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loverofromance
This was an okay read, not my favorite. I also wasn't in the mood for a BDSM like this one, so it wasn't a book I probably would have enjoyed no matter what. It was a average read. Not horrible or anything just didn't do much for me when I read it. But very eager to continue the series.
This was a very short story under 50 pages where we get a extended epilogue type of scene where Ian and Charlie are about to become parents. And it was a blast. I really loved seeing Ian go from calling his unborn babies "monsters" to becoming a adoring loving father. There was a scene that occurred that didn't make sense to me from Charlie's side but not enough to take away my enjoyment from the story. If you love this series, I highly recommend trying out these short stories that this author has.
My Review:
Wonder With Me is a novella that is part of the With Me In Seattle series and also the 1001 Dark Nights series. I really loved this one. Its probably one of my favorite novellas of the series although most of the novellas in this series are just so well done. This is a perfect one for Christmas time because it had that sense of heart and joy that you get around that time of year.
This is basically a story of our hero who learns he is a dad and the mother he had a fling with and she died from cancer and now he is a father of a four year old girl. Then we skip to the current time and he needs a decor specialist for Christmastime. The woman he hires to plan the decor, he has an instant connection with. He is very bold in pursuing her and she is all for it. I loved his relationship with his daughter, it was beyond adorbs. Like every child should have a father like him lol The romance was so poignant and heart warming. I think what worked for me the most was how intentional the hero was. I do wish the heroine would do a bit more fighting for the hero. I know she has a busy work life, but it kinda felt like he did so much of the work in the relationship.
Overall though it was endearing, fun and delightful!
Wonder With Me is a novella that is part of the With Me In Seattle series and also the 1001 Dark Nights series. I really loved this one. Its probably one of my favorite novellas of the series although most of the novellas in this series are just so well done. This is a perfect one for Christmas time because it had that sense of heart and joy that you get around that time of year.
This is basically a story of our hero who learns he is a dad and the mother he had a fling with and she died from cancer and now he is a father of a four year old girl. Then we skip to the current time and he needs a decor specialist for Christmastime. The woman he hires to plan the decor, he has an instant connection with. He is very bold in pursuing her and she is all for it. I loved his relationship with his daughter, it was beyond adorbs. Like every child should have a father like him lol The romance was so poignant and heart warming. I think what worked for me the most was how intentional the hero was. I do wish the heroine would do a bit more fighting for the hero. I know she has a busy work life, but it kinda felt like he did so much of the work in the relationship.
Overall though it was endearing, fun and delightful!
This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review. Also my tags may have spoilers in them so be forewarned before checking out full review.
Book Evaluation:
Plot: 🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️
World Building:🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎
Cover:📔📔📔📔📔
Hero: 🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻
Heroine:🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️
Intimacy Level: 🔥🔥🔥
Relationship Building: 💒💒💒💒
Heart & Feels:💞💞💞💞💞
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: 😂😂😂😂
Page Turner Level:📖📖📖📖
Narration:🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧
Ending:🧧🧧🧧🧧🧧
Overall View: ✨✨✨✨.5
“Love isn’t about perfection, Luna; it’s about imperfect people creating their own version of happily ever after.”
First Impressions
King of Sloth is the fourth installment in the "Kings of Sin" series. I took way too long to read this one. I wasn't a huge fan of book 2 or 3 all that much and I hadn't heard good things about this one so I just delayed in reading it. With King of Envy coming out, I decided to just bite the bullet and read it and wow I fell in love with this book. Its second to Dante's book if I am being honest. I just clicked so well with this story, it had me laughing at the very beginning, and it had a bit of a retelling a bit of "Two Weeks Notice" in the type of dynamic that they have. I loved what we see from these characters .....a relaxed goofball of a hero and a uptight ice queen of a heroine and they truly end up complimenting each other so well.
"You think you know me so well," I whispered, even though he was right. "Only parts of you." The gentle brush of his thumb against my hand unlocked a colony of butterflies in my stomach. "But we'll get there."
First Line
Breaking into a ten thousand dollar a night Greek villa hadn't been in the plans for the day, but plans changed and people adapted, especially when they had clients who insisted on making their life as difficult as possible.
The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Xavier Castillo
The Heroine: Sloane Kensington
Summary
Xavier is full of charm and is very easy going and has a relaxed personality. He hasn't taken time to show any interest in his father's empire and just wants to take life as it comes to him. He and his father don't get along ever since his mother died and his father blamed him for it. But he does live the life of a party boy. His father assigned him a PR assistant, Sloane Kensington, who is strict and not willing to let what he does slide. But when changes happen in his life, the connection that has slowly been building between them seeps into the surface and Xavier will have to decide if his life is worth fighting for including the woman he has come to love and respect....
