Love Lessons (Brooklyn Bruisers #10) [Ian & Vera] by Sarina Bowen

It has been a hot minute... My life took quite the turn and reading haven't been on the agenda.. It is now! I started reading this book MONTHS ago. When I opened it again I couldn't remember A THING. So I started from the beginning (and immediately everything came back...). I have to say this one wasn't my favorite. If you're looking for a HOT read with an easy vibe this one will be just for you. For me it simply wasn't "enough".

I've been following the Brooklyn Bruisers for what feels like years. They're all a fun bunch together or on their own. This time they are all going on vacation together meaning the somewhat uptight Vera with the carefree Ian. 

Shenanigans (Brooklyn Bruisers #9) [Neil & Charli] by Sarina Bowen

While I waited impatiently for this book to come when I finally got it I was drowning in a sea of commitment I couldn't shake. So the minute I felt I could do this I delved in. Maybe it's the fact I hadn't read (or even listened) to a book for a whole month, but the start of this one was a bit slow for me. Took me time to understand and connect with the characters and I still feel a bit unsure about my feelings towards Charli (though I understand her motives). Neil on the other hand I all heartedly ADORED and it has nothing to do with him being a billionaire and everything to do with how thoughtful and caring he is (also fun!)

This book contains two tropes I'm usually not a fan of - billionaires and accidental (Vegas) wedding. Since this is Sarina I really wasn't worried. I think it suited the story and them perfectly. It also highlighted not only the difference between their backgrounds but their current situation as professional athletes and the outrageous difference in salary (and status) between men and women in sports. 

Charlotte "Charli" Fern Higgins is more than surprised to wake up half naked with her friend Neil barely remembering the night before. But when she does she realizes they have made several HUGE mistakes - making out for sure, but getting married?!?! How could they do it? How could SHE? (who barely even date and if she does it's women). 

Cornelius Harmon Drake III - or in short, Neil - is also shocked he has done such a huge mistake. He was always attracted to Charli but he just broke with his girlfriend Iris and though he didn't love her it doesn't mean he wanted to be hitched to someone else, just thinking about the family drama is enough for him, and they are also LATE for the plane home to where both need to be ASAP for their respective hockey practice. 

As Neil's family owns their own jet company it's easy to get a ride home but what's much more complicated? Getting divorced and before that? dealing with the press, their friends and Neil's evil uncle. 

The Best Men by Sarina Bowen & Lauren Blakely

This book was BEYOND HOT. It was scorching! ~fans myself~ But putting that aside it was also a BEAUTIFUL love story. I really enjoyed the way their relationship progressed and how much these two fit even if from the outside you wouldn't think they would. There was just something about these two, on their own, that allowed the other person to blossom. A deep acceptance that neither of them felt before. It was EVERYTHING. 

We had a glimpse of these two in the prequel - "Super Hot Wingman". There's already a buildup on the "Enemies to Lovers" so when we start this one there's anticipation of what's going to happen next - Mark screwed up and he needs to deliver an apology as well as deal with everything he shouldn't have said about said HOT Wingman - Asher. 

By way of making it up to his sister, Mark Banks agrees to head over to Miami to check all the arrangements for the upcoming wedding of his beloved younger sister - Hannah - and her soon to be husband - Phillipe "Flip" Dubois. Lucky? Unlucky? for him he is sent with the other Best Man - Asher St. James - Flip's best friend. While Mark is ALL about spreadsheets, organizations and being hands on concerning EVERYTHING. Asher is a laid back kinda guy who had more beach and parties on his mind. Naturally he wanted to help his best friend, but he wasn't going about it as meticulously as Mark.. But he quickly learns Mark's spreadsheets has A LOT more than he could have even imagined..  There's a lot more to Mark on many aspects.. But first Asher needs to know -  

Boyfriend (Moo U #0) [Weston & Abbi] by Sarina Bowen

This book was the exact comfort read I needed. Had a few difficult days, with NO kindle (!)  but I knew there are no excuses when it comes to Sarina. Reading on my phone has been a struggle but I made it work as every page turned I fell for both our MCs. They were beautiful on their own, but together ~sigh~ I couldn't have asked for more. 

