Take a photo of a barcode or cover
mollyreadsandcrafts's Reviews (978)
When Park gets a phone call from his family, he and Cooper immediately set off for their territory in Canada. It becomes apparent when they get there that Park hasn't only been keeping secrets from Cooper, but from his family as well. What starts out as a trip for a memorial service turns into a mysterious death, attempted murder, and a whole lot of pack politics.
If the last book was all about Cooper coming to terms with his insecurities and past, this one is all about Park. Still from Cooper's POV, we slowly understand why Park is so closed off and nervous about Cooper learning his past. Even though I wanted to shake some sense into Park at the beginning, his love for Cooper is unparalleled and he is trying to protect him the only way he knows how. But he has nothing to fear because Cooper can't be scared away that easily. They really come into their relationship, having the hard but necessary conversations. I've really loved seeing how much they've grown from the first book to now, especially Cooper.
Another solid book in this series. This mystery/crime was all over the place for me and I didn't see anything coming (in a good way). I'm not sure if it was just learning about the pack politics that was throwing me off but I couldn't even tell you who was suspicious. There was a little more world building with learning about the pack, Park's past, and other werewolf lore. I also loved the Cooper is just toting his cat around to this werewolf outing, Boogey you're doing great. Now that it seems that - for the most part - Cooper and Park have figured out their relationship, I'm excited to see the next phase of their journey.
Read if you like:
• true crime/mystery
• paranormal romance
• emotional slow burn
•••••••••••••••••••••
If the last book was all about Cooper coming to terms with his insecurities and past, this one is all about Park. Still from Cooper's POV, we slowly understand why Park is so closed off and nervous about Cooper learning his past. Even though I wanted to shake some sense into Park at the beginning, his love for Cooper is unparalleled and he is trying to protect him the only way he knows how. But he has nothing to fear because Cooper can't be scared away that easily. They really come into their relationship, having the hard but necessary conversations. I've really loved seeing how much they've grown from the first book to now, especially Cooper.
Another solid book in this series. This mystery/crime was all over the place for me and I didn't see anything coming (in a good way). I'm not sure if it was just learning about the pack politics that was throwing me off but I couldn't even tell you who was suspicious. There was a little more world building with learning about the pack, Park's past, and other werewolf lore. I also loved the Cooper is just toting his cat around to this werewolf outing, Boogey you're doing great. Now that it seems that - for the most part - Cooper and Park have figured out their relationship, I'm excited to see the next phase of their journey.
Read if you like:
• true crime/mystery
• paranormal romance
• emotional slow burn
•••••••••••••••••••••
Cooper is an ex-FBI agent who now works in a secret werewolf crime division. When he is volunteered to get partnered up with a werewolf to investigate a string of murders and disappearances, he feels the pressure of making the test partnership successful and solving the increasingly mysterious case. Even with the friction between them, Cooper can't help but be captivated by Park. As the situation becomes more dangerous, figuring out who to trust becomes more difficult.
Cooper is such a grump and I love it. This book is only from his POV and his internal monologue is so entertaining, he has a sarcastic dry humor that I love. I feel like we are still learning about Park though he seems to be a total sweetheart. He's able to keep up with Cooper and isn't put off by his sometimes prickly demeanor. Though they have their differences there's also this innate connection that draws them together. Their romance is more of an emotional slow burn, but they sure have no qualms about exploring their steamy chemistry.
I thought this was a really unique story. You have MCs in their 30s, some true crime, and lots of secrets and drama. There were times where I was suspecting everyone. It was a pretty good mix of plot with some heated tension of all sorts between Park and Cooper. This is the beginning of their story, so it ends on a happy for now which makes a lot of sense for them. There's a lot to work out in their burgeoning relationship, and I look forward to more!
