Kelly
4.5 stars
Oh. My. Days. What a book. What a story. What a cover. What a couple. I just don't have the words to do it justice, any of it. So, I'm just going to try and put into words how I felt.
It's rare that I'll buy a book based solely on the cover, but as soon as I saw this cover, I knew I had to have it. It screams masculinity and vulnerability and love, and I needed it in my life.
I don't think I have been so moved and so captivated by an MM story since listening to Him by Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy. This book takes you on a wild, angst-filled ride of epic proportions. I was not ready for the level of emotion. These characters are suffering so much. I just wanted to wrap them in my arms and tell them everything would get better. I loved that this story focused on the journey they were going through, both were at such different stages of their life, yet drawn together by a unifying force. Their grief was so heartbreaking and watching each of them struggle through and grow, coming out the other side, was simply beautiful. The chemistry between them was off the charts and the way Marley incorporated the push and pull of emotions and how they interacted in those moments was truly wonderful. Add in the insecurities and family dynamics and it was pure perfection.
Overall, it's a story of following your heart and accepting what you can and can't change. Doing what makes you happy and finding and keeping love. Even in the most unexpected places. I laughed. I cried. My heart hurt and it soared with happiness. I experienced so many emotions reading this story, but every one of those emotions was worth it to get to their HEA. As a side note, the final chapter just about gutted me.
This was my first Marley Valentine book, but it will not be my last. A definite must read. I cannot wait for the audiobook so I can torture myself all over again lol.
I have been anxious for Lex's book ever since I met him when I read The Vow, and the wait was worth it.
If accidental babies are your jam, you will love this book. Lex is ALL the things, I love him so much. It has an element of suspense to it too. Once I started, I couldn't help but keep turning the pages. I was hooked on their story. For those that have been reading the series, you will love seeing the other characters during their HEAs.
This book, where do I start? So many feelings. To start, this is book one of a trilogy, so I'm going to be vague as to not spoil anything. I think people are going to fall in one of two camps, those that love it and those that don't. And then there is me. I love the concept, I love some of the characters. I hate some of the things that happen. I shouted at my phone a few times. At times, I thought Natalia was fabulous, at other times, I wanted to shake her. And at the end, I really struggled to understand her decision- which is probably because I'm evil. I just wanted her to let everyone burn. I'll definitely be moving on to book two - Violent Ends because I need to know what happens next.
The narration was spectacular. As a listener, I hate when an audio isn't released at the same time as the audio. It feels like it's an afterthought, that being said, I know Jessica spent a lot of time trying to find the right fit for this series and boy, did she. Emma Wilder was perfection. The way she was able to give voice to each of these characters and with accents was astounding. I was mesmerised by her performance. Her male voice is all the things. Narrator girl crush activated. Christian Fox and Brian Pallino make a special appearance and were fantastic as Diego and Cristiano. Their accents were spot on - I did need to actively listen to catch everything they said as opposed to being able to do other things whilst listening to Emma. The production was great with no issues.
If you love friends to lovers, angsty, tension-filled stories, you are going to want Teacher in your life. It is everything I could have hoped for and more.
As someone that has been itching for Daniel's story since Voyeur, and Hanna's story since Savior. I was excited to find out they were going to get a story together. Yet, knowing it was the last book in the Voyeur series, it was bittersweet. Fiona Cole manages to incorporate everything I've come to expect from this series and her writing and make it something special. Of all the books, this is the one that really hit me in the feels, and that is saying something because they've all had degrees of it.
Hanna's story of survival is wonderful. Fiona handled her past with such grace, care, and respect that I was left reeling. Daniel was the perfect counterpart for Hanna, and he isn't without his own demons. Their relationship is one for the ages and a must read. It was so fun to see other #TeamVoyeur characters show up, not to mention the moments between Daniel and Kent.
As you can expect from this author the book is full of angst and tension. But also emotion and heart. And swooning. So much swooning.
This is one of my favourite books of the year, if not my favourite. She's definitely ending the series with a bang but I hope she'll visit all these characters again some time, perhaps in a short story for an anthology or in her newsletter. One can only hope!
Teacher releases June 15th 2020 and is available for preorder.