Luna is short for mi luna. My moon. Because no matter how dark the nights got, you were always there, shining so brightly that I always found my way through
What I Loved
King of Sloth was endearing and hilarious and felt like a come to life rom com that you watch at the movie theatre. I adored their dynamic and they just got along super well. You see the way in which they have this good bantering and they know how to battle just right verbally with one another. And their personality while completely opposite from each other just shows how perfect they are and it truly felt like seeing them come together was a true "Yin Yang" type of relationship. From the beginning I was instantly drawn in and I didn't want to put this book down...Literaally. If you have been sleeping on the audiobooks....GRAB them up because they are so delicious and I just think they just make the books so much better. What really made this book work so well for me was the character growth. You see our hero, Xavier, lives the playboy lifestyle. Doesn't have a care in the world when in reality he lives this life as a bit of revenge against his father who blamed him for his mother's death when it was no one's fault. We have our heroine, who seems uptight and independent but deep down she aches for some softness in her life and Xavier brings that vulnerability and soft moments slowly into her life. I loved seeing how these two fight for each other when they desperately need it. And the ending was just right and gives you a teaser for what is to come for King Of Envy which I will definitely need to read soon here.
life ebbs and flows, and there’s always room for change. Humans have the capacity for growth until they leave this earth, so never feel like it’s too late for you to take another road if you’re unhappy with the one you’re traveling.life ebbs and flows, and there’s always room for change. Humans have the capacity for growth until they leave this earth, so never feel like it’s too late for you to take another road if you’re unhappy with the one you’re traveling.
What I Struggled With
Probably the third act....wasn't a fan in how that played out but its typical of how this author writes her conflicts.
Narration
Perfection!!! I didn't want to put it down, and the humor tones were mastered so well. They have a great dynamic and its done as a duet which is one of the best ways to have an audiobook narrated.
Overall View
King of Sloth was a engaging, laugh your head off, make you swoon when you least expect it kind of ride that will leave your toes curling and your head spinning!
Love isn’t about perfection, Luna; it’s about imperfect people creating their own version of happily ever after. And while I don’t know everything, I do know this: Every version of my happily ever after will always include some version of you.
Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Contemporary Romance
Character Types: Playboy, Golden Retriever, Billionaire
Themes: Laughs/Giggles, Found Family, Pining Hero
Tropes: Forced Proximity, Retelling, Unrequited Love
Book Perspective
Duo POV
Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
Relationship
If you like these authors, I recommend This Book
Lauren Asher
Liz Tomforde
Becka Mack
Recommendation For Reading Order
Yes
Steam/Spice Explanations
Simmering cup of tea---soft warm touches and light intimacy
Warmin' by the fire- a medium level of sexual tension, a balance of sexual and emotional intimacy, lighter on the details in the sexual moments.
Steamin' up the room -the sexual content is more explicit in the language and tone, heavier amount of sexual scenes.
Blazing fire to the building-The prime focus is the sex scenes, scorching hot, and could burn one. Less focus on the emotional intimacy to the relationship.
Narrators:
Gregory Salinas
Elena Wolfe
Book Evaluation:
Plot: 🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️
World Building:🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎
Cover:📔📔📔📔📔
Hero: 🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻
Heroine:🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️
Intimacy Level: 🔥🔥🔥
Relationship Building: 💒💒💒💒
Heart & Feels:💞💞💞💞💞
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: 😂😂😂😂
Page Turner Level:📖📖📖📖
Narration:🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧
Ending:🧧🧧🧧🧧🧧
Overall View: ✨✨✨✨.5
“Love isn’t about perfection, Luna; it’s about imperfect people creating their own version of happily ever after.”
First Impressions
King of Sloth is the fourth installment in the "Kings of Sin" series. I took way too long to read this one. I wasn't a huge fan of book 2 or 3 all that much and I hadn't heard good things about this one so I just delayed in reading it. With King of Envy coming out, I decided to just bite the bullet and read it and wow I fell in love with this book. Its second to Dante's book if I am being honest. I just clicked so well with this story, it had me laughing at the very beginning, and it had a bit of a retelling a bit of "Two Weeks Notice" in the type of dynamic that they have. I loved what we see from these characters .....a relaxed goofball of a hero and a uptight ice queen of a heroine and they truly end up complimenting each other so well.
"You think you know me so well," I whispered, even though he was right. "Only parts of you." The gentle brush of his thumb against my hand unlocked a colony of butterflies in my stomach. "But we'll get there."
First Line
Breaking into a ten thousand dollar a night Greek villa hadn't been in the plans for the day, but plans changed and people adapted, especially when they had clients who insisted on making their life as difficult as possible.
The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Xavier Castillo
The Heroine: Sloane Kensington
Summary
Xavier is full of charm and is very easy going and has a relaxed personality. He hasn't taken time to show any interest in his father's empire and just wants to take life as it comes to him. He and his father don't get along ever since his mother died and his father blamed him for it. But he does live the life of a party boy. His father assigned him a PR assistant, Sloane Kensington, who is strict and not willing to let what he does slide. But when changes happen in his life, the connection that has slowly been building between them seeps into the surface and Xavier will have to decide if his life is worth fighting for including the woman he has come to love and respect....
Luna is short for mi luna. My moon. Because no matter how dark the nights got, you were always there, shining so brightly that I always found my way through
What I Loved
King of Sloth was endearing and hilarious and felt like a come to life rom com that you watch at the movie theatre. I adored their dynamic and they just got along super well. You see the way in which they have this good bantering and they know how to battle just right verbally with one another. And their personality while completely opposite from each other just shows how perfect they are and it truly felt like seeing them come together was a true "Yin Yang" type of relationship. From the beginning I was instantly drawn in and I didn't want to put this book down...Literaally. If you have been sleeping on the audiobooks....GRAB them up because they are so delicious and I just think they just make the books so much better. What really made this book work so well for me was the character growth. You see our hero, Xavier, lives the playboy lifestyle. Doesn't have a care in the world when in reality he lives this life as a bit of revenge against his father who blamed him for his mother's death when it was no one's fault. We have our heroine, who seems uptight and independent but deep down she aches for some softness in her life and Xavier brings that vulnerability and soft moments slowly into her life. I loved seeing how these two fight for each other when they desperately need it. And the ending was just right and gives you a teaser for what is to come for King Of Envy which I will definitely need to read soon here.
life ebbs and flows, and there’s always room for change. Humans have the capacity for growth until they leave this earth, so never feel like it’s too late for you to take another road if you’re unhappy with the one you’re traveling.life ebbs and flows, and there’s always room for change. Humans have the capacity for growth until they leave this earth, so never feel like it’s too late for you to take another road if you’re unhappy with the one you’re traveling.
