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loverofromance
This was not what I was expecting at all. So I am marking this as a DNF. This isn't a romance, its more of a horror with some romantic elements which isn't my cup of tea. I am sure this will appeal to a certain group of readers, but that group is certainly not for me.
adventurous
dark
hopeful
medium-paced
This was a delightful novella, but Goodreads got the series order of this one WRONG haha I knew I was missing some couples being together haha But it was still fun to see Cooper's wedding. I just love those two. And seeing some other couples that I loved too. There were a few couples I hadn't seen yet but then this is way out of order, I will try to get it in the correct order. Thankfully it was a epilogue type of novella so I wasn't too lost. But really enjoying this Ravage world.
medium-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
Epic was such a fantastic story, I had such a fun time with this couple #Wesmie and seeing them in their honeymoon stage of their marriage. We see them settling into life, and so happy and communicating so openly and honestly with each other. We see them face to some new opportunities and a exciting moment of Jamie and Wes playing each other on the field of the game they most brilliantly love. (My favorite scene of the book honestly, LOVED IT!) I adored every single moment of this story. And plenty of laughs that Blake brought to the story, man he is such a hoot. He is worse than a child always interrupting the smexy times for Wes and Jamester haha I wish it was longer though. This couple has my heart and I can't wait to own these books in print because they have become such a favorite couple. I had a blast coming back to these two and my heart will always breathe for #Wesmie forever.
Control is the finale in the "Everyday Heroes" and it was a solid book. Not my favorite and I think maybe a part of it was because it was a novella. But there was a disconnect in this story that I wasn't able to enjoy as much as I wanted to. It was a solid story but not a perfect one and while I liked some aspects, it could have been done better on this one. Excited to explore more of this author's backlist though.
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
inspiring
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
King of Wrath is the first book in the "Kings of Sin" series and this is the authors' most current series that she is working on. Ever since I heard about what this series was about, I wanted to read this book. And once I was through her Twisted series, I knew that I was ready for King of Wrath and this book completely blew me away. I can't believe how wonderful this book was, this is honestly the best book that this author has written that I have read so far. There was something with so much more dimension in this story than I have seen from the author. And she writes the very BEST enemies to lovers. I know that trope may either encourage or discourage readers, but I am telling you, this author knows how to write the best angst filled relationships. And it delivers in all of the feels and heart and I was cheering this couple on all the way.
First Line
I can't believe he's here. He never comes to these things unless it's hosted by a friend..."
The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Dante Russo
Ruthless, a Billionaire and CEO of the company he inherited from his grandfather. He is never a man to cross but he is protective of his family. He knows who he is, and will fight for his version of justice. He has Italian and Spanish ancestry.
The Heroine: Vivian Lau
Jewel Heiress, duty bound to her family and their intentions for her. She is of Asian descent, and her family became self made in their wealth. She works as a event planner for the upper elite families.
Summary
Vivian has always been about duty and obligation when it comes to her family. Even though she was allowed to go to college and is working on her own career as an event planner for the upper class families, she will always devote herself to her family even though she wants to seperate herself from them. She has never been able to embrace love in the way that she wanted. When her father forces an arranged marriage, she knows that she has little choice nor does she truly understand why her fiancee doesn't like her. Dante Russo is a man of power and prestige and no one crosses him. But when his brother is caught in a compromising position with a family member of the mafia, he is blackmailed into marrying Lau's daughter. And plans on playing the field with Vivian until he can get justice for the blackmail, but what Dante never plans on is falling in love, and when the truth comes out, will their love last through the war between the man Vivian loves and the man that raised her...
What I Loved
There was so much to love about this book and I couldn't get enough of Dante and Vivian being together. They are such a powerhouse of a couple and I was instantly drawn into their battle of wills. If you can trust anything, its that Ana Huang knows how to write a delectable, perfectly portrayed enemies to lovers romance. The way that we see Vivian and Dante in the beginning of the relationship so antagonistic with each other but slowly build a bond that goes deeper and it builds into a relationship of working with the hand they have been dealt and learning each other both in and out of the bedroom. Dante knows that their relationship is not for the long term, he has a plan to get out of this marriage agreement, but Vivian has no clue what is happening between her father and her fiancee. You see her wear her heart on her sleeve for Dante, she goes all in with the relationship with Dante, placing all of her cards on the table. But in the end she ends up betrayed and it delivers so much heartache and hurt. You know its going to happen. But you wonder how the hero will redeem himself? Or how Vivian will react to it all?
Well Ana Huang really delivered a punch with this story. The first thing that drew me into the story was the dialogue play between Dante and Vivian. They truly play with each other at times and its a delight to see. They have some powerful chemistry of course, and Dante is so possessive of Vivian. I wasn't sure what I thought about the relationship that Vivian has with her ex and what Dante does to him because I think he was a man of just bad timing and others manipulating him. But it actually added some tension that brings out honesty of emotion that is being built with Dante. It forces Dante to be honest at least in how he feels about Vivian and the connection that is building between them. So I can definitely see why the author implemented this aspect in the story and it ended up working for me in the end.
The humor and bantering between Dante and Vivian was so engaging and fun to read and I was laughing all over the place in this one. I am not sure if it was the talent of the narrators or the story itself, but I had a blast with how these two engage with each other. We also have some other aspects to the story that brought some great balance to the story with wit. The first is Kai, man I love this man to pieces and I can't wait for his book and I am thrilled he is next and his book is ready to be read. But also Dante's parents, they are something else that is for sure. They are NOT what you expect going into this one, but they add something unique to the story. You definitely don't choose the parents you are born to and poor Dante having to grow up so fast and being the adult in the family of misfits haha No wonder he is such a alpha male.
Now lets talk about the third act. (Spoilers AHEAD)
This is where Vivian learns the truth about Dante. This was such a heartbreaking scene. Because she learns just about everything in a five minute conversation and it breaks her heart. Not only about the secrets that Dante has kept, but also how her father blackmailed Dante and is horrified that the man that raised her could do something so evil to manipulate himself into such high connections. I really enjoyed how Vivian stands on her own either both with Dante and her father and starts standing up for herself especially with her family. They tend to use her, and loved seeing her backbone. Than we have the tension that is between Dante and Vivian. I felt like this was handled so beautifully. We really see how deep Dante is in with Vivian and the work he goes to to court the woman he loves and prove to her how genuine he is about them being together. Its not too long or too short, it honestly felt just right in the timing of it all. And that ending in his proposal was beautiful and melted my heart
What I Struggled With
There was only one plot hole that I discovered that wasn't tackled, so even though this is a favorite read, I wonder if Vivian ever finds out what happens to her ex. Dante destroys his company he has built or he threatened to so we never find out what happens with him. Its possible I missed it but I am not sure how as it was a audiobook.
Narration
The narration on this is a duet. Which means it's a single narration with the dialogue of it being done by two narrators and I loved these two together. And quite frankly loved how Dante's accent especially was done in this one. It had such a perfect mix of his heritage and especially his endearment of "Cara Mia" (panty melting) and the way that the narration was done, kept me wanting to listen to this one all day till I was finished with it. I didn't want to let go of this story and kept me hooked all the way through. Definitely worth paying a full audible credit for.
Overall View
King of Wrath is a story that is curl your toes, melt your panties hot, stir deep emotions and deliver zesty humor and thrills of angst, sensuality and epic moments of a love worth fighting for!
Favorite Quote(s)
You can't see the stars in New York," Dante Said "So I brought the stars to you."
Somehow, somewhere along the way, I’d fallen in love …
Not like or lust. Love, in all its terrifying, unpredictable, unwanted glory.
Love wasn’t always about the big moments. More often, it was tucked in the small moments connecting the major ones.
