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books-in-a-storm · 3 months

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Snowflake Book Review’s

Title: Rage MC #9 The Range of Rage

Author: Elizabeth N. Harris

Pages: 275

Snowflake Rating:❄❄❄❄(4/5)

Synopsis:

What do you do when the past rises up and tries to take everything from you? In Rage, there is only one way of reacting, you fight. A brother’s hidden history has smacked Rage MC in the face, and now they’re fighting a war for two reasons. He thought he’d moved on, put it all behind him, and he discounted the horrors that haunted him at night. Now the nightmare has escaped his dreams and is face to face with him.

She is used to making life work, loved and adored. She is the one people turn to. A low blow brings her to her knees and, while grieving, evil moves into her life. She has three things left of her parents, and she’s not about to lose any of them. Brought up to know right from wrong, how does she save the man in her barn waiting to die? Is the ultimate risk worth it? A woman on the edge makes a decision that will have repercussions all round.

He’s taking charge, leading the fight; revenge for old deeds will be his. He swore on their graves, and now he’s taking the fight to the person at the heart of his pain. He has a new family to protect, and he’s a brother of Rage MC, who are known to burn the world to protect the people they love. He may be a younger brother, but he’s Rage through and through. An old enemy thought he was in control. Hasn’t anyone learnt? There’s no controlling Rage.

#contemporary romance star review #booklr #bookblr #adult booklr #the range of rage #elizabeth n harris #bookworm #recommendations

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jeevesreads · 2 months

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5-STAR AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: When She Loves by Gabrielle Sands

I’m sad to see the series go, but excited for what’s next! After bingeing the first three books in this sexy and suspenseful series, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on this one. Sands does such a fantastic job of weaving each book in the series together in a way that makes you feel like you already have a vested interest in the couple before you even turn the first page. So I knew from the teases…

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#5 star #Angsty #Antihero #Audiobook #Book Review #Contemporary Romance #Dark Romance #Enemies to Lovers #Gabrielle Sands #Kindle Book #Mafia #Marriage of Convenience #Opposites Attract #Romance Book #Romance Novel #Steamy #Suspense

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jessread-s · 1 year

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It still doesn’t feel real that I met @marielubooks on April 4th 🫣 but I have the pictures to prove it! In honor of meeting the author the changed my life forever, I am reposting my review of her latest novel.

✩🔎🎤 Review:

Marie Lu’s spy romance is thrilling and impossible to put down!

Lu gets creative with “Stars and Smoke,” drawing inspiration from famous celebrity secret agents throughout American history. In her fictional world, Winter Young is a global pop phenomenon that has been breaking records left and right. His rising star status catches the eye of the Panacea group—a private company hired out by the CIA to infiltrate criminal tycoon Eli Morrison’s security. Sydney Cossette, Panacea’s youngest spy, is chosen to be Winter’s partner while he charm’s Morrison’s daughter at her birthday party. She reluctantly shows him the ropes while pretending to be his bodyguard. But when things go wrong and their target becomes the lesser of two evils, they realize that something far more sinister is at play.

Lu goes to great lengths to immerse the reader in the high stakes environment associated with the Panacea group, which I appreciated. She creates cool gadgets for her characters, going into detail about what role they play in their mission, and walks the reader through Winter and Sydney’s necessary training.

I also absolutely loved being able to read from alternating perspectives! Winter and Sydney’s backstories made my heart ache, though I should have anticipated the feeling because Lu’s words often bring tears to my eyes. In Winter’s case, all he wants is to be loved after living his whole life believing that he is unwanted. Sydney wants to put the years of abuse behind her and find the place where she belongs. Both characters seemed to be lost souls unsure of their place in the world until they met each other. I loved watching the two barely tolerate each other at the beginning of the novel, bickering the first chance they could get. However, the more they fought, the harder they fell for each other and their forbidden romance tugged at my heartstrings.

I cannot wait for Sydney and Winter to reunite in the next serial standalone!