What I Struggled With
Probably the third act....wasn't a fan in how that played out but its typical of how this author writes her conflicts.
Narration
Perfection!!! I didn't want to put it down, and the humor tones were mastered so well. They have a great dynamic and its done as a duet which is one of the best ways to have an audiobook narrated.
Overall View
King of Sloth was a engaging, laugh your head off, make you swoon when you least expect it kind of ride that will leave your toes curling and your head spinning!
Love isn’t about perfection, Luna; it’s about imperfect people creating their own version of happily ever after. And while I don’t know everything, I do know this: Every version of my happily ever after will always include some version of you.
Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Contemporary Romance
Character Types: Playboy, Golden Retriever, Billionaire
Themes: Laughs/Giggles, Found Family, Pining Hero
Tropes: Forced Proximity, Retelling, Unrequited Love
Book Perspective
Duo POV
Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
Relationship
If you like these authors, I recommend This Book
Lauren Asher
Liz Tomforde
Becka Mack
Recommendation For Reading Order
Yes
Steam/Spice Explanations
Simmering cup of tea---soft warm touches and light intimacy
Warmin' by the fire- a medium level of sexual tension, a balance of sexual and emotional intimacy, lighter on the details in the sexual moments.
Steamin' up the room -the sexual content is more explicit in the language and tone, heavier amount of sexual scenes.
Blazing fire to the building-The prime focus is the sex scenes, scorching hot, and could burn one. Less focus on the emotional intimacy to the relationship.
Narrators:
Gregory Salinas
Elena Wolfe
My Review:
Last Resort is the finale in the Collector Trilogy and this is where we really see the strength and beauty within this couple. I will say that this is the book that is the most suspenseful so keep that in mind. I loved the plot building within this book and how it kept me on the edge continually. I definitely was on board with how well this book just delivered in the romance and seeing their depth being portrayed just right. I fell so hard for Emerson and Daphne in this book. I love how Daphne works with her family to get a HEA for herself. We see how well she works within the family dynamics to fight for who she wants. Seeing them get their HEA was just a beautiful journey and they both deserved it for each other. And how it all gets resolved in the end felt just right for Emerson and Daphne. And those epilogues were true perfection! I can't wait to see more of this world and having a blast exploring it.
Overall Last Resort was a thrilling finale that kept me on the edge of my seat and delivered all the swoons!
Last Resort is the finale in the Collector Trilogy and this is where we really see the strength and beauty within this couple. I will say that this is the book that is the most suspenseful so keep that in mind. I loved the plot building within this book and how it kept me on the edge continually. I definitely was on board with how well this book just delivered in the romance and seeing their depth being portrayed just right. I fell so hard for Emerson and Daphne in this book. I love how Daphne works with her family to get a HEA for herself. We see how well she works within the family dynamics to fight for who she wants. Seeing them get their HEA was just a beautiful journey and they both deserved it for each other. And how it all gets resolved in the end felt just right for Emerson and Daphne. And those epilogues were true perfection! I can't wait to see more of this world and having a blast exploring it.
Overall Last Resort was a thrilling finale that kept me on the edge of my seat and delivered all the swoons!
My Review:
Sweet Mercy is the second book into the Collector Trilogy. (spoiler alert ) So this picks up from where the first book left of in Dark Reign. Daphne finds herself kidnapped into a gilded cage of sorts. The hero wants her to be in his collection but to Daphne its not exactly clear what his intentions are with her. Now as you did into Sweet Mercy it becomes revealed that this is the way of Emerson to show his love for Daphne, he just thinks in a different perspective. This is the most angsty installment of the trilogy. Its not going to be for everyone, there are scenes within this book that might prove challenging for some readers. There is one spicy scene in particular that is really going to be hard for some readers. (I mostly just skimmed it lol cause it was strange---bascially there is a poly sex scene with Emerson and his brothers and Daphne so its different than anything I have read within this world) But I want to make it clear this is a one time scene, she isn't developing a relationship with the brothers too, its just with Emerson.
Sweet Mercy though was a needed book to really get their relationship to the stage that it needed to be for the finale. It ends so dramatically so you want to make sure you have book 3 ready to go there. Overall I had a good time with this one here and while it wasn't my favorite from this author, I see why she wrote it the way that she did.
Sweet Mercy is the second book into the Collector Trilogy. (spoiler alert ) So this picks up from where the first book left of in Dark Reign. Daphne finds herself kidnapped into a gilded cage of sorts. The hero wants her to be in his collection but to Daphne its not exactly clear what his intentions are with her. Now as you did into Sweet Mercy it becomes revealed that this is the way of Emerson to show his love for Daphne, he just thinks in a different perspective. This is the most angsty installment of the trilogy. Its not going to be for everyone, there are scenes within this book that might prove challenging for some readers. There is one spicy scene in particular that is really going to be hard for some readers. (I mostly just skimmed it lol cause it was strange---bascially there is a poly sex scene with Emerson and his brothers and Daphne so its different than anything I have read within this world) But I want to make it clear this is a one time scene, she isn't developing a relationship with the brothers too, its just with Emerson.
