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stephsbooktalk's Reviews (915)
Thank you so much to the author Carly Robyn & @valentine_pr_ for the advance copy of this!
This book is out NOW!
This is the 3rd book in the Drive Me series and just like with the other two I am once again obsessed! I never think that I can fall in love more with the characters that Carly creates but sure enough she has me tapping my kindle to breeze through the book.
"She's the calm before the storm and the storm itself - lightning, thunder and rain all at once. She's all or nothing, and I want every single piece of her."
Charlotte has been such a breath of fresh air as a FMC. She is bubbly, funny, and great sense of style. I love how independent she is and carefree. She just does what she wants and figures it out as she goes. Her crush on Lucas is so cute! She will make these subtle remarks that come off as joking but us as the reader knows she likely is totally serious in them. I just love strong her personality is and that she always can turn a sour situation into something humorous. I know I mentioned above about falling in love with the characters but with Charlotte, I truly loved her! I saw a little bit of myself in her and someone who I wish I could be more like.
Lucas. Oh sweet Lucas. He looks rough and tough on the outside but inside he is a golden retriever who has it down bad for his best friend’s sister. Just like with Charlotte, he makes the comments that are give off flirtatious vibes. He is super protective of her and is jealous whenever someone shows any sort of remote interest in her. Also don’t get me started on how he is in tune with her when he notices her blood sugar getting low 🥹
Before the tension of their feelings for one another came to a head, I love the little moments that they shared. Who knew shopping for personal perfume would be so swoony?! So many times I found myself smiling ear to ear at their banter and just Charlotte being Charlotte. I love how they each complimented each other!
"Don't skip it just because I don't like it. It's your cologne."
"Why would I create a scent you don't like? If I did, then you'd be less inclined to hang out with me."
I also love how all Lucas wanted for Charlotte is to have her shine. He was so supportive of her talent and her aspirations. I have to imagine any sibling that isn't a famous one feels some sort complex of being in their shadow. And I love how Carly doesn't shy away from the fact that Charlotte is known as "Theo's sister" but that Charlotte wants to be more than just that.
This could be read as a stand alone but I highly recommend reading the others because they are also so great!
I am very sad to see this series end but Carly confirmed that she is writing another sports romance series and I will be impatiently waiting for that announcement!! I *think* I know who and what it could be 👀
This book is out NOW!
This is the 3rd book in the Drive Me series and just like with the other two I am once again obsessed! I never think that I can fall in love more with the characters that Carly creates but sure enough she has me tapping my kindle to breeze through the book.
"She's the calm before the storm and the storm itself - lightning, thunder and rain all at once. She's all or nothing, and I want every single piece of her."
Charlotte has been such a breath of fresh air as a FMC. She is bubbly, funny, and great sense of style. I love how independent she is and carefree. She just does what she wants and figures it out as she goes. Her crush on Lucas is so cute! She will make these subtle remarks that come off as joking but us as the reader knows she likely is totally serious in them. I just love strong her personality is and that she always can turn a sour situation into something humorous. I know I mentioned above about falling in love with the characters but with Charlotte, I truly loved her! I saw a little bit of myself in her and someone who I wish I could be more like.
Lucas. Oh sweet Lucas. He looks rough and tough on the outside but inside he is a golden retriever who has it down bad for his best friend’s sister. Just like with Charlotte, he makes the comments that are give off flirtatious vibes. He is super protective of her and is jealous whenever someone shows any sort of remote interest in her. Also don’t get me started on how he is in tune with her when he notices her blood sugar getting low 🥹
Before the tension of their feelings for one another came to a head, I love the little moments that they shared. Who knew shopping for personal perfume would be so swoony?! So many times I found myself smiling ear to ear at their banter and just Charlotte being Charlotte. I love how they each complimented each other!
"Don't skip it just because I don't like it. It's your cologne."
"Why would I create a scent you don't like? If I did, then you'd be less inclined to hang out with me."
I also love how all Lucas wanted for Charlotte is to have her shine. He was so supportive of her talent and her aspirations. I have to imagine any sibling that isn't a famous one feels some sort complex of being in their shadow. And I love how Carly doesn't shy away from the fact that Charlotte is known as "Theo's sister" but that Charlotte wants to be more than just that.