Both Abbi and Weston has their own personal issues the people around them know nothing about. It's easier for both of them this way as they need to focus on other things. For Abbi, it's finishing college early, finding a well paying job, enough to leave and be able to take care of herself without her step-father's help. She works 2 jobs, study hard, and somehow manages to keep her grades. It's only a few more months. She can feel it. She doesn't need distractions, especially not in a 'player' like Weston, but his offer is more than intriguing. 

Weston's life used to be quite ideal. Two loving parents, two siblings, playing the sports he loves. Things changed when his parents got divorced. Suddenly it's not such a bad thing being away from home studying at Moo U. It's trickier on the holidays which is why he posts an ad offering to be the perfect (fake) boyfriend (just) for Thanksgiving (if good food in on the menu). 

Moon Spell (Fated, #2) [Bellamy & Ashwood] by Christina Lee

This one was different then what I expected. Maybe my feelings towards it has something to do with just how SAD the whole story was. Both guys' life were pretty miserable. Well, Bellamy's life SEEMS happy at "Moon Flower", and yet he still kept a HUGE part of himself wraped in as many layers as he could but he couldn't really hide his true feelings, they were still there, always. While his pain was obvious as our sole POV, Ashwood's feelings were in a way even more evident. Every gesture, every word spoken - his love for Bellamy has no end. 

We've met Bellamy in the previous installment, it was more than hinted he might be a werewolf with a lover someone out there. It's all true but it's far more complicated than either guy at the establishment could have guessed. I'm not going to go into a lot of details about Bellamy's past decisions or what exactly happened between him and Ashwood. I'll just say they were everything to one another when Ashwood betrayed his trust. With everything they shared it broke his heart and ability to fully trust (himself and what he was becoming). Now, 2 years later, they have an oportunity to speak again and put everything that happened on the table. It might not be the best time as Bellamy is dying of the the Violet Fever. The cure Madam Langley found doesn't work for him, it might even make him worse and so Ashwood takes it upon himself to try and heal him. 

Waylaid (True North, #8) [Daphne & Rickie] by Sarina Bowen

OMG this book!!!! I feel like this could almost be categorized as Romantic Suspense. The elements to Richie's past put me on edge, and I just couldn't stand not knowing what happened. In a way I think that's why HE couldn't remember. I loved EVERYTHING about this book besides the fact it needed to end and I CLEARLY needed more. It somehow felt different than Sarina's books. I don't remember something as dark and suspenseful. I hope it's something she explores more and if I can suggest - PAUL! But I'm getting ahead of myself as this is Daphne and Richie's story. These two.. ~sigh~

Have you met the Shipleys? If the answer is no WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE? or rather what have you been doing with your life since 2016? I'll be the first to admit me and Griffin had our issues way back then but I'm a Sarina's fan through and though so I'm long passed it. Also now we have the True North World with so many authors and sub-genres all taking place in the same area. I'm saying there's A LOT to read but don't be overly intimidated, the series is seriously AWESOME and I truly think it would be better getting to know the other members of the family before delving into this one (though it's not an absolute must). But if you can't commit to 7 books I'd say at least read the previous one "Heartland" of Dylan (Daphne's twin brother) where Rickie is introduced as well. 

Moon Flower (Fated, #1) [Galen & Azriel] by Christina Lee

Beautiful, heartfelt and sexy. I'm not sure what I expected this one to be.. Especially with how Christina described it. It's mostly Historical Romance though it does have a little dab of Paranormal - a bit of "magic" sprinkled in. Galen and Azriel haven't been very fortunate growing up, also being gay in the times they were born is dangerous. They might have found a way of earning a living, at least for now, but it's not a real future. Seeing each other, feeling the attraction, the pull towards one another, makes them wish for something more. 

