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mollyreadsandcrafts's Reviews (978)
These are always my favorite part of the series! Honestly, still flabbergasted at the end of the last short story. How is it even possible!? Guess we're going to find out. The Valentine's Day makeup date had me giggling. I loved it. The scavenger hunt had Ron Swanson vibes, and I'm mad it took me this long to think of how similar Ron and Emery are. As always any Evie and Hazard moments are just so adorable I could combust. I love him as a dad. And now it's a full circle moment because what was that ending??
Read if you like:
Read if you like:
• short story collection
• private investigator/detective
• slice of life
•••••••••••••••••••••
•spoilers•
We are finally at the end with the Keeper case! The Keeper is back to finish what he started. The Keeper is pulling Hazard and Somers in different directions and putting their lives and careers at risk, but they have to power through and find the person who's been one step ahead the entire time before more people die.
We are finally at the end with the Keeper case! The Keeper is back to finish what he started. The Keeper is pulling Hazard and Somers in different directions and putting their lives and careers at risk, but they have to power through and find the person who's been one step ahead the entire time before more people die.
I had the brilliant strategy to suspect absolutely everyone so that I could say "of course I was right" at the end. In all actuality, I had no idea who the Keeper was and I just had to think it was everyone because I couldn't narrow it down. The case was convoluted and twisty, throwing in random roadblocks that I never saw coming. I think the big reveal was a little bit anticlimatic, but only because the journey to get there was so wild. And of course I suspected who it was because I suspected like 15 people. The end of the first book really hit me hard and I had a lot of anxiety that this book was going to be just as heart wrenching. Surprisingly, it wasn't as emotionally taxing as I was expecting based on the series. What had me hooked was the fast-paced action and the rush to find the killer. I really enjoyed the twisted route this case took and the satisfying ending.
Much of this series was focused on Hazard and Somers recovering from the trauma and the climatic ending of the last series while trying to move forward with their lives. It's been a really bumpy road and definitely a rough patch of their relationship. Hazard is struggling with his worsening unacknowledged PTSD and Somers is working through how to help and be there for him. Their relationship is also actually fairly new and they both have to find that middle ground to make it work with the stress of their jobs and families. At the end of the last book things were looking up for them, and I'm glad it continued here. Their relationship was falling apart and when it was rapidly approaching that breaking point they were able to get the perspective they needed. They are both trying to be a lot more to be communicative and branching out for help. Hazard wants to be better for his family and Somers just wants to be able to be there for Hazard however he can. I'm really happy with where they ended up and this is the most sure I've been that they can make it through anything.
The side characters always add so much to these stories - whether it's to knock sense into Hazard or Somers or to add some comic relief. I will say, I kinda thought maybe it was Dulac for a large part of the book but honestly it was part of my suspecting everyone strategy. I really want to like him now, but I just can't help but be wary still. I will give him a bit of the benefit of the doubt though because he did try to pull through for the guys. I'm also kinda happy that Nico is getting a bit of a redemption story, especially after the shit he pulled in the middle of this series. I know he has his own story to tell but I like that even he is getting some character development.
Their whole friend group brings such a realistic angle to their lives which I really appreciate. Even Evie is written so well. Sometimes it's annoying how authors write kids but she seems like such a typical three year old, throwing tantrums, screeching with joy, and just being a handful. I love her and Hazard's relationship, he's truly an amazing dad and I hope we get to see more of it.
This second series as a whole was a lot less action packed than the first. I would say this last book stood out because it was so much more fast-paced. However what the series lacked in fast-paced action it made up for in emotional angst and drama with Hazard and Somers. I actually liked this series as a whole more than the first, but it's interesting looking back and comparing the two. I wouldn't have thought based on the pacing that I would like the second one more, but I think the writing and character development has just gotten so much better as these books go on.
