Heartless by Elsie SilverMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
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Thursday, October 27, 2022
Wednesday, October 26, 2022
Sunday, October 9, 2022
Wednesday, September 28, 2022
Review: Suddenly Us
Suddenly Us by Claudia Y. BurgoaMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
Note: I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Note 2: This is a duet. Please read in order. Suddenly Broken is the first book, and ends on a cliffhanger. Suddenly Us is the final book in the duet.
Triggers: death, divorce, emotional abuse, toxic relationships, drug abuse, brief violence, miscarriage mention.
My previous review for Suddenly Broken: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Wow this book was one hell of a scorching and banger read!
I truly enjoyed this conclusion.
The same emotions and plot line follow us as Mason and Ainsley figure out who they are to each other, while battling the same demons holding them back from living life, but with the help of side characters and a few enemies to push them along to realise who they truly are to each other and live life to the fullest.
As always I loved the emotions behind it all, the chemistry, the emotions the development they all go through as they age and learn a lot more about themselves and the people, and their own traumas. I loved how the side characters supported them too and all, it was wonderful. The enemies and drama did tend to get on my nerves since I feel the novel could've been shorter. The steam was supreme in this one, and the romance too was damn cute and sweet, I fell in love immediately.
And I even forgive Mason's antics at the end. Because damn it the hero was just so worth it.
And I loved them together so much.
Thanks Claudia for making me wanna fall in love and snatch Mason away hahah!
Loved it.
Until the next read,
-TMR
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Tuesday, September 27, 2022
Review: Suddenly Broken
Suddenly Broken by Claudia Y. BurgoaMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
Note: This is a duet. Please read in order, as book 1 ends on a cliffhanger. Suddenly Us is the next and final book in the duet.
Trigger Warnings: infidelity, drug abuse, emotional abuse, infant death, divorce, separation, abusive relationship, alcoholism, abandonment.
Damn this book tore me apart, made me cry bloody tears (well almost), and made me wanna sing to the rooftops above my home!
Yeah it was that much of a surreal, emotional, personal and realistic as it can be novel. Loved it so much!
Nine and Mason made me wanna fall in love, and not just anyone, but a best friend. Cause honestly, who knows you better than your best friend.
Yet were so different in many ways.
Nine came from music royalty and was a daughter to two closeted gay famous fellas, and her brothers were rock royalty on their own too. While she was the pretty but very much duckling in this whole shebang.
Mason came from his own set of problems - his parents were difficult people as promised - and his father turned him into some sort of a clark kent ubergenius with war weapons kinda man, and I was digging it.
Obviously the parents knew each other hence the friendship blossoming.
Then a curiosity of wanting to explore between Nine and Mason, coupled with dealing with their own demons as always, familial problems, achieving dreams and just being their real honest self when everyone wants to quash that part of you so bad.
I loved the realism of it all, the emotions, the confessions, the groveling, the connection between them, the banter, the relatability of how they both get through their problems, the side characters - no the parents were sh**y people - everything was just so damn deep and discomforting, and truthful and emotional and aaaaah what else can I say, it was perfection!
Only problem - was that Nine was a bit too stupid and it carried on for a bit longer than I wanted, plus the parents behaviour made me wanna hurl something - cause the drama was just too long I felt.
But whatever, I still loved this novel to pieces and so.
Can't wait for the next and final part! It's gonna answer so many questions and finally get the HEA for this loved up fucked up couple haha.
PLus the next part is already out, so have fun too, like me while reading it haha! Just loved this one so much haha.
Until the next read,
-TMR
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Review: Always You
Always You by Claudia Y. BurgoaMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Note: I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Trigger Warnings: suicide, infidelity, found family, financial settlement issues, breast cancer death.
I loved Nando and Brianna! Though Brianna was a bit forgettable towards the end, but Nando was truly one of a kind.
I loved his approach on love and how to make couples stay together, despite him having his own tragic childhood and difficult parents with their own difficult marriage.
