mollyreadsandcrafts's Reviews (978)

Colby has always felt like he doesn't fit in with his family and small town. He doesn't know if he likes it or if he wants something more but he knows he isn't like everyone else. When Vince moves to Harmony to start over after a messy breakup, he moves in with Colby. They quickly become close friends, which becomes friends with benefits. A perfect situation for two guys who have sworn off relationships, until those inevitable feelings start to happen. 

I really liked Colby and Vince's dynamic - they're exactly what the other needed. Colby needed that push to find out what he enjoys and explore himself and Vince is there to support him every step of the way. Colby's journey to discovering that he's demiromantic was really interesting and I'm glad he has such a support system to make him feel less alone. Vince is in a bit of a rough patch emotionally but he's so easily able to trust Colby. Vince moved to Harmony for a new start and so easily fits into life at Covington Acres. For two guys who have sworn off relationships, they fall into a perfect one so seamlessly. 

I liked everything, it was just slower than the previous books in the series and was missing that cozy feeling. I've read a lot of Riley Hart and I think there's a time period where I really enjoy her writing, but I haven't been vibing with some of her newer stuff. Nothing bad about any of it, it's all just okay. I really loved this series overall though. All the couples are living out their HEAs in this book, being as sweet and endearing as ever. I also absolutely need a story with the kids, Wyatt and Sean?? There's so much potential! If you want a cozy, swoony small town romance with a growing found family - I for sure would recommend this series!

Read if you like: 
• roommates to lovers                                
• small town romance    
• sexual awakening  

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In the midst of attempting to plan their future, Park and Cooper get caught up in another werewolf crime. What was supposed to be a quick recon for a friend becomes a mystery full of lies, murder, and missing people. To get any answers, they have to turn to a villain from their past. Who can they trust when everyone seems to be a suspect, and the end goal seems to be getting rid of Cooper himself?  

Park and Cooper! They're a perfect match. Cooper is as sassy as ever and Park gives back just as good. When Park is feeling more vulnerable Cooper is there for whatever he needs, the protector of his wolf. Park makes Cooper want to be better because he cares so much, but Park still insists he loves Cooper just as he is. From the first book to now the character development is amazing. They both have learned how to open up and trust the other, while also working on their personal issues - facing their past trauma and insecurities. I couldn't love them more. 

The crime/suspense plot definitely drew on some of the past books. It was pretty interesting seeing old characters and meeting new ones. There's also more werewolf lore and I'm really curious how this all sets up other books in this world because there are some unanswered questions still floating around. This is the conclusion of the series, but there is definitely more of Cooper and Oliver's story to tell! I know there's a spin off series, but I could also easily read another series about Cooper and Park living, loving, and solving crime. They've worked so hard to get to where they are and I just want to see them happy and in love now! I highly recommend this series, and am already thinking about rereading it. 

Read if you like: 
• true crime/mystery                                 
• paranormal romance      
• laughs, swoon, & spice 

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Meh, just uneventful. Cute though

August 2024 reread & audiobook: 

Harrison moves to Burlington to open up a wine bar/bookstore with his mom. After a misplaced chicken delivery, he meets Finn whose family has a local working farm. They couldn't be more opposite - a city slicker and a farm boy - and neither of them trust in the possibility of a long term relationship. However between spending time at the farm and talks about books, they find that there could be a future for them after all. 

Harrison and Finn are a cute couple. Harrison calls himself a "bad bet" for a relationship since most men in his family have lots of health issues (my absolute least favorite microtrope). He can't help being drawn to Finn's solid and genuinely good character. Finn's been burned by relationships before, but as he sees Harrison starting to embrace small town life, he is able to imagine a future together. I love how understanding they were of one another and their busy lives, making time where they could and respecting one another. Yay for adult relationships! 

This was just a cute, fluffy book and a nice and easy read/listen. It's a fun introduction into the world of Vino & Veritas where we see how it all started. I love the little hints of what's to come for future characters. A low angst romance but full of sweet, small town vibes. 

Read if you like: 
• opposites attract                                 
• small town romance     
• age gap     

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Cooper and Oliver go undercover to a couples therapy retreat/resort to investigate a missing former alpha wolf. Even surrounded by suspects and with the danger increasing, Cooper is growing increasingly worried about the power dynamics in his and Park's relationship. What better place to sort that out (while solving crime) than at a counseling retreat? 

I'm still very much loving Cooper and Park! (Cooper always calls him Park, not Oliver, so I just call him Park). Even being together for a while now - eight months? - they are still coming into themselves and working on being their best for each other. Cooper is worried about their dynamics with the alpha-ness, not for himself but for Park. Park never has had someone care about him in this way, and as grumpy as he is Cooper cares immensely for Park. They are always taking the other into consideration. Even though they still make mistakes, their communication and honesty has grown exponentially since their early days. I love this journey for them. 

While not my favorite of the books, I still liked it. I just wasn't as invested in the mystery/crime plot as the other books because it seemed to be so separated from their story arcs. The main plot was definitely more along the lines of Cooper and Park figuring out their relationship dynamics - coming to terms with some more of their buried feelings while also taking the next steps in their relationship. I love them as a couple and they've grown so much from book one together and separately. This was the only book (so far) where I might've shed a tear. I don't want the series to end, but there's only one more to go! 

Read if you like: 
• true crime/mystery                                 
• paranormal romance    
• undercover agents    

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