Mr Fairfax, Mr West and the Meet Cute (Love, Austen #0.5) [Josh & West] by Anyta Sunday

I loved this series and this short novella (though not based on a Jane Austen novel) was a fun way of getting a bit more. For anyone who hasn't read the series it's also a wonderful introduction to one of my absolute favorite series of all times. 

Josh Fairfax is going to a Jane Austen retreat. He isn't thrilled his ex (Cassius) is going to be there and when he sees him with his new boyfriend he is even more annoyed. Cassius is like a mirror of everything Josh isn't and couldn't be - fun and / or interesting (beyond his academic knowledge). When his friend Noah (the MC from the last installment) sends him a photo of a guy just when they arrive at their destination he somehow shows him off as his new boyfriend, not realizing Noah got the photo from the retreat's photo albums - meaning - Mr. West is one of the hosts for this whole week. Yet while our innocent Josh stumbles through his first meeting with West Churchill, West turns to be a total "rake", enjoying the whole idea of having a bit of unexpected fun. 

A Dashwood of Sense & Sensibility (Love, Austen, #6) [Zach & Brandy / Noah & Wade] by Anyta Sunday

I don't think there's a book more fitting to end 2021 and begin 2022. It's finishing a year and starting a new one with a smile. It's saying goodbye, heart broken yet full of hope. This is now my absolute favorite series EVER. It's beautiful and heartfelt, tender and raw with the most delicious slow burn. The one to finish the series was a bit different having two (!) couples instead of one and somehow it worked better than I would have thought. It wasn't all jumbled together and even when it was a bit (nearing the end) it was still somehow very clear with a place for each of the couples to grow and find their way into each other's arms. 

 Zachary and Noah Dashwood used to live in a beautiful home, decorated with art done by their loving father who recently passed. Due to his debts the brothers had no other option but to sell the house to the Ferrars family who couldn't have been more condescending and mean about it. While Noah used to be a good friend of Franny Ferrars, their friendship was destroyed long ago. They have a temporary place to live in, but they need to find a new one ASAP and generally a better way to support themselves. 

Elliot, Song of the Soulmate (Love, Austen #5) [Elliot & Wentworth] by Anyta Sunday

Honestly I don't have anything to say except for READ IT! If I can add another line it would be - but don't you DARE neglect the other ones in the series. 

I waited WAY to long before starting this one and that is only because for the past two weeks I don't have an e-reader and for me, reading on the phone, feels like punishment. But I missed reading and this one was calling my name so I opened the Kindle app last night and..... Read until it was WAY too late only to finish it in the morning. I was SO disappointed it simply ENDED. Which is by the way, my only "complaint". I'm happy these two found their way back to each other, seeing them apart, longing for what they had broke my heart to too many pieces. 

This book was simply everything. Everything I could have wished for or wanted, everything to find in your HEA. It had the right amount of aching and longing coupled with heartfelt romance between two teenagers with a lot of hopes and dreams for a better future as well as down to earth grown ups who lost hope on that bright future. I also really appreciated the way Elliot and Wentworth changed throughout the years yet stayed the same where it mattered which is why with all the hurt they couldn't be mean to one another. They were just as heartbroken meeting 15 years later realizing (again) what they had lost. 

Finley Embraces Heart & Home (Love, Austen #4) [Finley & Ethan] by Anyta Sunday

This book was EVERYTHING. It was also quite frankly TORTURE. If you put social norms a side for a second (or a few hours at least ;)) it's one of the purest romances I've ever read. Fin and Ethan's love story was tender and heartfelt. It started when they were young, so very young, and though they tried their best to simply be what society - and mostly their parents - wanted them to be, at a certain point it hurt too much. Like with the previous ones this is another re-telling of Jane's Austen novels, this one being "Mansfield Park" (which I haven't read or seen before). Also, we only get one POV - Finely - and while Ethan's emotions were so very obvious I have a feeling being in HIS head would have been an even greater torture. Fin was always more true to who he is and what he wants, for Ethan it was different with what his father tried tough-loving him to be. 

