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Claimed by the Mountain Man by Gemma Weir
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Back with the Barnett brothers for Penns book, and he is just as unhinged as the rest of them, but he is my favourite.
The way he is with Lulu just works for me and when he finds out she has a 6 month old daughter called Poppy he is INSTANTLY on board and Poppy is just as much his now as Lulu is. I love how he claims them both and fights to ensure Lu knows he is 100% in and wants a life with her & Poppy. Lulu's feisty attitude was refreshing after Alice in the last book. She was personally too meek for me, and I much preferred Lulu's attitude/personality as I found it more relatable. She doesn't just let Penn get his way, she pushes back and he likes that about her as when/if she does give in he feels he has earned it and makes it more special to him that she CHOOSES to submit to him at times and it isn't just part of her nature to do so.
These brothers are walking talking red flags, but if you can see this for what it is, a work of fiction, and you like alpha, over the top, jealous, possessive, will do whatever it takes to get the woman MMCs with good spice and stories with insta lust/love/fated mates vibes then this series should be for you. 🌶🌶🌶
The way he is with Lulu just works for me and when he finds out she has a 6 month old daughter called Poppy he is INSTANTLY on board and Poppy is just as much his now as Lulu is. I love how he claims them both and fights to ensure Lu knows he is 100% in and wants a life with her & Poppy. Lulu's feisty attitude was refreshing after Alice in the last book. She was personally too meek for me, and I much preferred Lulu's attitude/personality as I found it more relatable. She doesn't just let Penn get his way, she pushes back and he likes that about her as when/if she does give in he feels he has earned it and makes it more special to him that she CHOOSES to submit to him at times and it isn't just part of her nature to do so.
These brothers are walking talking red flags, but if you can see this for what it is, a work of fiction, and you like alpha, over the top, jealous, possessive, will do whatever it takes to get the woman MMCs with good spice and stories with insta lust/love/fated mates vibes then this series should be for you. 🌶🌶🌶
The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy by Megan Bannen
emotional
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
2.0
On paper, this should've been an instant favourite. But the execution let it down. This book attempts a lot, but the writing doesn't hold those things up to their fullest potential. First, the romance: all the elements were there, but they didn't come together in a satisfying way and felt lacklustre. The fact this is inspired by You've Got Mail didn't work for me either as I didn't understand why Mercy & Hart hated each other and even when the reason is eventually revealed the explanation felt flimsy and not believable and when they did stop hating each other, it felt way too abrupt and not organic. The novel spends a lot of time in the beginning setting up the characters' letters to each other, and the letters were ok, but nothing about them really struck me as especially moving or special and the pacing of the story was all over the place. The word I keep landing on is generic.
The characters and world building were kind of charming, whimsical, and quirky. Some of the humour was good, and there was a sprinkling of spice. Tbh, I liked the side characters more than the main couple, and I found Horatio & Bassareus especially delightful. Overall this was an OK read, I expected more from it than I got and it unfortunately didn't hit the notes I wanted it to, but it was still an entertaining listen and both narrators did a great job with their perfomances. I'm unsure if I will continue with this series at the moment. I will see how my mood reading ass feels in the future. 🌶.5
"I was afraid you wouldn't feel for me what I have felt for you since the day I walked into Birdsall & Son and found a woman there who was color and light and joy in a world that had come to seem colorless and dismal and lousy to me."
The characters and world building were kind of charming, whimsical, and quirky. Some of the humour was good, and there was a sprinkling of spice. Tbh, I liked the side characters more than the main couple, and I found Horatio & Bassareus especially delightful. Overall this was an OK read, I expected more from it than I got and it unfortunately didn't hit the notes I wanted it to, but it was still an entertaining listen and both narrators did a great job with their perfomances. I'm unsure if I will continue with this series at the moment. I will see how my mood reading ass feels in the future. 🌶.5
"I was afraid you wouldn't feel for me what I have felt for you since the day I walked into Birdsall & Son and found a woman there who was color and light and joy in a world that had come to seem colorless and dismal and lousy to me."
