romancingthedata's reviews
217 reviews

This was a solid read for me. The themes resonated with me, particularly as I was feeling a bit low at the time, so the focus on self acceptance and self love were timely. One of my quibbles was how

they both stayed in the dark about each other’s jobs for so long

. It seems unrealistic that something didn’t tip them off sooner, especially since they were spending so much time together. But it was quite beautiful to see how much Wes loved Britta, how he supported and cared for her. Sigh. 

This one is a tougher read—Torture Island is very terrible and it’s hard to really stan Declan Chase. But the reincarnation storyline is interesting and creative, and I like the message about not wanting the perfect guy. But Declan was A VERY BAD GUY and I don’t know if I can forgive him so easily lol. 

Garreth!!

Enjoyed this road trip adventure with Holly and Cadeon. Again, this one is mostly focused on the couple and a few side characters (versus earlier books that were doing more world building). Love that Holly is so smart and Cade is a bit of a himbo. Their banter is great. But I felt the ending wrapped up too quickly  and there was not enough grovelling from Cade. In general, there are lots of consent issues and technically

infidelity with Tim (though in the end he’s an asshole)

, but I think because they are immortal and have powers it sometimes feels like the same rules (as humans) don’t apply, if that makes sense? Like everything is so heightened and bananas, that I don’t notice some of the problematic parts as much. 

I struggled with the OCD rep. I wasn’t quite sure what Kresley’s intentions were with that plot line. I didn’t like that becoming immortal was meant to “fix” her, but then she did still have some of the same tendencies in the end. And then using the medication to suppress her Valkyrie urges… is that commentary on overuse of medication? I was confused by that. 

Oh and I loved the scene at the Sandbar with all the demons!

Holly touching Deshazor’s horns being like giving him a “handy” ;)

Tessa Bailey is often hit or miss for me, but I really enjoyed this one! I worked at a golf course as a teenager, so the golf setting was super nostalgic for me. I loved how raw and vulnerable Wells was, and seeing his growth throughout the book. I also liked the diabetes rep and the reality check regarding the impact of not having health insurance. The sex was also very hot. 

This was a fabulous read! I loved diving (pun intended) into the world of competitive diving and swimming. Ali painted this world so well, with the right amount of details to make me feel really immersed (so many water puns!) in that world, but not so much that it felt overwhelming. The relationship dynamics between Scarlett, Lukas, and Pen were unique and nuanced and had real depth to them. 

Another great book from Rosie Danan! Such an interesting premise and even though I’m not a fanfic gal, I could still appreciate the attention to detail to that world and the interesting context it gave when it comes to exploring celebrity and fan relationships. While the

werewolf storyline is real in the book, it also worked well as an allegory for the hurt boy lurking inside Devin. The intimacy and sex scenes had a primal edge to them that was very sexy! I particularly enjoyed when Devin chased Alex in the forest.

I also really liked the talk about consent and the “riding the crimson wave” Clueless reference. 

Nikolai Wroth (Vampire) and Myst the Coveted (Valkyrie). This was a pretty sexy read and I enjoyed the dynamic between two immortals trying to figure out how to trust each other. On the reread I noticed a lot more hints things to come in the series. 

Loved this debut from a new historical romance author. I do hope Charlotte’s book is next!!