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636 reviews by:
kellygillespiewv
Full review at wildandwonderfulreads.com
Actual rating: 4.5 stars
I can’t get enough of the Bishops!
Hitching the Cowboy is book #2 in the Circle B Ranch Series — a spin-off from the Bishop Brothers Series — by Kennedy Fox and can be read as a standalone. I might have been just a tad more excited than usual about this book because it follows Riley Bishop, the son of Alex and River Bishop who I ADORED in their own book! It is really fun to read about the next generation of a literary fam you love!
In Hitching the Cowboy we get an instant, undeniable attraction, Vegas shenanigans (including a drunken wedding!), a sweet, slow burn as Riley and Zoey get to really know each other, and an adorable epilogue that has left me excited for the next book in the series. This wasn’t as angsty or steamy as other KF books, but it didn’t need to be!
The characters really brought the story together. I loved seeing the Bishop family again, and the Vegas crew had me cackling! And, of course, I really liked Riley and Zoey. As much as I enjoyed their individual characters, I enjoyed them together most of all.
Overall, I recommend Hitching the Cowboy! It can definitely be read as a complete standalone, but I appreciated it so much more because I fell in love with the Bishops a long time — and several books — ago.
*Thanks to the author and Wildfire Marketing Solutions for providing me with an advanced copy of this book. Please note that it, in no way, had an effect on my opinion or review.
Actual rating: 4.5 stars
I can’t get enough of the Bishops!
Hitching the Cowboy is book #2 in the Circle B Ranch Series — a spin-off from the Bishop Brothers Series — by Kennedy Fox and can be read as a standalone. I might have been just a tad more excited than usual about this book because it follows Riley Bishop, the son of Alex and River Bishop who I ADORED in their own book! It is really fun to read about the next generation of a literary fam you love!
In Hitching the Cowboy we get an instant, undeniable attraction, Vegas shenanigans (including a drunken wedding!), a sweet, slow burn as Riley and Zoey get to really know each other, and an adorable epilogue that has left me excited for the next book in the series. This wasn’t as angsty or steamy as other KF books, but it didn’t need to be!
The characters really brought the story together. I loved seeing the Bishop family again, and the Vegas crew had me cackling! And, of course, I really liked Riley and Zoey. As much as I enjoyed their individual characters, I enjoyed them together most of all.
Overall, I recommend Hitching the Cowboy! It can definitely be read as a complete standalone, but I appreciated it so much more because I fell in love with the Bishops a long time — and several books — ago.
*Thanks to the author and Wildfire Marketing Solutions for providing me with an advanced copy of this book. Please note that it, in no way, had an effect on my opinion or review.
Actual rating: 3.5 stars
I adore Jill's writing and live for her characters! She is an author I can read without hesitation and reread because I don't tire of her stories.
Simply Irresistible is a solid series starter with a fantastic cast of characters, a small town setting, and plenty of sweet and swoony moments.
Jax is a genuinely good guy, and I couldn't get enough of him. Maddie has a lot of growth throughout the story, and I found her insecurities and self-doubt to be really relatable. Their banter is absolutely on point! I love wit and humor in my romances. And then there are Maddie's sisters who have big personalities! Their family dynamic is perfection.
Overall, Simply Irresistible is a great, feel-good read! You really can't go wrong with a Jill Shalvis book, so of course I recommend it!
I adore Jill's writing and live for her characters! She is an author I can read without hesitation and reread because I don't tire of her stories.
Simply Irresistible is a solid series starter with a fantastic cast of characters, a small town setting, and plenty of sweet and swoony moments.
Jax is a genuinely good guy, and I couldn't get enough of him. Maddie has a lot of growth throughout the story, and I found her insecurities and self-doubt to be really relatable. Their banter is absolutely on point! I love wit and humor in my romances. And then there are Maddie's sisters who have big personalities! Their family dynamic is perfection.
Overall, Simply Irresistible is a great, feel-good read! You really can't go wrong with a Jill Shalvis book, so of course I recommend it!
Full review at Wild and Wonderful Reads
Always Mine is book #1 in the Liam & Madelyn Duet (#5 in the Roomate Duet Series) by Kennedy Fox.
This writing duo never fails to deliver on a sexy, captivating story full of angst with swoon-worthy characters! This series in particular has hit me hard in the feels — each roomate duet is an emotional ride!
Dare I say that Liam and Maddie are my favorite KF couple!?! He is stubborn and closed off; she wants him so bad and is playful in her pursuit! I absolutely love their dynamic. Their relationship is years in the making and slow to burn, but they have undeniable chemistry!
