Book reviews for books read December 28th-31st

   

Wrapping up 2024 with two more monster romance novellas and two full length novels by Piper Rayne, including an ARC of today's release which happens to be their longest book yet. I went to their back list and read Smitten forst because I wanted to see Henry and Jade as children. I am glad I did. It connected me to their characters in a way that I would have missed otherwise. They have a tough time finding their HEA and knowing their history really helped me hang in there for them. The two monster novellas were good, steamy, fun reads. 

I had a great reading year. I am changing things up a bit in 2025 and I am looking forward to hitting a lot of my TBR.  Stay tuned for my best of 2024 by trope lists coming soon.

Happy New Year!  Happy Reading- always!

Mr. Broody (The Nest #2) by Piper Rayne Rayne                                                          

ARC: Release Date-12/31/2024

#SecondChance #SingleDad #Sports #ARC

Written in first person from an alternating multi-POV, this can be read as a standalone and ends with a HEA.

Jade and Henry have known each other since they were 7. They have been apart for the past 8 years while Henry built his hockey career and adopted a son. Meanwhile, Jade has traveled the world attempting to find herself. I love how they never stopped loving each other. I love that they attempted to move on from each other, but their heart wasn’t in it.

Jade is struggling and I love that she finally finds herself and who she wants to be with Henry and Bodhi. Henry is the sweetest character. He may be one of my favorite heroes ever. I loved his big heart. I loved him as a dad. I loved how much he wanted Jade and their forever. The steamy times are easy, but they have some baggage to get through before they get their happy ending. The first 50+% of the book is a lot of angst and pining with a little heat.  I appreciated the use of flashbacks to inform readers of times that were good and bad in their past. Little Bodhi steals the book, and I loved his character.

Second chance romance is a hard trope for me. I liked this one though.

Smitten with the Best Man (Chicago Law #1) 

by Piper Rayne

#SingleMom #CinnamonRollHero

Written in first person from Victoria’s single POV, this can be read as a standalone and ends with a HEA.

Victoria is starting over in her hometown of Chicago with her 7-year-old daughter, Jade.  She is carrying the baggage of a marriage where her husband never put her ahead of his career and also cheated on her. There are times she is a bit of a hot mess. Other times, she has all the right words to put someone in their place. I liked her, but I never really connected to her the way I wanted to. Reed is a former friend of her ex and was best man at her wedding. When he reappears in her life in Chicago, he is determined to pursue her. She certainly doesn’t make it easy on him. I adored Reed. He is a 5-star book boyfriend. He is goodness, hot times, and a soft heart that he shows at every opportunity.

I wanted to read this book before reading Mr. Broody as it has a lot of Jade and Henry in it.  I am glad I did. The single POV made it feel like something was missing for me, though I understood the author’s reasoning for that choice. It was a good read and I am glad I read it.

 

Wed to the Phoenix (Arranged Monster Mates #4) 

by Eden Ember

#ArrangedMarriage #FatedMates #GrumpyHero #Fantasy #Virgin #Novella

Written in first person from an alternating dual POV, this can be read as a standalone and ends with a HEA.

Chelsea is excited to have a monster mate like her sister. Jalen is only seeking a human mate to fulfill his duty to his kind. Boy is he grumpy! They do not start out on the right foot at all. I appreciated that it takes some time and some trauma for them to realize that they have both been wrong in how they communicate with each other. I liked that they had to work a little to get to a HEA. This was my first phoenix book. Pretty cool.

Guarded by the Yeti (Monster Security Agency) 

by Cara Wylde

#Bodyguard #Monster #Mafia #Holiday #Novella

Written in first person from an alternating dual POV, this can be read as a standalone and ends with a HEA.

Ysella is a 23-year-old mafia princess who has seen too much and is mute. Kaelthar understands that he has a weakness, but with Ysella, he gives in anyway. I appreciated the twist in this story. I loved the protective nature Kael has and his willingness to do anything to please Ysella. This was a fast fun read.