A part of me would always find my way to her. She was my North Star, the brightest jewel in my sky.
Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Contemporary Romance
Character Types: Billionaire, Alpha Male, Socialite
Themes: Groveling Hero, Secrets, Lots of Laughs, Interracial Romance
Tropes: Arranged Marriage, Enemies to Lovers
Book Perspective
Duet
Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
Relationship Conflict
Song This Book Inspires
Love of My Life by Harry Styles
Die For You by The Weekend
Stay by Rhianna, Mikky Ekko
Recommendation For Reading Order
Yes read in order
Steam/Spice Explanations
Blazing fire to the building-The prime focus is the sex scenes, scorching hot, and could burn one. Less focus on the emotional intimacy to the relationship.
Narrators:
Jacob Morgan
Emily Woo Zeller
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
King of Wrath is the first book in the "Kings of Sin" series and this is the authors' most current series that she is working on. Ever since I heard about what this series was about, I wanted to read this book. And once I was through her Twisted series, I knew that I was ready for King of Wrath and this book completely blew me away. I can't believe how wonderful this book was, this is honestly the best book that this author has written that I have read so far. There was something with so much more dimension in this story than I have seen from the author. And she writes the very BEST enemies to lovers. I know that trope may either encourage or discourage readers, but I am telling you, this author knows how to write the best angst filled relationships. And it delivers in all of the feels and heart and I was cheering this couple on all the way.
First Line
I can't believe he's here. He never comes to these things unless it's hosted by a friend..."
The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Dante Russo
Ruthless, a Billionaire and CEO of the company he inherited from his grandfather. He is never a man to cross but he is protective of his family. He knows who he is, and will fight for his version of justice. He has Italian and Spanish ancestry.
The Heroine: Vivian Lau
Jewel Heiress, duty bound to her family and their intentions for her. She is of Asian descent, and her family became self made in their wealth. She works as a event planner for the upper elite families.
Summary
Vivian has always been about duty and obligation when it comes to her family. Even though she was allowed to go to college and is working on her own career as an event planner for the upper class families, she will always devote herself to her family even though she wants to seperate herself from them. She has never been able to embrace love in the way that she wanted. When her father forces an arranged marriage, she knows that she has little choice nor does she truly understand why her fiancee doesn't like her. Dante Russo is a man of power and prestige and no one crosses him. But when his brother is caught in a compromising position with a family member of the mafia, he is blackmailed into marrying Lau's daughter. And plans on playing the field with Vivian until he can get justice for the blackmail, but what Dante never plans on is falling in love, and when the truth comes out, will their love last through the war between the man Vivian loves and the man that raised her...
What I Loved
There was so much to love about this book and I couldn't get enough of Dante and Vivian being together. They are such a powerhouse of a couple and I was instantly drawn into their battle of wills. If you can trust anything, its that Ana Huang knows how to write a delectable, perfectly portrayed enemies to lovers romance. The way that we see Vivian and Dante in the beginning of the relationship so antagonistic with each other but slowly build a bond that goes deeper and it builds into a relationship of working with the hand they have been dealt and learning each other both in and out of the bedroom. Dante knows that their relationship is not for the long term, he has a plan to get out of this marriage agreement, but Vivian has no clue what is happening between her father and her fiancee. You see her wear her heart on her sleeve for Dante, she goes all in with the relationship with Dante, placing all of her cards on the table. But in the end she ends up betrayed and it delivers so much heartache and hurt. You know its going to happen. But you wonder how the hero will redeem himself? Or how Vivian will react to it all?
Well Ana Huang really delivered a punch with this story. The first thing that drew me into the story was the dialogue play between Dante and Vivian. They truly play with each other at times and its a delight to see. They have some powerful chemistry of course, and Dante is so possessive of Vivian. I wasn't sure what I thought about the relationship that Vivian has with her ex and what Dante does to him because I think he was a man of just bad timing and others manipulating him. But it actually added some tension that brings out honesty of emotion that is being built with Dante. It forces Dante to be honest at least in how he feels about Vivian and the connection that is building between them. So I can definitely see why the author implemented this aspect in the story and it ended up working for me in the end.
The humor and bantering between Dante and Vivian was so engaging and fun to read and I was laughing all over the place in this one. I am not sure if it was the talent of the narrators or the story itself, but I had a blast with how these two engage with each other. We also have some other aspects to the story that brought some great balance to the story with wit. The first is Kai, man I love this man to pieces and I can't wait for his book and I am thrilled he is next and his book is ready to be read. But also Dante's parents, they are something else that is for sure. They are NOT what you expect going into this one, but they add something unique to the story. You definitely don't choose the parents you are born to and poor Dante having to grow up so fast and being the adult in the family of misfits haha No wonder he is such a alpha male.
Now lets talk about the third act. (Spoilers AHEAD)
This is where Vivian learns the truth about Dante. This was such a heartbreaking scene. Because she learns just about everything in a five minute conversation and it breaks her heart. Not only about the secrets that Dante has kept, but also how her father blackmailed Dante and is horrified that the man that raised her could do something so evil to manipulate himself into such high connections. I really enjoyed how Vivian stands on her own either both with Dante and her father and starts standing up for herself especially with her family. They tend to use her, and loved seeing her backbone. Than we have the tension that is between Dante and Vivian. I felt like this was handled so beautifully. We really see how deep Dante is in with Vivian and the work he goes to to court the woman he loves and prove to her how genuine he is about them being together. Its not too long or too short, it honestly felt just right in the timing of it all. And that ending in his proposal was beautiful and melted my heart
What I Struggled With
There was only one plot hole that I discovered that wasn't tackled, so even though this is a favorite read, I wonder if Vivian ever finds out what happens to her ex. Dante destroys his company he has built or he threatened to so we never find out what happens with him. Its possible I missed it but I am not sure how as it was a audiobook.
Narration
The narration on this is a duet. Which means it's a single narration with the dialogue of it being done by two narrators and I loved these two together. And quite frankly loved how Dante's accent especially was done in this one. It had such a perfect mix of his heritage and especially his endearment of "Cara Mia" (panty melting) and the way that the narration was done, kept me wanting to listen to this one all day till I was finished with it. I didn't want to let go of this story and kept me hooked all the way through. Definitely worth paying a full audible credit for.
Overall View
King of Wrath is a story that is curl your toes, melt your panties hot, stir deep emotions and deliver zesty humor and thrills of angst, sensuality and epic moments of a love worth fighting for!
Favorite Quote(s)
You can't see the stars in New York," Dante Said "So I brought the stars to you."
Somehow, somewhere along the way, I’d fallen in love …
Not like or lust. Love, in all its terrifying, unpredictable, unwanted glory.
Love wasn’t always about the big moments. More often, it was tucked in the small moments connecting the major ones.
A part of me would always find my way to her. She was my North Star, the brightest jewel in my sky.
Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Contemporary Romance
Character Types: Billionaire, Alpha Male, Socialite
Themes: Groveling Hero, Secrets, Lots of Laughs, Interracial Romance
Tropes: Arranged Marriage, Enemies to Lovers
Book Perspective
Duet
Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
Relationship Conflict
Song This Book Inspires
Love of My Life by Harry Styles
Die For You by The Weekend
Stay by Rhianna, Mikky Ekko
Recommendation For Reading Order
Yes read in order
Steam/Spice Explanations
Blazing fire to the building-The prime focus is the sex scenes, scorching hot, and could burn one. Less focus on the emotional intimacy to the relationship.