Finely Price's life crashed down (the second time) when at 15 his mother announces she is going to marry Tom Bertram. As he is still struggling with losing his father, moving into Tom's mansion - Mansfield - is too much too soon. Tom tries to include Finley, be friendly and accommodating but he won't have it. He wanted to hate Tom's son - Ethan - as well, but it simply wasn't possible. As Ethan puts it "You can always try to". They become fast friends. There is something so easy in communicating with each other. Ethan struggles a lot with his emotions, with what he wants or being expected to be (which isn't what his father has in mind) so simply BEING with Fin who says and expresses his feelings openly was liberating . 

There IS something else under the surface, surely from Fin's side, and yet their connection and friendship has always stayed platonic. Loving, caring, yet still keeping a certain distance. Their first kiss is shared 2 years later, on Ethan's graduation party, right before he leaves for a year of traveling in Europe. This sweet and tender kiss should have lasted them the two years apart with a hope (not even a promise) things could be different later on. 

Bennet, Pride Before the Fall (Love, Austen #3) [Bennet & Darcy] by Anyta Sunday

I have no words to describe just HOW MUCH I loved this one. I read it in one sitting and was SO sorry to say goodbye to these two which is exactly how I felt after I finished the previous ones. I don't even know where to start so let's first put is out there that this is a modern take on "Pride and Prejudice" (by Jane Austen). As I haven't actually read the novel, I don't really know how or to what to compare it exactly but for me what matters is how much I connected to the story and the characters which I firstly attribute to Anyta and her wonderful style of writing. We only get Bennet's POV (similar to the other installments) which is enough yet I REALLY wanted to be in Darcy's head and heart understand his struggles and he had many - not only concerning Bennet but so much more. 

We haven't met Bennet Keene before. He returned to the small village of Cubworthy to care for his 15 year old brother Lyon after their parents death. Right now it's his main goal in life. After years of being apart from his brother (and parents) he wants to make it right, to make him feel comfortable and welcome - being gay like him (especially after his parent's rejection) - in their now family of two as well as the small community. He would also LOVE to find the right guy for himself but with his very specific list of requests it won't be easy. It sounds basic - be proud - of himself as well as Bennet. But Bennet can be judgmental and  principled - not the easiest to get along with.  

Darcy Tilney.. yep, we've met HIM before alright and he didn't make a big or rather positive impression.. Darcy is Henry and Georgie's father from the previous installment. If you haven't read the previous one - first it's a shame as it's simply SUPERB but also, I think considering the progression of the previous book as well as the abrupt way it ended (regarding the father and son) it's better you read it first. Anything I'll say next about Darcy is going to spoiler anyone who hasn't read "Cameron Wants to Be a Hero" - be advised. 

Cameron Wants to Be a Hero (Love, Austen #2) [Cameron & Henry] by Anyta Sunday

~sigh~ This book was totally and absolutely IMPOSSIBLE to put down. I read till 3 am! I don't think I moved (more than changing positions) the whole time. This book really touched me. I felt a deep connection with Cameron. Henry was SUCH a sweet heart, he had his own struggles, but even though we didn't get his POV it was obvious how much he wanted, no, craved having something real with Cameron. This is novel, like the previous installment, and like all the others to come, is based on one of Jane Austen's novel. This one being "Northanger Abbey". 

Cameron Morland life is no garden of roses. He lives in his father's house while he is away - now needing to evict in a few weeks notice since his father decided to return (and where to?!). He works with his brother Brandon whom he loves dearly but his job isn't the one he truly wants. He wants to write screen plays not (as his father puts it) be his brother's secretary. His love life is non existent which is no wonder really with how shy and introverted he is. He feels truly uncomfortable in crowded places. He would rather spend time with the few friends he has like Lake and Knightly. Too bad these two are going on vacation and renting their house in the meantime to two siblings - Isabella and John - whom I wanted to MURDER on every appearance. 

Better For You (Harrison Campus #3.5) [Charlie & Evan] by Anyta Sunday & Andy Gallo

Like the previous ones, this was a sweet heartfelt story of two guys coming from very different backgrounds yet having so much in common. Both being shy and a bit insecure not being sure the other was interested but when the two of them were left all along in the dorms on Christmas break it was just the time for finding courage to go after what they wanted. 

