Book Reviews Archives - Page 9 of 115

Book Review: Everything for You by Chloe Liese

May 12, 2022

Everything for You (Bergman Brothers #5) by Chloe Liese

Pages: 354
Publish date: May 10, 2022
Publisher: –
ASIN: B09ZT45LS2
Purchase: Amazon UK – Amazon US – Amazon AU

Gavin

We’ve been teammates for two years, but it feels like a lifetime that Oliver Bergman’s been on my last nerve. A demanding captain and veteran player, I’m feared and friendless, while he’s the beloved rising star, all sunshine smiles and upbeat team spirit. To make matters worse, he’s obscenely attractive. In short: he’s genetically designed to get under my skin.

Avoiding Oliver has been my survival tactic on and off the field. But when Coach drops the bomb that we’re now co-captains, avoiding him becomes impossible, and keeping the truth from him–let alone my distance–is harder than ever.

Oliver

Life was great until soccer legend Gavin Hayes joined the team and proved he’s nothing like the guy I grew up idolizing. Instead, he’s a giant–albeit gorgeous–grump who lives to rain on my parade. I’ve sworn off pranks since entering the public eye, so rather than settle our differences the Bergman way, I’ve had to settle for killing Gavin with kindness. There’s just one problem: killing him with kindness is killing me.

To make matters worse, Coach gives us an ultimatum: put an end to our enmity or say goodbye to being captains. I’m prepared to be miserable while we meet her demands and make nice, but the last thing I expect is to discover an explosive attraction we can’t help but act on, and worse yet, to realize the man hiding beneath Gavin’s gruff exterior is all I’ve ever wanted.

Everything For You:

Trigger and Content Warnings: Anxiety, Panic Attacks, Sports Injuries, Sexual Content, Homophobia.

I received an e-arc of Everything For You by Chloe Liese via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This has in no way influenced my thoughts and feelings about the book.

This was one of my most anticipated reads of the year. And when I tell you I couldn’t keep a smile off my face while reading this, I’m not lying.

Everything For You by Chloe Liese follows Oliver Bergman as he tries to navigate his life changing especially now that he has become co-captain with the one and only Gavin Hayes. Ever since Gavin has joined the team, his hate for Oliver is very much know. Now that they are thrown together in more than one circumstance, well it’s going to be fun. But there are a lot of emotional struggles that both Oliver and Gavin been through and that is just scraping the surface.

Photo by Fancy Crave on Unsplash

Oliver is a fantastic protagonist. We’ve seen him grow a little throughout the series so far, but this book is his time to shine. I took a liking to Oliver right away, and this book really cemented that. He is charming, funny and just put a massive smile on my face throughout the whole book. But he also has his struggles. Oliver has his doubts, his anxieties and they do play a lot of the way that he lives his life.

Gavin was such an interesting protagonist and love interest. I didn’t know what to make of him at the start, but as soon as we got into his perspective. It was just fantastic. He is grumpy and wants to be by himself most of the time. But like Oliver he has his insecurities and with him feeling like his body is giving up on him. He feels like he is failing.

Photo by Egor Myznik on Unsplash

Everything for You is a fantastic grumpy-sunshine romance that also has a little dislike to hate. And it was so well done. I wouldn’t call it real hate to love romance. But it doesn’t get past anyone that Gavin has a major dislike for Oliver. But this led to some amazing scenes between these two. From prank wars to sneaky friends these two don’t know what hits them.

The romance was just fantastic. I adore the way that Chloe Liese writes her couples and there is nothing different here. Oliver and Gavin have a lot of tension between them. Gavin was the person that Oliver looked up to when he was younger. Not just as a soccer player, but as someone who was out to the public. But then Oliver meets him and things aren’t that great. I think one of my favourite things about these two is while they are very different from one another together, they fit perfectly.

Most of the Bergman family make an appearance throughout Everything for You and gosh I loved seeing that so much. To see where they are now. What is happening in their lives? It just made me so happy. They also got up to a lot of mischief in this book and I’m so glad that it was in there. It also made me really excited for the last two books in this series.

The only thing I have to note here. I wasn’t able to tell how long it had been between books. Working out how much time had passed is something I struggle with a lot. And there were times when I was confused here.