Nero by S.J. Tilly
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
1.5
Considering this is marketed as a Dark Romance/Mafia romance, there aren't a ton of actual dark elements in it. The best way I can describe this is its like a non alcoholic beer, the basics are there so you get the taste of what it's teling you it is, but the actual substance of what makes it that thing is missing. Well, it was for me.
It also felt like it was trying too hard to convince you it was dark when it wasn't, I love an obsessive, jealous and possessive MMC and Nero does tick those boxes to an extent, but his constant inner monologue of how "dangerous" and "bad" he is came across very Scrappy Doo/teen boy trying to convince others that he could fight someone if you know what i mean? Plus, his reluctance to bring Peyton into his "dark world" doesn't really track with how his character is meant to be. He is meant to be this ruthless Mafia leader who will kill to get what he wants, etc and I get he is protective of her, but given who he constantly tells us he is I would have expected him to not give a single 💩 and to have dragged her to his side instead.
As for Peyton... what an absolute wet flannel of an FMC. There was no real substance to her and absolutely zero character growth. I don't mind the virgin trope, but do you honestly expect me to believe that at 27, she knows nothing about sex at all? That at 27, she wouldn't have heard, been told, looked up or researched things herself? And as for the scene at the concert... yeah... no. I'm not saying that it's impossible to fool around in that setting, but first-time slight back-door action Im not convinced. It was all very insta-lust/lovey. There wasn't much going on plot wise, and the drama at the end was cringeworthy tbh. This book was in the Audible Plus catalogue, and I've seen this series mentioned a lot for good plus size representation, so I decided to give it a try... if the other books are like this, then this series isn't going to be for me. I will read the next one to see how I get on, but after this, I don't have high hopes. 🌶🌶
It also felt like it was trying too hard to convince you it was dark when it wasn't, I love an obsessive, jealous and possessive MMC and Nero does tick those boxes to an extent, but his constant inner monologue of how "dangerous" and "bad" he is came across very Scrappy Doo/teen boy trying to convince others that he could fight someone if you know what i mean? Plus, his reluctance to bring Peyton into his "dark world" doesn't really track with how his character is meant to be. He is meant to be this ruthless Mafia leader who will kill to get what he wants, etc and I get he is protective of her, but given who he constantly tells us he is I would have expected him to not give a single 💩 and to have dragged her to his side instead.
As for Peyton... what an absolute wet flannel of an FMC. There was no real substance to her and absolutely zero character growth. I don't mind the virgin trope, but do you honestly expect me to believe that at 27, she knows nothing about sex at all? That at 27, she wouldn't have heard, been told, looked up or researched things herself? And as for the scene at the concert... yeah... no. I'm not saying that it's impossible to fool around in that setting, but first-time slight back-door action Im not convinced. It was all very insta-lust/lovey. There wasn't much going on plot wise, and the drama at the end was cringeworthy tbh. This book was in the Audible Plus catalogue, and I've seen this series mentioned a lot for good plus size representation, so I decided to give it a try... if the other books are like this, then this series isn't going to be for me. I will read the next one to see how I get on, but after this, I don't have high hopes. 🌶🌶
From Lukov with Love by Mariana Zapata
funny
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Ivan Lukov and Jasmine Santos have been in the same ice skating circuit for years. Ivan also happens to be Jasmine's best friends brother. These two don't have the best relationship. They snark/antagonise each other constantly. Competing again feels out of Jasmine's reach since her ex pairs partner ditched her out of the blue. That is, until she is presented with an offer, she can't refuse even if that means working with the infuriating and cocky Ivan.
Another relisten of a favourite comfort read. I've lost count of the times I've reread this now tbh. The back and forth banter between Jas & Ivan is great and immediately endears you to their story. Well, it did for me. This is grumpy/grumpy and both Ivan & Jas come across as jerks at times but as the story unfolds you see behind those initial masks to the determined, passionate, hardworking, dedicated, loyal, witty characters that these two and their relationship are. This is quintessential Mariana Zapata with delicious slow burn, sarcastic/witty humour, and layered characters you can't help but love. Callie Dalton and Teddy Hamilton narrate and provide the perfect performance for Ivan & his meatball. 🌶
“Because I’m okay with you having ten other people be your favourite. But you’re always going to be my favourite person. Always, no matter what.”
