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This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
*This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.*
“There’s risk in every decision we make,” Clay said. “You just have to decide which risk is worth taking.
My Review
Fair Catch was a story that I wasn’t expecting to enjoy as much as I did. Kandi Steiner is a new to me, author, although, I have had many of her books on my wishlist for quite a while. I have really neglected reading new adult romance, and this year one of my reading goals was to read more of this sub-genre the minute I saw that this book was being released this week, I was highly intrigued and I knew that it was one that I needed to have. I was so fascinated with what the author was delivering here and the setup of the romance was so enticing. I was fascinated to see the heroine be a college football player and see how that would work out. As a football fan, I am not sure how I feel about women being football players (its a super rough sport) but I do know there are female college football kickers, and I was curious to see how this was handled. Even though I rolled my eyes at certain mentionings of “patriarchy of the male sport of football” because there are obvious safety reasons and sports just aren’t mixed gendered at least most of the time, its very rare for it to happen. But I was so pleased with how this one turned out and the way that it was written.
Because I am scarred by the fire you started in me. Because you have reduced me to fucking ashes.
The story sets off with a horrific accident that turns our heroine’s twin brother handicapped, who had dreamed of playing football. Riley blamed her brother’s best friend Zeke for the accident and has hated him for the damage done to her brother and her family. But she made a vow to her brother, to take his place, be a female football player and do what it took to make the team. Well, Riley surprised even herself by making the college team and becoming the starting kicker of the team despite the reservations that many had. She is surrounded by mistrust and Riley knows that she will have to prove herself to the team that she can make it, but also will have the team’s back. What really throws her game off is having to roommate with her nemesis and her brother’s best friend, Zeke. Despite his cocky personality, she finds something deeper with Zeke she doesn’t expect. They come to an agreement, to help each other. Zeke may seem like a cocky football player, but there is so much more to him than meets the eye. He is dyslexic and knows the only thing he has going for him is the sport. He knows his classes are going to be a challenge for him, but he also has a woman he can’t get out of his mind or heart and will do whatever it takes to prove himself to her. Despite the reservations, they have about each other, passion and emotion explode between Zeke and Riley. But can they have a relationship with the world watching?
“Because I ache for you,” he breathed against my lips next. “And I’ll end anyone who touches what’s mine.”
Fair Catch was such a beautiful romance and I was cheering this couple all the way through. In the first half of the story we really see the tension that rides their relationship and many unresolved issues. You feel for both of these characters, and see them fight their hearts throughout this story. But despite the fact that Riley hates Zeke, he helps her with the team and fights for her and knows her abilities, and understands what she can bring to the team. I love that he is her strongest supporter despite how she treats him. While I understood Riley’s feelings for Zeke in the beginning, she can be prickly at times, and even though normally that would throw me off, I found myself being highly entertained by the tension that builds within the story. It’s definitely not an easy romance in this one. But I will admit that I was intrigued to see how they would balance it all out. And the way this romance evolves was just perfection, the connection between Zeke and Riley was super wonderful and just fed my romantic feels. There were so many vulnerable poignant moments that build between these two. We see such strength in both of their characters and what they rise above to live their dreams and keep their promises made to those they love. If you are a football fan, I guarantee that this book will work for you in every way.
“You can forgive. Forgive, and understand that we’re human. We’re not perfect. And one day when you make a mistake, you’ll want someone to afford you the same grace.”
Overall I found Fair Catch to be a true win of a romance, it feeds the soul with such deep layered beauty and the challenge in overcoming fears to live your dream and embrace your passions. Its a romance every reader will be able to connect with and will make you swoon! A bowl game-winner of a read!
“Somebody who betters you,” I started. “Somebody who inspires and encourages you in love and in life, who pushes you toward dreams and goals you’d otherwise ignore, who selflessly sacrifices their time to help you become a more courageous, well rounded and happy human being. That’s sacred,” I said, swallowing before I finished. “You hold on to a love like that.”
*This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.*
“There’s risk in every decision we make,” Clay said. “You just have to decide which risk is worth taking.
My Review
Fair Catch was a story that I wasn’t expecting to enjoy as much as I did. Kandi Steiner is a new to me, author, although, I have had many of her books on my wishlist for quite a while. I have really neglected reading new adult romance, and this year one of my reading goals was to read more of this sub-genre the minute I saw that this book was being released this week, I was highly intrigued and I knew that it was one that I needed to have. I was so fascinated with what the author was delivering here and the setup of the romance was so enticing. I was fascinated to see the heroine be a college football player and see how that would work out. As a football fan, I am not sure how I feel about women being football players (its a super rough sport) but I do know there are female college football kickers, and I was curious to see how this was handled. Even though I rolled my eyes at certain mentionings of “patriarchy of the male sport of football” because there are obvious safety reasons and sports just aren’t mixed gendered at least most of the time, its very rare for it to happen. But I was so pleased with how this one turned out and the way that it was written.
Because I am scarred by the fire you started in me. Because you have reduced me to fucking ashes.
The story sets off with a horrific accident that turns our heroine’s twin brother handicapped, who had dreamed of playing football. Riley blamed her brother’s best friend Zeke for the accident and has hated him for the damage done to her brother and her family. But she made a vow to her brother, to take his place, be a female football player and do what it took to make the team. Well, Riley surprised even herself by making the college team and becoming the starting kicker of the team despite the reservations that many had. She is surrounded by mistrust and Riley knows that she will have to prove herself to the team that she can make it, but also will have the team’s back. What really throws her game off is having to roommate with her nemesis and her brother’s best friend, Zeke. Despite his cocky personality, she finds something deeper with Zeke she doesn’t expect. They come to an agreement, to help each other. Zeke may seem like a cocky football player, but there is so much more to him than meets the eye. He is dyslexic and knows the only thing he has going for him is the sport. He knows his classes are going to be a challenge for him, but he also has a woman he can’t get out of his mind or heart and will do whatever it takes to prove himself to her. Despite the reservations, they have about each other, passion and emotion explode between Zeke and Riley. But can they have a relationship with the world watching?
“Because I ache for you,” he breathed against my lips next. “And I’ll end anyone who touches what’s mine.”
Fair Catch was such a beautiful romance and I was cheering this couple all the way through. In the first half of the story we really see the tension that rides their relationship and many unresolved issues. You feel for both of these characters, and see them fight their hearts throughout this story. But despite the fact that Riley hates Zeke, he helps her with the team and fights for her and knows her abilities, and understands what she can bring to the team. I love that he is her strongest supporter despite how she treats him. While I understood Riley’s feelings for Zeke in the beginning, she can be prickly at times, and even though normally that would throw me off, I found myself being highly entertained by the tension that builds within the story. It’s definitely not an easy romance in this one. But I will admit that I was intrigued to see how they would balance it all out. And the way this romance evolves was just perfection, the connection between Zeke and Riley was super wonderful and just fed my romantic feels. There were so many vulnerable poignant moments that build between these two. We see such strength in both of their characters and what they rise above to live their dreams and keep their promises made to those they love. If you are a football fan, I guarantee that this book will work for you in every way.
“You can forgive. Forgive, and understand that we’re human. We’re not perfect. And one day when you make a mistake, you’ll want someone to afford you the same grace.”
