Book Reviews Archives - Page 42 of 114

Series Review: Modern Love by Piper Rayne

Oct 1, 2018

I’ve recently picked up this series and today I thought I would share my thoughts on it. I hadn’t read anything from Piper Rayne before this and now I cannot wait to read more. The Modern Love series by authors Piper Rayne follows 3 friends as they try and navigate love, life and finding their place. Charmed by the Bartender, Hooked by the Boxer and Mad about the Banker are the three books in this series.

Charmed by the Bartender (Modern Love #1) by Piper Rayne

Pages: 268
Publish date: January 30, 2017
Publisher: –
ASIN: B01MSD3OFL
Purchase: Amazon UK – Amazon US – Amazon AU

Who knew sleeping with the enemy could be this fun?

Was the one night stand a good idea?

Well, no. Probably not in retrospect.

In my defense I had just moved back into my grandparent’s house, I’d lost my dream job, and a guy on Tinder had stood me up. It was like life had suddenly stamped ‘LOSER’ on my forehead.

So when the guy behind the bar started giving me THE look… you know, the one that promised I’d be screaming his name into the wee hours of the morning? When that guy also has the perfect amount of scruff on his chiseled chin, biceps bulging out of his t-shirt, and a cocky grin you knew he’d earned in the sack… when he gives you that look, you don’t bother to figure out what your six degrees of separation are. You jump on that horse and ride it!

Pun fully and completely intended. And accurate by the way.

I fully admit to feeling sorry for myself and acting impulsively, but by the time I’d figured out WHO the bartender was, I was already falling for him.

Charmed by the Bartender:

Charmed by the Bartender follows Whitney as she tries to navigate her dating life. When her Tinder date stands her up, she wants to give up. But then she spots the guy standing behind the bar. A few drinks and let’s just say that she doesn’t remember much of the night before. But when she figures out who the guy really is – let’s just say she wants to stay as far away from him.

Whitney was an interesting protagonist. There was a lot of self-doubts and I could totally relate to it throughout the novel. She was also a really interesting character to read about and delve into you. One of my favourite things about Charmed by the Bartender was Whitney’s character arc, which I think worked really well.

It took me a while to really like Cole, but as the novel went on the reader is able to see a very sensitive side to him. A former manwhore, Cole wants to start getting his life together. And Whitney sure does take him by surprise. By the end of Charmed by the Bartender, I really enjoyed Cole as a character and love interest. The reader is able to see there is more to Cole then the front that he has, and Whitney is able to break it down.

Whitney decides that she wants nothing to do with Cole – they do have quite a past. But when Cole’s brother and Whitney’s best friend need some help with their wedding. They both can’t say no. As Charmed by the Bartender goes on Cole is able to break down Whitney’s walls and the hesitation that she has. While Charmed by the Bartender did include insta-lust, the romance was nice and slow and I really enjoyed that.

Overall, Charmed by the Bartender by Piper Rayne isn’t just a fun rom-com. It explores the notion of family, love and strong friendships. I loved the chemistry between Whitney and Cole and how the romance was a great build up. The humor was great, the friendship trio was fantastic and I just enjoyed reading Charmed by the Bartender.

Hooked by the Boxer (Modern Love #2) by Piper Rayne

Pages: 264
Publish date: March 1, 2018
Publisher: –
ASIN: B01MSC1E0E
Purchase: Amazon UK – Amazon US – Amazon AU

What does a girl do after she discovers her fiancé is a cheating bastard?

In my case, I performed the ritual implosion of all scorned women. I drowned my sorrows in cases of white wine, wallowed in gallons of ice cream, and ignited a bonfire to burn away every damn remnant of his existence. Six months later, the only result was a permanent impression of my ass on the couch.

Adventure Dating my friends dared.
A new and exciting opportunity they said.

I thought they were crazy, but I’m not one to back down from a challenge, so I signed up for the entire four-week deal.

That’s where I saw HIM. Lucas Cummings. He isn’t the classic rich boy I usually end up with. The one whose idea of working up a sweat is waiting for his margarita to be served beachside. Nope. He’s a rough and tough bad boy that all fathers warn their daughters about. You know the type. Cocky swagger, chiseled jaw—the ‘V’.

SOLD, I said to myself, until I discovered he was so much more than just a BOXER.

