As a fan of Kristen’s books I had high expectations going in. Enemies to lovers is a trope I love, but in order to enjoy it, I fee
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★3 STARS★
As a fan of Kristen’s books I had high expectations going in. Enemies to lovers is a trope I love, but in order to enjoy it, I feel both protagonists need to be on level footing in some way. In this case I was slightly uncomfortable with the feud in their youth because I felt Delilah’s animosity was born from self preservation more than anything else.
In adulthood Delilah is a very successful chef and Macon an actor. They have not seen or heard from each other in Ten years but their worlds collide due to Delilah’s sister, Sam. Sam’s character was one I thought would be redeemable with the possibility or her having her own book, but like other plots running through the novel I felt she/it became a villain/device rather than being cohesive in the story building.
This was likely a case of “It’s not you, it’s me”as I was interested enough in wanting to see Delilah and Macon’s HEA, but I can’t say I was reverted in way that I normally am with Kristen’s novels.
My first experience of reading Talia Hibbert came earlier this year with her M/M novel, Work For It. It took no effort at all to fal [image]
★4.5 STARS★
My first experience of reading Talia Hibbert came earlier this year with her M/M novel, Work For It. It took no effort at all to fall into her pros and so I made a conscious effort to look out for more from her.
GET A LIFE, CHLOE BROWN is the tale of the incurably grumpy Chloe. Although she has a chronic illness, she is fiercely independent and is taking the steps to take control of her life with the help of her list.
Achieving her first goal of moving out goes without a hitch until she meets building superintendent, Red. Chloe has no time for silly notions such as crushes, so it comes as a great annoyance to her that she has tiniest little one on him. She tries her best to avoid him but he happens to upon her at her most unfortunate of moments.
Chloe was hilarious without meaning to be and it’s this which endeared to Red. He is extremely laid back and Chloe’s ability to rile him got them off on the wrong foot. When her walls slowly came she learned to rely on him in a way her illness had made her refuse to with anyone else.
Chloe is undoubtedly one of my favourite heroines of the year. She would probably be appalled but I found her to be utterly charming and adorable and an inspiration as such.
If you are in the mood for witty, hilarious and charismatic read, you need this book & Chloe Brown in you life!
Ruby Dawson has worked hard to ensure her future would be different than the one that everyone in town had predicted for her. Raised in a t★3.5 STARS★
Ruby Dawson has worked hard to ensure her future would be different than the one that everyone in town had predicted for her. Raised in a trailer park by her ex-stripper mother, the odds that she would make a success of herself were well and truly stacked against her. On the cusp of proving them all wrong and going off to college, Ruby allows herself one night to let her hair down alongside the peers that spurned her throughout high school. Armed with her checklist of “firsts” Ruby crashes the party of arch nemesis Levi Cole.
Arch nemesis may be a slight exaggeration but Ruby and Levi have a rivalry that extends as far back as she remembers. They are night and day in many ways but they are similar in that they are both driven by their desire to leave town. Levi is the last person Ruby would like to bump into but in doing so it gives them the opportunity to talk and bring an end to their feud.
Seven years later, working in a diner and living in her mother’s trailer, is not the future Ruby would have ever envisaged for herself. She hates that she has proven the naysayers right but she isn’t forced to look at what she missed out on until a family situation has brings Levi back to town. She’d accepted the life she had but Levi’s return bring fresh perspective and forces her to confront truths she had long left buried.
I revelled in the underlying tension and chemistry in their relationship, and although I understood her reasoning for not wanting to give in, there were times when I found Ruby to be unnecessarily combative. I always enjoy rooting for the disadvantaged and Ruby certainly possessed some of a true underdog. It would have been incredibly tempting for her to fall into the damsel in distress category, but even with the sweet hero-like demeanour Levi’s had, she keep her feet firmly on the ground. Trailer Park Heart is a story that touches on loss, and hope but that dares to bloom in the most damaged of hearts.