The series wraps up on a happy and hopeful note. I have faith that Hazard and Somers will figure out their issues because they love each other too much not to. I read the short stories, and I'm flabbergasted by the ending and how it'll effect everything. And how it's even possible. I still have a North and Shaw series to go through before I get back to John-Henry and Emery, but I can't wait to see what the future has in store for them (hopefully lots of good happy moments to make up for this last year of their lives).
Read if you like:
• romantic suspense
• private investigator/detective
• hurt/comfort
•••••••••••••••••••••
This took me forever to get through but just because I was doing audiobook only and I've read it before - I'm only halfway through book 7 so no one spoil stuff.
I like that we are getting more and more of the other characters personalities - including the Heirs. You can't say they aren't loyal to each other. I like seeing little glimpses of Seth's silly personality, Max's empathetic side, and Caleb's logical thought processes. It's also cool learning more about the Zodiac world and what's happening in the bigger picture with the nymphs and other evil.
Darcy and Orion are my favorites and I’m loving reading about their romance all over again. On the other hand I have to read all about Tory and Darius and their frustratingly tragic romance all over again, and it’s a bit like watching a car crash in slow-motion knowing a little of what happens next. I won't lie, I tend to fast forward a bit through the Caleb and Tory scenes because who are we kidding, I know how that turns out and I'm not invested in the least. I can't wait for a certain other Caleb romance to be teased, though I know I have thousands of pages before anything fun happens with that.
Since I've read it before, I knew about their order. But it's really fun rereading and seeing all the little Easter eggs that hint at their order and how they charge their magic. I do like watching how Darcy and Tory are coming into their power and fae way of life.
As always, these books are just a tad too long the characters are fun and the story is interesting.
Read if you like:
I like that we are getting more and more of the other characters personalities - including the Heirs. You can't say they aren't loyal to each other. I like seeing little glimpses of Seth's silly personality, Max's empathetic side, and Caleb's logical thought processes. It's also cool learning more about the Zodiac world and what's happening in the bigger picture with the nymphs and other evil.
Darcy and Orion are my favorites and I’m loving reading about their romance all over again. On the other hand I have to read all about Tory and Darius and their frustratingly tragic romance all over again, and it’s a bit like watching a car crash in slow-motion knowing a little of what happens next. I won't lie, I tend to fast forward a bit through the Caleb and Tory scenes because who are we kidding, I know how that turns out and I'm not invested in the least. I can't wait for a certain other Caleb romance to be teased, though I know I have thousands of pages before anything fun happens with that.
Since I've read it before, I knew about their order. But it's really fun rereading and seeing all the little Easter eggs that hint at their order and how they charge their magic. I do like watching how Darcy and Tory are coming into their power and fae way of life.
As always, these books are just a tad too long the characters are fun and the story is interesting.
Read if you like:
• fantasy saga
• forbidden romance
• enemies to lovers
•••••••••••••••••••••
•spoilers•
Somers's father is running for mayor and with the election drawing close, he cashes in on his favors that Somers and Hazard owe him. This doesn't help Hazard and Somer's already rocky relationship and on top of it all, Hazard's father is admitted to the hospital. They both throw themselves into their work as a distraction and as they work the same case, they are reminded how good they can be together.
A lot of what I said about the last book applies here, just add in a bunch more daddy issues. I know both Hazard and Somers are in Somers's dad's debt, but I'm team Hazard - as always - in this book. I want to wrap him up in bubble wrap forever. He just wants someone to choose him and love him. I think by the end Somers finally got his head out of his ass and saw how his actions hurt Hazard, even if he didn't see another way out of the situation. I will concede that they were both hurting, but I think facing all those feelings combined with Hazard's dad's situation gave them the perspective they needed. I like where they ended, both opening up to one another and accepting responsibility, and I hope it continues through the next book.
Dulac is still annoying and I still don't know if I like him. If he had better intentions then I would find him more amusing but he's the first one to bad mouth Hazard when they're fighting on top of the whole thing with Somers. I just can't trust him yet. I thought the case was a messy but intriguing, mostly because the drama of the suspects didn't have a lot of impact on Hazard and Somers. It gave them a chance to remember how well they work together, personally and professionally. They worked the case but they weren't personally tied to it or anything, all the angst in the book came from their relationship.