Photo by Maxim Hopman on Unsplash

One of the main reasons why I love Chloe Liese’s books so much is the quality of disability rep that she has in her books. It’s not just thrown in there and adding nothing to the book. It’s part of their characters, their lives, and their story. It doesn’t take over who they are, but it makes them, them. It just makes for such a good read.

Overall, Everything For You by Chloe Liese is just fantastic. I smiled the whole way through it and I didn’t want it to end. Oliver and Gavin were fantastic together and their character arcs were just spot on. This is a brilliant sports romance that highlights mental health and also explores changes in life. If you have read the rest of the Bergman books you are going to love this one. If you haven’t, I beg you to start the series.

Have you read Everything For You yet? What did you think of it? Are you planning on reading it? Have you read any of the books in the series? Let’s chat!

Also, you can check out my reviews of Only When It’s Us, Ever After Always and With You Forever.

Dreamland and Lightning | Mini Romance Reviews

Apr 21, 2022

It’s mini-review time. Today I’m sharing my thoughts on two romances that I have recently read. The Fine Print (Dreamland Billionaires #1) by Lauren Asher and a recent release of Lavender and Lightning (Pack Saint Clair #2) by Thora Woods. These two are both books that I was highly anticipating reading and I loved them both. So let’s get into it.

The Fine Print (Dreamland Billionaires #1) by Lauren Asher

Pages: 448
Publish date: July 8th 2021
Publisher: Piatkus Books
ISBN: 9780349433448
Purchase: Amazon UK – Amazon US – Amazon AU – QBD

Rowan
I’m in the business of creating fairy tales.
Theme parks. Production companies. Five-star hotels.
Everything could be all mine if I renovated Dreamland.
My initial idea of hiring Zahra was good in theory, but then I kissed her.
Things spiralled out of control once I texted her using an alias.
By the time I realized where I went wrong, it was too late.
People like me don’t get happy endings.
Not when we’re destined to ruin them.Zahra
After submitting a drunk proposal criticizing Dreamland’s most expensive ride, I should have been fired.
Instead, Rowan Kane offered me a dream job.
The catch? I had to work for the most difficult boss I’d ever met.
Rowan was rude and completely off-limits, but my heart didn’t care.
At least not until I discovered his secret.
It was time to teach the billionaire that money couldn’t fix everything.
Especially not us.

The Fine Print:

Trigger Warnings: Death of parents/parental figures, domestic abuse, parental absences, alcoholism, cancer and suicidal thoughts.

I’ve been wanting to read this book for a little while now, and then I got in at work and well, I couldn’t stop myself. I’ve read a few Laura Asher books before this one, and I have heard only good things about The Fine Print.

The Fine Print follows Rowan who after his grandfather’s death, has to bring more life to the family theme park. But being back there and working at Dreamland is bring back memories that Rowan doesn’t want to relive. Then there is Zahra, for as long as she can remember she has wanted to be a creator at Dreamland. When she drunkenly sends in a proposal tearing down one of their recent attractions, Zahra thought she would be fired. Instead, Rowan gives her a chance.

The attraction between Rowan and Zahra is instant, but they also both get on each other’s nerves. The reader can feel the tension and spark right from the get-go. I haven’t read a romance like this one in a while and that is why I loved it instantly. The tension, the dislike to love. It just hit in all the right places for me.

Photo by Polina Sushko on Unsplash

I liked both Rowan and Zahra a lot. They are a lot like each other, but also stood out as characters on their own. The character’s arcs were fantastic and I loved seeing them grow throughout the book. They both had to go on journeys by themselves and with one another. I felt that Rowan had a lot more growth throughout the book, but he also needed it.

The whole concept of the book, as well as the world, was so interesting. Contemporary romances aren’t normally my thing, but I enjoyed this one a lot. I’ve not read any books seat in a theme park like The Fine Print was, and now I want more like it.

The romance was also fantastic. It was steamy and full of tension. But also super super sweet. They both melted my heart into bits. The reader can see that they both care a lot for one another, and everything just fell into place nicely.

Overall, I loved reading The Fine Print by Lauren Asher. It was interesting, intriguing and not like something I’ve read before. The romance was that perfect balance of being steamy and sweet. And the characters were fantastic. I cannot wait to continue reading the books in this series.