Galen had to leave the small town he grew up in after he was caught stealing. Ashamed of himself, and not wanting to cause any problems to his aunt who raised him he moves to the next town, earning a living (barely) by selling his body. He has a certain gift that helps his make a better decision when guys approach him, but he made a mistake which almost cost him his life. 

When the twins (Wren and Sparrow) came to his rescue he is unsure of the whole situation. They look like two angels. When he arrives at their home he is grateful for sure, but he also doesn't want what the lady of the house - Madam Langley - is offering anyone who stays there. He will pay his debt and go. What he didn't expect is Azriel.

Subtle Blood (The Will Darling Adventures, #3) by K.J. Charles

Beautiful, heartfelt and action packed. Really what more can you ask. I can't believe this is our goodbye from Will and Kim. I'm going to miss them! In this one we get more - a lot more - of Kim, his family and upbringing which definitely sheds light on the person he grew up to be. This whole book was seeing a different side of Kim. I was kind of surprised to see that in this book Kim is the one who is sure of his feelings towards Will, while Will needed to think and re-think the whole thing. He enjoys the time they spend together he dislikes when they are apart, but can there be a future for them? That's an answer he is unable to answer. 

Kim has been helping Will out in his 2nd hand book shop now that he is unemployed. But it doesn't change the fact Will is just a commoner and Kim comes from a whole different class. Will feels the effort Kim is making but it's still, at times, unnerving and it gets much more complicated as the book progresses. Their daily routine takes a turn when Kim's older brother (and heir to the family's title) is suspected of murder and Kim (together with Will naturally) decide to investigate the incident. Chingford (Kim's obnoxious brother) couldn't look guilties and he has reasons wanting Paul Fairfax dead.

Gametime (Moo U #4) [Pax & Naomi] by Jami Davenport

While I enjoyed this book, I can't say I loved it. Maybe it's me feeling so far away from the New Adult genre (or being at that age) it was a rounded up 4 star most of the time. There was a lot of angst from the MCs as well as the (deteriorating) relationship between the twins. At times I was exasperated with them but honestly, if they would have worked things out sooner it wouldn't have felt real, especially considering how young they are (21 years old). I needed to be patient with them in a way like they needed to be with themselves and realize their true priorities but also how to get there and not lose who they are and the people they hold close. It was quite a journey for the three of them (even if we don't really see what happened or WILL happen with Patrick). 

So why am I giving this book a 2 star rating? Because I can't ignore the ending. I don't want to spoiler anything, so I'll just say Jami dealt with a mental situation with one of the characters in a very unprofessional way and since this is MY field of study it really rubbed me the wrong way. I knew it was coming, there were enough hints and honestly if it didn't happen right at the end, I would have put the book aside. 

Bombshells (Brooklyn Bruisers #8) [Anton & Sylvie] by Sarina Bowen

What a pleasure this one was! It's been too long since I immersed myself in a book like this. I simply don't have the time and energy these days so sitting down with this book felt like basically being ME again. It also made me wish I could have the time to re-visit ALL the books in the series, included the much loved Ivy Years. If you've read those, there's a sweet surprise with a reappearance of the MCs from "The Year We Hid Away".

Anton Bayer, or as he's often called "Baby Bayer" enjoyed himself a bit too much the previous year resulting in almost losing his career. After a break in which he made himself a few serious promises as well as a punishing regimen he is finally back (and in shape) with the Bruisers hoping to show his true skills. 

After losing her mother not so long ago Sylvie Hansen didn't expect to be playing this year so when she gets invited to play for a new team - The Brooklyn Bombshells - she is all for it! Especially considering the man she believes she is going to marry plays for the "brother" team - The Brooklyn Bruisers. Yet the first person she meets on the ice from the team is Anton Bayer and both of them have a feeling there is something significant and special about the encounter. The meeting with Bryce Campeau doesn't go as well.. 

Heartscape (Vino and Veritas #2) [Tanner & Jax] by Garrett Leigh

Honestly I'm not sure how to review this book. It was SO intense. I wouldn't say it was angsty or maybe it was. These two silent types were hard for me to handle for some reason. It might have been the mood I was in I just wanted them to TALK and say what's on their minds. There were times they read each other's minds and yet there wasn't enough communication and Tanner would be the first to admit it's just something he is bad at. I don't now. I loved how they DID connect through sharing space together and getting to know each other though action and motions. It was quite special. 

