| #SingleMom #SingleDad #FriendsTo Lovers #SmallTown 4.5 STARS This was only my second book by this author. I read her debut novel four years ago, before I knew enough to write reviews. I still think about that book, so that says a lot. This book is written in first person from an alternating dual POV. Christy and Kev are normal, complicated, flawed characters. They felt real to me. They each have their fears, insecurities, mistakes, and baggage. Their relationship initially forms in messages over an app. Eventually, they meet and sparks fly on top of the friendship they have built. There is some heat, a few laughs, and a little bit of angst as the characters grow to a place where a sustainable relationship is possible. Christy is younger than Kev, though her age is never specified. Kev is 34. Christy has a wonderful and supportive relationship with her extended family as she struggles to keep up with things as a single mom. All of the details of being a young mom to a baby were accurate and made me remember those days in my life. Kev's relationship with his family is supportive in a different way. In the beginning, he is still the immature guy that lets his kids and ex-wife down regularly. His character arc is special. I love how he chooses to change to be better for Christy and for his kids. By the middle of the book, he has changed to the point where he is a supportive shoulder for Christy, a better co-parent for his ex, and a better dad to his kids. Christy is insecure at times, yet strong and brave as she navigates her first real adult relationship. Their love story is not an easy one. It is messy at times with exes, jealousy, and life issues that make them grow. This author does an excellent job writing characters that are just like the people you know. They make mistakes and have complicated, messy lives. She leads the characters in a love story that is not a fairy tale, yet is no less satisfying for feeling possible in the world in which we live. I already own several more books by this author, and now I am itching to read them. |
| #SurprisePregnancy #SportsRomance #OneNightStand 4 STARS Though I have many of this author's books on my TBR, and even on my kindle, this is the first one I have read. It is book 3 in a series, but is easily read as a standalone and ends with a HEA. It is written in first person from an alternating dual POV. Hollis, freshly divorced, is not looking for a relationship at all. Lowell was burned badly by an ex and has sworn off relationships. Their meet-cute was funny, their chemistry intense, and they decide to make a bad decision together just one time. They are both shocked when one night leads to a baby. I loved Hollis' reaction to finding out. It felt like a reaction someone in her shoes would definitely have. I appreciated that she tells Lowell right away. His reaction was predictable, and he comes around quickly with a little encouragement from his teammates. The two characters do not communicate especially well about their feelings for each other. They are both afraid of being hurt by each other, leading to a small amount of angst before they figure it out. Lowell becomes the hero he was meant to be as he dotes on Hollis. She is strong and resilient during a pregnancy that is not easy. I love the heat between them. I also really loved their text exchanges and the relationships they have with their friends. This was a fun and easy read and I look forward to reading more by this author. |
#Fling #BestFriendsBrother #ARC
4 STARS
This is book 9 in the series. It can be read as a standalone and ends with
a HEA. Readers may appreciate reading
the series in order as the men of the BBS are involved in the story and their
history is detailed in previous books. It is written in first person from an
alternating dual POV.
Kit, 32, is a wonderful hero. He is kind, has a soft heart, and is
completely in love with his sister’s best friend. Jules is a successful 35-year-old woman who
decides to have a fling with the guy who has crushed on her forever. I will
tell you that I found her character difficult to like. Even toward the end of the book, I was not convinced
to like her much. She is manipulative,
selfish, and very immature. I expected a
lot more from a woman in her mid-thirties.
I understood that she had baggage and insecurities. I just really could not understand her fears
in comparison to the reality of the people around her. Kit and his family are tight knit, loving,
and protective. Kit is a good guy. He wants a future filled with family and
love. He has always wanted it with Jules.
She hurts him time and time again with her lies and her secrets. I was more than a little angry with her
throughout the book. All the heartache could have been avoided with only a
little bit of thought and maturity. What redeems this story for me is the
relationships between the men at BBS.
The brotherhood, support, and love they show Kit is something that left
me feeling warm inside. There were a few
laugh-out-loud moments (I can always count on Puff Daddy the parrot for
that). There is some serious heat and
there are several steamy scenes. Brooks has a pivotal role in this book, and I
cannot wait for his story. I think it
will be something special.
5 STARS
Written in third
person from a dual perspective, this prequel begins a new spin off series set
in Eden’s Ridge, Tennessee. The story follows Mia and Brax from the eve of Mia’s
eighteenth birthday to nearly three years later. They are best friends who both feel more.
When Brax suggests a marriage of convenience to offer Mia protection, their mutual
love is revealed.
Thought book one
can be read without the prequel, I feel like it is an important look at the
history the two characters share prior to being apart. There is heat, romance, and some angst along
the way. This prequel does end in a
little bit of a cliffhanger leading into book one.
TW: Readers
should be aware that there is a scene of attempted sexual assault involving the
heroine but not the hero.
5 STARS
Book one of this new spin-off series is written in third
person from a dual perspective. I recommend readers read the prequel first to understand
the depth of Brax and Mia’s relationship prior to them being apart. Book one picks up roughly ten years after the
end of the prequel.
I love the history that Brax and Mia share. Mia has secrets that come to light over the
course of the book. Once communication is restored and misunderstandings are
cleared, there is an opportunity to reclaim their love. I adore them together. The depth of emotion, their history of friendship,
the heat and chemistry between them, and the protectiveness Brax has toward Mia
made me swoon. There are moments of danger. They also must overcome the things that
happened to each of them while they were apart. There are moments of intense
emotion. Their HEA is so, so sweet
because of everything they have been through to get to that place.
I also loved the
relationship Brax has with Jonah and Holt.
Their brotherhood and the support they offer each other without question
is something special. I am really
looking forward to the other books in the series.
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