And Brianna was...I've honestly forgotten what her life was all about, something to do with bed and breakfasts, and her father not being able to manage on his own since her mother died. Something something.
And nando and her became friends after her going to new york and getting a tour guide/friend in him.
Then a friendship develops, coupled with their own demons, familial problems, and life.
But then chemistry develops and well the rest is history.
I loved being around them, the development was done well, the connection was definitely deep between them, the adventures and the hilarious communication between them was epic, and just how everyone meshed together so well, including some familiar faces playing cameos in here (here's looking at ya Beacon).
I loved it all so much. But then Claudia writes so brilliantly, so how could I not?
She made me want to believe in love, oh, what a feat to achieve for sure haha.
But I am glad I met this couple, and honestly I never want to let them go from my heart.
Sigh...
Until the next read,
-TMR
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Sunday, September 25, 2022
Thursday, September 15, 2022
Friday, September 9, 2022
Wednesday, September 7, 2022
Review: Bewitched
Bewitched by Elise FaberMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Note: I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Trigger Warnings: child abuse, domestic violence, abandonment, reproductive issues, ptsd, trauma, surrogacy, survivor's guilt
Beth and Raph are soooo unexpected!
Honestly...I mean they're both different in a lot of ways.
I mean Beth has no trouble being a surrogate for friends Pru and Marcel...after Pru's unfortunate life circumstances. And just being a happy go lucky, charismatic person.
Raph is a bit drawn-in, after been dealt a harsh card of nonexistent two liners, and now stays away from relationships for fear of being made a fool again.
Unlikely people...meeting in the most likely of circumstances..blame it on the friends honestly haha.
And then sparks fly essentially..we have a little drama too, and some heartfelt confessions, but the rest is awesome history for sure.
Now as usual, I enjoy Elise's writing, as it was just so smooth, relatable, casual, heartfelt and tons of fun to read.
I mean the character development from that writing was just so well crafted, the demons accosting both my poor MCs, the romantic and steamy confessions, the friends, the breakers hockey family, everything was just done so well and all. Even the most difficult issues, such as mental health issue (PTSD), child abuse, survivor's guilt, trauma, grief of a parent, was truly covered beautifully and heart-warmingly without triggering anyone I believe in any way. And I am glad I got to read about a hero who was willing to support his woman through those difficult battles and come fighting on the other side. It was beautiful and my heart never felt so full.
I also connected with all the characters so much, even loved seeing the cameos from previous characters, and just loved being with all of them again.
Truly, I enjoyed being with all of them again. But I will especially enjoy it more when Cas and Jules's story is up next. Gah, I cannot wait!
Until the next read,
-TMR
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Monday, September 5, 2022
Review: Lie to Me (The Layla Duet Complete): Book 1 and 2
Lie to Me (The Layla Duet Complete): Book 1 and 2 by L AquilaMy rating: 1 of 5 stars
Note: I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review
Note 2: This is a complete duet. So please read in order.
Trigger Warnings: sex trafficking, assault, murder, kidnapping, drugging, torture, infidelity, depression, death, grief.
I don't know what to say about this novel, honestly.
I hated the characters with a heartfelt passion. The romance felt rushed. The steam felt way overdone and unoriginal. The plot was crammed with too many things. The side characters..they were never given a chance to help the novel develop in a more positive direction. And the villains...I think they were the only ones I could tolerate, believe me or not.
Sigh. Such a gorgeous cover, yet the story failed to live up to it. And I mean both parts of this duet.
I couldn't stomach the story enough to finish it properly unfortunately. So I am giving a review of what I did read. Damn, can't believe this will be my first DNF in 2022. But here, we are, I guess a novel does have to be this despicable to be a DNF.
I won't spoil and say exactly what else got on my nerves, but you've got the gist of it.
But if you still want a full-on review, here is a review I found that goes into more detail: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Now I am left unsure if I even want to try a novel again by this author. So disappointed.