The story is told from both guys so it's easy to see how much this new relationship was affecting them. Evan Tergen might be very wealthy but it's exactly why he feels insecure about guys, thinking they are just into his family's wealth. It doesn't help that people perceive him as being stupid because of his learning disabilities. Charlie O’Leary is on a scholarship, while he was interested in Evan before he thought someone like him would never even look at someone from such a different background as well as a geek (and not sporty like Evan). 

Emerett Has Never Been in Love (Love, Austen #1) [Emerett & Knight] by Anyta Sunday

The only thing regretful about this book - it had to end. Lucky for us, in less than two weeks the next one ("Cameron Wants to Be a Hero") will be out and hopefully it means we'll get glimpses into Emerett and Knight's lives, now as an established couple. This book was beyond cute. I loved both Emerett and Knight and though it wasn't always easy to understand what the older knight found in Emerett, I was head over heels for Knight so really I can totally get why ANYONE would fall for him. 

The whole story is told from Emerett “Lake” Lakewood POV. He 25 years old and though he wishes his life was more put together like some of his friends and neighbors he's still a "work in progress". He has been living for a while with his best friend Taylor and his fiancé but not that they are married and gone on their honeymoon he reverts back to Taylor's home growing up (where he used to spend a lot of time as well), now only having one person living in it - Taylor's father - Knight. Knight is a comforting and reassuring figure for Emerett but he also doesn't have any problem with telling Emerett how it is. Yet he is kind and loving and is everything Emerett needs to feel settled. 

Spring (Signs of Love, #0.6) [Flynn & Jack] by Anyta Sunday

I was in the mood for something fun and easy and this one gave me all the feels I wanted. Flynn and Jack are adorable together and though I kinda wish we got Jack's POV as well, it made it in a way sweeter this way. It's obvious what Jack wants - he wants Flynn! But Flynn.. Sweet sweet Flynn is too scared to say out loud what he knew back in high-school - he is a fool for Jack Jenkins. 

How to Evict a Hot Jock in Three Weeks (How to Love #2) [Alexander & Logan] by Anyta Sunday

I LOVED LOVED LOVED this book. It was just FUN in the most unlikely way. I mean, you'd think Alexander and Logan wouldn't get along but somehow they did even when they didn't hehe. I'm not the kind of person to bet on anything and if I did I would NEVER play with SUCH high stakes but for both Logan and Alexander they were in a place they needed to prove a point not exactly to the other person but for themselves and I think this is what made them keep this bet for so long, or rather, right up until the end. So who lost? You'd need to read and see :)

Alexander Kress might have a house he loves and a job he enjoys as a art curator, but his life is rather empty. His strict and critic way he looks at the world (himself included) doesn't allow for mistakes. Which makes it hard to find a special someone for himself but not easy also in renting a room in his place to anyone he can put up with. When his brother Nico finds him a rather okay guy to rent the room to, he offers a bet, if Alexander can't handle the guy for 3 weeks he'll have to swap places with him for a year. Alexander shudders at the thought but he is willing to commit this time. How bad could this guy be?

Winter (Signs of Love, #0.5) [Caspian & Eli] by Anyta Sunday

This short novella was THE sweetest thing EVER. I LOVED IT. I'm so sad it's no longer available! I really hope Anyta would bring it back!!! Caspian and Eli have been the best of friends since they were teens, living and studying in far away places makes both of them miserable and that's without admitting to themselves they wish for more than they have in this friendship. 

Best friends to lover is my absolute favorite trope so it's not wonder I'm all over this novella. Caspian has been trying to find his "guy" for the longest time, going through all the astrological signs but no one feels right. He doesn't feel comfortable with any of them especially not to proceed to something a bit more. 

Cancer Sweetens Aquarius (Signs of Love #5.5) [Reid & Sullivan] by Anyta Sunday

This is short, TOO DAMN SHORT. Reid and Sullivan are one of my absolute favorite couples in this series. Their book was HILLARIOUS but it was also heartfelt and beautiful. I don't know what took me so long to get to this short novella - or rather scene. But after 2 (!) disappointments today I was more than ready to get a compensation. 

When Joanna (Sullivan's daughter) is unhappy after her boyfriend and his family leave the marina they are stationed on both men would do ANYTHING to make her happy. Which means Reid is all for everything sugary - Sullivan not so much. Which is what makes Reid bust out her Christmas present. 