Another relisten of a favourite comfort read. I've lost count of the times I've reread this now tbh. The back and forth banter between Jas & Ivan is great and immediately endears you to their story. Well, it did for me. This is grumpy/grumpy and both Ivan & Jas come across as jerks at times but as the story unfolds you see behind those initial masks to the determined, passionate, hardworking, dedicated, loyal, witty characters that these two and their relationship are. This is quintessential Mariana Zapata with delicious slow burn, sarcastic/witty humour, and layered characters you can't help but love. Callie Dalton and Teddy Hamilton narrate and provide the perfect performance for Ivan & his meatball. 🌶
“Because I’m okay with you having ten other people be your favourite. But you’re always going to be my favourite person. Always, no matter what.”
The Fly-Half by Charlie Novak
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Book 2 in the Lincoln Knights MM romance series that is following teammates on a British rugby team find their HEAs.
Devon and Jonny have been best friends since meeting as kids and playing rugby together, Devon has always carried a torch for Jonny that still burns bright even after living and playing apart for 8 years. When Devon returns back to the UK and he & Jonny are playing for the same team once again the likelihood of those feelings going away becomes slimmer than ever, but Devons attempt to find someone else has unexpected jealousy and possessiveness rising up in Jonny and he can't figure out why even if the reason is glaringly obvious to everyone else.
I really enjoyed the second instalment of this series. It's low angst, friends/idiots to lovers with great friendship group/found family vibes and good spice mixed in. So far, the books I've read by Charlie showcase consent, support, and acceptance really well. Her characters are diverse, interesting, and fun to read. The books have good humour and heartwarming moments. Themes of jealousy, etc, are explored through Jonnys character in this, and it's refreshing to see an MMC go to therapy to understand themselves better, and there be no stigma surrounding it. All in all, this was a cute, easy, quick, and entertaining read, and I'm already looking forward to Matts story in book 3. Definitely recommend giving this series a try. This book releases on 13th Feb. 🌶🌶
"Once upon a time, I'd dreamed that Jonny would suddenly realise he wasn't straight and declare his undying love for me, which even at seventeen had seemed a little far-fetched."
Book 2 in the Lincoln Knights MM romance series that is following teammates on a British rugby team find their HEAs.
Devon and Jonny have been best friends since meeting as kids and playing rugby together, Devon has always carried a torch for Jonny that still burns bright even after living and playing apart for 8 years. When Devon returns back to the UK and he & Jonny are playing for the same team once again the likelihood of those feelings going away becomes slimmer than ever, but Devons attempt to find someone else has unexpected jealousy and possessiveness rising up in Jonny and he can't figure out why even if the reason is glaringly obvious to everyone else.
I really enjoyed the second instalment of this series. It's low angst, friends/idiots to lovers with great friendship group/found family vibes and good spice mixed in. So far, the books I've read by Charlie showcase consent, support, and acceptance really well. Her characters are diverse, interesting, and fun to read. The books have good humour and heartwarming moments. Themes of jealousy, etc, are explored through Jonnys character in this, and it's refreshing to see an MMC go to therapy to understand themselves better, and there be no stigma surrounding it. All in all, this was a cute, easy, quick, and entertaining read, and I'm already looking forward to Matts story in book 3. Definitely recommend giving this series a try. This book releases on 13th Feb. 🌶🌶
"Once upon a time, I'd dreamed that Jonny would suddenly realise he wasn't straight and declare his undying love for me, which even at seventeen had seemed a little far-fetched."
Time for You by Renee Harless, Renee Harless
1.0
Had this not been an included listen in the Audible Plus catalogue, and had I not been unwell in bed and in need of just ANYTHING on in the background, I would've DNF'd this.