Narrators:
Jacob Morgan
Emily Woo Zeller
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
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: 💒💒💒.5
Heart & Feels:💞💞💞.5
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: 😂😂😂
Page Turner Level:📖📖📖📖
Ending:🧧🧧🧧🧧
Overall View: ✨✨✨✨
First Impressions
Joe's Wife is a book that I saw mentioned in one of the historical romance groups that I am a part of and I decided to try this one out as this is an author that I have been wanting to pick up for quite some time now. I found Joe's Wife to be a endearing romance that was beyond sweet and heart endearing with just the right level of poignant emotion that really balanced out the story so well. I really fell hard for this one, and while this is not close to a perfect read, it was just right for the mood that I was in for. If you are looking for a sweet western that has low angst for the most part than I recommend this one here.
First Line
I'm tellin' ya the same thing I told ya last week an' the week before--there aint no job for ya here."
The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Tye Hatcher
The town's outcast, saloon piano player, solider in the war, born out of wedlock and has been shunned by the town all of his life and just looking for a fresh start.
The Heroine: Meg Talford
Meg is a widow of a prominant family in the town, she is determined to keep her late husband's dream of a ranch alive and proposes a marriage to the one man that won't be able to turn her down but has always been kind to her.
Summary
Meg is a recent widow and she loved her husband Joe most of her life, they were the typical friends to lovers set up. She tolerated his family, but Joe was the man that she admired and would do anything to make his dream come alive. When he died, she refused to sell the land as his family desired of her. But in order to keep the ranch going, she will need to marry someone that is strong and hardworking and she knows of one man that would fit the bill. Tye Hatcher is the town reject. Ever since he was born, he has been denied a honest chance. After serving in the war, he came back wanting a fresh start, and is barely making it playing the piano part time. When Meg makes a proposal to him, he knows he can't resist it, as its his one chance to keep his dreams alive. But his new wife Meg, is a woman that is still in love with her late husband, and it will take time and trust and honesty for Meg and Tye to find a beautiful love they both have dreamed of...
What I Loved
There was quite a bit that I enjoyed about this story. Its a super sweet read. It does have some relationship angst, but its moderate and its more reasonable and very relatable to the circumstances that both of them find themselves in. I would say if you loved "Eyes of Gold" than this is a book that would definitely work for you. I adored this sweet beta hero. He is so hardworking but has such a kind soul. He has been treated so badly by the town, and only Joe and his wife Meg treated him with kindness. Meg doesn't know what to do about the town's narrowmindness including that of her in laws, but she is determined to make Tye know he is of worth. I really adored both Tye and Meg. Even though there are some misunderstandings between them, what I also loved was seeing that they do communicate when it matters and don't let things fester between them. And man that ending and that suspense at the end really thew me and kept me on the edge. I definitely found so much to love this story and it was just a sweet heartwarming western romance that I was searching for.
What I Struggled With
There isn't much, I do wish that this book had a bit more emotional depth to it. It was on the surface a beautiful romance, but it could have used a bit more conflict outside of the relationship and the development of the relationship wasn't quite fully executed as strongly as the story begins could have used a bit more finality to it in the end. Its not a five star read, but a solid story to enjoy if you are in the right mood for this one.
Overall View
I found Joe's Wife to be a endearing poignant romance that lifts the heart, inspires the spirit and delivers beautiful emotion at just the right moments.
Favorite Quote(s)
“I don’t reckon anyone does, Tye. You just sort of have to learn it as you go along. And as long as you’re trying to do what’s best for them, you can’t go too far wrong.”
Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Historical Romance, American West, Reconstruction Era
Character Types: Rancher, Widow, Bad Boy
Themes: Small Town, Kids, Western
Tropes: Marriage of Convenience
Book Perspective
3rd POV
Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
More Relationship Conflict and Less of a Plot Conflict
Song This Book Inspires
Marry Me by Thomas Rhett
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: 💒💒💒.5
Heart & Feels:💞💞💞.5
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: 😂😂😂
Page Turner Level:📖📖📖📖
Ending:🧧🧧🧧🧧
Overall View: ✨✨✨✨
First Impressions
Joe's Wife is a book that I saw mentioned in one of the historical romance groups that I am a part of and I decided to try this one out as this is an author that I have been wanting to pick up for quite some time now. I found Joe's Wife to be a endearing romance that was beyond sweet and heart endearing with just the right level of poignant emotion that really balanced out the story so well. I really fell hard for this one, and while this is not close to a perfect read, it was just right for the mood that I was in for. If you are looking for a sweet western that has low angst for the most part than I recommend this one here.
First Line
I'm tellin' ya the same thing I told ya last week an' the week before--there aint no job for ya here."
The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Tye Hatcher
The town's outcast, saloon piano player, solider in the war, born out of wedlock and has been shunned by the town all of his life and just looking for a fresh start.
The Heroine: Meg Talford
Meg is a widow of a prominant family in the town, she is determined to keep her late husband's dream of a ranch alive and proposes a marriage to the one man that won't be able to turn her down but has always been kind to her.
Summary
Meg is a recent widow and she loved her husband Joe most of her life, they were the typical friends to lovers set up. She tolerated his family, but Joe was the man that she admired and would do anything to make his dream come alive. When he died, she refused to sell the land as his family desired of her. But in order to keep the ranch going, she will need to marry someone that is strong and hardworking and she knows of one man that would fit the bill. Tye Hatcher is the town reject. Ever since he was born, he has been denied a honest chance. After serving in the war, he came back wanting a fresh start, and is barely making it playing the piano part time. When Meg makes a proposal to him, he knows he can't resist it, as its his one chance to keep his dreams alive. But his new wife Meg, is a woman that is still in love with her late husband, and it will take time and trust and honesty for Meg and Tye to find a beautiful love they both have dreamed of...
What I Loved
There was quite a bit that I enjoyed about this story. Its a super sweet read. It does have some relationship angst, but its moderate and its more reasonable and very relatable to the circumstances that both of them find themselves in. I would say if you loved "Eyes of Gold" than this is a book that would definitely work for you. I adored this sweet beta hero. He is so hardworking but has such a kind soul. He has been treated so badly by the town, and only Joe and his wife Meg treated him with kindness. Meg doesn't know what to do about the town's narrowmindness including that of her in laws, but she is determined to make Tye know he is of worth. I really adored both Tye and Meg. Even though there are some misunderstandings between them, what I also loved was seeing that they do communicate when it matters and don't let things fester between them. And man that ending and that suspense at the end really thew me and kept me on the edge. I definitely found so much to love this story and it was just a sweet heartwarming western romance that I was searching for.
What I Struggled With
There isn't much, I do wish that this book had a bit more emotional depth to it. It was on the surface a beautiful romance, but it could have used a bit more conflict outside of the relationship and the development of the relationship wasn't quite fully executed as strongly as the story begins could have used a bit more finality to it in the end. Its not a five star read, but a solid story to enjoy if you are in the right mood for this one.
Overall View
I found Joe's Wife to be a endearing poignant romance that lifts the heart, inspires the spirit and delivers beautiful emotion at just the right moments.
Favorite Quote(s)
“I don’t reckon anyone does, Tye. You just sort of have to learn it as you go along. And as long as you’re trying to do what’s best for them, you can’t go too far wrong.”
Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Historical Romance, American West, Reconstruction Era
Character Types: Rancher, Widow, Bad Boy
Themes: Small Town, Kids, Western
Tropes: Marriage of Convenience
Book Perspective
3rd POV
Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
More Relationship Conflict and Less of a Plot Conflict
Song This Book Inspires
Marry Me by Thomas Rhett
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.
emotional
funny
inspiring
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:
Complicated
This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.