This story was a surprise in how suspenseful it is. And, of course, a big ole cliffhanger left me anxious for book #2!
Overall, I’m happy to recommend Always Mine if you’re a fan of loads of angst and looking for a page-turner. Although you can read this as a standalone, I’d like to suggest starting with the novella, Forever Mine, then reading the other two duets before starting this one. It’s not necessary by any means, but the characters’ stories evolve throughout the series, which I have loved.
*Thanks to the author and Wildfire Marketing Solutions for providing me with an advanced copy of this book. Please note that it, in no way, had an effect on my opinion or review.
Always Mine is book #1 in the Liam & Madelyn Duet (#5 in the Roomate Duet Series) by Kennedy Fox.
This writing duo never fails to deliver on a sexy, captivating story full of angst with swoon-worthy characters! This series in particular has hit me hard in the feels — each roomate duet is an emotional ride!
Dare I say that Liam and Maddie are my favorite KF couple!?! He is stubborn and closed off; she wants him so bad and is playful in her pursuit! I absolutely love their dynamic. Their relationship is years in the making and slow to burn, but they have undeniable chemistry!
This story was a surprise in how suspenseful it is. And, of course, a big ole cliffhanger left me anxious for book #2!
Overall, I’m happy to recommend Always Mine if you’re a fan of loads of angst and looking for a page-turner. Although you can read this as a standalone, I’d like to suggest starting with the novella, Forever Mine, then reading the other two duets before starting this one. It’s not necessary by any means, but the characters’ stories evolve throughout the series, which I have loved.
*Thanks to the author and Wildfire Marketing Solutions for providing me with an advanced copy of this book. Please note that it, in no way, had an effect on my opinion or review.
Actual rating: 4.5 stars
One Last Time was my first Corinne Michaels book, but it won’t be my last! I was captivated from the go, and my emotions were high from beginning to end.
This is book 2 in the Second Time Around series – a contemporary romance series of standalones with interconnected characters. I did not read book 1 prior to this one but felt that it read easily.
A lot of this story is about self discovery for our lead and the relationships that broke her down and built her up. Kris is a loving mom in a toxic relationship with her husband. But, she is surrounded by a solid group of gal pals and, once she gets away, a swoon-worthy good guy who ends up loving her the way she deserves. Kris’s character development was my favorite part of this book. Of course, I also wholly adored Noah! He lives a life in the spotlight, but he isn't portrayed like a lot of Hollywood characters I've read in the past. He is genuine and caring and attentive and sexy (obviously!). Kris and Noah have so much chemistry that my heart nearly shattered when the conflict arose.
Overall, One Last Time is an amazing book that I won't hesitate to recommend to contemporary romance fans. And now, I can't wait to pick up my next Corinne Michaels book!
One Last Time was my first Corinne Michaels book, but it won’t be my last! I was captivated from the go, and my emotions were high from beginning to end.
This is book 2 in the Second Time Around series – a contemporary romance series of standalones with interconnected characters. I did not read book 1 prior to this one but felt that it read easily.
A lot of this story is about self discovery for our lead and the relationships that broke her down and built her up. Kris is a loving mom in a toxic relationship with her husband. But, she is surrounded by a solid group of gal pals and, once she gets away, a swoon-worthy good guy who ends up loving her the way she deserves. Kris’s character development was my favorite part of this book. Of course, I also wholly adored Noah! He lives a life in the spotlight, but he isn't portrayed like a lot of Hollywood characters I've read in the past. He is genuine and caring and attentive and sexy (obviously!). Kris and Noah have so much chemistry that my heart nearly shattered when the conflict arose.
Overall, One Last Time is an amazing book that I won't hesitate to recommend to contemporary romance fans. And now, I can't wait to pick up my next Corinne Michaels book!
Full review on Wild and Wonderful Reads
Riven Knight is an angsty slow burn that hurt so good!
Devney Perry continues to captivate with her Tin Gypsy series. You can find my review of book one — Gypsy King — here. Riven Knight is book two. This marriage of convenience contemporary romance with MC and mystery elements is told in the dual POVs of our leads, Genevieve and Isaiah. I recommend reading the books in this series in order as the overarching narrative continues throughout both with interconnecting characters.
The story is chock full of angst, though there is a lot more happening than just the romance unfolding! The pace is a little slow but builds pretty nicely as things progress. The good thing is, a lot of light is shed on the unanswered questions I had after finishing book one.
