mollyreadsandcrafts's Reviews (978)

I just like how all these characters Cora Rose writes are slightly unhinged, the main premise is a little crazy but that's normal with this author. Characters adorable as always and entertaining writing

October 2023 Reread: 
4⭐️ 3🌶️

A typical Cora Rose romance with low angst, laughs, over the top moments, and fun characters. The audio book was an easy and quick listen. 

Logan is a star jock (water polo) who needs tutoring to keep his scholarship. This story starts on an iffy note where Theo basically tells Logan that in order to get tutoring services, he has to sleep with him. Logan does agree to this, and it's the start of his sexual awakening. While Logan is interested and says it's ok, the first few times do feel a little weird. Obviously real feelings start to develop but it was definitely a choice to start their romance with blackmail. 

Their relationship definitely has a weird start, but as they spend more time together Logan starts to see a softer side of Theo. Theo has all the walls and doesn't make it easy. It makes sense with his past, but Logan is such a genuinely good guy I wish Theo go it together sooner. Logan is so patient and kind, which is really what Theo needs. As Theo lets Logan in, he gives him the same kind of love and support.

I wish the sports theme was used a little more, it kind of falls off after the beginning. I liked the characters and Logan's family is a lot of fun. I would recommend if you want a light, spicy read with some laughs. 

Read if you like: 
• nerd x jock 
• grumpy/sunshine 
• hurt/comfort

When Dash stumbles upon a body at the bottom of a cliff, he is tangled in a new mystery as he tries to prove his friend's innocence and find the killer. 

I'm such a big fan of Dash, his humor and way of thinking is just the kind that I love. This story had a good amount of self reflection as Dash's friendship with Bobby faces new challenges. Bobby is leaving his job and Hastings but is having a hard time reconciling those choices. He and Dash spend the book going back and forth about these decisions. It's hard for Dash to see someone he cares so much about making choices that hurt himself, but Bobby is already struggling enough with finding the courage to act on what he truly wants without the unhelpful advice. Dash has to rise above his own wants and fears and support his friend who just needs someone to be there for him, which Dash is finally able to do in the end. 

I liked the mystery enough, there were a few plot holes that weren't really resolved but the case felt more background in this book than any others so far. It was there more for Dash and Bobby to be thrown together and work through their issues than anything. The Last Picks weren't as involved in solving the mystery but are a great sounding board for Dash's chaotic mind, and once again their supportive found family shines. I especially enjoyed seeing Keme and Dash's friendship grow! I love these humorous, sweet, cozy mysteries - Ashe is knocking it out of the park. 

Read if you like: 

• cozy mystery  

• found family  

• slow burn still slow burning 

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Oh my gosh I'm obsessed. This was the cutest thing ever! I laughed so many times, Dash is my spirit animal - I'll say it in every review. And Deputy Bobby! Stop being so sweet. Gah I just loved it. 

I read this after the second book but man Hugo was worse than I thought. Good for Dash for leaving! 

Cade and Silas old competitors on the motocross track who form a quick and intense friendship after a party one night. Cade takes Silas under his wing and as they grow closer they start having feelings they haven't felt before. But things are complicated with their families, home life, and personal struggles. 

These two are such sweethearts. I really liked Cade and his soft spot he had for Silas. Cade has a lot of his own issues with his wayward parents and trying to provide a stable home life for his sisters. He's a natural caretaker and tries his best to do what's right for his family and those close to him. He sees Silas struggling and actively tries to do what he can to be there for him. He cares deeply for the quiet, social awkward man and just wants to make Silas's life easier. He's a sunshine character who does his best to shine his light on those around him. 

Silas is fighting his own battles with his mental health that are worsened by his stressed relationship with his father. Now back in Possum Hollow, for the first time he has a chance to do something for himself. Cade gives him unwavering support and helps him step outside his comfort zone, but even when things are great his mental health problems don't just disappear. Thankfully Cade shows him it's okay to have help. Silas loves Cade and his family and is there for them no matter what they're going through, being someone that Cade can lean on when things tough. 