I dare say anyone would disagree about the extraordinary life American born Skylar Finch has led. A onetime international singing
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★5 STARS★
I dare say anyone would disagree about the extraordinary life American born Skylar Finch has led. A onetime international singing sensation, she now scrapes by busking on the streets of Glasgow. The pressure of fame and a shattering family tragedy led her to turn her back on the life she once knew. Such is Samantha Young’s writing we are never in doubt at how harsh and cruel the perils of homelessness are and the dangers being faced on a daily basis.
Skylar is brave and resilient but it’s her fragility that made it impossible for me to feel anything but support and compassion for her. She’s survived this far by keeping her head down, but she hasn’t escaped the notice record company executive Killian O’Dea.
Its Killian job to recognize talent and the scrappy busker he’s seen on occasion has an abundance of it. Her voice is stunning but it’s her original pieces that strike a chord within his frosty being. Feisty and defensive it takes all patience he doesn’t have to persuade her to meet with him. He’s driven by success to the point of somewhat ruthlessness and he sees Skylar as a means to get him there. As expected with their strong personalities the two clash, but he gives her his card in the hopes that she’ll see sense.
Confronted with just how chilling life on the street can be for a female Skylar has no choice but to turn to Killian for help. She mistakes his directness for fury at her naivety, but his anger is in fact directed towards those who meant to harm her. He means to help her get on her feet and in return for her to produce an album. It’s not an easy decision for her to make. In doing so it means coming face to face with the ghosts of her past that have haunted her, but she’s also confused and unsettled by her range of emotions evoked by the being in the presence of Killian.
Skylar & Killian’s relationship is one that defines romance for me. It’s confronting the ugliness we sometimes see in ourselves and having someone love us in spite of it. It’s the rawness of our pain and having someone who makes it their mission to sooth it. I adored their chemistry and intensity but even more so the growth they made as individuals and as a couple.
Young did not just write a novel, she composed a compelling love song that captured me from its first note to its last.
Arianna Petrelli’s new job comes with the chance of a fresh start. Never mind the fact she’s the disgraced daughter of NFL head co
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★4.5 STARS★
Arianna Petrelli’s new job comes with the chance of a fresh start. Never mind the fact she’s the disgraced daughter of NFL head coach of the New York Giants, her father has pulled some strings and secured a role for her as the teams assistant, whatever that means.
She’s insightful enough to realise the position has been created by way of means for her father to keep a close eye on her. But after hitting rock bottom with a DUI arrest, a stint in rehab and the loss of her dream job Ari is seizing the opportunity to get her life back on track.
Her first day on the job veers dramatically off course when she finds herself one on one with star quarterback Ares Kincaid. They have an easy back and forth which comes to a screeching halt when he discovers who she is, or more specifically, what she has done. She’s used to the looks of disgust she garners from her arrest, but admittedly his rejection stings more than most.
What Ari doesn’t know is that Ares hostility is borne from his own experiences with his alcoholic father. He thinks her callous and selfish and isn’t afraid to tell her so. It isn’t until Ares is forced to step in between an incident with her and her ex-boyfriend does he begin to see the real Ari. If he’s honest with himself even with his preconceived notions about her, he’s frustrated by how much he can’t stop thinking about her.
I loved that Ari had no hesitations in accepting accountability. She strove to maintain her sobriety and was focused on the betterment of herself, and because of this I was struck by how quickly I become emotionally attached to her.
The fiery beginning of their nemeses evolved into an intense and heartfelt relationship that I quickly became obsessed with. On par with the story it had depth and sentiment making it a highly enjoyable read.
Addictive, emotional and passionate, Rush is Samantha Towle at her best.
I am in a committed relationship with Sara Ney’s brand of sports romance. I mean, what’s not to love? Just like a titillating love
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★4 STARS★
I am in a committed relationship with Sara Ney’s brand of sports romance. I mean, what’s not to love? Just like a titillating love interest I’m reduced to a giggling mess by the funny, sexy, addictive nature of it all.
Take "Rowdy" Wade for example; he’s unluckily drawn the short straw that is keeping straight laced “Sober Scarlett” from killing the vibe at any more of the infamous Jock Row parties. Far too sensible, she easily cuts through the bull spewed to save her friends from their future mistakes. The mistakes being Rowdy’s teammates.