Sweet Mercy though was a needed book to really get their relationship to the stage that it needed to be for the finale. It ends so dramatically so you want to make sure you have book 3 ready to go there. Overall I had a good time with this one here and while it wasn't my favorite from this author, I see why she wrote it the way that she did.
My Review: (My Rating: 4.5 Stars)
Dark Reign is the first book within the Midnight Dynasty that features " Emerson LeBlanc and Daphne Morelli" Daphne is the sister of Leo (whose books it the Beast of Bishops Landing. (if you are curious about the world or the connections---Go to the Midnight Dynasty Facebook Page (but I am also working on my own connection tree for all of these books).
Now in this one, I really liked this one, it was a bit different then some of the other books. This has more slow built yearning and chemistry between these two. Emerson is a recluse, he needs to be solitary and has forms of PTSD due to the abuse he suffered as a child. He also basically hibernates in his mansion of a home and takes refuge in the waters on his coast that he lives by. He has much wealth but lives a lonely existence, until he sees the one woman that he could love.....a elegant beautiful artist who wants to live independent from her family.
I really liked their connection so much in this one here. That yearning just kept me captivated and I didn't want to let go of it. It had a very sensual intense feel to the story. It was really interesting to see their dynamic form. Its slow, as the hero does some stalking in this one here. And the heroine has some drama happening in her life with her family. And this is where it really connects to the Beast of Bishop's Landing. If you were curious about Daphne and her secret admirer, this will be a keeper!!!
Dark Reign is the first book within the Midnight Dynasty that features " Emerson LeBlanc and Daphne Morelli" Daphne is the sister of Leo (whose books it the Beast of Bishops Landing. (if you are curious about the world or the connections---Go to the Midnight Dynasty Facebook Page (but I am also working on my own connection tree for all of these books).
Now in this one, I really liked this one, it was a bit different then some of the other books. This has more slow built yearning and chemistry between these two. Emerson is a recluse, he needs to be solitary and has forms of PTSD due to the abuse he suffered as a child. He also basically hibernates in his mansion of a home and takes refuge in the waters on his coast that he lives by. He has much wealth but lives a lonely existence, until he sees the one woman that he could love.....a elegant beautiful artist who wants to live independent from her family.
I really liked their connection so much in this one here. That yearning just kept me captivated and I didn't want to let go of it. It had a very sensual intense feel to the story. It was really interesting to see their dynamic form. Its slow, as the hero does some stalking in this one here. And the heroine has some drama happening in her life with her family. And this is where it really connects to the Beast of Bishop's Landing. If you were curious about Daphne and her secret admirer, this will be a keeper!!!
adventurous
emotional
funny
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review. Also my tags may have spoilers in them so be forewarned before checking out full review.
Book Evaluation:
Plot: 🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️
World Building:🌎🌎🌎🌎
Cover:📔📔📔📔
Hero: 🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻
Heroine:🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️
Intimacy Level: 🔥🔥🔥
Relationship Building: 💒💒💒💒
Heart & Feels:💞💞💞💞
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: 😂😂😂😂😂
Page Turner Level:📖📖📖📖
Ending:🧧🧧🧧🧧🧧
Overall View: ✨✨✨✨
First Impressions
The Perfect Stranger is a story you can read on its own but it is connected to a family of sisters. This is Faith's book and actually is my first book from this series that I have read. I rolled for this book for the Romanceopoly Reading Challenge under the prompt "Wedding Season". And this was a easy pick because historical romance with marriage of convenience, I was all for it. And the wedding moment was just beautiful so I think I picked right for this promt. The Perfect Stranger is a fun adventurous themed story, of a stubborn heroine, a stoic hero and some hilarious companions and a feisty gypsy lady who joins their group and delivers so many delights.
First Line
Voices. There were voices in the dark, in the sand hills. Mens voices.
The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Nicholas Blacklock
The Heroine: Faith Merridew
Summary
Faith always dreams of finding the love that her parents had. Growing up she didn't have the best childhood at times, she has a love for music but her grandfather abused her for her talents. She thought she had fallen in love with a singer, but turns out he was already married and their wedding was fake and now she is on the run in the coastal hills of France and she is rescued by a sexy stranger, a Waterloo Veteran, Nicholas Blacklock, who offers her marriage of convenience to save her from the scandal that is following her. She willingly accepts and through a turn of events, their marriage of convenience turns into something so much deeper than either of them expected but Nicholas is a time bomb and he can't give her what he dreams of giving her but despite his resistance Faith gives him hope, love and laughter in a time in his life where everything is bleak for him...
What I Loved
The Perfect Stranger was stunning! I had so much fun with this one. And this is what I truly miss from historical romances, that sense of wild adventure. And this definitely had that in spades. This is more of a cozy romance though, most road trip adventures, will have that vibe within them. I was sucked pretty quickly in the story. And even though the pacing wasn't perfect in this story, it definitely had so many fun moments and the BANTER was top notch in this book. But Anne Gracie always has such endearing banter that has you laughing from beginning to end. But no worries she will also dig deep on your emotions because I needed a whole box of tissues for this book. I loved how we get these slow reveals, a heroine willing to fight for the hero and be the wife he needs and learning to enjoy the moment with her husband. Nick is a very stoic hero, stuck in his own world of despair, but Faith brings such light and hope into his life and we see such a great change in him. And how it all ends...was so fascinating with a hint of magical realism to it. I always love that when authors will had in that cool miracle.