Read if you like:
• true crime/mystery
• paranormal romance
• forced proximity
•••••••••••••••••••••
Cooper is such a grump and I love it. This book is only from his POV and his internal monologue is so entertaining, he has a sarcastic dry humor that I love. I feel like we are still learning about Park though he seems to be a total sweetheart. He's able to keep up with Cooper and isn't put off by his sometimes prickly demeanor. Though they have their differences there's also this innate connection that draws them together. Their romance is more of an emotional slow burn, but they sure have no qualms about exploring their steamy chemistry.
I thought this was a really unique story. You have MCs in their 30s, some true crime, and lots of secrets and drama. There were times where I was suspecting everyone. It was a pretty good mix of plot with some heated tension of all sorts between Park and Cooper. This is the beginning of their story, so it ends on a happy for now which makes a lot of sense for them. There's a lot to work out in their burgeoning relationship, and I look forward to more!
Read if you like:
• true crime/mystery
• paranormal romance
• forced proximity
•••••••••••••••••••••
Cooper goes back to his hometown (somewhat unwillingly) to attend his brother's engagement party. He asks Park to come along with him in hopes they can discuss their relationship status away from their work. The trip becomes more than they bargained for when a body is discovered and the decades old secrets, betrayals, and cover ups are revealed.
This story focused lot on Cooper, it was definitely more of a character development story for him. I enjoyed it because, as grumpy as he is, I really like him. He has his insecurities from decades of emotional suppression and bad relationships, so discussing these with Park is really difficult. In addition to avoiding his feelings, they are both avoiding the talking about their pasts while immersed in secrets from the past. However there is no denying how they care and want to be there for one another through anything. It's a bit of a wake up call for Cooper to let Park in and try to be more vulnerable or risk losing him. They're kind of idiots in love, but you love these sweethearts anyways.
I enjoyed this one slightly more than the first, but then again I'm all about the family drama and this has it all. This was another case where I was just suspicious of everyone and had no clue what direction it was going to end up going. It was interesting to see Cooper's family, his brother was amazing and even his dad was just trying his best. The whole book is such a good mix of plot and romance. Cooper and Park are in it for the long game and there are still so many secrets between them. I'm really interested to see how they progress in the next book and see if we get any answers about Park's mysterious past.
Read if you like:
• true crime/mystery
• paranormal romance
• family drama
•••••••••••••••••••••
This story focused lot on Cooper, it was definitely more of a character development story for him. I enjoyed it because, as grumpy as he is, I really like him. He has his insecurities from decades of emotional suppression and bad relationships, so discussing these with Park is really difficult. In addition to avoiding his feelings, they are both avoiding the talking about their pasts while immersed in secrets from the past. However there is no denying how they care and want to be there for one another through anything. It's a bit of a wake up call for Cooper to let Park in and try to be more vulnerable or risk losing him. They're kind of idiots in love, but you love these sweethearts anyways.
I enjoyed this one slightly more than the first, but then again I'm all about the family drama and this has it all. This was another case where I was just suspicious of everyone and had no clue what direction it was going to end up going. It was interesting to see Cooper's family, his brother was amazing and even his dad was just trying his best. The whole book is such a good mix of plot and romance. Cooper and Park are in it for the long game and there are still so many secrets between them. I'm really interested to see how they progress in the next book and see if we get any answers about Park's mysterious past.
Read if you like:
• true crime/mystery
• paranormal romance
• family drama
•••••••••••••••••••••
I know I hyped it up in my head too much, so of course I was a little disappointed. I love the characters, love Miller and Talon, the Damon and Maddox cameo, Felix is one of my favorites so I'm glad he was there, and I'm pretty interested in Brady's book now with a little backstory added.
I just felt like I missed a few chapters in the middle where they actually fell for each other. It felt like the had their hookup, ran into each other, immediate love. I felt like nothing actually happened to justify those feelings other than they have a connection? It wasn't developed as well as I would've liked. Insta-love, basically, which was a little disappointing after reading most of Eden Finleys books before. Maybe it was just because it was part of the FU series which was all in all pretty low key.
Overall, not the best, not the worst, and I liked the characters.