Even with all the drama surround Hazard and Somers with their parents and upbringing, seeing Hazard with his mom and dad was pretty emotional. His dad wasn't a great dad to him growing up but the fact they were able to have a little connection there at the end, and with Somers and Evie, it just was a good moment for their family and I'm really glad that they got it.
The Keeper is still out there causing anxiety and I'm nervous but finally ready to see how it all ends. Looking forward to closing out this series - hopefully with less emotional damage than it started and happier days for Hazard and Somers ahead!
Read if you like:
• romantic suspense
• private investigator/detective
• small town politics
•••••••••••••••••••••
Oh boy do I have all the feelings for this duet. I feel like it was just one really long book because I read straight through. River and Rain have a very complicated relationship to start with, but also this crazy intensity. As much as they were toxic for most of this book, I had to see what happened next.
TW/CW: much like the first, less internalized homophobia, drug use/overdose, sexual assault
•minor spoilers•
Oh River, he really fell down into the dark pit of despair here didn't he. And Rain was absolutely the worst. Or more they were the worst to each other for about the first half of this book. It was the same toxic actions and conversations taking place, just at different times and places. I could've done without some of the shitty things that they did, but knowing them as a couple I didn't take it to seriously because they forgive each other for a lot of messed up stuff. When they finally got to talking and realized whatever they were attempting to do wasn't working, it started getting good again. I loved groveling Rain and proud of River for standing his ground as much as he could, but let's be honest they're just hopeless when it comes to each other. I do really think they're soulmates and have this intense passion, it just burned them a lot too.
The secret society stuff was interesting, though I didn't really care that much about how it worked and it seemed a little far fetched. Roman was annoying with pushing Rain. I'll probably end up reading his book because I'm interested in the others, but it'll be hard for me to forgive him for those 60 seconds.
I liked this duet, even if I wasn't a huge fan of how their relationship progressed. The good/high part of their relationship was so strong but the lows were really low. This book in particular dragged a little for me when it was just low point after low point with none of the plot really moving forward. The end of it and the epilogue were really good though. And just a random annoying thing was the amount of run on sentences. A little sad it's over, I wouldn't mind a cute little novella story about all the good stuff after everything, as long as it includes Vale shenanigans.
Read if you like:
• enemies to lovers
• opposites attract
• hurt/comfort
TW/CW: much like the first, less internalized homophobia, drug use/overdose, sexual assault
•minor spoilers•
Oh River, he really fell down into the dark pit of despair here didn't he. And Rain was absolutely the worst. Or more they were the worst to each other for about the first half of this book. It was the same toxic actions and conversations taking place, just at different times and places. I could've done without some of the shitty things that they did, but knowing them as a couple I didn't take it to seriously because they forgive each other for a lot of messed up stuff. When they finally got to talking and realized whatever they were attempting to do wasn't working, it started getting good again. I loved groveling Rain and proud of River for standing his ground as much as he could, but let's be honest they're just hopeless when it comes to each other. I do really think they're soulmates and have this intense passion, it just burned them a lot too.
The secret society stuff was interesting, though I didn't really care that much about how it worked and it seemed a little far fetched. Roman was annoying with pushing Rain. I'll probably end up reading his book because I'm interested in the others, but it'll be hard for me to forgive him for those 60 seconds.
I liked this duet, even if I wasn't a huge fan of how their relationship progressed. The good/high part of their relationship was so strong but the lows were really low. This book in particular dragged a little for me when it was just low point after low point with none of the plot really moving forward. The end of it and the epilogue were really good though. And just a random annoying thing was the amount of run on sentences. A little sad it's over, I wouldn't mind a cute little novella story about all the good stuff after everything, as long as it includes Vale shenanigans.