What I Struggled With
The pacing was a bit slow at times if I am being honest. And how some of the angst was handled not my favorite thing. But other than that it was entertaining and an enticing read.
Overall View
The Perfect Stranger digs deep into the heart, it brings thrilling sensations of adventure and intimacy and wraps it up in a bow with a ending to curl your toes! A SOLID WINNER!
Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Historical Romance, Regency Era
Character Types: Military/Veteran Hero, Heroine on the Run
Themes: Adventurous, Laughs/giggles, Wit/Charming Banter, Band of Brothers
Tropes: Road Trip Adventure, Marriage of Convenience, Unrequited Love
Book Perspective
3rd POV
Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
Relationship Conflict
If you like these authors, I recommend This Book
Laura Lee Guhrke
Jennifer Ashley
Mary Balogh
Song This Book Inspires
Anything's Possible by Lea Michele
Recommendation For Reading Order
You can read as a standalone
Steam/Spice Explanations
Simmering cup of tea---soft warm touches and light intimacy
Warmin' by the fire- a medium level of sexual tension, a balance of sexual and emotional intimacy, lighter on the details in the sexual moments.
Steamin' up the room -the sexual content is more explicit in the language and tone, heavier amount of sexual scenes.
Blazing fire to the building-The prime focus is the sex scenes, scorching hot, and could burn one. Less focus on the emotional intimacy to the relationship.
Book Evaluation:
Plot: 🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️
World Building:🌎🌎🌎🌎
Cover:📔📔📔📔
Hero: 🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻
Heroine:🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️
Intimacy Level: 🔥🔥🔥
Relationship Building: 💒💒💒💒
Heart & Feels:💞💞💞💞
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: 😂😂😂😂😂
Page Turner Level:📖📖📖📖
Ending:🧧🧧🧧🧧🧧
Overall View: ✨✨✨✨
First Impressions
The Perfect Stranger is a story you can read on its own but it is connected to a family of sisters. This is Faith's book and actually is my first book from this series that I have read. I rolled for this book for the Romanceopoly Reading Challenge under the prompt "Wedding Season". And this was a easy pick because historical romance with marriage of convenience, I was all for it. And the wedding moment was just beautiful so I think I picked right for this promt. The Perfect Stranger is a fun adventurous themed story, of a stubborn heroine, a stoic hero and some hilarious companions and a feisty gypsy lady who joins their group and delivers so many delights.
First Line
Voices. There were voices in the dark, in the sand hills. Mens voices.
The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Nicholas Blacklock
The Heroine: Faith Merridew
Summary
Faith always dreams of finding the love that her parents had. Growing up she didn't have the best childhood at times, she has a love for music but her grandfather abused her for her talents. She thought she had fallen in love with a singer, but turns out he was already married and their wedding was fake and now she is on the run in the coastal hills of France and she is rescued by a sexy stranger, a Waterloo Veteran, Nicholas Blacklock, who offers her marriage of convenience to save her from the scandal that is following her. She willingly accepts and through a turn of events, their marriage of convenience turns into something so much deeper than either of them expected but Nicholas is a time bomb and he can't give her what he dreams of giving her but despite his resistance Faith gives him hope, love and laughter in a time in his life where everything is bleak for him...
What I Loved
The Perfect Stranger was stunning! I had so much fun with this one. And this is what I truly miss from historical romances, that sense of wild adventure. And this definitely had that in spades. This is more of a cozy romance though, most road trip adventures, will have that vibe within them. I was sucked pretty quickly in the story. And even though the pacing wasn't perfect in this story, it definitely had so many fun moments and the BANTER was top notch in this book. But Anne Gracie always has such endearing banter that has you laughing from beginning to end. But no worries she will also dig deep on your emotions because I needed a whole box of tissues for this book. I loved how we get these slow reveals, a heroine willing to fight for the hero and be the wife he needs and learning to enjoy the moment with her husband. Nick is a very stoic hero, stuck in his own world of despair, but Faith brings such light and hope into his life and we see such a great change in him. And how it all ends...was so fascinating with a hint of magical realism to it. I always love that when authors will had in that cool miracle.
What I Struggled With
The pacing was a bit slow at times if I am being honest. And how some of the angst was handled not my favorite thing. But other than that it was entertaining and an enticing read.
Overall View
The Perfect Stranger digs deep into the heart, it brings thrilling sensations of adventure and intimacy and wraps it up in a bow with a ending to curl your toes! A SOLID WINNER!
Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Historical Romance, Regency Era
Character Types: Military/Veteran Hero, Heroine on the Run
Themes: Adventurous, Laughs/giggles, Wit/Charming Banter, Band of Brothers
Tropes: Road Trip Adventure, Marriage of Convenience, Unrequited Love
Book Perspective
3rd POV
Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
Relationship Conflict
If you like these authors, I recommend This Book
Laura Lee Guhrke
Jennifer Ashley
Mary Balogh
Song This Book Inspires
Anything's Possible by Lea Michele
Recommendation For Reading Order
You can read as a standalone
Steam/Spice Explanations
Simmering cup of tea---soft warm touches and light intimacy
Warmin' by the fire- a medium level of sexual tension, a balance of sexual and emotional intimacy, lighter on the details in the sexual moments.