Series overall, it had ups and downs, but it was fun to see all the different characters and how they perceive each other and their relationships outside the main characters story. A fun time, low key angst and cute fluff all around.
August 2024 reread and audiobook:
Peyton is ready to finish his college football career and follow in his dad's footsteps of being the next NFL superstar. When an old flame that stoked his sexual awakening shows up at his college, he has to decide if it's worth it to take a chance on love even with mounting outside pressure of his future career.
I liked Peyton and Levi but it felt like they fell into their feelings pretty quickly. They had one hook up from years prior, and both can't seem to get it out of their head. Levi sees Peyton as an embodiment of all he wants - freedom from his family and actual happiness. Levi is the only person Peyton has felt true feelings for and even with his future taking off, doesn't want to let that go. He is able to understand Peyton in a way no one else has, wanting him besides the football and the money. I thought they were a good couple and could see their potential, I just wish we got to see them fall for each other a little more.
This reminds me a lot of Eden's FU 2 book (that I read recently) where the romance is lost a bit to the plot. There wasn't exactly any build up besides their one hook up years ago, and then Peyton is all of a sudden having a crisis of football or Levi. It just seemed there were a couple steps missing. What saved the book was all of the character cameos from other Sadenverse books - Miller and Talon of course, but also Felix, Marshall, Damon, and Maddox. Plus all the fun hints for Brady's book! Loved the characters, the story was alright. A nice conclusion to the Franklin U series.
Read if you like:
• college football
• second chance
• opposites attract
•••••••••••••••••••••
I just felt like I missed a few chapters in the middle where they actually fell for each other. It felt like the had their hookup, ran into each other, immediate love. I felt like nothing actually happened to justify those feelings other than they have a connection? It wasn't developed as well as I would've liked. Insta-love, basically, which was a little disappointing after reading most of Eden Finleys books before. Maybe it was just because it was part of the FU series which was all in all pretty low key.
Overall, not the best, not the worst, and I liked the characters.
Series overall, it had ups and downs, but it was fun to see all the different characters and how they perceive each other and their relationships outside the main characters story. A fun time, low key angst and cute fluff all around.
August 2024 reread and audiobook:
Peyton is ready to finish his college football career and follow in his dad's footsteps of being the next NFL superstar. When an old flame that stoked his sexual awakening shows up at his college, he has to decide if it's worth it to take a chance on love even with mounting outside pressure of his future career.
I liked Peyton and Levi but it felt like they fell into their feelings pretty quickly. They had one hook up from years prior, and both can't seem to get it out of their head. Levi sees Peyton as an embodiment of all he wants - freedom from his family and actual happiness. Levi is the only person Peyton has felt true feelings for and even with his future taking off, doesn't want to let that go. He is able to understand Peyton in a way no one else has, wanting him besides the football and the money. I thought they were a good couple and could see their potential, I just wish we got to see them fall for each other a little more.
This reminds me a lot of Eden's FU 2 book (that I read recently) where the romance is lost a bit to the plot. There wasn't exactly any build up besides their one hook up years ago, and then Peyton is all of a sudden having a crisis of football or Levi. It just seemed there were a couple steps missing. What saved the book was all of the character cameos from other Sadenverse books - Miller and Talon of course, but also Felix, Marshall, Damon, and Maddox. Plus all the fun hints for Brady's book! Loved the characters, the story was alright. A nice conclusion to the Franklin U series.
Read if you like:
• college football
• second chance
• opposites attract
•••••••••••••••••••••
After losing his best friend, Nathan, Grady spends years feeling untethered and lost. He takes a chance and moves to Nathan's hometown of Harmony to reconnect with Nathan's sister and husband, but ends up finding the sense of peace he's always been chasing. Years after his wife has passed, Deacon is still just living to get by. When his brother-in-law's best friend shows up, he's reminded just how much of life there's left to live.