Overall I found Fair Catch to be a true win of a romance, it feeds the soul with such deep layered beauty and the challenge in overcoming fears to live your dream and embrace your passions. Its a romance every reader will be able to connect with and will make you swoon! A bowl game-winner of a read!
“Somebody who betters you,” I started. “Somebody who inspires and encourages you in love and in life, who pushes you toward dreams and goals you’d otherwise ignore, who selflessly sacrifices their time to help you become a more courageous, well rounded and happy human being. That’s sacred,” I said, swallowing before I finished. “You hold on to a love like that.”
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.
Love isn’t a decision. It arrives unannounced, breeds madness, and leaves a sea of ruin in its wake. Hate him or love him. Either way, he’s in certain hell.
Sea of Ruin was a story that I was highly nervous in reading because of the hype surrounding this book and to be honest I didn’t even look at the trigger warnings for this book and I maybe I should have due to some of the content (If you want to read this make sure you check the trigger warnings on this one) I was drawn to this book due to booktube and yes I blame my booktube gals in raving about this book, I have just started exploring this author’s books but every single one I have truly enjoyed. I have always been a fan of pirate romance whether it’s historical or contemporary and I was so intrigued to see how Pam Godwin would handle a historical setting, some authors that write contemporary settings, don’t always know how to write this sub-genre of historical romance, but I can delightfully say that Pam Godwin knew what she was doing when she was writing this book. Now I would like to put this disclaimer that this book is DARK, so go into this one expecting darker themes and is a rough road for our heroine and it won’t be an easy read. But I was so delighted in reading this book because it leads you on a journey you don’t expect and delivers in hidden facets that will only endear you more into the story.
It doesn’t matter how far we fall, how much pain we inflict, or how dark it becomes in the ruin. I’m going to be with you, waiting for you, loving you, forgiving you. I’m never letting go, Bennett. Never.
Sea of Ruin sets off with our heroine as a teenager, who is about to be betrothed to a man her father’s age, but one fateful night her father who is an infamous pirate, and her mother are both killed and she survives a horrific assault from her betrothed and embraces a destiny her beloved father left behind for her. She becomes just as famous of a pirate captain as her father once was, she embraces the rough but passion-filled life of living on the seas and thought to have found herself a great passion and love in a man she trusted until he betrayed her and they have been separated for over two years. But now he has found her again and is determined to keep her, but through a series of events, Bennett finds herself captured by a pirate hunter, who is determined to take her to the Gallows in England. The relationship that she forms with her captor is rife with erotic kinks that Bennett doesn’t expect to find or to discover love with this man who has made her open her heart once again knowing he is leading her to a path of destruction. But not everything is black and white or at all what it seems. Bennett will be taken on an adventure that will lead to some dark paths but also will help her discover her true strength and capabilities and a future that is one of beauty and love of epic proportions.
He was complicated, iron-bound, steadfast, and passionate. Like Priest in the best of ways. Not better. Just… He was everything I longed for, for so very long. To give up on him would be to give up on myself.
Sea of Ruin is a story that blew my heart away and I didn’t know where this story was taking me. It actually surprises me in some ways that I was able to love this one so dearly. But if you have read any of the old-style bodice ripper romances, this story was so reminiscent of those stories and if you know you are going into a darker read, then this story just might work for you. It deals with some serious material in this story and won’t be for every reader. And yes it has a love triangle/cheating in this book and some other elements that won’t be for everyone. This heroine really gets put through the wringer, but I just admired her strength in overcoming such adversity that she faces and coming out stronger through it all. I have had this book on my TBR for the longest time, for almost two years now, and I was so apprehensive about the setup of the book because I just am not a reader that can do the “cheating” portions and I will be honest that is what kept me from reading this earlier. However, this book is beyond beautiful in so many intricate ways. There are layers to the layers of this romance and the way it turns out won’t be what you expect (I certainly didn’t expect the turnout of this story) and I was beyond pleased to see how this author was able to craft this HEA that just worked and satisfied such a journey that we see these characters go on.
You’re the overruling destiny that he and I have been traveling toward our whole lives. Our paths forked, veered, crossed, and forked again a dozen times. And here we are, right where we started. With you.
There isn’t too much that I want to say without spoiling the ending too much, but I do want to talk about the setting of this story. I absolutely indulged in the authenticity of the setting that is written here. From what we see happening in America, to the culture of a pirate ship, all the way to the strict happenings aboard a British sealiner. This author goes deep into helping the reader understand the setting and the societal machinations but also the challenges that women faced back then but also perfectly portrays the true strength of women and capitalizes on that strength and courage that we see from Bennett here. I absolutely adored this heroine in so many ways. The way she is able to handle what comes at her is beyond admirable but also how she is able to stand up to the men in her life is empowering in many ways. I just wanted to cheer her on all the way through the story. But you will also see her go through such hardships as well, so be prepared for some dark moments that Bennett will have to face in order to reach her well-deserved HEA.
Love had hunted me, captured me, bred madness, and yes, it left a sea of ruin in its wake. But the devastation washed away. The skies cleared, and now we were calm, free, sailing on the winds of our hard-won peace.
Overall I found Sea of Ruin to be a stunning pirate romance that fed my historical romantic heart into epic delights. It’s a story of hardship, trial, complexities of the heart, and the profound ability of the human condition to brave the wildness of life.
Love prevailed, not in the windless calm of life, but in the ruin.
This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.
Love isn’t a decision. It arrives unannounced, breeds madness, and leaves a sea of ruin in its wake. Hate him or love him. Either way, he’s in certain hell.
Sea of Ruin was a story that I was highly nervous in reading because of the hype surrounding this book and to be honest I didn’t even look at the trigger warnings for this book and I maybe I should have due to some of the content (If you want to read this make sure you check the trigger warnings on this one) I was drawn to this book due to booktube and yes I blame my booktube gals in raving about this book, I have just started exploring this author’s books but every single one I have truly enjoyed. I have always been a fan of pirate romance whether it’s historical or contemporary and I was so intrigued to see how Pam Godwin would handle a historical setting, some authors that write contemporary settings, don’t always know how to write this sub-genre of historical romance, but I can delightfully say that Pam Godwin knew what she was doing when she was writing this book. Now I would like to put this disclaimer that this book is DARK, so go into this one expecting darker themes and is a rough road for our heroine and it won’t be an easy read. But I was so delighted in reading this book because it leads you on a journey you don’t expect and delivers in hidden facets that will only endear you more into the story.
It doesn’t matter how far we fall, how much pain we inflict, or how dark it becomes in the ruin. I’m going to be with you, waiting for you, loving you, forgiving you. I’m never letting go, Bennett. Never.
Sea of Ruin sets off with our heroine as a teenager, who is about to be betrothed to a man her father’s age, but one fateful night her father who is an infamous pirate, and her mother are both killed and she survives a horrific assault from her betrothed and embraces a destiny her beloved father left behind for her. She becomes just as famous of a pirate captain as her father once was, she embraces the rough but passion-filled life of living on the seas and thought to have found herself a great passion and love in a man she trusted until he betrayed her and they have been separated for over two years. But now he has found her again and is determined to keep her, but through a series of events, Bennett finds herself captured by a pirate hunter, who is determined to take her to the Gallows in England. The relationship that she forms with her captor is rife with erotic kinks that Bennett doesn’t expect to find or to discover love with this man who has made her open her heart once again knowing he is leading her to a path of destruction. But not everything is black and white or at all what it seems. Bennett will be taken on an adventure that will lead to some dark paths but also will help her discover her true strength and capabilities and a future that is one of beauty and love of epic proportions.