Sigh.
Anyway.
Until the next read,
-TMR
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Wednesday, August 31, 2022
Tuesday, August 30, 2022
Review: Unexpected
Unexpected by Elizabeth AtonMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Note: I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Trigger Warnings: overdose mention, fatal drug use mention, infidelity, poverty, childbirth issues, young child death, asbestos death, abandonment, grief, survivors guilt, trauma (various).
Damn what, what was this novel? I ended up loving it so much more than I thought!
For a debut novel..it sure was emotional chaotic, messy in a good way, and giving me all the serious feels and fangirling swoony moments I could get from Whit and Ava.
Plus this book was incredibly heavy on topics - see above trigger warnings. The situation and the various traumas Ava has to deal with...seriously she's like some kind of a saint to have to tolerate it all and still forge her path through them...despite having almost little to no help to help her heal and and progress.
As for our yummy and hot damn rock god, Whit, he's also gone through his own set of traumas - neglectful parents..and then a crappy partner (crappy is understated), and now raising his own child while still being so young and dealing with fame and fortune. But as we all know, never trust someone who may claim to always be there for you. But Whit was smart luckily.
But of course, sometimes we just want to drown our troubles in something, anything we can find. So one night we succumb to the passion and the tempting nature to forget. But of course, sometimes we want another taste. - the first half of the novel basically.
And then things get more complicated. Unexpected circumstances indeed, haha. But the way they pull through along with their friends..was just so...damn my heart could've died from the mush feelings altogether.
I honestly don't believe my words capture enough of my feelings, thoughts and notes on this novel overall - it was just so very very real and heartwrenching.
I loved it so much - the characters development, the honest to god circumstances depicted of poverty, mental health decline (could've detailed it more), the health issues that were depicted, people of color actually depicted right for once (thank you Elizabeth - we feel seen!), and the romance, the steam, and the angst, and the damn there was just so much...UGH I CANNOT SAY MORE MY HEART MAY BURST FROM FEELINGS! IT WAS SO GLORIOUS AND MADE ME AN ABSOLUTE WRECK - LOVE IT!
But anyway...to summarise...I am definitely looking forward to Undaunted! You've captured my heart Elizabeth. And I hope you continue to treat us to more of your books too.
Until the next read,
-TMR
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Monday, August 29, 2022
Thursday, August 25, 2022
Review: Dad's Best Friend: An Age Gap, Surprise Pregnancy Romance
Dad's Best Friend: An Age Gap, Surprise Pregnancy Romance by Lisa RyanMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
Note: I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This was a conventional but also unconventional at the same time.
I mean - both the MCs didn’t give a…about their ages and the difference between them. They thoroughly embraced it and just flowed along with it because..who cares. I guess I wish more people embraced age gap romances instead of feeling ashamed of why they loved in real life.
Enough rambling though…
Secondly the steam was on point - I felt midway jealous about not having that same for myself - but then I told myself books do it better haha.
Thirdly the romance - could’ve been fleshed out more - ya know the hearty confessions and such. But meh I was just enjoying myself so much I forgot to care.
Until the next read,
-TMR
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Wednesday, August 24, 2022
Review: The Hidden Love
The Hidden Love by R.J. GrayMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Note: I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Trigger warnings: ptsd, domestic violence (not by MCs), drunk driving death, depression, infidelity (maybe?)
So we have a grieving friend who's suddenly a guardian of a secret her dead friend gave her in clause to her death. Who now has to report back to the dead friend's ex, because the secret is closely connected to the ex.
The ex..meanwhile is living his grit and hard life in the military battling wars, and combat zones (By the way I didn't enjoy the mention of my home country PAK in such a negative context...we've already got problems..don't need more by this publicising), and well lost in the memories of his ex. But when he gets a phone call about the secret...everything changes.