➤ 4.5 stars

Cross-posted to: Instagram | Amazon | Goodreads | StoryGraph

@fiercereadsya

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amarachireads · 9 months

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Book Review | Change Of Plans by Dylan

Genre: Contemporary rom-com Tropes/themes: Rom-com Chef fmc Guardianship Dealing with ptsd and grief Found family Disabled hero Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Thank you to Forever Publishing for this e-arc for an honest review. Change Of Plans was so touching and cute. Our main characters, Bryce and Ryker, have endured difficult and tragic things in life. Bryce just lost a sibling and is the guardian…

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#2023 #4 stars #adult fiction #arc review #book review #books #contemporary #new release #romance #romcom #upcoming release #women&039;s fiction

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jannianni · 10 months

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Practice Makes Perfect (When In Rome #2) by Sarah Adams - a 5/5 Star Review!

The first 15% was especially difficult to get through as it just hammers in the sweet innocence of the main character, Annie, who is a virgin and needs practice with dating. The innocence is drilled in so much so that she keeps a running tally of each person's cursing around her, as a grown adult. And she has exclamations such as "What the helicopters were you two doing here?" and "What in the Mary Poppins do you think you're doing?!". Along with the overwhelming amount of the innocence of Annie, the small town drama over non-issues also irritated me. For example: there is a scene where Will is running shirtless and almost gets run out of town for the "scandal".

While on the subject of Will, he is the reason why the book makes a turn for the better. Swoonworthy is an understatement and he gives other book boyfriends a run for their money. His character is so well written and I have a major crush on him. He finds the pirate romances that Annie secretly reads and not only reads them himself, but highlights parts he wants to play out with her! His character development is so strong and he finds a new family with this small town while battling scars of his childhood in a dysfunctional family. I absolutely adored him and I will read more stories in this series just for glimpses of him. I also loved the playful banter and mischief that he and Annie got into and I was hanging on every word hoping for their Happily Ever After.

This book is great for those with siblings as the sibling dynamic overcomes miscommunication and finding their own individual voices with their combined support. It also shows their sibling group expanding with the addition of their new sister-in-law with Amelia's upcoming wedding to their brother Noah.

I was not aware when I started Practice Makes Perfect that it was the second book in a series. I read it easily as a standalone and it does make a lot of suggestions of another couple in the book (Amelia and Noah) whose storyline is continuing on the side in this plot. I will definitely be reading their story, When In Rome, based on Noah's character in this book and how completely smitten he is with Amelia. I can't wait!

Please note: an Advanced Reader Copy of this book was generously provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

#romance #book boyfriend #book series #sarah adams #Practice Makes Perfect #When In Rome #5 star review #Contemporary Romance #Found family #Swoon #ARC #NetGalley

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nikkisreading · 1 year

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Eyes on Me by Sara Cate

★★★★★

I cannot believe how much I love this book. Okay, so. I loved Praise. Love Praise so much. Emerson stayed with me for months and the way that Sara Cate handled that book had me itching for this one, even though there are a couple tropes that aren't for me. So much so that even when I hated Garrett, I was still anxious to see how everything went.

I cannot believe how much I freaking. love. this. book.

1. The step-siblings thing is present. If that's an ick for you, it doesn't get better. One thing I really appreciated is that Garrett was not attracted to Mia until an event at the beginning of this book. There's no "she grew into a woman at 16 and I ignored it", there's no "I've been waiting for her since she turned 18", absolutely nothing like that. There is an age-gap, but Mia is fully in "annoying little step-sister" land until the moment he sees her on a cam app. And she's 23.

2. Garrett's depression is handled beautifully. Garrett was depressed. There's no missing that. And traveling with him how it amps and amps until he spirals and then reliving previous spirals, it's beautiful. The trigger warnings in the beginning had me a little hesitant because I have a suicide trigger, but this book was everything I needed it to be. Even with this book being told in first person POV, it's handled well. And I loved watching that piece of the story unfold.

3. I loved how we got to see more of Salacious. Watching the club open in Praise was lovely, but seeing how they continue working to keep it successful and growing was amazing. I adored watching the other characters interact and be a part of their story.