This could be read as a stand alone but I highly recommend reading the others because they are also so great!
I am very sad to see this series end but Carly confirmed that she is writing another sports romance series and I will be impatiently waiting for that announcement!! I *think* I know who and what it could be 👀
Mini Audiobook Review: Thank you so much to PRH Audio for the complimentary ALC!
Once again Hannah Bonam-Young knocked it out of the park with this one!!! I absolutely adored this book from start to finish. I think it is normal for every relationship platonic or romantic to go through bumps and sometimes you have to just re-evaluate the relationship. Sometimes you do lose yourself in relationships and need to figure out "who I am" without X. One thing I appreciate with this book is that HBY never had the couple truly be angry with one another to the point where they didn't want to be with one another. They had such a love rooted deep and knew that they were end game. They were still so attracted and into one another. It was all just so beautiful! Also every time Caleb said "baby" I melted.
Once again Victoria Connolly knocked it out of the park with her narration! The way she was able to bring out Sarah's frustrations and Caleb's vulnerability. It just worked so well! I read this in chunks as this was my bonus audiobook that I was listening to but this could easily be digestible in a day or two.
Highly recommend starting with Out on a Limb and then go right into this one! I can't wait to continue to explore the backlist of HBY books because I am definitely a fan!
Once again Hannah Bonam-Young knocked it out of the park with this one!!! I absolutely adored this book from start to finish. I think it is normal for every relationship platonic or romantic to go through bumps and sometimes you have to just re-evaluate the relationship. Sometimes you do lose yourself in relationships and need to figure out "who I am" without X. One thing I appreciate with this book is that HBY never had the couple truly be angry with one another to the point where they didn't want to be with one another. They had such a love rooted deep and knew that they were end game. They were still so attracted and into one another. It was all just so beautiful! Also every time Caleb said "baby" I melted.
Once again Victoria Connolly knocked it out of the park with her narration! The way she was able to bring out Sarah's frustrations and Caleb's vulnerability. It just worked so well! I read this in chunks as this was my bonus audiobook that I was listening to but this could easily be digestible in a day or two.
Highly recommend starting with Out on a Limb and then go right into this one! I can't wait to continue to explore the backlist of HBY books because I am definitely a fan!
Thank you so much to Forever for the complimentary copy of this!
Thank you so much to Hachette Audio for the complimentary ALC!
This book is out now!
I am in a buddy read for this one that was spearheaded by a bookstagrammer who made this book her personality which meant I totally had to read it.
I love that this took place in a college and we really got to see the side characters in this. Of course my focus was on our main couple Leigh and Will. The way Will would always have his eyes on Leigh in class and in the library - swoon. And there was a moment towards the end that we learn that he assists her in a task that she was not able to complete that literally made me go "of course he would do that!" The two have been pining after each other since high school and it's very apparent that those old feelings just don't go away no matter how hard you try. Also who knew hooking up in a library would be SO sexy?!
"I can't write a single poem where you don't exist."
I am very torn on how I feel about the HEA in this. Leading up to the end I thought it was more a Happy For Now until both characters took the time to grow separately and perhaps seek therapy. The turnaround time between the 3rd act break up to reconciling was just not enough. They really needed to work on themselves. Leigh was just TOO competitiveness and insecure and I just found it hard to believe that it wouldn't happen again if she would stay with Will while they were still in classes together.
There was a moment with Leigh and her therapist where I thought "Am I Leigh?" There is a moment when the therapist says, "Your first reaction, when someone ignores you, is to assume that there's something wrong with you. You assign your self worth based on your perception of what others think about you. WOOF - I felt attacked when I read it and attacked again as I type this out. I love that the author made it a point to have Leigh see a therapist on the pages. I also thought it was refreshing to show Leigh's parents relationship unfold in adulthood.
I paired my reading with the audiobook. This was narrated by Sarah Beth Goer and I thought she was a fabulous narrator! She was able to bring out the vulnerable Leigh needed and when she would do Will's dialogue, she would have to bring out a softer side to him too.
Ultimately I still really enjoyed the book and was invested on how the story would end. There were parts that had me smiling from ear to ear and giggly over what their future could be (*cough* pumpkin patch*cough*).
