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. 

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. 

The Geek Who Saved Christmas by Annabeth Albert

Usually I'm a HUGE fan of Annabeth, but this one, I'm not sure why simply didn't grab me. I tried, I got to the middle of it, but realized I don't want to. Both MCs are cute, on their own and together, and I guess I just don't really need to know what happens. I don't have anything negative to say, I'm just not interested which feels.. mmm.. strange.  

Gideon Holiday and Paul Frost have been neighbors for years but didn't really interact. Like their names suggest - Gideon in bubbly and friendly and Paul is the kind to keep to himself. When the holidays arrive Paul accepts Gideon's offer to decorate the outside of his house FOR him to help the neighborhood effort. It's not a struggle for Gideon who actually doesn't have anything else planned for the month of December. He also willingly accepts Paul's request to make his house (the inside of it) worthy for Paul's younger brother and his soon to be wife. 

Cherish (Skins #3.6) [Harry & Joe] by Garrett Leigh

This was a sweet and endearing novella of my favorite couple in the series - Harry and Joe. Now happily married for 10 years they are contemplating the next step. It's something they both want yet unable to articulate to themselves or each other. 

I was a bit frustrated with both of them for not being able to communicate with each other. At least at first. Maybe I was being a bit harsh. Harry sort of dropped a "hot potato" into Joe's lap, accusing him of not being able to see himself, his worth and because of that not being able or ready to take the next step in their relationship but in a way Harry wasn't ready too. He was accusing Joe of something he himself was struggling with. It took both time apart to think, consider and re-consider what they have and what they COULD have before an honest conversation could be made.

Christmas Mountain by Garrett Leigh

A sweet love story between two friends who were separated due to unfortunate life circumstances. Fen and Rami have been working together, Fen as a prison officer and Rami as a social worker / probation officer. We even met the two through Dante Pope ("Salvation", the 3rd installment of the Darkest Skies series). But exactly when everything SEEMED to progress they parted ways. Rami's brother died leaving his baby boy in Rami's care and right around that time Fen was mortally injured. When Rami returned to his job after a short leave to deal with the care of his nephew he found Fen long gone. 

Two years later and Rami Stone couldn't handle it anymore. He got into the car with little Charlie and his things and drove to Christmas Mountain, where his sister Safia McCade lives with her husband and kids. He isn't sure WHAT he expected exactly. He couldn't leave Charlie behind, not after a second thought. Charlie WOULD be happy there, but will Rami be without him? He also couldn't stay as his job was too far from Safia's house, not to mention how isolated it is and this time of year SO COLD. 

Fen Hawthorne life has changed for sure. Returning to his family's property on Christmas Mountain his life is much more relaxed even if the events that happened two years ago have left their scars - physical and emotional. He is better now, but he is still missing what he could have had with a man he couldn't forget. Which is why he is more than surprised when the car stuck near his gate is no other than Rami's. 

Teddy Spenser Isn't Looking for Love by Kim Fielding

Where to begin? ~sigh~ I didn't like this book. Simply didn't. If it wasn't an audio version I wouldn't have finished it. Teddy Spenser isn't a likeable guy and / or hero material (IMO). I didn't see what Romeo found in him and even if I did, their relationship developed VERY strangely. From a dislike to a "like-like" WAY too fast, as well as the whole progression of the relationship. I understand that spending a few days together 24/7 makes a different impact than regular "dates", and yet, it was still totally and absolutely ridiculous. 

I don't know how old Teddy Spenser is (or Romeo for that matter). But he feels early 20s. He has been working at an innovative company, on the marketing side. He is tasked to work on a special project with Romeo Blue the software guy. Teddy has A LOT of assumptions on the guy. Most of them are either mean or just plain negative. That's with barely speaking to the guy. Granted he has his own office, unlike the others who work in cubicles, yet it seems like no one gives him any credit or tries to figure the guy out. 

The company is in a very sensitive place, unsure if they'll even survive due to lack of funds so when a VERY rich and influential (former?) designer offers to take a look and consider the project, Teddy is HIGHLY motivated. Meeting her is a dream come true, he just didn't think he'll do it with Romeo by his side. 

Landline by Rainbow Rowell

I'm sorry for what I'm going to write in this review as I feel like it's not going to be very nice. It's my personal opinion (obviously) and should be taken as such. I added this book through a recommendation and read a few other very positive reviews when I finally decided to add it so .. take all of that into consideration. For me this book can be described with just one word - 'Pointless'. Also, generally speaking "nothing happened", it was mostly in our MC's head. Which was strange as it wasn't written in 1st person - which felt even stranger on an audio book. 

 Georgie McCool knows what she wants, for me it feels like she wants to "eat the world" but not always willing to pay the price. Her main focus is her own TV show. She is VERY close to achieving this goal but her family - husband and 2 daughters - are standing in her way. Rather, the family vacation to Neal's mom on Christmas is timed all wrong for her latest deadline. Granted it IS a very important one but it's also seems like the way she lives. She LOVES her husband but he is just there behind the scenes, taking care of the house, the kids, her (as she can't even cook basic food). He career is FAR more important to her than anything else in her life. She might say "Neal, Neal, Neal" a thousand times throughout this book, but spoken truthfully, it's obvious through even move she made throughout the years, she expected Neal (with the kids) to follow and accept the fact she basically lives with her "best friend" (co-writer) in their office. She spends far more time with him. I could see why Neal was jealous even if he didn't really expressed that. 