Book Evaluation:
Plot: 🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️
World Building:🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎
Cover:📔📔📔📔📔
Hero (Wes): 🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻
Hero 2 (Jamie) :🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️
Intimacy Level: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Relationship Building: 💒💒💒💒.5
Heart & Feels:💞💞💞💞💞
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: 😂😂😂😂😂
Page Turner Level:📖📖📖📖📖
Narration:🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧
Ending:🧧🧧🧧🧧🧧
Overall View: ✨✨✨✨.75
First Impressions
Us is the companion novel to "Him" from the infamous duo series written by Sarina Bowen and Ellen Kennedy. After reading Him last week for the first time, I just couldn't resist in picking up "Us" and I have to say this book was BETTER than the first book and I really loved the first book. I love a great splice to life novel and loved seeing more from the infamous #Wesmie team. And this book just won my heart and more. There was so much more depths to this book than I expected and it delivered all the way for me. If you haven't read these books, than I highly recommend it. Not only is it one of the best M/M romances I have ever read but also one of the best hockey romances I have had the pleasure to read. This is a top notch couple that you need in your life and if you haven't picked some #wesmie than I beg of you, change this. Because one of my largest reading regrets is not picking this one up sooner than I have.
First Line
Vancouver is a beautiful city, but I can't wait to leave it.
The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Wes
Full Name: Ryan Wesley, Playing professionally as a rookie in the NHL and keeping his relationship with Jamie a secret. He doesn't feel comfortable coming out yet and wants to get his hockey career under his belt first.
The Heroine: Jamie
Jamie is teaching in Vancouver to all the aspiring hockey athletes and loves being a coach. But he doesn't like keeping secrets and the strain builds on him not being able to be who he wants to be because of Wes' career.
Summary
Jamie Canning and Ryan Wesley are learning what it takes to be in a committed relationship and that settling into life isn't as easy as either of them imagined that it would be. Ryan is determined to keep their relationship a secret for a year while he settles into his life as a recruit for the NHL. He is having to hide everything from everyone and with each day, the struggle gets harder for him. Then we have Jamie, who comes from a family that are proud of who they are and are never ashamed of who they are or who they become. Its not in him to keep this type of aspect of his life a secret and its starting to wear on him and his true happiness he once found with Wes. And he wonders if he will be enough for Wes...
What I Loved
There was so much to love with this book but the heart and emotion just tore me apart in this one and I felt so hard for these two but most especially Jamie. His struggle with the secret just connects you so quickly and you just want to hug this sweet man who just wants to love his man and not feel ashamed about it. He wants to stand proudly with Wes by his side. How much we see him sacrificing of himself for Wes will tug at your heartstrings. And then we have Wes who is so determined to be successful as a NHL player that he isn't seeing what this secret is doing to the man he loves. As we see them start to distance themselves from each other, it just builds on the heartbreak that is just building between them.
And side note the obnoxious hockey player friend was a hoot! I absolutely loved his character so much and he added so much humor to balance out the serious vibes of the story.
We see both of them go through a struggle in their own lives and trying to work in the relationship with this secret. But we see the damage that a secret like this can harm a relationship. Seeing their relationship be so strong in the beginning and that sense of happiness and then see it slowly crumbling was so hard to witness at times but I also couldn't put this down, I just had to see what would be the climax in their relationship that would make them realize how beautiful their bond is and how that matters more than anything else. Seeing both Wes and Jamie realize what is happening and start making their relationship the priority melted my heart in every way! And when it happens, and the healing journey that they both need to go through just delivers all the way. Their road isn't easy that is for sure, but when they find their way and start communicating as they should, well, then the story is true *chef's kiss*. The moments that I truly loved the most was when both Wes and Jamie fight for each other, they do it in different ways which made it for some interesting dynamics in the third act but delightful at the same time. And that ending *complete swoon*, these two melted my heart and I almost cried when it ended way too soon. Jamie and Wes will always be one of my top pairings from here on out. #Wesmie 4 ever!
What I Struggled With
Nothing much. While I loved this book, the only aspect I would have enjoyed seeing more was seeing Jamie and Wes talk about their issues with keeping their relationship a secret, that was never really addressed.
Narration
Man this is one of the best narrations I have listened to. Its one of those that you do not want to put it down until the book is done. I was so hooked on these narrations. This duo do it so perfectly and really awaken the characters so well!
Overall View
Us is a story that will captivate the essence of the heart and soul of its reader. Its about healing, and personal fears and reservations and finding the courage to fight for your love no matter what it takes! Jamie and Wes will make you fall in love as if its the first and last time and take your breath away and its uberfantastic in every way! A true gem of hockey goodness!
Favorite Quote(s)
It’s us. And it’s perfect.
He holds out a hand that I grab to stand up, and he pulls me into a hug. If I’ve ever doubted his love for me, I’m an idiot.
I chose happiness over other people’s skewed opinions and cruel judgments. I chose Wes.
But now I have to hide that choice. I have to pretend that Ryan Wesley isn’t my soulmate
I feel like all I’ve done these past couple months is lose. Lose patience, lose the ability to talk to my boyfriend, lose that indescribable ease that always existed between me and Wes.
I don’t know how to explain what’s wrong. I’ve been really unhappy, but I don’t want him to think it’s his fault.
I have never felt as raw as I feel right now. I’ve just discovered that falling in love has a dark side. When you’re mad at the love of your life, it’s impossible to feel joy.
Love is friendship set on fire.
Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Contemporary Romance
Character Types: Athlete, Coaching/Teaching
Themes: Sports-Hockey, Tear Jerker, All the Feels, Lots of Heart,
Tropes: Rags to Riches, Epic Love
Book Perspective
Duo POV's
Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
Relationship Conflict
Song This Book Inspires
Always You by Louis Tomlinson
8 Letters by Why Don't We
Recommendation For Reading Order
Yes you need to read in order!
Steam/Spice Explanations
Simmering cup of tea---soft warm touches and light intimacy
Warmin' by the fire- a medium level of sexual tension, a balance of sexual and emotional intimacy, lighter on the details in the sexual moments.
Steamin' up the room -the sexual content is more explicit in the language and tone, heavier amount of sexual scenes.
Blazing fire to the building-The prime focus is the sex scenes, scorching hot, and could burn one. Less focus on the emotional intimacy to the relationship.
Narrators:
Teddy Hamilton
Jacob Morgan
Book Evaluation:
Plot: 🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️
World Building:🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎
Cover:📔📔📔📔📔
Hero (Wes): 🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻
Hero 2 (Jamie) :🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️
Intimacy Level: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Relationship Building: 💒💒💒💒.5
Heart & Feels:💞💞💞💞💞
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: 😂😂😂😂😂
Page Turner Level:📖📖📖📖📖
Narration:🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧
Ending:🧧🧧🧧🧧🧧
Overall View: ✨✨✨✨.75
First Impressions
Us is the companion novel to "Him" from the infamous duo series written by Sarina Bowen and Ellen Kennedy. After reading Him last week for the first time, I just couldn't resist in picking up "Us" and I have to say this book was BETTER than the first book and I really loved the first book. I love a great splice to life novel and loved seeing more from the infamous #Wesmie team. And this book just won my heart and more. There was so much more depths to this book than I expected and it delivered all the way for me. If you haven't read these books, than I highly recommend it. Not only is it one of the best M/M romances I have ever read but also one of the best hockey romances I have had the pleasure to read. This is a top notch couple that you need in your life and if you haven't picked some #wesmie than I beg of you, change this. Because one of my largest reading regrets is not picking this one up sooner than I have.
First Line
Vancouver is a beautiful city, but I can't wait to leave it.
The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Wes
Full Name: Ryan Wesley, Playing professionally as a rookie in the NHL and keeping his relationship with Jamie a secret. He doesn't feel comfortable coming out yet and wants to get his hockey career under his belt first.