I loved the first half. I was so invested in watching them become friends, then more, and the spice was perfect. But then the second half hit and the pacing and the relationship development slowed down. It didn't really keep my attention as much as the first part. I like reading about mental health in books, but sometimes I struggle with how it's written. It can be very repetitive and slow, and this isn't the first book recently where that kind of depression just hasn't worked for me in a book. So I think that's more of my personal preference when reading that type of representation. 

Overall I did enjoy the story and the characters. This book surprised me in a good way because I wasn't sure if the setting was for me. I liked where everything ended up even though it was a happy for now ending, and I can't wait for the second part of their story! 

Read if you like: 

• motocross 

• mental health rep 

• sexual awakening (x2)

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•minor spoilers• 

Luke is an older professional tennis player who's focused on only tennis and winning. When Jesse, an up and coming tennis star, asks to start playing doubles to help their game, Luke can't help but be allured by the younger man's charm. Jesse is everything Luke didn't know he wanted, but being together could risk everything they've worked for. 

This book is single POV from Luke's perspective. Luke is passing the prime of his career and also recovering from the tragical loss of his partner a few years prior. When he meets Jesse everything changes and Luke is challenged to step outside his comfort zone and go for what he wants regardless of the consequences. I adored Jesse. He's young and hopeful but also stands strong for what he deserves. Luke is a bit stubborn, but Jesse knows what he wants and doesn't accept anything less, even though it hurts. They're such a swoony and sexy couple. Their road to a happy ending wasn't easy, but ultimately worth it. 

This audiobook just worked really well for me. It was shorter and I was able to just zone out and get immersed in the story. I don't think I've ever read a tennis romance and it was cool to have a new setting and to learn a little about the sport. There were just a lot of things in this story that really worked for me - the length, the tropes, the writing. I thought both characters were endearing and I'll never not be happy with big old Hollywood ending like that. Plus all the epilogue content was adorable!

Read if you like: 

• tennis romance 

• age gap

• secret relationship 

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I'm a big Saxon James fan, and I still wasn't prepared for how much I loved this book. In my Budding Attraction (Divorced Men's Club #3) review I had some words to say about Molly, but I take all of them back now because he's just a little sweetie looking for love. 

Molly moves across the country to get a fresh start after a series of mistakes and feeling like the odd man out with his dad and best friend (*ahem* DMC # 5). He moves in with the Bertha's Boys, knowing Madden from college. After catching Seven in an unfortunate position, Seven decides to help Molly with his bad dating luck to see if Molly's actually the problem by going a series of "fake" dates. What could possibly go wrong?

Seven is an interesting character. He had a pretty traumatic past that's not discussed too deeply, but through it he has an unhealthy, and completely platonic, attachment with Xander, who also didn't have a great upbringing. They're pretty much a package deal, and that's why Molly is basically perfect for him. Molly becomes fast friends with Xander because they're so similar. Seven finds it hard to let people in because he doesn't want happiness taken away from him, and all Molly wants to do is love someone and be loved. 

I really enjoyed watching their relationship unfold. It wasn't super angsty, but I was still really invested. Molly is a little over top in his need for attention and love, and honestly it's kind of relatable. He's always his authentic self even if it's a bit of a mess. Seven, begrudgingly, likes all these little quirks of Molly. He becomes protective over him, like he is with Xander, and doesn't want him to change for anyone. They have the cutest dates and I loved how Xander shipped them and pushed them together. 

I'm really looking forward to the rest of this series. Rush's book is next and I can already tell there's one (soon to be) ex-boyfriend who we are all gonna hate. Also Xander and Derek?? That better be a thing. I've loved both books in this series so far, and hope the rest are just as good. 

