Tag: spicy romance

Book Review: The Right Move (Windy City #2) by Liz Tomforde

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Rating: ★★★★★
Audience: Sports Romance
Length: 544 pages
Author: Liz Tomforde
Publisher: Self Published
Release Date: January 1st, 2023
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

RYAN

She’s a distraction, that’s what she is.

I’m the newest Captain of the Devils, Chicago’s NBA team, and the last thing I needed this year was for Indy Ivers, my sister’s best friend, to move into my apartment. She’s messy, emotional, and way too tempting.

But when the team’s General Manager vocalizes his blatant disapproval of my promotion to Captain, referring to me as an unapproachable lone wolf with no work-life balance, I can’t think of a better way to convince him otherwise than pretending to date my outgoing roommate.

The only problem? Faking it feels far too natural.

Having a fake girlfriend wasn’t supposed to be messy but having Indy under my roof and in my bed is complicated, especially when she wants all the romantic parts of life that I could never give her.

INDY

I never imagined I’d be living with my best friend’s brother, NBA superstar Ryan Shay. Even more unbelievable? He needs me to act as his loving girlfriend who’s suddenly changed him into a friendly and approachable guy.

Because, well…he’s not. He’s controlling of his space and untrusting of others.

Our arrangement isn’t one-sided, though. I’m in a wedding coming up, one where every one of my childhood friends, including my ex-boyfriend, will be in attendance, and there’s no better date than my ex’s celebrity hero.

Blurred lines make it almost impossible to separate real from fake. Falling for my roommate was never part of the deal, especially when Ryan is quick to remind me that he doesn’t believe in love.

I’m a romantic and can’t help fantasizing that he’ll change, but soon enough, I find myself questioning if sharing a roof with my best friend’s brother was the right move after all

STOP IT RIGHT NOW.

Y’all. I had zero plans to binge this book in basically a day and I COULD NOT STOP LISTENING. I absolutely get the hype around Ryan Shay now and he’s officially a new favorite.

I loved that the whole vibe of this book was quiet love is the loudest. Those kind of moments are my favorite when reading a romance book and Ryan and Indy both did so many things for each other that were quiet and without fanfare that showed just how much love was between them. I was SMITTEN. And could honestly sit here and list moment after moment that was beautifully tender and heartfelt and melted me into a puddle (but also the protective and jealous moments SENT ME). I have not recovered.

I loved seeing the characters from Mile High and I love the friendships and sibling relationships. They are strong and caring and only add to how much this book sings. It’s a new sports romance favorite of mine.

Overall audience notes:

  • Sports Romance
  • Language: strong
  • Romance: 3-4+ open door; mild innuendo
  • Violence: low
  • Trigger/Content Warnings: cheating (recounted), infertility discussions

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ARC Book Review: Flame and Sparrow (Court of the Marr #1) by S.M. Gaither

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Rating: ★★★★
Audience: Fantasy Romance
Length: 651 pages
Author: S.M. Gaither
Publisher: Self Published
Release Date: October 12th, 2023
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

On the eve of her twentieth birthday, Karys woke to the sight of a divine creature dying outside her home.

Two weeks later, her sister disappeared, leaving nothing but a trail of blood in her wake.

Convinced the gods were responsible for the disappearance, Karys has spent the past five years plotting her revenge with the help of a cutthroat band of likeminded elven rebels. So when Dravyn—one of her world’s most powerful deities—descends upon her kingdom in search of humans worthy of serving him, Karys knows what she must do. Earning a place at the god’s side will allow her to find out what truly happened to her sister…and then destroy the gods from the inside out for what they did.

Thrown into the dazzling but deadly world of the divine courts, she must navigate complicated politics, strange magic, and dangerous trials to prove herself worthy of standing among the gods.

Among the most dangerous of these trials is Dravyn himself.

Karys knows better than to trust the enigmatic God of Fire. The flames of passion that stir between them are only divine trickery. And yet, the more she learns about him, the hotter the forbidden sparks burn. The more she begins to question all she thought she knew about the world of gods and mortals and everything in-between.

And the more she risks betraying her own secrets, which may be the most dangerous thing of all.

This is a romantic epic fantasy with some adult language and spicy content. Though it’s set in the same universe as the Shadows and Crowns series—in the distant past—it can be read and completely enjoyed without reading any previous books in this world. Book two will end with a HEA, but beware the cliffhanger at the end of this first book!

Thank you to S.M. Gaither for the ARC!

FIRE.

I love love love this world building. It was my favorite aspect and I thought it was so interesting and perfectly complex. The layered worlds and gods and mortals and elves. I loved it all. I was continually fascinated at the construction and I thought the magic system worked well along side the story too.

Karys was a great FMC. I love characters that are strong, but also make mistakes and work towards making amends. Karys is open to new information about those around her and allowing her choices to come from a better stance. I loved watching her grow and with that ending I’m sure there’s more awesomeness to come.

The romance had one tiny thing I wished for more of. THEM. I felt the first half lacked general communication between Karys and Draveryn and I was hoping for a bit more before the physical aspects of the relationship started. They did really grow on me and I love how passionate they are about each other. There’s some [hopeful] foreshadowing that I can’t wait to see pan out in the sequel.

Fantastic side characters (as always) from S.M. Gaither. Even adding in more lovable creature friends too. Another wonderful fantasy romance by one of my favorite authors. I’m very excited to continue this series!

