Andie
Another one that didn't work for me.
I have been in a mood for dark romance but when I'm reading it I'm suddenly not in the mood for dark romance at all. Can't understand it, can't explain it.
Skye Warren's books used to work for me but not so much lately and clearly not this one.
Everything felt disconnected, characters acting out of character and choices made that didn't make any sense.
I've been in a weird funk lately, the last books I've picked in the romance genre have not been winners for me and I was a little scared of starting this book. Fortunately, I enjoyed Make Up Break Up. I wouldn't say this is an enemies to lovers romance, I think about it more as a rivals to lovers romance.
First of all, I loved Annika! She was fiercely independent, very determined, totally in love with her job and her app, super smart and I loved how she fiercely disliked Hudson. Annika wasn't the easiest of characters. The fact that she was super focused on getting investors made her seem a little self centered sometimes, but I think it made perfect sense considering how passionate she was about her app and how she saw Hudson's app. Honestly, that just made me loved her character more.
Hudson was much more than a hot guy. He was definitely a visionary and a workaholic, very funny, charismatic, loyal to his family and very determined to remain successful. I loved the way we could see that he was also sweet and had a vulnerable side. It would've been perfect if we got interactions with his family in the story.
The tension and the chemistry between Annika and Hudson was freaking amazing and I couldn't put my kindle down so I read it in one sitting. There were a lot of funny moments (the pranks were hilarious), a lot of will they/won't they moments and I enjoyed every single part of their story. Even though they had a fling in the past, the slow burn through the book was so well done.
I really liked the tech setting too: the development of the Make Up app, the PR surrounding the tech world, the struggle to get investors, the financial issues and the fact that sometimes apps aren't exactly used how the app creator thought it would be. The secondary characters were also great and added different layers to their story: June, Annika's best friend and developer; Ziggy, Hudson's VP and Annika's dad. I hope we get June and Ziggy's story too.
I wasn't exactly a fan of the direction that the story went regarding the EPIC investment pitch contest, I was expecting something else entirely. I still loved how this book ended, even though it felt a little rushed. It would have ended smoother with an epilogue. Overall, a cute, entertaining, sweet, funny, charming, refreshing romance in a tech setting.
I'm so happy I decided to read this series. Honestly, I'm obsessed with this world. The characters are amazing, funny and annoying. There are so many layers. Freaking loving it.
There are a couple of chapters that were a little slow, but I still wanted to keep reading it.
Can't wait to read the next one.
I'm still surprised to enjoy this as much as I did. I was prepared to not like it very much, honestly, with all the hype surrounding this trilogy. I started reading it with low expectations. I was sucked in this world pretty fast. The cruelty of the Fae, the setting, Jude's personality, the politics & intrigue, Cardan's obsession about Jude really made the story for me.
It dragged a bit but I really enjoyed this one.
Oh, this book. I don't even know where to start. I was expecting to love this one. I like Jennifer L. Armentrout's writing and I usually enjoy her stories.
This book didn't quite work for me. First of all, it has been marketed as high fantasy and in my opinion it really isn't. Then, the world building is somewhat inconsistent and the first interaction between Poppy and Hawke wasn't the best (consent should be taken very seriously) which ruined most of the romance to me.
Poppy's actions were very out of character because she didn't act like a sheltered character at all. Also, several of her choices... Dumb.
However, I'm curious about where the story is going. The political intrigue and the conflict between atlantians, humans, royals and wolvens was engaging and I wish it was better explored.
I'll probably read the next one. Yeah, it makes no sense that I want to do that. Can't explain it!
Note: I wrote this mini review in my January wrap up. It's now June and I have no desire to keep reading this series. So, I won't be reading the next book.
I'm not rating this book. It has been generating a lot of backlash, we should be giving more attention to nonfiction books written by AOC about racism. I'm not upset I've read it but I'm moving on from it to read books on this topic written by Ibram X. Kendi, Reni Eddo-Lodge and other authors.
Maybe I'll rate this someday, maybe not.
This was so fun to listen, I felt like I was listening to one of my friends talk about her life while we chilled out in a coffee shop with an extra large coffee. Mindy has a lot of awkward and interesting stories and she's really, really funny. It's not a deep book, but I enjoyed listening to her stories.
3.5 stars
I'm obsessed with this series and this world, I've said it in the first two books and I'm saying it again.
Pillaged is the third book in the Raider Warlords of the Vandar. This book is about Toraan, Krato's and Kaalek's younger brother, and Rachael, the Zagrath Admiral's runaway bride. Rachael escaped the Empire's ship and fell right into the arms of Toraan. At first, their relationship is about mutual benefits: Rachael tells Toraan everything she knows about the Zagrath's strategy and Toraan protects her from the Zagrath and the Admiral. But soon their chemistry changes the plan...