The characters and story itself are really weak, the pacing is all over the place, the writing clunky and cringeworthy in places and the romance lacked chemistry. This was a new to me author, and it wasn't the greatest first impression. However, I always give an author a 2 book chance to see if they are for me or not, so time will tell. 🤷♀️
The characters and story itself are really weak, the pacing is all over the place, the writing clunky and cringeworthy in places and the romance lacked chemistry. This was a new to me author, and it wasn't the greatest first impression. However, I always give an author a 2 book chance to see if they are for me or not, so time will tell. 🤷♀️
The Cardigans by Cole McCade
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
The Cardigans is Episode 1 of season 1 of Criminal Intentions. It is a fast-paced detective thriller with the briefest of glimpses into a potential slow-burn romance, and it is structured like a television series, hence the episode 1 season 1 description. The story, setting, and characters Cole McCade gives us in this first instalment are gritty, gory, fast-paced, multilayered, fun, and diverse! Both MCs are queer men of colour. There is a non binary character that uses they/them/their pronouns, and the crime plot itself dealt with queerness.
I don't want to go into any details surrounding the actual plot as going in as blind as you can will give you the best experience of this story as you are taken along with Detectives Khalaji (Malcolm) & Yoon (Seong-Jae) as they try to solve a recent string of murders. The story kept my interest throughout. It kept moving forward and really did feel like an episode of something like CSI. I loved both Seong-Jae & Malcom, and there is clearly more to both of them and their pasts than we are given in this book, and the tension and chemistry between them was great. I'm really looking forward to discovering more as this series goes on and seeing if that tension turns into more.
Book 1 was available in the Audible Plus catalogue and narrated by Curt Bonnem, who did a fantastic job with all characters, differentiating his voice well. This is full of action, intriguing characters, and a fast-paced mystery that will keep your interest throughout. The only reason this doesn't get a full five-star from me is because I figured out Whodunit before the big reveal... but that's just how my neurodivergent brain works, and it is rare for books like this to surprise me in that way. I highly recommend giving this a try, and I will, without doubt, be reading book 2 sooner rather than later.
"When looking across the horizon, the world had a way of expanding, broadening beyond the tight narrow confines of the little boxes of pain humans tended to wall themselves into."
I don't want to go into any details surrounding the actual plot as going in as blind as you can will give you the best experience of this story as you are taken along with Detectives Khalaji (Malcolm) & Yoon (Seong-Jae) as they try to solve a recent string of murders. The story kept my interest throughout. It kept moving forward and really did feel like an episode of something like CSI. I loved both Seong-Jae & Malcom, and there is clearly more to both of them and their pasts than we are given in this book, and the tension and chemistry between them was great. I'm really looking forward to discovering more as this series goes on and seeing if that tension turns into more.
Book 1 was available in the Audible Plus catalogue and narrated by Curt Bonnem, who did a fantastic job with all characters, differentiating his voice well. This is full of action, intriguing characters, and a fast-paced mystery that will keep your interest throughout. The only reason this doesn't get a full five-star from me is because I figured out Whodunit before the big reveal... but that's just how my neurodivergent brain works, and it is rare for books like this to surprise me in that way. I highly recommend giving this a try, and I will, without doubt, be reading book 2 sooner rather than later.
"When looking across the horizon, the world had a way of expanding, broadening beyond the tight narrow confines of the little boxes of pain humans tended to wall themselves into."
Blindside Beauty by Lex Martin
Did not finish book. Stopped at 40%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 40%.
Abby the FMC was frankly pathetic. She was pining after Nick after 0.2 seconds and even though absolutely nothing had happened between them and he hadn't outwardly shown any interest in her she was jealous and getting her feeling hurt seeing other women talk to him. It was ridiculous. I just couldn't with her anymore.
River of Shadows by Karina Halle
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Hanna is travelling to Finland to attend her fathers funeral. But once there she discovers not everything is as it seems, that her father’s body is missing and his apprentice Rasmus tells her he is still alive but trapped in Tuonela the realm of the dead by Tuoni the God of Death himself so they set out to save him. In order to free her father, Hanna has to cross the River of Shadows to reach Tuonela. Once there they are stalked by dangerous creatures, monsters, and the living dead, until they finally come to a haunted kingdom ruled by Death and his family where Hanna must strike a bargain with Tuoni to set her father free.