He was complicated, iron-bound, steadfast, and passionate. Like Priest in the best of ways. Not better. Just… He was everything I longed for, for so very long. To give up on him would be to give up on myself.
Sea of Ruin is a story that blew my heart away and I didn’t know where this story was taking me. It actually surprises me in some ways that I was able to love this one so dearly. But if you have read any of the old-style bodice ripper romances, this story was so reminiscent of those stories and if you know you are going into a darker read, then this story just might work for you. It deals with some serious material in this story and won’t be for every reader. And yes it has a love triangle/cheating in this book and some other elements that won’t be for everyone. This heroine really gets put through the wringer, but I just admired her strength in overcoming such adversity that she faces and coming out stronger through it all. I have had this book on my TBR for the longest time, for almost two years now, and I was so apprehensive about the setup of the book because I just am not a reader that can do the “cheating” portions and I will be honest that is what kept me from reading this earlier. However, this book is beyond beautiful in so many intricate ways. There are layers to the layers of this romance and the way it turns out won’t be what you expect (I certainly didn’t expect the turnout of this story) and I was beyond pleased to see how this author was able to craft this HEA that just worked and satisfied such a journey that we see these characters go on.
You’re the overruling destiny that he and I have been traveling toward our whole lives. Our paths forked, veered, crossed, and forked again a dozen times. And here we are, right where we started. With you.
There isn’t too much that I want to say without spoiling the ending too much, but I do want to talk about the setting of this story. I absolutely indulged in the authenticity of the setting that is written here. From what we see happening in America, to the culture of a pirate ship, all the way to the strict happenings aboard a British sealiner. This author goes deep into helping the reader understand the setting and the societal machinations but also the challenges that women faced back then but also perfectly portrays the true strength of women and capitalizes on that strength and courage that we see from Bennett here. I absolutely adored this heroine in so many ways. The way she is able to handle what comes at her is beyond admirable but also how she is able to stand up to the men in her life is empowering in many ways. I just wanted to cheer her on all the way through the story. But you will also see her go through such hardships as well, so be prepared for some dark moments that Bennett will have to face in order to reach her well-deserved HEA.
Love had hunted me, captured me, bred madness, and yes, it left a sea of ruin in its wake. But the devastation washed away. The skies cleared, and now we were calm, free, sailing on the winds of our hard-won peace.
Overall I found Sea of Ruin to be a stunning pirate romance that fed my historical romantic heart into epic delights. It’s a story of hardship, trial, complexities of the heart, and the profound ability of the human condition to brave the wildness of life.
Love prevailed, not in the windless calm of life, but in the ruin.
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
*This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.*
Don’t Hex and Drive is the second book in the “Stay A Spell” series and I have been wanting to get back to this series, as I have fallen behind on it here. I will say that while I didn’t love it I did enjoy this one here. It is the type of book you could easily read in one sitting and it did contain some fun tropes and is so interesting to see this author write something so different, while I like the more serious toned PNR she did previously, this does have a unique flair that is quite entertaining and will definitely satisfy the crowd that lives for romantic comedies these days (aka books with illustrated covers). I will admit that I wasn’t sure what I would get in this book, I did remember how much I enjoyed Wolf Gone Wild but I don’t always connect with enemies to lovers type of stories but I found that I really loved the bantering and unrequited love that is built within this story.
Christ. One smile, and I was devastated. Lost. Swimming in an ocean of what-the-fuck.
The gist of the story is that our heroine, Isadora, is a witch and a powerful one at that. She lives in her garden and rides her bike everywhere she goes. What she doesn’t expect is to get hit by a vampire who also happens to be a famous Bollywood star. Devraj is known to be infamous in his talents as an actor but also has lived for centuries as a vampire and he is tempted to take a bite out of Isadora who only tempts him. She is so resistant to him but he is determined to prove to her he isn’t a bad guy. But when a series of events have them working together to bring down a ring of vampire-human trafficking down, they realize what a great team they make together. But Devraj is here in New Orleans on a temporary basis, and Isadora doesn’t do long-distance and can’t put herself in an emotionally fragile spot no matter how tempting Devraj is to her. But love has a way of making a mess of best laid plans….
We stood there in a silent hug for what might have been one minute. Maybe two. But that small moment filled me with dizzying bliss. Her slender body pressed to mine felt like holding home in my arms. I knew then that there wasn’t anything I wouldn’t do for Isadora Savoie.
Don’t Hex and Drive was such a fun enlightening read and I had such a fun time with it. I won’t say that it was a page-turner because as much as I love this author, her books can be a hit or miss for me when it comes to if they are page-turners for me or not. But I did have an enjoyable time with this one, and it turned out to be a quicker read than I expected it to be. I was really intrigued to see where this one would go here. I really liked the opposites attract/enemies to lovers type of setting here. Isadora and Devraj are so different from each other, but it was quite fascinating to see how they managed to make a relationship between them work. I loved how determined Devraj turned out to be and loved how he was such a solid guy at heart. He is always all-in for Isadora and seeing such a hero being so devoted was a thing of beauty. I do wish we could have seen Isadora be willing to fight for Devraj a bit more. There were paranormal elements to this story, but it wasn’t that focused. It’s definitely on the lighter side of things, and there is some fun bantering to really make this a light read.
Overall I found Don’t Hex and Drive to be a truly edge-of-your-seat fun wild ride, that delivered in some unique setups and beautiful magical delights to curl your toes!
*This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.*
Don’t Hex and Drive is the second book in the “Stay A Spell” series and I have been wanting to get back to this series, as I have fallen behind on it here. I will say that while I didn’t love it I did enjoy this one here. It is the type of book you could easily read in one sitting and it did contain some fun tropes and is so interesting to see this author write something so different, while I like the more serious toned PNR she did previously, this does have a unique flair that is quite entertaining and will definitely satisfy the crowd that lives for romantic comedies these days (aka books with illustrated covers). I will admit that I wasn’t sure what I would get in this book, I did remember how much I enjoyed Wolf Gone Wild but I don’t always connect with enemies to lovers type of stories but I found that I really loved the bantering and unrequited love that is built within this story.
Christ. One smile, and I was devastated. Lost. Swimming in an ocean of what-the-fuck.
The gist of the story is that our heroine, Isadora, is a witch and a powerful one at that. She lives in her garden and rides her bike everywhere she goes. What she doesn’t expect is to get hit by a vampire who also happens to be a famous Bollywood star. Devraj is known to be infamous in his talents as an actor but also has lived for centuries as a vampire and he is tempted to take a bite out of Isadora who only tempts him. She is so resistant to him but he is determined to prove to her he isn’t a bad guy. But when a series of events have them working together to bring down a ring of vampire-human trafficking down, they realize what a great team they make together. But Devraj is here in New Orleans on a temporary basis, and Isadora doesn’t do long-distance and can’t put herself in an emotionally fragile spot no matter how tempting Devraj is to her. But love has a way of making a mess of best laid plans….
We stood there in a silent hug for what might have been one minute. Maybe two. But that small moment filled me with dizzying bliss. Her slender body pressed to mine felt like holding home in my arms. I knew then that there wasn’t anything I wouldn’t do for Isadora Savoie.