If you haven't read the other books in the Voyeur series, you can start them today. All are interconnected standalones...unless otherwise mentioned. Can be read via KU.
Voyeur (Age Gap. Student/Teacher)
Lovers (MMF)
Surrender (Short story that continues the HEA from Lovers)
Savior (Age Gap. Sold virginity)
Another (Surprise Pregnancy)
Watch With Me (Short story. Prequel to Liar)
Liar (Age Gap. Uncle's best friend)
This was a cute story. Landon is such an awesome character, he's sweet but still has that alpha element that you come to expect from a Kendall Ryan hero. Aubrey, I didn't find that likeable, she just seemed selfish and immature - which is weird considering she was the older party in the relationship. That being said, she did redeem herself in the end. I loved their banter and The banter between the hockey players. I enjoyed how the story played out. It was an easy listen with little drama.
Jacob Morgan and Emma Wilder were fantastic. It was excellent casting. Their voices complemented each other well. Jacob is always so good at the combination of alpha and emotion and that shines through in this book too. Emma, on the other hand, made a character I wasn't enamoured with, a joy to listen to. Her male voice is pure perfection, and she gives the characters life. She stole the show for me.
This is my favourite book in this series. It has the bully/ dark vibes that you expect from J.L. Beck and C. Hallman.
Jackson and Kennedy have a traumatic past. Can they overcome their past and find their HEA or are some things truly unforgivable? It's filled with emotion, intrigue, heart, and grovelling. A must read.
This book contains triggers. If you have specific triggers please don't hesitate to contain me to check whether this book is something you can handle.
Ava Harrison never failed to write stories that keep me entertained from the first to the last page, and Corrupt Kingdom is no different. I was nervous when I heard it was going to be darker than her usual but in pure Ava fashion, she makes these characters strong and loveable and not too close to that edge. I'd consider it darker not dark. Cyrus Reed is the king of his domain, he works with the lowest of the low and isn't afraid to get his hands dirty to get the job done. His biggest secret? He's a sweetheart, I'm not joking, this man could kidnap me and keep me on a deserted island with him. I loved the balance that Ava created between the “real” Cyrus and the Cyrus that others see. If you like your heroes with a edginess to them, Cyrus is definitely your guy. Ivy Aldridge is the type of heroine I adore. She's strong and feisty and doesn't take things lying down. She's my type of girl. I definitely added her to my book girlfriend list. As always, the book touches on some difficult subjects and they're written with respect and understanding. This is a must read.
This book is charming. If you're looking for something fun to read, this will fit the bill. Nina and Travis have history. Unfortunately, Nina's brother knows nothing about it, so when he suggests his best bud, Travis moves in to help them both out, little does he know what he's setting in motion. The ups and downs of their relationship are funny and charming and sweet. This is a great story about never getting over your first love and second chances.
Fiona Cole knows the way to my heart. More Jake and Jackson will do it every time. I love my J guys so much. I first fell in love with Jackson in Voyeur, and I was super excited when he got his own book in Lovers. I loved how Lovers turned out, but I'd be lying if I said I didn't want more Jake and Jackson. Fiona killed the MM scenes in and I was clambering for more. And she delivered. Surrender is short and sweet and sexy. It has angst and feelings. It has everything you'd expect from a Fiona Cole book. Do yourself a favour and pick up this beauty.
If you read Surrender as part of the love is love is love anthology, know that this version has added content that you're not going to want to miss.
Are you in the mood for a stalker/ captive romance? Because J.L. Beck and C. Hallman have got you covered. Zane is a mafia hitman who will do anything to protect his little bird, Dove. Even if that means taking her hostage.
I loved this book, it's suspenseful and sexy. I couldn't help but find Zane sweet at times. When I wasn't trying to plot his death, of course. The cliffhanger about killed me, but it was also perfect. I cannot wait to see where this story goes.
The duet is complete and wow, what a ride this was. I loved the mafia ties and links to J.L. Beck and C. Hallman's other series. I was on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen next. Dove is one unlucky lady. I loved that she wasn't a damsel in distress and took things into her own hands. Her relationship with Zane really shines in this book and I couldn't help but swoon at parts.
I loved this friends to lovers story. The concept was fantastic. Trying out key events that show up in the majority of romance novels - hilarity ensues and it was a great listen. The chemistry and attraction between this couple is off the charts and it was showcased so well in this study. I was cheering them on the whole time.
