elle_lit_zabeth's Reviews (868)


If I tell you again that Elizabeth O'Roark is one of my favorite authors, you’ll probably block me, so I’ll refrain from saying that. 😜 But you should know that this new release cements her spot in my top 3. Honestly, at this point, she could make me fall in love with her shopping list.

In this story, we follow Kit, who’s reluctantly sent by her father to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. There, she unexpectedly crosses paths with her sister’s ex, Miller, a man Kit has never been able to stand.

Miller is the kind of guy you love to hate: smart, charming, a little arrogant, and always ready to trade barbs with Kit. But as the climb continues, amidst stunning landscapes and extreme conditions, old grudges start to melt away, and we begin to see a different side of Miller.

Kit, on the other hand, is a complex character. She has a quiet strength but also hides some deep scars and regrets, particularly when it comes to her family and her past. She’s a fighter, but there’s also a vulnerability in her that becomes more evident during the climb. She can be stubborn, but we love her for those moments of raw honesty and humanity.

Both characters are incredibly well-written. Miller is much more than just a rival. The way he looks out for Kit, whether she wants it or not, is both irritating and endearing. His attempts to mask his attraction for her behind sarcasm and humor are incredibly relatable, and his protective side slowly breaks down her defenses.

Between them, it’s this perfect mix of unresolved tension, old wounds, and simmering attraction. Their dynamic is what I adored the most in this book. Their exchanges are electric, often filled with that energy that exists between two people who hate each other but can’t seem to stay away from each other.

All in all, this book is an absolute gem. It’s fast-paced, addictive, and the tension between Kit and Miller is so intense that you won’t want to stop reading. It made my heart skip a beat, and I completely fell for this explosive duo. If you love enemies-to-lovers, with a healthy dose of spice and emotional depth, this is a must-read!

This romance delivered exactly what it promised: sharp banter, tropical tension, forced proximity, and steam with a purpose.

Trishara and Rafe might not be true enemies, but the tension between them is real and deliciously well-built. I loved their dynamic—part snark, part slow discovery, and a whole lot of unresolved tension that had no choice but to unravel once they were stuck in a Maui honeymoon suite. The “only one bed” trope is always fun, and here it added the perfect edge of chaos and vulnerability.

What surprised me most was how the book didn’t shy away from deeper issues. Trishara’s experience as a woman of color navigating corporate culture was incredibly well portrayed: all the little digs, all the moments she had to push twice as hard just to be heard—it added a meaningful layer to an otherwise light read. Her moments of resistance felt powerful and deserved.

Rafe was a pleasant surprise too. He had charm and depth, and the way he let Trishara shine while slowly dropping his own armor was satisfying to witness.

And I have to say: Soneela Nankani brought the whole story to life with just the right energy. Her narration was perfectly in tune with both Trishara’s fire and vulnerability—an absolute treat to listen to.

In short: sunshine, spice, snark, and substance. An excellent beach read with just enough bite.

Rating:❤️/5 
Spice:🌶️4/5 
Read in May 2025: 🌻 01
Goodreads Challenge 2025:📚94/180

♥ [Ava & Sawyer] ♥

Tropes:
📌cowboy romance
📌single parents
📌small town
📌found family
📌band of brothers
📌one night stand
📌spicy

In two sentences: She came for one wild night and found a cowboy with a filthy mouth and a heart of gold. But when their steamy hookup becomes regular playdates with their daughters, this single mom must decide: trust again or keep her heart locked up for good?

🇺🇸 My Review:

This series keeps surprising me with every new installment. I loved Cash, I adored Wyatt, and now Sawyer has joined the ranks of unforgettable book boyfriends.

He’s tender, observant, generous with his heart and attention, and quietly protective of the people he loves. The way he sees Ava—not just as a woman, but as a mother, as a fighter, as someone worthy of being chosen—was everything. Ava, for her part, is a force of nature. She’s tried for too long to suppress her wild, fierce energy, and watching her finally claim her life back? Pure empowerment.

June and Ella, their daughters, are a ray of sunshine in this story. The parenting moments—both the joy and the chaos—are written with such care and truth. I don’t think I’ve ever felt so seen and understood as a mom while reading a romance novel.

And, of course, what ties it all together is the warmth of this found family, the comforting sense of community, and the love that blossoms slowly but surely between Ava and Sawyer.

This book? A gem.
 
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En deux mots: Elle voulait juste une nuit de plaisir… et elle a trouvé un cow-boy avec un cœur d’or (et un sacré coup de rein). Quand leur coup d’un soir se transforme en rendez-vous réguliers au parc avec leurs filles, cette maman solo va devoir décider si elle a encore le droit d’y croire… ou si les cow-boys sont tous à fuir.

🇫🇷 Ma Chronique: Cette série ne cesse de me surprendre avec chaque nouveau livre sorti. Cash et Wyatt ont tous deux remporté mon cœur et Sawyer suit le mouvement. Sa tendresse, son acceptance, son ouverture d’esprit et cette façon qu’il a de prêter attention aux détails et de veiller sur les gens qui l’aiment font de lui un personnage incroyable et un book boyfriend qui mérite amplement sa place au panthéon. 

Ava est également un personnage dont je me souviendrai, qui a trop longtemps essayé de dompter son côté fou et sauvage pour un jour finir par dire : « ça suffit » et prendre sa vie en main avec un courage de lionne.

Leurs deux petites filles, June & Ella, ont apporté tellement de fraîcheur à ce récit, et je dois dire que la maternité/le fait d’être parent est parfaitement bien écrit, tant dans la description des hauts que des bas. Je me suis rarement sentie aussi vue, écoutée et comprise qu’en lisant ce livre. 

Et bien sûr, ce qui restera dans mon coeur, c’est cette found family parfaite, et cette chaleur bienveillante née de l’histoire d’amour entre Sawyer et Ava. 

Un véritable bijou !