Left Hook.
Right to the heart.

Hooked by the Boxer:

Talia’s world came crashing down when it was revealed that her fiancé was cheating on her. She thought she had it all, but it’s been six months and she can’t get over it. After eating enough Ben and Jerry’s for a lifetime, her BFF’s think it’s time for her to start dating. But when that doesn’t go exactly to plan they sign her up for adventure dating – and it’s there that she meets Lucus again.

Talia was an interesting protagonist. And overall, I didn’t mind her. There were parts throughout the novel that did really get me regarding Talia, but the reader is able to understand why. Talia went through a pretty bad break up. She is angry, hurt and wants to move on. But she is finding that pretty hard to do. As Hooked by the Boxer goes on the reader is able to see Talia grow and not only find herself, but someone who can be by her side.

I wasn’t a massive fan of Lucus and I can’t really pinpoint why he just rubbed me the wrong way. I loved that he was a boxer – you know me and my sports romances – but personality wise, I just didn’t like him. Throughout Hooked by the Boxer, the reader is able to see different sides to Lucus and for the most part, he seemed like a dick to me.

In saying that, I really did enjoy the romance of Hooked by the Boxer. While Lucus wasn’t my favourite, the way that he cared for Talia was nice. I liked seeing them fall slowly for each other and yes go through some up’s and downs. The reader is able to see that Lucus will stand up for Talia, but also she can stand up for herself.

Overall, I didn’t love Hooked by the Boxer. I really enjoyed the romance and friendships aspects of this one. While I wasn’t a massive fan of the protagonist. In saying that, I still really enjoyed it and left me hanging for more.

Mad About the Banker (Modern Love #3) by Piper Rayne

Pages: 332
Publish date: April 5, 2017
Publisher: –
ASIN: B06X1H3HHF
Purchase: Amazon UK – Amazon US – Amazon AU

Who knew my brother’s friend could be Mr. Right, and not just Mr. Right Now?

My brother refused to introduce me, so I blame him. If he’d just caved, and introduced me to Jasper, I wouldn’t be in this mess. I mean, really, what’s the big deal? I’m not interested in the guy’s looks.

Oh no, I want his cold hard cash. (Be honest, you were expecting that other four letter ‘c’ word weren’t you?)

Now, before you go getting all judgy, I’m not a gold digger. I have a legitimate business opportunity for Jasper to invest in. The problem is that my stick-up-his-ass brother is embarrassed that his twin sister invents kick ass sex toys. His problem, not mine.

So, I took matters into my own hands. Defeat isn’t a word in Lennon Hart’s dictionary.

Using my stealthy P.I. moves, I narrowed my search to a time and place where I knew I could find him. It was completely innocent. A chance meeting that would give me the opportunity to pitch my business.

It wasn’t until I sat down across from the gorgeous panty soaking man in front of me, that I realized I wanted so much more than just his money. I could very well want his heart if I wasn’t careful.

Apparently my P.I. skills aren’t as stellar as I thought because Jasper had his own secret — and it changed EVERYTHING.

Mad About the Banker:

The third book in the series follows Lennon as she tries to expand her business, and when her brother refuses to introduce his friend to her, Lennon takes this into her own hands. But Jasper isn’t what she expects and now she might need to choose between her dream business and the person that might be the man of her dreams.

I adored Lennon in Mad About the Banker. The reader is immediately able to fall into her and just go with it. As the novel goes on the reader is also able to see Lennon grow a whole lot and that was fantastic. One of my favourite things about Lennon was that she wasn’t ashamed. She loves who she is, and what she wants to do.

Jasper, I think he also might be my favourite out of the three love interest in the series. The reader is able to see how much he cares not only for Lennon but for his son. And that made my heart melt. I liked how invested he was in Lennon and who she wants to be. There were parts that he acted like a 14-year-old, but he sure did redeem himself.

The romance in Mad About the Banker was adorable. I just loved it. Lennon is outgoing and outspoken, while Jasper is more reserved. But together they are able to bring out sides of each other that shine. Lennon is not able to build a fantastic relationship with Jasper, but also his son.

Overall, Mad About the Banker by Piper Rayne is my favourite of the three. It’s fun, emotional, with sass and romance. Lennon and Jasper are just fantastic characters that made my heart pour with love. This book has so manty things that I love and made my heart so full.

