jamieb_19's reviews
191 reviews

Just Forever by Briar Prescott

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funny hopeful lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

“One day you’ll kiss me in the middle of the street.”
My insides jolt. I want that. More than anything. “Promise?” I ask.
He smiles. “Not just a promise.” He lifts our joined hands. “Pinkie promise.”


Aww Lake and Ryker! As readers, it's not very often that we are gifted with a full-length second novel about characters that we know and love. But Briar Prescott gave us that with this novel and it was delightful. Lake and Ryker have been together for 2 years now and are in NYC, living together and so in love. Lake is in med school and Ryker's dreams of playing in the NHL have been realized. Life is good, except for the fact that their relationship is still largely a secret. But as long as they have each other, they can get through anything life throws at them.

It’s me and him.
Us against the world.
I can do it all when he’s mine and I’m his.
It’s impossibly sappy to feel this way.
I do anyway.


As promised, this book was all about the vibes. There was very little angst and it was mostly just a nice little slice of their life. I loved how rock-solid their relationship was, I never had a single doubt that they'd make it through whatever life threw at them. Time and Ryker had helped to smooth some of Lake's edges but I liked that he didn't lose them completely (once again, the banter in this book was impeccable). He was still a little distrustful and closed off with other people but he was open and completely vulnerable with Ryker. Their bond was truly special.

I found you. Out of the billions of people in the world, I found you, and you found me. How stupidly lucky did we get?


I read this book over Valentine's Day and it was the perfect book for the occasion because these two were so adorably, disgustingly in love - I couldn't get enough! Overall the book felt like a wonderful extended epilogue for this couple. This book plus the bonus scene available from Briar's newsletter was the perfect way to cap off Lake and Ryker's love story. I'm going to miss these guys!

Here we are, him and me. Lake and Ryker. Ryker and Lake. And we’ll be fine no matter what happens. The knowledge is a solid ground under our feet. The inescapable gravity of us.

Splintered by Isabel Lucero

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emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

I bought this audiobook on a whim during the last big Audible sale because Cooper North was one of the narrators. I'd never read anything from this author before and I hadn't read any other books in this series so I had no idea what to expect but oh boy did I love this book! First off, the narration was fantastic. Cooper North is one of my favs. This was the first time listening to anything Declan Winters did and I loved his narration too. Together, they brought Devin and Jarrod to life so perfectly.

I loved the story too. Devin and Jarrod were friends from high school who hadn't seen each other in many years but ended up reuniting at the Black Diamond resort where they both escaped to for a break from their everyday lives. Devin is a prominent adult film star and Jarrod is a star NHL goalie, they don't have much in common but they struck up such an easy friendship from that first chance encounter. Devin always had a crush on Jarrod, and the crush comes back in full force the more time they spend together. He's always figured his crush was unrequited so he's quite surprised then it seems Jarrod may be into him too. But could they ever make a relationship work once they're out of the seclusion Black Diamond offers?

The slow burn was so good. Their friendship was the sweetest all while this delicious sexual tension was building. I also thought Jarrod's bi-panic was portrayed well. These feelings were all so new to him and he was naturally very confused by it all. Devin was so great with him though, helping him through it all. Once they finally made that leap, things got very hot! I loved all the "teach me" moments. 

While most of the book was sweet and spicy, there were pockets of angst throughout. Mainly surrounding their careers and if it would be feasible for them to ever be able to have a relationship. I won't get into the details but everything was handled so realistically.

These guys didn't have an easy road. They both wanted to be together so badly (the pining in the second part of the book was so good!) but they had a lot to work out before that could happen. But some things are just meant to be and Jarrod and Devin were meant to be. I loved seeing them find their way back together and fight for their HEA! 
The Unlikely Pair by Jax Calder

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adventurous challenging emotional funny hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

I’ve survived a lot of unpleasant situations in my life. Surely, I can endure a plane trip with Toby Webley. After all, it’s only for a short time.

Toby and Harry have been political rivals for many years. Their verbal sparring has become a cornerstone of Parliamentary sessions. After the small plane that was supposed to take them to a climate conference crashes somewhere in the Scandinavian wilderness, they’re forced to work together if they have any hopes of surviving long enough to hopefully be rescued. All they have is each other and the longer they’re together in the wilderness, the more they begin to bond. There’s no way they could have a real relationship if they manage to get rescued - their heads know that but they have a harder time convincing their hearts of that fact.

Is my survival instinct stronger than my hatred of Harry? It’s going to be a difficult test.

I had a great time reading this book! Rivals/enemies to lovers is always fun. Throwing them into a survival situation? Even better! I don’t know if the survival aspect was completely believable but I didn’t care, it kept me on the edge of my seat as they were thrown into perilous situations. Then there was the added suspense of being hunted by the terrorist group. You’re going to be turning those pages to see how they were going to get out of the next obstacle. 