Lavender and Lightning (Pack Saint Clair #2) by Thora Woods

Pages:
Publish date: April 23rd 2022
Publisher: –
ASIN: B09KY9DT3S
Purchase: Amazon UK – Amazon US – Amazon AU

There’s nowhere left to hide.

Lydia Anderson is an unbonded omega living in fear of the day her past catches up with her. Hunted by her ex, betrayed by her own family, staying out of sight is her only protection. Or it was, until she met Pack Saint Clair, and found love and safety in their arms.

Her new pack’s status as a powerhouse in the business world makes it impossible for them to live truly private lives. Their influence can protect Lydia from those set on hurting her, or so they hope.

But their past may prove to be just as dangerous.

The pack have been fighting their own battle to break free of Seth Douglas, an omega who will stop at nothing to maintain his sadistic control over them. Jealous and bitter, Seth will do whatever it takes to get rid of Lydia, even if that means leading her abusers to her front door.

When her past finds her, Lydia must decide what price she’s willing to pay for love… and hope that price isn’t her life.

Lavender and Lightning:

Trigger Warnings: Descriptions of physical, emotional, mental and sexual abuse. Religious trauma, homophobic language and behaviour, anxiety and panic disorders as well as violence, injuries and stalking. This book also features a poly relationship.

I received an earc of Lavender and Lightning by Thora Woods in exchange for an honest review. This has in no way influenced my thoughts and feelings.

I was looking forward to this one. I read the first book in this series earlier in the year and loved it. And while I did love this one, I thought it was a duology, and when it ended it a cliffhanger, I was slightly disappointed. But I got over it pretty quickly because I loved the book overall.

Lavender and Lightning follows shortly after the ending of the first book. I wish we got to see a little bit more of this as I felt that it was a little jumpy at the start. But it’s not a major deal. With the initial plans for Lydia to join the pack not going to plan, the pack need to not only figure out things fast but also protect one another as best as they can.

I loved how all the relationships moved forward in this book. It’s rare in an omegaverse book that there aren’t bonds done right away. But the way that this world works here, leaves room for a lot of growth. I loved that we get to see Lydia start to build some connections with both Lucus and Alexandra as well. Alexandra and Lydia and so good together and it makes me so happy to see some more FF in omegaverse. I cannot wait to see where their relationship goes.

Photo by micheile on Unsplash

As I said before this is an omeagaverse novel, with Lydia being our Omega, Lucus the Beta and Rhett, Mateo and Alexandra our Alphas. The balance in this book is really good. There are some very sexy and steamy parts with kinks. But then the romance is also very sweet and just makes my heart warm. I also think it’s a great start into omegaverse as it’s not in your face as some of the others I’ve read.

I did feel like at times a fair few things were going on during the book. And I just wanted them all to have a break. For them to all love each other and be there for one another. Lydia honestly didn’t get time to breathe and all I want for her is to be loved and in a pack that cares for her so much.

I will only say one thing about the ending. Cliffhanger, Cliffhanger, Cliffhanger. It was an intense ending and I don’t know how I am going to wait a few months to know what happens next. It’s going to be interesting that is for sure.

Overall, I enjoyed reading Lavender and Lightning by Thora Woods a lot. It’s a fantastic sequel and I cannot wait to see where the story is taken. The romance was fantastic and I didn’t feel like anyone was left out of the poly. It was just a great addition. If you are looking for a new omegaverse and don’t mind cliffhangers, get on it.

And there we go. Those are two reviews of books that I have loved reading recently. Have you read The Fine Print by Lauren Asher or Lavender and Lightning by Thora Woods yet? What did you think of them? What have you loved recently? Let’s Chat!

Book Review: The Dragon’s Bride by Katee Robert

Apr 7, 2022

The Dragon’s Bride (A Deal With a Demon #1) by Katee Robert

Pages: 180
Publish date: March 29, 2022
Publisher: Trinkets and Tales LLC
ISBN: 9781951329471
Purchase: Amazon UK – Amazon US – Amazon AU

Briar Rose might have a name out of a storybook, but she learned at a very young age that no prince was coming to save her. She’ll have to save herself. Unfortunately, even that is an impossible task in her current situation—trapped in a terrifying marriage to a dangerous man.

Desperate times call for desperate measures, which is how she finds herself making a deal with a demon. Freedom from her husband…in return for seven years of service.

She expects the service to be backbreaking and harsh. She doesn’t expect to be put on an auction block in a room full of literal monsters and sold to the highest bidder.