Read if you like:
• enemies to lovers
• opposites attract
• hurt/comfort
In all honesty, I went straight into reading the next book so I feel like I'm still reading this one. This is a pretty dark, enemies (I'm talking extreme hatred) to lovers. I honestly don't know if I like River and Rain or not, but I can't stop reading! They are a complicated couple but you can't deny, they have this insane connection.
TW/CW: The author mentions a blanket warning for triggers in the Author's Note and a link to where you can read specifics but I think they need to be listed outright.
Sexual abuse (child), sexual assault, suicide (attempt), internalized homophobia (like...a whole heck of a lot)
•minor spoilers•
River, you know you don't have to antagonize everyone right? I want to call this a bullying romance because that's basically what Rain is after he finds out River is bisexual, but I don't think River would consider it that at all so I guess that's just them. I like River, but can't fathom how he was able to put up with Rain's verbal and more abuse. They have this super intense connection and it really shows in their interactions, good and bad. That being said they're still pretty toxic with each other, with an increasing codependency.
The plot and Rain's story sucks. Not in a "this is badly written way" but in a "don't read this if you're not in a good place mentally" way. Some things seem a little dramatic, like what college coach sends two players over Christmas to a cabin? For over a month? Though the second half of the cabin was my favorite. Once they (Rain) accepted themselves and they got to the good stuff, it was so very sweet. Until it wasn't.
Overall, I liked it? I'm not sure, like I said I went straight into the second book which picks up immediately after the first so I still feel like I'm reading it. Hopefully review of #2 will be a little more.
Read if you like:
• enemies to lovers
• hurt/comfort
• forced proximity
TW/CW: The author mentions a blanket warning for triggers in the Author's Note and a link to where you can read specifics but I think they need to be listed outright.
Sexual abuse (child), sexual assault, suicide (attempt), internalized homophobia (like...a whole heck of a lot)
•minor spoilers•
River, you know you don't have to antagonize everyone right? I want to call this a bullying romance because that's basically what Rain is after he finds out River is bisexual, but I don't think River would consider it that at all so I guess that's just them. I like River, but can't fathom how he was able to put up with Rain's verbal and more abuse. They have this super intense connection and it really shows in their interactions, good and bad. That being said they're still pretty toxic with each other, with an increasing codependency.
The plot and Rain's story sucks. Not in a "this is badly written way" but in a "don't read this if you're not in a good place mentally" way. Some things seem a little dramatic, like what college coach sends two players over Christmas to a cabin? For over a month? Though the second half of the cabin was my favorite. Once they (Rain) accepted themselves and they got to the good stuff, it was so very sweet. Until it wasn't.
Overall, I liked it? I'm not sure, like I said I went straight into the second book which picks up immediately after the first so I still feel like I'm reading it. Hopefully review of #2 will be a little more.
Read if you like:
• enemies to lovers
• hurt/comfort
• forced proximity
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I liked this more than I was expecting to! The beginning was cute and entertaining, a solid 4 stars to start but as it went on it just dragged a bit with the miscommunication. Personally, I'm not a fan of long chapters and they are harder for me to read which didn't help.
I liked Zach even though I was really wary of him at first. I liked seeing how he changed from the mess at the beginning to the sweetheart role model at the end. Him trying to romance Nate was so endearing and made for some fun moments.
Honestly Nate's pity parties got old after a while. I know toxic masculinity and mental health in sports is a struggle as a whole, but I needed him to do something else, talk about something else. He just keeps up the same internal monologue of "I'm a fuck up, why do I even try". Normally I wouldn't be so blasé about telling someone to get a therapist, but he literally makes another member of the team so it, so some self reflection may be needed. I have empathy but after 300 pages it only goes so far. But I liked how the other players viewed him as a strong solid support for the team, if only he saw himself the same way.
Cute idiots and besties to lovers that could maybe talk about their feelings every once in a while. But with an ending like that, I'm always going to be happy.
Read if you like:
• hockey romance
• friends to lovers
• idiots in love
• teammates
•••••••••••••••••••••
I liked Zach even though I was really wary of him at first. I liked seeing how he changed from the mess at the beginning to the sweetheart role model at the end. Him trying to romance Nate was so endearing and made for some fun moments.