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.

Better Have Heart (Harrison Campus #2) [Isaiah & Darren] by Anyta Sunday & Andy Gallo

This book! THIS BOOK! I don't really know what to say and certainly not where to start. I LOVED IT. I loved everything about it. I want everyone to read it. It was a PERFECT slow burn. It took these two FOREVER to actually act on their feelings (which was more than understandable considering the circumstance they were in). It allowed them to actually get to know each other and make the first move when the feelings were already there and it meant much more to both of them.

We've met Darren Gage in the first installment of this series "Better Be Sure" (though this book could TOTALLY be read as a standalone (just be advised there is  a little spoiler related to the first book). He started as being the "bad guy", not for his actions but for the lack of, as a friend of Harper he stood by when he was being a total douche. But near the ending he realized he couldn't just stand there and do nothing and so he made the right move and from there things have changed for him in the fraternity though his personal situation just got worse (not that anyone knew about that..)

Darren is born of money. A LOT of money. But it doesn't mean his life is easy. Well, it used to be until he came out of the closet and his father, who was one of the closest people in his life, totally and absolutely shut him from his life. He was crashed. His only hope of proving his father he is not a total failure and disappointment is "winning" the family's scholarship. As one of Darren's ancestors helped found Harrison College, each year there is a scholarship including a position in the family business to a student who wins out of all participants. Yet in a year a Gage is in school the scholarship automatically goes to him as it was meant to be for the family first. Yet this year things are a bit different...

Better Be Sure (Harrison Campus #1) [Jack & Ed] by Anyta Sunday & Andy Gallo

It's been a while since I've read a book resembling this one. In a way it's a typical New Adult, yet there is something about both characters as well as the setting of a college sorority that almost made these two (and the people around them) feel even younger than they actually were. Yet both MC are dealing with difficult issues - Jack with the loss of his parents and Ed with financial problems which also impact his struggle with coming out as gay. 

Jackson Murphy and Marcus Reynolds are best friends, just like their dads used to be. They are even sharing the same exact room their fathers shared in their own years at Harrison college. Yet the excitement is more bitter than sweet considering the accident that resulted in the death of both Jack's parents. He is still dealing with it, having panic attacks but Marcus' presence helps. 

Jack loves a fun bet, but when he finds himself betting said room as well as his place in the sorority against coming with a date to a dance he starts to doubt his ability considering his bad luck dating guys from college. His hope is renewed, at least for a little bit, when he meets Ed. 

Marc Jillson & The Gazebo (Love Inscribed #2) [Marc & Hunter] by Anyta Sunday

I ADORED this book. Marc, Hunter, the issues the book dealt with, everyone who was given a second chance - in romance or generally in life. There was so much optimism and also acceptance. Let's be honest, Marc wasn't always a "good guy", if you've read "Liam Davis & The Raven" you might recall, but even if you didn't, Marc takes ownership on his behavior, only thing is, he isn't sure how to actually express his apology and mostly how to BECOME the person who DESERVED to be forgiven or maybe just accepted. His struggle is even more intense with Hunter but it's also complex with his uncle Ben (whom we've met as Chief Benedict the guy in charge of the "Scribe" newspaper). 

As I don't want to spoiler the previous book I'll just start by saying Marc Jillson was HIGHLY affected by the occurrence of last year leaving him isolated. Most of it was self imposed. He simply couldn't step outside of the basement he lives in with his uncle Ben, spending his time playing online games and eating Cheetos - that's how or rather where he "met" DeMage. They play the game together, or rather DeMage keeps saving him, but they also chat quite a lot about their lives. Yet once DeMage reveals he has figured out who he is, things change. Marc would never have guessed it's actually Travis Hunter who also works at the "Scribe". The same guy he more than just rude to more times than he can count. 

Cancer Ships Aquarius (Signs of Love #5) [Reid & Sullivan] by Anyta Sunday

This book was such a treat! I haven't read ANYTHING this month, I was busy with life in general, and somehow when the day ended I found myself falling asleep with my kindle forgotten. When Friday came and with it Valentine's Day I decided this is going to be my very own chocolate box I'll be gifting myself.