Steamin' up the room -the sexual content is more explicit in the language and tone, heavier amount of sexual scenes.
Blazing fire to the building-The prime focus is the sex scenes, scorching hot, and could burn one. Less focus on the emotional intimacy to the relationship.
This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review. Also my tags may have spoilers in them so be forewarned before checking out full review.
Book Evaluation:
Plot: 🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️
World Building:🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎
Cover:📔📔📔📔📔
Hero: 🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻
Heroine:🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️
Intimacy Level: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Relationship Building: 💒💒💒💒
Heart & Feels:💞💞💞💞
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: 😂😂😂😂
Page Turner Level:📖📖📖📖
Ending:🧧🧧🧧🧧
Overall View: ✨✨✨✨
First Impressions
You Only Love Twice is the next main novel in the "Masters and Mercenaries" and this is Jesse and Phoebe's book. After the teaser for the previous book, I actually had to jump right away into the next book if I am being honest. But I will be honest in being disappointed that Phoebe wasn't the soft heroine I was actually hoping for her to be. But that isn't to say their book was bad or anything, I still enjoyed it quite a bit, but there aren't many softer heroines in this series as I would actually like there to be. But it was still a emotional and poignant story and probably one of the more heart wrenching additions to the series.
First Line
Phoebe looked up at the house with no designs on actually living there.
The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Jesse
The Heroine: Phoebe
Summary
Phoebe is working with the CIA and lost her husband to a op that she planned that went horribly wrong and deals with trauma from losing him and out of guilt. But there was one man on his team that survived and so with her brother, they work on her going undercover to pose as his girlfriend, so she can get into the Taggert group and gain their trust and find out if Jesse was to blame for it or not. But then a hit is placed on Jesse and she is the person to take the hit. She is used to following orders no matter what they are....but now her heart is involved and she might have to choose between duty to her country and to the man she has learned to love....
What I Loved
This book kept me on the edge of my seat LITERALLY!!! I just didn't want to put this one down and I couldn't seem to get enough of these two here. I loved their dynamic. Their relationship was so deeply layered and we see so many aspects of them having to deal with some heartbreaking moments. This is where both of them are still having to overcome trauma of the past and its not a easy road for either of them. Jesse from suffered both physical and psychological torture and then for Phoebe to having lost her husband who was part of the team that Jesse lost and been the one to plan the op in the first place. And all the connections to their past really made their connection that much brighter. And we get some fun times with the Taggert crew including Ian becoming a father of TWINS and they are girls LOL Oh its a true delight when that was revealed. But if you are a Harry Potter Fan....you will adore the little snippets on that here and there that are so fun.
What I Struggled With
I would have loved to see more vulnerability from the heroine, to showcase the woman she was with before was still the same woman and that it wasn't all a cover.
Overall View
You Only Love Twice is a emotionally driven story that digs deep into the human element and stuns the read with laughs...heartbreak and healing!
Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Romantic Suspense, Erotic Romance
Character Types: Military, Law Enforcement
Themes: Heart/Touching, PTSD, Tear Jerker, BDSM
Tropes: Mistaken Identity, Redemption
Book Perspective
Duo POV
Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
Both
If you like these authors, I recommend This Book
Shayla Black
Maya Banks
Susan Stoker
Song This Book Inspires
Murder Song by Aurora
Recommendation For Reading Order
Yes I would say its best to read these in order
Steam/Spice Explanations
Simmering cup of tea---soft warm touches and light intimacy
Warmin' by the fire- a medium level of sexual tension, a balance of sexual and emotional intimacy, lighter on the details in the sexual moments.
Steamin' up the room -the sexual content is more explicit in the language and tone, heavier amount of sexual scenes.
Blazing fire to the building-The prime focus is the sex scenes, scorching hot, and could burn one. Less focus on the emotional intimacy to the relationship.
Book Evaluation:
Plot: 🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️
World Building:🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎
Cover:📔📔📔📔📔
Hero: 🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻
Heroine:🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️
Intimacy Level: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Relationship Building: 💒💒💒💒
Heart & Feels:💞💞💞💞
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: 😂😂😂😂
Page Turner Level:📖📖📖📖
Ending:🧧🧧🧧🧧
Overall View: ✨✨✨✨
First Impressions
You Only Love Twice is the next main novel in the "Masters and Mercenaries" and this is Jesse and Phoebe's book. After the teaser for the previous book, I actually had to jump right away into the next book if I am being honest. But I will be honest in being disappointed that Phoebe wasn't the soft heroine I was actually hoping for her to be. But that isn't to say their book was bad or anything, I still enjoyed it quite a bit, but there aren't many softer heroines in this series as I would actually like there to be. But it was still a emotional and poignant story and probably one of the more heart wrenching additions to the series.
First Line
Phoebe looked up at the house with no designs on actually living there.
The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Jesse
The Heroine: Phoebe
Summary
Phoebe is working with the CIA and lost her husband to a op that she planned that went horribly wrong and deals with trauma from losing him and out of guilt. But there was one man on his team that survived and so with her brother, they work on her going undercover to pose as his girlfriend, so she can get into the Taggert group and gain their trust and find out if Jesse was to blame for it or not. But then a hit is placed on Jesse and she is the person to take the hit. She is used to following orders no matter what they are....but now her heart is involved and she might have to choose between duty to her country and to the man she has learned to love....
