mollyreadsandcrafts's Reviews (978)

A bit more low key than I was expecting, but sweet overall. Aubrey and Patrick are struggling with different types of grief but create a fresh new beginning together. They are both endearing characters who find the  love and intimacy they deserve. I loved the first chapter but after that it was a bit more slow paced than I would've liked. I wish there was a little more drama at the end but it was a cute and kinda satisfying ending.

TL;DR: Sweet and swoony. Likable characters but just a bit too slow paced for me. I expected more drama but it was nice.

Read if you like: 

• hurt/comfort                             

• age gap           

• slow burn         

• small town

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Hazard and Somers are back at it! Hazard is trying to get his private investigation business off the ground and Somers is hinting at more for their future. But even with new cases to solve and their relationship to work on, the Keeper of Bees has never left Hazard's mind. 

I liked how this book showed a lot more of the little domestic moments with Hazard and Somers, even if they were being little shits to each other most of the time. They're such a realistic couple that have to deal with a lot of outside drama on top of their own personal struggles. They love each other so intensely which makes all their feelings so much bigger. The pressures of their jobs and the future while also still recovering from the traumatic events they've been through show up in their little quips and spats. They know each other better than anyone else, but there are still new things they're figuring out. Nothing in their relationship has been easy but at the end of the day they are willing to work at it to be better for each other. 

Thank god this book was less traumatic than the first because I could not go through that again. It was almost an easy read with a case that was just interesting enough to keep me hooked without tons of drama and some A+ Hazard and Somers moments. I still don't know what to think of Dulac. I don't trust anyone in these books anymore but I hope he is just an annoying sidekick and not a bad guy. Only thing that would make this better are more Hazard/Evie moments because it's so stinking cute seeing Hazard melt for her! 

Read if you like: 

• private investigator/detective                          

• romantic suspense           

• grumpy/sunshine         

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I loved being back in NY with the Admirals! Kyle and Eric were basically a perfect couple who needed to get their heads out of their asses and love each other. I loved everything, except the fact it took them way too long to get it together. It was so fun to see Kip and Scott, but Ilya stole the show whenever he appeared. I love how all the characters in this series are overlapping now that we are in the middle, and I'm super intrigued by Troy and can't wait to start his book next! 

•minor spoilers• 

I always thought that Eric had a little more to him when we met him in the first book. I didn't realize how much older he was - but believe me I know now after he obsessed about it the entire book. I'm glad Kyle got his happily ever after. I wasn't sure about him at first, but I really think he's actually a good guy who just fell for the wrong people (honestly, who doesn't love Kip?). They were a really perfect couple, and I felt they connected really well besides physically, with their shared interests and values - which I love to see. It just annoyed me how it took FOREVER for them to come to terms with their feelings, then accept them. I would've liked a bigger reunion scene, especially after two months. I wouldn't have believed Eric if he came in telling me all I wanted to hear after not talking for that long if I was Kyle honestly. Using the age gap excuse became very old after a while, especially either their physical chemistry and emotional connection. 

The writing was, as always, nice and easy. A little bland because the same plot point was harped on over and over (I can't love Kyle/let Kyle love me because I'm old), but I enjoyed their banter between them and getting to see all of our favorite characters - Maria and Matti (who I was rooting for so hard), Kip, Scott, Ilya, Shane, and even Wyatt was there for hot second. There was definitely more comic relief in addition to the angst and emotional/romantic discovery, which I really enjoyed. 

Read if you like: 
• age gap 
• hockey 
• friends with benefits to lovers

Rob is burnt out on his medical career back in Seattle and moves to Hartbridge to take a part time job at the clinic. Soren has been in Hartbridge a few years and while he loves the community, he's envious of the happy couples. When Rob moves in next door, it might finally be Soren's chance to be shot by the Hartbridge Christmas Cupid.  

Rob is mentally recovering from the stress of being a city trauma doctor and, as they all do, he finds the change of pace he needs in the small but sweet town of Hartbridge. The last thing he expects to find is a perfect partner in his new firefighter neighbor. Soren is immediately taken with the new, older doctor in town, and while he falls hard and fast he doesn't want to pressure Rob. But it's hard to take things slow when their chemistry is off the charts and the only thing they want is to spend time together. I loved how Soren was so respectful of Rob's boundaries. They both really wanted to make sure their relationship was successful and didn't burn out. They are both caretakers with a spicy side that makes for a sweet and sexy relationship. 

This whole series was the perfect December read and Rob and Soren's story was a perfect ending! (For now? Will there be more? Who knows). There is definitely something in the air in Hartbridge around Christmas, brining all these lovely couples together. Their group starts as a few kindred spirits but turns into a warm and welcoming family for all and any queer couples. I loved all their shenanigans but also the support and love they have for one another. A fun, low angst read full of endearing characters and happy vibes. 

Read if you like: 
• found family                             
• holiday romance          
• small town romance       

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