Having to put your full trust in another person to ensure your survival is a sure way to become bonded to that person. I loved seeing the animosity and constant barbs between Toby and Harry begin to soften as the days pressed on. And in its place was a newfound respect for each other. The transformation in their relationship felt realistic to me. When you strip away all the other noise, they begin to see under the masks and get to know each other on a deeper level. It was a combination of this new appreciation of each other and a bit of “living in the moment” that led them to leap into a physical relationship. And from that moment, things really took off. 

These two were surprisingly sweet together. Once they got past the initial danger, they fell into a nice rhythm, making the most of their days together. It was simple and it was peaceful and unexpectedly romantic. I found myself swooning as these two grew ever closer. I also loved how their return to civilization was handled. Living through an ordeal like that, for as long as they did, changes a person and I thought their struggles to fall back into their previous lives were portrayed well. Not to mention all the pining that tugged at my heartstrings.

What does one say to their nemesis—whom they’re stranded alone with in the wilderness—after having just engaged in a spectacular, out-of-this-world sexual encounter?
All the etiquette training my mother provided me with never covered this particular scenario.

I loved how everything came together. There was a twist that I hadn’t expected that added an interesting wrinkle to their relationship. I was surprised about one thing that wasn’t resolved but it seems that’ll be carried into the upcoming 3rd book (which sounds like it’s going to be good!). Harry and Toby may have been an unlikely pair (I’ll admit I was skeptical when their pairing was first announced) but they totally won me over and I loved seeing them find their way together! 

As we kiss properly, I realize I don’t just love him. I love him past what love should be. It shouldn’t be this craving, this complete and utter desire to be consumed by someone and to consume them in return.
The Last Guy On Earth by Sarina Bowen

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emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Clay Powers and I have a past together. A distant past, but it’s still messy.

Fifteen years ago in the small town of Busker, NY two newcomers to pro hockey became roommates and bonded over food and finding their place in the hockey world. Their friendship blossomed into more and they had a secret love affair for much of the season until it all came to a screeching halt. The two men hadn’t spoken in the years since it all ended until the day legendary goalie, Jethro Hale, landed in Colorado thanks to a shocking trade. Now, Clay Powers, the youngest coach in the league, is forced to not only face the man who broke his heart but he’s got to figure out a way to put their personal history aside and be the coach the team needs him to be. The attraction between them still burns after all this time but even after clearing the air, it’s still an impossible situation for a coach and player to ever be together. Will Clay have to watch the love of his life walk away again or will he finally be able to have everything he ever wanted?

I would have given you everything. I always thought you were worth it.

Hello to my new favorite book in this series! This book was excellent. I was intrigued about Clay and Jethro after learning of Jethro’s trade in I’m Your Guy. A coach and a player? Talk about forbidden. Plus add in the fact that these two have quite the history together and you have the makings of a really great story. Clay and Jethro were so perfect for one another. I’m not always a fan of second chance romances but this one was executed so well. For the first half of the book, every few chapters was a glimpse of their relationship from 15 years ago and it was the perfect way to understand their history and see how things went sideways so we could appreciate how they felt in the present day. I loved seeing these two work their way back to each other amid all the things stacked against them. They were so sweet together.

“You’re the best person who ever walked into my life, and I can’t believe it ever made sense to let you walk out of it.”

My heart went out to Jethro. He had a lot going on in his personal life and was barely keeping all that together when he was unceremoniously traded to a new team in a new state after giving so many years of his life to his old team. I could understand his grumpiness and standoffishness when he got to Colorado. Especially after overhearing Clay’s reaction to the news. But you know what I loved the most? Clay and Jethro were mature adults who communicated so well. Things could have gone horribly wrong after the reunion they had but they actually talked and worked through things. It was so refreshing. Who knows what would have happened to them if they had given it a real go back when they were in their early 20s? Maybe it would have worked but more likely they would have crashed and burned.  Even if it was a tough road to get there, I think they needed the added maturity to get to the place they ultimately landed. 

There was also prime hockey content in this book. As a hockey fan, I appreciated that. It was exciting and kept me engaged the whole time. I think I was as invested in the outcome of the Cougar’s season as I was with the outcome of Clay and Jethro’s relationship! There was a certain scene later in the book that had me crying like a baby. When I tell you I was invested - I was really invested!

I’ve loved this entire series and I’m not sure if we’ll get more but if this is where it ends, it’s a great note to go out on. I think hockey romance fans will really enjoy this one! 

