titles, but I received an ARC of Polaris Rising from the publisher and my Star Wars loving heart immediately was drawn to read it as I haven't seen many Space Opera Romances on the shelf.
While I found the hero, Marcus Loch, to be a bit one-dimensional, my love for Ada von Hasenberg, Space "princess," kick-ass pilot, and political schemer more than made up for it. The world-building reminded me a bit of Dune, with the competing houses, the special (and secret) mineral, etc.
Also, I'm so here for a Space Opera with more explicit (and consensual) sex scenes. Huzzah!
I'll complete a better review closer to the publication date, but you'll definitely want to add Polaris Rising to your TBR pile straightaway.
While I found the hero, Marcus Loch, to be a bit one-dimensional, my love for Ada von Hasenberg, Space "princess," kick-ass pilot, and political schemer more than made up for it. The world-building reminded me a bit of Dune, with the competing houses, the special (and secret) mineral, etc.
Also, I'm so here for a Space Opera with more explicit (and consensual) sex scenes. Huzzah!
I'll complete a better review closer to the publication date, but you'll definitely want to add Polaris Rising to your TBR pile straightaway.
Lo has lost her job and is in desperate need of a cash influx, cash she could have if only she also had a marriage certificate, the one stipulation on her inheritance left by her grandmother. With no suitors in sight, male or female, Lo asks her best friend Cara if she'd consider getting married, in name only.
Friends since childhood, Lo convinces Cara marriage would be nothing different than their best friendship, just with a piece of paper and a stash of money they could both really use.
But, as the marriage of convenience turns more and more into a real wedding, Lo can't help but wonder if the definitely straight Cara could maybe be more.
I love this trope, but for something that was fairly fluffy and lighthearted, I was a bit stressed out by the story! Told in first person POV from Lo's perspective, I found myself doubting Cara. I wanted more of them together on the page, more chemistry, more proof for Lo to believe Cara was in fact in love with her. I liked the last part of the story the best, when they both confess their feelings for the other and try dating and more.
There were definitely some continuity problems that broke into my reading as well. A friend is described as the best secret keeper ever then in a few pages as someone incapable of keeping one. Lo's real name is Loren, but in the description of the book is spelled "Lauren." I also could not get a mental image of Lo, as there wasn't much of description except her own negative comparison of herself versus Cara. There is a lot of telling instead of showing. A bit more editing would definitely help, and honestly I wish Cara could have her own POV and chapters.
What I did love was simple fact it was a romance between two women, Lo doesn't question her own queerness, and Cara goes to therapy to figure out what she really wants (LO). Also includes a trans character and there was no biphobia!
This was my first novel from this author, and I'll definitely read more! Thank you to the author for the free copy!
Friends since childhood, Lo convinces Cara marriage would be nothing different than their best friendship, just with a piece of paper and a stash of money they could both really use.
But, as the marriage of convenience turns more and more into a real wedding, Lo can't help but wonder if the definitely straight Cara could maybe be more.
I love this trope, but for something that was fairly fluffy and lighthearted, I was a bit stressed out by the story! Told in first person POV from Lo's perspective, I found myself doubting Cara. I wanted more of them together on the page, more chemistry, more proof for Lo to believe Cara was in fact in love with her. I liked the last part of the story the best, when they both confess their feelings for the other and try dating and more.
There were definitely some continuity problems that broke into my reading as well. A friend is described as the best secret keeper ever then in a few pages as someone incapable of keeping one. Lo's real name is Loren, but in the description of the book is spelled "Lauren." I also could not get a mental image of Lo, as there wasn't much of description except her own negative comparison of herself versus Cara. There is a lot of telling instead of showing. A bit more editing would definitely help, and honestly I wish Cara could have her own POV and chapters.
What I did love was simple fact it was a romance between two women, Lo doesn't question her own queerness, and Cara goes to therapy to figure out what she really wants (LO). Also includes a trans character and there was no biphobia!
This was my first novel from this author, and I'll definitely read more! Thank you to the author for the free copy!
When Max Doyle accidentally sees Rosie Madden changing clothes through a skylight while fixing her roof, he realizes he may not quite know everything about the girl who's been his best friend forever. What he does know is that he must find out why she has that rose tattoo on her hip and why he suddenly feels like he may actually have been just a little in love with Rosie his entire life.
Featuring a sort of insta-love but in the best way low-angst fluffy romance arc, this was just a balm to my soul. Max adopts a tiny chihuahua he names Cupcake. He gives her doggy CRP. He buys her pink glittery sweaters. He takes care of Rosie and helps her with her house. He lets Rosie be exactly who she is without any expectations. He cries. He's bomb in bed.
Fluff with hot sex is my favorite type of romance right now.