I'm sorry to say this wasn't my favorite book in the series. Toraan is a very strategic Warlord, sometimes he was so calculating that he came off as cold. I liked that we get a bit from his romantic past that did explain how cautious he was with his heart. I definitely liked Rachael, she ran away from the Admiral fiercely and I loved how she was a really fierce sweet independent girl (what she did, before her parents send her away to marry the very old Admiral, was hilarious!). The storyline was great, the world building was a little more developed and I really enjoyed the fact we got to see more of the Vandar's world. However, my favorite couple in this series is still Kaalek and Astrid, from the second book in this series.
Overall, Pillaged was a good addition to this series with a great storyline, steamy scenes and lots of action. Can't wait to read the next one!
I loved Plundered! These two, Kaalek and Tara were amazing characters and they were even better together.
Plundered starts right after Possessed, Tara was trying to rescue her sister, because she thought Astrid was Kratos' captive. The last time she had seen her sister was when Astrid volunteered herself to go with the Vandars to save everyone on Tara's ship. Tara was trying desperately to track Kratos' ship which puts her on Kaalek's radar. Krato's brother, Kaalek, wasn't interested in a human female but he also didn't want anyone tracking a Vandar's ship so he boarded her ship and ended up taking Astrid as his captive. Astrid was so feisty, she fought Kaalek every chance she got, their banter was incredible and their chemistry... off the charts!
Plundered was a well-written, fun, fast paced, steamy story with great characters navigating an intriguing world. Definitely my favorite book in this series so far.
Vandar Raiders are amazing and I'm officially obsessed with this series. Hot Viking Space Aliens... Couldn't read this fast enough!
Kratos was a Vandar Warlord and leader of a raider horde, Vandar raiders mission is to fight the Zagrath Empire. Vandars are very advanced technologically, they are ruthless warriors and they take no prisoners. Kratos was on his ship when he was informed that there was a ship that had entered Vandars' space. He didn't hesitate to pursue the ship and board it. Astrid made a navigation error that put her and everyone in her sister's ship in danger. When they're boarded by huge, ruthless, bare chested Vandars, she sacrifices her freedom to their leader and becomes his captive. Vandars aren't exactly known for taking prisoners, but Kratos feels a strong pull to this short, curvy female human...
Kratos and Astrid were great characters, it was funny to see their relationship evolving in the Vandars' warship. At first, Kratos didn't knew how to handle a female human, he only wanted her in his bed. Astrid didn't make it easy on Kratos but their attraction was insane and she just couldn't resist him. I absolutely loved Astrid's relationship with the young apprentice warrior that Kratos ordered to stay with her, their bond was sweet and I enjoyed how Astrid shared some human culture details with the kid.
I enjoyed the world building, it wasn't fully developed but it definitely made me picture how the Zagrath empire, the Vandars, the humans functioned. I love SciFi so I wouldn't exactly mind if the world was more explored but I get that the focus is the romance between the main characters and I enjoyed that. There were a few events mainly related to Kratos actions or words that I would like that happened in a different way, but I also understand that his actions made sense considering he was a Vandar.
Overall, Possessed was a engaging, fast paced, steamy, fated mates story and I'll definitely continue with this series.
Books, Coffee & Passion
Bossy Baller was a very fast entertaining read. Hannah was a runaway bride that needed to escape fast from her fiancée and she ended up hiding in Maverick's truck. Maverick thought he was going to get some time alone on his road trip, when he realized there was a runaway bride hiding on his truck. Maverick and Hannah's chemistry was undeniable but both of them have reasons to not want to get involved. But... will they be able to resist their sizzling attraction to each other?
I loved Maverick and Hannah's characters, their banter, their fears, their hopes and dreams. The way they opened up to each other during their impromptu trip was so amazing. I really liked Colton and Dylan, Mav's best friends, and Kia, Hannah's friend. I'll definitely read Colton's story!
Overall, Bossy Baller was a fun read, I only wish it wasn't so short! A sweet, steamy, fast paced, entertaining romance with great characters.
I would like to thank the author for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
4.5 stars
The characters are freaking amazing and I couldn't put it down!
First half of it was definitely 5 stars, the second half was 4 stars because there was a little too much drama but I freaking loved it! The epilogue was so perfect, I loved it!
Definitely one of the best romances I've read in 2020. Highly recommended.
Books, Coffee & Passion
Second Dive is the third book in the Kings of the Water series but it can be read as a standalone. I haven't read the other two books in this series, but I'm intrigued so I might go back to read them. I will definitely keep an eye out for the next book in this series that will be Hunter's, one of Noah's best friends, story.
I went into Second Dive thinking it would be angsty, funny and sweet. I wasn't ready for this story. This was so emotional, it tugged at my heartstrings and played games with my heart. Everything that Chloe went through, was still going through, was a lot. A LOT. Noah was awful to her when they bumped into each other after ten years, but I think his attitude is justified by the last time Chloe was in touch with him.