Don’t Hex and Drive was such a fun enlightening read and I had such a fun time with it. I won’t say that it was a page-turner because as much as I love this author, her books can be a hit or miss for me when it comes to if they are page-turners for me or not. But I did have an enjoyable time with this one, and it turned out to be a quicker read than I expected it to be. I was really intrigued to see where this one would go here. I really liked the opposites attract/enemies to lovers type of setting here. Isadora and Devraj are so different from each other, but it was quite fascinating to see how they managed to make a relationship between them work. I loved how determined Devraj turned out to be and loved how he was such a solid guy at heart. He is always all-in for Isadora and seeing such a hero being so devoted was a thing of beauty. I do wish we could have seen Isadora be willing to fight for Devraj a bit more. There were paranormal elements to this story, but it wasn’t that focused. It’s definitely on the lighter side of things, and there is some fun bantering to really make this a light read.
Overall I found Don’t Hex and Drive to be a truly edge-of-your-seat fun wild ride, that delivered in some unique setups and beautiful magical delights to curl your toes!
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.
The Cowboys Says Yes is the first book in the Rustlers Creek series and I have had this on my kindle for quite a while. I always get nervous when trying out new authors but I was also curious about this one and it was definitely not what i expected. But I did find it to be an enjoyable read even if it was a bit different than I thought it would be here. It’s always a new experience to enter a story that throws you for a loop and I will be honest that I didn’t even glance at the blurb. This is definitely not me at all, but I was so intrigued to see what Addison Fox would deliver with this one. I do love a marriage reconciliation type of romance, and yes it wasn’t quite what I was expecting it to be honest. I was relieved that the level of angst was actually pretty low. And we have a unique setup with a primary romance and a side story romance. I really found the dynamics interesting.
Our primary pairing is with Zack and Hadley. They are a married couple and haven’t been close in a long while. They suffered a loss of a child and with the focus of the cooking show that is featured in their home, they have let their career focuses lead them away from each other. But both Zack and Hadley have had enough of distance and fighting, and desire to repair their marriage and what they once had. We don’t see much angst, and that is not the norm in these types of scenarios so I was fascinated to see how this author would handle this and it really threw me for a loop to see this heroine be a star of a cooking show. I haven’t read this type of setup in a western and it kept me on my toes. The author definitely had me interested all the way through to see how their relationship would play out and if they would find any common ground like what they once had. There is a conflict of sorts, but it doesn’t really happen until the end of the story. It does surprise you though because you won’t see it coming but it also adds more depth to their relationship and seeing the various facets that are built throughout the story was a unique mix. I did love seeing the depths of emotion and connection that Zack and Hadley have for each other though. I will be honest in that this story was super challenging to rate and much of that is that I have mixed feelings on this one and what it delivered. I was intrigued all the way through by the romance, but I wasn’t automatically pulled into the story. I wanted to be more into this story but it didn’t quite get there for me even though I found the story to be interesting for this reader.
Overall I found The Cowboy Says Yes to be a warm and open romance that delves into matters of the heart in a unique way. It’s a story of healing, reconciliation, recovery, and embracing a changed relationship that is founded in life.
This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.
The Cowboys Says Yes is the first book in the Rustlers Creek series and I have had this on my kindle for quite a while. I always get nervous when trying out new authors but I was also curious about this one and it was definitely not what i expected. But I did find it to be an enjoyable read even if it was a bit different than I thought it would be here. It’s always a new experience to enter a story that throws you for a loop and I will be honest that I didn’t even glance at the blurb. This is definitely not me at all, but I was so intrigued to see what Addison Fox would deliver with this one. I do love a marriage reconciliation type of romance, and yes it wasn’t quite what I was expecting it to be honest. I was relieved that the level of angst was actually pretty low. And we have a unique setup with a primary romance and a side story romance. I really found the dynamics interesting.
Our primary pairing is with Zack and Hadley. They are a married couple and haven’t been close in a long while. They suffered a loss of a child and with the focus of the cooking show that is featured in their home, they have let their career focuses lead them away from each other. But both Zack and Hadley have had enough of distance and fighting, and desire to repair their marriage and what they once had. We don’t see much angst, and that is not the norm in these types of scenarios so I was fascinated to see how this author would handle this and it really threw me for a loop to see this heroine be a star of a cooking show. I haven’t read this type of setup in a western and it kept me on my toes. The author definitely had me interested all the way through to see how their relationship would play out and if they would find any common ground like what they once had. There is a conflict of sorts, but it doesn’t really happen until the end of the story. It does surprise you though because you won’t see it coming but it also adds more depth to their relationship and seeing the various facets that are built throughout the story was a unique mix. I did love seeing the depths of emotion and connection that Zack and Hadley have for each other though. I will be honest in that this story was super challenging to rate and much of that is that I have mixed feelings on this one and what it delivered. I was intrigued all the way through by the romance, but I wasn’t automatically pulled into the story. I wanted to be more into this story but it didn’t quite get there for me even though I found the story to be interesting for this reader.
Overall I found The Cowboy Says Yes to be a warm and open romance that delves into matters of the heart in a unique way. It’s a story of healing, reconciliation, recovery, and embracing a changed relationship that is founded in life.
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.
“I know you,” he says softly, firmly. “I’ve spent years trying not to learn you, and failing.”
Exposed was such an interesting installment of the series and its one that we have been waiting on as their story has been building over time. I never know how I am going to feel about the enemies to lovers type of trope, not that these two are true enemies, just very conflicted with each other but still have such a tight strong bond. I was fascinated by seeing how this author would implement this story and this pairing here. I did know that this author has yet to disappoint me, especially with this series so far and I ended up really loving this one. It had me in the feels and honestly most of the story I was at a 4 star until the ending, but the ending just made it a 5 star read for me, because WHEW this author really knows how to build into the emotion and pull the reader even more into the story that you will find so compelling. I was so intrigued to see how she would handle this one because when you first start this one, you know how it will probably go down, but I found some unpredictable moments that happen. This series has been so beautifully done and I am so happy to have been able to read this one and see the series come to this finale (I believe its the finale) and just won my heart so completely.
“It’s different when it matters. She matters. Of course, she matters. She’s been a part of me for so long, I wouldn’t know how to function if she were gone.”
Our story sets off with Brenna and Rye who have always seemed to be at odds with each other. Even though they work so closely with each other, there have been some misunderstandings between them and they have this angst type of relationship where to everyone they are enemies. However, there is so much more between them. Brenna once wanted Rye, but then they hurt each other and they have this relationship that seems to be always one fight after another. Rye and Brenna just can’t seem to let go of pushing each other’s buttons at the worst and best of moments. But when Rye overhears a confession of Brenna of her innermost desires, he is determined to be the man to give that to her. They make a pact together, one that they keep from the band and their family, a secret relationship that they form one that starts off with sensual pleasure but builds into something deeper and holds their hearts in a way that they don’t expect. Both Rye and Brenna have secretly desired each other, but even though this pact is supposed to be just about satisfying sexual pleasure, they find there is more between them than just physical desires. But there are secrets that need to be revealed, and both Rye and Brenna will need to be honest with themselves if they want to have a future together. Rye will need to realize he needs to take a risk and fight for Brenna. And on the other side, Brenna will need to come to terms with opening her heart and letting go of her mistrusts, and having faith in the love she has for Rye.