Andi Arndt and Jason Clarke were fantastic. Although the other voices were great, I didn't find them necessary to the story or the production. It's just a personal thing, but I feel like if you're going to have different voices for the characters that the main characters should be voiced as well, it just seems odd to have Andi doing both characters but not other characters. Again, that's just a personal feeling and I'm sure many loved it.
I opened this book and fell into the pages—Alice in Wonderland style. I was hooked. Hooked, I tell you. Danielle Rose has created this interesting and intriguing world that I was utterly immersed in and I loved every second. I couldn't put it down (apart from those moments where it was a must). I am so excited to read more in this world and see where this story goes. Now, about the ending, it wasn't as bad as I anticipated, I didn't have an OMG what? Moment. It felt very natural to end it there.
Ava Lopez is a seventeen-year-old girl, like most girls her age, she's starting to come to terms with who she is and the life she wants. She's feeling restricted by her mother's rules and wants to break free of those shackles and do want she feels is right. Sneaking out at night doesn't seem such a big deal, except, Ava isn't any ordinary teenager and she's not sneaking out to hang with her friends or meet a boy. No, she's a spirit witch and is going to hunt vampires. It's what her coven does, protect the town of Darkhaven from their biggest threat: Vampires. But, sneaking out is about to be the biggest mistake of her life, with disastrous consequences. Ava is cast out and has to learn to live a completely different life. With the beings, she's been groomed to hate. I loved the dynamics. The action...which started early on. We see and experience that animosity between the two kinds and it gives us a little insight into how the coven is made up.
I loved the way Ava is. There were times that I was cringing and wanted to shake her, but It's easy to understand her actions and thought processes because of her age. Watching her learn and grow, and begin to understand was a key part of the story. She's experienced a lot of loss and I think it would be foolish to not expect her to try and fix things...in a way. It definitely gripped me and I felt we were learning with her. Jasik is a vampire who is determined to help Ava navigate these new waters and their bond is strong. I have high hopes for those two but time will tell if it happens. I'm looking forward to finding out more about the rift between the witches and vampires and seeing how Ava adjusts to her new life. I can't wait to see where Danielle takes it.
I have questions, many questions. It did feel at times that I was missing something, that I needed more development in areas, however, I think that is part of the setup for this story. This is only book one and I believe it's a five-book series. I am hoping the questions and development will be addressed in the next book...or books. Maybe Danielle Rose is playing the long game. This is a quick read, for reference, the audiobook is just over 5 hours.
Another touchdown! See what I did there? Karla Sorensen writes wonderfully, captivating stories that I just can't help but get lost in. Ava and Matthew's story had me hooked from early on. I needed to know how it was all going to play out. How the family dynamics were going to fit in and work. I felt for Ava and was glad with how that aspect of the story ended. Ava and Matthew are pure perfection, I loved that they were able to give in to how they felt pretty early on.
I loved the sports element of this story and the others in the series. Karla has a wonderful way of making you connect with the sport and feel the tension and excitement as if you were at the game yourself. I loved that each of the women has been a strong woman with her own career and how that's fitted into the relationships. It's been a pleasure to binge read/ listen to them.
Again, I wasn't a huge fan of the audio casting. Although Teddy Hamilton was brilliant, I just felt he was much more suited to the character of Luke. I'm sure many people loved the audio and could get over some of the issues I had with it because it's all subjective and how we hear things. I was able to enjoy the story regardless.
I fell in love with Ally and Luke during The Marriage Effect and Focused, so it was awesome to finally dive in to their story. I knew it was going to be one for the books.
This book was everything! I loved it so much. Luke and Ally were so perfectly suited and Faith, gah, I loved her. Once I started listening I couldn't stop, I needed to know how it was all going to play out. Single fathers are my kryptonite and add in the enemies to lovers feel it was everything I could have hoped for and more. I am loving this series. It's filling my football loving heart with all the feels. And yeah, I shed a few tears...I couldn't help it. Don't judge me!
I listened to the book, but in all honesty, I wasn't impressed with the narrators, I didn't feel they were a good fit and I had issue with how some things were voiced - it's all subjective though and I'm sure many will love it. I was able to overlook my issues due to the story being so enjoyable.