Tanner Reid have been living in the town of Burlington for most of his life but now he is sort of lost. A job as a bar manager from Harrison (the owner and Vino and Veritas and the MC in the 1st installment "Featherbed" by Annabeth Albert) is literally a life-saver for him. He might not know anything about wine but he's willing to learn and surprisingly enough he now loves the job and the people who work for him. When a communal house burns down close to the bar he finds himself offering a stranger a place to stay. It's not something he would expect himself to do, but there is very little he is willing to deny his best friend Eve who considering the (complicated) relationship she have had forever with his brother is family or as close as he can get anyway. 

Pretty Wild (Boys in Makeup #3) [Skyler & Clark] by Christina Lee & Riley Hart

If there is a theme in this series I'd say it's how FREAKING ADORABLE all these couples are. This one was a DELICOUS slow burn best friends to lovers which is my absolute favorite trope. I read it in one sitting not wanting to put it down (also why I timed it on the weekend ;)). Skyler and Clark might seem to be polar opposites but I don't think they are and if they are they totally and absolutely complete each other. 

Skyler and Clark first met when they were 12 years old at gymnastics. Though they come from VERY different backgrounds they hit it off from the start. They might have not realized it at the time but they were each other's first crush. When Clark's parents saw the class brought somethings they weren't so pleased with they pull him out of the class and that's the last they see of one another until a very familiar face pops up on Skyler's Instagram. 

Featherbed (Vino & Veritas #1) [Harrison & Finn] by Annabeth Albert

This book was simply ADORABLE. I loved the whole feel of it. It was strange getting Sarina's Vermont in someone else's point of view, but it also made it somewhat more "real". While this wasn't a true full length novel I still felt like the arc both characters went through (mainly Harrison) was genuine. I think he needed a sort of "excuse" to live and Finn was exactly it. 

Harrison Phillip Fletcher III had a great life in New York as a lawyer but when he lost his job it felt like the right time to make a change - a big one - opening "Vino and Veritas" - a bookstore with a bar - in Burlington, the city his mother was born and raised in. This is HER dream but he is more than happy to make it come true for her. He has his reasons which were sweet but mostly sad. I loved his relationship with his mother, Harrison is such a loving and caring guy. 

Unpacking all the boxes the last box he expected to land on his front door is one containing a rare breed of chickens! It's a mistake in address so the right thing to do is contact the owner - enter Finn Barnes. He has been a farmer all of his life as so many generations before him. He loves his job but it does tend to suck all of his time. He isn't very patient with Harrison when he arrives to take his chickens to their new home mostly because seeing Harrison reminds him of his ex - and nothing good could ever come of that!

Home Plate (Easton U Pirates #2) [Mason & Dominic] by Christina Lee

This book! I have NO WORDS to describe how much I enjoyed it. Honestly can't remember the last time I wasn't just "sniffling" a bit, but down right crying, not being able to continue until my vision is cleared. Mason KILLED me and Dominic being all sweet and caring towards him only made it worse (for my tears). I finally understand why we need the new waterproof e-readers.

While this novel can be read as a standalone I think you'll get both characters a bit better if you start with "Bat Boy". Maybe I think this way because I could see a start of a change in Mason and couldn't wait to get my hands on this one! Dominic and Mason have been "circling" each other for a while now and not even as friends. They need to be able to work together on the team but grumpy Mason is making it VERY difficult. 

If you've read the first book you might be wondering who are these guys.. Well, I feel entitled to use their first names now that I've finished the book (and miss these guys already!) Mason Maclain is no other than Donovan and Hollister's roommate. While he sometimes acts like a douche he is just pessimistic and reserved and he has good reasons. He likes to play confident but it's easy to see it's all a façade. 

