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mollyreadsandcrafts's Reviews (978)
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
When I signed up for this ARC I was expecting a steamy cowboy romance, and boy did it deliver.
Shooter is surprised when his quick hookup from months before, Sterling, rolls into his hometown Copper Lake, Wyoming to start his professional rodeo career. Once the season starts they quickly become rivals as the pressure of expectations and winning comes down hard on both of them, all the while they find it hard to stay away from one another.
Sterling and Shooter are opposites except when it comes to rodeo. They're both dedicated and competitive, and that fire sparks between them constantly. They start with this great chemistry that moves into something deeper when the tolls of the season hit hard. I loved their relationship's development from a rivalry into a support system. Shooter is a cocky ass but with Sterling he is a lot more bearable and treats him so well. On the other hand, Sterling gives Shooter comfort and understanding when he's struggling. It's a pretty low angst story with a warm, happy ending.
I liked this book overall, I just wish some of bigger conversations in the middle of the book didn't happen off page. That and it was a little repetitive at times. I will also die on the hill that spitting tobacco is not sexy ever, sorry Sterling. The story has fun vibes though. I don't think I've ever read a cowboy romance that focused on rodeo life, so that was a cool change. It was also nice to be a less homophobic world that I assume rodeo life is in reality. I'm really looking forward to the rest of the series, I can tell these guys are all going to be a lot of fun!
Read if you like:
• cowboys/rodeo
• rivals to lovers
• opposites attract
Shooter is surprised when his quick hookup from months before, Sterling, rolls into his hometown Copper Lake, Wyoming to start his professional rodeo career. Once the season starts they quickly become rivals as the pressure of expectations and winning comes down hard on both of them, all the while they find it hard to stay away from one another.
Sterling and Shooter are opposites except when it comes to rodeo. They're both dedicated and competitive, and that fire sparks between them constantly. They start with this great chemistry that moves into something deeper when the tolls of the season hit hard. I loved their relationship's development from a rivalry into a support system. Shooter is a cocky ass but with Sterling he is a lot more bearable and treats him so well. On the other hand, Sterling gives Shooter comfort and understanding when he's struggling. It's a pretty low angst story with a warm, happy ending.
I liked this book overall, I just wish some of bigger conversations in the middle of the book didn't happen off page. That and it was a little repetitive at times. I will also die on the hill that spitting tobacco is not sexy ever, sorry Sterling. The story has fun vibes though. I don't think I've ever read a cowboy romance that focused on rodeo life, so that was a cool change. It was also nice to be a less homophobic world that I assume rodeo life is in reality. I'm really looking forward to the rest of the series, I can tell these guys are all going to be a lot of fun!
Read if you like:
• cowboys/rodeo
• rivals to lovers
• opposites attract
This is my first book by Ashley James and I was not expecting to love it as much as I did! Honestly I went in with no expectations, didn't really know what it was about, and then I read the entire book in one night. It was a perfect mix of angst and drama, pining, and just real love between these characters.
Josiah and Segan have a long and complicated history starting from when they are in their teens. They've always had a strong connection, but life circumstances force them apart and put them both through grief, trauma, and hurt. Now years later they meet again, but their past may be too heavy for them to move forward.
I love how complicated their whole situation is. It's so clear that they are meant for one another, but it's just not able to happen no matter how much they want it. When they reconnect all that hurt is still there, but the love! Segan has always loved Josiah. He wants so much to be able to move on but he, rightfully, has a lot to work through. Josiah knows he has to atone, and has immense patience and understanding while Segan working through his emotions. It's more than just Segan and Josiah falling in love, it's also coming to terms with their past and trying to be better people for one another.
If I had any complaints at all it would be that Part 1 and the beginning of Part 2 were a bit more cohesive. They just replay parts in their inner monologues that we had just read. But I really didn't mind that much - obviously, I really liked this book.
This book surprised me in the best way and I'm so glad I picked it up. I'm really looking forward to more Ashley James books in the future. I know I'm going to read Eight Seconds and get the details on those cowboys!
Read if you like:
• second chance
• mental health rep
• hurt/comfort
Josiah and Segan have a long and complicated history starting from when they are in their teens. They've always had a strong connection, but life circumstances force them apart and put them both through grief, trauma, and hurt. Now years later they meet again, but their past may be too heavy for them to move forward.
I love how complicated their whole situation is. It's so clear that they are meant for one another, but it's just not able to happen no matter how much they want it. When they reconnect all that hurt is still there, but the love! Segan has always loved Josiah. He wants so much to be able to move on but he, rightfully, has a lot to work through. Josiah knows he has to atone, and has immense patience and understanding while Segan working through his emotions. It's more than just Segan and Josiah falling in love, it's also coming to terms with their past and trying to be better people for one another.
If I had any complaints at all it would be that Part 1 and the beginning of Part 2 were a bit more cohesive. They just replay parts in their inner monologues that we had just read. But I really didn't mind that much - obviously, I really liked this book.
This book surprised me in the best way and I'm so glad I picked it up. I'm really looking forward to more Ashley James books in the future. I know I'm going to read Eight Seconds and get the details on those cowboys!
Read if you like:
• second chance
• mental health rep
• hurt/comfort
Another cute holiday romance, 'tis the season. This reminded me a lot of what I liked about the first book. I loved the characters, the holiday/winter vibe, and all the sweet found family feelings.
Seb and Patrick made a rule the holiday before to only kiss at Christmas. After spending a year pining for one another, they finally have a chance to kiss once again. Only an unexpected roommate interrupts what could be their last Christmas together.
I was really curious about Seb and Patrick's story after reading the first book. They are clearly very close friends, and there's no denying their chemistry. Patrick is such a friendly, sweet, lovable guy. Seb is a little more prickly, having a harder life, and more closed off. However he's very loyal to those he calls family and friends and will always stand up for injustice. They both think the world of each other and it's so sweet seeing them express it. There's plenty of swoony moments watching their friendship turn into the relationship they've both wanted for a while.
It was so fun to see Ian and Guy again and meet some new characters. I loved Jack, especially his wholesome friendship with Arthur. I don't think I 100% vibe with this writing style, but I'm still going to read the next Christmas book because I really like these characters, and they're shorter stories.
Read if you like:
• holiday romance
• friends to lovers
• grumpy/sunshine
Seb and Patrick made a rule the holiday before to only kiss at Christmas. After spending a year pining for one another, they finally have a chance to kiss once again. Only an unexpected roommate interrupts what could be their last Christmas together.
I was really curious about Seb and Patrick's story after reading the first book. They are clearly very close friends, and there's no denying their chemistry. Patrick is such a friendly, sweet, lovable guy. Seb is a little more prickly, having a harder life, and more closed off. However he's very loyal to those he calls family and friends and will always stand up for injustice. They both think the world of each other and it's so sweet seeing them express it. There's plenty of swoony moments watching their friendship turn into the relationship they've both wanted for a while.
It was so fun to see Ian and Guy again and meet some new characters. I loved Jack, especially his wholesome friendship with Arthur. I don't think I 100% vibe with this writing style, but I'm still going to read the next Christmas book because I really like these characters, and they're shorter stories.
Read if you like:
• holiday romance
• friends to lovers
• grumpy/sunshine
