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morganthebee's Reviews (489)
Take a Chance is the first book I've read by Claire Highton-Stevenson. I've meant to read her before but never got around to it, and then this one came out and I saw it on KU so I figured I'd check it out and get in a good holiday story while I was at it. It's apparently a spin-off of Last Chance, which I (obviously) haven't read, and while I do think I would have known who some of the side characters were better, I don't think it's necessary to have read it to follow this one.
Daisy is miserable at her job, getting evicted, and has dumped her cheating girlfriend, so she heads home to spend the holidays with her loving family. Her car breaks down in a snowstorm when she's almost there, but she's rescued by a cute passerby named SJ who helps her carry her luggage to her destination before heading home in the snow. The two feel a connection and both keep looking for each other until they meet again and oh, goodness, does the spark between them burn hot.
The two of them both have toxic exes in their pasts and try to navigate their feelings for each other while contending with their past traumas. The story itself is fairly straightforward and simple, with a lot of sexy times, a bit of angst, and more comedy of errors moments. I enjoyed it immensely, and this definitely won't be my last Claire Highton-Stevenson book, that's for sure!
Daisy is miserable at her job, getting evicted, and has dumped her cheating girlfriend, so she heads home to spend the holidays with her loving family. Her car breaks down in a snowstorm when she's almost there, but she's rescued by a cute passerby named SJ who helps her carry her luggage to her destination before heading home in the snow. The two feel a connection and both keep looking for each other until they meet again and oh, goodness, does the spark between them burn hot.
The two of them both have toxic exes in their pasts and try to navigate their feelings for each other while contending with their past traumas. The story itself is fairly straightforward and simple, with a lot of sexy times, a bit of angst, and more comedy of errors moments. I enjoyed it immensely, and this definitely won't be my last Claire Highton-Stevenson book, that's for sure!
What's Been Missing is the story of Haven, a country star who has reluctantly come home for the holidays to her small mountain hometown, where she left the love of her life 10 years ago. On her way her car breaks down so she calls the town's mechanic, who happens to be Phoebe, the love she left. The feelings they had for each other back then are still smoldering, although there's a lot of hurt that they'll have to work through if they're going to find their way back to each other.
Haven had a horrible childhood, and although the cause of that (her abusive stepfather) is gone, and she loves the two little sisters her mom had with her current husband, there's still a lot of animosity between Haven and her mother and brother. Part of that is related to her childhood, and part of it is that neither can accept that she's a lesbian.
Haven and Phoebe spend a lot of time together reconnecting, in part because of their feelings and in part so Haven can escape her family, and Phoebe becomes the safe space that she once was for Haven. The story felt very real and I definitely bought the connection between them emotionally, but Phoebe is a smoker who does so frequently throughout the book. I found that off-putting and I'm not sure I buy that a famous singer would be very happy about it, either, but I guess no one is perfect?
I received a free ARC from BookSirens, but my review is unbiased and left voluntarily.
Haven had a horrible childhood, and although the cause of that (her abusive stepfather) is gone, and she loves the two little sisters her mom had with her current husband, there's still a lot of animosity between Haven and her mother and brother. Part of that is related to her childhood, and part of it is that neither can accept that she's a lesbian.
Haven and Phoebe spend a lot of time together reconnecting, in part because of their feelings and in part so Haven can escape her family, and Phoebe becomes the safe space that she once was for Haven. The story felt very real and I definitely bought the connection between them emotionally, but Phoebe is a smoker who does so frequently throughout the book. I found that off-putting and I'm not sure I buy that a famous singer would be very happy about it, either, but I guess no one is perfect?
I received a free ARC from BookSirens, but my review is unbiased and left voluntarily.
I loved Honey in the Marrow. One of the best books I've read this year. It's a beautiful story of grief, love, and discovering oneself. Told from the POV of Stella who, at age 51, has recently lost her husband in the line of duty, and in the aftermath she's taken a leave of absence and then ultimately left her job as a Deputy District Attorney in LA. Her niece, Addie, is moving to LA to live with her and start a new life, but also to support Stella as she grieves.
The story starts off slowly as we're witness to Stella's grief and depression as she struggles to get out of bed, leave the house, and even eat properly. Addie does her best to take care of Stella, helping her where she can and encouraging her to get out of the house. One evening, Addie finally convinces Stella to visit her at the bar where she works, and it's there that she encounters Elizabeth, a 60-year-old detective that she used to work with through the DA's office, and who worked under her husband at the time of his death. Stella does her best to push Elizabeth away, but she's steadfast and patient in her support and slowly Stella begins to accept her friendship. In the process she begins to realize that she may feel more for Elizabeth than she ever expected.
Waters give us depth but treats the characters with such tenderness, even when they may not behave in the nicest way. There's some drama, but nothing unnecessary and all of it moves the story along to a very satisfying ending (even if I did have to suffer through the best almost-kiss ever along the way).
The story starts off slowly as we're witness to Stella's grief and depression as she struggles to get out of bed, leave the house, and even eat properly. Addie does her best to take care of Stella, helping her where she can and encouraging her to get out of the house. One evening, Addie finally convinces Stella to visit her at the bar where she works, and it's there that she encounters Elizabeth, a 60-year-old detective that she used to work with through the DA's office, and who worked under her husband at the time of his death. Stella does her best to push Elizabeth away, but she's steadfast and patient in her support and slowly Stella begins to accept her friendship. In the process she begins to realize that she may feel more for Elizabeth than she ever expected.