This was a debut and I'm excited to see what Katie Naymon will do in the future.
I recommend this book if you are looking for an academia setting, second chance romance with occasional flashbacks.
PS - I often don't fancast while I read but I could not get German actor Damian Hardung (Maxon Hall) out of my head for Will especially after seeing a photo of him with glasses on.
Thank you so much to Hachette Audio for the complimentary ALC!
This book is out now!
I am in a buddy read for this one that was spearheaded by a bookstagrammer who made this book her personality which meant I totally had to read it.
I love that this took place in a college and we really got to see the side characters in this. Of course my focus was on our main couple Leigh and Will. The way Will would always have his eyes on Leigh in class and in the library - swoon. And there was a moment towards the end that we learn that he assists her in a task that she was not able to complete that literally made me go "of course he would do that!" The two have been pining after each other since high school and it's very apparent that those old feelings just don't go away no matter how hard you try. Also who knew hooking up in a library would be SO sexy?!
"I can't write a single poem where you don't exist."
I am very torn on how I feel about the HEA in this. Leading up to the end I thought it was more a Happy For Now until both characters took the time to grow separately and perhaps seek therapy. The turnaround time between the 3rd act break up to reconciling was just not enough. They really needed to work on themselves. Leigh was just TOO competitiveness and insecure and I just found it hard to believe that it wouldn't happen again if she would stay with Will while they were still in classes together.
There was a moment with Leigh and her therapist where I thought "Am I Leigh?" There is a moment when the therapist says, "Your first reaction, when someone ignores you, is to assume that there's something wrong with you. You assign your self worth based on your perception of what others think about you. WOOF - I felt attacked when I read it and attacked again as I type this out. I love that the author made it a point to have Leigh see a therapist on the pages. I also thought it was refreshing to show Leigh's parents relationship unfold in adulthood.
I paired my reading with the audiobook. This was narrated by Sarah Beth Goer and I thought she was a fabulous narrator! She was able to bring out the vulnerable Leigh needed and when she would do Will's dialogue, she would have to bring out a softer side to him too.
Ultimately I still really enjoyed the book and was invested on how the story would end. There were parts that had me smiling from ear to ear and giggly over what their future could be (*cough* pumpkin patch*cough*).
This was a debut and I'm excited to see what Katie Naymon will do in the future.
I recommend this book if you are looking for an academia setting, second chance romance with occasional flashbacks.
PS - I often don't fancast while I read but I could not get German actor Damian Hardung (Maxon Hall) out of my head for Will especially after seeing a photo of him with glasses on.
Thank you so much to St. Martin's Press & Minotaur Books for the complimentary copy of this book!
Thank you so much to MacMillan Audio for the complimentary ALC!
This book is out now!
I remember two years ago when I read These Silent Woods, I was immediately immersed into Kimi's writing and the story she created. This one was no exception. I am a little overdued reading this and boy was I kicking myself that I had not read it sooner.
The book is told from the present timeline but also through multiple past timelines. The past timelines showed the start of the relationship between Emlyn and Janessa as well as with Tyler. These played an important with knowing their history and how it correlates to what is happening in the current.
Emlyn learns that an old friend Janessa has not updated her whereabouts to her friend Tyler and Tyler becomes worried that something has happened on her travels. Emlyn and Tyler are not on the best of terms due to what happend years prior but Emlyn wants to help find her former friend to ensure she is okay.
"You're different."
"I sure hope so."
One thing that Kimi is great at between the two books that I've read, is how she describes nature and the environment that the characters are around. It really made me miss hiking! Now their skills were much more advanced than I'll ever be. I love the detail that Kimi put in through Tyler and Emlyn's excursion trying to find Janessa.
The romance reader side of me was rooting for Emlyn and Tyler throughout the book. But I understand why it wouldn't work and I was satisfied in the end in that regards (not spoiling!).
The ending was a little lackluster but overall this was a great read! I was invested the whole time and it kept me guessing most of the time.
I paired my reading with the audio and Emily Pike Stewart did a fabulous job! She is a new to me narrator and I certainly would listen to her again. Between Kimi's writing and her narration, the reading experience was great!
I highly recommend this book if you love an outdoor setting, dual timelines, and looking for something a little suspenseful!