Genevieve has a lot going on with grieving her mother’s tragic loss, being thrust into the lives of family she had never really known, and marrying a stranger who saved her from her murderer. And Isaiah is beautifully broken. He has a history that has filled his closet with skeletons which keeps him guarded. They have a lot to overcome individually and together, and that journey is what makes this book so great!
Overall, I really enjoyed and recommend Riven Knight! Backtrack to Gypsy King then dive into this one! I’ve learned that you can’t go wrong with Devney’s books!
*Thanks to the author for providing me with an advanced copy of this book. Please note that it, in no way, had an effect on my opinion or review.
Riven Knight is an angsty slow burn that hurt so good!
Devney Perry continues to captivate with her Tin Gypsy series. You can find my review of book one — Gypsy King — here. Riven Knight is book two. This marriage of convenience contemporary romance with MC and mystery elements is told in the dual POVs of our leads, Genevieve and Isaiah. I recommend reading the books in this series in order as the overarching narrative continues throughout both with interconnecting characters.
The story is chock full of angst, though there is a lot more happening than just the romance unfolding! The pace is a little slow but builds pretty nicely as things progress. The good thing is, a lot of light is shed on the unanswered questions I had after finishing book one.
Genevieve has a lot going on with grieving her mother’s tragic loss, being thrust into the lives of family she had never really known, and marrying a stranger who saved her from her murderer. And Isaiah is beautifully broken. He has a history that has filled his closet with skeletons which keeps him guarded. They have a lot to overcome individually and together, and that journey is what makes this book so great!
Overall, I really enjoyed and recommend Riven Knight! Backtrack to Gypsy King then dive into this one! I’ve learned that you can’t go wrong with Devney’s books!
*Thanks to the author for providing me with an advanced copy of this book. Please note that it, in no way, had an effect on my opinion or review.
Full review at Wild and Wonderful Reads
The Bride Test is sweet and funny; an absolute delight!
This is the second book in The Kiss Quotient series but can be read as a complete standalone. Told in the dual POVs of Khai and Esme, this is an own voices contemporary romance infused with Vietnamese culture and autism spectrum disorder representation.
Helen Hoang is a gem! She has the ability to captivate with her dynamic, diverse characters and heartwarming stories.
The overall plot is really enjoyable, but the star, for me, are the characters. Esme is a single mother working hard to support her family. She is so selfless and determined to give her loved ones a better life. Khai is a complex guy. He is on the autism spectrum and dealing with something from his past that haunts him and closes him off. Forced proximity gives them an interesting dynamic and as their relationship grows, it gave me the warm and fuzzies!
I absolutely recommend The Bride Test! This is a great combination of wit, sizzle, and the feels! I cannot wait for Helen Hoang’s next book that is due to release in Spring of next year!
The Bride Test is sweet and funny; an absolute delight!
This is the second book in The Kiss Quotient series but can be read as a complete standalone. Told in the dual POVs of Khai and Esme, this is an own voices contemporary romance infused with Vietnamese culture and autism spectrum disorder representation.
Helen Hoang is a gem! She has the ability to captivate with her dynamic, diverse characters and heartwarming stories.
The overall plot is really enjoyable, but the star, for me, are the characters. Esme is a single mother working hard to support her family. She is so selfless and determined to give her loved ones a better life. Khai is a complex guy. He is on the autism spectrum and dealing with something from his past that haunts him and closes him off. Forced proximity gives them an interesting dynamic and as their relationship grows, it gave me the warm and fuzzies!
I absolutely recommend The Bride Test! This is a great combination of wit, sizzle, and the feels! I cannot wait for Helen Hoang’s next book that is due to release in Spring of next year!
Full review on Wild and Wonderful Reads
Actual rating: 4.5 stars
Lovely War is beautiful, brilliant, and completely unexpected!
Quite honestly, if not for a group read to motivate me, I doubt I ever would have picked up this book on my own, and that would have been a shame. I’m a mood reader, and my mood doesn’t often crave historical fiction. However, this YA novel took me by surprise with its unique structure and elegant storytelling.
I loved how Julie Berry interweaved two World War era romances and told their stories from a divine viewpoint. The narration and interjection by Greek Gods and Goddesses gives the story a fresh twist! It took me a bit to get used to how the story was being told, but once I did, it was fascinating.
I was instantly compelled by James and Hazel. After some time, I became just as enamored by Aubrey and Colette. Their stories all wrapped me up and broke my heart!