Waters give us depth but treats the characters with such tenderness, even when they may not behave in the nicest way. There's some drama, but nothing unnecessary and all of it moves the story along to a very satisfying ending (even if I did have to suffer through the best almost-kiss ever along the way).
The Relationship Mechanic, the second book in the Peach Blossom trilogy by Karmen Lee, is youngest sister Vini’s love story. We first met her in The 7-10 Split, but we get even more of the family dynamics here, with Ava’s overprotectiveness, Dani’s quiet support, and their dad’s unquestioning love. We also meet Vini’s employee, Aiden, who was a great character and I really loved how he supported Vini. We also get a lot more spice.
Jessica (Grace’s best friend who we also met in the previous book), has rolled into town—or rather, been towed into town by Vini—on a break from her life to let some drama die down. She isn’t the relationship type, but she and Vini find themselves drawn to each other and embark on a situationship that they keep to themselves. Their banter is great, and they definitely have a sizzling chemistry, but of course it’s hard to keep feelings from getting in the way.
I did find myself wanting a few more scenes of everyday interactions between Vini and Jessica so we could have seen how their relationship developed on a more personal and not just physical level, but it’s a fun, quick read and I’d definitely recommend it. I can’t wait for book 3 and Dani’s turn at love!
I received a free ARC from NetGalley, but my review is unbiased and left voluntarily.
Jessica (Grace’s best friend who we also met in the previous book), has rolled into town—or rather, been towed into town by Vini—on a break from her life to let some drama die down. She isn’t the relationship type, but she and Vini find themselves drawn to each other and embark on a situationship that they keep to themselves. Their banter is great, and they definitely have a sizzling chemistry, but of course it’s hard to keep feelings from getting in the way.
I did find myself wanting a few more scenes of everyday interactions between Vini and Jessica so we could have seen how their relationship developed on a more personal and not just physical level, but it’s a fun, quick read and I’d definitely recommend it. I can’t wait for book 3 and Dani’s turn at love!
I received a free ARC from NetGalley, but my review is unbiased and left voluntarily.
Eras of Us is a super steamy second chance sapphic romance from Shannon O’Connor. Our MCs, River and Aspen, were together in their younger years, but the relationship ended when Aspen left River and NYC to head off to California, so River is surprised when they run into each other at a concert. Turns out Aspen is back, and their feelings haven’t changed, although River is still hurt over how their relationship ended and Aspen feels a lot of guilt and regret about it. The two have what both expect to be a one night stand, but they just can’t seem to quit each other.
I really enjoyed the story, the spice was frequent and well done, and the characters and their connection was fabulous. There was some jumping from past to present tense in the writing, sometimes in the middle of paragraphs, particularly in the earlier parts of the story. I did find that a bit frustrating but bearable. There’s not a lot of drama but there are a few triggers so make sure you check those, but Eras of Us is definitely worth a read.
I received a free ARC from BookSirens, but my review is unbiased and left voluntarily.
I really enjoyed the story, the spice was frequent and well done, and the characters and their connection was fabulous. There was some jumping from past to present tense in the writing, sometimes in the middle of paragraphs, particularly in the earlier parts of the story. I did find that a bit frustrating but bearable. There’s not a lot of drama but there are a few triggers so make sure you check those, but Eras of Us is definitely worth a read.
I received a free ARC from BookSirens, but my review is unbiased and left voluntarily.
Hotshot is my favorite of Clare Lydon’s books that I’ve read, although it’s not without its flaws. Sloane, an American soccer star in a troubled engagement and a strained relationship with her parents, joins up with a UK football team for a year to get some space from her life. She runs into Ella, a former player turned lifestyle coach, on their first day. Lydon spends quite a bit of time building up their friendship and attraction, and when Sloane’s engagement ends they move into their own relationship in a natural way.
Along the way Sloane meets some extended family she has living nearby, and we get to know some of the other players and coaches. This adds some nice dimension to the story and gives Sloane and Ella both a bit more depth by extension.
Sloane is so intent on protecting Ella’s privacy and keeping her old and new lives separate that she ends up lying to her by omission. When it comes out there’s the inevitable breakup that’s part of Lydon’s formula, but for me that’s where the flaw in this book really is. Ella, whose literal job is to get players to open up and talk about things, who up until this point has been all about communication, cuts Sloane off completely. She refuses to talk or listen to her at all, causing tension and strife, which is extremely uncharacteristic of her and just…doesn’t make sense.
My issues with that aside, things resolve themselves as they always do, and overall this is a very enjoyable read.
Along the way Sloane meets some extended family she has living nearby, and we get to know some of the other players and coaches. This adds some nice dimension to the story and gives Sloane and Ella both a bit more depth by extension.
Sloane is so intent on protecting Ella’s privacy and keeping her old and new lives separate that she ends up lying to her by omission. When it comes out there’s the inevitable breakup that’s part of Lydon’s formula, but for me that’s where the flaw in this book really is. Ella, whose literal job is to get players to open up and talk about things, who up until this point has been all about communication, cuts Sloane off completely. She refuses to talk or listen to her at all, causing tension and strife, which is extremely uncharacteristic of her and just…doesn’t make sense.
My issues with that aside, things resolve themselves as they always do, and overall this is a very enjoyable read.