Grady and Deacon are such a lovely couple. They have a shared bond from their grief and are able to connect on a level they wouldn't be able to with anyone else. They are friends first but are able to grow into such an intimate, loving relationship. Deacon hasn't been attracted to anyone except his wife and while he recognizes his sexuality may be something other than straight, he just accepts his new feelings for what they are. Grady makes it easy for Deacon to just be and love Grady the way he deserves. Grady has been searching for something his whole life - acceptance, love. Deacon gives him all this and more, making Grady feel comfortable enough to finally put down roots. Even with the outside world making noise, they are able to find solace and happiness just being together.
I don't know what Riley is putting in this series but it's hitting all the comfy, small town vibes for me. These characters pulled me in with their connected tragedies and the softness of their love. It's not high angst, but there's the usual family drama and at least one moment that made me cry. It's simply a beautiful story of two people finding hope and comfort in one another. And there's ice cream. I would say I'm looking forward to the next book as always, but I'm already half way through and loving it!
Read if you like:
• hurt/comfort
• sexual awakening
• small town romance
•••••••••••••••••••••
Grady and Deacon are such a lovely couple. They have a shared bond from their grief and are able to connect on a level they wouldn't be able to with anyone else. They are friends first but are able to grow into such an intimate, loving relationship. Deacon hasn't been attracted to anyone except his wife and while he recognizes his sexuality may be something other than straight, he just accepts his new feelings for what they are. Grady makes it easy for Deacon to just be and love Grady the way he deserves. Grady has been searching for something his whole life - acceptance, love. Deacon gives him all this and more, making Grady feel comfortable enough to finally put down roots. Even with the outside world making noise, they are able to find solace and happiness just being together.
I don't know what Riley is putting in this series but it's hitting all the comfy, small town vibes for me. These characters pulled me in with their connected tragedies and the softness of their love. It's not high angst, but there's the usual family drama and at least one moment that made me cry. It's simply a beautiful story of two people finding hope and comfort in one another. And there's ice cream. I would say I'm looking forward to the next book as always, but I'm already half way through and loving it!
Read if you like:
• hurt/comfort
• sexual awakening
• small town romance
•••••••••••••••••••••
This one was definitely a favorite, easy to read. Low low angst, but I still enjoyed it which doesn't normally happen. I really loved the characters, both types are my favorite kind to read about. I just wanted to wrap Vincent in a hug and never let go, and I loved how perfect Cobey was - too perfect? Eh maybe but it felt good to read about. The little newspaper article in the back definitely made me tear up, so cute.
August 2024 reread & audiobook:
After struggling in his classes, Cobey's parents move him into the dorms and tell him to find a tutor. Vincent's new roommate Cobey is a football star, super popular, and a super nice guy, who happens to need help in Vincent's specialty. They make an agreement, Cobey will help Vincent come out of his shell and socialize more while Vincent will tutors him in math. But as they grow closer with the more laughs they share and the more intimate their lessons become, when it comes to their new feelings they both have a steep learning curve.
Vincent and Cobey are just so dang adorable. Vincent has this pretty tragic backstory that's just casually sprinkled in. It's so sad how he basically had to raise himself which is why he struggles socially, but Cobey couldn't be more perfect for him. Cobey is just a really good guy who has an abundance of love to give to Vincent. Vincent struggles a little with self esteem and intimacy, but Cobey supports him every step of the way. Vincent also does the same for Cobey and is his biggest cheerleader, not only for football but for his academics too. Just two sweethearts pushing each other to be the best they can be with so much love all around.
This book was such a cute comfort read for me. I remember it being my favorite of the Franklin U books the first time around, and it's definitely still up there. There were so many "aw" moments, nice friendships, but as sweet as it was there's a little kick of spice as well. The little newspaper article that's in the back of the book (not in the audiobook) is so stinking cute and makes me cry every time. Definitely a feel good, low angst read!