As far as Scarlett is concerned she’s doing a her friends a solid, disgruntled jocks be damned. How they can be enamoured by the cheap gimmicks of the baseball players she’ll never know. She’s merely doing a service, so Rowdy Wade and his perfect face can think if they think they can stand in her way.
Every Friday night begins with the same impasse. Scarlett attempts to enter and Rowdy stops her. They’re having more fun than requires admission but the one thing they can’t deny is their flagrant attraction to one another.
It’s almost a book of two halves, what happens before they get together and what happens after. If I’m honest I still can’t decide which part I enjoyed more. I was hooked on the easy banter that flowed between them but it was the anticipation of the huge crescendo that really reeled me in.
With only a blooper here and there Jock Row is ‘the best bits’ of any sports romance story.
I was instantly attached to the allure of the blurb for Zara Cox’s, Black Sheep. It sold me a world of deceit, betrayal, revenge and
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★3.5 STARS★
I was instantly attached to the allure of the blurb for Zara Cox’s, Black Sheep. It sold me a world of deceit, betrayal, revenge and a second chance romance that promised to be as passionate as it was dysfunctional.
Axel Rutherford & Cleo McCarthy were born to families whose dealings where on the wrong side of the law. As much as there can be honour among thieves, their fathers were brothers in arms until the glamour of power brought a change that would shatter their childhood romance beyond repair.
Axel is a formidable force who has directed his power and wealth into destroying his father, and along with him, the person he trusted above all others, Cleo. With the Rutherford Empire crumbling, Cleo is sent to negotiate with Axel on his father’s behalf.
There’s a thin line between love and hate and these two tested the theory on several occasions. Their relationship is driven by the potency of hate they have for once another, but even they can’t deny the attraction that burns even after all these years.
When it came to Cleo there was much intrigue into her resentment of Axel, and it’s this intrigue that kept the pages turning. When we finally discover her reason, misunderstanding is the name of the game and I admit I gave way to frustration at times with these two. There were also times where sex took over the story and for personally I felt it hindered the development of the plot.
Maybe I’m more blood thirsty than I care to admit but I felt the resolution came much too quickly without justice being served in the manner it was dished. Even so, I enjoyed my first foray into the Dark Desires series so much, I’ve got my eye on a Wicked S.O.B.
Proving herself comes as second nature to meteorologist Nadia Ray. Used to being discounted as being no more than a pretty weather girl, she’★4 STARS★
Proving herself comes as second nature to meteorologist Nadia Ray. Used to being discounted as being no more than a pretty weather girl, she’s worked hard using her brains and charisma and is now well on her way to becoming Boston’s morning television It Girl. She’s earned her place at the station, but with her new found popularity comes the opportunity for her greasy boss to exploit it.
Convinced of a scandal involving billionaire Caine Carraway, her boss has given her the task of digging up any dirt that will get the station the exclusive. It’s well out of her remit professionally and personally but when he threatens to disclose some information from her past, Nadia feels she has no choice but too.
Her investigation of Caine puts her in the path of his best friend Henry Lexington. His ladies’ man reputation precedes him, but when it comes to his loved ones he is loyal to a fault. With Nadia’s sudden vested interest in his best friend, he makes it a point to introduce himself.
In a confrontation that can only be described as explosive, sparks fly and what began with one agenda ends in another. Henry realises his error is judging Nadia as just another pretty face. The more time he spends with her the more he wants her for her own merits. For Nadia it’s a case of too little too late. She tries to tell herself the attraction she feels for Henry is animosity, but the more time she spends with him, the harder it becomes to convince even herself.
There’s nothing more attractive than a man who knows what he wants and isn’t afraid to put himself on the line to get it. Henry was completely endearing in his honesty of wanting to pursue a relationship with Nadia.
I drooled over the sexual tension that built with Nadia and Henry. Combined with element of secrecy, the only villainous thing about this story was that it had to end.
noveAn enemies to lovers, opposites-attract romance will without a doubt always get my attention. Add a strong heroine and broody hero and i’m putty i noveAn enemies to lovers, opposites-attract romance will without a doubt always get my attention. Add a strong heroine and broody hero and i’m putty in the authors hands.