Overall, I absolutely recommend Lovely War to fans of historical fiction and to those intrigued by mythology. I even feel that non-YA readers would enjoy this one! P.S. Read the author’s note; it adds a lot to the reading experience!
Actual rating: 4.5 stars
Lovely War is beautiful, brilliant, and completely unexpected!
Quite honestly, if not for a group read to motivate me, I doubt I ever would have picked up this book on my own, and that would have been a shame. I’m a mood reader, and my mood doesn’t often crave historical fiction. However, this YA novel took me by surprise with its unique structure and elegant storytelling.
I loved how Julie Berry interweaved two World War era romances and told their stories from a divine viewpoint. The narration and interjection by Greek Gods and Goddesses gives the story a fresh twist! It took me a bit to get used to how the story was being told, but once I did, it was fascinating.
I was instantly compelled by James and Hazel. After some time, I became just as enamored by Aubrey and Colette. Their stories all wrapped me up and broke my heart!
Overall, I absolutely recommend Lovely War to fans of historical fiction and to those intrigued by mythology. I even feel that non-YA readers would enjoy this one! P.S. Read the author’s note; it adds a lot to the reading experience!
Full review at Wild and Wonderful Reads
The only thing I needed to hear for this book to catch my attention was gender-bent retelling of The Count of Monte Cristo.
Quite frankly, I tend to avoid retellings because I rarely enjoy them — it’s hard to not be critical in comparing the spin to the original. That being said, I found the idea of putting a twist on the French classic to be intriguing and decided to approach Scavenge the Stars as a book inspired by The Count of Monte Cristo rather than a retelling. That might sound weird, but it ultimately allowed me to enjoy this book in its own right!
Scavenge the Stars is the first book in a YA Fantasy duology. Told in the alternating POVs of Amaya and Cayo, this is a story of revenge and political intrigue.
As I was reading, I could certainly see the parallels to The Count of Monte Cristo. Most of the story is fast paced and, for those unfamiliar with the original, full of twists. I did find the world-building to be a bit generic and the ending fell a little flat for me, regardless of it being a lead into book 2.
As for the characters, I loved Cayo and felt indifferent towards Amaya. They both had a lot of growth throughout the story while battling their inner turmoil. I thought the “bugs” made a great addition to the narrative, and the villains were perfectly nefarious!
Overall, I really enjoyed Scavenge the Stars. I fully recommend trying to read it without being hypercritical of how much of a likeliness it bears to the classic tome.
*Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced copy of this book. Please note that it, in no way, had an effect on my opinion or review.
The only thing I needed to hear for this book to catch my attention was gender-bent retelling of The Count of Monte Cristo.
Quite frankly, I tend to avoid retellings because I rarely enjoy them — it’s hard to not be critical in comparing the spin to the original. That being said, I found the idea of putting a twist on the French classic to be intriguing and decided to approach Scavenge the Stars as a book inspired by The Count of Monte Cristo rather than a retelling. That might sound weird, but it ultimately allowed me to enjoy this book in its own right!
Scavenge the Stars is the first book in a YA Fantasy duology. Told in the alternating POVs of Amaya and Cayo, this is a story of revenge and political intrigue.
As I was reading, I could certainly see the parallels to The Count of Monte Cristo. Most of the story is fast paced and, for those unfamiliar with the original, full of twists. I did find the world-building to be a bit generic and the ending fell a little flat for me, regardless of it being a lead into book 2.
As for the characters, I loved Cayo and felt indifferent towards Amaya. They both had a lot of growth throughout the story while battling their inner turmoil. I thought the “bugs” made a great addition to the narrative, and the villains were perfectly nefarious!
Overall, I really enjoyed Scavenge the Stars. I fully recommend trying to read it without being hypercritical of how much of a likeliness it bears to the classic tome.
*Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced copy of this book. Please note that it, in no way, had an effect on my opinion or review.
Full review at https://wildandwonderfulreads.com
The rom-com queen does it again! R.S. Grey knocked it out of the park with her latest release, Make Me Bad — available now.
Rachel is probably the author I recommend to readers most. Her writing is smooth, her humor is effortless, and her characters are amazing!
Make Me Bad is such a fun story of strangers becoming friends then more. Ben has it all, including a reputation as the “bad boy” that he can’t shake. Madison is quirky, sweet, and always follows the rules. They don’t belong together but that doesn’t mean they’re not perfect for each other! After crossing paths, Ben begins to help Madison in her quest to step out of her good girl comfort zone, and I was living for it.