Read if you like: 
• opposites attract
• roommates 
• found family

Audio - love it for Seven, but it didn't quite work for Molly 

In this second book we get to know more about Dash and his reasons for moving to Hastings Rock. Dash is trying to find who he outside of his parent's pressure, outside of a relationship, and figuring out what he wants his future to look like. All that is challenged when his ex Hugo shows up at Hemlock House. At the same time, a couple is renting Hemlock House as a venue for their wedding and there is no shortage of family drama, and apparently murder.

Honestly the case bummed me out though I liked that it paralleled what Dash was feeling. Both of the sons were trying to figure themselves out in their own ways, and it really sucks that they never got that chance. It hit Dash a little harder than normal because he saw so much of himself in the victims. But the case along with Hugo showing up also solidified that he made the right choice to prioritize himself. Dash is having doubts about his future and when Hugo shows up and offers an easy way out, Dash is able to remain true to himself and what he wants. 

The ending though. Deputy Bobby, how could you! Everything that Dash felt in his last relationship, Bobby is going through now. Bobby questions Dash about how he knew he was ready to move on and you can tell he's really struggling. But I guess in the end, he was able to figure out a different way forward. And again in its own way, having to rehash and reflect on the reasons why he and Hugo didn't work helped Dash feel more certain in his decisions. 

The Last Picks are amazing, as I suspect they always will be. Lots of comedic relief but also really supportive friends all in their own ways. They're an eclectic mix but have each other's backs. I'm glad Dash has found a family to rally behind him and support him because I feel like there's a lot more to come for this group! 

Read if you like: 

• cozy mysteries 

• small town

• found family  

• romance that will eventually come after multiple books of sweet sexual tension 

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Mystery Magnet is the first in a Ashe's cozy mystery series. Dash is a mystery writer who moves across the country for a fresh start and new job after breaking up with his long time boyfriend. His first night he becomes the suspect in a murder case, and along with his new friends he must prove his innocence. Or at least, try? 

Okay this was super cute and fun. I absolutely love Dash and I'm pretty sure he's my spirit animal. He's a little lost and trying to find himself, but that's what this new phase of his life is for. The whole Last Picks group are already growing on me with their shenanigans (I feel like I'll be using that word a lot with them). They are eclectic and seem like the kind of people you want on your side. Plus I'm looking forward to seeing how things go with no nonsense Deputy Bobby and our sweet Dash. 

As the first book this was a good introduction to Dash & Co. and the little seaside town of Hastings Rock. It was a nice, easy read with a lot of fun moments but also some intrigue with the crime. Definitely different from Ashe's heavier stuff, but no less entertaining. 

Read if you like: 

• cozy mysteries 

• small town

• found family  

• romance that will eventually come after multiple books of sweet sexual tension 

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It was kinda weird but I liked it.

March 2023: 📚Reread & Audiobook 🎧 

This is my second read of Whit, and yeah it's still kinda weird and I still like it. It's one of my guilty pleasure series, a little over the top but quick and fun to read. Likable characters and enough plot to keep the story going. 

•minor spoilers• 

Caleb and his cuddles get me every time. He's such a golden retriever in every sense, but he's also just a good person. While Caleb is kind of a pushover, even more for Whit, I do like that he also calls him out when needed. He's absolutely perfect for grumpy ole Whit, as much as he tried to deny it. I wish we got more Whit POVs, but I also liked seeing Caleb chip away at his resolve. Whit and Aunt Del's relationship also warmed my heart, he deserves all the hugs and cuddles he gets! 

I call this series my guilty pleasure books - they're easy to read, have characters I like, and while they aren't the best thing I've ever read, they're super enjoyable. My only complaint is how quickly the resolution was wrapped up. I was actually a little impressed with the conflict scene, I don't remember it being that dramatic but I was hooked, and then after a chapter of sadness it was resolved pretty quickly. 

I really just started this series again because I want to read about Sem and Mag, they're so funny and I'm excited for their audiobook! 

Read if you like: 
• hurt/comfort 
• grumpy/sunshine  
• roommates