Young designer has a one night stand with an older compelling stranger, a man she has no clue is a famo3 Stars
This held my interest with the premise.
Young designer has a one night stand with an older compelling stranger, a man she has no clue is a famous football coach. She flees the next morning before he wakes up and comes face to face with him several weeks later as he’s her bestie’s uncle who is walking said friend down the aisle.
If you like an age gap, secret relationship, sprinkled with professional sports and peppered with lots of spice, then this was an easy read. Hudson is a bossy demanding lover ready to settle down, and Piper is an independent woman who can’t deny the lusty connection despite some founded reservations.
Overall, good enough with no unnecessary aggravations....more
The first half of this for me was spot on regarding the push pull as well as one of the headiest unresolved sexual tensions I have read in a 3.5 Stars
The first half of this for me was spot on regarding the push pull as well as one of the headiest unresolved sexual tensions I have read in a long while. It was so thick, one would have to put in considerable effort to barely be able to scratch the surface with a sharp knife.
And then, it dissolved into pure smut with a side of angst.
Not gonna lie, this made me squirm in the best and worst ways but overall, I’m calling it a win. Colt was top notch possessive, commanding and bossy, and (mostly) honorable as he struggles with his tortured past and history of abuse. Layla was no different as she’s been neglected and on her own for most of her entire life.
Again, a fabulous start that petered out due to too much redundancy (as evidenced by being 460 pages long) with dramatic crude side characters. However, if you want a cowboy sex god with plenty of dirty talk, age gap daddy vibes, falling for your son’s ex, grumpy sunshine, and forced proximity dynamics then this naughty little number will provide you with the escapism you crave! Enjoy!...more
A very easy read about an average woman who happens to be a romance writer and who happens to fall for a book cover model.
This kept me turni3.5 Stars
A very easy read about an average woman who happens to be a romance writer and who happens to fall for a book cover model.
This kept me turning the pages because who wouldn’t want a Chris Hemsworth lookalike to take an interest in you while barreling through several funny (albeit mortifyingly embarrassing situations) as one tries to maintain their cool but isn’t going to say no to any chance between the sheets with such a delicious morsel.
Despite the pure fictional element of this, it still is probably one of the most relatable realistic romance books I’ve read as everything this FMC thought and did, I too probably would feel and do the same if I was ever in her situation. As if!! Ha!
Overall, fun funny with a touch of angst and a decent amount of spice! It’s on KU if you want a bit of feasible fictional escapism....more
A successful first read with Atwater, and I'm definitely intrigued!
I will say the blurb doesn’t tell you everything about what’s going3.5 Solid Stars!
A successful first read with Atwater, and I'm definitely intrigued!
I will say the blurb doesn’t tell you everything about what’s going on, and I’m reluctant to reveal more. Just know that Winnie isn’t all that she seems to be, and though she’s hired to be a governess, past sentiment compels her to promise more than she expects to, and she soon finds herself caught in the middle of a curse plaguing Witchwood Manor.
This was densely eerie and atmospheric, steeped in all sorts of faerie lore, filled to the brim with unsaid truths, dark subterfuge, and dangerous bargaining. As Winnie races against time to rescue her charge, she plays a perilous back and forth with the enigmatic butler Mr Quincy. However, she is honor bound and stubbornly ventures into the fray despite the mortal risks.
This for sure capitalized on its Victorian setting with lots of prim and proper rules and societal class division, all intertwined with various faerie tales and complicated protocol. If you are well versed in such, then you know the fae are very tricksy, always after their own interests and advantages and ready to bind one into an unbreakable promise.
Overall, I liked Winnie. She’s a strong heroine contrasting smartly with the alluringly mysterious Mr. Quincy who in turn, makes an interesting tortured tragic hero. I enjoyed seeing their antagonism turn to grudging respect to more, but beware a bratty child and a very chaste, but layered, romance (which I quite enjoyed). Admittedly, I have a love/hate relationship when it comes to the fae because while a fascinating folk, they come with a bazillion rules of engagement, their cunning and cruelty knowing no bounds. Atwater’s rendition is no different and again, I was intrigued nevertheless.
This neatly concludes the first act of this story arc but leaves the reader wanting more as the challenges ahead have only just begun for Winnie, Quincy, and their allies. Luckily for me the next installment comes out later this year, and I look forward to what's in store for these characters! If you want a historic, gothic faerie infused tale, then this should deliver on all points!
Thank you to the author and Starwatch Press via NetGalley for a copy in exchange for an honest review...more
Not as good as the first, this “conclusion” for Sawyer and Billie’s happy ending continues right after the first book ends.
Be forewarned that t3 Stars
Not as good as the first, this “conclusion” for Sawyer and Billie’s happy ending continues right after the first book ends.
Be forewarned that this time around it’s in Sawyer’s POV and literally, all the guy thinks about is sex, sex, sex which admittedly, sorta had its moments. Note too, the editing also takes a nosedive as well.
This was like a mini train wreck, one that I could not look away from. The drama is impressive - horrible ex-husband, psycho ex-girlfriend, family betrayals, rock band issues - all that was missing was a killer stalker to keep everyone on their toes!
