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4.61k reviews by:
loverofromance
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
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
Contractually Yours if the 4th installment in the "Lasker Brothers" series but this is my first book from this author. I was recommended this book by a friend on bookstagram as she knows how much I adore arranged marriage. So I quickly grabbed this one up even though its the middle of a series, but from what I could tell, this series can be read as standalones. I also found that the blurb to this story to be so fascinating and the title alone held my fascination. This is a story though that really worked and we also see that both our hero and heroine have so much in common especially in how their families treat them. Its a story that really brings together both characters that are also wealthy in their own rights and such great competense porn to satisfy any reader.
First Line
Nobody should like murder when they're listening to "il est ne le divin enfant".
Summary
Sebastian and Lucianne first met when they were younger. Sebastian was in his early twenties and Lucianne when she is a teenager. The encounter is what emboldens Lucianne to battle the best against her family and not let their shenanigans win over her desire to claim what is hers and to hold her own against such betrayals living in a house of snakes that only want her money and nothing else. Now its been years later and Lucianne has never forgotten the man that gave her wise advice and when her fiancee is found cheating on her with her sister who has been her enemy since she was a teenager, there is one man that she would marry and makes a offer to his family. But what she doesn't know is that Sebastian's family forces him into a loveless marriage, and he vows for revenge against those that would force him into such a agreement. But as Sebastian and Lucianne come together in their marriage, there is an outside force working to undermine them but will they discover the culprit or will their marriage suffer the betrayals and secrets that are ahead for them?
What I Loved
I absolutely adored Contractually Yours. It was such a delight. There is something so fun about reading a arranged marriage. I really found this story so fascinating. What I really liked is that we got the story to start with these two characters meeting when they are young and just learning about themselves and their own strengths. We see them then as adults taking charge of their families companies and doing what is necessary to maintain control over their own lives. Both Sebastian and Lucianne come from families that are determined to control them but both of them have such passionate warrior hearts willing to do whatever it takes to be independent from their families desires for them and forge their own paths. They are much more alike than either of them realize.
I really found their chemistry just right, I loved how well they fit together even though their marriage is a bit rocky at first they also have such common ground with each other. And eventually they both see that for each other but it does take time. I also was endeared by the way in which they will protect each other from those that would undermine them. I really enjoyed their connection and what a great team they make together (tennis match is a prime example) and I loved the whole mystery behind the one trying to divide them and their business interests. It was quite a fun plot development. And the grovel at the end was just right and felt authentic in its moment although the heroine was a bit too hard on the hero, just sayin'.
What I Struggled With
The third act! LOL I really don't understand authors using this so much but honestly you could see this breakup happening from the very beginning of the story and there were some plot holes that happen throughout this one here. I was so saddened by it if I am being honest because there were just some answers I wanted our characters to get that they didn't receive. And I felt like the heroine should have forgiven the hero earlier than she did. She dragged it out way too much. The hero does bad sure, but he makes an effort to real show his love for her.
Overall View
Contractually Yours is a intellectually superb romance that delivered with so much heart, tenacity and compelling writing that left me yearning for more from this author!
Favorite Quote(s)
You are worth it, Lucienne Peery. You are the prize. I can do this over and over again until you believe that
“All’s fair in love and war. And this is love"
“if you don’t respect yourself enough to fight for what’s yours, everyone’ll just walk all over you. The first time asserting yourself is the hardest. But it gets easier.”
Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Contemporary Romance
Character Types: Billionaire, Alpha Male-Possessive, Groveling
Themes: Pining heroine, Secrets, Competense Porn
Tropes: Arranged Marriage, Blackmail, Forced Proximity, Revenge, Protector
Book Perspective
Duo POV
Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
Both
Song This Book Inspires
All of Me by John Legend
Recommendation For Reading Order
You can read as a standalone
Steam/Spice Explanations
Simmering cup of tea---soft warm touches and light intimacy
Warmin' by the fire- a medium level of sexual tension, a balance of sexual and emotional intimacy, lighter on the details in the sexual moments.
Steamin' up the room -the sexual content is more explicit in the language and tone, heavier amount of sexual scenes.
Blazing fire to the building-The prime focus is the sex scenes, scorching hot, and could burn one. Less focus on the emotional intimacy to the relationship.
Book Evaluation:
Plot: 🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️
World Building:🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎
Cover:📔📔📔
Hero: 🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻
Heroine:🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️.5
Intimacy Level: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Relationship Building: 💒💒💒💒
Heart & Feels:💞💞💞💞
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: 😂😂😂😂
Page Turner Level:📖📖📖📖📖
Ending:🧧🧧🧧🧧
Overall View: ✨✨✨✨
First Impressions
Contractually Yours if the 4th installment in the "Lasker Brothers" series but this is my first book from this author. I was recommended this book by a friend on bookstagram as she knows how much I adore arranged marriage. So I quickly grabbed this one up even though its the middle of a series, but from what I could tell, this series can be read as standalones. I also found that the blurb to this story to be so fascinating and the title alone held my fascination. This is a story though that really worked and we also see that both our hero and heroine have so much in common especially in how their families treat them. Its a story that really brings together both characters that are also wealthy in their own rights and such great competense porn to satisfy any reader.
First Line
Nobody should like murder when they're listening to "il est ne le divin enfant".
Summary
Sebastian and Lucianne first met when they were younger. Sebastian was in his early twenties and Lucianne when she is a teenager. The encounter is what emboldens Lucianne to battle the best against her family and not let their shenanigans win over her desire to claim what is hers and to hold her own against such betrayals living in a house of snakes that only want her money and nothing else. Now its been years later and Lucianne has never forgotten the man that gave her wise advice and when her fiancee is found cheating on her with her sister who has been her enemy since she was a teenager, there is one man that she would marry and makes a offer to his family. But what she doesn't know is that Sebastian's family forces him into a loveless marriage, and he vows for revenge against those that would force him into such a agreement. But as Sebastian and Lucianne come together in their marriage, there is an outside force working to undermine them but will they discover the culprit or will their marriage suffer the betrayals and secrets that are ahead for them?
What I Loved
I absolutely adored Contractually Yours. It was such a delight. There is something so fun about reading a arranged marriage. I really found this story so fascinating. What I really liked is that we got the story to start with these two characters meeting when they are young and just learning about themselves and their own strengths. We see them then as adults taking charge of their families companies and doing what is necessary to maintain control over their own lives. Both Sebastian and Lucianne come from families that are determined to control them but both of them have such passionate warrior hearts willing to do whatever it takes to be independent from their families desires for them and forge their own paths. They are much more alike than either of them realize.
I really found their chemistry just right, I loved how well they fit together even though their marriage is a bit rocky at first they also have such common ground with each other. And eventually they both see that for each other but it does take time. I also was endeared by the way in which they will protect each other from those that would undermine them. I really enjoyed their connection and what a great team they make together (tennis match is a prime example) and I loved the whole mystery behind the one trying to divide them and their business interests. It was quite a fun plot development. And the grovel at the end was just right and felt authentic in its moment although the heroine was a bit too hard on the hero, just sayin'.
What I Struggled With
The third act! LOL I really don't understand authors using this so much but honestly you could see this breakup happening from the very beginning of the story and there were some plot holes that happen throughout this one here. I was so saddened by it if I am being honest because there were just some answers I wanted our characters to get that they didn't receive. And I felt like the heroine should have forgiven the hero earlier than she did. She dragged it out way too much. The hero does bad sure, but he makes an effort to real show his love for her.
Overall View
Contractually Yours is a intellectually superb romance that delivered with so much heart, tenacity and compelling writing that left me yearning for more from this author!
Favorite Quote(s)
You are worth it, Lucienne Peery. You are the prize. I can do this over and over again until you believe that
“All’s fair in love and war. And this is love"
“if you don’t respect yourself enough to fight for what’s yours, everyone’ll just walk all over you. The first time asserting yourself is the hardest. But it gets easier.”
Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Contemporary Romance
Character Types: Billionaire, Alpha Male-Possessive, Groveling
Themes: Pining heroine, Secrets, Competense Porn
Tropes: Arranged Marriage, Blackmail, Forced Proximity, Revenge, Protector
Book Perspective
Duo POV
Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
Both
Song This Book Inspires
All of Me by John Legend
Recommendation For Reading Order
You can read as a standalone
Steam/Spice Explanations
Simmering cup of tea---soft warm touches and light intimacy
Warmin' by the fire- a medium level of sexual tension, a balance of sexual and emotional intimacy, lighter on the details in the sexual moments.
Steamin' up the room -the sexual content is more explicit in the language and tone, heavier amount of sexual scenes.
Blazing fire to the building-The prime focus is the sex scenes, scorching hot, and could burn one. Less focus on the emotional intimacy to the relationship.
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
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: ✨✨✨✨
First Impressions
Rogue is a book that has two novella's in it but is still a full-length novel overall, if you consider what this author writes a full-length novel. This one is such a kick ass novel, and it really builds in the intensity level. We really get to see two stories of couples that we have been wanting to see. I really felt like despite how short these stories are, they are well fleshed out regarding the relationship aspects that are built here.
What I Loved
I dearly loved this story, although its not my favorite installment in the series, it was quite a interesting dynamic on the two stories that we see implemented on this one here. I was so intrigued by what the author handled with these two stories. I will admit that I loved the heroine of Information Rogue and the hero of Desert Rogue the most. I became really endeared by these stories and we get hints for upcoming books that I am very eager to see come into place here. I will admit that the story that intrigued me the most was the later one with Desert Rogue, we get our lovely pirate of the desert who runs his caravan and I love what a protector he is. Both stories have such solid plot building so if you love some great action themes, then this will be a fascinating tale for you.
What I Struggled With
Some of the characters I wasn't super drawn into with. I wasn't super invested in the pairings that were matched up here. But I loved the heroes here. But these heroines took a while for me to like.
Overall View
I found Rogue to be a fascinating romance that was packed with thrills, sexy feels and atmospheric vibes that continues to hold my attention for more...
Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Science Fiction Romance
Character Types: Desert Pirate Alpha-Mellow
Themes: Kick Ass, Protector
Book Perspective
3rd POV
Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
A Mix of both
Song This Book Inspires
Bigger than the Whole Sky by Taylor Swift
Recommendation For Reading Order
Yes, you will want to read 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:🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️
Intimacy Level: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Relationship Building: 💒💒💒💒
Heart & Feels:💞💞💞💞
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: 😂😂😂
Page Turner Level:📖📖📖📖📖
Ending:🧧🧧🧧🧧
Overall View: ✨✨✨✨
First Impressions
Rogue is a book that has two novella's in it but is still a full-length novel overall, if you consider what this author writes a full-length novel. This one is such a kick ass novel, and it really builds in the intensity level. We really get to see two stories of couples that we have been wanting to see. I really felt like despite how short these stories are, they are well fleshed out regarding the relationship aspects that are built here.
What I Loved
I dearly loved this story, although its not my favorite installment in the series, it was quite a interesting dynamic on the two stories that we see implemented on this one here. I was so intrigued by what the author handled with these two stories. I will admit that I loved the heroine of Information Rogue and the hero of Desert Rogue the most. I became really endeared by these stories and we get hints for upcoming books that I am very eager to see come into place here. I will admit that the story that intrigued me the most was the later one with Desert Rogue, we get our lovely pirate of the desert who runs his caravan and I love what a protector he is. Both stories have such solid plot building so if you love some great action themes, then this will be a fascinating tale for you.
What I Struggled With
Some of the characters I wasn't super drawn into with. I wasn't super invested in the pairings that were matched up here. But I loved the heroes here. But these heroines took a while for me to like.
Overall View
I found Rogue to be a fascinating romance that was packed with thrills, sexy feels and atmospheric vibes that continues to hold my attention for more...
Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Science Fiction Romance
Character Types: Desert Pirate Alpha-Mellow
Themes: Kick Ass, Protector
Book Perspective
3rd POV
Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
A Mix of both
Song This Book Inspires
Bigger than the Whole Sky by Taylor Swift
Recommendation For Reading Order
Yes, you will want to read 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.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
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: 💒💒💒.5
Heart & Feels:💞💞💞.5
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: 😂😂😂
Page Turner Level:📖📖📖📖
Narration:🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧
Ending:🧧🧧🧧🧧
Overall View: ✨✨✨.5
First Impressions
Bound By Desire is a fascinating and highly emotional of a MC romance. This is a story that I knew would have plenty of angst in reference to the emotional drama especially in what we saw happening with the hero in the first book in the series. Deke is a hero that is a tough hero, because he is so full of anger and has such a tortured soul and this book just broke my heart seeing how his family treats him and I just knew that there was so much more to his story than meets the eye and when everything is revealed, it will sweep you away into a vast arrays of intense emotions. You really see another side to this family and the MC and you just want to cheer Deke on to his road of happiness that he deserves and that Ravage just doesn't appreciate him. The romance is a delight though and really enjoyed how well these two get along together. They really fit just right.
First Line
The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Deke
He is the son of G.T. and Casey. (Book 2 of the original MC series), as a teen he got lost in drug abuse but has now been clean for years and is away from his Ravage family. He is full of anger and devastation.
The Heroine: (Heroine's Name)
Rylie is a fighter and a warrior of her own. She works in security and knows how to fight and defend herself. She is strong, independent and lives a simple content life but yearns for something more with a man to love.
Summary
Deke Gavelson has moved on from the Ravage MC or so he thought. He lives to win in his fights and try to live with the anger that lives inside of him over the betrayal from the only family he has ever known. When his cousin gets into some trouble and comes to him, he is brought back into the Ravage MC and is faced with some tough decisions and having a battle that wages inside him over the truths of the past and never feeling like he is good enough for Ravage. And then he meets Rylie. Rylie works in security and knows how to fight and lives for it. She is brought into the Ravage MC fold with Princess which is where she meets Deke, whom she is drawn to and that anger that is buidling within him. As the truth becomes revealed, so will an enemy; Deke and Rylie will be faced with a challenge they won't be expecting but will their fierce love be enough to survive it?
What I Loved
Bound By Desire was such a interesting installment and is the most emotional of anything I have read from this author before. And it also showed a different perspective than what we normally see within this series. This is where we see another side to the MC which is a bit self righteous and you will struggle right along with Deke and his inner battles with his family at Ravage. For most of the book you wonder why the family is so against Deke. Yes he made mistakes as a teen, but doesn't everyone? I personally didn't really understand especially his father's position. I adored how his mother never loses faith in him though and sees the good in him even if everyone else doesn't.
The romance that develops is really well done. I will be honest in that I wasn't a fan of the heroine in the first half. She was so uniform and almost military in how she lives. She just didn't have much personality other than being able to kick ass. Which this is my issue with many kick ass heroines to be honest, they don't really show their vulnerabilities. Eventually we do get to see her shed those vulnerabilities and start to have true character when she meets Deke. Both Deke and Rylie are able to shed their tough shells and truly reveal themselves to each other. But Rylie was very hard to like through much of the story. She is very much like "Princess" and not my cup of tea but I did like her eventually in the third act.
The whole plot surrounding Deke was so fascinating. I really enjoyed how everything gets revealed and out of all the cousins, I just adored Cooper. I loved that he is able to set his reservations aside and get to the truth of what happened. Unlike many other members of the MC including Deke's Father. I really struggled with G.T. in this one and I couldn't understand why he was so bitter against his son. Deke is so hurt and damaged by the harm his father caused him. Seeing him work through that emotional damage and find his place among the MC. And his devotion and love for Rylie was so inspiring and I can't wait to read his cousins story because whew that one is going to be intense and wild.
What I Struggled With
The heroine!!! haha I struggled so much with her character and much of it is because she has NO life. haha She is almost military in how she lives her life. She pretty much lives to fight and nothing else.