I just loved this story, and this isn't the best review but whatever. Just read it.
Featuring a sort of insta-love but in the best way low-angst fluffy romance arc, this was just a balm to my soul. Max adopts a tiny chihuahua he names Cupcake. He gives her doggy CRP. He buys her pink glittery sweaters. He takes care of Rosie and helps her with her house. He lets Rosie be exactly who she is without any expectations. He cries. He's bomb in bed.
Fluff with hot sex is my favorite type of romance right now.
I just loved this story, and this isn't the best review but whatever. Just read it.
SO, I thought this was my first time reading AHLNO, but apparently I tried it last year? Whatever, listening to it on audiobook has vastly changed my mind on the experience, as Richard Petkoff is a narrating god! Loved his accents, so good.
Also, I am participating in the "Fated Mates" podcast reread of this IAD series, and the enthusiasm of both hosts has amped me up to plow through this entire series.
*loved the world building, all the different types of "Lore"
*OMG the violence is ridiculous but also kind of funny, but also really violent?! Lots of blood, ripped off limbs, swords, etc.
*There is definitely some WTF sexy times moments (especially when Emma 'takes' from Lachlan's um, private spot, to distract him to try and get away).
I picked this up because it was on Sarah Maclean's list of recommended romances. I typically don't read paranormal (especially shape-shifting) romance so I thought I'd give it a try, but overall I wasn't super impressed. There was an overwhelming amount of different types of paranormal characters that I'm assuming the reader would have met in the first book of the series and I found the whole destined mate thing to be a convenient go-around for the "insta-love" trope.
Basically, our "hero" Lachlain has been chained for decades in a vampire prison and is stuck there until he scents his one true mate, causing him to chew his leg off and break free. He immediately imprisons the timid half-vampire, half-valkyrie Emma who has never been touched by a man (or kissed) and immediately forces sexual acts on her, because duh, she's his. She protests, but eventually falls for her one true mate while they figure out her parentage and why her adopted Valkyrie family has made her not drink blood from the source and basically kept her hidden away.
So, overall not too impressed.
Also, I am participating in the "Fated Mates" podcast reread of this IAD series, and the enthusiasm of both hosts has amped me up to plow through this entire series.
*loved the world building, all the different types of "Lore"
*OMG the violence is ridiculous but also kind of funny, but also really violent?! Lots of blood, ripped off limbs, swords, etc.
*There is definitely some WTF sexy times moments (especially when Emma 'takes' from Lachlan's um, private spot, to distract him to try and get away).
I picked this up because it was on Sarah Maclean's list of recommended romances. I typically don't read paranormal (especially shape-shifting) romance so I thought I'd give it a try, but overall I wasn't super impressed. There was an overwhelming amount of different types of paranormal characters that I'm assuming the reader would have met in the first book of the series and I found the whole destined mate thing to be a convenient go-around for the "insta-love" trope.
Basically, our "hero" Lachlain has been chained for decades in a vampire prison and is stuck there until he scents his one true mate, causing him to chew his leg off and break free. He immediately imprisons the timid half-vampire, half-valkyrie Emma who has never been touched by a man (or kissed) and immediately forces sexual acts on her, because duh, she's his. She protests, but eventually falls for her one true mate while they figure out her parentage and why her adopted Valkyrie family has made her not drink blood from the source and basically kept her hidden away.
So, overall not too impressed.
Set in Alexis Daria's Dance Off series, Dance All Night features a grumpy scrooge and the sexy professional dancer who tries to convince her holiday miracles can and do happen.
After sharing an unexpected but sexy as hell New Years Eve midnight kiss with Broadway hotshot Nik Kovalenko, dancer Jess Davenport thinks that is all it will be, just a kiss. But as the next holiday season rolls in and she runs into Nik at an ugly Christmas sweater party, she realizes he has been thinking about her and that kiss just as much as she has, and Nik wants a chance to date her.
But, Jess is hesitant to start anything with someone who is destined to leave her for the next big thing, the next exciting project so Nik has to convince her, with only six dates, that he's ready to do this for real.
Super fun, really hot and sweet. A perfect holiday novella to get you through the season!
After sharing an unexpected but sexy as hell New Years Eve midnight kiss with Broadway hotshot Nik Kovalenko, dancer Jess Davenport thinks that is all it will be, just a kiss. But as the next holiday season rolls in and she runs into Nik at an ugly Christmas sweater party, she realizes he has been thinking about her and that kiss just as much as she has, and Nik wants a chance to date her.
But, Jess is hesitant to start anything with someone who is destined to leave her for the next big thing, the next exciting project so Nik has to convince her, with only six dates, that he's ready to do this for real.
Super fun, really hot and sweet. A perfect holiday novella to get you through the season!