And that is it! Wow. On the most part, the Modern Love series by Piper Rayne is a great read. There are many ups and down. But if you are looking for a fun, rom-com read then this is for you. Have you read these books by Piper Rayne? What did you think? Are you planning on reading it? Let’s Chat!

Book Review: Until We’re More by Cindi Madsen

Sep 27, 2018

Until We’re More by Cindi Madsen

Pages: 271
Publish date: August 27th, 2018
Publisher: Entangled Publishing, LLC (Embrace)
ISBN: B07G12RC9P
Purchase: Amazon UK – Amazon US – Amazon AU

Chelsea is smart, funny, gorgeous, and the best friend I’ve ever had. Ever since she left, I’ve been a wreck. I’ve been focused on keeping my family’s MMA gym afloat while I train and coach fighters, anything to not miss her more. But now she’s finally back, along with her grumpy, possessive cat, and things are weird between us.

By weird, I mean I can’t stop thinking about her in that way. She’s in the room next door, and it takes all my control not to storm in there, sweep her up, and bring her back to my bed. Even stranger, I’m pretty sure she’d be into it.

Until We’re More:

I received an e-arc of Until We’re More by Cindi Madsen from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This has in no way influenced my thoughts and feelings about the book. Until We’re Mine is the second book in the ‘Fighting for Her’ series, but can read as a standalone. You can check out my review of Until You’re Mine now.

Until We’re More by Cindi Madsen follows protagonist Chelsea and Liam, best friends that have drifted away when Chelsea left town. Now she’s back and old feelings are coming to the surface. Liam has tried to stay away from Chelsea, tried not to have ties with her. But now that she is back, it’s getting harder and harder to stay away. They both want to strive in their careers, but with each other around it’s hard to stay focused.

I really enjoyed Chelsea as the main female protagonist of the book. She was really easy to get along with and I just wanted to give her a big hug so many times. I adored that Chelsea was so determined and pushed herself for her work. I’ve said this before, but sometimes it’s rare to see female characters really striving to move up in their workplace. I enjoyed seeing that Chelsea struggled with finding a place and a voice where she worked. I was really able to connect with that – a lot.

Liam – I’m intrigued by Liam when I read about him in the first book. And he really shines in Until We’re More. Liam is not only trying to win the belt title, but it will cement his family business. The reader is able to tell from the start that he wants to find himself in the world of MMA. Like Chelsea, he wants to focus on what he wants to do with his life. But what he doesn’t expect is for Chelsea to have such a presence. Liam is also really easy to read, he isn’t a dickhead and I can fall into his voice really easily and doesn’t blend in with Chelsea or any other characters. In saying that, there are times where Liam, just got on my nerves, especially relating to his feelings for Chelsea.

The romance in Until We’re More, was totally my thing. This best friend to lovers romance just hit me in all the right places and I feel completely in love with it. The romance did take quite a while to kick off, not going to lie. It was very slow burning for a romance novel, but I understood why. There were a lot of things standing in their way. One of my favourite romance tropes is friends to lovers and I think that Cindi Madsen did it so well. There are times when I wanted to give both Liam and Chelsea kicks up the butt.

The notion of friends and family is yet another big theme in Until We’re More. I think that Cindi does an excellent job with these themes and that can really be seen in this one. Liam’s family isn’t the best, but the reader is able to see them all trying. Trying for each other. Chelsea’s on the other hand – can they just no be there? I hated them with a passion.

If you’ve read Angel Reads for a while now, you would know that I love sports romances. And while MMA is something that I know nothing about, it was great falling into the world of professional fighting. I can’t wait to read more books dealing with these types of sport.

Overall, Until We’re More by Cindi Madsen was a great read. I adored the romance and the protagonists are really easy to get along with. The reader is able to drive straight into the world of Chelsea and Liam and know how they think and feel. The voices are authentic and easy to love. While there are ups, downs and many miscommunications between the pair, Until We’re More is a really enjoyable read. If you are looking for an easy, romance read then this one is for you.

Have you read Until We’re More by Cindi Madsen? What did you think of it? Are you planning on reading it? What’s been your favourite romance book this year? Let’s Chat!

