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4.61k reviews by:
loverofromance
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the 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
Beautifully Broken Redemption is the finale in the "Sutter Lake" series, and this is the long-awaited book I have been the most excited for out of most of the series. It has some great tropes, and everyone seems to rave about this one the most so I was very curious to see how it would be handled and I still can't get over this delectable cover that gives me all the swoon vibes. This book is a story that will deliver strong family feels to it, beautifully developed chemistry and all the moments that capture your heart as only Catherine Cowles is capable of. It also contains some powerfully suspense elements that will be a bit different from what I have seen this author place in her stories but enjoyed it just as much.
First Line
Derek's voice cut through the car at a decibel that endangered our eardrums.
The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Mason
Mason is a self made billionaire. He is intelligent and successful and has finally found his place in Sutter Lake. He has just built his dream home offshore of a lake.
The Heroine: Anna
An ex convict for being framed by her ex boyfriend, she has lived from shelter to shelter until she found Sutter Lake and took over a community center. She helps her sister with her two kids and always sees the good in others but is paranoid about strangers especially sexy rich ones like Mason.
Summary
Anna, was framed by her boyfriend when their car was pulled over with drugs in the trunk. She had some prison time in juvie and her parents abused her most of her life. She has lived in homeless shelters most of her adult life, until she discovered Sutter Lake, found a job as head over a community center and made her first home in a cottage and taking care of her nephew and niece whenever she could. When her sister is killed, she is determined to fight guardianship but she knows her parents have connections that she doesn't have. But when Mason reaches out to her and offers her a marriage of convenience so that she can get complete custody over the children, she knows she has little choice as she doesn't want them to live in a abusive home. She doesn't expect Mason to be a man of honor and integrity, who laughs free with the children and gives her an open honest relationship where she can be herself and find love along the way...
What I Loved
There are many aspects to this story that endeared my heart so completely. First and foremost, I adore a wonderful telling of a marriage of convenience and when its in a contemporary setting, even better. I absolutely adored it in every way. I definitely can see why so many readers loved this book the most, it has so many qualities to it that just portray this authors best work in my opinion or at least some of her most heartfelt at least. While its not a perfect book, its beautifully conveyed in a way that reaches deeply to the heart of those reading it. I wasn't sure when I started this one how I would feel about Anna. I liked her in the previous book but didn't love her character and I truly fell hard for her strong and sure. She is such a caring person, who has so many flaws but those are so relatable when you look at everything she has suffered in her young life.
Then we have our hero, Mason, who is a self made hero. He has worked hard to get the wealth he has and is so loveable. He is so giving of his time and generous to a fault and sees the good in people. He has integrity and honor to her character that is so admirable. And seeing him with these kids, my heart completely melted for him. He just immediately knows the best things to do for them to keep their spirits up and engage with them often and is such a strong support for them when they need it. Both Anna and Mason know exactly how to speak to these children in a way that is healthy and honest and full of love. And the way that Mason is with Anna won me completely over. We see throughout the story how much he gives to her and wants her to trust him because he cares deeply for him and is willing to fight with her and her demons to get to the heart and soul of who she is and let her out more openly. He sets healthy boundaries in the relationship and fights for her so strong.
The plot of the story will keep you on edge all the way through. You can feel the conflict just rise throughout the story as you wonder what will happen with the guardianship over the kids. I mean you can guess what the end result will be (because its a romance haha so the ending is pretty obvious) but as you stick with the story, you feel the conflict and tense vibes the couple and these kids work towards as a family unit as they work together to keep their spirits up and do everything they can to win and have justice in the end. But don't be surprised if you see more than one conflict rise up in this story, its typical Cowles plot machination and I really enjoyed seeing the ending in the story here. Beautifully Broken Redemption won my heart from beginning to end and I can't wait to get these books in print to decorate my shelves with.
What I Struggled With
There was a small conflict that I struggled with, although it didn't affect my overall view of the story. I wasn't a fan of how the heroine acted through the conflict here. I wish that she had taken more accountability for her actions instead of placing it all on Mason's shoulders.
Overall View
Beautifully Broken Redemption is a heartfelt and deeply emotionally provoking story that delivers intimacy of the heart and balanced out wit and embracing the best parts of life.
Favorite Quote(s)
"I love you so much it scares me sometimes.” I pressed my palm against his chest. “I know.” Because I felt that same fear at times. “I think it’s the price we have to pay for loving so deeply. And I’ll pay it every day for the rest of my life. If you’ll be in it with me.” Mason brushed his lips across mine. “I only want to be where you are.”
“Never been happier than when I’m with you.”
Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense
Character Types: Billionaire/Mr. Moneybags, Ex Convict
Themes: Book Boyfriend, Danger, Family Bonds, Kids Involved, Heart-Touching
Tropes: Forced Proximity, Marriage of Convenience
Book Perspective
DUO Pov
Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
Plot Conflict is the focus
Song This Book Inspires
Wolves-One Direction
Recommendation For Reading Order
You can read as standalone if needed
Steam/Spice Explanations
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.
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
Beautifully Broken Redemption is the finale in the "Sutter Lake" series, and this is the long-awaited book I have been the most excited for out of most of the series. It has some great tropes, and everyone seems to rave about this one the most so I was very curious to see how it would be handled and I still can't get over this delectable cover that gives me all the swoon vibes. This book is a story that will deliver strong family feels to it, beautifully developed chemistry and all the moments that capture your heart as only Catherine Cowles is capable of. It also contains some powerfully suspense elements that will be a bit different from what I have seen this author place in her stories but enjoyed it just as much.
First Line
Derek's voice cut through the car at a decibel that endangered our eardrums.
The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Mason
Mason is a self made billionaire. He is intelligent and successful and has finally found his place in Sutter Lake. He has just built his dream home offshore of a lake.
The Heroine: Anna
An ex convict for being framed by her ex boyfriend, she has lived from shelter to shelter until she found Sutter Lake and took over a community center. She helps her sister with her two kids and always sees the good in others but is paranoid about strangers especially sexy rich ones like Mason.
Summary
Anna, was framed by her boyfriend when their car was pulled over with drugs in the trunk. She had some prison time in juvie and her parents abused her most of her life. She has lived in homeless shelters most of her adult life, until she discovered Sutter Lake, found a job as head over a community center and made her first home in a cottage and taking care of her nephew and niece whenever she could. When her sister is killed, she is determined to fight guardianship but she knows her parents have connections that she doesn't have. But when Mason reaches out to her and offers her a marriage of convenience so that she can get complete custody over the children, she knows she has little choice as she doesn't want them to live in a abusive home. She doesn't expect Mason to be a man of honor and integrity, who laughs free with the children and gives her an open honest relationship where she can be herself and find love along the way...
What I Loved
There are many aspects to this story that endeared my heart so completely. First and foremost, I adore a wonderful telling of a marriage of convenience and when its in a contemporary setting, even better. I absolutely adored it in every way. I definitely can see why so many readers loved this book the most, it has so many qualities to it that just portray this authors best work in my opinion or at least some of her most heartfelt at least. While its not a perfect book, its beautifully conveyed in a way that reaches deeply to the heart of those reading it. I wasn't sure when I started this one how I would feel about Anna. I liked her in the previous book but didn't love her character and I truly fell hard for her strong and sure. She is such a caring person, who has so many flaws but those are so relatable when you look at everything she has suffered in her young life.
Then we have our hero, Mason, who is a self made hero. He has worked hard to get the wealth he has and is so loveable. He is so giving of his time and generous to a fault and sees the good in people. He has integrity and honor to her character that is so admirable. And seeing him with these kids, my heart completely melted for him. He just immediately knows the best things to do for them to keep their spirits up and engage with them often and is such a strong support for them when they need it. Both Anna and Mason know exactly how to speak to these children in a way that is healthy and honest and full of love. And the way that Mason is with Anna won me completely over. We see throughout the story how much he gives to her and wants her to trust him because he cares deeply for him and is willing to fight with her and her demons to get to the heart and soul of who she is and let her out more openly. He sets healthy boundaries in the relationship and fights for her so strong.