Sparks later fly, after much much dancing around emotions (the headaches I endured while it all happened), but complications arise. But they all battle through it well..and with a lot of confessions and honest discussions. And we get a HEA, yay.
I honestly enjoyed this story a lot. Truly. After the winedown, I didn't think I'd have a very touching book to look to. But here I have, The Hidden Love.
It touched on so many important themes of family, betrayal, ptsd, domestic violence, coming together after grief, and dealing with a child who's having difficulty dealing with death.
And the fun fact - he is getting treatment for his PTSD, so even if it is a part of him, he does know how to deal with it better.
For all these reasons and more - such as superb writing, well developed and likeable characters (even with a bit of whinnying from the FMC), the romance and chemistry playing well, as the meet cute book club girls (gah I loved seeing Brandi - my first favorite girl), it was all done so well, damn.
I'm in honest to god love, and can't think of anything else, but to tell you, to read it, READ IT, READ IT NOW!
That's all.
Until the next read,
-JB
View all my reviews
Monday, August 15, 2022
Review: Ruins of Temptation
Ruins of Temptation by C. HallmanMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
Note: I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Note 2: This is a series. Although the first three books feature a different couple from this book, they are all interconnected. King of Corium, Drop Dead Queen, Broken Kingdom - are Quinton and Aspen's trilogy. Ruins Of Temptation and Reign Of Freedom (Coming August 26th 2022) are Lucas and Delilah's duet. PLEASE READ IN ORDER - THEY ARE ALL CONNECTED.
Trigger warnings:sex trafficking, abandonment, drug use, alcohol use, rape, assault.
To catch yourself up to speed and what my reviews said, here are the reviews for the first three books.
1. King Of Corium: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
2. Drop Dead Queen: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
3. Broken Kingdom: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
To summarise the past stories - Delilah and a few other people in her gang (in the past it used to be Quinton as well) all aspire to torture kill, rape, you know the usual to Aspen due to her father's very heinous crimes and behaviour that affected them, and since she was brought to this school, they thought it would be a perfect way to get their revenge.
But in a very f-ed way, Quinton falls for Aspen, and they communicate about what's really going on (if only they'd try and do it in the past, oh well), which brings a plot twist about her life...but the plot twist also brings a few murders, realisations, and anger and betrayal at the forefront - which then leads to this book.
And a few more punishments as well, to reap for the sins committed to Aspen. Hence why we come to this book.
Now in this book:
Delilah is brought to be tortured, r**ped, any method to bring everyone who tried to hurt Aspen down. But you know..she's a bit different to our past doormat heroines, so she refuses to say anything. And then the torturing begins and well etc.
Lucas is the one - the antihero- the one to bring justice and bring punishment for hurting Aspen (He's a real key figure in Aspen's life).
But you know some things lead to another even while torturing..and they crave well...you know what they crave. I don't have to spell it out for you.
But in the end she runs...takes her chance thanks to kindness, but well the point at the end...cliffhanger to if she makes it or not...sheesh I almost died at that.
So yeah, I did enjoy this book to a certain degree. I probably ended up liking Lucas and Delilah more than the previous couple. Sue me.
At least she had a backbone up to a certain point, that's when the stars fell for me. Regardless, a decent, f-ed up novel, based on revenge and vengeance...and doing whatever it takes to keep your loved ones safe. Also the writing was okay, as well - the novel wasn't too long. The characters had decent f-ed physical chemistry (I know, I can't believe it either), and the side characters were few, but okay I guess in terms of pushing the plot forward.
I just think the book didn't do enough justice to the actual plot. But oh well, maybe Reign of Freedom will calm my qualms.
Until the next read,
-JB
View all my reviews
Thursday, August 11, 2022
Wednesday, August 10, 2022
Sunday, August 7, 2022
Thursday, August 4, 2022
Friday, July 29, 2022
Thursday, July 28, 2022
Wednesday, July 27, 2022
Monday, July 25, 2022
Thursday, July 21, 2022
Review: The Forever Game
The Forever Game by A.M. WilliamsMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Note: I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
No trigger warnings eh, what a shock haha. Is this book even worth reading without those hah?