Roommate by Sarina Bowen

This book is one of those I feel like writing "A MUST READ" and being done with it. Honestly there is very little to add to that. It has anything I love in a book. Two endearing and wonderful characters, each battling with his own demons, finding solace in one another (even if it takes time to actually admit what they are hiding / dealing with or the fact they are friends..). A heart felt story of coming of age and finding yourself in your own world and naturally love. The best kind. The one we all wish for ourselves. 

While this is a standalone novel, it has quite a bit of a connection to Sarina's "True North" series. Both guys work at the "Busy Bean" owned by Zara Rossi Beringer and Audrey Kidder Shipley (having each her own story). Kieran being a Shipley has been mentioned in the books as being a great guy who keeps to himself. That being said I truly think this COULD be read as a stand alone and if you haven't read "True North" while I DO recommend it, the characters are older and  more mature than Kieran and Roderick. No matter where you're coming from my message is clear - READ THIS BOOK. 

As I've mentioned there is very little I actually knew about Kieran Shipley before this installment. 24 years old. Works HARD both at the "Busy Bean" as well as at an advertising agency, trying to find a future for himself. He has his reasons for leaving the family business of raising cows to his older brother Kyle. The atmosphere in his family couldn't be more uncomfortable. his parents not really getting a long, especially when he and Kyle are concerned, his father's disapproval of him and his brother trying to get a way from his duties by dumping them on him. He couldn't wait for Zara's tenant to leave so he could take the place for himself. It's bigger than he needs but he can look for a roommate to split the rent. The drive to both his jobs would be for shorter - and longer to his family's house the perfect excuse for keeping away - meaning he FINALLY gets to be free of the pressure. 

Loverboy (The Company #2) [Gunnar & Posy] by Sarina Bowen

This book was a real treat! With my schedule these days I don't have time or energy to read and I REALLY miss reading as I used to. Getting to read this incredible book was exactly what I needed. Loved the connection and interaction between Gunner and Posy. It was fun and light hearted and though their "falling apart" 15 years ago wasn't very pretty they mended their relationship beautifully. Gunner was exactly the confidence boost Posy needs right now, and for Gunner this is a real opportunity to consider what he wants in life. He isn't a kid anymore and he might have his reasons to avoiding New York but it's time to look the past square in the eyes. 

Gunner Scott grew up in New York but he didn't have the luxuries he currently has. It's easy for him to remember the struggles and the hard work he needed to put into everything he wanted. That's why he worked so hard as a bartender on "Paxton" hoping to get another promotion but it was stolen from him by the the boss' daughter. That was 15 years ago. Now he own a security company together with his best friend Max Bayer and he lacks for nothing. When Max asks him to help on a job as a barista for the same woman who stole his promotion he isn't thrilled.. But seeing Posy again brings back memories and most of them are of happy and fun times. Makes him wish he can rekindle what they used to have back then even if just until the job here is done. 

Bat Boy (Easton U Pirates #1) [Brady & Kellan] by Christina Lee

In one word this book was ADORABLE. Kellan and Brady have been circling around each other and wanting each other for a few months before we get into the story. They are both unsure about anything possible between them for more than one reason. Seeing them becoming friends and progressing into lovers was such a heartfelt journey. Their innocence was refreshing. I don't remember when was my previous New Adult and I liked that though their had their sexy times together it wasn't at all focused about that but about finding  something special in each other, in their companionship. 

Brady Donovan is the captain of the Easton U Pirates Baseball team. Things are going pretty great for him on his first year of college working hard on his studies and having fun on the field with his new team. He is living with two of his teammates - his best friend from childhood Trent Hollister and Maclain (who has his issues for sure) and is working his way to building some sort of friendship with the team's "Bat Boy" - the coach's son - Kellan. While they have fun teasing each other, Kellan always keeps a distance which frustrates Brady but he is persistent! There is something MORE about Kellan. Something he has never felt before.  Makes him question what he assumed about himself.. 