Book Review: Until You’re Mine by Cindi Madsen

Sep 16, 2018

Until You’re Mine by Cindi Madsen

Pages: 350
Publish date: January 22, 2018
Publisher: Entangled: Embrace
ASIN: B0786MSPJ3
Purchase: Amazon UK – Amazon US – Amazon AU

You might’ve heard of me, Shane Knox, the guy who rose quickly through the MMA fighter ranks, only to crash just as fast. No one cares about personal reasons when it comes to losing fights and money. I’m determined to get back to where I was. For you to hear my name again. I’ve finally convinced the owner of Team Domination to take a chance and get me back in fighting—and winning—shape. What I didn’t bargain for is the guy’s spitfire of a daughter. Factor in her two professional-fighter brothers who are acting as my coaches and the fact that my career hangs in the balance, and Brooklyn’s the last girl I should be fantasizing about.

The closer we get, the more I want Brooklyn. The stakes are high, and I know there’s a big chance of both of us getting hurt, but I won’t stop until she’s mine.

Until You’re Mine:

I’ve read quite a few Cindi Madsen books before, and when I received the second book in this series for review, I knew I had to pick up the first. And I’m so glad that I did. Not only did it introduce to a whole array of characters, but also those of the second novel.

Until You’re Mine by Cindi Madsen follows Shane Knox as he fights his way back into the world of MMA. When unseeable circumstances lead to his demise, he knows it’s going to take everything in him to be on top again. His finally convinced those that own the gym to take him on and nothing will stop him. But then Brooklyn makes an appearance. Brooklyn isn’t happy that she is back at her families gym or even at home. Her memories of being there aren’t that great, and they only remind her of what her father has missed. But she is back before she starts off a life away from the town she grew up. She never thought she would find a reason to stay, but Know may be it.

Brooklyn was a great protagonist for Until You’re Mine. From the start, I was intrigued by her story and wanting to know more. She was an easy character to get along with and the reader is able to understand her hesitation to be back home. One of the main reasons that I loved Brooklyn was that she didn’t want to give up her dream for anyone. There are so many romance novels that the female protagonist gives up her dream for love – and that just shits me. But right from the start, the reader is able to see that Brooklyn loves that she does and wants to pursue all the way. While Brooklyn does brush away a lot of things, the situation with her father really does tear her apart.

Knox is a fighter, it’s what he has trained and worked his life too. It’s what he knows. So when his life crumbles around him – so does he. But now his getting his life back on track. He is at a new gym building something for himself and ready to get back to fighting professionally. Like Brooklyn, right from the start Knox’s determination for his dream is evident. He has waited and fought this long and he wants to fight his way back to an MMA title. He has been through a lot and that is seen throughout Until You’re Mine.

The romance for me in Until You’re Mine made it. It was slow burning, friends to more and just hit me in all the right spots. At the start of the novel Brooklyn has a boyfriend and while they seem great together, Brooklyn and Knox leave sparks flying. While Brooklyn does break up with her boyfriend before anything happens between her and Knox, she does have feelings for him and that plays a part. While Knox is a fighting he isn’t so much an alpha male and I really enjoyed that. Obviously, he is protective over Brooklyn, but not demanding or possessive. Which I love.

The notion of family plays a big part in Until You’re Mine. Brooklyn doesn’t have a good relationship with her father and that plays a big part in the book. He has more focus on Knox then he does her and her career. Their relationship has been rocky for years and it took a lot for Brooklyn to come back – but she knew she needed to. However, that doesn’t change the way that they interact with each other. Things are rough for a lot of the book between these two and I wanted them to work things out so much. But the reader also understands how hard it has been for Brooklyn. In saying that I adored Brooklyn’s relationship with her brothers in Until You’re Mine. It was seriously fantastic. They are protective and will do anything for her, but also know where she stands – which was great.

Overall, I really enjoyed Until You’re Mine by Cindi Madsen. Brooklyn and Knox were brilliant together and I loved that their relationship was slow burning. It added another depth to the book that made me love it. Brooklyn was so easy to read and her character arc was spot on. I loved seeing Knox let go and fall in love – again added another layer to the novel. Until You’re Mine explores romance, family and learning to let go. It’s about following your dreams, forgiving and finding a place in the world. If you are looking for an interesting romance that has a little hint of sport – then this is for you.