This was a very angst-filled, hurt-comfort book featuring an upcoming and coming writer Alexander Montgomery who has turned to S&M to deal with the paThis was a very angst-filled, hurt-comfort book featuring an upcoming and coming writer Alexander Montgomery who has turned to S&M to deal with the painful and abuse-filled past. When his series was optioned for a tv show, Alex finds himself infatuated with the lead actor Christopher Sage. I had a harder time decrypting the source of Alex’s agony than I had figuring out the bad guys in this book. But it was so uncomfortable because I wasn’t sure Alex really wanted to live because of the extreme amount of pain he was intentional enduring. I was so happy that Sage became a source of comfort but I don’t accept Sage’s “black Irish” moods as an excuse for some of his callous behavior and comments concerning the S&M. It was mean and it didn’t show patience after Alex had asked for some time. I just wished that maybe they had sought to see Melanie, Alex’s therapist together to help them navigate this uncharted territory. Melanie was the unsung hero in this novel to me because of her dedication and persistence with helping Alex. Other secondary characters were important too and I enjoyed their inclusion in this couple’s journey. I like that author tackled such an emotionally heavy subject but this story was painful to read. I was rooting for seriously healing and happiness for two people who have been through such tragic pasts but I felt that Sage could have been more understanding than he was to Alex. I liked this book but I didn’t really connect with Alex and Sage as a couple. I did feel more invested in Alex as a survivor. This book is difficult for me to rate because I liked it but didn’t love it.
Merged review:
This was a very angst-filled, hurt-comfort book featuring an upcoming and coming writer Alexander Montgomery who has turned to S&M to deal with the painful and abuse-filled past. When his series was optioned for a tv show, Alex finds himself infatuated with the lead actor Christopher Sage. I had a harder time decrypting the source of Alex’s agony than I had figuring out the bad guys in this book. But it was so uncomfortable because I wasn’t sure Alex really wanted to live because of the extreme amount of pain he was intentional enduring. I was so happy that Sage became a source of comfort but I don’t accept Sage’s “black Irish” moods as an excuse for some of his callous behavior and comments concerning the S&M. It was mean and it didn’t show patience after Alex had asked for some time. I just wished that maybe they had sought to see Melanie, Alex’s therapist together to help them navigate this uncharted territory. Melanie was the unsung hero in this novel to me because of her dedication and persistence with helping Alex. Other secondary characters were important too and I enjoyed their inclusion in this couple’s journey. I like that author tackled such an emotionally heavy subject but this story was painful to read. I was rooting for seriously healing and happiness for two people who have been through such tragic pasts but I felt that Sage could have been more understanding than he was to Alex. I liked this book but I didn’t really connect with Alex and Sage as a couple. I did feel more invested in Alex as a survivor. This book is difficult for me to rate because I liked it but didn’t love it....more
3.75 stars This book was sexy. Terra Agrioli was a mob princess who was dating guys below her level. One day when a ex-boyfriend got physical with her,3.75 stars This book was sexy. Terra Agrioli was a mob princess who was dating guys below her level. One day when a ex-boyfriend got physical with her, Michael Tripp came to the rescue. Tripp was an ex military but current arms smuggler and he just didn't do relationships. Once he met Terra, everything changed. He told her that he "wanted to earn the right to watch you pull your panties up your thigh...to reach around and clasp your bra while watching me watch you..."
They began seeing each other but withholding some crucial information about each other. The more time they spent together, the more it was clear that they both were in it for the long haul. Of course, mob life is never smooth sailing.
Tripp was sexy and very direct. I enjoyed his character a little more than Terra's. She wasn't stupid but a little more naive than a mob princess should be. The narrator made this book even better for me and I plan on going right into book 2.
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Merged review:
3.75 stars This book was sexy. Terra Agrioli was a mob princess who was dating guys below her level. One day when a ex-boyfriend got physical with her, Michael Tripp came to the rescue. Tripp was an ex military but current arms smuggler and he just didn't do relationships. Once he met Terra, everything changed. He told her that he "wanted to earn the right to watch you pull your panties up your thigh...to reach around and clasp your bra while watching me watch you..."
They began seeing each other but withholding some crucial information about each other. The more time they spent together, the more it was clear that they both were in it for the long haul. Of course, mob life is never smooth sailing.
Tripp was sexy and very direct. I enjoyed his character a little more than Terra's. She wasn't stupid but a little more naive than a mob princess should be. The narrator made this book even better for me and I plan on going right into book 2.
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Merged review:
3.75 stars This book was sexy. Terra Agrioli was a mob princess who was dating guys below her level. One day when a ex-boyfriend got physical with her, Michael Tripp came to the rescue. Tripp was an ex military but current arms smuggler and he just didn't do relationships. Once he met Terra, everything changed. He told her that he "wanted to earn the right to watch you pull your panties up your thigh...to reach around and clasp your bra while watching me watch you..."
They began seeing each other but withholding some crucial information about each other. The more time they spent together, the more it was clear that they both were in it for the long haul. Of course, mob life is never smooth sailing.
Tripp was sexy and very direct. I enjoyed his character a little more than Terra's. She wasn't stupid but a little more naive than a mob princess should be. The narrator made this book even better for me and I plan on going right into book 2.