The plot of the story will keep you on edge all the way through. You can feel the conflict just rise throughout the story as you wonder what will happen with the guardianship over the kids. I mean you can guess what the end result will be (because its a romance haha so the ending is pretty obvious) but as you stick with the story, you feel the conflict and tense vibes the couple and these kids work towards as a family unit as they work together to keep their spirits up and do everything they can to win and have justice in the end. But don't be surprised if you see more than one conflict rise up in this story, its typical Cowles plot machination and I really enjoyed seeing the ending in the story here. Beautifully Broken Redemption won my heart from beginning to end and I can't wait to get these books in print to decorate my shelves with.
What I Struggled With
There was a small conflict that I struggled with, although it didn't affect my overall view of the story. I wasn't a fan of how the heroine acted through the conflict here. I wish that she had taken more accountability for her actions instead of placing it all on Mason's shoulders.
Overall View
Beautifully Broken Redemption is a heartfelt and deeply emotionally provoking story that delivers intimacy of the heart and balanced out wit and embracing the best parts of life.
Favorite Quote(s)
"I love you so much it scares me sometimes.” I pressed my palm against his chest. “I know.” Because I felt that same fear at times. “I think it’s the price we have to pay for loving so deeply. And I’ll pay it every day for the rest of my life. If you’ll be in it with me.” Mason brushed his lips across mine. “I only want to be where you are.”
“Never been happier than when I’m with you.”
Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense
Character Types: Billionaire/Mr. Moneybags, Ex Convict
Themes: Book Boyfriend, Danger, Family Bonds, Kids Involved, Heart-Touching
Tropes: Forced Proximity, Marriage of Convenience
Book Perspective
DUO Pov
Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
Plot Conflict is the focus
Song This Book Inspires
Wolves-One Direction
Recommendation For Reading Order
You can read as standalone if needed
Steam/Spice Explanations
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.
challenging
dark
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the 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
First Impressions
Bound by Destiny is the fifth installment in the Ravage MC Bound series. I really had no idea what I was getting into with this one if I am being honest. I wish that I had done some research on the content of this story before jumping right in. Most of her books, you can easily just jump into. But this one has some tropes that may be difficult for some readers and you may want to know beforehand before just jumping into this one. I almost DNF'd this book because I was not a fan of the first half of the story. I was really hoping that this would be Micah's story but it definitely felt a bit off. I do know that we get his full story later in the series.
First Line
"Hey" I answer the door with a smile on my face as I step aside for Micah to come through.
What I Loved
So there were some aspects that I really enjoyed. The plot of the story outside of the romance was very intriguing. We see some character growth from all characters involved but most especially Micah and Emery. I really enjoyed the chemistry that grows between Jacks and Emery, it was so fun to witness it grow throughout the story. We also see the relationship between Micah and MC and how tense that is. To be honest I don't even remember what he did that was so wrong when he was young, but we do see him face up to the consequences and make some choices that I think in the long run will make him a better man. And even though at first you want Micah and Emery to be together, once it gets to the later half of the story, you can see how together Emery and Jacks become together in this one. Their chemistry and connection is powerful and poginant at times and you really feel how they are "it" for each other.
What I Struggled With
The love triangle and how the MC treats Micah, most especially his father. I am not a fan in how these MC members treat their kids. I will never enjoy reading a love triangle and this one I wasn't able to mentally prepare for and it was just written in a way that wasn't going to endear me much.
Narration
The narration was actually pretty well on this one, I breezed pretty quickly throughout this one here.
Overall View
Bound by Destiny is a unique dynamic of elements that the author is able to bring together and really has you pulling for "THE" couple in the end.
Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Contemporary Romance, Dark Romance
Character Types: Bikers
Themes: Childhood Ties, Danger, Hot Smexy Times, Dirty Talkin, Childhood Encounter
Tropes:Unrequited Lovers, Slow Burn, Grumpy Sunshine, Friends to Lovers, Rags to Riches
Character Types: Second Chance, Love Triangle
Book Perspective
Multiple POV's
Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
Relationship Conflict
Song This Book Inspires
The Roads by Jonah Kagen
Recommendation For Reading Order
The serial plot will make more sense if you read in order, but you can read as a standalone if needed.
Steam/Spice Explanations
Steamin' up the room -the sexual content is more explicit in the language and tone, heavier amount of sexual scenes.
Narrators:
C.J. Bloom, Troy Duran
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
First Impressions
Bound by Destiny is the fifth installment in the Ravage MC Bound series. I really had no idea what I was getting into with this one if I am being honest. I wish that I had done some research on the content of this story before jumping right in. Most of her books, you can easily just jump into. But this one has some tropes that may be difficult for some readers and you may want to know beforehand before just jumping into this one. I almost DNF'd this book because I was not a fan of the first half of the story. I was really hoping that this would be Micah's story but it definitely felt a bit off. I do know that we get his full story later in the series.
First Line
"Hey" I answer the door with a smile on my face as I step aside for Micah to come through.
What I Loved
So there were some aspects that I really enjoyed. The plot of the story outside of the romance was very intriguing. We see some character growth from all characters involved but most especially Micah and Emery. I really enjoyed the chemistry that grows between Jacks and Emery, it was so fun to witness it grow throughout the story. We also see the relationship between Micah and MC and how tense that is. To be honest I don't even remember what he did that was so wrong when he was young, but we do see him face up to the consequences and make some choices that I think in the long run will make him a better man. And even though at first you want Micah and Emery to be together, once it gets to the later half of the story, you can see how together Emery and Jacks become together in this one. Their chemistry and connection is powerful and poginant at times and you really feel how they are "it" for each other.
What I Struggled With
The love triangle and how the MC treats Micah, most especially his father. I am not a fan in how these MC members treat their kids. I will never enjoy reading a love triangle and this one I wasn't able to mentally prepare for and it was just written in a way that wasn't going to endear me much.
Narration
The narration was actually pretty well on this one, I breezed pretty quickly throughout this one here.
Overall View
Bound by Destiny is a unique dynamic of elements that the author is able to bring together and really has you pulling for "THE" couple in the end.
Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Contemporary Romance, Dark Romance
Character Types: Bikers
Themes: Childhood Ties, Danger, Hot Smexy Times, Dirty Talkin, Childhood Encounter
Tropes:Unrequited Lovers, Slow Burn, Grumpy Sunshine, Friends to Lovers, Rags to Riches
Character Types: Second Chance, Love Triangle
Book Perspective
Multiple POV's
Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
Relationship Conflict
Song This Book Inspires
The Roads by Jonah Kagen
Recommendation For Reading Order
The serial plot will make more sense if you read in order, but you can read as a standalone if needed.
Steam/Spice Explanations
Steamin' up the room -the sexual content is more explicit in the language and tone, heavier amount of sexual scenes.
Narrators:
C.J. Bloom, Troy Duran
adventurous
challenging
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the 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: ✨✨✨✨✨
First Impressions
Perilous Kiss is the first book in the newest series by Tara Sue Me. This is an author I have always enjoyed but this was also my first time reading one of her non BDSM books. I was really intrigued by this series though as it had such an intriguing premise. Had a south soap opera feel to the theme. So if you loved the Bourbon Kings from JR Ward, than I highly recommend this as it had a similar vibe to it but with more romance focused in it. I really adored Perilous Kiss and I enjoyed that the relationship conflict was kept on the down low. There is such great family vibes to the story and what a great mystery, I am so fascinated by the villain that is present throughout this book and the whole series and very curious to see what will happen plot wise with this story.
First Line
The man they called King stopped walking and took a deep breath.
Summary
Perilous Kiss is a second chance romance. We have our hero, who is the youngest son, Keaton, and when the woman he loved in high school returns home and when her life is put in danger he knows he will do anything he can to protect his girl, Tilly. When two of her co workers are murdered, he goes all protective mode on his girl. Tilly, is independent and strong and willing to stand on her own. But when it shows that her life is in danger, she caves under the pressure and admits that Keaton and his family would be the best form of protection. But there are more than one way to be in danger, and when Keaton ends up blackmailed, he will have to make some difficult decisions to stand against manipulation.