But no seriously, I loved this book, I mean it was totally what I was looking for after a painful read before.
I mean she's an artist, she's a tattooist, she's an outcast and she's always somehow caught up in family drama. She's the kinda girl I wanna be friends with for real. Hip Hip Hip for Daphne!
Meanwhile he's the charmer, a divorcee, a sports guy (football hero) and has some wounds to lick. Mm, I mean...I've got some first aid kit to help him out eh hehe, if he wants. *winks* Buckle up Jameson!
But I mean the point is - they both have their problems, their demons, and endless unnecessary people at their backs. You can see why they both would be hardasses to life.
Despite all that though, there's something about these two that makes me wanna root for them, and champion them to fight against obstacles, or intrusive match-making, and expectations set by others.
I mean they're brilliant when they're together - and clearly the author knows how to do it well with fab (straightforward writing) hilarious shenanigans, fun friends, bonkers family, and some plenty of hot romantic times eh.
I was so here for it, and loved it every second when I was.
And I also loved she promoted her book eh (about a hunky baseball player - the fans know who I am talkin about eh), which made me wanna read it even more - now that I loved having a first taste of A.M's writing.
I definitely look forward to more of her books now. So, A.M keep writing please! Otherwise IDK how my sanity will live.
ALSO: The Right Guy is right around the block (yes you heard it) the meet cute book club fam is gonna bring you your next favorite delight, soon soon to your favorite retailers and kindles too haha! So buckle up for another fun ride, comin real soon!
Till the next read,
-JB
View all my reviews
Wednesday, July 20, 2022
Review: Organized Chaos
Organized Chaos by Drethi AnisMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
Note: I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Note 2: This is a duet. Organized Chaos is the first. Discord is the next and final book in this duet. Please read in order.
Trigger Warnings: infidelity (not by MCs), grief, mental health issues, drug use, age gap, dubcon, narcissist alert, stalking
Oye...this novel...idk how to even put into words how I truly feel about it. But I'll try, anyway.
I should talk about the good things first.
1. The steam - was pretty wowza despite the context.
2. Writing - was mostly straightforward.
3. Side characters - were definitely interesting, supportive (not all but most).
4. The many warnings - were displayed well - although maybe a bit too hardcore for my taste - but oh well - now I appreciate them I guess than before.
And that's pretty much it for the good list.
Now onto the bad:
1. The narcissism - I get the dark disturbing warnings - despite me still being a little uncomfortable with them - but the narcissist I don't understand - I mean at least some care about others from his angle would've made me liked the story at least. Shouldn't the narcissist be a trigger warning?
3. The endless back and forth - it's the same thing happening but only from both ends. I might as well have played Ping Pong.
I honestly don't know if Discord might be better than this. I mean think about it...my complaints list is more hardcore than the good things. And the narcissist hero?
Mm, this might indeed be one of those strange days where I continued reading a story like this.
Until the next read,
-TMR
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Monday, July 18, 2022
Review: The Perils of Paris: a Provence Cozy Mystery
The Perils of Paris: a Provence Cozy Mystery by Ana T. DrewMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Note: I received a copy in exchange for an honest review (it is not an in-advance copy as the novel has already released).
This novel is a part of series, which can be read as complete standalones. But to enjoy the whole Cavallo experience, reading the books in order helps.
I loved Julie Cavallo! Her amateur sleuthing skills, her psychic powers, and her snarky but straightforward and loveable attitude! Also her family, her gentleman caller (I am still so old in many ways), and the endless mysteries she hunts down!
I loved this mystery! It's set in Paris, and a perhaps-maybe phoney- psychic is found dead. Going through a lot of goose chases, unfamiliar stories and clues, confusing new leads, and of course some scares to delight as well! - truly a sensation to enjoy.