Narration
I adored this narration so much! This author picked such good narrators to narrate her stories, they just pull me into the stories so well. And are definitely a plus to how much I enjoyed the story. They really portray the characters so well in such a relatable way and builds on the intensity of the world building of the story.
Overall View
Bound By Desire is such a fantastic installment that delivers on deep emotion, tugs at your heartstrings and builds in its climax for a vibrant level of intensity.
Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Contemporary Romance, Dark Romance
Character Types: MMA Fighter, Bodyguard/Security, Bikers, Tortured Hero
Themes: Motorcycle Club, Kick Ass
Book Perspective
Duo POV's
Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
Plot Conflict, relationship conflict is minimal
Song This Book Inspires
I'm Going Show You Crazy by Bebe Rexha
Recommendation For Reading Order
Yes, I do recommend reading this series in order. You can read as standalone, but you will get more from these books if you read them in order due to the character connections.
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:
Aiden Snow
Tatiana Sokolov
Book Evaluation:
Plot: 🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️
World Building:🌎🌎🌎🌎
Cover:📔📔📔📔
Hero: 🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻
Heroine:🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️.5
Intimacy Level: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Relationship Building: 💒💒💒.5
Heart & Feels:💞💞💞.5
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: 😂😂😂
Page Turner Level:📖📖📖📖
Narration:🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧
Ending:🧧🧧🧧🧧
Overall View: ✨✨✨.5
First Impressions
Bound By Desire is a fascinating and highly emotional of a MC romance. This is a story that I knew would have plenty of angst in reference to the emotional drama especially in what we saw happening with the hero in the first book in the series. Deke is a hero that is a tough hero, because he is so full of anger and has such a tortured soul and this book just broke my heart seeing how his family treats him and I just knew that there was so much more to his story than meets the eye and when everything is revealed, it will sweep you away into a vast arrays of intense emotions. You really see another side to this family and the MC and you just want to cheer Deke on to his road of happiness that he deserves and that Ravage just doesn't appreciate him. The romance is a delight though and really enjoyed how well these two get along together. They really fit just right.
First Line
The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Deke
He is the son of G.T. and Casey. (Book 2 of the original MC series), as a teen he got lost in drug abuse but has now been clean for years and is away from his Ravage family. He is full of anger and devastation.
The Heroine: (Heroine's Name)
Rylie is a fighter and a warrior of her own. She works in security and knows how to fight and defend herself. She is strong, independent and lives a simple content life but yearns for something more with a man to love.
Summary
Deke Gavelson has moved on from the Ravage MC or so he thought. He lives to win in his fights and try to live with the anger that lives inside of him over the betrayal from the only family he has ever known. When his cousin gets into some trouble and comes to him, he is brought back into the Ravage MC and is faced with some tough decisions and having a battle that wages inside him over the truths of the past and never feeling like he is good enough for Ravage. And then he meets Rylie. Rylie works in security and knows how to fight and lives for it. She is brought into the Ravage MC fold with Princess which is where she meets Deke, whom she is drawn to and that anger that is buidling within him. As the truth becomes revealed, so will an enemy; Deke and Rylie will be faced with a challenge they won't be expecting but will their fierce love be enough to survive it?
What I Loved
Bound By Desire was such a interesting installment and is the most emotional of anything I have read from this author before. And it also showed a different perspective than what we normally see within this series. This is where we see another side to the MC which is a bit self righteous and you will struggle right along with Deke and his inner battles with his family at Ravage. For most of the book you wonder why the family is so against Deke. Yes he made mistakes as a teen, but doesn't everyone? I personally didn't really understand especially his father's position. I adored how his mother never loses faith in him though and sees the good in him even if everyone else doesn't.
The romance that develops is really well done. I will be honest in that I wasn't a fan of the heroine in the first half. She was so uniform and almost military in how she lives. She just didn't have much personality other than being able to kick ass. Which this is my issue with many kick ass heroines to be honest, they don't really show their vulnerabilities. Eventually we do get to see her shed those vulnerabilities and start to have true character when she meets Deke. Both Deke and Rylie are able to shed their tough shells and truly reveal themselves to each other. But Rylie was very hard to like through much of the story. She is very much like "Princess" and not my cup of tea but I did like her eventually in the third act.
The whole plot surrounding Deke was so fascinating. I really enjoyed how everything gets revealed and out of all the cousins, I just adored Cooper. I loved that he is able to set his reservations aside and get to the truth of what happened. Unlike many other members of the MC including Deke's Father. I really struggled with G.T. in this one and I couldn't understand why he was so bitter against his son. Deke is so hurt and damaged by the harm his father caused him. Seeing him work through that emotional damage and find his place among the MC. And his devotion and love for Rylie was so inspiring and I can't wait to read his cousins story because whew that one is going to be intense and wild.
What I Struggled With
The heroine!!! haha I struggled so much with her character and much of it is because she has NO life. haha She is almost military in how she lives her life. She pretty much lives to fight and nothing else.
Narration
I adored this narration so much! This author picked such good narrators to narrate her stories, they just pull me into the stories so well. And are definitely a plus to how much I enjoyed the story. They really portray the characters so well in such a relatable way and builds on the intensity of the world building of the story.
Overall View
Bound By Desire is such a fantastic installment that delivers on deep emotion, tugs at your heartstrings and builds in its climax for a vibrant level of intensity.
Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Contemporary Romance, Dark Romance
Character Types: MMA Fighter, Bodyguard/Security, Bikers, Tortured Hero
Themes: Motorcycle Club, Kick Ass
Book Perspective
Duo POV's
Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
Plot Conflict, relationship conflict is minimal
Song This Book Inspires
I'm Going Show You Crazy by Bebe Rexha
Recommendation For Reading Order
Yes, I do recommend reading this series in order. You can read as standalone, but you will get more from these books if you read them in order due to the character connections.
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:
Aiden Snow
Tatiana Sokolov
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
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 (Jamie): 🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻
Hero (Wes): 🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻
Intimacy Level: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Relationship Building: 💒💒💒💒💒
Heart & Feels:💞💞💞💞💞
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: 😂😂😂😂😂
Page Turner Level:📖📖📖📖📖
Narration:🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧
Ending:🧧🧧🧧🧧🧧
Overall View: ✨✨✨✨.5
First Impressions
Him is the first book in the "Him" series and this is a series that focuses on Jamie and Wes and their epic love story. Him is their first book and does deliver a HFN ending which will lead you to wanting to read "Us" which is book 2. I have been wanting to read Him for the longest time, its been on all of the top romance book lists for the longest time, almost ten years now and I am finally getting to this one. I have to say that this book was so special and it will stay with me for quite some time. I was lucky enough to listen to this one in audio and it was so worth it. I absolutely adored it in every way. Him was a story that I can see why it has been so hyped. Its hyped in a very different way than your typical romance, and I fell so hard for these boys in Him. There was such charm to this story while being combined with such heart on each page. I fell so hard for Jamie and Wes and I can't wait to see what is ahead for them.
First Line
The coffee shop line is a little long, but I know I'll make it to the rink on time.
Summary
Jamie Canning never got the answers to his questions on why his best friend, Ryan Wesley, abandoned their friendship and cut their friendship off shortly after something more happened between them on a night of being drunk. His focus is his game on the ice but when during a competition, they are in the same city and they end up in the same hotel and run into each other and Jamie wants to rekindle that friendship. Ryan Wesley has never forgotten Jamie, but he is gay and Jamie is straight and he has always regretted pushing his friend into something more that he obviously isn't and has had to keep his heart closed off from the hurt of having to let go of Jamie who holds his heart. But when they are back together, being trainers at a hockey camp for potential athletes in the sport, they reconnect in a way neither of them imagined, but can love last between them despite the odds against them?
