bandherbooks's Reviews (3.65k)

Caleb Murphy has done it, he's graduated and has a new, shiny journalist job ready for him in California. He just needs to get there.

When Peter Cabot, the rich yet disappointing son of the political scion Cabots, discovers Caleb trying to figure out how to get to California after Caleb's ride plans fall through, he jumps at a chance to avoid the looming responsibilities of his father's upcoming election.

Determined to avoid "taking a handout" from the wealthy Peter, who Caleb doesn't necessarily hate but who he definitely doesn't trust, Caleb agrees to take the ride Peter is offering, but only if he pays his own way.

Across the country they drive, discovering along the way that perhaps what they are both searching for can be best found, together.

Gosh dang this story. So many vibes, all of them the ones I love. Road trip romance in the 1960s with all the pie and diner coffee please. Seeing Caleb be so irritated with how attracted he is to Peter despite his best attempts to just not be brought under his spell, and Peter being so unaware of how kind he is. Delicious.

Reclusive vampire writing his families' histories (and HEAs) turned into inadvertent romance author finds his new editor on his doorstep. After ignoring all of her emails begging him to consider a book tour or even an interview, Kate is ready to use her charm, in person, to woo the author who is sure to secure her place in her publishing company.

He's a grump, she's persistent. There's a wedding, the family seems to all be allergic to the sun, and wait why is Lucern's head covered in blood?

Finally convincing Lucern after some major sexual tension to attend the RT (romantic times, RIP) Convention, Kate considers this a win. But major debacles await, including the fact Kate and Lucern cannot seem to keep their hands (or his teeth) off each other.

But once Kate discovers Lucern's vampires are so realistic because he is, in fact, one himself, will she be willing to give up everything to be his wife?

What a ride. This was truly ridiculous, but so fun. The best part was that Lucern is never mocking of the romance genre, even if he doesn't like "forward modern women." I also loved that while he was an old vampire, Lucern is quite awkward, not always super smooth, and is a big ol' mama's boy. LOL. Not your typical alpha vamp here.

ALSO - wtf they are from Atlantis and their blood is full of nanobots and that is why they are vamps?! I wasn't expecting that at all, so good job Sands.

There was a weird moment when Lucern is trying to feed of Kate's male coworker (homosexual is used), and some other outdated gender stuff, but overall I had a great time reading this.

I do have to say, what the heck was up with the rando who showed up and staked Lucern in the hotel room, who they kill, and then he just kind of disappears from the plot???? Okay...

Fun times.

Lady Elena is hired to both pretend to be super star and Hollywood golden boy Alex Chase's fake girlfriend and his coach ahead of the filming of a popular BDSM romance series turned movie. Alex might have the looks and the smolders, but Elena needs to teach him how to really be a leading man.

I very much enjoyed the positive depiction of sex work and BDSM, which did sometimes veer into explain-y territory but in the context of this story worked for me, since Elena is teaching Alex. I also looooved the edging in this book. Alex and Elena are dancing around each other, in a very steamy way, and with many rules, and wow that works for me. Elena's friends and family, both coworkers, her bridge club, and her chosen family, were also a wonderful cast of characters and I cannot wait to learn more about them.

The reveal of how slimy Alex's director was a timely and deftly handled plot point, CW for discussion of sexual harassment and assault.

What a debut!

Thank you to the author for the review copy; we are friendly on social media

After a breakup, Malika heads home to her parents' house for the weekend, choosing to attend a high school friend's 21st birthday rather than the Halloween festivities she helped plan at her now ex's fraternity.

Two nights of parties seems a bit much to Malika, but she reluctantly agrees to both, and meets the deliciously sexy Dre. As the only two Black people at the party, they decide to leave when the Ouija board gets brought out. Their immediate sparks leads to a hot as heck hookup, all weekend long.

But when it turns out a love spell was "cast" can Dre and Malika believe their new love is real?

This was seriously sexy, great characters, and a lot of fun. I'd argue it ends on a bit of a cliffhanger, as Dre and Malika have decided to be a couple, but then they find out dun dun dun, there was a spell.

I hope the author writes more in this world!

Insufferable, from the premise to the character actions. I stopped after she sat on his lap at the goading of her "best friend" at a university lecture (33%).

The audiobook narrator did not help at all, perhaps added to my dislike of ... everyone.


Spoilers

Spoiler

Adding to my review, Olive assaults Adam by forcibly kissing him without his consent at the beginning of the book; he rightfully says he might pursue Title IX action. She sort of apologizes? But then they continue to bring up Title IX, and then I found out what happens at the end, the "reveal" which I kind of guessed at, and nope nope nope.

Also then Olive is sexually assaulted by a colleague in the story (I didn't get to that part).

Thank you to LibroFM for the ALC.

I always appreciate a complicated character study, and Ivy is no exception. I read the first half and skimmed the end for a work book club. Not my typical reading fare, but I enjoyed discussing it with the group.

DNF'ed for the ICE deportation. Nope.

So, this was delightfully sweet and steamy?? Who wouldn't want to cuddle up with a huge yeti after being hurt hiking in the Himalayas.

Picture if Luke Skywalker had been rescued and cuddled by the Wampa because the Wampa doesn't want to eat him...he wants to .... eat him.

If you love huge, furry, fanged cuddle beasts with sweetened coffee flavored

They detest each other in court but in their DMs they share their hearts...without knowing who each other really are.

Two rival lawyers who truly detest each other as they duke it out in court also turn out to have wild chemistry in the bed after a kiss turns into more. But Owen Pohl feels a bit torn as he explores his feelings for rival Victoria while also unpacking his heart to his Twitter friend Nora...

This was so sexy and charming. Caveat, this was written by my IRL friend from high school so I'm clearly biased, but I laughed and loved this "You've Got Mail" style epistolary romance.

wonderful nerdy jokes, heart, and steamy! Perfect combo.

Thank you for the review copy from my friend, and I cannot wait to get my paperback soon!