What I Loved
Perilous Kiss I really enjoyed this one. Its not a perfect read and not as good as her BDSM books, however, I really loved the premise of the story but the romance aspects just felt a bit off for me so I was slightly disappointed out of the romance a bit. Their relationship just felt too rushed. Even though I prefer low angst, it just felt like nothing got resolved in a relatable way. It was just skipped over very quickly. I did love the family connections and I love our hero. He is so wonderful. Strong and protective but still so respectful of the heroine and wanting her to find her own place in town. I had a blast with the mystery plot that was implemented. I am so curious to see about this King character and how he connects to the Benedict family and what will evolve in future books. I am not sure why the blackmail plot was put in, but it did add in some extra conflict for the couple and this family. I think though seeing this sub plot adding to the drama of the theme that it feels like the author was going for here to have it have that southern soap opera vibe. I really enjoyed the southern feel to the story and it definitely delivers strongly on the atmospheric moments.
Overall View
I found Perilous Kiss to be a thrilling and atmospheric moment filled romance that delivered some sincere emotion and strongly executed story to get behind with!
Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense
Character Types: Billionaire/Mr. Moneybags
Themes: Danger, Childhood Sweetheart Ties, Class Difference, Family Bonds
Tropes: Second Chance, Return to Hometown
Book Perspective
Multiple POV's
Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
More Plot conflict than Relationship conflict
Song This Book Inspires
Ghosts of Mississippi by The Steeldrivers
Recommendation For Reading Order
Yes read in order due to overall serial plot
Steam/Spice Explanations
Steamin' up the room -the sexual content is more explicit in the language and tone, heavier amount of sexual scenes.
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: ✨✨✨✨✨
First Impressions
Perilous Kiss is the first book in the newest series by Tara Sue Me. This is an author I have always enjoyed but this was also my first time reading one of her non BDSM books. I was really intrigued by this series though as it had such an intriguing premise. Had a south soap opera feel to the theme. So if you loved the Bourbon Kings from JR Ward, than I highly recommend this as it had a similar vibe to it but with more romance focused in it. I really adored Perilous Kiss and I enjoyed that the relationship conflict was kept on the down low. There is such great family vibes to the story and what a great mystery, I am so fascinated by the villain that is present throughout this book and the whole series and very curious to see what will happen plot wise with this story.
First Line
The man they called King stopped walking and took a deep breath.
Summary
Perilous Kiss is a second chance romance. We have our hero, who is the youngest son, Keaton, and when the woman he loved in high school returns home and when her life is put in danger he knows he will do anything he can to protect his girl, Tilly. When two of her co workers are murdered, he goes all protective mode on his girl. Tilly, is independent and strong and willing to stand on her own. But when it shows that her life is in danger, she caves under the pressure and admits that Keaton and his family would be the best form of protection. But there are more than one way to be in danger, and when Keaton ends up blackmailed, he will have to make some difficult decisions to stand against manipulation.
What I Loved
Perilous Kiss I really enjoyed this one. Its not a perfect read and not as good as her BDSM books, however, I really loved the premise of the story but the romance aspects just felt a bit off for me so I was slightly disappointed out of the romance a bit. Their relationship just felt too rushed. Even though I prefer low angst, it just felt like nothing got resolved in a relatable way. It was just skipped over very quickly. I did love the family connections and I love our hero. He is so wonderful. Strong and protective but still so respectful of the heroine and wanting her to find her own place in town. I had a blast with the mystery plot that was implemented. I am so curious to see about this King character and how he connects to the Benedict family and what will evolve in future books. I am not sure why the blackmail plot was put in, but it did add in some extra conflict for the couple and this family. I think though seeing this sub plot adding to the drama of the theme that it feels like the author was going for here to have it have that southern soap opera vibe. I really enjoyed the southern feel to the story and it definitely delivers strongly on the atmospheric moments.
Overall View
I found Perilous Kiss to be a thrilling and atmospheric moment filled romance that delivered some sincere emotion and strongly executed story to get behind with!
Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense
Character Types: Billionaire/Mr. Moneybags
Themes: Danger, Childhood Sweetheart Ties, Class Difference, Family Bonds
Tropes: Second Chance, Return to Hometown
Book Perspective
Multiple POV's
Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
More Plot conflict than Relationship conflict
Song This Book Inspires
Ghosts of Mississippi by The Steeldrivers
Recommendation For Reading Order
Yes read in order due to overall serial plot
Steam/Spice Explanations
Steamin' up the room -the sexual content is more explicit in the language and tone, heavier amount of sexual scenes.
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the 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
First Impressions
The Guardian is the last book in the "Sons of Texas" and its a story that I absolutely adored in every way. What a finale that this one turned out to be. We have really had the plot and world building escalating throughout the series and in The Guardian we get to see the story actually get finalized the way that I have been looking forward to. I can't believe that I have finished this series, and I have to say that this one was such a blast to read. I did find this one quite interesting and was far different than I expected, but then this author really threw some loops here and tons of thrills to really keep you engaged and on the edge of your seat all the way through.
First Line
"They know."
Summary
In The Guardian, the story starts out when Maks, who is a double agent, is warned off that his covers are blown and he ends up joining forces with a information broken who ends up in danger herself. Eden Fontaine, is put in danger, the moment that she discovers the Saints and what they are about and so she and Maks come together to help each other as they are both determined to destroy this organization who are out to destroy the world. While they are on the run, they end up finding common ground and a chemistry that builds between them alongside with a unexpected love. But will they alongside the Loughman's be able to destroy the Saints and save the world from a dangerous pandemic?
What I Loved
The Guardian was such a fun story to read. I absolutely adored how Donna Grant built the plot in this story and how we see everything come to a close and it was done in a way that keeps you on edge all the way through. This series has been a reminder on why I need to read this author much more often than I have in the past. I really was so endeared by this story here. I adored Maxs and all the secrets that we end up learning about how, how he connects to the top members of the Saints and his connection to the Loughman family.
The romance that builds betweens Maks and Eden was so endearing. From the beginning of their relationship, they act like a solid team and almost have a psychological connection as they are able to almost sense what the other is thinking or needing. They really balance each other out, he is the brawn and she is the brain. haha But the way that they are willing to work together and the manner in which they bring down the saints is so satisfying. I do wish there had been more interaction with the Loughman family a bit more but it still ended up being a satisfying read.
What I Struggled With
Nothing much really.
Narration
Absolutely had a blast with this narration. Immediately engages you into the story and really tackles just right the connection between Maks and Eden.
Overall View
The Guardian was a sensational read that delivered such deep emotion and relatable characters you want to cheer on throughout their journey.
Favorite Quote(s)
He rocked her to her very soul. He was fire and passion, hunger and fierceness
Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense
Character Types: Military, Tortured Hero
Themes: Danger, Saved by the Hero, Secrets, Tear Jerker
Tropes: Forced Proximity, Secret Identity
Book Perspective
3rd POV
Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
Plot Conflict
Song This Book Inspires
Two Less Lonely People in the World by Air Supply
Recommendation For Reading Order
Yes. You need to read these in order or the plot building will be confusing
Steam/Spice Explanations
Steamin' up the room -the sexual content is more explicit in the language and tone, heavier amount of sexual scenes.
Narrators:
Carly Robins
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
First Impressions
The Guardian is the last book in the "Sons of Texas" and its a story that I absolutely adored in every way. What a finale that this one turned out to be. We have really had the plot and world building escalating throughout the series and in The Guardian we get to see the story actually get finalized the way that I have been looking forward to. I can't believe that I have finished this series, and I have to say that this one was such a blast to read. I did find this one quite interesting and was far different than I expected, but then this author really threw some loops here and tons of thrills to really keep you engaged and on the edge of your seat all the way through.
First Line
"They know."
Summary
In The Guardian, the story starts out when Maks, who is a double agent, is warned off that his covers are blown and he ends up joining forces with a information broken who ends up in danger herself. Eden Fontaine, is put in danger, the moment that she discovers the Saints and what they are about and so she and Maks come together to help each other as they are both determined to destroy this organization who are out to destroy the world. While they are on the run, they end up finding common ground and a chemistry that builds between them alongside with a unexpected love. But will they alongside the Loughman's be able to destroy the Saints and save the world from a dangerous pandemic?