To Sol.

A dragon.

He might seem kinder than his fearsome looks imply, but she knows better than to trust the way he wants to take care of her, or how invested he is in her pleasure. In her experience, if something seems too good to be true, it certainly is.

Falling for Sol is out of the question. She’s suffered enough, and she has no intention of staying in this realm…even if she leaves her heart behind when she returns to her normal life.

The Dragon’s Bride:

I received an e-arc of The Dragon’s Bride by Katee Robert from the author in exchange for an honest review. This has in no way influenced my thoughts and feelings about the book.

Content warnings via the author: domestic abuse (historical, off-page, but the heroine is dealing with the aftermath of getting out of that relationship), murder (off-page), human/non-human sex, size difference, explicit sex, breeding, pregnancy (epilogue).

I am becoming quite a big fan of Katee Robert as of late. At first, I didn’t know if I was going to pick up The Dragon’s Bride. It’s my usual type of romance. But I also know that I’ve loved nearly all of the Katee Robert books I’ve picked up. I’ve also been trying to read wider in my romance in terms of sub-genres. And let me tell you, this book surprised me so much. I didn’t expect to love it as much as I did. And now I want more people to try it.

The Dragon’s Bride follows Briar Rose as she makes a deal with a Demon. Briar Rose needs to get out of her marriage, she needs a safe space and someone to protect her. And when she signs her life over to a demon she didn’t know what was going to happen. Sol needs to save his people, and the only way that he thinks that he can is by going along with the demon’s plans. What he doesn’t expect is Briar.

Photo by Kristine Tumanyan on Unsplash

There was a lot I really enjoyed in The Dragon’s Bride, from the characters to the romance. And even the writing itself. Everything felt easy to read, and the world was also very interesting. I would also say that even though it’s a monster romance, it’s actually on the tamer side of Katee’s books. Which I found very interesting. From the start, Katee was able to take me away to her world, and I didn’t want to leave.

Briar was a very interesting protagonist. It did take me a little while to warm up to her. And by a while, I literally mean only a few chapters. But once I did, I was all in. Briar has been hurt. She has been really hurt. And throughout The Dragon’s Bride, we get to see her come to terms with the things that have happened. But we also get to see her grow and fall in love. It’s a really interesting contrast, between who Briar was at the start of the book, to who she becomes. I loved her characterisation and seeing her develop herself outside of who she was when she was married.

Sol is such a contrast to Briar and I kinda loved that. He is this big brute of a monster, but as time goes on he is actually quite soft. There is no way to hide this, Sol is a dragon and not a dragon that can have a human form. Sol is a dragon. It was really interesting being in the prospect of a character that isn’t human at all physically. But Sol’s thoughts and feelings were all humans.

Photo by Thomas Bormans on Unsplash

The romance in The Dragon’s Bride was very interesting. I didn’t know how I was going to feel about it. Monster romances are still very new to me and I was hesitant. But Sol and Briar Rose grabbed my heart. I really enjoyed seeing them fall for one another. There was this instant connection, but the romance was filled with small touches and hidden smiles.

While these two seem very different from one another, they work. So well. Katee Robert has this knack for creating sweet and caring romances that are also hella smutty. As I said before, I found this a lot tamer than her other books, which is such a strange concept. But my gosh all the feels. It’s that type of book that just hits you in the chest. It’s emotional, sweet and gives all those feelings. I mean don’t get me wrong this is a Katee Robert book, it’s still very smutty.

Like all of Katee’s books I really enjoyed the writing style and the world. Katee has this way of writing that just grabs me from the get-go. It makes it easy to understand everything that is happening and I wasn’t once confused. I am really excited to see where this world is taken. The rest of the monsters in this series are quite intriguing.

Photo by Irina Iriser on Unsplash

Overall, I loved reading The Dragon’s Bride by Katee Robert. It’s a great start to a new monster series that is both sweet and steamy. Sol and Briar Rose warmed my heart and it was a pleasure seeing them fall for one another. This marriage of convenience, monster romance is fantastic. If you are looking to start something new to you, that isn’t too intense then give this one a go. You already know you are in for a ride.

Have you read The Dragon’s Bride by Katee Robert yet? What did you think of it? Are you planning on reading it? Have you read any other monster romances? Let’s Chat!