I loved seeing Ben and Madison’s relationship develop. It’s a slow burn that hit all the right notes with tension and chemistry that is completely on point! The characters grew as their friendship and love unfolded. Of course, all of this happens with the hilarious banter and inner dialogue that I’ve come to adore and associate with Rachel’s books.
As always, the characters were my favorite part. Madison is one of the most relatable characters I’ve read…ever! And Ben is 100% swoon-worthy! And I’ve got to say that the secondary characters are just as great as the leads.
Overall, I absolutely recommend Make Me Bad — one of my favorite R.S. Grey books that you need to go one-click today!
*Thanks to the author and Inkslinger PR for providing me with an advanced copy of this book. Please note that it, in no way, had an effect on my opinion or review.
The rom-com queen does it again! R.S. Grey knocked it out of the park with her latest release, Make Me Bad — available now.
Rachel is probably the author I recommend to readers most. Her writing is smooth, her humor is effortless, and her characters are amazing!
Make Me Bad is such a fun story of strangers becoming friends then more. Ben has it all, including a reputation as the “bad boy” that he can’t shake. Madison is quirky, sweet, and always follows the rules. They don’t belong together but that doesn’t mean they’re not perfect for each other! After crossing paths, Ben begins to help Madison in her quest to step out of her good girl comfort zone, and I was living for it.
I loved seeing Ben and Madison’s relationship develop. It’s a slow burn that hit all the right notes with tension and chemistry that is completely on point! The characters grew as their friendship and love unfolded. Of course, all of this happens with the hilarious banter and inner dialogue that I’ve come to adore and associate with Rachel’s books.
As always, the characters were my favorite part. Madison is one of the most relatable characters I’ve read…ever! And Ben is 100% swoon-worthy! And I’ve got to say that the secondary characters are just as great as the leads.
Overall, I absolutely recommend Make Me Bad — one of my favorite R.S. Grey books that you need to go one-click today!
*Thanks to the author and Inkslinger PR for providing me with an advanced copy of this book. Please note that it, in no way, had an effect on my opinion or review.
Full review on Wild and Wonderful Reads
Always Yours is book #2 in the Liam & Madelyn Duet (#6 in the Roomate Duet Series) by Kennedy Fox.
KF hit me in the feels over and over again with their Roomate Duet Series, so I'm a bit bummed this duet series is officially coming to an end with this book! The conclusion is epic, though!
This duet has a lot of suspense which surprised me in the first book but kept me perched on the edge of my seat throughout this one. The story is an absolute roller coaster ride with twists and turns and a ton of emotions! I'm going to avoid saying more about the plot because I run the risk of being super spoilery, but this definitely needs to be read after Always Mine.
Liam and Maddie are absolutely my favorite couple from this series, and they are in the running for my overall fave Kennedy Fox pair! I just adored how caring and protective Liam is despite being a complete mess and Maddie's sweet but sassy personality. Their love is a slow burn but the vulnerability and sizzling chemistry made it worth the wait!
Overall, I recommend not only this book but the whole series! If you love angst and the feeling of having your heart being thrown in a blender, start with the novella, Forever Mine, then work your way through the whole Roomate Duet Series.
*Thanks to the author and Wildfire Marketing Solutions for providing me with an advanced copy of this book. Please note that it, in no way, had an effect on my opinion or review.
Always Yours is book #2 in the Liam & Madelyn Duet (#6 in the Roomate Duet Series) by Kennedy Fox.
KF hit me in the feels over and over again with their Roomate Duet Series, so I'm a bit bummed this duet series is officially coming to an end with this book! The conclusion is epic, though!
This duet has a lot of suspense which surprised me in the first book but kept me perched on the edge of my seat throughout this one. The story is an absolute roller coaster ride with twists and turns and a ton of emotions! I'm going to avoid saying more about the plot because I run the risk of being super spoilery, but this definitely needs to be read after Always Mine.
Liam and Maddie are absolutely my favorite couple from this series, and they are in the running for my overall fave Kennedy Fox pair! I just adored how caring and protective Liam is despite being a complete mess and Maddie's sweet but sassy personality. Their love is a slow burn but the vulnerability and sizzling chemistry made it worth the wait!
Overall, I recommend not only this book but the whole series! If you love angst and the feeling of having your heart being thrown in a blender, start with the novella, Forever Mine, then work your way through the whole Roomate Duet Series.
*Thanks to the author and Wildfire Marketing Solutions for providing me with an advanced copy of this book. Please note that it, in no way, had an effect on my opinion or review.