I suppose that Sawyer is still a dreamboat. He’s gorgeous, charming, a really good guy, who’s born rich where most everything is easily solved by his bottomless bank account. How convenient! If you need some pure escapism, then you know where to look!...more
I was lured into this because of a May December romance between a 41 year old single mom and a 30 year old hot musician who find a rare connect3 Stars
I was lured into this because of a May December romance between a 41 year old single mom and a 30 year old hot musician who find a rare connection with the other.
Of course, Billie is insecure and cautious and hardly believes that a guy like Sawyer would be interested in her. However, she pretty much has zero chance of resisting Sawyer’s advances because he is oh so very smooth. He’s got the looks and the charm, not to mention some fabulous sex appeal - a full on arsenal to break down all of Billie’s self imposed walls.
I found this to be a pure fantasy scenario obviously, which made it a bit difficult to turn away from. Not gonna lie, I’ll probably check out the next book to see how this ends.
This review is probably not the best at helping a reader decide whether they should check this out or 2 Stars
How do I end up in these situations? Lol.
This review is probably not the best at helping a reader decide whether they should check this out or not as I’m at a weird place in my reading life that is often plagued by boredom, burnout, and restlessness when it comes to romance.
I was looking for a slightly taboo story with good UST and plausible progression. I know that I know better - that this being only 78 pages, the probability was low.
However, if you like a large tattooed, possessive protective growly man who instantly falls in love with the daughter of his bestie, a naive innocent who fortuitously feels the same way, with explicit meh smut, then this might tickle your fancy if you want a quickie....more
I’m not sorry that I read this trilogy. I absolutely was engaged in the magical world and found it quite fascinating and immersive.
However, C3.5 Stars
I’m not sorry that I read this trilogy. I absolutely was engaged in the magical world and found it quite fascinating and immersive.
However, Ceony was a frustrating protagonist. Again, she is stymied by the historical setting this book takes place in, but her absolute obstinance in thinking that she alone had to do something about the bad guy was frustrating. Equally frustrating was everyone else not working with Ceony or placating her under the guise she needed protection because she was a woman and/or was incompetent because she was only an apprentice.
Regardless, I enjoyed the tame sweet romance between Ceony and Emery (what little there was of it), and the finale was quite good. Again, a flawed heroine, but the magical embellishments surrounding her kept this nicely afloat. ...more
You know this reader here is never ever going to say no to an epilogue and one that’s over 200 pages? Hells yeah!
Though all are still recover4 Stars!
You know this reader here is never ever going to say no to an epilogue and one that’s over 200 pages? Hells yeah!
Though all are still recovering from their recent ordeal with Hybern, all but one (yeah Nesta, you know I’m pointing at you) are making strides in healing and trying to find happiness, and if not that, then a new purpose in life.
This obviously sets the reader up for the next book, but I feel that this first act is done, leaving one with a satisfied ending regarding Feyre and Rhysand. Though the rest of the characters still need to get their happy endings, I’m gonna take a break and return back to this if and when Maas continues her storytelling beyond Nesta and Cassian.
Ultimately, I’m glad I’m finally in the know about this series, and Rhys still remains a top book hubby and Cassian and Azriel will keep him company as my boyfriends on the side! ...more
I quite enjoyed this sequel to The Paper Magician as Ceony continues her apprenticeship to Emery Thane. Things are on course until Thane’s fo3.5 Stars
I quite enjoyed this sequel to The Paper Magician as Ceony continues her apprenticeship to Emery Thane. Things are on course until Thane’s foe returns, wanting answers from Ceony as to how she defeated his partner in crime. What ensues is some cat and mouse and plenty of displays of magic that held me rapt.
Again, I appreciated the world building in this. I liked seeing Ceony learn new things about her craft and Holmberg showing how the other magical systems work. Less enjoyable was Ceony going off on her own and thinking she must do anything and everything to save the situation. However, one can’t totally place all the blame on her as this historical setting prides itself on propriety and rules that encompass a tiny bit of misogyny as well, forcing Ceony to take action.
Peppered with a dash of romance, Thane is a compelling hero (though distant), and it will be interesting to see how Ceony evolves further in her abilities. This was good enough storytelling that will take me to the end of this trilogy!...more
This 3rd installment is a true underdog story. There’s another looming devastating war where the good guys face a dauntless enemy thaAnother 4.5 Stars
This 3rd installment is a true underdog story. There’s another looming devastating war where the good guys face a dauntless enemy that surpasses them in numbers, power, and a drive to use any and all means necessary for a win. There’s also so much infighting, distrust, hate, past grudges, power plays, the need for revenge - so many barriers to doing what is right and good that I was simply overwhelmed by how much the cards were stacked against our lovely Night Court.
I’m not going to lie. This book was also depressing despite the inevitable win. Every single character in this has a sad heartbreak of pain and suffering. I guess when you’re over 500 years old then that’s a lot of lives to live and a lot of potential tragedy to befall a person.