As soon as they spoke for the first time in the book, after not seeing each other for a decade, I could see that the chemistry between them was freaking amazing! They were drawn to each other and their emotional connection was almost visible. I was worried that Chloe's reasons for lying to Noah, all those years ago, wouldn't feel enough for me. Boy, was I wrong! Her reasons were more than enough for me, actually I really admired Chloe after she opened up to Noah about that. She was a great heroine: sweet, funny, caring and so, so fierce, such an inspiration. I had my ups and downs with Noah, like I said I understood his behavior in the beginning, but there was this scene... that really messed me up emotionally and I didn't like how he dealt with it, at least at first. Fortunately, he came to his senses and then he kind of won me over.
I really enjoyed Chloe and Noah's story, there were a few details here and there through the story that I wish were more fleshed out. I also wished Noah's swimming career had a little more impact in the story. Overall, Second Dive was a very emotional second chance romance with great characters, lots of heartache moments and a stunningly beautiful love story that broke my heart and glued it back together.
I would like to thank the author for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Trigger warnings: Health issues, miscarriage, self harm.
Books, Coffee & Passion
4.5 stars
As soon as I saw that Loverboy was releasing, I knew I needed to read it as soon as I could get my hands on it! I missed the first book in The Company, but fortunately Loverboy can be read as a standalone.
Gunnar and Posy worked together, for a summer, fifteen years ago, they were constantly challenging each other, annoying each other and lusting for each other. They were rivals for the same promotion and things didn't exactly end well between them. Now, Gunnar got a new assignment from The Company: he needs to go undercover as a barista in a pie shop to uncover a murderer. That's a normal day in Gunner's life. The problem is that he hates coffee and that specific pie shop is owned by Posy...
Gunnar was an amazing character, he was a hot, cocky, extra confident charming guy with a great sense of humor. He was so funny! The way he flirted with Posy and how he kept on annoying her just to get her to admit she was attracted to him was so amusing. Posy was also amazing, she was sweet, smart, sassy and funny. She definitely gave Gunnar a run for his money. Their banter was so good, the way they dealt with their past was perfect and their chemistry was sizzling! Even though they didn't have a relationship before, this still felt like their second chance. The secondary characters were great, especially Posy's nephew; Max and Scout.
I was really invested in the mystery too. I figured a small part of it relatively soon but there was a lot I did not see coming. When things started to unravel, it got addictive! I was a little disappointed that we didn't get all the answers in this book, but I understand it because I bet we'll get all the answers in Max's story, which definitely makes more sense. I was satisfied with was solved in this book and I'm really excited to read Max and Scout's (hopefully both of them together) book!
Overall, Loverboy was an entertaining, engaging and captivating story with lots of pie, coffee, suspense, funny moments and amazing characters.
I didn't know how much I needed this story.
Blaise and Aspen's first interaction was not my favorite but their story packed an emotional punch. It was rough and an emotional roller coaster.
This book really made read Always Crew like NOW!
Trigger warnings: abuse, trauma, loss of a loved one, grief, violence.
Books, Coffee & Passion
2.5 stars
The first chapters were a lot. Lengthy info dumping, I felt like I was thrown into a dark, creepy world school with a blindfold. I think it would make more sense if the book started at their first year, because the readers would be learning about the school along with El instead of getting so many lengthy info dumping randomly.
I started to enjoy the book when El's interactions with Orion were more frequent. The sort of frenemies relationship they had was great and I really liked it.
El's somewhat friendship/alliance with Adhya and Liu was another entertaining aspect of the story.
The creepy, dark school setting was amazing and complex.
Additionally, after inserting so many diverse characters and enclaves, it's very underwhelming how there was little effort to flesh out the multicultural characters and/or aspects. And there were a few paragraphs that definitely made me uncomfortable: the dreadlocks paragraph which in my opinion didn't add anything to the plot or the world building and another paragraph about an Arabic worksheet that was tone deaf to the core.
I was not a fan of the conversational style of writing, all that inner monologue/narration filled with random information kept distracting me from what was going on. In spite of that, the ending was very intriguing and I'm tempted to continue the series.
Only One Chance is the second book in the Only series but it can be read as a standalone. This book is about Miller, the real player off ice, and Layla, a sports talk show host. I really enjoyed their story, Natasha Madison's books never fail to captivate me! Here's what I loved about it:
Layla's grandmother was the best character in the book! She was hilarious. Her first interactions with Miller were amazing, I laughed so much;
Layla and Candace friendship was great and so was Miller's bromance with his teammates, Ralph and Manning;
Miller was so much more than a player, he was so sweet and romantic. Unfortunately, I still wanted to smack him a few times through the book;
Layla's sports show;
Layla was a fighter! She really made Miller work for her attention and I enjoyed their banter a lot;
The angst near the end almost killed me, I was really hurting right along with Layla;
The chemistry between them was so fantastic;
The epilogues were amazing, I was close to tears in one special moment in their lives.
Overall, I really enjoyed this story but I wish Layla's sports talk show had a little more room in the story. Additionally, it bothered me that Miller didn't realize by himself how he behaved with female fans and how he blew his first chance with Layla. I loved how Layla and Miller's story was wrapped up and I'm very curious about Manning's story!