“You gave me a whole fricking PowerPoint about why you can’t fool around with a player. So how do you think this ends?”
I screw my eyes shut and say, “I don’t know, Jetty. I just wish I could be twenty-four again for one night. I want to love you and not think about the consequences.”
Elevator Pitch by A.M. Johnson

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lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? N/A
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Caleb and Graham meet when they're trapped together in an elevator in a Vegas hotel. Caleb, an NHL goalie, is amused that Graham doesn't recognize him but he recognizes Graham from his online cooking show. Caleb is closeted because of his career but being trapped in a small, dark space with his online crush seems like a good a time as any to indulge in the things he never allows himself. But what'll happen when they're finally rescued?

I loved this short story! It was only 6 chapters but it was packed with loads of romance goodness - a fun meet cute, heartfelt confessions, and steamy encounters. Caleb and Graham were unsure of each other at first but they really hit it off after a few shared confessions in the dark.

It was a bit of an open ending but I hope that the authors end up revisiting these guys to expand on their story! I'd love to see Caleb finally pursue the life he wants. But even if this is all we get, this is still a really great short story!
Catching Feels by Riley Hart

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lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? N/A
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

4.0

Avery and Jack are friends but when Avery starts noticing things about Jack that go beyond friendship, he takes a chance and makes a move on him. Avery can safely confirm that he's not straight after that night and they spend the next 6 months hooking up. It was meant to be casual but they both ended up catching feels. Now they just have to work up the nerve to let each other know. Perhaps being together in Vegas for the weekend is the perfect opportunity.

This was adorable! Short, sweet, and spicy. Jack and Avery were so cute together and I enjoyed seeing them finally getting on the same page. And Jack's meddling dads were the cutest!
Not Catching Love by Saxon James

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challenging emotional funny hopeful lighthearted reflective sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

He’s a real adult. Put together, stable, handsome, with a grown-up career and no demons in his closet.
But he’s also seen me at my worst, and here he is, choosing to spend time with me anyway.
Because Derek is my real-life Prince Charming.
Now, if only he’d do that part where he sweeps me off my feet.

This may have been my most anticipated book coming out in 2025. The Bertha Boys are one of my favorite found families ever, I’ve loved every single book and seeing this wonderful group of guys finding their people. And now it’s finally time for sweet Xander to have his own happily ever after. If you’re familiar with the series at all, you know that Xander has been a fan favorite from the beginning. I had high expectations for this book and it surpassed every single one. I could not have asked for a more perfect story for Xander and Derek. It wasn’t an easy road but it was exactly what needed to happen to get these men to their HEA. And it was a great send-off for this series, a series that I’m going to miss a lot! 

There aren’t a lot of people who make me feel safe, but Derek is one of them, and if it was up to me, I’d get to have him always. As mine. All mine.

Xander had a rough start in life and he’s still dealing with the aftermath of the neglect and trauma. Throughout the series, we’ve seen Xander’s trauma manifest through his health anxiety episodes. The only thing that seems to help is the calm, caring presence of Nurse Derek at the local pharmacy clinic. Derek has put the rest of his life on hold so he’s always available whenever he gets the call that Xander is being brought in. He feels stuck but he can’t bring himself to abandon Xander. 

When they find themselves both volunteering at the same retirement home, Derek sees a whole new side of Xander, and the feelings he’s had to bury due to their nurse/patient relationship get harder and harder to fight. Even after he stops treating him, if Derek wants to keep his job he needs to put space and time between him and Xander as nurse/patient and him and Xander as friends. But the more Xander opens up to him, the more difficult he becomes to resist.

With every little inch he gives me, I’ll go after two more. I’m greedy when it comes to what I want, and I’ve never wanted anyone the way I want Derek.

I loved how Xander’s mental illness and his journey to addressing his mental health were handled. The way his anxieties were written, seeing all the big and small ways his brain played tricks on him, was so realistic. It wasn’t easy to read at times because Xander is the type of character you want to wrap up and protect at all costs. That’s kind of what the other Bertha Boys did for him. For better or for worse, they did their best to shield him and take care of him when things got bad. Derek, as an outsider, had a different perspective and pushed hard to get Xander the professional help he needed. This was quite the push and pull but I loved how it all played out. It was exactly what needed to happen, there was no quick fix and these guys had to make the tough decisions and put in the hard work if they had any hope of creating a healthy relationship.

For obvious reasons, this book was a slow burn and it was perfect. I was giddy as Derek and Xander’s friendship grew. They were so adorable with their flirting and pining. I love in books when both characters are pining away but all parties are aware of it. That’s exactly what happened here. Both of them wanted each other so badly but couldn’t be together in the way they wanted, for a variety of reasons. It created a delicious tension that you couldn’t wait to see snap (and it was so worth it when it finally did!). 

“I’ve been waiting my whole life for you. Just you. I’m not going anywhere.”