4. The voyeur part was amazing! I was very concerned for Mia when Garrett's possessive side was coming out, but I loved loved loved that she never stopped performing. I loved how much she loves performing. I love how she embraces all of it while being true to herself. It was amazing.

I loved and adored Mia from the start. I hated Garrett. But by the end when Garrett's fuck up was discovered and Mia was (rightfully) angry, my heart was bleeding for him. I just wanted to swaddle him up and keep him safe. I hated how much I loved Garrett by the end of it -- his story arc sold me completely on this book and I loved being along for the journey.

#romance books #romance book review #booklr #book review #contemporary romance #kink romance #eyes on me #sara cate #five star

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lilibetbombshell · 11 months

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its-ashleyreads · 1 year

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Finished: 08/02/2023

The Brightest Star in the Sky by Marian Keyes

Life was all about timing.

Rating: ★★★★☆

Summary:

66 Star Street has a visitor lurking in the shadows, a presence that will reveal itself in just over sixty days. Until then, the residence of 66 Star Street go about their lives, falling in and out of love, joy, and pain.

Review:

I really didn’t know what to expect from The Brightest Star in the Sky. I picked it up mainly for the cover, something about the bottle of milk drew me in I guess, but I’m surprised at how much I enjoyed it. I’d never read a Marian Keyes book before, but her style of writing was fun and witty and although the novel was over 600 pages, it never felt like a slog to get through. The characters were all interesting and although I started off hating some of them (Matt and Lydia), I grew to, if not love, then at least understand where all of them were coming from. I laughed, I cried, I almost threw the book against the wall on one occasion, but I really thoroughly enjoyed The Brightest Star in the Sky. Keyes wove together the stories of every tenant of 66 Star Street masterfully and I very much look forward to reading more of her novels in the future.

#The Brightest Star in the Sky #Marian Keyes #contemporary fiction #fiction #contemporary romance #ashley reviews #4/5 #paperback #february

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noveltyreads · 10 months

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Aristotle and Dante Dive Into the Waters of the World (Aristotle and Dante #2) By Benjamin Alire Sáenz Book Review

ARC kindly provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

When I first read Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe it took me a while to love it. I actually put it aside after 100 or so pages and read it again a few months later. I'm glad I gave that book a second chance because I loved the story, the philosophical discussions and the raw, tender love between Ari and Dante. When it came to book two, I expected all the elements of the first book but only continued and heightened in Aristotle and Dante Dive Into the Waters of the World.

Now reviewing this book, I must admit I'm a little on the fence. When I finished reading, I was satisfied with the book as it really elevated Ari's character and touched a lot on elements of growing up and going from boyhood to manhood. It also discussed grief, death and love especially familial love as shown with Ari's parents and Dante's family. The book touched on these themes very well and I enjoyed reading about them.

While I loved the glimpses into Ari's character and the aforementioned, I felt like the book was lacking the depth of raw connection between Ari and Dante we've seen in the previous novel. I wanted more of the love between the two boys because it was what made Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe such a beautiful read. I felt like there was limited page time given to the two discovering more about each other and strengthening their relationship. It's the one thing I would've loved more of.

I also enjoyed reading about the platonic relationships Ari developed in the novel. It was another one of my highlights and I liked getting to know our new characters. They added another layer to the novel and I don't think I would've enjoyed the book as much if they weren't there.

All in all, I enjoyed this story. There were many good things and a few things that I wish were strengthened more. I liked the characterisation and platonic and familial relationships portrayed in this book and liked how the author portrayed significant topics such as homophobia and AIDS in the 80's when the book is set. I just wish there was more connection shown between Dante and Ari because unlike book one, I wasn't entirely sold on their relationship. I also felt like the ending was slightly rushed and a bit unnecessary. That being said, overall, I liked this book and wouldn't mind a book three.

ACTUAL RATING: 3.45 STARS

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theresalikesbooks · 1 year

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Book Review | The Do-Over

#bookreview of The Do-Over by Lynn Painter is now up!