This is book 1 in the Underworld Gods series and is a fast-paced combination of fantasy, Finnish mythology, beauty and the beast retelling, mystery, and romance. The world building is done so well, it is descriptive without being too dense or info dumpy as you are discovering this new world alongside Hanna and her running inner monologue of WTF makes it feel all the more believable. The overall plot was solid and moved forward at good pace, the characters and world were intriguing, layered and multifaceted and the tension between Tuoni & Hanna delicious, it does take a while for them to be on page together but I didn't mind that at all. The spice when it happens is good, I lobe a dirty talking MMC, and Tuoni ticked that box.
This was my first ever read by Karina Halle, and I had a really great time with it, Jo Raylans narration was great, and she does a wonderful job with differentiating the characters. FYI this book does end on a cliffhanger but I'm genuinely looking forward to seeing where this story goes because as it stands I'm left not know what to think or who to trust and I LOVE it when a book does that. 🌶🌶🌶
"Let's just pretend for a second that everything you said made perfect sense, and that you didn't just talk about something tantamount to Frodo strolling into Mordor." "Tolkein was very inspired by Finnish folklore," he points out."
"I have three sayings in life," Death says, ticking them off his fingers, their intricate metal coverings glinting orange in the desert light. "Never trust the living. Never trust a God. And never trust a redhead." He glances at me. "I'm afraid you've already done all three."
This is book 1 in the Underworld Gods series and is a fast-paced combination of fantasy, Finnish mythology, beauty and the beast retelling, mystery, and romance. The world building is done so well, it is descriptive without being too dense or info dumpy as you are discovering this new world alongside Hanna and her running inner monologue of WTF makes it feel all the more believable. The overall plot was solid and moved forward at good pace, the characters and world were intriguing, layered and multifaceted and the tension between Tuoni & Hanna delicious, it does take a while for them to be on page together but I didn't mind that at all. The spice when it happens is good, I lobe a dirty talking MMC, and Tuoni ticked that box.
This was my first ever read by Karina Halle, and I had a really great time with it, Jo Raylans narration was great, and she does a wonderful job with differentiating the characters. FYI this book does end on a cliffhanger but I'm genuinely looking forward to seeing where this story goes because as it stands I'm left not know what to think or who to trust and I LOVE it when a book does that. 🌶🌶🌶
"Let's just pretend for a second that everything you said made perfect sense, and that you didn't just talk about something tantamount to Frodo strolling into Mordor." "Tolkein was very inspired by Finnish folklore," he points out."
"I have three sayings in life," Death says, ticking them off his fingers, their intricate metal coverings glinting orange in the desert light. "Never trust the living. Never trust a God. And never trust a redhead." He glances at me. "I'm afraid you've already done all three."
First Impressions by Jay Hogan
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Michael & Josh meet in an unconventional way and don't hit it off right away even though they both clearly find the other attractive, outside factors create a kind of forced proximity situation and these two go from dislike-ish to FWB. Michael is in New Zealand on a work exchange program as a doctor & Josh is a K9 police officer. I'm not sure if it was intentional, but I felt more toxic masculinity from their characters than others I've read by this author, so that threw me off here and there. The romance was ok, but i think too much time was spent with them keeping each other at a distance and the drama towards the end felt very rushed, lacked depth, detail and time jumps were used when the overall story and connection between the characters would have benefited from time being spent going through the situation and recovery with Michael & Josh instead of all the lust filled moments in the middle. Their connection just didn't feel that strong to me, which is a shame.
I've read subsequent books/series by this author and loved them. I think because this was i believe her first series(?) and I've read her backlog with the most recent releases first, that's why her writing doesn't feel as polished, etc, here as I have come to expect. If that's the case, then I can say her characters, their development, and overall plot points and storytelling have grown over time. This was an OK read, i enjoyed listening to Gary Furlong narrate but then I always do. I will be continuing this series throughout the year. This just wasn't my favourite of this authors work that I've read to date even though it was entertaining. 🌶🌶
"I don't do relationships. I don't do commitment. I don't do white picket fences.
And I especially don't do arrogant holier-than-thou, smoking-hot K9 officers who walk into my ER and rock my world."
And I especially don't do arrogant holier-than-thou, smoking-hot K9 officers who walk into my ER and rock my world."