Read if you like:
• nerd/jock
• college football
• roommates to lovers
•••••••••••••••••••••
August 2024 reread & audiobook:
After struggling in his classes, Cobey's parents move him into the dorms and tell him to find a tutor. Vincent's new roommate Cobey is a football star, super popular, and a super nice guy, who happens to need help in Vincent's specialty. They make an agreement, Cobey will help Vincent come out of his shell and socialize more while Vincent will tutors him in math. But as they grow closer with the more laughs they share and the more intimate their lessons become, when it comes to their new feelings they both have a steep learning curve.
Vincent and Cobey are just so dang adorable. Vincent has this pretty tragic backstory that's just casually sprinkled in. It's so sad how he basically had to raise himself which is why he struggles socially, but Cobey couldn't be more perfect for him. Cobey is just a really good guy who has an abundance of love to give to Vincent. Vincent struggles a little with self esteem and intimacy, but Cobey supports him every step of the way. Vincent also does the same for Cobey and is his biggest cheerleader, not only for football but for his academics too. Just two sweethearts pushing each other to be the best they can be with so much love all around.
This book was such a cute comfort read for me. I remember it being my favorite of the Franklin U books the first time around, and it's definitely still up there. There were so many "aw" moments, nice friendships, but as sweet as it was there's a little kick of spice as well. The little newspaper article that's in the back of the book (not in the audiobook) is so stinking cute and makes me cry every time. Definitely a feel good, low angst read!
Read if you like:
• nerd/jock
• college football
• roommates to lovers
•••••••••••••••••••••
When Holden gets a phone call from his estranged sister, he drops everything and goes to small town Harmony to support her. Monroe has been perfectly happy living in Harmony working with his family and raising his son with his best friend. When Holden shows up to help his sister who's renting a cabin on Monroe's land, there's an instant attraction but there are also a ton of complications. As they spend time together they start to realize what they've been missing, and how good life could be.
Holden and Monroe have immediate chemistry but because their circumstances they are only friends for a while - it's a slow burn y'all. They are both older, mature men and it shows in how respectful and communicative they are in their relationship. Monroe at his core is such a good and giving person, and Holden is the type to drop any and everything for the few he lets in his circle. They are both protectors who love their families and it gives them a meaningful bond. It was just really special to watch them fall in love and discover how much more there is to living.
I'm not sure that the book is actually 4 stars, but I just loved the vibes. Something about it just drew me in. It's a small town romance, a slow burn, not super angsty, but it felt low-key in a satisfying way. There was some more telling than showing at times but it gets better as the book goes on. I'm also a fan of any and all family drama, so I don't ever mind when that's a big part of the book. Riley's books always tend to have some of it which I like (though I could've lived without the Lindsey thing). I've decided not to look at all into the other books, blurbs or anything, besides their titles. But I do know the next is about our new favorite ice cream maker. I'm looking forward to where the series goes!
Read if you like:
• friends to lovers
• small town romance
• slow burn
•••••••••••••••••••••
Holden and Monroe have immediate chemistry but because their circumstances they are only friends for a while - it's a slow burn y'all. They are both older, mature men and it shows in how respectful and communicative they are in their relationship. Monroe at his core is such a good and giving person, and Holden is the type to drop any and everything for the few he lets in his circle. They are both protectors who love their families and it gives them a meaningful bond. It was just really special to watch them fall in love and discover how much more there is to living.
I'm not sure that the book is actually 4 stars, but I just loved the vibes. Something about it just drew me in. It's a small town romance, a slow burn, not super angsty, but it felt low-key in a satisfying way. There was some more telling than showing at times but it gets better as the book goes on. I'm also a fan of any and all family drama, so I don't ever mind when that's a big part of the book. Riley's books always tend to have some of it which I like (though I could've lived without the Lindsey thing). I've decided not to look at all into the other books, blurbs or anything, besides their titles. But I do know the next is about our new favorite ice cream maker. I'm looking forward to where the series goes!
Read if you like:
• friends to lovers
• small town romance
• slow burn
•••••••••••••••••••••