“My dear, I was talking about loving yourself. If you don’t do that first, you’re always going to push away those who try to love you.”
Exposed is a story that completely blew me away but in a way, I didn’t expect it to. For those that know my reading taste, then you know that the “fling” type of setups really aren’t my catnip. I do not like relationships starting out just for the sex and nothing else but somehow Kristen Callihan really made this trope work for me. From the beginning, you can see that Rye and Brenna feel something more for each other than they are willing to admit. Seeing them embrace their pleasure with each other, while also building on the deeply layered emotion with each chapter is what really made this book work so well. There is this level of feeling that just vibrates whenever they are near each other. There is also this sense of friendship that has always been there despite the angst that has also matched it over the years. Brenna and Rye truly understand each other, even when they are at odds, but the moment they decide to have a secret fling, unresolved issues come to the surface and both of them have to face up to the mistakes and misunderstandings of the past. It was also interesting to see their relationship grow in some unique ways. I actually liked that they always had a “thing” for each other but now they were able to capitalize on it. And also keeping their relationship such a secret from the band was a fun twist. Of course, Brenna’s cousin “Killian” is a bit overprotective and wouldn’t take to Rye being with her which is the reason they keep it a secret. But it was quite a delightful twist in seeing how the undertones between them come to the service to some of the others and seeing the matchmaking moments really added a lighter tone to the story that balanced out the more serious tones.
“I want to be yours. I want you to be mine. Wherever I land, whatever I’m doing. Because I…I adore you.”
Overall I found Exposed to be an underlaying, vividly emotionally portrayed story that is so sensually picturesque in its small moments. It’s a story of redemption and forgiveness, of letting go of fear and embracing the love right next to you and taking that leap of faith that rivals conflicts of life….
“This man is mine. My friend. My lover. My home. My heart.”
This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.
“I know you,” he says softly, firmly. “I’ve spent years trying not to learn you, and failing.”
Exposed was such an interesting installment of the series and its one that we have been waiting on as their story has been building over time. I never know how I am going to feel about the enemies to lovers type of trope, not that these two are true enemies, just very conflicted with each other but still have such a tight strong bond. I was fascinated by seeing how this author would implement this story and this pairing here. I did know that this author has yet to disappoint me, especially with this series so far and I ended up really loving this one. It had me in the feels and honestly most of the story I was at a 4 star until the ending, but the ending just made it a 5 star read for me, because WHEW this author really knows how to build into the emotion and pull the reader even more into the story that you will find so compelling. I was so intrigued to see how she would handle this one because when you first start this one, you know how it will probably go down, but I found some unpredictable moments that happen. This series has been so beautifully done and I am so happy to have been able to read this one and see the series come to this finale (I believe its the finale) and just won my heart so completely.
“It’s different when it matters. She matters. Of course, she matters. She’s been a part of me for so long, I wouldn’t know how to function if she were gone.”
Our story sets off with Brenna and Rye who have always seemed to be at odds with each other. Even though they work so closely with each other, there have been some misunderstandings between them and they have this angst type of relationship where to everyone they are enemies. However, there is so much more between them. Brenna once wanted Rye, but then they hurt each other and they have this relationship that seems to be always one fight after another. Rye and Brenna just can’t seem to let go of pushing each other’s buttons at the worst and best of moments. But when Rye overhears a confession of Brenna of her innermost desires, he is determined to be the man to give that to her. They make a pact together, one that they keep from the band and their family, a secret relationship that they form one that starts off with sensual pleasure but builds into something deeper and holds their hearts in a way that they don’t expect. Both Rye and Brenna have secretly desired each other, but even though this pact is supposed to be just about satisfying sexual pleasure, they find there is more between them than just physical desires. But there are secrets that need to be revealed, and both Rye and Brenna will need to be honest with themselves if they want to have a future together. Rye will need to realize he needs to take a risk and fight for Brenna. And on the other side, Brenna will need to come to terms with opening her heart and letting go of her mistrusts, and having faith in the love she has for Rye.
“My dear, I was talking about loving yourself. If you don’t do that first, you’re always going to push away those who try to love you.”
Exposed is a story that completely blew me away but in a way, I didn’t expect it to. For those that know my reading taste, then you know that the “fling” type of setups really aren’t my catnip. I do not like relationships starting out just for the sex and nothing else but somehow Kristen Callihan really made this trope work for me. From the beginning, you can see that Rye and Brenna feel something more for each other than they are willing to admit. Seeing them embrace their pleasure with each other, while also building on the deeply layered emotion with each chapter is what really made this book work so well. There is this level of feeling that just vibrates whenever they are near each other. There is also this sense of friendship that has always been there despite the angst that has also matched it over the years. Brenna and Rye truly understand each other, even when they are at odds, but the moment they decide to have a secret fling, unresolved issues come to the surface and both of them have to face up to the mistakes and misunderstandings of the past. It was also interesting to see their relationship grow in some unique ways. I actually liked that they always had a “thing” for each other but now they were able to capitalize on it. And also keeping their relationship such a secret from the band was a fun twist. Of course, Brenna’s cousin “Killian” is a bit overprotective and wouldn’t take to Rye being with her which is the reason they keep it a secret. But it was quite a delightful twist in seeing how the undertones between them come to the service to some of the others and seeing the matchmaking moments really added a lighter tone to the story that balanced out the more serious tones.
“I want to be yours. I want you to be mine. Wherever I land, whatever I’m doing. Because I…I adore you.”
Overall I found Exposed to be an underlaying, vividly emotionally portrayed story that is so sensually picturesque in its small moments. It’s a story of redemption and forgiveness, of letting go of fear and embracing the love right next to you and taking that leap of faith that rivals conflicts of life….
“This man is mine. My friend. My lover. My home. My heart.”
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.
So much power hides in words, and once you speak them, you give them life, and you have to accept the truth that comes with them.
Torn by Carian Cole was such a book that I have been so excited for, this is THE book that everyone in the book community seems to rave about even more than “Don’t Kiss The Bride” and I have become so intrigued by this one and it has been on my kindle for quite a long while and I have been meaning to read it but I knew i needed to be in the right mood for this one, I knew it was an age gap but there is some family connection in the romance so I admit that is the biggest reason this doesn’t have the highest rating (as I will explain below). But I found that this story was such a win of a book and those that love the age gap, will definitely love this one. It had its own emotion and heart that will just endear the reader from beginning to end. I was torn by this book because even though there were some aspects that didn’t quite work for me, it also breathed life into my soul at the time and I do see why it’s so well-loved by so many and Carian Cole has definitely written a well worth it of a read and I think any contemporary romance lover needs to add this one to their shelf because the experience of it is well worth it.
I want crazy fucking love. I want someone that’ll never let me go. I want to wake up to my best friend every day.
torn is a romance that will tie you up in knots and deliver a range of emotions which features:
Toren Grace- A broody silent hero, driven in searching for the “ONE”, protective, loving, beast in the bedroom but tender in loving his woman
Kenzi- A feminine woman of grace and love, raised in the rock band world, yearning for friendship and love and mature for her young age
My love, walk in the rain with me, kiss me in the misty fog. Let me hold you all night under the hush of the wind. I’m waiting for you, throwing pennies, making wishes. I’m wishing only for you, always for you. Come back to me. I’ll fight for you, I’ll fight for us. Wish for me too and I’ll make it come true. I love you forever and longer.