However, as much as this seemed to drag, there were many times I got ferklempt. Feyre and Rhys only grow stronger, and there’s plenty of swoon amongst the danger. The penultimate scenes were reminiscent of The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King and Avengers: Endgame where the emotions and rallying of forces got me really good. And Rhys? Damn. This guy is so freaking incredible that his motives and sacrifices will remain with me for quite awhile. His loyal brothers in arms are no slouches either, and I look forward to seeing both Cassian and Azriel (plus Lucien) get their happy ending as well.
Overall, I’ve enjoyed this series more than I thought I would, and I’m glad I took a chance on it!
As always with such a popular well known series, there’s not much I can add to the multitude of reviews out there except my unimportant thoug4.5 Stars
As always with such a popular well known series, there’s not much I can add to the multitude of reviews out there except my unimportant thoughts and opinions.
Seriously, all the points are for Rhysand who is absolutely brilliantly fantastic. I could easily write a 100 page dissertation on this man. No joke. He’s devastatingly powerful and ruthless which contrasts starkly against a hidden alter ego that cares too much. Rhysand’s been to hell and back several times, is extremely loyal and protective of his people, and has sacrificed much and is willing to sacrifice even more to make sure all those he loves remain safe - not to mention trying to safeguard both fae and humanity alike from an inevitable war that sinisterly looms ahead.
In contrast, kudos to Maas for a credible growth and evolution for her heroine. Feyre is one lucky lady. She’s now immortal, she has bottomless magical abilities, and she’s still just as irksome as she was in the first book. I will say though, that she’s resilient, she stands up for herself, and she’s equally protective of those she cares about. I look forward to how things will play out in the next book as she infiltrates the “enemy”.
Overall, this has intricate motives, the set up is craftily complex and twisty. There’s impossible dangerous challenges that never felt too forced or insignificant. Also, how Maas brings her two protagonists together, overcoming an enemies to lovers trope with a delicious slow burn with a mostly authentic progression is oh so appreciated. No jumping the gun, no taking nonsensical liberties that don’t get adequate explanations. Maas continues to reveal a very addictive love story amidst a world that's worth fighting for despite its greedy selfish vicious brutality. It’s obvious I’m all in for the next book! ...more
If you even have a smidge of interest in fantasy stories, then I know you’ve been barraged by the love out there regarding this autho4 Reluctant Stars
If you even have a smidge of interest in fantasy stories, then I know you’ve been barraged by the love out there regarding this author. Sarah J. Maas is like the Colleen Hoover of romantic fantasy, so of course I went into this with very very high expectations, and I would say for the most part, she delivers.
Admittedly, I had my doubts. In my opinion, this started out soooo slow and at first, nothing new was brought to the genre. However, I will say Maas can definitely create alternate worlds, and though she builds upon classic fae lore, she also puts her own twist on it which was refreshing. I will also say that though there’s things in this that emulate many a typical MF romance out there (MC motivations, romantic progression) she elevates it, and she does a very potent palpable slow burn.
It takes very little to annoy me when it comes to female characters, and Feyre is no different as she definitely has her moments. The men in this book are another story. Tamlin and Rhysand are compellingly sexy, scary, swoony. Their cunning power is nicely contrasted with their gentleness and care, and it will be very interesting, and I suspect devastating, to see how Feyre makes her decisions regarding these two immensely different men who are tied together by a traumatic tragic past.
First impressions. Classic savage fae war and politics, standard enemies to lovers romance, brutal horrific violence, and complex smart machinations in constant play with a heroine that just might earn more of my respect. I grudgingly give this 4 stars for the last 150 pages I couldn’t stop reading and the ending I can’t stop thinking about. Again, Maas has a lot to live up to simply based on her zealous fanbase’s hype. I look forward to seeing if she can continue to deliver and meet my even higher expectations for the next installment. ...more
For unknown reasons, I really like a detailed story about magic and learning all about it, and this delivered for the most part.
Our heroine C3.5 Stars
For unknown reasons, I really like a detailed story about magic and learning all about it, and this delivered for the most part.
Our heroine Ceony has had her heart set on being an expert in metal manipulation, but because there’s a shortage of paper magicians, she’s technically forced to apprentice as a Folder. To say she’s not happy about this is an understatement. However, Ceony really has no choice - either become a Folder or she can never legally practice magic.
This really captured my interest right away. I loved learning along with Ceony, and I was intrigued by the enigmatic Emery Thane who’s her teacher. How Ceony gradually became more and more engaged in her craft held me rapt right up until the main conflict happened. Emery’s heart is literally cut right out of his chest by a sect of evil practitioners known as Excisioners who use blood magic, and despite Ceony’s blatant inexperience, she’s determined to save her mentor before time runs out.
This would have been great had it not veered into some existential mumbo jumbo, literally and figuratively delving into Emery’s heart to find insight and help. This is where the story lost me as I typically like a very straightforward quest where it seems wholly hopeless for the ultimate underdog. However, the fight at the end was good enough, and there were a few twisty developments and reveals to keep this reader on her toes.
It doesn’t hurt that there’s an age gap romance brewing in a historical background, and because I really enjoyed the magical set up here, I’m going to check out the sequel for Ceony’s further education and next adventure! ...more
* A Reader Obsessed *
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