What I Loved
Him is such a beautiful read and I absolutely had a blast with these two. I honestly didn't know what to expect with this one, and I am not sure if its the book itself or if its the audio narration or even a combination of both, but I fell so hard for this one. There was something so captivating about the relationship between Jamie and Wes. Seeing all the pining and longing was so heartfelt and my heart broke for these two. On one hand we have Jamie, who didn't understand them not speaking, only was ignored and neglected. And then we have Wes, who has known the pain of coming out of the closet and not being supported in who he is or the man he has become. He has felt the brunt of the worst human behavior and not see that much good until he met Jamie.
Wes and Jamie come from very different worlds, but their friendship has never weakened despite the separation that they have had. The way that they are able to just click after being apart for so long, you can see that they have the type of bond that never dies. I love the sense of heart that you feel every time that they are together and how they are able to balance each other out just right. I love the way that they are when they are together. There is definitely some great spice levels in this book but I really enjoyed the level of playfulness that they have especially when they are competing. They understand their sport, each other and the way they give and take is such beautifully focused on. You never know what a couple of authors will do when they get together but Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy are such a powerhouse together and delivered such an impactful story. And that ending just stole my heart, especially Jamie's family, the way they accept Wes so readily just broke my heart that he has never had such support from his loved ones but glad he has Jamie's family now.
What I Struggled With
There wasn't anything I struggled with persay, was it a complete five star read, no but it got close to one. There could have been a bit more heart over sex. There is a lot of sex in this book haha
Narration
Teddy Hamilton and Jacob Morgan are a dream together! Having them both narrate together is perfection, they really made these characters come alive in such a way that you feel every emotion and motivation behind every action these main characters do. I could listen to these two all day and you can bet I will be doing the companion novel in audio too.
Overall View
Him is a precious installment that delivered a poignant sexy romance that delivers in seeing the heartbreak as well as the joys that can come in a relationship of intimacy and spice.
Favorite Quote(s)
Jamie laughs at me. And then he kisses me. I lock my hands at the nape of his neck and tug him closer. Warm skin slides against mine, and I know I’m home. Because home is with him.
Our mouths fit together so perfectly. Every time we kiss, I fall even more in love with him, and it has nothing to do with sex or lust. It's him. His closeness and his scent and the way he soothes me.
Jamie doesn’t leave my side, though. He and I are the calm eye of a friendly, familial hurricane. And I hope the storm will never pass.
Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Contemporary Romance
Character Types: Athlete
Themes: Sports-Hockey, MM Love, Pining Hero
Tropes: Unrequited Lovers, Friends to Lovers, Second Chance
Book Perspective
Duo POV
Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
Relationship tension more of a focus.
Song This Book Inspires
No One Compares to You by Jack & Jack
Recommendation For Reading Order
Yes I would say you need to read this 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 (Jamie): 🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻
Hero (Wes): 🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻
Intimacy Level: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Relationship Building: 💒💒💒💒💒
Heart & Feels:💞💞💞💞💞
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: 😂😂😂😂😂
Page Turner Level:📖📖📖📖📖
Narration:🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧
Ending:🧧🧧🧧🧧🧧
Overall View: ✨✨✨✨.5
First Impressions
Him is the first book in the "Him" series and this is a series that focuses on Jamie and Wes and their epic love story. Him is their first book and does deliver a HFN ending which will lead you to wanting to read "Us" which is book 2. I have been wanting to read Him for the longest time, its been on all of the top romance book lists for the longest time, almost ten years now and I am finally getting to this one. I have to say that this book was so special and it will stay with me for quite some time. I was lucky enough to listen to this one in audio and it was so worth it. I absolutely adored it in every way. Him was a story that I can see why it has been so hyped. Its hyped in a very different way than your typical romance, and I fell so hard for these boys in Him. There was such charm to this story while being combined with such heart on each page. I fell so hard for Jamie and Wes and I can't wait to see what is ahead for them.
First Line
The coffee shop line is a little long, but I know I'll make it to the rink on time.
Summary
Jamie Canning never got the answers to his questions on why his best friend, Ryan Wesley, abandoned their friendship and cut their friendship off shortly after something more happened between them on a night of being drunk. His focus is his game on the ice but when during a competition, they are in the same city and they end up in the same hotel and run into each other and Jamie wants to rekindle that friendship. Ryan Wesley has never forgotten Jamie, but he is gay and Jamie is straight and he has always regretted pushing his friend into something more that he obviously isn't and has had to keep his heart closed off from the hurt of having to let go of Jamie who holds his heart. But when they are back together, being trainers at a hockey camp for potential athletes in the sport, they reconnect in a way neither of them imagined, but can love last between them despite the odds against them?
What I Loved
Him is such a beautiful read and I absolutely had a blast with these two. I honestly didn't know what to expect with this one, and I am not sure if its the book itself or if its the audio narration or even a combination of both, but I fell so hard for this one. There was something so captivating about the relationship between Jamie and Wes. Seeing all the pining and longing was so heartfelt and my heart broke for these two. On one hand we have Jamie, who didn't understand them not speaking, only was ignored and neglected. And then we have Wes, who has known the pain of coming out of the closet and not being supported in who he is or the man he has become. He has felt the brunt of the worst human behavior and not see that much good until he met Jamie.
Wes and Jamie come from very different worlds, but their friendship has never weakened despite the separation that they have had. The way that they are able to just click after being apart for so long, you can see that they have the type of bond that never dies. I love the sense of heart that you feel every time that they are together and how they are able to balance each other out just right. I love the way that they are when they are together. There is definitely some great spice levels in this book but I really enjoyed the level of playfulness that they have especially when they are competing. They understand their sport, each other and the way they give and take is such beautifully focused on. You never know what a couple of authors will do when they get together but Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy are such a powerhouse together and delivered such an impactful story. And that ending just stole my heart, especially Jamie's family, the way they accept Wes so readily just broke my heart that he has never had such support from his loved ones but glad he has Jamie's family now.
What I Struggled With
There wasn't anything I struggled with persay, was it a complete five star read, no but it got close to one. There could have been a bit more heart over sex. There is a lot of sex in this book haha
Narration
Teddy Hamilton and Jacob Morgan are a dream together! Having them both narrate together is perfection, they really made these characters come alive in such a way that you feel every emotion and motivation behind every action these main characters do. I could listen to these two all day and you can bet I will be doing the companion novel in audio too.
Overall View
Him is a precious installment that delivered a poignant sexy romance that delivers in seeing the heartbreak as well as the joys that can come in a relationship of intimacy and spice.
Favorite Quote(s)
Jamie laughs at me. And then he kisses me. I lock my hands at the nape of his neck and tug him closer. Warm skin slides against mine, and I know I’m home. Because home is with him.
Our mouths fit together so perfectly. Every time we kiss, I fall even more in love with him, and it has nothing to do with sex or lust. It's him. His closeness and his scent and the way he soothes me.
Jamie doesn’t leave my side, though. He and I are the calm eye of a friendly, familial hurricane. And I hope the storm will never pass.
Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Contemporary Romance
Character Types: Athlete
Themes: Sports-Hockey, MM Love, Pining Hero
Tropes: Unrequited Lovers, Friends to Lovers, Second Chance
Book Perspective
Duo POV
Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
Relationship tension more of a focus.
Song This Book Inspires
No One Compares to You by Jack & Jack
Recommendation For Reading Order
Yes I would say you need to read this 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
adventurous
dark
emotional
fast-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: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Relationship Building: 💒💒💒💒💒
Heart & Feels:💞💞💞💞💞
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: 😂😂😂😂
Page Turner Level:📖📖📖📖📖
Ending:🧧🧧🧧🧧🧧
Overall View: ✨✨✨✨✨
First Impressions
Knotted is the first book in the "Trails of Sin" series and this is a trilogy about three cowboys who delve into kink for healing, the country is part of their soul and they will fight for the women that they love. Knotted is a book that I put off for a long while, mostly because I knew that the beginning was very rough and it gave me anxiety. But after finally picking up this book I fell so hard for this one here. I can't believe that I took so long to read it and has one of my favorite aspects in romance which is seeing BDSM as healing and not just as kink. This book can be for fans of dark romance, romantic suspense or a bit more gritty contemporary. As long as you aren't expecting a light and fluffy read, you will fall in love with this book. And I do think this book will appeal to most romance readers even if you don't normally read dark romance. Its pretty tame in comparison to some other books by this author.