Another aspect of this story that I loved so much was Xander’s relationship with Seven and Molly and how Derek now fits into that picture. Again, it was another bumpy road but there were a lot of great scenes and conversations between these characters and I loved where the four of them ended up. As sad as I am to have to say goodbye to the Bertha Boys, I’m happy to know that they’re all happy and living their best lives. I can’t ask for much more than that! 

“I’m yours. I’ve always been yours. I can’t believe you finally caught up.”
Defensive Zone by Jodi Oliver

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funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

It’s like I’m finally seeing him. The blindfold is off, and he’s there, clear as day, and I don’t really know what to do with it all.

Zach and Carter met as children and have been inseparable ever since. As they were about to set out on their respective careers as pro athletes they made a pact that no matter what they’d always be the other’s priority and would always spend their off-seasons together. And for years they had no trouble upholding the pact. But for Zach, who had been in love with Carter since they were kids, every year gets harder and harder. Especially standing by while Carter starts to fall for someone else. Zach is forced to step away to save his heart and their friendship but in the process leaves Carter confused and heartbroken. As Carter works to set things right between them again, he begins to realize his feelings toward Zach extend well beyond friendship.

I would do anything for Zach Reid, but I haven’t realized why until recently.
I’ve been in love with him all this time. I just wasn’t ready to acknowledge it.

I took a slight detour having to read a few other books but I was glad to finally return to the Chicago Thunder Hockey universe. I’d been curious about what was up with Zach and Carter from the little bits we got in the first two books. I love a good friends-to-lovers story and I thought this one was done well! The codependency was real with these two but they were soulmates for sure and I’m glad they finally figured things out. The early parts of this book were quite sad. My heart broke for Zach who was convinced his love for Carter was unrequited and having Carter be so oblivious to how Zach felt. I don’t blame Zach for pulling away as he did, at a certain point self-preservation needs to kick in. But it was still sad.

Things didn’t stay sad for too long, I loved that once Carter finally realized his true feelings, he was all in. The way he showed up for Zach when he needed him most and the way he cared for Zach was just perfect. I loved the hurt/comfort aspect of this one. I thought it was handled very well and felt realistic. And it gave them a bit of time to explore the new romantic aspect of their relationship. For all the angst and heartache at the start of the book, the later parts of the book more than make up for it. 

“He’s my entire world. My soulmate, in every way. It’s like for my entire life, I’ve been building this LEGO set, and I’ve always been missing one piece, but it’s always been there, right in front of me. I just wasn’t ready to see it.”

I also loved seeing all the other guys from the series. The way they supported and rooted for Zach and Carter was heartwarming. These guys are a great found family and the queer normative world Jodi Oliver has created is a refreshing break from reality. I loved all the Elliot moments, he’s by far my favorite (I’m a simp for a quirky goalie) and I love him more and more with each book. And I’m intrigued by the setup for Jackson and Hayden’s book. I’m already looking forward to returning to this universe in a few short months! 

I’ve loved Zach Reid since we were six years old, and it might have taken me twenty-three years to catch up, but I’m so glad I get to love him now.
Unforgettable by Marley Valentine

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emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I really enjoyed this story! Oz and Reeve meet on a hookup app and have a one-night stand. They both enjoyed their night together but never expected to see one another again. So Oz is surprised when Reeve turns up a few weeks later as the newest employee at Vino & Veritas.

I loved the friendship they formed once they were reunited. They were so sweet together and meshed so well. Even before the fake dating aspect came into play, they were well on their way to building a special connection. Pretending to be boyfriends for Oz's sister's wedding only amplified that. Their chemistry together was excellent.

Both men were dealing with the weight of familial expectations but it was interesting to me how both of them were handling the pressure quite differently. But it gave them a common thread to bond over because even though their situations were different, they understood what the other was going through in a way that not everyone can.

There's a little bit of angst toward the end but overall this will go easy on your heart and the ending was very sweet. I read this one via audiobook and I thought Cooper North and Tim Paige, two of my fav narrators, did excellent jobs bringing these guys to life!
Benji by N.R. Walker

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funny lighthearted mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

He was a siren to me.
His body called to me in ways I’d never known.

This was a super fast read. I read it in two sittings. Everything moves quickly from when Nolan and Benji meet after an unfortunate incident in which Nolan hits Benji with his car. Nolan takes Benji in while he recuperates (which doesn't take long, it wasn't a bad accident). This works out well for Benji because he's got some people after him.

From here, it's basically a lot of Nolan playing hooky from work so he can stay home and have sex with Benji—until the last 25% or so when the mystery of who is after Benji finally comes out. I'm wondering if any of that will carry over into the other books because it felt like it wrapped up very quickly at the end.

The relationship between Benji and Nolan was very quick and instalove but I did like how good Nolan was to Benji. The power dynamic between them heavily leaned toward Nolan but he never treated Benji as less than and didn't do anything that Benji didn't enthusiastically agree to.