What I Loved
The Guardian was such a fun story to read. I absolutely adored how Donna Grant built the plot in this story and how we see everything come to a close and it was done in a way that keeps you on edge all the way through. This series has been a reminder on why I need to read this author much more often than I have in the past. I really was so endeared by this story here. I adored Maxs and all the secrets that we end up learning about how, how he connects to the top members of the Saints and his connection to the Loughman family.
The romance that builds betweens Maks and Eden was so endearing. From the beginning of their relationship, they act like a solid team and almost have a psychological connection as they are able to almost sense what the other is thinking or needing. They really balance each other out, he is the brawn and she is the brain. haha But the way that they are willing to work together and the manner in which they bring down the saints is so satisfying. I do wish there had been more interaction with the Loughman family a bit more but it still ended up being a satisfying read.
What I Struggled With
Nothing much really.
Narration
Absolutely had a blast with this narration. Immediately engages you into the story and really tackles just right the connection between Maks and Eden.
Overall View
The Guardian was a sensational read that delivered such deep emotion and relatable characters you want to cheer on throughout their journey.
Favorite Quote(s)
He rocked her to her very soul. He was fire and passion, hunger and fierceness
Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense
Character Types: Military, Tortured Hero
Themes: Danger, Saved by the Hero, Secrets, Tear Jerker
Tropes: Forced Proximity, Secret Identity
Book Perspective
3rd POV
Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
Plot Conflict
Song This Book Inspires
Two Less Lonely People in the World by Air Supply
Recommendation For Reading Order
Yes. You need to read these in order or the plot building will be confusing
Steam/Spice Explanations
Steamin' up the room -the sexual content is more explicit in the language and tone, heavier amount of sexual scenes.
Narrators:
Carly Robins
adventurous
challenging
dark
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.
Book Evaluation:
Plot: 🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️
World Building:🌎🌎🌎🌎
Cover:📔📔📔📔📔
Hero: 🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻
Heroine:🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️
Intimacy Level: 🔥🔥🔥🔥.5
Relationship Building: 💒💒💒💒💒
Heart & Feels:💞💞💞💞💞
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: 😂😂😂😂
Page Turner Level:📖📖📖📖📖
Ending:🧧🧧🧧🧧🧧
Overall View: ✨✨✨✨.5
First Impressions
Booted is the finale in the "Trails of Sin" trilogy and I have been having a blast with this series and this family especially. I love seeing this style of westerns and need more westerns that are edgier like this. Pam Godwin always does such a delightful job with her stories and "Booted" was no different here. Pam Godwin is such a personal favorite author of mine and I always love how she captivates so easily and draws the reader in so effectively on a deep emotional level. This always has a interracial romance implemented which I really had a blast with.
First Line
The silence in the master suite makes my blood run colder than the air blasting from the floor vent.
The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Lorne
Ex Convict, Alpha Male, Dominant, Tortured over his past
The Heroine: Raina
Native American heritage, sex worker, spiritual nature.
Summary
Booted is a story that begins with Lorne and Raina. Raina had been rescued by Jarret and Maybe from his father who was abusing her and had her chained in his home. She is now recovering, when the lost soul of their group "Lorne" returns home after years in prison. Lorne is determined to get revenge over everything he has suffered and lost and having to be in prison and being so betrayed by those that harmed his sister and forced him to have prison time. He and Raina come together as they both have goals to destroy their one final enemy who caused so much harm to their family. There is a deep connection that forms between Raina and Lorne, they both are damaged souls who find solace and healing with each other as they journey to finding peace for those they love...
What I Loved
Booted was such a brilliant story that just captivated me from the start. I absolutely adored this tale and Pam Godwin really endeared me to it so quickly. I found that this book is the most inspiring out of any I have read from this author. It has such writing that is almost lyrical and has a spiritual like theme to it which I respected. You don't need to be religious to appreciate what the author was trying to convey. I also became so endeared to the focus of the Native American beliefs being so well portrayed. And the way in which we see how the hero and heroine interact with each other. They both have different struggles. There are such poignant moments that build between Lorne and Raina. Lorne is determined to show Raina what sexual intimacy can be like. All she has known is selling her body and mostly for a good reason, to help her sister who had a dangerous disease and treatments were very costly. But she has never experienced a true climax with a man. Then we have Lorne, who has his inner demons and nightmares of prison life at such a young age. And how Raina is able to help him find peace. Lorne and Raina are so perfect for each other, in how they balance one another out.
The plot of the story and the series really gets finalized in this book. We have especially seen the actions taken by Jake and Jarret's dad and how his greed has destroyed so many lives. We get some plot reveals that hadn't been revealed in the previous books and there is definitely a great amount of suspense that is placed in the story and that ENDING .....whew for a minute there my heart was breaking. But everything end with a beautiful finale and our couples finding justice, peace and true happiness as they all deserve.
What I Struggled With
There wasn't much I struggled with on this, a little bit with the heroine at times but she had great character growth.
Overall View
I found Booted to be a spicy but emotionally provoking read that delivered on plenty of heart and redemption that fit just right and completed this beautiful world in such a satisfying way.
Favorite Quote(s)
“I’m not an affectionate man, but—” “You are.” She stares at my throat, eyes wide and unblinking. “That’s the problem. When you touch me, it comes from a soulful place inside you. A place of thought and compassion and connection.”
He’s a courageous man in his essence, who loves as passionately as he fights.
“You’re my whiskey.” He takes my mouth, groaning into the kiss. “My addiction.” His tongue traces mine. “My freedom.”
He smashed my heart against my ribs to make room for his. Now we beat side by side, stretching and growing together in the shared space.
Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Contemporary Romance, Dark Romance
Character Types: Ex Convict, Cowboy, Native American Descent, Abused, Alpha Male
Themes: All the Feels, Small Town, BDSM-Light, Hot Smexy Times, Interracial Love, Western
Tropes: Forced Proximity, Sex Worker with a Heart of Gold
Book Perspective
DUO Pov
Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
A blend of both
Song This Book Inspires
Tennessee Whiskey-Chris Stapleton
Recommendation For Reading Order
Yes!
Steam/Spice Explanations
Steamin' up the room -the sexual content is more explicit in the language and tone, heavier amount of sexual scenes.
Book Evaluation:
Plot: 🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️
World Building:🌎🌎🌎🌎
Cover:📔📔📔📔📔
Hero: 🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻
Heroine:🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️
Intimacy Level: 🔥🔥🔥🔥.5
Relationship Building: 💒💒💒💒💒
Heart & Feels:💞💞💞💞💞
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: 😂😂😂😂
Page Turner Level:📖📖📖📖📖
Ending:🧧🧧🧧🧧🧧
Overall View: ✨✨✨✨.5
First Impressions
Booted is the finale in the "Trails of Sin" trilogy and I have been having a blast with this series and this family especially. I love seeing this style of westerns and need more westerns that are edgier like this. Pam Godwin always does such a delightful job with her stories and "Booted" was no different here. Pam Godwin is such a personal favorite author of mine and I always love how she captivates so easily and draws the reader in so effectively on a deep emotional level. This always has a interracial romance implemented which I really had a blast with.
First Line
The silence in the master suite makes my blood run colder than the air blasting from the floor vent.
The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Lorne
Ex Convict, Alpha Male, Dominant, Tortured over his past
The Heroine: Raina
Native American heritage, sex worker, spiritual nature.
Summary
Booted is a story that begins with Lorne and Raina. Raina had been rescued by Jarret and Maybe from his father who was abusing her and had her chained in his home. She is now recovering, when the lost soul of their group "Lorne" returns home after years in prison. Lorne is determined to get revenge over everything he has suffered and lost and having to be in prison and being so betrayed by those that harmed his sister and forced him to have prison time. He and Raina come together as they both have goals to destroy their one final enemy who caused so much harm to their family. There is a deep connection that forms between Raina and Lorne, they both are damaged souls who find solace and healing with each other as they journey to finding peace for those they love...