First Line
The terrain of childhood shapes the soul, and the soul never forgets
The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Jake
He is the oldest of the brothers, was shaped as a teenager who had such dreams for the future which was dashed by betrayal and hurt and determination to protect his own shaped him into a force of nature.
The Heroine: Conor
She fell in love with a boy she knew all of her life, and their love was epic until betrayal damaged what they had and tore them apart. But Conor will fight for the man she loves and the only family she has ever known...
Summary
Jake and Conor grew up together and fell in love and were high school sweethearts. They had their whole lives planned and the future seemed so new and fresh and thrilling. But on the night that they were to experience their first night of sexual love but when they were attacked, and Conor was violently assaulted in the worst way and they lost more than just their innocence that night, truths were revealed and Conor was torn away from the man she loved, her brother put in prison and lived with a abused drunk father. But when she comes back to the man who always held her heart, Jake is not the boy she once knew, and when truths are revealed to her, she is determined to fight for their love, but Jake has more planned than just getting his girl back and revenge, he plans on showing Conor the path to healing so they can embrace their love fully with no boundaries...
What I Loved
Knotted is a story that will melt your heart in more ways than one. I didn't know what to expect fully in this one, I didn't really research any reviews on this one. I just knew it would have some difficult scenes in the beginning. But I have to say that Pam Godwin really upped her game with this book and it was SO different than anything I was expecting. Yes the beginning is rough to see, but the way that its all resolved and how this couple comes together was beyond endearing and just might be my favorite Pam Godwin romance.
Which is saying a lot since she has some amazing books, but there was something so much deeper to this one that just delivered on all fronts for me. I really enjoyed the growths of these characters and the way she sneaks the intrigue of the plot up on you, yeah the author works her magic in this book. I definitely didn't expect to learn what we learn in the later half of the story and the way that the hero is able to get Conor through the healing process, you just knew he did his research and was willing to do whatever it took to get her to a good place again. Loved these moments of healing that he puts her through and it ends up making Conor stronger than ever. Their story was so poignant and melted my heart in so many ways. I couldn't seem to get enough of it. And the way in which the BDSM elements were introduced, beautifully done! Bravo to Pam Godwin.
There is also some great family and friendship dynamics. I just know the next books are going to be as amazing. And there is something about a sexy cowboy who works his BDSM magic on his woman. And its done in a way that doesn't overwhelm the story or the relationship. The author really implements these aspects so delicately that it just works like magic. And the plot of the story, kept me on my toes. I loved seeing everything that gets revealed and I just broke for the heroine. She had it the worst because of how much she was kept in the dark and had to deal with so much darkness before any light shone through. But once that light happens for her, is where the story really delivered on all fronts for me.
What I Struggled With
Nothing if I am being honest, it was pure perfection!
Overall View
Knotted is a deliciously executed romance that delivers on suspense, epic love and fighting for those you love no matter what it takes! ALL THE STARS!
Favorite Quote(s)
We’re an existence that can’t be measured. It doesn’t matter where she is or what I’ve done. We’ll always come back to this place. A place that can’t be found on a map or a time line. Nothing in the world can touch us here.
I am not broken. You don't need me to fix you. You need me to sit with you in the sadness."
Legs tangled. Breaths melded. Hearts knotted together. Mine.
She’s the best parts of my past come to life. Like a phantom dream. Except I know this is real. Because I’m more in love with the woman in my arms than my memories of her.
We're a feeling that goes beyond starts and stops. We're stronger than hellos and goodbyes and deeper than beginnings and ends. We're an existence that can't be measures.
Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense, Dark Romance
Character Types: Cowboy, Vet Doctor (student), Abused,
Themes: Small Town, Tear Jerker, Danger/Suspense, Heart/Touching, BDSM as Healing, Book Boyfriend, Family Bonds, Favorite Heroines, Western, PTSD
Tropes: Second chance, Friends to Lovers, Childhood Sweethearts
Book Perspective
Duo POV's
Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
A mix of both but well balanced
Song This Book Inspires
Whiskey and You by Chris Stapelton
Recommendation For Reading Order
Yes, its recommended to read these in order
Steam/Spice Explanations
Simmering cup of tea---soft warm touches and light intimacy
Warmin' by the fire- a medium level of sexual tension, a balance of sexual and emotional intimacy, lighter on the details in the sexual moments.
Steamin' up the room -the sexual content is more explicit in the language and tone, heavier amount of sexual scenes.
Blazing fire to the building-The prime focus is the sex scenes, scorching hot, and could burn one. Less focus on the emotional intimacy to the relationship.
Book Evaluation:
Plot: 🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️
World Building:🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎
Cover:📔📔📔📔📔
Hero: 🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻
Heroine:🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️
Intimacy Level: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Relationship Building: 💒💒💒💒💒
Heart & Feels:💞💞💞💞💞
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: 😂😂😂😂
Page Turner Level:📖📖📖📖📖
Ending:🧧🧧🧧🧧🧧
Overall View: ✨✨✨✨✨
First Impressions
Knotted is the first book in the "Trails of Sin" series and this is a trilogy about three cowboys who delve into kink for healing, the country is part of their soul and they will fight for the women that they love. Knotted is a book that I put off for a long while, mostly because I knew that the beginning was very rough and it gave me anxiety. But after finally picking up this book I fell so hard for this one here. I can't believe that I took so long to read it and has one of my favorite aspects in romance which is seeing BDSM as healing and not just as kink. This book can be for fans of dark romance, romantic suspense or a bit more gritty contemporary. As long as you aren't expecting a light and fluffy read, you will fall in love with this book. And I do think this book will appeal to most romance readers even if you don't normally read dark romance. Its pretty tame in comparison to some other books by this author.
First Line
The terrain of childhood shapes the soul, and the soul never forgets
The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Jake
He is the oldest of the brothers, was shaped as a teenager who had such dreams for the future which was dashed by betrayal and hurt and determination to protect his own shaped him into a force of nature.
The Heroine: Conor
She fell in love with a boy she knew all of her life, and their love was epic until betrayal damaged what they had and tore them apart. But Conor will fight for the man she loves and the only family she has ever known...
Summary
Jake and Conor grew up together and fell in love and were high school sweethearts. They had their whole lives planned and the future seemed so new and fresh and thrilling. But on the night that they were to experience their first night of sexual love but when they were attacked, and Conor was violently assaulted in the worst way and they lost more than just their innocence that night, truths were revealed and Conor was torn away from the man she loved, her brother put in prison and lived with a abused drunk father. But when she comes back to the man who always held her heart, Jake is not the boy she once knew, and when truths are revealed to her, she is determined to fight for their love, but Jake has more planned than just getting his girl back and revenge, he plans on showing Conor the path to healing so they can embrace their love fully with no boundaries...
What I Loved
Knotted is a story that will melt your heart in more ways than one. I didn't know what to expect fully in this one, I didn't really research any reviews on this one. I just knew it would have some difficult scenes in the beginning. But I have to say that Pam Godwin really upped her game with this book and it was SO different than anything I was expecting. Yes the beginning is rough to see, but the way that its all resolved and how this couple comes together was beyond endearing and just might be my favorite Pam Godwin romance.
Which is saying a lot since she has some amazing books, but there was something so much deeper to this one that just delivered on all fronts for me. I really enjoyed the growths of these characters and the way she sneaks the intrigue of the plot up on you, yeah the author works her magic in this book. I definitely didn't expect to learn what we learn in the later half of the story and the way that the hero is able to get Conor through the healing process, you just knew he did his research and was willing to do whatever it took to get her to a good place again. Loved these moments of healing that he puts her through and it ends up making Conor stronger than ever. Their story was so poignant and melted my heart in so many ways. I couldn't seem to get enough of it. And the way in which the BDSM elements were introduced, beautifully done! Bravo to Pam Godwin.