Torn sets off with the very beginning of the bond that begins between these two from the birth of Kenzi. Toren is the best friend of Kenzi’s father, and her godfather, and swore to be her protector and friend. From her birth, he has always put her first in his life and has been there for all of her firsts and helped her adjust to life in the rock star world while being her best friend all of her life. Toren has always been the silent type, he has craved a woman that would be the “one” but only gets chased by women who just want him for sex and a pocketbook and nothing more than that. He has always viewed Kenzi as a friend, a young woman that is brave and strong, but as Kenzi grows into a grown woman and gets past the age of consent, there is more than just friendship growing for Toren and he is torn up in two inside. This is the daughter of his best friend, and he feels like he is betraying his best friend by allowing these feelings to grow. Kenzi, has always been raised with love by her parents and her uncles and Toren who has always been by her side through all of the joys and struggles in her life. But she senses a deeper intimate connection building between them, and she refuses to let go of what is building quickly between them or let their age difference or the taboo nature of their relationship keep them from finding forever. But finding your one is vastly different from finding your happy ever after with them and the journey to the later will be a battle worth fighting for….
When I look at you, I don’t see my father’s friend, or my uncle, or my godfather, or an older man. All I see is the person I’ve always loved and has always made me happy. That’s it. I just see you.
Torn was such a different romance than I was actually expecting, all I knew going into this one was that it had an age difference, I didn’t research this one further and know that there was some familial type of connection to each other. Although if I had known, I might not have picked this one up and I am so grateful that I decided to take a chance on this one. Because it was such a beautiful story that just won my heart so quickly. I actually enjoyed the flashback that we see in this story and seeing their relationship in the way that we see it happen here. I was so fascinated in seeing the way that their relationship would change. Now I know that there is a big taboo in this book and it might put you off and I completely understand that. It is the reason why this isn’t a five star read, because while this had me in my feels, I did struggle with the fact that Toren practically raised Kenzi, and even though this was more about friendship until she in adulthood, it will be a struggle for some readers to see that bond but there is no blood tie between them. However, I did struggle with that aspect but it really was only a struggle in the first half of the book. There was this shift in the second half of the book, where their relationship just changes in such a beautiful way, and the doubts and reservations that I seemed to have had just seemed to fade away and I was cheering this couple on. Seeing the growth of their bond was such a thing of beauty. There are so many feelings within this one, and I loved that they understand each other so much, and are willing to fight for each other and their dreams.
Love is like an onion, with a lot of layers and a lot of tears before you get to the good part
What really made this book shine was the character growth. There is so much character growth in this story and the way that the author capitalizes on this just had this story build all the layers that we see throughout the reading of it. I loved both of these characters, both of their personalities just are some of my favorite attributes to see in a romance. In Toren, we see a strong silent figure of a man, who is an alpha in all the ways that it matters but I might categorize him as an alpha cinnamon roll. He never apologizes for who he is or the type of woman he is looking for. Then we have beautiful Kenzi. Kenzi is a woman that isn’t afraid to go after her dreams. I loved how she embraces her inner feminity and is willing to fight for her dream to be a wife and a mother and you see how afraid she is of embracing it because she knows she will be mocked for it. But Toren emboldens her to go after that dream, no matter what others may think of it. I just wanted these two to be together and embrace the beauty of what they had together. There are some conflicts that stand in their way though, a big one once Kenzi’s father finds out, I really enjoyed the way that the conflict of this played out, and yes I expected what we see happen and I might have been a bit amused in this scene, not gonna lie (LOL) because the father’s anger is justified here even while I was cheering for Kenzi and Toren to find a way to their HEA. There is a bit of a side plot with the father and mother (as the mother is in a coma) but I am intrigued to see how the ending gets played out in book two or if we see that happen, I hope we do!
I wished you would never doubt me again. I’ve spent almost eighteen years being there for you, Angel. Because I want to. No one ever made me or expected me to. You’re just where I always wanted to be.
Overall I found Torn to be a satisfying read that won my heart so fiercely, it has a poignant feel to the romance that will only endear you deeper into Toren and Kenzi’s story that was so beautifully captured and is guaranteed to win your heart!
He’s my other half; the one who makes my heart beat. The man who makes me feel every feeling that could possibly be felt – and then some. The man who held me and loved me through almost every moment of my life. I have no past without him, and no future without him. Quite simply, he is my world.
This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.
So much power hides in words, and once you speak them, you give them life, and you have to accept the truth that comes with them.
Torn by Carian Cole was such a book that I have been so excited for, this is THE book that everyone in the book community seems to rave about even more than “Don’t Kiss The Bride” and I have become so intrigued by this one and it has been on my kindle for quite a long while and I have been meaning to read it but I knew i needed to be in the right mood for this one, I knew it was an age gap but there is some family connection in the romance so I admit that is the biggest reason this doesn’t have the highest rating (as I will explain below). But I found that this story was such a win of a book and those that love the age gap, will definitely love this one. It had its own emotion and heart that will just endear the reader from beginning to end. I was torn by this book because even though there were some aspects that didn’t quite work for me, it also breathed life into my soul at the time and I do see why it’s so well-loved by so many and Carian Cole has definitely written a well worth it of a read and I think any contemporary romance lover needs to add this one to their shelf because the experience of it is well worth it.
I want crazy fucking love. I want someone that’ll never let me go. I want to wake up to my best friend every day.
torn is a romance that will tie you up in knots and deliver a range of emotions which features:
Toren Grace- A broody silent hero, driven in searching for the “ONE”, protective, loving, beast in the bedroom but tender in loving his woman
Kenzi- A feminine woman of grace and love, raised in the rock band world, yearning for friendship and love and mature for her young age
My love, walk in the rain with me, kiss me in the misty fog. Let me hold you all night under the hush of the wind. I’m waiting for you, throwing pennies, making wishes. I’m wishing only for you, always for you. Come back to me. I’ll fight for you, I’ll fight for us. Wish for me too and I’ll make it come true. I love you forever and longer.
Torn sets off with the very beginning of the bond that begins between these two from the birth of Kenzi. Toren is the best friend of Kenzi’s father, and her godfather, and swore to be her protector and friend. From her birth, he has always put her first in his life and has been there for all of her firsts and helped her adjust to life in the rock star world while being her best friend all of her life. Toren has always been the silent type, he has craved a woman that would be the “one” but only gets chased by women who just want him for sex and a pocketbook and nothing more than that. He has always viewed Kenzi as a friend, a young woman that is brave and strong, but as Kenzi grows into a grown woman and gets past the age of consent, there is more than just friendship growing for Toren and he is torn up in two inside. This is the daughter of his best friend, and he feels like he is betraying his best friend by allowing these feelings to grow. Kenzi, has always been raised with love by her parents and her uncles and Toren who has always been by her side through all of the joys and struggles in her life. But she senses a deeper intimate connection building between them, and she refuses to let go of what is building quickly between them or let their age difference or the taboo nature of their relationship keep them from finding forever. But finding your one is vastly different from finding your happy ever after with them and the journey to the later will be a battle worth fighting for….
When I look at you, I don’t see my father’s friend, or my uncle, or my godfather, or an older man. All I see is the person I’ve always loved and has always made me happy. That’s it. I just see you.