What I Loved
Booted was such a brilliant story that just captivated me from the start. I absolutely adored this tale and Pam Godwin really endeared me to it so quickly. I found that this book is the most inspiring out of any I have read from this author. It has such writing that is almost lyrical and has a spiritual like theme to it which I respected. You don't need to be religious to appreciate what the author was trying to convey. I also became so endeared to the focus of the Native American beliefs being so well portrayed. And the way in which we see how the hero and heroine interact with each other. They both have different struggles. There are such poignant moments that build between Lorne and Raina. Lorne is determined to show Raina what sexual intimacy can be like. All she has known is selling her body and mostly for a good reason, to help her sister who had a dangerous disease and treatments were very costly. But she has never experienced a true climax with a man. Then we have Lorne, who has his inner demons and nightmares of prison life at such a young age. And how Raina is able to help him find peace. Lorne and Raina are so perfect for each other, in how they balance one another out.
The plot of the story and the series really gets finalized in this book. We have especially seen the actions taken by Jake and Jarret's dad and how his greed has destroyed so many lives. We get some plot reveals that hadn't been revealed in the previous books and there is definitely a great amount of suspense that is placed in the story and that ENDING .....whew for a minute there my heart was breaking. But everything end with a beautiful finale and our couples finding justice, peace and true happiness as they all deserve.
What I Struggled With
There wasn't much I struggled with on this, a little bit with the heroine at times but she had great character growth.
Overall View
I found Booted to be a spicy but emotionally provoking read that delivered on plenty of heart and redemption that fit just right and completed this beautiful world in such a satisfying way.
Favorite Quote(s)
“I’m not an affectionate man, but—” “You are.” She stares at my throat, eyes wide and unblinking. “That’s the problem. When you touch me, it comes from a soulful place inside you. A place of thought and compassion and connection.”
He’s a courageous man in his essence, who loves as passionately as he fights.
“You’re my whiskey.” He takes my mouth, groaning into the kiss. “My addiction.” His tongue traces mine. “My freedom.”
He smashed my heart against my ribs to make room for his. Now we beat side by side, stretching and growing together in the shared space.
Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Contemporary Romance, Dark Romance
Character Types: Ex Convict, Cowboy, Native American Descent, Abused, Alpha Male
Themes: All the Feels, Small Town, BDSM-Light, Hot Smexy Times, Interracial Love, Western
Tropes: Forced Proximity, Sex Worker with a Heart of Gold
Book Perspective
DUO Pov
Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
A blend of both
Song This Book Inspires
Tennessee Whiskey-Chris Stapleton
Recommendation For Reading Order
Yes!
Steam/Spice Explanations
Steamin' up the room -the sexual content is more explicit in the language and tone, heavier amount of sexual scenes.
adventurous
challenging
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the 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: ✨✨✨✨
First Impressions
The Frat Boy is the fourth installment in the "Nashville Neighborhood" series and this is a book that was highly anticipated. In fact, this book is the reason I kept up with the series as everyone seemed to rave about it and I realized how much I wanted to get back to these books. I will say that I think I needed to be in a certain mindset to enjoy this book fully, and I just wasn't in the first half of it if I am being honest. I wanted so much more to love this one than I did. However, even though I didn't love it like I expected to, I still enjoyed it quite a bit and I can't wait for "Good Girl" which is releasing shortly. Frat Boy has a college setting to it mixed in with porn film being a focus. So make sure you know what you are going into before picking it up. This won't be everyone's cup of tea but I had a blast with it overall.
First Line
My heart beat erratically, too fast one moment and too slow the next.
The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Colin
Big man on campus, a bit of a playboy and one of the top people in his fraternity
The Heroine:Madison
A student attention Davidson University, underappreciated in her house. Openminded when it comes to sexual experiences
Summary
Colin and Madison are parts of seperate houses that have been at odds and in competition with each other. When Madison is cheated on, and Colin's house denies it, a huge fight breaks out about it and the end result is Madison and Colin being expelled from their houses and now both are homeless. They individually take a job in a adult film company and will be provided accommodations as well that comes with the job. What neither of them know is that they both will be working together and that they both have explosive chemistry whenever they are together. What starts as a hate rebellion against each other soon turns into something deeper for them both....but can they have a healthy relationship while acting in adult film?
What I Loved
There is so much to unpack here. But lets first talk about the angst in this book. Its so entertaining and fun seeing their angst against each other. Its quite hilarious at some moments, but boy do they not like each other. Although they both have a solid attraction to each other even if they won't admit even to themselves. The hate chemistry is just brilliant and they do so well in the bedroom scenes. Nikki Sloane really ups her game with the spice. And I thought that was the case in the previous books, but naw, she even gets deeper and more explorative in this one here.
There are some MFM, FFM, and MFFM scenarios that are put in place here. And to be honest, I wasn't sure how I would feel about them but I really enjoyed them, but these scenes are definitely more professional in certain aspects while have such hot spice to them while at the same time we slowly see the deeper connection between Colin and Madison build together. And some of these setups are so FUN. I really liked this set up and we are still in the "Nashville Neighborhood" setting which was really fun.
Another factor to the book that I really enjoyed was seeing the relationship build between Colin and Madison. They have such a beautiful relationship that develops, and we see the beautiful rewards in the second half. For those worried about the level of angst and animosity that is between Colin and Madison, its very well written and slowly evolving so even if you aren't a fan of inner angst, I guarantee you will have a blast in seeing these moments with Madison and Colin. I really adored the ways in which we see our couple grow.
And lastly I adored the plot surrounding the HOA in the neighborhood. There has been a level of tension that has been building with the HOA and we see it come to a climax in this one and it was BRILLAINT in how it gets resolved and JUSTICE is served and I had a blast seeing it all happen.
What I Struggled With
I definitely think that this was a "Me" issue more than anything else but I did struggle which some of the scenes in the first half. I just don't think I was in a mindset to enjoy it fully which detracted from my overall enjoyment of the story but the second half more than makes up for my struggle in the first half.
Narration
I listened to the narration in the first half of the book and definitely enjoyed it. Although I wouldn't necessarily recommend listening to this one as some of the scenes are SPICY haha But the narration itself was super well done.
Overall View
I found The Frat Boy to be a brilliantly slow burn but hot spice filled adventure that is captivating, lively in its banter and grabs your attention from beginning to end.
Favorite Quote(s)
I’d come here tonight to try new things, new experiences, and he’d done that, all right. I just hadn’t expected him to fuck both my body and my mind so completely
There’s no expiration date on experimenting, and you don’t need permission to find who you want to be.
She blinked like she was stupefied, and then a laugh fell out of her mouth. “If he’s trying to win me back, it’ll never work.” Her gaze captured mine, and the gravity of it wouldn’t let go, not that I wanted it to. “I’m already in love with someone else.” Holy shit. My heart crashed against the side of my chest, beating wildly, but I did my best to keep my cool. “Is that so?” She nodded. “And the guy I love? I don’t care if he doesn’t have it all figured out because I don’t either, and I thought,” she shrugged, “maybe we could figure it out together.” “Yes,” I said. Her head tilted, and her smile was shy. She was pretty sure I felt the same way she did, but it was still a big deal to say it, and it took her a moment to work up the courage. “I love you, Colin.” I launched forward, sliding my hands into her hair and whispered it just before I crushed my lips to hers. “God. I love you, too.”
Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Erotic Romance, Contemporary, New Adult
Character Types: Students, Sex Worker
Themes: Hot Smexy Times, Slow Burn, Menage/Poly situations, Dirty Talkin, Delicious Kisses and swoons.
Tropes: Slow Burn, Enemies to Lovers
Book Perspective
Duo POV
Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
Relationship Conflict more present
Song This Book Inspires
Tangled Up-Billy Currington
Recommendation For Reading Order
Yes Read in Order for the best experience
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: ✨✨✨✨
First Impressions
The Frat Boy is the fourth installment in the "Nashville Neighborhood" series and this is a book that was highly anticipated. In fact, this book is the reason I kept up with the series as everyone seemed to rave about it and I realized how much I wanted to get back to these books. I will say that I think I needed to be in a certain mindset to enjoy this book fully, and I just wasn't in the first half of it if I am being honest. I wanted so much more to love this one than I did. However, even though I didn't love it like I expected to, I still enjoyed it quite a bit and I can't wait for "Good Girl" which is releasing shortly. Frat Boy has a college setting to it mixed in with porn film being a focus. So make sure you know what you are going into before picking it up. This won't be everyone's cup of tea but I had a blast with it overall.