There is also some great family and friendship dynamics. I just know the next books are going to be as amazing. And there is something about a sexy cowboy who works his BDSM magic on his woman. And its done in a way that doesn't overwhelm the story or the relationship. The author really implements these aspects so delicately that it just works like magic. And the plot of the story, kept me on my toes. I loved seeing everything that gets revealed and I just broke for the heroine. She had it the worst because of how much she was kept in the dark and had to deal with so much darkness before any light shone through. But once that light happens for her, is where the story really delivered on all fronts for me.
What I Struggled With
Nothing if I am being honest, it was pure perfection!
Overall View
Knotted is a deliciously executed romance that delivers on suspense, epic love and fighting for those you love no matter what it takes! ALL THE STARS!
Favorite Quote(s)
We’re an existence that can’t be measured. It doesn’t matter where she is or what I’ve done. We’ll always come back to this place. A place that can’t be found on a map or a time line. Nothing in the world can touch us here.
I am not broken. You don't need me to fix you. You need me to sit with you in the sadness."
Legs tangled. Breaths melded. Hearts knotted together. Mine.
She’s the best parts of my past come to life. Like a phantom dream. Except I know this is real. Because I’m more in love with the woman in my arms than my memories of her.
We're a feeling that goes beyond starts and stops. We're stronger than hellos and goodbyes and deeper than beginnings and ends. We're an existence that can't be measures.
Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense, Dark Romance
Character Types: Cowboy, Vet Doctor (student), Abused,
Themes: Small Town, Tear Jerker, Danger/Suspense, Heart/Touching, BDSM as Healing, Book Boyfriend, Family Bonds, Favorite Heroines, Western, PTSD
Tropes: Second chance, Friends to Lovers, Childhood Sweethearts
Book Perspective
Duo POV's
Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
A mix of both but well balanced
Song This Book Inspires
Whiskey and You by Chris Stapelton
Recommendation For Reading Order
Yes, its recommended to read these in order
Steam/Spice Explanations
Simmering cup of tea---soft warm touches and light intimacy
Warmin' by the fire- a medium level of sexual tension, a balance of sexual and emotional intimacy, lighter on the details in the sexual moments.
Steamin' up the room -the sexual content is more explicit in the language and tone, heavier amount of sexual scenes.
Blazing fire to the building-The prime focus is the sex scenes, scorching hot, and could burn one. Less focus on the emotional intimacy to the relationship.
emotional
funny
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: 🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️.5
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
Cuffed is the 1st book in the "Everyday Heroes" series and in this one here we have the oldest brother, who has taken after his father in the career department. This series focuses on a family of three sons who dedicate themselves to civic service and each son has a field that they go into: Law Enforcement, Fire Department and Air Rescue. In Cuffed, our hero is the son working on a career in Law Enforcement and this is also a second chance romance between him and a childhood friend and they were torn apart by circumstances and now our lovely heroine, has come back to the town that she grew up in for a fresh start and to settle down roots and for something more that she won't even admit to but knows what is drawing her back, and that is the one boy she never forgot.
First Line
My tummy feels icky, and if I look at Emmy, she'll know I've been crying.
The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Grant Malone
Oldest of the Malone boys, working on building his career and getting a promotion to Detective. He is driven, hard working, loves his sex, and has a compassionate heart and protective to a fault.
The Heroine: Emmy Reeves
Emmy, is a free spirit, she has never had a home to call her own. She has trauma and past abuses she is still working through, but building her own business in jumping out of planes and has no shame in never being in relationship and settling for one night stands.
Summary
Grant Malone and Emmy Reeves were childhood best friends. They were also next door neighbors. They had a deep connection even as children. But when they were seven, Grant learned a secret about Emmy. A secret he wasn't able to keep to himself because even then he was a protector and his girl was being hurt and in trouble. But Emmy saw it as a betrayal and she and her mom left town after it was all over. Now its years later, Grant and Emmy are mature adults but there are past issues between them to be resolved. When Grant sees Emmy and she runs away from him, he is determined to reconnect with Emmy and see why she is back and why she would run from him of all people. But Emmy has walls around her heart, she shields herself from anything that could risk her having to trust Grant again, she is still hurt by his betrayal and it has shaped her all of these years. But Grant is determined to win his girl no matter what it takes. But will Grant and Emmy be able to resolve the past mistakes and find a future together as both have always dreamed of?
What I Loved
This book was delicious in every way, I absolutely adored every single moment between these two! K. Bromberg definitely knows how to write such a solid story and she entertains so much. Reading this trilogy is making me realize how much I adore her books and her writing style and why she always works for me. Cuffed is a story where we really get to see the oldest in his prime and see how he and his girl are brought together. We get some flashbacks but honestly I didn't mind them at all. And I normally hate flashbacks, they were just really short and seemed to blend so well with the story that I barely even noticed them. And this is the type of second chance romance setups I actually really love to see and definitely makes sense in how its written as these two were seperated through outside forces and it happened when they were children.
I really found their dynamic so fascinating though. Their bantering was delicious, hilarious and lively. They are opposites in many respects, but they know how to fight so well and really have this healthy competition with each other that was amusing at its core. They both give and take and never back down from what they believe in. They have powerful chemistry that lights a fire on the page but have such poignant moments between them that just tie them on deep entrenching levels, which as a reader, you will become addicted to. They have serious issues to work through in this story though. There is pain and regrets that stand in the way of their HEA and I really enjoyed seeing how it all plays out in the end.
We also see a bit of a side story with Grant and a case that he is working on that really makes sense over the guilt he has over what happened with Emmy when they were children. I really enjoyed the multi dimensional layers that we see within his character and seeing him face up to his own pain that cost him his best friend because he wanted to do the right thing so she could be safe even if it cost him her friendship and love. Emmy has her own reservations to deal with, she has many trust issues that she needs to resolve and unanswered questions that being with Grant will lead to getting for her and so that she receives the closure that she needs to heal fully.
Both the characters have such solid strengths that have made them into people of drive and fortitude in their lives and seeing them let go of the barriers and show each other their vulnerabilities and be real with each other on deeper levels is what elevated this book to such a high rating for me. Their connection is so vibrant especially when they let go of past barriers and that ending....EPICALLY BEAUTIFUL!
What I Struggled With
There wasn't much that I actually struggled with. I didn't seem to understand the heroine though in some of her actions though, especially in the beginning. Her character might turn off some readers.
Overall View
Cuffed is a sensational romance that digs deep into serious issues, balanced out with charm and fun banter, and will deliver a satisfying gem of a romance!
Favorite Quote(s)
We forget the memories and just chase the moments.
Grant Malone seems to be the only one I’ll allow to upend my world. First to save me. And now to show me what it’s like to feel.
He brings calm to the chaos spinning out of control around me and within me. For the first time in a very, very long time, I allow myself to accept that. To accept him. To welcome it rather than push it away.
I stay like that for a few moments, caught between the push and pull of needing her to stay and never wanting her to feel pain again. Crushed by the realization that somehow I’m the one causing the discord in her life.
My need to show her she isn’t alone, that she’s beautiful inside and out takes hold.
I’m riding a high like I’ve never known before. Cheating death. Proving to her I trust her. Facing a fear. Everything. And all I can think about is claiming the goddamn prize of Emerson Reeves because adrenaline definitely has my blood pumping and is intensifying my need to have her.
“I’ve survived this far by closing myself off and not allowing myself to feel . . . and then you enter my life with your lights and sirens blazing, and it’s as if you’ve handcuffed me so that I can’t escape from you.
You’re not alone anymore, Emerson. You never were.
Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Contemporary Romance
Character Types: Law Enforcement, Dare Devil, Alpha Mellow, Protector
Themes: All the Feels, Childhood Ties, Family Bonds, All the Heart, PTSD, Tear Jerker, Witty Banter
Tropes: Second Chance
Book Perspective
Duo POV
Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
Relationship Conflict is more focused on that outer plot workings
Recommendation For Reading Order
You can read these as standalones if needed.