The Heroine: Jamie
Jamie is teaching in Vancouver to all the aspiring hockey athletes and loves being a coach. But he doesn't like keeping secrets and the strain builds on him not being able to be who he wants to be because of Wes' career.
Summary
Jamie Canning and Ryan Wesley are learning what it takes to be in a committed relationship and that settling into life isn't as easy as either of them imagined that it would be. Ryan is determined to keep their relationship a secret for a year while he settles into his life as a recruit for the NHL. He is having to hide everything from everyone and with each day, the struggle gets harder for him. Then we have Jamie, who comes from a family that are proud of who they are and are never ashamed of who they are or who they become. Its not in him to keep this type of aspect of his life a secret and its starting to wear on him and his true happiness he once found with Wes. And he wonders if he will be enough for Wes...
What I Loved
There was so much to love with this book but the heart and emotion just tore me apart in this one and I felt so hard for these two but most especially Jamie. His struggle with the secret just connects you so quickly and you just want to hug this sweet man who just wants to love his man and not feel ashamed about it. He wants to stand proudly with Wes by his side. How much we see him sacrificing of himself for Wes will tug at your heartstrings. And then we have Wes who is so determined to be successful as a NHL player that he isn't seeing what this secret is doing to the man he loves. As we see them start to distance themselves from each other, it just builds on the heartbreak that is just building between them.
And side note the obnoxious hockey player friend was a hoot! I absolutely loved his character so much and he added so much humor to balance out the serious vibes of the story.
We see both of them go through a struggle in their own lives and trying to work in the relationship with this secret. But we see the damage that a secret like this can harm a relationship. Seeing their relationship be so strong in the beginning and that sense of happiness and then see it slowly crumbling was so hard to witness at times but I also couldn't put this down, I just had to see what would be the climax in their relationship that would make them realize how beautiful their bond is and how that matters more than anything else. Seeing both Wes and Jamie realize what is happening and start making their relationship the priority melted my heart in every way! And when it happens, and the healing journey that they both need to go through just delivers all the way. Their road isn't easy that is for sure, but when they find their way and start communicating as they should, well, then the story is true *chef's kiss*. The moments that I truly loved the most was when both Wes and Jamie fight for each other, they do it in different ways which made it for some interesting dynamics in the third act but delightful at the same time. And that ending *complete swoon*, these two melted my heart and I almost cried when it ended way too soon. Jamie and Wes will always be one of my top pairings from here on out. #Wesmie 4 ever!
What I Struggled With
Nothing much. While I loved this book, the only aspect I would have enjoyed seeing more was seeing Jamie and Wes talk about their issues with keeping their relationship a secret, that was never really addressed.
Narration
Man this is one of the best narrations I have listened to. Its one of those that you do not want to put it down until the book is done. I was so hooked on these narrations. This duo do it so perfectly and really awaken the characters so well!
Overall View
Us is a story that will captivate the essence of the heart and soul of its reader. Its about healing, and personal fears and reservations and finding the courage to fight for your love no matter what it takes! Jamie and Wes will make you fall in love as if its the first and last time and take your breath away and its uberfantastic in every way! A true gem of hockey goodness!
Favorite Quote(s)
It’s us. And it’s perfect.
He holds out a hand that I grab to stand up, and he pulls me into a hug. If I’ve ever doubted his love for me, I’m an idiot.
I chose happiness over other people’s skewed opinions and cruel judgments. I chose Wes.
But now I have to hide that choice. I have to pretend that Ryan Wesley isn’t my soulmate
I feel like all I’ve done these past couple months is lose. Lose patience, lose the ability to talk to my boyfriend, lose that indescribable ease that always existed between me and Wes.
I don’t know how to explain what’s wrong. I’ve been really unhappy, but I don’t want him to think it’s his fault.
I have never felt as raw as I feel right now. I’ve just discovered that falling in love has a dark side. When you’re mad at the love of your life, it’s impossible to feel joy.
Love is friendship set on fire.
Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Contemporary Romance
Character Types: Athlete, Coaching/Teaching
Themes: Sports-Hockey, Tear Jerker, All the Feels, Lots of Heart,
Tropes: Rags to Riches, Epic Love
Book Perspective
Duo POV's
Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
Relationship Conflict
Song This Book Inspires
Always You by Louis Tomlinson
8 Letters by Why Don't We
Recommendation For Reading Order
Yes you need to read in order!
Steam/Spice Explanations
Simmering cup of tea---soft warm touches and light intimacy
Warmin' by the fire- a medium level of sexual tension, a balance of sexual and emotional intimacy, lighter on the details in the sexual moments.
Steamin' up the room -the sexual content is more explicit in the language and tone, heavier amount of sexual scenes.
Blazing fire to the building-The prime focus is the sex scenes, scorching hot, and could burn one. Less focus on the emotional intimacy to the relationship.
Narrators:
Teddy Hamilton
Jacob Morgan
challenging
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
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 (Clay): 🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻
Hero (Travis): 🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻
Heroine (Lilith):🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️
Intimacy Level: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Relationship Building: 💒💒💒💒
Heart & Feels:💞💞💞💞
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: 😂😂😂
Page Turner Level:📖📖📖📖
Narration:🎧🎧🎧🎧
Ending:🧧🧧🧧🧧🧧
Overall View: ✨✨✨✨
First Impressions
The Architect is the third installment in the Nashville Neighbors series. And I will be honest in how apprehensive I was before reading this book and probably why I took so long to get back to the series since I read "Doctor" quite a while ago. I had seen quite a few of mixed reviews of "The Architect" and I felt nervous before reading this because I wasn't sure that this book would actually work for me, but surprisingly, it did work out for me for the most part. Its not a perfect read and probably my least favorite of the series far, just due to some elements in the midway point of the story, however, the ending was so swoon worthy and captured my attention and heart so well that it upped my enjoyment by quite a bit here. Nikki Sloane wrote a story that is brilliant in its own way and just a bit different for its readers.
First Line
A loud insistent banging came from my front door, caused by an angry fist, and I froze.
The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Clay
Architect, Driven, A trained Dominant and a planner in all things. He is also emotionally constipated. He is more about pain than necessarily pleasure.
The Hero: Travis
A dominant in training, a Vet and Doctor, he is more of a alpha mellow in nature. Has a soft spot for women and is all about pleasure over pain.
The Heroine: Lilith
Explorative sexuality, not looking for love or a serious relationship, but embraces casual relationships as long as emotion doesn't get involved and loves animals and works in a Vet clinic.
Summary
When Lilith meets her next-door neighbor, she doesn't expect it to be a sexy nerd type that has alpha vibes surrounding him. He is a mix of oxymorons, but she is intrigued by him. When they come up with a mutual agreement for a cat ownership, Lilith and Clay build a trust of casual friendship and when Lilith learns that Clay is into building furniture for couples interested in Kink and the BDSM lifestyle, she is intrigued. And she and Clay enter into a relationship of domination and pleasure. When Clay brings in a third party to act as proxy for him when he is traveling, something more connects the three individuals in a way that none of them expect. But this relationship was built on casual sex and nothing serious as the heart getting involved, will Clay, Travis and Lilith find common ground that benefits them all or will it break what they have gradually built with each other?
What I Loved
This is a true menage but it's a menage that just happens and not with the characters going into the relationship with the intentions of being in a menage. The way that the story is set up in the beginning was so evoking and powerful and SEXY. First off we get to see some solid friendship bonds form between Clay and Ivy. And then the sex happens pretty quickly, Lilith is much braver than I could ever be. Despite how submissive she is in the bedroom, she is a bit of a cougar when it comes to attracting the male she wants, and that male is Clay. I love how accepting she is of the lifestyle and just wants to learn and experience the journey of exploring it all with Clay. The sex scenes in this one is SPICY. Just fair warning, maybe not listen to this one at work or in public or even read it. Nikki Sloane can definitely write her spice and its always so well done in her stories.