First Line
My heart beat erratically, too fast one moment and too slow the next.
The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Colin
Big man on campus, a bit of a playboy and one of the top people in his fraternity
The Heroine:Madison
A student attention Davidson University, underappreciated in her house. Openminded when it comes to sexual experiences
Summary
Colin and Madison are parts of seperate houses that have been at odds and in competition with each other. When Madison is cheated on, and Colin's house denies it, a huge fight breaks out about it and the end result is Madison and Colin being expelled from their houses and now both are homeless. They individually take a job in a adult film company and will be provided accommodations as well that comes with the job. What neither of them know is that they both will be working together and that they both have explosive chemistry whenever they are together. What starts as a hate rebellion against each other soon turns into something deeper for them both....but can they have a healthy relationship while acting in adult film?
What I Loved
There is so much to unpack here. But lets first talk about the angst in this book. Its so entertaining and fun seeing their angst against each other. Its quite hilarious at some moments, but boy do they not like each other. Although they both have a solid attraction to each other even if they won't admit even to themselves. The hate chemistry is just brilliant and they do so well in the bedroom scenes. Nikki Sloane really ups her game with the spice. And I thought that was the case in the previous books, but naw, she even gets deeper and more explorative in this one here.
There are some MFM, FFM, and MFFM scenarios that are put in place here. And to be honest, I wasn't sure how I would feel about them but I really enjoyed them, but these scenes are definitely more professional in certain aspects while have such hot spice to them while at the same time we slowly see the deeper connection between Colin and Madison build together. And some of these setups are so FUN. I really liked this set up and we are still in the "Nashville Neighborhood" setting which was really fun.
Another factor to the book that I really enjoyed was seeing the relationship build between Colin and Madison. They have such a beautiful relationship that develops, and we see the beautiful rewards in the second half. For those worried about the level of angst and animosity that is between Colin and Madison, its very well written and slowly evolving so even if you aren't a fan of inner angst, I guarantee you will have a blast in seeing these moments with Madison and Colin. I really adored the ways in which we see our couple grow.
And lastly I adored the plot surrounding the HOA in the neighborhood. There has been a level of tension that has been building with the HOA and we see it come to a climax in this one and it was BRILLAINT in how it gets resolved and JUSTICE is served and I had a blast seeing it all happen.
What I Struggled With
I definitely think that this was a "Me" issue more than anything else but I did struggle which some of the scenes in the first half. I just don't think I was in a mindset to enjoy it fully which detracted from my overall enjoyment of the story but the second half more than makes up for my struggle in the first half.
Narration
I listened to the narration in the first half of the book and definitely enjoyed it. Although I wouldn't necessarily recommend listening to this one as some of the scenes are SPICY haha But the narration itself was super well done.
Overall View
I found The Frat Boy to be a brilliantly slow burn but hot spice filled adventure that is captivating, lively in its banter and grabs your attention from beginning to end.
Favorite Quote(s)
I’d come here tonight to try new things, new experiences, and he’d done that, all right. I just hadn’t expected him to fuck both my body and my mind so completely
There’s no expiration date on experimenting, and you don’t need permission to find who you want to be.
She blinked like she was stupefied, and then a laugh fell out of her mouth. “If he’s trying to win me back, it’ll never work.” Her gaze captured mine, and the gravity of it wouldn’t let go, not that I wanted it to. “I’m already in love with someone else.” Holy shit. My heart crashed against the side of my chest, beating wildly, but I did my best to keep my cool. “Is that so?” She nodded. “And the guy I love? I don’t care if he doesn’t have it all figured out because I don’t either, and I thought,” she shrugged, “maybe we could figure it out together.” “Yes,” I said. Her head tilted, and her smile was shy. She was pretty sure I felt the same way she did, but it was still a big deal to say it, and it took her a moment to work up the courage. “I love you, Colin.” I launched forward, sliding my hands into her hair and whispered it just before I crushed my lips to hers. “God. I love you, too.”
Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Erotic Romance, Contemporary, New Adult
Character Types: Students, Sex Worker
Themes: Hot Smexy Times, Slow Burn, Menage/Poly situations, Dirty Talkin, Delicious Kisses and swoons.
Tropes: Slow Burn, Enemies to Lovers
Book Perspective
Duo POV
Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
Relationship Conflict more present
Song This Book Inspires
Tangled Up-Billy Currington
Recommendation For Reading Order
Yes Read in Order for the best experience
challenging
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the 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: ✨✨✨✨
First Impressions
Bound by Affliction is the fourth installment in the "Ravage MC Bound" And is like the 10th installment of the total Ravage MC world. I find that these books are just fun and entertaining MC romances. There isn't too much that I invest in too much with these, but they are just wild and crazy at times haha I will be honest that I could do without the princess character wanting to train all the women in kick ass training. It just gets old to be honest especially since she is my least favorite character, however, despite my issues with some aspects I tend to see in multiple books, the romances themselves are just so wonderful to read. And I love how each story is just a bit different than the previous.
Summary
Ty "Green" Burm is part of the Ravage MC but when he falls in love with Leah, and they exchange letters he knows that he will do anything for her. Then we have our heroine, who made a bad mistake in dating, and ended up in a situation that almost cost herself and her best friend their lives. Even though she wasn't killed, she was severely rape and scarred by their abuse and is recovering. She and Ty are learning what it means to be together and in a relationship. But along the way they will find that not all of their enemies are gone like they thought, and they will have to rebuild the trust that is so vital to them moving forward into any hope of a happy ever after.
What I Loved
I really enjoyed how their story evolved here. I do love a story with this type of conflict and seeing healing happen after abuse is being suffered. And Ryan Michele really handles the character development so well. I really was intrigued to see how this would be developed and how they would reach their HEA. There are some conflicts in and out of the relationship and I was so curious to see it being implemented. I had a blast with the fact that they shared love letters though. That was so intriguing. We also get some fascinating fun times with the MC and I enjoyed some of the aspects especially with Cooper and Bristyl.
What I Struggled With
Not too much I struggled with, but after the abuse she had suffered and she was still healing, Princess was all yeah lets teach you self defense because it can't wait lol like seriously. *sigh* if I could remove the princess character from these books....I would LOL
Narration
It wasn't a horrible narration, but not my favorite from this author though. I miss Joe Arden so badly.
Overall View
Bound By Affliction is a endearing read that tackles some serious issues while at the same time delivering such true emotion and warm romance feels to satify any romance reader.
Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Contemporary Romance, Dark Romance
Character Types: Bikers
Themes: Love Letters, Danger, MC
Tropes: Friends to Lovers
Book Perspective
Duo POV
Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
A mix
Song This Book Inspires
I Surrender by Celine Deon
Recommendation For Reading Order
You can read as standalones but recommend in reading order due to the serial plot
Steam/Spice Explanations
Steamin' up the room -the sexual content is more explicit in the language and tone, heavier amount of sexual scenes.
Narrators:
Nelson Hoses, Cassandra Myles
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: ✨✨✨✨
First Impressions
Bound by Affliction is the fourth installment in the "Ravage MC Bound" And is like the 10th installment of the total Ravage MC world. I find that these books are just fun and entertaining MC romances. There isn't too much that I invest in too much with these, but they are just wild and crazy at times haha I will be honest that I could do without the princess character wanting to train all the women in kick ass training. It just gets old to be honest especially since she is my least favorite character, however, despite my issues with some aspects I tend to see in multiple books, the romances themselves are just so wonderful to read. And I love how each story is just a bit different than the previous.
Summary
Ty "Green" Burm is part of the Ravage MC but when he falls in love with Leah, and they exchange letters he knows that he will do anything for her. Then we have our heroine, who made a bad mistake in dating, and ended up in a situation that almost cost herself and her best friend their lives. Even though she wasn't killed, she was severely rape and scarred by their abuse and is recovering. She and Ty are learning what it means to be together and in a relationship. But along the way they will find that not all of their enemies are gone like they thought, and they will have to rebuild the trust that is so vital to them moving forward into any hope of a happy ever after.