Song This Book Inspires
There You'll Be by Faith Hill
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: 🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️.5
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
Cuffed is the 1st book in the "Everyday Heroes" series and in this one here we have the oldest brother, who has taken after his father in the career department. This series focuses on a family of three sons who dedicate themselves to civic service and each son has a field that they go into: Law Enforcement, Fire Department and Air Rescue. In Cuffed, our hero is the son working on a career in Law Enforcement and this is also a second chance romance between him and a childhood friend and they were torn apart by circumstances and now our lovely heroine, has come back to the town that she grew up in for a fresh start and to settle down roots and for something more that she won't even admit to but knows what is drawing her back, and that is the one boy she never forgot.
First Line
My tummy feels icky, and if I look at Emmy, she'll know I've been crying.
The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Grant Malone
Oldest of the Malone boys, working on building his career and getting a promotion to Detective. He is driven, hard working, loves his sex, and has a compassionate heart and protective to a fault.
The Heroine: Emmy Reeves
Emmy, is a free spirit, she has never had a home to call her own. She has trauma and past abuses she is still working through, but building her own business in jumping out of planes and has no shame in never being in relationship and settling for one night stands.
Summary
Grant Malone and Emmy Reeves were childhood best friends. They were also next door neighbors. They had a deep connection even as children. But when they were seven, Grant learned a secret about Emmy. A secret he wasn't able to keep to himself because even then he was a protector and his girl was being hurt and in trouble. But Emmy saw it as a betrayal and she and her mom left town after it was all over. Now its years later, Grant and Emmy are mature adults but there are past issues between them to be resolved. When Grant sees Emmy and she runs away from him, he is determined to reconnect with Emmy and see why she is back and why she would run from him of all people. But Emmy has walls around her heart, she shields herself from anything that could risk her having to trust Grant again, she is still hurt by his betrayal and it has shaped her all of these years. But Grant is determined to win his girl no matter what it takes. But will Grant and Emmy be able to resolve the past mistakes and find a future together as both have always dreamed of?
What I Loved
This book was delicious in every way, I absolutely adored every single moment between these two! K. Bromberg definitely knows how to write such a solid story and she entertains so much. Reading this trilogy is making me realize how much I adore her books and her writing style and why she always works for me. Cuffed is a story where we really get to see the oldest in his prime and see how he and his girl are brought together. We get some flashbacks but honestly I didn't mind them at all. And I normally hate flashbacks, they were just really short and seemed to blend so well with the story that I barely even noticed them. And this is the type of second chance romance setups I actually really love to see and definitely makes sense in how its written as these two were seperated through outside forces and it happened when they were children.
I really found their dynamic so fascinating though. Their bantering was delicious, hilarious and lively. They are opposites in many respects, but they know how to fight so well and really have this healthy competition with each other that was amusing at its core. They both give and take and never back down from what they believe in. They have powerful chemistry that lights a fire on the page but have such poignant moments between them that just tie them on deep entrenching levels, which as a reader, you will become addicted to. They have serious issues to work through in this story though. There is pain and regrets that stand in the way of their HEA and I really enjoyed seeing how it all plays out in the end.
We also see a bit of a side story with Grant and a case that he is working on that really makes sense over the guilt he has over what happened with Emmy when they were children. I really enjoyed the multi dimensional layers that we see within his character and seeing him face up to his own pain that cost him his best friend because he wanted to do the right thing so she could be safe even if it cost him her friendship and love. Emmy has her own reservations to deal with, she has many trust issues that she needs to resolve and unanswered questions that being with Grant will lead to getting for her and so that she receives the closure that she needs to heal fully.
Both the characters have such solid strengths that have made them into people of drive and fortitude in their lives and seeing them let go of the barriers and show each other their vulnerabilities and be real with each other on deeper levels is what elevated this book to such a high rating for me. Their connection is so vibrant especially when they let go of past barriers and that ending....EPICALLY BEAUTIFUL!
What I Struggled With
There wasn't much that I actually struggled with. I didn't seem to understand the heroine though in some of her actions though, especially in the beginning. Her character might turn off some readers.
Overall View
Cuffed is a sensational romance that digs deep into serious issues, balanced out with charm and fun banter, and will deliver a satisfying gem of a romance!
Favorite Quote(s)
We forget the memories and just chase the moments.
Grant Malone seems to be the only one I’ll allow to upend my world. First to save me. And now to show me what it’s like to feel.
He brings calm to the chaos spinning out of control around me and within me. For the first time in a very, very long time, I allow myself to accept that. To accept him. To welcome it rather than push it away.
I stay like that for a few moments, caught between the push and pull of needing her to stay and never wanting her to feel pain again. Crushed by the realization that somehow I’m the one causing the discord in her life.
My need to show her she isn’t alone, that she’s beautiful inside and out takes hold.
I’m riding a high like I’ve never known before. Cheating death. Proving to her I trust her. Facing a fear. Everything. And all I can think about is claiming the goddamn prize of Emerson Reeves because adrenaline definitely has my blood pumping and is intensifying my need to have her.
“I’ve survived this far by closing myself off and not allowing myself to feel . . . and then you enter my life with your lights and sirens blazing, and it’s as if you’ve handcuffed me so that I can’t escape from you.
You’re not alone anymore, Emerson. You never were.
Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Contemporary Romance
Character Types: Law Enforcement, Dare Devil, Alpha Mellow, Protector
Themes: All the Feels, Childhood Ties, Family Bonds, All the Heart, PTSD, Tear Jerker, Witty Banter
Tropes: Second Chance
Book Perspective
Duo POV
Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
Relationship Conflict is more focused on that outer plot workings
Recommendation For Reading Order
You can read these as standalones if needed.
Song This Book Inspires
There You'll Be by Faith Hill
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.
challenging
dark
emotional
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
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
Family Ties is the book that features Salvatore and Fracesca and this is the book where we also get the answers of the slight cliffhanger that we received from Once Burned. This is a really LONG book as this starts pretty much at the beginning of the story but in Francesca's and Sal's point of view as this is when their relationship actually begins and we see it through the course of events that lead us to the present and whew this really took a long time and its almost 700 pages, it's REALLY a clunker to get through. It was a solid read, the romance itself, was really fantastic. I had some issues with the heroine and how she is with Mia and her brother. She is like obsessed with them being together and doesn't care who she hurts in trying to get them together. But I did how she is with Sal though and their relationship is very well done which is what saved this book for me.
First Line
"Jesus, Adrian, maybe you should've bought me a drink first."
Overall View
I really had a fun time with this one, but its very long and there were some things that could have been skipped over but some vital events happen in this book so I get why the author wrote it in the way she did. But its very well developed and a strong installment of the series.
Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Dark Romance
Character Types: Mafia, Baker
Tropes: Forbidden Love, Retelling-Romeo and Juliet
Book Perspective
Multiple POV's
Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
Plot Conflicts ---relationship itself is very minimal conflict
Recommendation For Reading Order
Yes read in order for sure.
Steam/Spice Explanations
Simmering cup of tea---soft warm touches and light intimacy
Warmin' by the fire- a medium level of sexual tension, a balance of sexual and emotional intimacy, lighter on the details in the sexual moments.
Steamin' up the room -the sexual content is more explicit in the language and tone, heavier amount of sexual scenes.
Blazing fire to the building-The prime focus is the sex scenes, scorching hot, and could burn one. Less focus on the emotional intimacy to the relationship.
