This is book 2 in the trilogy and it starts where book 1 ends. I found this book kind of pointless. It’s slow going and nothing really happens until the last couple of chapters. Then we get another cliffhanger where the book just stops abruptly. I found this one a bit boring and I had to force myself to finish it. As with book 1 I did enjoy the flashback chapters and getting to know more about Gilly. Hollie got more annoying and I questioned so many of her actions, especially in her personal life. We do get the addition of a couple more suspects though.

I received a copy of the ebook via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

If I’d known this book was one murder spread across a trilogy I probably wouldn’t have started it. Not only that but book 1 & 2 finish on a cliffhanger which I despise. I liked this book enough that I will finish the series but only because I’m intrigued to know who the killer is. Hollie is an okay main character but some of her actions do annoy me. There is also a lot of repetition as well as dialogue that contradicts itself. From the first couple of chapters, I was expecting more excitement, especially with the gruesome mode of murder. However, it slows right down. We get flashbacks to the past from Mandy’s POV. She was one of the girls in the mother and baby home and I did enjoy her chapters. They were heartbreaking but really added to the story.

I received a copy of the ebook via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

This is my first book by Hannah Bonam-Young but I will definitely be keeping an eye out for more. It was such a cute, heartwarming read. I loved both Chloe and Warren and seeing them step up for their siblings. Luke was such a lovable character as well. Seeing them both fall in love with each other's siblings melted my heart and I adored how they all supported each other. Also loved the found family aspect.  

I really enjoyed their chemistry building slowly but it soon slipped over to insta love vibes which isn’t my thing. However, they were cute enough together that I’ll let it slide. I just wish we’d had more of the same build up for the love as we did with them becoming friends. I was holding my breath prepping myself for the dreaded 3rd act conflict but it was actually really well done and added more to the story than just some drama. 

It covers some heavy topics like the foster system, addiction, and children with health issues but it’s written sensitively.

I received a copy of the ebook via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

I expected so much better from Tessa Bailey but this was not for me. It was a quick read but it wasn’t the fun smut I was expecting. I only finished it because it was a novella so it didn’t take me long. The sex made me physically cringe. Sumner constantly calling Britta wife during sex was too much and some of the dirty talk or descriptions were just a turn off. So damn cringey

I know it’s a novella so there’s a limit on how much can be covered but there are a lot of time jumps so everything felt underdeveloped. This meant I didn’t really love either main character. My final gripe is if the whole premise of your book is hockey and visa’s maybe do some research because that is definitely not how green cards work. I’m also pretty sure Canada is the birthplace of ice hockey so I don’t understand why going back would kill his career.

I received a copy of the ebook via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review   

This is book 2 in the fosters series and I really enjoyed book 1 which featuerd Joley’s sister Amanda. Unfortunately this one fell flat for me. I loved Joley and finding out about her past. She was funny and a lovable wounded character. I also adored her siblings. They were such a cute family. 

The supposed romance is where it went downhill for me. I couldn’t feel any of the chemistry. It definitely felt more like a lust thing than a real connection. Seth just seemed to be obsessed with Joley’s boobs and she was constantly reduced to just her looks, including by herself. 

The plot was all over the place and I couldn’t cope with the amount of times they ran away from each other and then we had a time jump. I did like that it wasn’t an insta love thing but it took the suspense building a bit far. This one is darker than book one with added tension from a gang leader villain threatening everyone which is probably the only thing that kept my attention. 

I received a copy of the book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest opinion

Damn this series is stressful but man I love it. It's packed full of suspense right from the start and I couldn't put it down. With all 3 books I have never been able to work out how it will finish. There are always so many suspect that you are kept guessing. It's written beautifully and makes you feel all the emotions. I definitely shed a tear. The men of Hilldale are terrifying and you never know if anyone can be trusted. Eve is such a badass character and I recommend reading the series in orde so you can see how much she has grown as well as understand what she went through. Her team is also lovable and my heart was in my throat at one bit. I can't wait to see what happens in the future now that there are new people in charge.  

I received a copy of the ebook via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

This is definitely the best book of the series and I think we were all waiting for Lucians story. Who can resist suit daddy? Plus I love Sloane so much. I would love to be a part of their friendship group. There’s a load of lovable characters who all annoy and adore each other. There’s a side plot running throughout the 3 books that adds some extra drama. Lucian and Sloane are so damn sweet despite their barbed flirting/fighting. The dual POV is perfect and the chapters flashing to their past explains so much and broke my heart a little bit. Steamy, sweet, action packed and hilarious. 

This is the first book in a standalone series with each book focusing on a different pair of main characters. I’m glad I read them out of order and didn’t start with this one as I don’t think I would’ve continued with the series. I definitely enjoyed the rest of the series more. 

I found both Bailey and Jacob lacking in something. They didn’t feel like fully fleshed out characters. I also struggled with their romance. We are told they are instantly attracted to each other but I didn’t see the chemistry. 

It was a fairly slow paced book and every time it hinted at more drama, that particular problem was solved or brushed over. Then the ending felt very rushed with both the solving of the crime and the relationship status. The crime was interesting enough but it needed some more excitement.

 Overall an okay read but nothing special. I would recommend the rest of the series though. 

 This book had so much promise with some great tropes but it did not work for me. First off, where was the chemistry. We are told they can’t resist each other but I just didn’t feel it. I don’t understand how we got insta love when Ethan ignores or avoids Grey 80% of the time they are together.

I love a grumpy x sunshine but Ethan takes it to the next level. Then when they are actually together everything about them is toxic. Grey is a much worse person when she’s around him and Ethan is obsessed.

Nora was the best thing about this book and the only one who seemed to see that Ethan had a problem. His alcoholism was downplayed for so long. I think it was supposed to show that Ethan sorted himself out on his own because love isn’t a cure but he still only did it for Grey. He spends a lot of the book moaning about not getting to see his kids enough but also saying he has nothing to get out of bed or get better for if he doesn’t have Grey. Huge red flag.