What I Loved
I really enjoyed how their story evolved here. I do love a story with this type of conflict and seeing healing happen after abuse is being suffered. And Ryan Michele really handles the character development so well. I really was intrigued to see how this would be developed and how they would reach their HEA. There are some conflicts in and out of the relationship and I was so curious to see it being implemented. I had a blast with the fact that they shared love letters though. That was so intriguing. We also get some fascinating fun times with the MC and I enjoyed some of the aspects especially with Cooper and Bristyl.
What I Struggled With
Not too much I struggled with, but after the abuse she had suffered and she was still healing, Princess was all yeah lets teach you self defense because it can't wait lol like seriously. *sigh* if I could remove the princess character from these books....I would LOL
Narration
It wasn't a horrible narration, but not my favorite from this author though. I miss Joe Arden so badly.
Overall View
Bound By Affliction is a endearing read that tackles some serious issues while at the same time delivering such true emotion and warm romance feels to satify any romance reader.
Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Contemporary Romance, Dark Romance
Character Types: Bikers
Themes: Love Letters, Danger, MC
Tropes: Friends to Lovers
Book Perspective
Duo POV
Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
A mix
Song This Book Inspires
I Surrender by Celine Deon
Recommendation For Reading Order
You can read as standalones but recommend in reading order due to the serial plot
Steam/Spice Explanations
Steamin' up the room -the sexual content is more explicit in the language and tone, heavier amount of sexual scenes.
Narrators:
Nelson Hoses, Cassandra Myles
challenging
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the 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: ✨✨✨.5
First Impressions
This is the finale to the "Drive Fast Duet" and this is where we see the conclusion and get to see what gets resolved from the first book. After the ending of "Wrecked" I knew that this book would have so much outside angst and that this couple would really have to come together to overcome the obstacles that are ahead but we also get some neat reveals about the heroine's past as well. We do see that the relationship that they had in the first book is going to really be put to the test and while I enjoyed the story overall, I was a bit disappointed in certain aspects of the story even though the ending left me with satisfied feels and happy thoughts!
First Line
"No," I shoulder check one of the guards, he winces and his grasp on my arm loosens enough for me to push him away.
Summary
This story begins right where Wrecked left off. Letty has been injured and her father and Dax have gotten into a fight and ended up in the slammer. And Letty really only had her brother to get her through the injuries at first. But there are things that she is being kept from and decides to break ties with Dax. But Dax is determined to fight for the woman that he loves, no matter the ties that have become broken with her father. But proving himself will be much more challenging than will realize and Letty will have to do some fighting on her own if their relationship is to survive, but is the love she has for Dax enough ...
What I Loved
There were many aspects to this story that I really loved. I really enjoyed the character growth that we see from the characters. Dax is such a solid hero, I loved him so much in this book. He is so devoted to Letty and willing to fight for what they have. I love his dedication to the sport and being so supportive even from a distance. I really respected him so much and the lengths that he goes to in order to protect her and is willing to stand firm against his son. The whole twist at the end really surprised me especially in that you expect it to be a certain individual and it turns out to be so different than you expect originally. And once Letty gets her courage back and is willing to fight for her man, is where she really truly shines. She stands on her own and fights her battles with her father and shows him that she and Dax truly love each other. And I also loved the tidbits that we see with what has been happening with Letty's brother and his "friend" haha You just can feel that sexual tension and I can't wait to see what gets revealed in his book. The later half of the story was definitely my favorite aspect of the story. And the ending was executed so perfectly. It just warmed my from inside to out.
What I Struggled With
Alright so I really struggled with the plot in the first half of this book. I didn't really understand Letty or why she was acting the way she was with Dax. She knew the risks of being with him, but when it counted, she wasn't willing to fight for them. How did she think it would turn out in the end? I just didn't care for some of the actions that she takes towards Dax, he didn't deserve to be spurned and blocked by her as well. She is just as responsible, and it just seemed she wasn't willing to take accountability for her actions.
Overall View
Ruined is a satifying feeling of a story that will capture your attention and keep you hooked all the way through.
Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Contemporary Romance
Character Types: Racer. Athlete, Teacher/Tudor
Themes: Hot Smexy Times, Sexual Piercings, Racing, Family Saga, Dirty Talkin'
Tropes: Forbidden Love, Teacher/Student
Book Perspective
Duo POV
Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
A mix of both
Song This Book Inspires
I knew you were trouble by Taylor Swift
Recommendation For Reading Order
Yes you want to read the duet in order
Steam/Spice Explanations
Steamin' up the room -the sexual content is more explicit in the language and tone, heavier amount of sexual scenes.
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: ✨✨✨.5
First Impressions
This is the finale to the "Drive Fast Duet" and this is where we see the conclusion and get to see what gets resolved from the first book. After the ending of "Wrecked" I knew that this book would have so much outside angst and that this couple would really have to come together to overcome the obstacles that are ahead but we also get some neat reveals about the heroine's past as well. We do see that the relationship that they had in the first book is going to really be put to the test and while I enjoyed the story overall, I was a bit disappointed in certain aspects of the story even though the ending left me with satisfied feels and happy thoughts!
First Line
"No," I shoulder check one of the guards, he winces and his grasp on my arm loosens enough for me to push him away.
Summary
This story begins right where Wrecked left off. Letty has been injured and her father and Dax have gotten into a fight and ended up in the slammer. And Letty really only had her brother to get her through the injuries at first. But there are things that she is being kept from and decides to break ties with Dax. But Dax is determined to fight for the woman that he loves, no matter the ties that have become broken with her father. But proving himself will be much more challenging than will realize and Letty will have to do some fighting on her own if their relationship is to survive, but is the love she has for Dax enough ...
What I Loved
There were many aspects to this story that I really loved. I really enjoyed the character growth that we see from the characters. Dax is such a solid hero, I loved him so much in this book. He is so devoted to Letty and willing to fight for what they have. I love his dedication to the sport and being so supportive even from a distance. I really respected him so much and the lengths that he goes to in order to protect her and is willing to stand firm against his son. The whole twist at the end really surprised me especially in that you expect it to be a certain individual and it turns out to be so different than you expect originally. And once Letty gets her courage back and is willing to fight for her man, is where she really truly shines. She stands on her own and fights her battles with her father and shows him that she and Dax truly love each other. And I also loved the tidbits that we see with what has been happening with Letty's brother and his "friend" haha You just can feel that sexual tension and I can't wait to see what gets revealed in his book. The later half of the story was definitely my favorite aspect of the story. And the ending was executed so perfectly. It just warmed my from inside to out.
What I Struggled With
Alright so I really struggled with the plot in the first half of this book. I didn't really understand Letty or why she was acting the way she was with Dax. She knew the risks of being with him, but when it counted, she wasn't willing to fight for them. How did she think it would turn out in the end? I just didn't care for some of the actions that she takes towards Dax, he didn't deserve to be spurned and blocked by her as well. She is just as responsible, and it just seemed she wasn't willing to take accountability for her actions.
Overall View
Ruined is a satifying feeling of a story that will capture your attention and keep you hooked all the way through.
Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Contemporary Romance
Character Types: Racer. Athlete, Teacher/Tudor
Themes: Hot Smexy Times, Sexual Piercings, Racing, Family Saga, Dirty Talkin'
Tropes: Forbidden Love, Teacher/Student
Book Perspective
Duo POV
Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
A mix of both
Song This Book Inspires
I knew you were trouble by Taylor Swift
Recommendation For Reading Order
Yes you want to read the duet in order
Steam/Spice Explanations
Steamin' up the room -the sexual content is more explicit in the language and tone, heavier amount of sexual scenes.
challenging
hopeful
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the 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: ✨✨✨✨.5
First Impressions
Wrecked is the first book in the "Drive Fast Duet" and this duet has been on my bookish radar since the beginning of the year when I saw some of the authors instragram reels on this set up with the heroine being a female racecar drive. First off racer romances are so rare (don't ask me why, there is so much potential for them) but not only is this a racer romance but its also one where the heroine is the one that is the driver and I actually was so intrigued. I really was so fascinated to see how this author would handle this setup. I have to say I was very impressed, addicted immediately and couldn't get enough of this pairing and seeing them find their way through eventually to a HEA but you will have to read the WHOLE DUET to get their HEA.
First Line
The wind whips through my hair
The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Dax
a professional retired racer, tutors professional athletes in the sport, has a son and best friend to Lettie's father.