Thank you so much to MacMillan Audio for the complimentary ALC!
This book is out now!
I remember two years ago when I read These Silent Woods, I was immediately immersed into Kimi's writing and the story she created. This one was no exception. I am a little overdued reading this and boy was I kicking myself that I had not read it sooner.
The book is told from the present timeline but also through multiple past timelines. The past timelines showed the start of the relationship between Emlyn and Janessa as well as with Tyler. These played an important with knowing their history and how it correlates to what is happening in the current.
Emlyn learns that an old friend Janessa has not updated her whereabouts to her friend Tyler and Tyler becomes worried that something has happened on her travels. Emlyn and Tyler are not on the best of terms due to what happend years prior but Emlyn wants to help find her former friend to ensure she is okay.
"You're different."
"I sure hope so."
One thing that Kimi is great at between the two books that I've read, is how she describes nature and the environment that the characters are around. It really made me miss hiking! Now their skills were much more advanced than I'll ever be. I love the detail that Kimi put in through Tyler and Emlyn's excursion trying to find Janessa.
The romance reader side of me was rooting for Emlyn and Tyler throughout the book. But I understand why it wouldn't work and I was satisfied in the end in that regards (not spoiling!).
The ending was a little lackluster but overall this was a great read! I was invested the whole time and it kept me guessing most of the time.
I paired my reading with the audio and Emily Pike Stewart did a fabulous job! She is a new to me narrator and I certainly would listen to her again. Between Kimi's writing and her narration, the reading experience was great!
I highly recommend this book if you love an outdoor setting, dual timelines, and looking for something a little suspenseful!
Thank you so much to MacMillan Audio for the complimentary ALC!
This book is out now!
Since I had done a reread of Firekeeper's Daughter, I thought it was the perfect time to finally read this one while everything was still fairly fresh. This takes place 10 years after the first book and the main character is one of the twins that was mentioned throughout the 1st book.
Overall I enjoyed this but it just didn't grab me the same way that the first book did. Just like with the first book, this book had themes that are important for readers to read about. I had no clue that there was an act for Native Americans for to protect their graves (NAGPRA)?! This book also touched about how Native females go missing and how it does not become national news.
And incase you were a fan of FKD, don't you worry you will recognize a few of the characters in this one including Daunis who is now a mom!! It was nice catching up with her and there is a moment that does come full circle for her.
Isabella Star LaBlanc is back narrating and she did such a great job!! I could listen to her read any book. Her voice is relaxing and made the listening experience easy.
I do love how just like with the first book Angeline weaves the Native American culture throughout the book.
I know this could be read as a stand alone but I recommend doing both of the books back to back. Recently Angeline announced the 3rd book in this world and I read the description and it sounds SO good! I cannot wait for this to come out in September!
This book is out now!
Since I had done a reread of Firekeeper's Daughter, I thought it was the perfect time to finally read this one while everything was still fairly fresh. This takes place 10 years after the first book and the main character is one of the twins that was mentioned throughout the 1st book.
Overall I enjoyed this but it just didn't grab me the same way that the first book did. Just like with the first book, this book had themes that are important for readers to read about. I had no clue that there was an act for Native Americans for to protect their graves (NAGPRA)?! This book also touched about how Native females go missing and how it does not become national news.
And incase you were a fan of FKD, don't you worry you will recognize a few of the characters in this one including Daunis who is now a mom!! It was nice catching up with her and there is a moment that does come full circle for her.
Isabella Star LaBlanc is back narrating and she did such a great job!! I could listen to her read any book. Her voice is relaxing and made the listening experience easy.
I do love how just like with the first book Angeline weaves the Native American culture throughout the book.
I know this could be read as a stand alone but I recommend doing both of the books back to back. Recently Angeline announced the 3rd book in this world and I read the description and it sounds SO good! I cannot wait for this to come out in September!
Mini Audiobook Review: Coming off of Leather and Lark, I wasn't sure what to expect out of this one. Turns out I enjoyed this one way more than L&L but B&B is still my favorite. I love the circus theme and Rose's backstory. I thought Rose and Fionn were so good together! He just seemed like a good guy but had this cloud always looming around him (don't worry it all comes to light). I love the overlap with B&B and see their side of things. My biggest critique though was that the book was just too long. Whenever I thought it was getting close, I would still have so much time left! I just couldn't imagine more would happened and then it did.