Torn was such a different romance than I was actually expecting, all I knew going into this one was that it had an age difference, I didn’t research this one further and know that there was some familial type of connection to each other. Although if I had known, I might not have picked this one up and I am so grateful that I decided to take a chance on this one. Because it was such a beautiful story that just won my heart so quickly. I actually enjoyed the flashback that we see in this story and seeing their relationship in the way that we see it happen here. I was so fascinated in seeing the way that their relationship would change. Now I know that there is a big taboo in this book and it might put you off and I completely understand that. It is the reason why this isn’t a five star read, because while this had me in my feels, I did struggle with the fact that Toren practically raised Kenzi, and even though this was more about friendship until she in adulthood, it will be a struggle for some readers to see that bond but there is no blood tie between them. However, I did struggle with that aspect but it really was only a struggle in the first half of the book. There was this shift in the second half of the book, where their relationship just changes in such a beautiful way, and the doubts and reservations that I seemed to have had just seemed to fade away and I was cheering this couple on. Seeing the growth of their bond was such a thing of beauty. There are so many feelings within this one, and I loved that they understand each other so much, and are willing to fight for each other and their dreams.
Love is like an onion, with a lot of layers and a lot of tears before you get to the good part
What really made this book shine was the character growth. There is so much character growth in this story and the way that the author capitalizes on this just had this story build all the layers that we see throughout the reading of it. I loved both of these characters, both of their personalities just are some of my favorite attributes to see in a romance. In Toren, we see a strong silent figure of a man, who is an alpha in all the ways that it matters but I might categorize him as an alpha cinnamon roll. He never apologizes for who he is or the type of woman he is looking for. Then we have beautiful Kenzi. Kenzi is a woman that isn’t afraid to go after her dreams. I loved how she embraces her inner feminity and is willing to fight for her dream to be a wife and a mother and you see how afraid she is of embracing it because she knows she will be mocked for it. But Toren emboldens her to go after that dream, no matter what others may think of it. I just wanted these two to be together and embrace the beauty of what they had together. There are some conflicts that stand in their way though, a big one once Kenzi’s father finds out, I really enjoyed the way that the conflict of this played out, and yes I expected what we see happen and I might have been a bit amused in this scene, not gonna lie (LOL) because the father’s anger is justified here even while I was cheering for Kenzi and Toren to find a way to their HEA. There is a bit of a side plot with the father and mother (as the mother is in a coma) but I am intrigued to see how the ending gets played out in book two or if we see that happen, I hope we do!
I wished you would never doubt me again. I’ve spent almost eighteen years being there for you, Angel. Because I want to. No one ever made me or expected me to. You’re just where I always wanted to be.
Overall I found Torn to be a satisfying read that won my heart so fiercely, it has a poignant feel to the romance that will only endear you deeper into Toren and Kenzi’s story that was so beautifully captured and is guaranteed to win your heart!
He’s my other half; the one who makes my heart beat. The man who makes me feel every feeling that could possibly be felt – and then some. The man who held me and loved me through almost every moment of my life. I have no past without him, and no future without him. Quite simply, he is my world.
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.
First Impressions
I felt so blessed to be able to have been gifted this ARC from the publisher on this one here, I was so thrilled to see that Sparks decided to continue the series, and I didn’t know if she would or not, as there has been a long length of time since the last one in the series “The Siren and the Deep Blue Sea” What we get with this one though, is a continuation of the series that features the children of the couples in the first five books of the Embraced series. I was really fascinated by this one here though, and I adored the cover of this one here too. This was quite an interesting story though, and even though I didn’t quite love it like some of the previous books, it was still a solid story. And it features some fun tropes such as “road trip adventure” and “unrequited love” which are two of my favorites. I don’t get a chance to read road trip adventures too often, but I was in love with the way that this one was written and seeing this romance blossom.
Summary
Princess Eviana has always felt like the black sheep where her gift is concerned. She is the daughter of Luciana and Leo, but her gift is dangerous and many fear what she would do with it. Even her family has kept her shielded and locked away. But now she is of age to marry and is now able to venture out in the world, Then enters our hero, Quentin, who is valuable but he is also low born and has loved Eviana for years but has stayed in the shadows, yearning for a woman he can never have. But when he reaches out to protect her and reveals the true intents of her suitors at a ball, secrets of the royal family are revealed but becomes a turning point for Eviana to be herself and find the freedom to fly her wings from her overprotective family. When there are suspicious deaths happening and the princess is almost taken captive, Eviana and Quentin begin a journey together in discovering the true intent of the villain, and they discover their enemy wishes to destroy all fo the embraced. That the peace that has been cultivated for years, could be lost. But will Quentin’s secret be revealed in trying to protect her here? Will his love be revealed and when it does will Eviana fight for the man who deserves a HEA just as she does?
What I Loved
There were so many things to this story that I was all the way in for. I was so stunned by the way that this author wrote this unrequited love. I absolutely adore unrequited love and it was done so well here. And I really respected that Sparks didn’t drag it all the way out. Eviana learns of it and even though there is this forbidden love, with their class difference, Eviana becomes such a fighter for the relationship. She knows what they have together is powerful and worth fighting for. Seeing Eviana go about attempting to court Quentin, was beyond adorable. I understood where Quentin was coming from though. I understand why he didn’t feel he was worthy of her, but Eviana doesn’t see it that way. Quentin has protected her for years and sees who she really is when her own family doesn’t see the power and passion she is capable of and what a leader she is. Quentin understands Eviana and only wants her to break free and show what she is capable of and doesn’t stand in her way when it matters to her. The plot of the story was well done and we do get a POV from the villain so that was really interesting. I was intrigued by the way this story was built and what was hinted at for future books. The romance between Quentin and Eviana was beautiful, and so many sweet and sexy moments were built. The chemistry was well done, but it is more slowly built due to the forbidden nature of the relationship and Quentin being so resistant to them being together. But seeing their HEA and how they achieve it …well it was just BEAUTIFUL IN EVERY WAY!
What I Struggled With
I will say that the pacing is the only real aspect to this story that could have been improved upon. It’s what kept it from a five-star read for me, it just didn’t quite engage me quite as much as I was expecting considering the last book in the series completely I couldn’t put down.
Overall View
When A Princess Proposes was a magnificent read, that combines themes that are built within this fantastical world that Sparks has grown so beautifully. It’s a story of adventure, hidden love, and embracing one’s self!
This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.
First Impressions
I felt so blessed to be able to have been gifted this ARC from the publisher on this one here, I was so thrilled to see that Sparks decided to continue the series, and I didn’t know if she would or not, as there has been a long length of time since the last one in the series “The Siren and the Deep Blue Sea” What we get with this one though, is a continuation of the series that features the children of the couples in the first five books of the Embraced series. I was really fascinated by this one here though, and I adored the cover of this one here too. This was quite an interesting story though, and even though I didn’t quite love it like some of the previous books, it was still a solid story. And it features some fun tropes such as “road trip adventure” and “unrequited love” which are two of my favorites. I don’t get a chance to read road trip adventures too often, but I was in love with the way that this one was written and seeing this romance blossom.