We also get the fun aspects of seeing so many emotional constipated characters learn to love and fight for that love. Its quite a treat to see how different each of them when it comes to falling in love. We have Clay who just rejects it and even pushes people away when it happens. Now with Clay in some ways I understood because he had a previous bad experience and it put him in a mindset that threw him off completely. But he doesn't handle ANY emotions haha and he doesn't know how to deal with any of it even on a most basic human level so that was very interesting. Than we have our heroine, Lilith, who can't do the love thing which is different from Clay. She can handle relationships but her issues are with she gets bored in relationships when serious emotion is involved. Than we have Travis, who was a bit difficult to get to the bottom of his emotional level. He is much more mature than the others and is like the balance wheel between Lilith and Clay. He understands emotion, has an emotional maturity the others don't have, and is able to handle love just fine.
The dynamic of the relationships that forms between the three was quite interesting. Because there isn't necessarily a strong sexual vibe between Clay and Travis. There is a strong friendship between them and nothing super sexual, at least not in the beginning, but towards the end of the story we are seeing some slow evolvement of that. So its not a straight MFM relationship. So if you struggle with that particular dynamic, and prefer MMF, than this one could work for you. Then we have the bonds that Lilith has with Travis and Clay. At first this is separated but eventually this tends to get mixed in. I really enjoyed how Lilith was the first one to fall first when she is the one rushing out of relationships when "love" happens haha but the true struggle is Clay and seeing Travis and Lilith work through their feelings and assisting Clay on it and allowing him to see that sometimes change happens that are unexpected. The later half of the book was my favorite aspect of the story though, I really felt that is where much of the emotional intimacy gets formed and enjoyed seeing their beautiful dynamic develop in those precious chapters.
What I Struggled With
So it has some elements to the relationship that might be a struggle for some to enjoy. I will be honest the way that this relationship is built, was not easy at times to read. Especially when one or really two? are so emotionally constipated. And I will be honest that this is the section of the story I truly had a hard time with. Particularly in how Clay brings Travis into the relationship when he is 'traveling'. Its a really odd set up to be honest, and there was something about it that threw me off and I just really struggled with how Clay treats Travis in the relationship. Travis is such a cinnamon roll at times and just didn't deserve how he gets treats at times in the relationship.
Narration
The narration on this is fabulous, and really the narration Nikki Slone has for all of these books are so well done. I just love the way that they capture the steam just right and the emotions of the character is so well portrayed. You can't help but be drawn in completely with the story.
Overall View
I found The Architect to be a superb read that will stoke up the flames, stir up emotion and heart and deliver completely for any romance reader!
Favorite Quote(s)
You want to be punished, don't you?"
When I nodded, he grinned.
"I hope you're not fragile."
Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Contemporary Romance, Erotic Romance
Character Types: Alpha Male, Alpha Mellow, Vet/Doctor, Architect
Themes: BDSM, Menage, Hot Smexy Times, Love of Animals, Next Door Neighbor, Sex Club
Tropes: Age Gap, Fling
Book Perspective
Mulitple POV's
Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
Relationship conflict
Song This Book Inspires
Earned It by The Weekend
Recommendation For Reading Order
You can read as standalones if needed.
Steam/Spice Explanations
Simmering cup of tea---soft warm touches and light intimacy
Warmin' by the fire- a medium level of sexual tension, a balance of sexual and emotional intimacy, lighter on the details in the sexual moments.
Steamin' up the room -the sexual content is more explicit in the language and tone, heavier amount of sexual scenes.
Blazing fire to the building-The prime focus is the sex scenes, scorching hot, and could burn one. Less focus on the emotional intimacy to the relationship.
Narrators:
Angelina Rocca, Brennan Landry
Book Evaluation:
Plot: 🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️
World Building:🌎🌎🌎🌎
Cover:📔📔📔📔
Hero (Clay): 🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻
Hero (Travis): 🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻
Heroine (Lilith):🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️
Intimacy Level: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Relationship Building: 💒💒💒💒
Heart & Feels:💞💞💞💞
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: 😂😂😂
Page Turner Level:📖📖📖📖
Narration:🎧🎧🎧🎧
Ending:🧧🧧🧧🧧🧧
Overall View: ✨✨✨✨
First Impressions
The Architect is the third installment in the Nashville Neighbors series. And I will be honest in how apprehensive I was before reading this book and probably why I took so long to get back to the series since I read "Doctor" quite a while ago. I had seen quite a few of mixed reviews of "The Architect" and I felt nervous before reading this because I wasn't sure that this book would actually work for me, but surprisingly, it did work out for me for the most part. Its not a perfect read and probably my least favorite of the series far, just due to some elements in the midway point of the story, however, the ending was so swoon worthy and captured my attention and heart so well that it upped my enjoyment by quite a bit here. Nikki Sloane wrote a story that is brilliant in its own way and just a bit different for its readers.
First Line
A loud insistent banging came from my front door, caused by an angry fist, and I froze.
The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Clay
Architect, Driven, A trained Dominant and a planner in all things. He is also emotionally constipated. He is more about pain than necessarily pleasure.
The Hero: Travis
A dominant in training, a Vet and Doctor, he is more of a alpha mellow in nature. Has a soft spot for women and is all about pleasure over pain.
The Heroine: Lilith
Explorative sexuality, not looking for love or a serious relationship, but embraces casual relationships as long as emotion doesn't get involved and loves animals and works in a Vet clinic.
Summary
When Lilith meets her next-door neighbor, she doesn't expect it to be a sexy nerd type that has alpha vibes surrounding him. He is a mix of oxymorons, but she is intrigued by him. When they come up with a mutual agreement for a cat ownership, Lilith and Clay build a trust of casual friendship and when Lilith learns that Clay is into building furniture for couples interested in Kink and the BDSM lifestyle, she is intrigued. And she and Clay enter into a relationship of domination and pleasure. When Clay brings in a third party to act as proxy for him when he is traveling, something more connects the three individuals in a way that none of them expect. But this relationship was built on casual sex and nothing serious as the heart getting involved, will Clay, Travis and Lilith find common ground that benefits them all or will it break what they have gradually built with each other?
What I Loved
This is a true menage but it's a menage that just happens and not with the characters going into the relationship with the intentions of being in a menage. The way that the story is set up in the beginning was so evoking and powerful and SEXY. First off we get to see some solid friendship bonds form between Clay and Ivy. And then the sex happens pretty quickly, Lilith is much braver than I could ever be. Despite how submissive she is in the bedroom, she is a bit of a cougar when it comes to attracting the male she wants, and that male is Clay. I love how accepting she is of the lifestyle and just wants to learn and experience the journey of exploring it all with Clay. The sex scenes in this one is SPICY. Just fair warning, maybe not listen to this one at work or in public or even read it. Nikki Sloane can definitely write her spice and its always so well done in her stories.
We also get the fun aspects of seeing so many emotional constipated characters learn to love and fight for that love. Its quite a treat to see how different each of them when it comes to falling in love. We have Clay who just rejects it and even pushes people away when it happens. Now with Clay in some ways I understood because he had a previous bad experience and it put him in a mindset that threw him off completely. But he doesn't handle ANY emotions haha and he doesn't know how to deal with any of it even on a most basic human level so that was very interesting. Than we have our heroine, Lilith, who can't do the love thing which is different from Clay. She can handle relationships but her issues are with she gets bored in relationships when serious emotion is involved. Than we have Travis, who was a bit difficult to get to the bottom of his emotional level. He is much more mature than the others and is like the balance wheel between Lilith and Clay. He understands emotion, has an emotional maturity the others don't have, and is able to handle love just fine.