Book Evaluation:
Plot: 🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️
World Building:🌎🌎🌎🌎
Cover:📔📔📔📔
Hero: 🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻
Heroine:🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️
Intimacy Level: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Relationship Building: 💒💒💒💒
Heart & Feels:💞💞💞💞
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: 😂😂😂
Page Turner Level:📖📖📖📖📖
Ending:🧧🧧🧧🧧
Overall View: ✨✨✨.5
First Impressions
Family Ties is the book that features Salvatore and Fracesca and this is the book where we also get the answers of the slight cliffhanger that we received from Once Burned. This is a really LONG book as this starts pretty much at the beginning of the story but in Francesca's and Sal's point of view as this is when their relationship actually begins and we see it through the course of events that lead us to the present and whew this really took a long time and its almost 700 pages, it's REALLY a clunker to get through. It was a solid read, the romance itself, was really fantastic. I had some issues with the heroine and how she is with Mia and her brother. She is like obsessed with them being together and doesn't care who she hurts in trying to get them together. But I did how she is with Sal though and their relationship is very well done which is what saved this book for me.
First Line
"Jesus, Adrian, maybe you should've bought me a drink first."
Overall View
I really had a fun time with this one, but its very long and there were some things that could have been skipped over but some vital events happen in this book so I get why the author wrote it in the way she did. But its very well developed and a strong installment of the series.
Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Dark Romance
Character Types: Mafia, Baker
Tropes: Forbidden Love, Retelling-Romeo and Juliet
Book Perspective
Multiple POV's
Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
Plot Conflicts ---relationship itself is very minimal conflict
Recommendation For Reading Order
Yes read in order for sure.
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.
challenging
dark
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
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: ✨✨✨
First Impressions
I will keep this review very minimal but this book is one piece of work. What Mateo is willing to do to the people that he loves, in specifically, Mia, to prove that he can trust her when she has always proved her worthiness is insane to me but somehow I am addicted and I can't stop picking these books up. I had more issues with Mia though in this book than what Mateo does to be honest. I just don't care for how she treats Vince (view spoiler)
First Line
We should dance," I tell Vince, placing my empty champagne glass down on the table.
Summary
In this story, we continue on from where book four leaves off from the wedding of Salvatore and Francesca, and thus begins the drama between our two couples and four main protaganists: Mateo, Meg, Mia and Vince. This whole foursome like triangle is intense and there is definitely moments of cheating in this one. And all I can say is poor poor Vince. My heart just breaks for this man who loves so deeply and has never been loved like he deserves. Then we have Mateo who never trusts anyone no matter how much they prove themselves and is willing to hurt the women he loves to make sure he gets everything he wants haha and Meg and Mia just have to deal with his machinations. He is an anti hero and and pushes those he loves to their breaking points.
What I Loved
Honestly there isn't much to love in this book to be honest. This was the hardest book I have ever had to read from this author. She does warn you though in her authors note how difficult this book is to read though. I honestly can't really think of a moment in this book I truly loved to be honest, maybe at the end when Mateo has to reveal truths to Mia because he is at the end of his rope and realizes how far he has gone in how he has treated Mia. Will this man ever learn that Mia's loyalty is always to him? I have NO clue haha Why he tests her so much and not Meg I am not sure, I do think at this point in the series, that he loves Mia on a level he will never love Meg and I am wondering what happens to Meg with all this because I cheated and read the ending haha I don't need the stress and anxiety but now I need to know how this whole menage a trois is going to work or the sister wife thing happening? Yeah its weird and I honestly am speechless about this all happening. And I know Vince will be back in the picture and I am curious how that happens, and how he finds his HEA.
What I Struggled With
So many many things haha and I don't want to say too much as its going to spoil the book. But lets just say that Mateo really pushes the limits and when I say pushes, he goes way TOO far and we see some psychological damage and emotional abuse happening here. It isn't going to be easy so make sure you know what you are heading into. If you want more details, feel free to DM me and I can share it if you don't mind to be spoiled.
Overall View
Resisting Mateo is a challenging book that will push your limits and boundaries in ways you have never experienced, this one won't be easy to read but will be well worth it in the end *fingers cross*
Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Dark Romance
Character Types: Bullying, Mafia
Themes: Dubious Non Consent, Family Saga, Hot Smexy Times, Tear Jerker
Tropes: Love Triangle
Book Perspective
Multiple POV's
Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
Relationship Conflict is the focus in this one.
Recommendation For Reading Order
You must read these in order.
Steam/Spice Explanations
Simmering cup of tea---soft warm touches and light intimacy
Warmin' by the fire- a medium level of sexual tension, a balance of sexual and emotional intimacy, lighter on the details in the sexual moments.
Steamin' up the room -the sexual content is more explicit in the language and tone, heavier amount of sexual scenes.
Blazing fire to the building-The prime focus is the sex scenes, scorching hot, and could burn one. Less focus on the emotional intimacy to the relationship.
Book Evaluation:
Plot: 🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️
World Building:🌎🌎🌎🌎
Cover:📔📔📔📔
Hero: 🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻
Heroine:🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️
Intimacy Level: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Relationship Building: 💒💒💒
Heart & Feels:💞💞💞
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: 😂😂
Page Turner Level:📖📖📖📖
Ending:🧧🧧🧧🧧
Overall View: ✨✨✨
First Impressions
I will keep this review very minimal but this book is one piece of work. What Mateo is willing to do to the people that he loves, in specifically, Mia, to prove that he can trust her when she has always proved her worthiness is insane to me but somehow I am addicted and I can't stop picking these books up. I had more issues with Mia though in this book than what Mateo does to be honest. I just don't care for how she treats Vince (view spoiler)
First Line
We should dance," I tell Vince, placing my empty champagne glass down on the table.
Summary
In this story, we continue on from where book four leaves off from the wedding of Salvatore and Francesca, and thus begins the drama between our two couples and four main protaganists: Mateo, Meg, Mia and Vince. This whole foursome like triangle is intense and there is definitely moments of cheating in this one. And all I can say is poor poor Vince. My heart just breaks for this man who loves so deeply and has never been loved like he deserves. Then we have Mateo who never trusts anyone no matter how much they prove themselves and is willing to hurt the women he loves to make sure he gets everything he wants haha and Meg and Mia just have to deal with his machinations. He is an anti hero and and pushes those he loves to their breaking points.
What I Loved
Honestly there isn't much to love in this book to be honest. This was the hardest book I have ever had to read from this author. She does warn you though in her authors note how difficult this book is to read though. I honestly can't really think of a moment in this book I truly loved to be honest, maybe at the end when Mateo has to reveal truths to Mia because he is at the end of his rope and realizes how far he has gone in how he has treated Mia. Will this man ever learn that Mia's loyalty is always to him? I have NO clue haha Why he tests her so much and not Meg I am not sure, I do think at this point in the series, that he loves Mia on a level he will never love Meg and I am wondering what happens to Meg with all this because I cheated and read the ending haha I don't need the stress and anxiety but now I need to know how this whole menage a trois is going to work or the sister wife thing happening? Yeah its weird and I honestly am speechless about this all happening. And I know Vince will be back in the picture and I am curious how that happens, and how he finds his HEA.
What I Struggled With
So many many things haha and I don't want to say too much as its going to spoil the book. But lets just say that Mateo really pushes the limits and when I say pushes, he goes way TOO far and we see some psychological damage and emotional abuse happening here. It isn't going to be easy so make sure you know what you are heading into. If you want more details, feel free to DM me and I can share it if you don't mind to be spoiled.
Overall View
Resisting Mateo is a challenging book that will push your limits and boundaries in ways you have never experienced, this one won't be easy to read but will be well worth it in the end *fingers cross*
Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Dark Romance
Character Types: Bullying, Mafia
Themes: Dubious Non Consent, Family Saga, Hot Smexy Times, Tear Jerker
Tropes: Love Triangle
Book Perspective
Multiple POV's
Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
Relationship Conflict is the focus in this one.
Recommendation For Reading Order
You must read these in order.
Steam/Spice Explanations
Simmering cup of tea---soft warm touches and light intimacy
Warmin' by the fire- a medium level of sexual tension, a balance of sexual and emotional intimacy, lighter on the details in the sexual moments.
Steamin' up the room -the sexual content is more explicit in the language and tone, heavier amount of sexual scenes.
Blazing fire to the building-The prime focus is the sex scenes, scorching hot, and could burn one. Less focus on the emotional intimacy to the relationship.
adventurous
challenging
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No