This is a merely light mystery, not too hardcore like police procedurals (although those are always my favorites but this one really lightened my own mood as well after a crazy month), but definitely one for the books.
I truly enjoyed hanging around Julie, her family in an unfamiliar setting like Paris and solving the mysteries - and yes may or may not have increased my interest in becoming a sleuth myself.
So yes, I am definitely looking forward to another story of Julie Cavallo with all my heart and excitment.
Until the next read,
-TMR
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Review: The Jane Thing
The Jane Thing by Tracy BroemmerMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
Note: I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Honestly, I did enjoy this book a lot, despite my 4-star rating. One star was merely taken off, because I found the heroine a bit too...out there..for my sanity to enjoy at times.
But I loved Skye and Gideon together regardless. And his...many interesting adventures.
I loved how they took adventures, read together (the shock of characters reading books in books never goes away when I see it happen), and just I guess enjoy each other's company.
Although a lot different to each other, you can tell something will definitely happen between them.
And what did happen was a wonderful book I got - highlighting their chemistry/romance well, intriguing dialogues, and a lot of other interesting things happening on the side as well.
Ah, I will definitely look forward to another Tracy B's novel for sure, real soon.
Until the next read,
-TMR
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Review: Cap
Cap by Elise FaberMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Note: I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Trigger Warnings: almost-marital rape, assault, abuse, drug use mention, infidelity mention (not by main MCs).
Writing reviews late apparently does not benefit my memory in remembering. So I am going to wing it.
Jess and Josh are very very different. She comes from a troubled background, best friends with one of the main players and has a strong dislike for our Cap, Josh. Josh meanwhile just wants to do the best he can for his family and his family, while battling his attraction to Jess (after first impressions went askew).
But obviously fate is like - we're so going to pair them together. And I am like: do your magic.
SO we then get an amazing book (because hello this is Elise Faber's novel) filled with good times, tough moments pulled through, sizzling chemistry, sweet romance, so damn cute and teary eyed confessions, hilarious shenanigans from the Gold Hockey gang, and of course soft moments from the characters themselves - cause fighting your own demons ain't easy.
So yeah there ya go - one perfect pie called Josh and Jess's story. Hehe.
Anyway, I definitely look forward to reading the next story - and yes I forgot the next couple - sorry, but I know they'll rock my socks off obviously.
So until the next novel, hehe.
Until the next read,
-TMR
View all my reviews
Friday, July 1, 2022
Review: Cold Silence
Cold Silence by Toni AndersonMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Note: I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Trigger Warnings: school shootings reference, sexual abuse, emotional trauma, murder, rape, violence against women, death, reference to bombs.
This was definitely the most thrilling ride in the cold justice series. A hacker and an FBI Agent from the hostage rescue team team up to find a notorious serial killer, who may even be more clever and dangerous than previous villains. As they get closer, will the serial killer get closer too? Questions questions.
I loved this thrilling ride! I loved Shane and Yael together, despite them being complete and total polar opposites of one another in both profession and personality. Plus Yael hiding secrets doesn't help matters, as they soon come to light, when they may contribute to the final moment of finding the serial killer.
The development was wonderful as always of both Shane and Yael, and both were strong, likeable characters from start to finish. The romance could've been fleshed out more, but this is clearly more of an action thriller more than a romantic thriller, if you've read the cold justice series. The chemistry with other people in the story as well was invigorating, heartbreaking, and just so high on the emotions especially when it comes to the death of one FBI agent. The action was top-notch as well, although yes, I still struggle with the technical terms - but I'll live. The plot was woven wonderfully, and I was never left confused, bored, or irritated to go on - it flowed smoothly.
Overall, I loved this book a lot, and hope to be able to continue with the cold justice series. After all this series has managed to ignite a passion for romantic/action thrillers again, so I am very grateful and appreciative of this series.
Until the next read,
-JB
View all my reviews
Tuesday, June 28, 2022
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