The dynamic of the relationships that forms between the three was quite interesting. Because there isn't necessarily a strong sexual vibe between Clay and Travis. There is a strong friendship between them and nothing super sexual, at least not in the beginning, but towards the end of the story we are seeing some slow evolvement of that. So its not a straight MFM relationship. So if you struggle with that particular dynamic, and prefer MMF, than this one could work for you. Then we have the bonds that Lilith has with Travis and Clay. At first this is separated but eventually this tends to get mixed in. I really enjoyed how Lilith was the first one to fall first when she is the one rushing out of relationships when "love" happens haha but the true struggle is Clay and seeing Travis and Lilith work through their feelings and assisting Clay on it and allowing him to see that sometimes change happens that are unexpected. The later half of the book was my favorite aspect of the story though, I really felt that is where much of the emotional intimacy gets formed and enjoyed seeing their beautiful dynamic develop in those precious chapters.
What I Struggled With
So it has some elements to the relationship that might be a struggle for some to enjoy. I will be honest the way that this relationship is built, was not easy at times to read. Especially when one or really two? are so emotionally constipated. And I will be honest that this is the section of the story I truly had a hard time with. Particularly in how Clay brings Travis into the relationship when he is 'traveling'. Its a really odd set up to be honest, and there was something about it that threw me off and I just really struggled with how Clay treats Travis in the relationship. Travis is such a cinnamon roll at times and just didn't deserve how he gets treats at times in the relationship.
Narration
The narration on this is fabulous, and really the narration Nikki Slone has for all of these books are so well done. I just love the way that they capture the steam just right and the emotions of the character is so well portrayed. You can't help but be drawn in completely with the story.
Overall View
I found The Architect to be a superb read that will stoke up the flames, stir up emotion and heart and deliver completely for any romance reader!
Favorite Quote(s)
You want to be punished, don't you?"
When I nodded, he grinned.
"I hope you're not fragile."
Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Contemporary Romance, Erotic Romance
Character Types: Alpha Male, Alpha Mellow, Vet/Doctor, Architect
Themes: BDSM, Menage, Hot Smexy Times, Love of Animals, Next Door Neighbor, Sex Club
Tropes: Age Gap, Fling
Book Perspective
Mulitple POV's
Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
Relationship conflict
Song This Book Inspires
Earned It by The Weekend
Recommendation For Reading Order
You can read as standalones if needed.
Steam/Spice Explanations
Simmering cup of tea---soft warm touches and light intimacy
Warmin' by the fire- a medium level of sexual tension, a balance of sexual and emotional intimacy, lighter on the details in the sexual moments.
Steamin' up the room -the sexual content is more explicit in the language and tone, heavier amount of sexual scenes.
Blazing fire to the building-The prime focus is the sex scenes, scorching hot, and could burn one. Less focus on the emotional intimacy to the relationship.
Narrators:
Angelina Rocca, Brennan Landry
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
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:🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️.5
Intimacy Level: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Relationship Building: 💒💒💒💒
Heart & Feels:💞💞💞💞
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: 😂😂😂
Page Turner Level:📖📖📖📖
Ending:🧧🧧🧧🧧🧧
Overall View: ✨✨✨✨
First Impressions
Buckled is the second installment in the "Trails of Sin" series. And In Buckled, this is the story with the other twin, Jarret, who was hinted in the previous book who is also into kink especially with rope and riding crops. So I definitely was intrigued to see the growth of his story as the first book was such an impactful beginning and I was curious to see how this one would be executed. Even though this book didn't impress me as much as the first one, I still enjoyed it quite a bit. I will be honest in that the heroine was a struggle through this and I didn't understand her reasons for the third act conflict, it just didn't make sense. But overall I really enjoyed the story and the atmospheric feels and the plot being build up and we finally get to see Lorne freed from prison and I can't wait for his book especially after seeing Raina being introduced into the story and very curious how Pam Godwin will handle that scenario. But if you like plenty of inner relationship angst, then you will definitely have a blast with Buckled.
First Line
Some might say I'm unethical.
The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Jarret
The twin to Jake. He is the brother that had to watch those he loves go through hell, and was forged in fire into the man is today. He embrace kink and pleasure and isn't ashamed of his experiences but he yearns for the connection that he sees his brother and Conor have with each other. He is just waiting for the right woman.
The Heroine:Maybe
Maybe is on a mission, one she keeps secret. She is on a mission to discover the truth, is homeless due to circumstances out of her control and poses as a investigative journalist.
Summary
When Maybe and Jarret first meet, they meet at a bar, where Maybe sees the twins and is instantly drawn to Jarret, but its obvious that she is there under false pretenses and both the brothers see it very quickly. But there is a connection that Jarret feels for Maybe, and when he finds her following him, tensions quickly rise between them and she is determined to get to the truth. But what she doesn't expect is to be so drawn into the country life that Jarret brings her into, or the level of kink that will work fully for her. But as secrets rise between them, and time passes, both of them are keeping each other at a distance and when everything is revealed, it will put their relationship to a test in a way neither of them expects. But Jarret is a man that will wait for the woman he loves no matter how long it takes and fight for their relationship. But will Maybe learn to fight for them too?
What I Loved
There was so much to love in this book! I adored it. I did find that this book was a bit harder to get into, I am not sure if it was just me at the time of reading this book, my mood or if the way the heroine acts at times just threw me off. Or it could have been a combination, but despite my struggle with being fully engaged, I still had a blast of a time with this book. The first aspect that I loved is the connection of this family and seeing these badass brothers standing up to their father. We get some pieces of a puzzle as to who Raina is and man her story is going to be rough. From what we see from her, there is so much more going on with her than meets the eye and my intrigue is definitely engaged for her character. Than we have the way that Jarret is with Maybe. I adored how he pines for her and the way that he wants love and trust just like what his brother has, was beyond endearing. I love a man that is open to love and commitment. He definitely knows how to engage just right with Maybe. He knows that she is full of secrets and is determined to build that trust with them even if that means using his riding crop on her and boy does he know how to work it just right haha
If you are a fan of BDSM especially in a western theme setting, than you definitely will be drawn into this series especially as all of these boys definitely know how to work their women just right for BDSM. Its not super heavy though, not full BDSM scenes or anything, just enough to be part of their intimacy and builds a connection between them. Another aspect that I really enjoyed was the mystery surrounding the secrets with the heroine. We don't really see her true purpose until about halfway through the story so you definitely are pulled alongside with the hero and his family for this mystery. And the ending was so impactful. Man the author knows how to write such a satisfying ending while also leaving you fascinated for more.
What I Struggled With
So the main issue that I struggled with is the heroine and be forewarned this section does have a spoiler. So in this one we have a story that features a heroine that when everything comes out and she finally trusts the hero with the truth, she basically abandons him and its like for over a year. He is such a steady presence for her, but I didn't understand the time frame or why she took so long needing to come to terms with and it really had zero purpose. She is just existing in this time frame of putting the hero off and making him wait for her. She just seems to be wasting time for zero reasons other than the fact she has to face up to the truth. And literally it takes one moment of clarity and she finally is willing to be with the hero after he has waited for her for over a year and just been stringing him along. He was way more understanding that I feel like he should have been. She didn't have to grovel or anything. Its the distance and time that she forces on him that I wasn't a fan of. I totally understand needing time, especially with the secrets coming out, but it felt like through much of this "Space and Time" had no purpose to it. I would have much preferred more couple page time.