The Heroine: Lettie
Lettie is an aspiring race car driver, driven, passionate, determined.
Summary
Lettie is a woman fighting for herself and other women just like her who aren't fully accepted in certain aspects of the sport arena but most speficially the arena of race car driving. She grew up in a family of race car drivers and wants to make her own stamp on the world. Despite her family's misgiving she is determined to find her place no matter what it takes. Many in her life, dismiss her dreams including her own boyfriend and family except for her brother that she is closest too. But when she is caught by the police illegally street racing, her father sends her to his best friend to train her. The best friend that Lettie has always had a crush on most of her life and is dating his son. But when she starts training and her boyfriend betrays her, she finds solace and acceptance in the arms of Dax who supports her in a way that no other ever has done for her. But her road with Dax won't be easy because their love is forbidden...
What I Loved
There were so many elements to this story that immediately worked for me. I had been putting this book off until the companion novel "Ruined" was released, and it was definitely worth the wait. This was also my first time reading Veronica West and I was so captivated by her writing style and couldn't get enough of it. I just didn't want to put this one down and was so drawn in especially by the connection between Dax and Lettie. I loved that majority of the conflict was outside of their relationship. I really adored their chemistry and boy does this author know how to write some kick ass steam. She definitely delivered if you need some great spice in your romance. I also adored the way in which she endears you so quickly to these characters. There is such a forbidden feel to their relationship and the way they come together is just right. Don't worry if you are concerned if there is any cheating, there isn't. As far as the age gap element I felt like this was written very well. You know that there is a age gap but it doesn't feel like a big age gap, its written in a way that will work for you. The heroine I immediately fell hard for. I loved her strong spirit and tenacity and her drive but also her endearing qualities of vulnerabilities and softness that we see in the quieter moments of her life. We see how much she has to battle for each inch of respect from the sport she is involved in but we see her courage and love for who she is becoming and embracing the best parts of herself. We see such a beautiful connection between Dax and Lettie, I adored their bond and the way that they are so invested in the relationship and in such a strong way.
What I Struggled With
Nothing. I had a blast with the whole book.
Overall View
I found Wrecked to be a impactful story that delivers inspiration, passion and fighting for love in the ways that matter most! A TRUE BATTLE OF A ROMANCE!
Favorite Quote(s)
"The parts of an engine are like pieces of a puzzle. You can take them apart, put them back together, or change the parts and make something completely different."
Pride shines in his eyes, and I want to keep putting that look on his face. With each race, and each milestone, I want him by my side. I'll do anything to make that happen. Because he is more than my coach. He is my end. My final lap. My checkered flag.
The kiss is everything I could ever want in our first kiss. He doesn't pull away this time and his warm lips fuse to mine like I'm the air he needs to breathe. We are breathless and messy and so fucking perfect. We have already come so far, and this kiss feels like the seal of fate.
Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Contemporary Romance
Character Types: Racer, Teacher, Single Father
Themes: Taboo, Hot Smexy Times, Dirty Talking, Pierced Intimate Body Parts
Tropes: Age Gap, Forbidden Love, Teacher/Student
Book Perspective
Duo POV
Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
Slight relationship conflict, more focus on plot conflict
Song This Book Inspires
Say Something by A Great Big World, Christina Aguilera
Recommendation For Reading Order
Yes read this duet in order
Steam/Spice Explanations
Steamin' up the room -the sexual content is more explicit in the language and tone, heavier amount of sexual scenes.
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: ✨✨✨✨.5
First Impressions
Wrecked is the first book in the "Drive Fast Duet" and this duet has been on my bookish radar since the beginning of the year when I saw some of the authors instragram reels on this set up with the heroine being a female racecar drive. First off racer romances are so rare (don't ask me why, there is so much potential for them) but not only is this a racer romance but its also one where the heroine is the one that is the driver and I actually was so intrigued. I really was so fascinated to see how this author would handle this setup. I have to say I was very impressed, addicted immediately and couldn't get enough of this pairing and seeing them find their way through eventually to a HEA but you will have to read the WHOLE DUET to get their HEA.
First Line
The wind whips through my hair
The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Dax
a professional retired racer, tutors professional athletes in the sport, has a son and best friend to Lettie's father.
The Heroine: Lettie
Lettie is an aspiring race car driver, driven, passionate, determined.
Summary
Lettie is a woman fighting for herself and other women just like her who aren't fully accepted in certain aspects of the sport arena but most speficially the arena of race car driving. She grew up in a family of race car drivers and wants to make her own stamp on the world. Despite her family's misgiving she is determined to find her place no matter what it takes. Many in her life, dismiss her dreams including her own boyfriend and family except for her brother that she is closest too. But when she is caught by the police illegally street racing, her father sends her to his best friend to train her. The best friend that Lettie has always had a crush on most of her life and is dating his son. But when she starts training and her boyfriend betrays her, she finds solace and acceptance in the arms of Dax who supports her in a way that no other ever has done for her. But her road with Dax won't be easy because their love is forbidden...
What I Loved
There were so many elements to this story that immediately worked for me. I had been putting this book off until the companion novel "Ruined" was released, and it was definitely worth the wait. This was also my first time reading Veronica West and I was so captivated by her writing style and couldn't get enough of it. I just didn't want to put this one down and was so drawn in especially by the connection between Dax and Lettie. I loved that majority of the conflict was outside of their relationship. I really adored their chemistry and boy does this author know how to write some kick ass steam. She definitely delivered if you need some great spice in your romance. I also adored the way in which she endears you so quickly to these characters. There is such a forbidden feel to their relationship and the way they come together is just right. Don't worry if you are concerned if there is any cheating, there isn't. As far as the age gap element I felt like this was written very well. You know that there is a age gap but it doesn't feel like a big age gap, its written in a way that will work for you. The heroine I immediately fell hard for. I loved her strong spirit and tenacity and her drive but also her endearing qualities of vulnerabilities and softness that we see in the quieter moments of her life. We see how much she has to battle for each inch of respect from the sport she is involved in but we see her courage and love for who she is becoming and embracing the best parts of herself. We see such a beautiful connection between Dax and Lettie, I adored their bond and the way that they are so invested in the relationship and in such a strong way.
What I Struggled With
Nothing. I had a blast with the whole book.
Overall View
I found Wrecked to be a impactful story that delivers inspiration, passion and fighting for love in the ways that matter most! A TRUE BATTLE OF A ROMANCE!
Favorite Quote(s)
"The parts of an engine are like pieces of a puzzle. You can take them apart, put them back together, or change the parts and make something completely different."
Pride shines in his eyes, and I want to keep putting that look on his face. With each race, and each milestone, I want him by my side. I'll do anything to make that happen. Because he is more than my coach. He is my end. My final lap. My checkered flag.
The kiss is everything I could ever want in our first kiss. He doesn't pull away this time and his warm lips fuse to mine like I'm the air he needs to breathe. We are breathless and messy and so fucking perfect. We have already come so far, and this kiss feels like the seal of fate.
Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Contemporary Romance
Character Types: Racer, Teacher, Single Father
Themes: Taboo, Hot Smexy Times, Dirty Talking, Pierced Intimate Body Parts
Tropes: Age Gap, Forbidden Love, Teacher/Student
Book Perspective
Duo POV
Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
Slight relationship conflict, more focus on plot conflict
Song This Book Inspires
Say Something by A Great Big World, Christina Aguilera
Recommendation For Reading Order
Yes read this duet in order
Steam/Spice Explanations
Steamin' up the room -the sexual content is more explicit in the language and tone, heavier amount of sexual scenes.
challenging
dark
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book was so not for me. This was a random pick up read that I decided to grab up but in this one is its a very brutal dark romance and one that was a bit too dark for me. Not sure if I will read the companion novel, I might just so I know what happens here, but wasn't impressed with this one. The largest turn off was the way in which they treat each other. They literally are physically abusive to each other and I am talked BAD!! Like stabbing with knives and poisoning haha Its just a bit too dark for my enjoyment. I don't need my mafia to be this dark. If you like the really dark stuff, then it might be your cup of tea, but wasn't quite for me even though it was one heck of a page turner.