2.5 Stars I wanted to like this book but I dragged for me. Also, I’m not a fan of friends to lovers precisely for the reasons presented in this book. 2.5 Stars I wanted to like this book but I dragged for me. Also, I’m not a fan of friends to lovers precisely for the reasons presented in this book. The amount of miscommunication from supposedly best of friends, the “silence” of those around them and the trail of broken hearts they leave in the wake of their inability to commit to the one they truly love bothers me. ...more
I enjoyed this one. I generally like books dealing with people who are healing from trauma as it’s often angsty. These who3.5 stars for Cyrus and Crow
I enjoyed this one. I generally like books dealing with people who are healing from trauma as it’s often angsty. These who individuals were struggling to find themselves after the ones who were supposed to love them weren’t available to do so. They were good for each other and I enjoyed how Cyrus pulled words out of Crow (and it was work) but he saw beyond what others were settling for. The epilogue was a good addition ...more
Emily Henry ATE with this one! I loved everything about this book. The characters were relatable, engaging and interesting. Daphne and Miles reminded
Emily Henry ATE with this one! I loved everything about this book. The characters were relatable, engaging and interesting. Daphne and Miles reminded me of Shania Twain and her husband in that Shania and Daphne never really saw the friend as an obstacle until boom! I don’t even know if this is a forced proximity in the true sense but it had some elements of that coupled with opposites attract. The real gem was HOW the author built their relationship, brick by brick, until a solid foundation was laid. Then she gave them structure with them learning to live together. The attraction and acting on it was my level of angst and I couldn’t put this book down. I will not give any spoilers but know this a book you will stay up late to finish, who needs sleep anyway when there’s an HEA waiting for you? This will be a top 5 read of the year for me, I can already tell....more
4.5 stars. This one was really cute. I enjoyed the family component coupled with the grumpy sunshine. Emma was probably one of the most selfless charac4.5 stars. This one was really cute. I enjoyed the family component coupled with the grumpy sunshine. Emma was probably one of the most selfless characters I've read in a while. I was in awe at how devoted she was, but I also recognize the emotion that drove her to do everything herself. Charlie was everything I imagine Stephen King to be except the goodlooking part (LOL). Emma was beyond patient with him as I would have read him for filth several times. I would have also read her high school friend for filth but clearly he saw something no one else saw. Emma's sister wasn't my favorite person in this story but I will work on forgiving her and her words. The change in the working relationship between Emma and Charlie kept me glued to my kindle paperwhite. I alternated reading and listening to this story and the narration was excellent. A really good plot, great pacing and intriguing characters. Just a fun story....more
3 girlfriends were the main characters: Candice, Dallas, and Sasha. All ladies had relationship drama and they leaned on each other for support and adv 3 girlfriends were the main characters: Candice, Dallas, and Sasha. All ladies had relationship drama and they leaned on each other for support and advice. This book chronicled their relationship woes and journey to happiness.
2.75 stars Candice had a man who wasn’t faithful but he took care of things financially so Candice had to decide if the financial security was worth the lack of true partnership she desired.
Dallas was with Messiah for 15 years and he cheated and got engaged to his mistress. Dallas couldn’t let him go after all the time she invested and plus they have a child together.
Sasha and Hunter had been trying desperately to have a child with her man Jackson but their inferiority issues was taking a toll on their relationship.
I didn’t connect with their experiences and never got drawn in. It did feel like it would make an interesting show because it was full of drama. Ultimately, I was satisfied that all the secrets and lies were revealed and the women decided on what they needed to be happy.
I’ve read enough of Aly Martinez books to know that a twist was coming. So this one, I saw early on. It’s still salways a twist
Spoiler free thoughts.
I’ve read enough of Aly Martinez books to know that a twist was coming. So this one, I saw early on. It’s still shocking and I want more information about the circumstances with Bowen and Remi. A lot more background about Remi is needed from Remi’s POV and I hope book 2 will provide that.
Aly Martinez always gives great heroes. Loveable and swoon worthy guys so it’s no surprise that Bowen stood out in this first book. It’s not necessary to read reviews on this book, just go in blind and buckle up. ...more
This story was just a much of a slow burn as the other books by Mariana Zapata. But you know you will get genuine love that waSlow and Satisfying Love
This story was just a much of a slow burn as the other books by Mariana Zapata. But you know you will get genuine love that was planted as a seed and grew over time, rooted in friendship and consistency. Rhodes and Aurora felt so authentic and real, unlike the smoke and mirrors with Kaden. MVP award goes to Amos who needed a guitar and brought Aurora into their lives. Family and love are my favorite things in a romance book and this one featured an unexpected kind of family with Amos and Rhodes. Very sweet and well written book that gave Aurora a new beginning. I am curious if she will revisit Kaden in a new book....more
I don’t know why I’m shocked because I suspected it but still. No one does twists like Aly Martinez. I just hope Porter is the guy I4.5 stars Holy Cow
I don’t know why I’m shocked because I suspected it but still. No one does twists like Aly Martinez. I just hope Porter is the guy I believe him to be. Completely innocent and cheesy and corny with his jokes. I want Porter to be an awesome dad and a great boyfriend to the hurting Charlotte.
Charlotte needed Porter to come out of the darkness so I hope they will be solid after the revelation about Charlotte’s son. At least there is hope after all for life and a future.
Great writing, great build up and great storytelling ...more
I enjoyed this story. Cress and Ez had a concrete understanding of commitment and they held onto that. Their journey to trust and loveride or die love
I enjoyed this story. Cress and Ez had a concrete understanding of commitment and they held onto that. Their journey to trust and love felt authentic and solid. It was a little mafia but not really. I would have loved a little better explanation about the bipolar disorder journey and treatment....more