I am happy that all 3 brothers found their loves and I hope they will all have eternal happiness!
I am happy that all 3 brothers found their loves and I hope they will all have eternal happiness!
Thank you so much to Berkley Romance the complimentary copy of this book!
This book is out now!
I am not sure what took me so long to read this but so many people have raved about it over the last year and I finally finished!
Overall I really enjoyed this book but I just felt like I need more romance. There was so much back and forth between the couple on whether or not they should cross the line. They were in a fake relationship for a good chunk of the book. I would have love to have seen them as a real couple more. And yes I am fully aware that there was love between the two after years and years of friendship but I just wanted a tad bit more of their romantic love. I like how the author made this feel current with Isaac being a content creator/model who became an internet sensation. I wish both Laniah and Isaac would communicate their feelings and thoughts more. I understand they are young and they felt like it was risky but my goodness so much could have been handled if they just spoke up.
I did like how the author made it to a point that women of color often are overlooked on their medical conditions. Repeatedly Laniah knew something wasn't right and kept insisting and yet her doctor was not listening to her. It is a reminder to keep on advocating for yourself and to get second opinions.
This book is out now!
I am not sure what took me so long to read this but so many people have raved about it over the last year and I finally finished!
Overall I really enjoyed this book but I just felt like I need more romance. There was so much back and forth between the couple on whether or not they should cross the line. They were in a fake relationship for a good chunk of the book. I would have love to have seen them as a real couple more. And yes I am fully aware that there was love between the two after years and years of friendship but I just wanted a tad bit more of their romantic love. I like how the author made this feel current with Isaac being a content creator/model who became an internet sensation. I wish both Laniah and Isaac would communicate their feelings and thoughts more. I understand they are young and they felt like it was risky but my goodness so much could have been handled if they just spoke up.
I did like how the author made it to a point that women of color often are overlooked on their medical conditions. Repeatedly Laniah knew something wasn't right and kept insisting and yet her doctor was not listening to her. It is a reminder to keep on advocating for yourself and to get second opinions.
"You are the definition of a gentle giant. You wouldn't hurt anybody."
"Not true. For you, I'd bring down the sun."
I love the subplot story of Laniah and her mom's natural hair care business. I love their relationship and how much closer they grew after the death of her father. We got flashbacks of their life before his death. She would do anything for her mom and keeping her business alive was very important to her. Also I love the side character Lex!!! They were so funny!
I paired my reading with the audiobook and veteran narrator Frankie Corzo provided the narration for this one! I always enjoy audiobooks narrated by her! I thought she did a great job with all the characters and bringing the vulnerability to them.
I look forward to reading more from this author!
Highly recommend if you enjoy a friends to lovers with fake dating!
**I do not rate NF books.**
Mini Audiobook Review: Thank you so much to Grand Central Publishing for the gifted copy of the book!
If you know me, you know that I am a huge of not only music but learning all about the behind the scenes of groups and artists. I grew up indulging in Behind the Music, E True Hollywood Story, MTV's Diary and so forth. And learning about the Women in Rock of the 90s was just in my wheelhouse.
I will be honest. I have never really listened to the female rock groups. They were just not something I grew up around. Even as I grew older and was finding my own music, I can't say I really gravitated towards them. I was much more familiar with the singers featured towards the end of the 90s and into the early aughts. But this made me want to go back and to listen to the singers featured in this book. And perhaps there is a reason why I wasn't familiar with the music, a re=occuring theme throughout the book is how the females were not taken seriously and if there was already someone who sounded like them, radio wouldn't play them.
It was nice how the book came full circle to current artists who praise and look up to these women from the 90s as inspiration and introducing their audience to these bands.
Mini Audiobook Review: Thank you so much to Grand Central Publishing for the gifted copy of the book!
If you know me, you know that I am a huge of not only music but learning all about the behind the scenes of groups and artists. I grew up indulging in Behind the Music, E True Hollywood Story, MTV's Diary and so forth. And learning about the Women in Rock of the 90s was just in my wheelhouse.