Honestly Nate's pity parties got old after a while. I know toxic masculinity and mental health in sports is a struggle as a whole, but I needed him to do something else, talk about something else. He just keeps up the same internal monologue of "I'm a fuck up, why do I even try". Normally I wouldn't be so blasé about telling someone to get a therapist, but he literally makes another member of the team so it, so some self reflection may be needed. I have empathy but after 300 pages it only goes so far. But I liked how the other players viewed him as a strong solid support for the team, if only he saw himself the same way.
Cute idiots and besties to lovers that could maybe talk about their feelings every once in a while. But with an ending like that, I'm always going to be happy.
Read if you like:
• hockey romance
• friends to lovers
• idiots in love
• teammates
•••••••••••••••••••••
I laughed, I cried, I gasped, and I fell in love with two amazing characters. Doesn't get better than that.
November 2023 Reread:
I don't think I could even do a normal review for this, so instead this is more of a one year review and reread reflection.
"I laughed, I cried, I gasped, and I fell in love with two amazing characters. Doesn't get better than that." - me, reading this one year ago
I started my reread on audio, and had to pick up the book because I knew I wanted to just binge it immediately. This is such a sweet book and I absolutely love Alex and Henry. I once again laugh and cried, but I had a bit more anxiety knowing what was coming.
Alex has such character growth! I don't know if I noticed the first time around but he matures into himself so amazingly throughout this book. Henry was such a sweetheart. I love how perfect they are together. They understand each other on such a base level and it shows through the banter. The emails, especially later in the book, still have me swooning. One in particular - you know the one - is the first time I cried over such a sweet and romantic paragraph and it's my all time favorite quote. My heart broke for them, and they deserved their beautiful happily ever after so much!
The whole group of 6 were a blast. I forgot some things about June and Bea, so it was fun to experience that again. I didn't mind the politics, it's a fiction book and it added drama that was really relevant to Alex and his life, including his relationship with Henry.
As for thoughts on the movie after this, I think Taylor Zakhar Perez is a perfect Alex (especially listening to a bit of the audiobook). Thinking now I do wish they kept the parents divorce, Bea's backstory, and June because they added so much depth to the Alex and Henry's relationship. That being said, I still loved the movie.
Definitely a book and movie that will always be a favorite of mine, and looking forward to many future rereads.
Read if you like:
• rivals to lovers
• opposites attract
• fake friendship
November 2023 Reread:
I don't think I could even do a normal review for this, so instead this is more of a one year review and reread reflection.
"I laughed, I cried, I gasped, and I fell in love with two amazing characters. Doesn't get better than that." - me, reading this one year ago
I started my reread on audio, and had to pick up the book because I knew I wanted to just binge it immediately. This is such a sweet book and I absolutely love Alex and Henry. I once again laugh and cried, but I had a bit more anxiety knowing what was coming.
Alex has such character growth! I don't know if I noticed the first time around but he matures into himself so amazingly throughout this book. Henry was such a sweetheart. I love how perfect they are together. They understand each other on such a base level and it shows through the banter. The emails, especially later in the book, still have me swooning. One in particular - you know the one - is the first time I cried over such a sweet and romantic paragraph and it's my all time favorite quote. My heart broke for them, and they deserved their beautiful happily ever after so much!
The whole group of 6 were a blast. I forgot some things about June and Bea, so it was fun to experience that again. I didn't mind the politics, it's a fiction book and it added drama that was really relevant to Alex and his life, including his relationship with Henry.
As for thoughts on the movie after this, I think Taylor Zakhar Perez is a perfect Alex (especially listening to a bit of the audiobook). Thinking now I do wish they kept the parents divorce, Bea's backstory, and June because they added so much depth to the Alex and Henry's relationship. That being said, I still loved the movie.
Definitely a book and movie that will always be a favorite of mine, and looking forward to many future rereads.
Read if you like:
• rivals to lovers
• opposites attract
• fake friendship