Summary
Princess Eviana has always felt like the black sheep where her gift is concerned. She is the daughter of Luciana and Leo, but her gift is dangerous and many fear what she would do with it. Even her family has kept her shielded and locked away. But now she is of age to marry and is now able to venture out in the world, Then enters our hero, Quentin, who is valuable but he is also low born and has loved Eviana for years but has stayed in the shadows, yearning for a woman he can never have. But when he reaches out to protect her and reveals the true intents of her suitors at a ball, secrets of the royal family are revealed but becomes a turning point for Eviana to be herself and find the freedom to fly her wings from her overprotective family. When there are suspicious deaths happening and the princess is almost taken captive, Eviana and Quentin begin a journey together in discovering the true intent of the villain, and they discover their enemy wishes to destroy all fo the embraced. That the peace that has been cultivated for years, could be lost. But will Quentin’s secret be revealed in trying to protect her here? Will his love be revealed and when it does will Eviana fight for the man who deserves a HEA just as she does?
What I Loved
There were so many things to this story that I was all the way in for. I was so stunned by the way that this author wrote this unrequited love. I absolutely adore unrequited love and it was done so well here. And I really respected that Sparks didn’t drag it all the way out. Eviana learns of it and even though there is this forbidden love, with their class difference, Eviana becomes such a fighter for the relationship. She knows what they have together is powerful and worth fighting for. Seeing Eviana go about attempting to court Quentin, was beyond adorable. I understood where Quentin was coming from though. I understand why he didn’t feel he was worthy of her, but Eviana doesn’t see it that way. Quentin has protected her for years and sees who she really is when her own family doesn’t see the power and passion she is capable of and what a leader she is. Quentin understands Eviana and only wants her to break free and show what she is capable of and doesn’t stand in her way when it matters to her. The plot of the story was well done and we do get a POV from the villain so that was really interesting. I was intrigued by the way this story was built and what was hinted at for future books. The romance between Quentin and Eviana was beautiful, and so many sweet and sexy moments were built. The chemistry was well done, but it is more slowly built due to the forbidden nature of the relationship and Quentin being so resistant to them being together. But seeing their HEA and how they achieve it …well it was just BEAUTIFUL IN EVERY WAY!
What I Struggled With
I will say that the pacing is the only real aspect to this story that could have been improved upon. It’s what kept it from a five-star read for me, it just didn’t quite engage me quite as much as I was expecting considering the last book in the series completely I couldn’t put down.
Overall View
When A Princess Proposes was a magnificent read, that combines themes that are built within this fantastical world that Sparks has grown so beautifully. It’s a story of adventure, hidden love, and embracing one’s self!
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.
“Sometimes, it’s the scary things in life that are the most worthwhile.”
Losing It was such an interesting story here. I will admit that I bought this on impulse, I haven’t read this series by this author and I have been wanting to. I have dearly missed her writing and I have had the goal to try more new adult romance, especially if it has lower drama. I read the blurb and I knew I had to read this soon because the setup of the story was so fascinating to me. And it’s these types of setups that will work for me with the “Teacher-Student” trope. It’s not very often that this trope will work for me but if it’s written well, then it can definitely work for me. So the setup of this story is that our heroine, Bliss, is wanting to get rid of her virginity and also is feeling pressure from her best friend to have a one-night stand before they start their classes. So Bliss sees this gorgeous man at the bar reading alone and is intrigued, and instant attraction builds between them. They share a night together of course and Bliss escapes and leaves him in her bed eight hours later she sees the man she spent the night with, being her acting professor and now she is in deep trouble because she knows this attraction isn’t going to go away just because their relationship is forbidden.
I danced.
I danced without music. I screamed without sound. I celebrated in silence, in the dark, behind the curtains where no one could see.
I found Losing It to be such a blast of a read and I was so fascinated into seeing these two explore what they had together. I also loved the “Acting/playwright” theme to be so intriguing, we just don’t see this enough in romance. I was also fascinated by the forbidden feel of the relationship between Bliss and Garrick. I just adored these two together. Garrick is such a hottie inside and out. I adore how passionate he is and how he is so encouraging with Bliss. He wants her to embrace her true capabilities in the craft even knowing how difficult the road is ahead for her. I also liked that this wasn’t your typical virgin heroine either. This was such a fun easy going romantic read that worked so well for me and was such a quick sexy read.
Overall I found Losing It to be a fascinating new adult romance that is bound to deliver the sweet and sexy moments and bring to the reader a sense of satisfying joy.
No matter how close, you are always too far
My eyes are drawn everywhere you are.
I’m tired of the way we both pretend Tired of always wanting and never giving in
I can feel it in my skin, see it in your grin
We’re more. We always have been.
Think of everything we’ve missed.
Every touch and every kiss.
Because we both insist.
Resist.
Hold your breath and close your eyes Distract yourself with other guys
It’s no surprise, your defeated sighs
Aren’t you tired of the lies?
Think of everything we’ve missed.
Every touch and every kiss.
Because we both insist.
Resist.
No matter how close, you are always too far
My eyes are drawn everywhere you are.
I’m done. I won’t ignore. I won’t pretend or resist.
I want more.
This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.
“Sometimes, it’s the scary things in life that are the most worthwhile.”
Losing It was such an interesting story here. I will admit that I bought this on impulse, I haven’t read this series by this author and I have been wanting to. I have dearly missed her writing and I have had the goal to try more new adult romance, especially if it has lower drama. I read the blurb and I knew I had to read this soon because the setup of the story was so fascinating to me. And it’s these types of setups that will work for me with the “Teacher-Student” trope. It’s not very often that this trope will work for me but if it’s written well, then it can definitely work for me. So the setup of this story is that our heroine, Bliss, is wanting to get rid of her virginity and also is feeling pressure from her best friend to have a one-night stand before they start their classes. So Bliss sees this gorgeous man at the bar reading alone and is intrigued, and instant attraction builds between them. They share a night together of course and Bliss escapes and leaves him in her bed eight hours later she sees the man she spent the night with, being her acting professor and now she is in deep trouble because she knows this attraction isn’t going to go away just because their relationship is forbidden.
I danced.
I danced without music. I screamed without sound. I celebrated in silence, in the dark, behind the curtains where no one could see.
I found Losing It to be such a blast of a read and I was so fascinated into seeing these two explore what they had together. I also loved the “Acting/playwright” theme to be so intriguing, we just don’t see this enough in romance. I was also fascinated by the forbidden feel of the relationship between Bliss and Garrick. I just adored these two together. Garrick is such a hottie inside and out. I adore how passionate he is and how he is so encouraging with Bliss. He wants her to embrace her true capabilities in the craft even knowing how difficult the road is ahead for her. I also liked that this wasn’t your typical virgin heroine either. This was such a fun easy going romantic read that worked so well for me and was such a quick sexy read.
Overall I found Losing It to be a fascinating new adult romance that is bound to deliver the sweet and sexy moments and bring to the reader a sense of satisfying joy.
No matter how close, you are always too far
My eyes are drawn everywhere you are.
I’m tired of the way we both pretend Tired of always wanting and never giving in
I can feel it in my skin, see it in your grin
We’re more. We always have been.
Think of everything we’ve missed.
Every touch and every kiss.
Because we both insist.
Resist.
Hold your breath and close your eyes Distract yourself with other guys
It’s no surprise, your defeated sighs
Aren’t you tired of the lies?
Think of everything we’ve missed.
Every touch and every kiss.
Because we both insist.
Resist.
No matter how close, you are always too far
My eyes are drawn everywhere you are.
I’m done. I won’t ignore. I won’t pretend or resist.
I want more.