I will be honest. I have never really listened to the female rock groups. They were just not something I grew up around. Even as I grew older and was finding my own music, I can't say I really gravitated towards them. I was much more familiar with the singers featured towards the end of the 90s and into the early aughts. But this made me want to go back and to listen to the singers featured in this book. And perhaps there is a reason why I wasn't familiar with the music, a re=occuring theme throughout the book is how the females were not taken seriously and if there was already someone who sounded like them, radio wouldn't play them.
It was nice how the book came full circle to current artists who praise and look up to these women from the 90s as inspiration and introducing their audience to these bands.
Audiobook Re-read: I read this book almost 4 years ago and it was chosen as the book for my next book club meeting and I was excited to revisit these characters.
As I was listening, it took me back to the first time I read this and I remember more about it than I thought. And I was also reminded about how much I love this book! This is a thick book and there's a lot that happens within the pages but yet I do not know what she could have removed as the pieces were all needed to tell the complete story.
Looking forward to discussing this book with the others!
As I was listening, it took me back to the first time I read this and I remember more about it than I thought. And I was also reminded about how much I love this book! This is a thick book and there's a lot that happens within the pages but yet I do not know what she could have removed as the pieces were all needed to tell the complete story.
Looking forward to discussing this book with the others!
Thank you so much to Max Monroe & Hambright PR for the advance copy!
This book comes out on April 1st, 2025.
I have become a big fan of the duo Max Monroe's work in recent months and so when the opportunity came to read this, I knew I had to! This book is unlike the few that I have read by them. This book has a much more of a serious tone compared to the others. I had been warn that this was emotional and to have my tissues ready.
It is extremely hard to get me to cry while reading and I am sad to report that this did not crack my heart. But I can totally understand why this would make most readers emotional. Perhaps if my setting of reading the emotional moment was not on a treadmill while jogging, it could have hit me more. Please proceed with caution while reading and look up trigger warnings.
This book comes out on April 1st, 2025.
I have become a big fan of the duo Max Monroe's work in recent months and so when the opportunity came to read this, I knew I had to! This book is unlike the few that I have read by them. This book has a much more of a serious tone compared to the others. I had been warn that this was emotional and to have my tissues ready.
It is extremely hard to get me to cry while reading and I am sad to report that this did not crack my heart. But I can totally understand why this would make most readers emotional. Perhaps if my setting of reading the emotional moment was not on a treadmill while jogging, it could have hit me more. Please proceed with caution while reading and look up trigger warnings.
"Bookmark this so we can resume it another time? I swear, I'll remember what page we're on."
"I won't forget what page we're on either."
Now time for the happy talk, I wasn't sure how Bennett and Norah would end up together as their relationship was rocky from the start. Bennett did not paint himself in such a positive light and Norah was already having a rough go of things and his attitude did not help the situation. Another reviewer labeled this as “I don’t like this woman but I’ll kill anyone who hurts her” vibes and I totally agree and it's the perfect way to describe Bennett and Norah! And he showcased his alpha jealousy type several times.
I thought the authors did such a great job with his attitude and giving us supreme grumpiness. Though I didn't necessarily agree with Norah's in the heat of the moment slaps to Bennett. Especially after Norah's physical altercation with her ex. Bennett's randomly kissing her without explanation and then to push her away leaving her more confused and angry. It wasn't until Norah saw him with his daughter that her view towards him started to shift. I will say their tension and dislike of one another grew into this beautiful love. Norah working for Ben and being in his and his daughter lives changed everyone for the good.
It is no surprise to those who have been following my reviews but I love a karaoke moment! And we did get a karaoke moment at The Country Club (bar)! I just love that moment when a character sees the other character on stage and just fall even more in love. Well that was not the exact case but being at the bar on karaoke night did lead to a moment in the hall that was hotttttt. This book did not have the same kind of banter that I am used to with their writing but I felt the pacing of the book was still pretty good. I was very invested in this small town and the dynamic between Ben and Norah.
There were other subplots that I won't spoil for everyone but this couple was put through the ringer in such a short span of time. I am very curious for the next book because I'm foaming at the mouth to know about Clay (Ben's best friend) and Josie's (Norah's sister) story.
I recommend this if you are looking for an emotional but still a sweet & spicy romance read.