Overall audience notes:

  • Fantasy Romance
  • Language: low
  • Romance: 3-4 open door
  • Violence: high
  • Trigger/Content Warnings: death, battle themes, emotional abuse/manipulation

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Book Review: Things We Never Got Over (Knockemout #1) by Lucy Score

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Rating: ★★★★☆
Audience: Contemorary Romance
Length: 572 pages
Author: Lucy Score
Publisher: That’s What She Said Publishing
Release Date: January 13th, 2022
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

Bearded, bad-boy barber Knox prefers to live his life the way he takes his coffee: Alone. Unless you count his basset hound, Waylon.
Knox doesn’t tolerate drama, even when it comes in the form of a stranded runaway bride.

Naomi wasn’t just running away from her wedding. She was riding to the rescue of her estranged twin to Knockemout, Virginia, a rough-around-the-edges town where disputes are settled the old-fashioned way…with fists and beer. Usually in that order.

Too bad for Naomi her evil twin hasn’t changed at all. After helping herself to Naomi’s car and cash, Tina leaves her with something unexpected. The niece Naomi didn’t know she had. Now she’s stuck in town with no car, no job, no plan, and no home with an 11-year-old going on thirty to take care of.

There’s a reason Knox doesn’t do complications or high-maintenance women, especially not the romantic ones. But since Naomi’s life imploded right in front of him, the least he can do is help her out of her jam. And just as soon as she stops getting into new trouble he can leave her alone and get back to his peaceful, solitary life.

At least, that’s the plan until the trouble turns to real danger.

THIS HAD A HOLD ON ME.

I kept going back and forth on my star rating because I do have some thoughts about this.

4.5 stars for the absolutely grasp this had on me for two days. I didn’t want to do anything else but pick this up and read. The writing style was fantastic and I was very much into this grump and sunshine duo from the first chapter. Not to mention, I laughed many times at the banter and snark between Knox and Naomi. I was very much here for all of the broodiness and protectiveness & bad boyness that Knox brought to the table. And that Naomi learned a lot about herself and to allow others to help her too.

4 stars because I tried so hard to understand and get behind the third act breakup and I just couldn’t reach it. It definitely added drama, but I think the suspense element could have still been there without the break up too. And I did notice it start to feel a bit long winded as well.

OTHERWISE THOUGH. I will without a doubt be picking the new book up. I loved this whole town. The close friendships and rekindling of familial bonds squeezed my heart. I also adored Waylay. She was the best little addition to the book and I want nothing more than to give her the biggest hug.

Overall audience notes:

  • Contemporary Romance
  • Language: very strong (too much in my opinion)
  • Romance: Multiple open; high explicit
  • Violence: moderate
  • Overall audience notes: gun violence, physical altercations, loss of loved ones, substance abuse, parental abandonment, child abuse and neglect, kidnapping, domestic abuse recounted

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Book Review: Things We Hide from the Light (Knockemout #2) by Lucy Score

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Rating: ★★★★
Audience: Contemporary Romance
Length: 600 pages
Author: Lucy Score
Publisher: That’s What She Said Publishing
Release Date: February 1st, 2023
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

Nash Morgan was always known as the good Morgan brother, with a smile and a wink for everyone. But now, this chief of police is recovering from being shot and his Southern charm has been overshadowed by panic attacks and nightmares. He feels like a broody shell of the man he once was. Nash isn’t about to let anyone in his life know he’s struggling. But his new next-door neighbor, smart and sexy Lina, sees his shadows. As a rule, she’s not a fan of physical contact unless she initiates it, but for some reason Nash’s touch is different. He feels it too. The physical connection between them is incendiary, grounding him and making her wonder if exploring it is worth the risk.

Too bad Lina’s got secrets of her own, and if Nash finds out the real reason she’s in town, he’ll never forgive her. Besides, she doesn’t do relationships. Ever. A hot, short-term fling with a local cop? Absolutely. Sign her up. A relationship with a man who expects her to plant roots? No freaking way. Once she gets what she’s after, she has no intention of sticking around. But Knockemout has a way of getting under people’s skin. And once Nash decides to make Lina his, he’s not about to be dissuaded…even if it means facing the danger that nearly killed him.

THIS SERIES.

I am enjoying it so much!! Book one is still my favorite, but this was a great read that I continually loved spending time with.

Nash has my heart. I looooved watching his growth as he worked through his demons and allowed himself the space to love and be loved by his family, friends and especially Lina. Same goes for her too. I thought she exhibited great character changes too. Innuendo was out of my comfort zone and I wish there was less of that (overall, but especially in the beginning). The slow burn was there at least for the general spice.

The romantic suspense elements are a bit give/go for me. I can’t quite put my finger on what doesn’t fit for me, but there’s just something. I DO love a possessive, jealous Nash moment though. Gimme all of those. There’s so many good scenes in here that I got caught up in.

And the EPILOGUE? Talk about turning me into absolute MUSH. I adored it. And now I am chomping at the bit to get my hands on the next book.

Overall audience notes:

  • Contemporary Romance
  • Language: very strong
  • Romance: 4+ open; high explicit + high innuendo throughout
  • Violence: moderate
  • Trigger/Content Warnings: gun violence, panic attacks, murder, mentions of childhood heart problems, near death experiences, loss of memory

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