I was hooked to this book right from the start. The whole story is told from Reid Glover's POV and while I would have LOVED to be inside Sullivan's head I understood why it was better this way plot-wise. Reid is in a very tight spot. His two best friends are going to travel the world together, first meaning he's all on his own now, and secondly and not less important - he has no place to stay.. His only chance is a job as a manny he was offered through a relative (If you've been reading this series you actually know him - Callaghan Glover from "Scorpio Hates Virgo"). With a very colorful CV and shaking legs he boards the Bell's yacht "Aquarian" hoping for the best but certainly expecting the worst and when a 13 years old Joanna greets him with a very unconventional job description he finds he is somehow unable to say no to the offer, even after he realizes he has made a bit of a fool out of himself earlier this morning in front of his real boss - Joanna's father - Sullivan Bell.

(Un)Masked by Anyta Sunday & Andy Gallo

Looking at the cover of this one I kept humming "The Phantom of the Opera" while reading it, but though there's a theater involved and a guy in a mask, there is NO resemblance what-so-ever. This is a sad story of three guys who just wanted to be loved. There were quite a few crushing moments in this one that at a certain point I wasn't sure we're even going to get a happy ending. But we did. Even if prices were paid for it to happen.

Jaydan "Jay" Walker is living with is best friend and "brother" Graham "Gristle" Thistle. They only have each other and though it's hard to navigate life they do their best, even dreaming of producing a play together. Jay being the writer and Gristle being in charge of all the rest. But first they need to find a theater that would actually give them a chance to put a play together.. Jay is starting to lose faith in finding anyone willing to put their production. Hope comes from entirely different direction when Jay hears a beautiful tune from a young accordion player.

Dragons of Drupes by Anyta Sunday

Though this isn't my usual go-to (to say the least) I still enjoyed the ride. It's a Paranormal Young Adult Mystery all-in-one! The story is quite complicated, took me a while to get into it, but once I did, I was totally hooked by our 4 teenagers looking for a stolen gem in different countries and dimensions! Even when it was hard to keep up, it was still SO engaging! Also the dynamics between the 4 friends was interesting, kept evolving and strengthening. I feel like this one could EASILY be a series of these 4 solving cross-dimensional mysteries. Would be cool!

Drake lives in a very strange magical home with 4 other residents, all of them are 16 years old, running away from a horrible life circumstances. Why strange magical home you wonder? First because each floor opens up to a different city/country - Germany, England, New Zealand.. But also you can venture through it to different dimensions / a somewhat parallel universe. While Drake, Jack, Terry and Faye aren't really friends they find a way to manage a household together, and even solve mysteries. In this one they don't really have a choice. As their house is threatened, their only way out is helping a German detective find who stole the "Red Beryl" and retrieve it.

Happy for You (Love and Family #3) [Mort & Felix] by Anyta Sunday

It's my fault I'm dead tired or maybe it's Anyta's? I just COULD NOT and WOULD NOT put this book down. I did in the end, well, not in the VERY end, I just MADE myself go to sleep then woke up early to finish it. Hence - tired, but mostly stupidly HAPPY FOR myself and naturally Felix and Mort. ~sigh~ I wasn't ready for this one. When it started I didn't know where it was going -  what we got was a heart ache, heart felt story. The slow building of the romance but first the re-building of a friendship that was meant to be so much more.

We've already met Mort Campbell in the previous installments but while he seemed like a great guy - and he is! Finally getting his story as well as him getting his HEA was a treat. Mort didn't have a "real" family. Only a father who ignored him, so now that his father is gone he is truly on his own especially since his "adopted" family is out of the picture as well. It was his fault for leaving but he seemingly had a good reason. Or so it seemed at the time..

A year has gone by and Mort truly misses the Rochester family. His ex-best-friend Michael (he used to be able to fondly call Roch), Tiffany the teenager and the little twins April and May, their mother Dolores who used to be like a mother to him, but mostly he misses Felix though he probably shouldn't think about how he makes him feel.. He shouldn't.. But he's back now and he's going to make amends with everyone in this family. They meant and still mean so much to him. No matter what happened he cannot leave them again. He's here to stay.