Lies & Lullabies (Hush Note #1) [Jonas & Kira] by Sarina Bowen

When I say I got into this book blind as a bat I MEAN IT. This book was waiting on my kindle and I was swamped studying for an exam. Once it was over I delved in. Haven't read the synopsis. I knew this series is going to be about a rock band but I was mildly surprised there was a girl involved.. (I was THAT out of it hehe). Also was surprised and not in a good way to realize this is a "surprise baby" trope which to say mildly isn't my favorite but I just exhaled trusting Sarina she knows what she's doing. I REALLY enjoyed this one, it wasn't what I was expecting on any level. It was an honest and mature love story that started when both MCs weren't honest OR mature but 5 years later they are both ready to face the truth and life differently. 

When "Rock-Star" Jonas Smith needed to take a summer off he found himself visiting a small town in Maine his mother used to talk about when he was as small kid. His days were peaceful and quiet, writing music and swimming in the lake. Exactly what he had in mind. It was also where he met Kira Cassidy. He didn't want a summer fling and it's the last thing she needed as well, which is how they became friends, spending time together, getting to know each other. Kira knew almost anything there is to know about Jonas, except for who he really is and that's part of the reason why after their final night together she hasn't contacted him with the consequences.. 

Have Mercy by Christina Lee

This book is EVERYTHING.  I don't know how and if I can review it, or rather if I can give it the justice it deserves. This book spoke to something so deep inside me. A whisper of the past, of who I used to be, of what I've been through and the horse that stood by my side, silent, observing, offering comfort. "Only takes one horse to get their hooks in you" That's the truth. His name was Comet. I made a sad and conscious decision years ago to put my love for horses aside. It's no wonder I chose the closest thing I could have inside my home - a Great Dane. This breed own my heart, for sure. But my horses are not and will never not be forgotten.

Julian North is lost. He used to have a "job", a purpose, but after his honorary discharge from the military he is left with a bad knee and nightmares (not only during the nights). He is having a hard time adjusting to life, especially in the big city. Yet when his mother suggests spending the summer in cousin's farm in Wyoming he isn't sure it's a good idea. He always liked Sienna and she needs his help in something he is good at and would enjoy doing - converting a silo into a small store - still he isn't sure about it. Once he gets there it doesn't take him long to fall in love with the place, and a certain person...

Better Be True (Harrison Campus #3) [Nico & Luke] by Anyta Sunday & Andy Gallo

This book was THE sweetest. I loved everything about it so it's no wonder I finished it literally in one sitting. I'm already sorry this series is over. I hope Anyta and Andy have more plans for collaborations in the future they work so beautifully together - Nico and Luke are a "living proof" of that. While this is not exactly friends to lovers as they haven't known each other for long, it's more of a close proximity to lovers, the easy friendship they established right from the start made the transition from "pretend" to real more than natural. Both men were after a very recent breakup so jumping into a new relationship wasn't the best bet, but I think as both haven't experienced THIS kind of a connection, it was easy to put aside the heartache to build something real.

We've met Nico Giacomo Amato in the previous installment. He's
Isaiah roommate and best friend. While he's definitely the guy who knows how to have fun he doesn't seem to be able to keep any guy long term. People consider him to be "too much" - too touchy-feely, too colorful and too loud. But that's just who he is, and being anything else is simply unacceptable so when Tomas dumps him for exactly these reasons it hurts. That's exactly the moment his sister Elisa asks him to take over arranging her wedding and he NEEDS the distraction. Only problem is, he has to find a place in Philly for the summer to be able to do that and while he generally has the means to do it, he would rather find something cheap. That's where Luke comes in.

Lucas "Luke" DeRosa had it all figured out. He's the man with the plan. Always. So this time it's not different. After 9 months together (mostly long distance) he and Kent are going to share an apartment in Philly and work together in the law firm both are doing their internship in. That's when he gets an Email - an Email (!) - from Kent ending their relationship. As he's already signed his lease with Mrs. Randazzo for a one bedroom apartment - he cannot afford on his own - he doesn't know what to do. Looking for someone to share freaks him out but with his best friend and roommate Coury's encouraging him he puts an ad and hopes for the best.