Diem stole the show as always, and in my opinion Tallus just happens to be the supporting love interest/character. 4.5 all the effing stars for Diem!
Diem stole the show as always, and in my opinion Tallus just happens to be the supporting love interest/character.
”There were ten thousand more eligible bachelors in the city, but for some reason, the awkward, socially crippled giant of a man who could barely touch me let alone hold a conversation or eye contact for more than three seconds was the one I wanted. Nothing made sense.”
”Perhaps Tallus understood the impossibility of relaxing when someone was this close to me, touching me tenderly. Touching without fists. Without weapons. Touching like they meant it. Lovingly.”
”What was I afraid of? Easy. I was afraid of myself. Of who I was. Of who I had the potential to become. I was afraid of the diseased genes that lived inside me. I was afraid of losing control. Of messing up. Of disappointing him, hurting him, or scaring him. Of him discovering who I was at my core. I was afraid of everything.”
”Sexting makes very little sense. I mean, it’s not like you can really get off doing it, can you? You have your phone in one hanCute. Funny. Steamy.
”Sexting makes very little sense. I mean, it’s not like you can really get off doing it, can you? You have your phone in one hand and your cock in the other, but it’ll probably end up looking like you’re typing gibberish because I usually type with my right hand and jerk off with my right hand, too, so it’s like, what gets the less skilled hand? Cock? Phone? There’s no right answer.”...more
This was beyond cute, especially if you’re into the “single dad with an adorable toddler meets a gruff loner” trope. Plus it had cameos fro4.25 stars
This was beyond cute, especially if you’re into the “single dad with an adorable toddler meets a gruff loner” trope. Plus it had cameos from a wonderful cast of characters featured in previous books. The custody battle did drag on, but the MCs/toddler interactions made up for it in my opinion. Comfort food and steamy sexy scenes packaged all together in one. ...more
How can one resist hot male gymnasts competing for rival countries and falling in love while doing so? Danny, American, and Sasha, Russian, are compleHow can one resist hot male gymnasts competing for rival countries and falling in love while doing so? Danny, American, and Sasha, Russian, are complete opposites and adorable together. I can’t wait to see how their journey continues in the sequel. I loved how the story is centered around different gymnastics competitions around the world, but it might not be as fun for someone who is not a fan of the sport.
OMG the angst! It was great reading about the origins of Auggie’s and Theo’s relationship since I’d read all the series in the Hazardverse an4.5 stars
OMG the angst! It was great reading about the origins of Auggie’s and Theo’s relationship since I’d read all the series in the Hazardverse and crossover Iron and Iron series beforehand. Auggie’s persistence in pursuing Theo was pretty much borderline harassment, but it was also funny and cute. And Theo badly needed a friend given how messed up he was after the tragedy he’d suffered. The quote below perfectly sums up their dynamic throughout the book.
”Auggie wiped his eyes. Struggling to control his voice, he said, “You don’t know how to text.” “I can text perfectly fine.” “You don’t have any social media presence.” “I know how to get on Instagram on my computer.” “Oh my God, sometimes I wonder if you can even hear yourself. You don’t watch any good TV shows.” “I would be willing to make some sort of television compromise.” “All my friends have to be in my videos.” “That’s a hard no.” “Please, Theo. You’d get final say, and you’re so grumpy sometimes that you’d be perfect.” Theo was making a strangled noise, and finally he gave Auggie another shake and said, “We can discuss it further.” “Friends with benefits,” Auggie said. “That’s also a hard no.” “Cuddles.” “Oh my Christ,” Theo whispered. “It’s like opening Pandora’s box.” “I’m taking that as a yes,” Auggie said with a smirk....more
The overarching mystery was a real whodunnit and held my interest throughout the series. I was at a loss until the very end, which was a very satisfying one I might add.
And as for the guys, what can I say? I have no words to express how much my heart was bursting with love for Somers and Hazard, North and Shaw, Jem and Tean, and Theo and Auggie throughout the book. The way the guys came together and moved heaven and earth to help Somers fight vicious trumped up charges put me through the emotional wringer. I’m going to miss these guys dearly.
The impromptu Christmas get-together/Somers’ birthday party at the end featuring beloved side characters from other series was pure icing on the cake.
My boys go through so much in this installment that you can’t help wondering when Seth and Domenico are going to catch a break. The original sin underMy boys go through so much in this installment that you can’t help wondering when Seth and Domenico are going to catch a break. The original sin underlying their relationship is an open wound that continues to fester and crop up in their relationship. Mark is slowly growing on me; the kid is so lost and desperate for affection. The way he hero worships Domenico is endearing. I’m not really looking forward to the next book though because I sense it’s going to be even more emotionally exhausting. ...more
”I was puzzled by my attraction to him. Raine was peculiar and quirky. In the light of day, he was impishly, cute—not sexy, mysterious, or darkly h”I was puzzled by my attraction to him. Raine was peculiar and quirky. In the light of day, he was impishly, cute—not sexy, mysterious, or darkly handsome. In short, he wasn’t my type at all. I liked order. I liked cleanliness. I didn’t like messes of any sort, which should have made cutting ties extraordinarily easy. Raine was vertically challenged, rumpled, untidy, and that shirt was definitely stained. He was right. He had to go.”