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 -  

Super Hot Wingman (The Best Men Prelude) by Sarina Bowen & Lauren Blakely

This was a great prelude to the romance between Mark and Asher. I really like this teaser idea! Getting to know a little bit about both MCs (from their own POVs) as well as the general setting was fun. 

Mark Banks isn't thrilled when his sister meets Flip and falls head over heels with him in a matter of weeks, moving in with him and now engaged to be married. 

Mark is TOO familiar with hasty decisions and their consequences and he doesn't wish those on his sister. Especially considering her previous disastrous relationships... 

Must Be Santa (Better Not Pout, #1.5) by Annabeth Albert

A sweet Christmas treat. A bit like the full novel - "Better Not Pout"- was for me (even if I don't celebrate this holiday). Nick Nowicki and Teddy MacNally are a formed couple now. Happily married living their best life. When Teddy catches Nick looking at their spare bedroom saying "Maybe", things starts to change. From thinking about extending their family, to actually doing something about it. 

The possibility presents itself sooner than they expected and not exactly AS they expected it to be but it's here and they are needed so even with Nick's reluctance (mostly worries) they jump right into it.

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. 

Sailor Proof (Shore Leave #1) [Derrick & Arthur] by Annabeth Albert

It feels like it's been a while! Not sure I remember how to review a book hehe. I'll start by saying - though I enjoyed this book it wasn't my favorite. I liked both MCs, especially getting both their POVs but something was somehow missing. I think I would preferred a different focus. The first part of the book where Derrick and Arthur get to know each other was filled with family and friends where these two could barely find a break. At that point I didn't care that much about anyone else and then when they were finally getting somewhere outside the family vacation it was glossed over. I would have actually enjoyed getting to see how they fit in everyday life more if it makes any sense. 

Naval Chief Derrick Fox dedicated his life to his military career and considering he doesn't really have anything going on outside his service it's no wonder he is so invested in advancing as soon as possible. With his best friend Calder by his side (who is as ambitious as him) he's in a good place. Well, he IS sick of his ex's new conquer flaunting how happy they are together and them getting to share "the first kiss" (when they arrive to shore) only makes him more annoyed with the whole thing. Wanting to help Derrick extract a bit of harmless tease Calder offers his little brother as Derrick's new boyfriend, waiting for him on the shore. Neither of them expected what would happen - from the heart stopping kiss they shared to spending a whole family vacation together when the little "scheme" escalated a bit out of hand. 

Total Creative Control (Creative Types #1) [Lewis & Aaron] by Joanna Chambers & Sally Malcolm

I went into this one mostly blind. Didn't know what it was about and when I opened my Kindle App on my phone (yeah, still no e-reader!) I didn't care. I just needed to read and I was curious of Joanna writing Contemporary. I'll sum it by saying Joanna together with Sally (whom I didn't know) collaborated WONDERFULLY with this one. I can't wait for the next ones in the series. I want to say it was a PLEASURE to read, but it would sound a bit untruthful as some parts were VERY difficult for me to read (and for the characters to endure). 

Lewis Hunter is the creator and writer of the hit TV show "Leeches". He is brilliant at what he does, but he is also the worst boss and since he needs a PA, they mostly don't last the week leaving Lewis even more frustrated. When he meets Aaron Page for the first time he immediately feels it's a match made in heaven and even though Aaron came originally for just a week he stayed for three years, becoming invaluable to Lewis (and the show). They work great together, Aaron has the best ideas and he made something very special for the show when he bluntly asked Lewis on their first day not to kill off a side character. It impacted the show tremendously but it had more undercurrents than just that. 

Aaron has been a fan of the show even before getting the job, he is also an avid Fanfic writer well known in the Fandom. It might just be a PA job but working with Lewis is everything he could have wished for, even if originally just for a week. Getting to know Lewis, seeing the impact he has on him and the show, makes him want to stay even more even if it means putting aside or even considering his future. Also while others had a difficult time working with Lewis, it was somehow quiet easy for Aaron to understand Lewis' POV and his little quirks. His attraction to his boss annoys him but he is determined to ignore it as it's more than obvious they are a great team together!

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. 

Salvation (Darkest Skies, #3) [Dante & Sid] by Garrett Leigh

Beautiful. SO beautiful. If you've read the 1st installment you already know who Dante Pope is and you probably have zero sympathies for him. He made his brother's life – and so many others – living hell. I think Dante wants to believe in redemption but it's so hard to conceptualize with the life he lived and the decisions he made. Nothing could make it right and people doesn't really change. Yet the last two years in prison did make some sort of difference for him. It's not that he learned how to (take) care for people, but starting out with planets seems to work. This is how he finds himself, once release, working as the gardeners' help at Wilburn Manor (so far away from London and his not so far past). 