Somehow, Some way is a sweet and feisty novella in the Billionaire Builder series. It tells the story of “Brady” a much too serious architect, and Charlotte a spirited and enthusiatic design and rehab specialist.
To him she’s brass and uncensored, and to her he is stuck up and arrogant. They are completely happy staying out of each others way, but when work commitments make it unavoidable, it lays the foundation to an unlikely friendship.
Brady's old fashioned views are a stark opposition to Charlie's, but when the dust of contempt settles, what builds is a passionate affair that takes them both by surprise.
Although I found Somehow, Some way a quick enjoyable read, at times it’s pacing felt on the slower side. I also felt connection between the pair at times in need of some minor restoration.
Mark me down as thirsty because I’ve been salivating over this follow up in The Barons series since its incredible debut, Illegal Contact.
It is safe to say there is no love lost between Simeon Boudreaux and Adrián Bravo. Rivals on and off the field, there is a well-documented history of animosity between them. Given the intensity of their dislike of one another it came as shock to discover that this had not always been the case. The one-time team mates had been friends until their relationship soured by what Bravo considered a betrayal when Simeon left The Predators to sign with their rivals, The Barons.
Since the move Simeon has been living his best life. He’s out and proud, playing the best football of his career, and considers his team mates to be family as well as friends. Anyone else would have been left jaded by recent blackmail attempt made against them, but Simeon refuses to let he incident saddle him with trust issues. He oozes confidence and charisma, but not everyone is so taken with the Boudreaux charm.
Adrián Bravo is intimidating in every sense of the word. Ass-holish in his demeanour and bullish on the field, admittedly there isn’t too much to like about him at first glance. His grudge against Simeon seems far too deep rooted for the flimsy reasons he gives, and it’s after the latest (and most nasty) on field altercation that he is finally forced to face his acrimony.
As well as a six game ban their punishment includes working together to coach teens about the game of football. In order to teach teamwork and discipline they have to lead by example. It takes some time but they eventually find their footing and come to an understanding in order to navigate a respectful relationship. They tell themselves it’s a means to an end, but what neither one wants to admit is how much they are enjoying the others company.
It’s an enemies to lovers romance in every sense of the word. The culmination of their sexual tension is explosive to say the least, but it’s the personal growth, especially that of Adrián which was the greatest source of enjoyment for me. Down by Contact is a hard hitting addition to a series that is fast becoming one of my favourites.
The result of a toxic relationship has left Vera bruised in more than the literal sense. She’s plagued with residual feelings of shame, and self doubt The result of a toxic relationship has left Vera bruised in more than the literal sense. She’s plagued with residual feelings of shame, and self doubt when it comes to her abilities and instincts as a chef. Months after fleeing to Europe, a family emergency has brought her home. Although an unwelcome return, it’s an opportunity for her to reconnect with her family and to rebuild her life.
It’s easy to admire a character like Vera, She’s extremely talented and has more courage than she gives herself credit. She’s also incredibly funny in an assuming way. She’s her own worse critic, but rather than being frustrating, it’s rather endearing and only gave me more cause to champion her.
With her career at the forefront of her mind, (not to mention her poor relationship record) she’s bewildered by her more than professional interest in renown chef, Killian Quinn. His restaurant is a stones throw from the location of her food truck, and he’s made his feeling on the matter more than clear. Her initial admiration falls by the wayside and what ensues is a hilarious back and forth of banter and “helpful” advice.
I so much enjoyed Vera’s journey of personal empowerment. Not to be outdone Killian was also a wonderful character to read. His encouragement of Vera was equalling heartwarming as it was romantic to read. Vera and Killian were a fantastic pairing and the perfect recipe for a highly enjoyable read.
Although a first time reader of author, there was no hesitation when it came to The Opposite of You. The blurb was tantalising enough for me to want to sink my teeth into, and the mouth watering prospect of an enemies to lovers romance perfectly complimented the more serious tone of the plot. Rachel Higginson served up a slow burn romance, with lashings of chemistry and a side of sass.
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