Overall View
Buckled is a sexy kinky romp that delivers on the family bonds, sexy feels and ends with a satisfying feel of connection and feels.
Favorite Quote(s)
A man cannot be good unless he possesses the capacity to be evil. Decency is a choice. It’s being tempted by hatred and following a different path no matter how difficult. It’s looking inward with a magnifying glass and acknowledging the flaws and weaknesses in one’s character
We don’t just love. We love hard, with every bone, sinew, and breath in our bodies.
“Take your space, your time, whatever you need. But I won’t let you take forever. That belongs to me. Your forever is mine.”
Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Contemporary Romance, Dark Romance
Character Types: Cowboy, Alpha Male, Anti Hero
Themes: Small Town, Pining Hero, BDSM, Secrets, Westerns
Tropes: Unrequited Love
Book Perspective
Duo POV
Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
Relationship Conflict---LOTS of drama from the heroine.
Song This Book Inspires
Hard to Love by Lee Brice
Recommendation For Reading Order
Yes I would recommend reading this series in order
Steam/Spice Explanations
Simmering cup of tea---soft warm touches and light intimacy
Warmin' by the fire- a medium level of sexual tension, a balance of sexual and emotional intimacy, lighter on the details in the sexual moments.
Steamin' up the room -the sexual content is more explicit in the language and tone, heavier amount of sexual scenes.
Blazing fire to the building-The prime focus is the sex scenes, scorching hot, and could burn one. Less focus on the emotional intimacy to the relationship.
Book Evaluation:
Plot: 🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️
World Building:🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎
Cover:📔📔📔📔📔
Hero: 🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻
Heroine:🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️.5
Intimacy Level: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Relationship Building: 💒💒💒💒
Heart & Feels:💞💞💞💞
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: 😂😂😂
Page Turner Level:📖📖📖📖
Ending:🧧🧧🧧🧧🧧
Overall View: ✨✨✨✨
First Impressions
Buckled is the second installment in the "Trails of Sin" series. And In Buckled, this is the story with the other twin, Jarret, who was hinted in the previous book who is also into kink especially with rope and riding crops. So I definitely was intrigued to see the growth of his story as the first book was such an impactful beginning and I was curious to see how this one would be executed. Even though this book didn't impress me as much as the first one, I still enjoyed it quite a bit. I will be honest in that the heroine was a struggle through this and I didn't understand her reasons for the third act conflict, it just didn't make sense. But overall I really enjoyed the story and the atmospheric feels and the plot being build up and we finally get to see Lorne freed from prison and I can't wait for his book especially after seeing Raina being introduced into the story and very curious how Pam Godwin will handle that scenario. But if you like plenty of inner relationship angst, then you will definitely have a blast with Buckled.
First Line
Some might say I'm unethical.
The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Jarret
The twin to Jake. He is the brother that had to watch those he loves go through hell, and was forged in fire into the man is today. He embrace kink and pleasure and isn't ashamed of his experiences but he yearns for the connection that he sees his brother and Conor have with each other. He is just waiting for the right woman.
The Heroine:Maybe
Maybe is on a mission, one she keeps secret. She is on a mission to discover the truth, is homeless due to circumstances out of her control and poses as a investigative journalist.
Summary
When Maybe and Jarret first meet, they meet at a bar, where Maybe sees the twins and is instantly drawn to Jarret, but its obvious that she is there under false pretenses and both the brothers see it very quickly. But there is a connection that Jarret feels for Maybe, and when he finds her following him, tensions quickly rise between them and she is determined to get to the truth. But what she doesn't expect is to be so drawn into the country life that Jarret brings her into, or the level of kink that will work fully for her. But as secrets rise between them, and time passes, both of them are keeping each other at a distance and when everything is revealed, it will put their relationship to a test in a way neither of them expects. But Jarret is a man that will wait for the woman he loves no matter how long it takes and fight for their relationship. But will Maybe learn to fight for them too?
What I Loved
There was so much to love in this book! I adored it. I did find that this book was a bit harder to get into, I am not sure if it was just me at the time of reading this book, my mood or if the way the heroine acts at times just threw me off. Or it could have been a combination, but despite my struggle with being fully engaged, I still had a blast of a time with this book. The first aspect that I loved is the connection of this family and seeing these badass brothers standing up to their father. We get some pieces of a puzzle as to who Raina is and man her story is going to be rough. From what we see from her, there is so much more going on with her than meets the eye and my intrigue is definitely engaged for her character. Than we have the way that Jarret is with Maybe. I adored how he pines for her and the way that he wants love and trust just like what his brother has, was beyond endearing. I love a man that is open to love and commitment. He definitely knows how to engage just right with Maybe. He knows that she is full of secrets and is determined to build that trust with them even if that means using his riding crop on her and boy does he know how to work it just right haha
If you are a fan of BDSM especially in a western theme setting, than you definitely will be drawn into this series especially as all of these boys definitely know how to work their women just right for BDSM. Its not super heavy though, not full BDSM scenes or anything, just enough to be part of their intimacy and builds a connection between them. Another aspect that I really enjoyed was the mystery surrounding the secrets with the heroine. We don't really see her true purpose until about halfway through the story so you definitely are pulled alongside with the hero and his family for this mystery. And the ending was so impactful. Man the author knows how to write such a satisfying ending while also leaving you fascinated for more.
What I Struggled With
So the main issue that I struggled with is the heroine and be forewarned this section does have a spoiler. So in this one we have a story that features a heroine that when everything comes out and she finally trusts the hero with the truth, she basically abandons him and its like for over a year. He is such a steady presence for her, but I didn't understand the time frame or why she took so long needing to come to terms with and it really had zero purpose. She is just existing in this time frame of putting the hero off and making him wait for her. She just seems to be wasting time for zero reasons other than the fact she has to face up to the truth. And literally it takes one moment of clarity and she finally is willing to be with the hero after he has waited for her for over a year and just been stringing him along. He was way more understanding that I feel like he should have been. She didn't have to grovel or anything. Its the distance and time that she forces on him that I wasn't a fan of. I totally understand needing time, especially with the secrets coming out, but it felt like through much of this "Space and Time" had no purpose to it. I would have much preferred more couple page time.
Overall View
Buckled is a sexy kinky romp that delivers on the family bonds, sexy feels and ends with a satisfying feel of connection and feels.
Favorite Quote(s)
A man cannot be good unless he possesses the capacity to be evil. Decency is a choice. It’s being tempted by hatred and following a different path no matter how difficult. It’s looking inward with a magnifying glass and acknowledging the flaws and weaknesses in one’s character
We don’t just love. We love hard, with every bone, sinew, and breath in our bodies.
“Take your space, your time, whatever you need. But I won’t let you take forever. That belongs to me. Your forever is mine.”
Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Contemporary Romance, Dark Romance
Character Types: Cowboy, Alpha Male, Anti Hero
Themes: Small Town, Pining Hero, BDSM, Secrets, Westerns
Tropes: Unrequited Love
Book Perspective
Duo POV
Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
Relationship Conflict---LOTS of drama from the heroine.
Song This Book Inspires
Hard to Love by Lee Brice
Recommendation For Reading Order
Yes I would recommend reading this series in order
Steam/Spice Explanations
Simmering cup of tea---soft warm touches and light intimacy
Warmin' by the fire- a medium level of sexual tension, a balance of sexual and emotional intimacy, lighter on the details in the sexual moments.
Steamin' up the room -the sexual content is more explicit in the language and tone, heavier amount of sexual scenes.
Blazing fire to the building-The prime focus is the sex scenes, scorching hot, and could burn one. Less focus on the emotional intimacy to the relationship.