Sid Harrison doesn't WANT any help, but he needs it. For the past two years a chronic illness has wrecked his life and the person he used to be. Constant pain and various neurological disfunctions are his daily routine now, so when his boss (and sometimes friend) Benjamin Heath not so much offers him help in the form of the fresh out of prison – gorgeous looking – Dante his first reaction is – this ISN'T how he should be feeling about the guy but also, he might as well use the help offered. 

Dante and Sid simply get along. Dante is hard working and quiet and while he sees all of Sid's difficulties (better than he should maybe) he doesn't treat him like Ben and Anna (his twin sister) does – someone who needs constant chaperoning (as seems to not be able to care for himself). There's honestly and respect in Dante's eyes and appreciation too. His own feelings towards Dante hasn't changed from his initial reaction to Dante's photo (they only deepened) but acting upon it is complicated. 

Lars (Witches of London #1) [Lars & Rhys] by Aleksandr Voinov

I don't know how to classify this book but what I can say is I simply couldn't connect with it. I think it would have been better for me with dual POV. Lars' beliefs are his own and generally speaking it doesn't matter to me that he is Pagan or the specifics of it, there was just TOO MUCH of it. I've read enough Paranormal novels so I tried thinking about this one as such, but it ISN'T. While some things I CAN believe in most of his and his friends' beliefs, it was still very alien to me. I don't want to sound disrespectful because I DO realize some people live this way, including Aleksander who I've heard practices some sort of Paganism(?), I have no issue with that, on the contrary I'm a real advocate to "you do you". That being said, I'm not that curious to the "ins and outs" of these beliefs being a firm atheist. 

Not much happens romantically in the first 3rd of the story. Lars Kendall has a builder company. He accepts a job fixing Rhys Turner's house. From their first meeting Lars seems more than intrigues with the guy but he is a professional so even when Rhys shares he is gay - the first move doesn't come from him. There's also a lot to be revealed about Rhys' current decisions with the house and it's location considering how he used to live before. Some was disclosed but I feel like there's still quite a lot more.

The main story wasn't Lars and Rhys but Lars' Pagan belief and his new found friendship with a group of gay practitioners. Honestly this is what mostly put me off of this story. Their overly perfect connection and the heavy emphasis on Paganism/ Magick. 

Up in Smoke (Hotshots #4) [Brandt & Shane] by Annabeth Albert

This was a surprise! I took my time to schedule this one (and the previous one) as I wasn't sure about this series, and I gotta say I didn't expect to enjoy this one as much as I did! I've read almost EVERYTHING Annabeth has written, she is clearly one of my favorite authors ,but seeing the baby on the cover and reading the synopsis made me question myself. I shouldn't have. It was a beautiful heartfelt story and I loved it to pieces!

This is one of those, boy meets girl, they enjoy a night together and then... well.. then the morning after he meets her brother as his parachute instructor. While the girl was totally unmemorable, the boy he couldn't stop thinking about.. A year goes by before Shane and Brandt meet again and it's not exactly what either had in mind... 

You'd think the carefree Shelby Travis and Brandt Wilder would be a great fit, but all they did was share a night together neither would have found remarkable. Yet Shelby got pregnant and while she thought it's a good idea to have the baby, but soon after she started second guessing herself and she ended up leaving 2 months old Jewel in Shane's arms and disappear into the void. While this is his sister's typical behavior, Shane doesn't see himself as being able to care for a baby so he starts by looking for the father and see how he feels about becoming a parent (truth been told he doesn't have high hopes for Brandt as well..). Brandt sure is surprised finding Jewel literally on his doorstep, but after sharing a conversation with Shane he starts by letting them stay for a bit even if just to understand what this whole thing even means. 

Hope on the Rocks (Rainbow Cove #4) [Adam & Quinn] by Annabeth Albert

This one was extremely sweet! Really happy Annabeth decided to give us this (final?) installment. While I don't really remember having a significant thought about Adam I ADORED all previous installments so I was really excited where she's going to take this one. Adam and Quinn were perfect for each other. While the "Daddy" kink was at times a bit OTT for me, I did understand where it was coming from for Quinn as well as why it was something that appealed to Adam from his side. 

Adam Ringer works as a bartender in the Tavern he and his two other partners own. He enjoys his job but it's not the only thing he has on his plate. There's also his mother's business he helps in quite a bit as well as his sister and her kid (though they are away to Alaska till the end of summer). His days are long and exhausting so it's no wonder he has no interest in a relationship at the moment. 

Doctor Quinn Strauss has moves to Rainbow Cove not that long ago. He likes the small town and its residents and though he doesn't have a social life he still manages to fill his life with things he enjoys. Yet we start the book when he is at his lowest, sitting at the bar in front of Adam looking to get drunk and forget his sorrows. While Adam enjoys seeing this side of the more reserved Quinn he also can't let anything happen to him so when the night is over he offers his a ride home.