What I Loved
This book kept me on the edge of my seat LITERALLY!!! I just didn't want to put this one down and I couldn't seem to get enough of these two here. I loved their dynamic. Their relationship was so deeply layered and we see so many aspects of them having to deal with some heartbreaking moments. This is where both of them are still having to overcome trauma of the past and its not a easy road for either of them. Jesse from suffered both physical and psychological torture and then for Phoebe to having lost her husband who was part of the team that Jesse lost and been the one to plan the op in the first place. And all the connections to their past really made their connection that much brighter. And we get some fun times with the Taggert crew including Ian becoming a father of TWINS and they are girls LOL Oh its a true delight when that was revealed. But if you are a Harry Potter Fan....you will adore the little snippets on that here and there that are so fun.
What I Struggled With
I would have loved to see more vulnerability from the heroine, to showcase the woman she was with before was still the same woman and that it wasn't all a cover.
Overall View
You Only Love Twice is a emotionally driven story that digs deep into the human element and stuns the read with laughs...heartbreak and healing!
Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Romantic Suspense, Erotic Romance
Character Types: Military, Law Enforcement
Themes: Heart/Touching, PTSD, Tear Jerker, BDSM
Tropes: Mistaken Identity, Redemption
Book Perspective
Duo POV
Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
Both
If you like these authors, I recommend This Book
Shayla Black
Maya Banks
Susan Stoker
Song This Book Inspires
Murder Song by Aurora
Recommendation For Reading Order
Yes I would say its best to read these in order
Steam/Spice Explanations
Simmering cup of tea---soft warm touches and light intimacy
Warmin' by the fire- a medium level of sexual tension, a balance of sexual and emotional intimacy, lighter on the details in the sexual moments.
Steamin' up the room -the sexual content is more explicit in the language and tone, heavier amount of sexual scenes.
Blazing fire to the building-The prime focus is the sex scenes, scorching hot, and could burn one. Less focus on the emotional intimacy to the relationship.
This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review. Also my tags may have spoilers in them so be forewarned before checking out full review.
Book Evaluation:
Plot: 🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️
World Building:🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎
Cover:📔📔📔📔📔
Hero: 🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻
Heroine:🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️
Intimacy Level: 🔥🔥🔥
Relationship Building: 💒💒💒💒💒
Heart & Feels:💞💞💞💞💞
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: 😂😂😂😂
Page Turner Level:📖📖📖📖📖
Narration:🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧
Ending:🧧🧧🧧🧧🧧
Overall View: ✨✨✨✨✨✨
but this girl ... even seeing her through a crowd, there was something about her that sang to me. It nearly stopped me in my tracks.
First Impressions
Thoughtful is the male POV of "Thoughtless" so if you have been curious about Kellan's view or if you are wanting to read this series then I would recommend reading Thoughtless and Thoughtful together if you can. I promise its so worth it. I adored getting Kellan's POV in the story and it fills in so many of the holes that you see within "Thoughtless" ....it gives so much more meaning and depth and layers that you need. Seeing Kellan's POV was magnificent and way better than Kiera's view if I am being honest. You get to see his depth, his heartache and loss, you get to see his friendships and also what really makes this hero truly tick.
First Line
I'd been playing the guitar since I was six.
"I'd give you everything, if you'd only take it."
Summary
Kellan Kyle is a man that was abused by his parents and has a hard time trusting others. Music is his only true solace in life. He is feeling empty with the countless one night stands that only make him feel worse and craves to find the "one" a woman who will see the man underneath the fame and the music. Who will see a man worth fighting for. What he didn't expect was to fall for his best friends' girl. To finally find someone whom he connects with on a deep level and gives him substance he has been craving, but their love is forbidden. He let it go too far and now he will have to make the most painful decision of his life ...
What I Loved
To see his POV in this one was so heartbreaking and he has become one of my top book boyfriends. There was something so heart wrenching in Kellan, something that just dug deep in a way that I didn't want to let go of in any way. I wanted so much for Kellan to find a HEA that he truly deserved. You see how much PTSD this man truly has from the abuse his parents gave him, why his friendship with Denny is so valuable and how this situation is the worst for him. You literally see it breaking him apart. I also found the events that unravel from his point of view so essential to the story of him and Kiera being together. Without his POV, you just get half a story and so many clues go unanswered so I am so happy that I read these books together. You also see his connection outside of Kiera, the essence of what music is for him and the ways he goes about sacrificing for Kiera and also the truth being the "cheating" aspects that are portrayed in Kiera's POV. I truly appreciated what the author did with this one as it added all the deep layers to make their story even more powerful.
She was my greatest pain, and my only salvation. She was the only one who could heal this hole in my heart, a hole she'd torn open. Being around her was incredible, but difficult too. Pain and pleasure twisted together so thoroughly that it was sometimes hard to separate the two.
What I Struggled With
The cheating aspects is going to push ppl the most in this story.
Narration
Wonderful!! I LOVED the narrator for his POV ....way more than I did Thoughtless. So if you love audiobooks I recommend it (Its just super long)
Overall View
Thoughtful was a captivating, heart wrenching love story that will take you through the depths of this journey with Kellan, Denny and Kiara.