This was beyond cuuute! The story was the tried and true “blundering American assistant has a one night stand with a suave British business tycoon who turns out to be his boss” trope. The plot was nothing new but it was still hilarious, cute and sweet. Raine was such an endearing character and he had me in stitches a couple of times. I liked how his relationship developed with Graham and they had some pretty steamy scenes. ...more
This was all kinds of adorable! But that’s not to say that there wasn’t any angst; it had just the right amount. I love single dad romances and this hThis was all kinds of adorable! But that’s not to say that there wasn’t any angst; it had just the right amount. I love single dad romances and this hate-to-love one about a grumpy Italian surgeon, Renato, and a sunshiney nurse, Frey, hit the spot just right. Of course Renato’s grumpy, heartless facade actually masks a sensitive guy, while Frey presents a flirty slutty persona to fool his friends who worry about him and think he should start dating again. Although the hate-to-love part was a bit childish at times with all the pranks Frey played on Renato, it still didn’t detract from the overall “hate” aspect.
Plus Frey’s son, Rex, is such a cute kid who is obsessed with weddings and wants to be a wedding planner. He is also deaf and has Ménière’s disease, but copes with his health challenges like a champ. However, his poor health is emotionally and physically draining for Frey who is trying to be the best dad he can with a highly demanding job.
You know how the kid factor can be too much sometimes in single dad romances? That wasn’t an issue here and Rex just added to the emotional connection between the MCs. The relationship development between Frey and Renato is great and their transition from hate-to-love is pretty good. I also love how Renato clicks with Rex from the very beginning and their relationship will tug at even a cynic’s heartstrings. I highly recommended the book if you’re a fan of the single dad trope.
I really liked Yasmin’s character and would have enjoyed the story a lot more if Giles hadn’t been such a stiff prig. I couldn’t stand his “I wish I dI really liked Yasmin’s character and would have enjoyed the story a lot more if Giles hadn’t been such a stiff prig. I couldn’t stand his “I wish I didn’t want you because you’re too scandalous and inappropriate to be a countess” shtick. Being ashamed of loving someone is not an endearing quality at all. Although he did redeem himself in the end, it was a bit too late for my liking. Meanwhile I admired Yasmin because she bore the cruel deception she endured by a supposed suitor early in life with courage and flair. She didn’t wilt at her ensuing infamous reputation, but turned the malicious rumors about her on their head by not allowing society to quench her irrepressible spirit. ...more
The angst is angsting with this one and Auggie and Theo are really starting to grow on me, especially Auggie. It’s fun to see the entire gang4.5 stars
The angst is angsting with this one and Auggie and Theo are really starting to grow on me, especially Auggie. It’s fun to see the entire gang of Hazard and Somers, North and Shaw, as well as Gem and Tean. The mystery is pretty good too. ...more
I loved Snow and Jude together. I loved the way they got together—the relationship development, the way Jude pursued Snow and wouldn’t give u3.5 stars
I loved Snow and Jude together. I loved the way they got together—the relationship development, the way Jude pursued Snow and wouldn’t give up, and the hot sex. I love Snow’s found family and the growing cast of side characters. The only thing that stops me from rating the stories higher is the writing; I just find it clunky and jarring. It takes me out of the story at times. But I’ll definitely continue the series because I want to find out what’s going to happen with Rowe and Ian. ...more
”Someone needs to tell you the truth,” he said, “and it might as well be your husband. You have been coy with your beauty. You have hidden it from ”Someone needs to tell you the truth,” he said, “and it might as well be your husband. You have been coy with your beauty. You have hidden it from all except those who take the time to bask in your smiles and look deeply into your eyes. Anyone who does take the time will soon uncover your secret. You are beautiful.”...more
I enjoyed this, but there was a bit too much family drama for my liking. There are daddy issues galore and all the main characters and import3.5 stars
I enjoyed this, but there was a bit too much family drama for my liking. There are daddy issues galore and all the main characters and important side characters have them. Hazard and Colt keep fighting like crazy, with Colt’s biological father trying to get back into the picture. Of course Hazard is his own worst enemy as he keeps losing his sh*it in spectacular fashion when Colt acts out. And OMG can we talk about how insufferable Colt is here? The banter between Somerset and Hazard is great as always and their dynamic is remarkably healthy in this book. North and Shaw were just plain annoying. The mystery is okay. ...more
This is another lovely book in the series, which can be read as a standalone. I’ve enjoyed every single one of them and am sad that it’s come to an enThis is another lovely book in the series, which can be read as a standalone. I’ve enjoyed every single one of them and am sad that it’s come to an end. ...more
I really liked the first half of the book and it was looking like a shoo in for 4 stars, but the second half didn’t work as well for me. Edwa3.5 stars
I really liked the first half of the book and it was looking like a shoo in for 4 stars, but the second half didn’t work as well for me. Edward’s and Mark’s relationship went from 0 to 100 in a matter of days, and I ended up being more interested in the mystery than their insta-love. ...more