After reading Focused and being enamoured with Paige and Logan I wanted to go back and read their story, I'm going completely backwards here but it was so worth it. I'm on a Karla Sorensen kick right now and I'm loving every second of it. Where has she been hiding all my life? Okay, so she's not been hiding and she has been recommended to me in the past...but life. Now I'm kicking myself for not diving in sooner.
This is what I'd call a true sports romance, you know what I mean, a sports romance where the sport isn't mentioned in passing, or just a job someone does, but a part of the story. And it fit so well, Logan and Paige are so cute together. I'm not ashamed to say I shed a few tears in this book, the emotion came roaring out of the page/ headphones with what Logan's sisters were experiencing. Watching Paige fall in love with not only Logan but his sisters was beautiful. My heart felt every one of the feels. Karla sure knows how to get a reaction. I have fallen in love with her writing and I need all the words. Once I started this book I couldn't put it down.
Stephen Dexter was great as Logan. Isabelle Ruther was new to me but she was fantastic as the feisty Paige and I look forward to listening to more. The two voices complemented each other well.
I'm looking forward to going back to the other books to spend more time with the other characters mentioned. Luke and Ally are next.
Do you love dark bully romances? Where your boundaries are pushed? Your limits tested? Antiheroes are the name of the game? Then this is the book for you.
Easton, Stella and Cameron have a difficult start to their relationship. Join the wild ride as they try to navigate the blockades that stand in their way. Watch them fight for their HEA.
If you have triggers please, do not read this book without speaking to someone first to ascertain that you'll be okay. This is a really dark book that includes several trigger inducing scenes.
This is my first Karla Sorensen book and I can safely say it will not be my last. This book was everything I never knew I wanted. It was charming and funny and sweet. I loved the slow build of the relationship, seeing the tension build between Noah and Molly until it combusted in the most perfect of ways. I loved the supporting characters and I need them to all have books, and yes, I need to go back and read some of Karla's earlier books to enjoy the characters that already have stories...especially Logan and Paige. I have some excellent stories ahead of me. Thank goodness for back catalogues. Karla's writing is captivating. She pulls you into her world and introduces you to characters and situations that grab your full attention and won't let go. I read this book in day, I don't remember the last time I did that, I was just so engrossed in this story. I love that it had two characters that were at loggerheads to begin with and a touch of forbidden to it.
Do you like age gap romances? How about slightly forbidden? Then this is the book for you.
Fiona Cole is the goddess of sexy emotions. With Kent and Olivia she delivers the sexy in bounds and weaves the forbidden aspect so perfectly that you can't help but feel for these characters. The age gap is written brilliantly and really showcases the differences in a way that is realistic.
Available for preorder now.
Do you like angst and a-holes characters? Then this is the book for you.
Harper and Warren are an interesting couple. You'll love their back and forth. The give and take between the hate and love. The way they just can't stay away from one another.
*Some scenes may be difficult for some readers. I'm always available if you want to message me to check if the content is going to trigger you.
Are you looking for a feel good holiday read? Then look no further than this Christmas. It's a cute, enemies to lovers story that will get you in the mood for the holidays and leave you with a heartwarming happiness.
Jenna Reed is bringing all the heartwarming feels with this story. It's cute and funny and sweet. Hannah and Jonas are so cute together. I just adored them. And Hannah's grandma steals this show - she is hilarious.
J.L. Beck and C. Hallman have written this story under the name Jenna Reed and I can understand why, it's so different to anything I've read from them before. And I loved it.
You can read it now on Radish. And preorder on Amazon for the November 29th release.
Are you looking for your next bully read? Something deliciously dark? Then look no further than Hating You. It has it all; suspense, angst, enemies to lovers, a-hole character.
I was worried this book was going to be too much for me. That my boundaries were going to be crushed, but as always, J.L. Beck and C. Hallman gave just the right amount of darkness and bully tactics to keep me riveted to the story and turning the page.
Parker and Willow are so cute together. It takes a lot to get them to their HEA but it's so worth it. They endure so much but it just makes the ending so much sweeter. There are twists and turns and characters to love and hate.
I'm excited to start Warren's book.