mollyreadsandcrafts's Reviews (978)

Such a sweet, emotional love story. I absolutely adored Rook, and Luka did eventually grow on me. Childhood friends to lovers with a little distance in the middle is my kryptonite and A.M. Johnson did it really well here. I've been really into small town romances lately and Hemlock Harbor sounds like a dream! Can't wait to for the rest of the series. 

•minor spoilers• 

What I loved about this book was that I was invested in the characters from the beginning. A few chapters in and I would do anything to protect Rook! A small town guy, struggling with his sexuality, missing his best friend, pulls at my little heart strings. I was mad at Luka for Rook, but by the end I did like him and glad he kept choosing Rook and their life together in Hemlock Harbor, my new favorite fictional place to live. 

My only complaint is that it kind of dragged in the second half. It was a lot of grief - which was very emotional and important - but I didn't feel that same connection to their relationship that I did at the very beginning. However, I was crying in the epilogue because they're so adorable and I loved seeing their HEA. I'm not usually a huge fan of flashbacks but I thought the little peeks were done perfectly and really fit into the story. 

I'm super interested in Ron's story next, apparently he was in Glow Up as a side character but I don't really remember him? And I've added Nora's old bosses book to my TBR list! I really like this author and didn't realize I had actually read a book of her's before. A nice and easy writing style, and I was really invested in their story. I'm too excited to get back to Hemlock Harbor with the next in the series. 

Edited to add: I looked up Ron! I totally forgot about the fact I was really looking forward to his story and Hemlock Harbor months and months ago when I read The Glow Up! Doubly excited now. 

Read if you like: 
• best friends to lovers 
• small town romance 
• demisexual representation

4.5⭐️ 3🌶️
I didn't know quite what to expect when going into this book because it's a little different than my most recent reads, but I loved it! An exciting political thriller-type romance with danger, suspense, sweet romance, and a kickass found family. I can't wait to see what this group has to overcome with in the next book! 

•minor spoilers• 

The main romantic relationship is between Theo, the First Son of the U.S., and his bodyguard/Secret Service agent, Connor. Theo struggles with some major anxiety, and only moved into the White House to help with his much younger siblings, giving up a lot of his independence. Connor is a sweet southern gentleman who's immediately infatuated with Theo and they form a very sweet, supportive, loving romance. I feel like they were pretty obvious and not super secretive but I guess no one paid them any attention because the secretive part of this somewhat forbidden relationship wasn't a huge factor. 

Now, while they are the main guys, we got a lot of other characters POVs, mostly the characters that make up the Rainbow Brigade found family. Besides Theo's President mom, I loved them. I wasn't sure about all the switching POVs at first, as it took some of the focus of the romance, but this was a very plot driven book and the different characters each brought something unique to the story. 

I wish there was more romance, because every time I I read about Connor and Theo I could feel their chemistry and connection on the page and just wanted more! I did love the plot though, it wasn't really predictable and it was fun to get into. I would say the writing is a little more complex than my normal read so it took a little longer to get through, but I liked the style and character development. All the characters had very distinctive voices and everything tied up really nicely. 

I'm excited to see where the next book goes with everything and get a little more insight on the other characters. Except Theo's mom, I'm not sure anything could bring her back onto my good side. 

Read if you like:
• bodyguard/client 
• hurt/comfort 
• opposites attract 
• mental health rep 
• found family

Another very entertaining and fun read from Cora Rose! I love how slightly silly her books are and how much fun her characters are. Colin and Ethan did not disappoint. Colin *finally* gets his man, and Ethan is so funny with his British dry wit. These two falling for each other despite not wanting to was the perfect weekend read. 

•minor spoilers• 

Colin!!! We've known Colin for a while, and he is such a good character. A+ single father who just wants romance and to find his ultimate perfect partner. Enter Ethan, his new slightly infuriating neighbor. Ethan is wary of relationships and fights falling for Colin the whole time, but ends up being the sweetest and most fierce protector of both Colin and his son Daniel! I loved seeing him soften over time and accept his feelings while giving Colin unconditional support. 

Fun and easy writing, a nice relationship arc filled with some slight angst. I enjoyed reading this over a long weekend where I had to put the book down a lot. I was able to come back and pick right back up pretty easily and still feel that connection to these characters. I absolutely love this series and can't wait for whoever comes next! 

Read if you like: 
• single parent 
• neighbors 
• voyeurism

Short, easy, and breezy. A cute story about a fake marriage with real feelings. Émile and Christian were adorable, but the real gem was the found family theme. I'm really excited to get into the other Bertha's/Lost Boys, especially with some Puckboy crossover action. If you want a low angst, short, fun read this is for you! 

•minor spoilers• 

Christian really stole my heart, but I'm a sucker for clumsy, awkward main characters. He was just so sweet and Émile was so perfect for him. Émile by himself was okay, but I loved how he just accepted Christian and loved all his little quirks. His only goal was loving Christian the best he could and that's exactly what Christian needs! 

I loved the found family vibes. It's probably why I enjoyed Christian's POV more, I was able to experience all the Big Boned Bertha shenanigans and there were many. A super fun group I'm already in love with! 

Overall the story was pretty light. Light angst, light spice, nothing too crazy. I love Saxon James, but this was definitely a fluffier read than I'm used to from her. Can't wait for the next one and the Puckboy book with one of these guys! 

Read if you like: 
• fake marriage 
• found family 
• clumsy dancer