There was only one thing I could think of that wouldn’t fade, break, or shatter. I could have her with me every second of every day. I could carry her, on my skin, seared into my flesh…permanently
Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Contemporary Romance, New Adult
Character Types: Rock Star/Musician, Bartender/Waitress, Tortured Hero
Themes: Heart/Emotionally Touching, Tear Jerker, Angsty, Cheating
Tropes: Love Triangle, Forbidden Love
Book Perspective
1st POV-Male Perspective
Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
Relationship
If you like these authors, I recommend This Book
Samantha Young
Katy Evans
K. Bromberg
Song This Book Inspires
What I've Done by Linkin Park
Recommendation For Reading Order
Yes ---I recommend reading this order (and the author also recommends this order
Thoughtless/Thoughtful
Effortless/Painful
Reckless/Wonderful
Untamed (Griffin and Anna's Book)
Steam/Spice Explanations
Simmering cup of tea---soft warm touches and light intimacy
Warmin' by the fire- a medium level of sexual tension, a balance of sexual and emotional intimacy, lighter on the details in the sexual moments.
Steamin' up the room -the sexual content is more explicit in the language and tone, heavier amount of sexual scenes.
Blazing fire to the building-The prime focus is the sex scenes, scorching hot, and could burn one. Less focus on the emotional intimacy to the relationship.
Narrators:
Jeremy Arthur
Book Evaluation:
Plot: 🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️
World Building:🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎
Cover:📔📔📔📔📔
Hero: 🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻
Heroine:🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️
Intimacy Level: 🔥🔥🔥
Relationship Building: 💒💒💒💒💒
Heart & Feels:💞💞💞💞💞
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: 😂😂😂😂
Page Turner Level:📖📖📖📖📖
Narration:🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧
Ending:🧧🧧🧧🧧🧧
Overall View: ✨✨✨✨✨✨
but this girl ... even seeing her through a crowd, there was something about her that sang to me. It nearly stopped me in my tracks.
First Impressions
Thoughtful is the male POV of "Thoughtless" so if you have been curious about Kellan's view or if you are wanting to read this series then I would recommend reading Thoughtless and Thoughtful together if you can. I promise its so worth it. I adored getting Kellan's POV in the story and it fills in so many of the holes that you see within "Thoughtless" ....it gives so much more meaning and depth and layers that you need. Seeing Kellan's POV was magnificent and way better than Kiera's view if I am being honest. You get to see his depth, his heartache and loss, you get to see his friendships and also what really makes this hero truly tick.
First Line
I'd been playing the guitar since I was six.
"I'd give you everything, if you'd only take it."
Summary
Kellan Kyle is a man that was abused by his parents and has a hard time trusting others. Music is his only true solace in life. He is feeling empty with the countless one night stands that only make him feel worse and craves to find the "one" a woman who will see the man underneath the fame and the music. Who will see a man worth fighting for. What he didn't expect was to fall for his best friends' girl. To finally find someone whom he connects with on a deep level and gives him substance he has been craving, but their love is forbidden. He let it go too far and now he will have to make the most painful decision of his life ...
What I Loved
To see his POV in this one was so heartbreaking and he has become one of my top book boyfriends. There was something so heart wrenching in Kellan, something that just dug deep in a way that I didn't want to let go of in any way. I wanted so much for Kellan to find a HEA that he truly deserved. You see how much PTSD this man truly has from the abuse his parents gave him, why his friendship with Denny is so valuable and how this situation is the worst for him. You literally see it breaking him apart. I also found the events that unravel from his point of view so essential to the story of him and Kiera being together. Without his POV, you just get half a story and so many clues go unanswered so I am so happy that I read these books together. You also see his connection outside of Kiera, the essence of what music is for him and the ways he goes about sacrificing for Kiera and also the truth being the "cheating" aspects that are portrayed in Kiera's POV. I truly appreciated what the author did with this one as it added all the deep layers to make their story even more powerful.
She was my greatest pain, and my only salvation. She was the only one who could heal this hole in my heart, a hole she'd torn open. Being around her was incredible, but difficult too. Pain and pleasure twisted together so thoroughly that it was sometimes hard to separate the two.
What I Struggled With
The cheating aspects is going to push ppl the most in this story.
Narration
Wonderful!! I LOVED the narrator for his POV ....way more than I did Thoughtless. So if you love audiobooks I recommend it (Its just super long)
Overall View
Thoughtful was a captivating, heart wrenching love story that will take you through the depths of this journey with Kellan, Denny and Kiara.
There was only one thing I could think of that wouldn’t fade, break, or shatter. I could have her with me every second of every day. I could carry her, on my skin, seared into my flesh…permanently
Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Contemporary Romance, New Adult
Character Types: Rock Star/Musician, Bartender/Waitress, Tortured Hero
Themes: Heart/Emotionally Touching, Tear Jerker, Angsty, Cheating
Tropes: Love Triangle, Forbidden Love
Book Perspective
1st POV-Male Perspective
Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
Relationship
If you like these authors, I recommend This Book
Samantha Young
Katy Evans
K. Bromberg
Song This Book Inspires
What I've Done by Linkin Park
Recommendation For Reading Order
Yes ---I recommend reading this order (and the author also recommends this order
Thoughtless/Thoughtful
Effortless/Painful
Reckless/Wonderful
Untamed (Griffin and Anna's Book)
Steam/Spice Explanations
Simmering cup of tea---soft warm touches and light intimacy
Warmin' by the fire- a medium level of sexual tension, a balance of sexual and emotional intimacy, lighter on the details in the sexual moments.
Steamin' up the room -the sexual content is more explicit in the language and tone, heavier amount of sexual scenes.
Blazing fire to the building-The prime focus is the sex scenes, scorching hot, and could burn one. Less focus on the emotional intimacy to the relationship.
Narrators:
Jeremy Arthur