Title: The Do-Over by Lynn Painter Pages: 304 Genres: YA, contemporary, romance, time travel Publisher: Simon & Schuyler Books for Young Readers (Nov. 15th, 2022) Summary After living through a dumpster fire of a Valentine’s Day, Emilie Hornby escapes to her grandmother’s house for some comfort and a consolation pint of Ben & Jerry’s. She passes out on the couch, but when she wakes up, she’s…

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#5 stars #book blog #Book review #contemporary #fiction #five stars #Lynn painter #romance #simon & schuster #the do-over #time travel #young adult

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books-in-a-storm · 3 months

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Snowflake Book Review’s

Title: The Tempests #7 Sin

Author: Cee Bowerman

Pages:256

Snowflake Rating:❄❄❄❄❄(5/5)

Synopsis:

Sin Tempest has spent her adult life in the shadow of the tragedy that thrust her family into the spotlight in the worst possible way. After years spent in the protective circle of her siblings, she fell in love with the wrong man and was gradually sucked back into the same awful situation she’d endured as a child. As much as they tried, the Tempests couldn’t manage to break Sin free.

After years away from her family, tragedy strikes and they’re back by her side as they band together to escape the unwanted attention that has found them again. Old friends that are more like family come to the Tempests’ rescue once more, and Sin and her family find refuge in a place that’s almost too good to be true.

Now facing public scrutiny and trying to raise her little family on her own, Sin has to learn that the mistakes of her past don’t have to decide her future if she’ll just give love one more shot.

Blaze Westland ran from his small hometown to escape the expectations that were thrust on him after his father’s death. When his beloved grandfather falls ill, Blake is called home. After making a deal with his grandfather in exchange for a life saving surgery, Blaze settles into the role he was always meant to take.

Years ago, when he was still just a child, Blaze fell in love. Now, as an adult, he has the opportunity to make the dream he’d had years ago a reality, but he’s got to convince the woman he loves to take a chance on him.

#contemporary romance star review #booklr #booklbr #books #adult booklr #sin #cee bowerman #bookworm #recommendations

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jeevesreads · 4 months

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SNEAK PEEK REVIEW: Bride by Ali Hazelwood

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ My love for this one snuck up on me – I’m not usually a big fan of paranormal romance, but I love all things Hazelwood, so I was willing to step outside my comfort zone. And I’m so glad that I did! This jumps right in, immersing the reader into this fantastical world as our couple meets at the altar and gets married right away. It’s a new spin on the arranged marriage trope, pairing…

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#5 star #Ali Hazelwood #Book Review #Contemporary Romance #Forbidden #Kindle Book #Marriage of Convenience #Opposites Attract #Romance Book #Romance Novel #Roommates #Slow Burn #Steamy

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ya-world-challenge · 1 year

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Book Review - Telesā: The Covenant Keeper ( 🇼🇸 Samoa)

(image source: wikimedia commons)

Telesā: The Covenant Keeper

Author: Lani Wendt Young

YA World Challenge book for 🇼🇸 Samoa

Leila, newly eighteen and having just lost her father, flees from her controlling grandmother’s grasp to the middle of the Pacific to find her culture, and perhaps learn about the Samoan mother she never knew. Thing is, everybody, including her late father and her newly discovered aunt and uncle, have mysteriously warned her that this is a Bad Idea. Once on Samoa, Leila finds herself getting really hot. Like, singeing-things-with-a-touch hot. And it’s not just the hot classmate Daniel, though he isn’t helping things.

At first it’s a little hard to bear the teenage ‘sizzling’ insta-romance (just how many times can we describe Daniel’s chiseled emerald sparkling eyes and rock-hard rugby body? *eyeroll*). However, on the other hand, it’s a fascinating look into the Samoan world, both everyday life and myth, which makes it truly unique among the teen paranormal genre. And as a telesā is a siren-like being in Samoan myth... well, there’s a little bit of justification for some of the gaga-love, if that makes it easier to bear. Think of it like Twilight, except the guys are shirtless brown Pacific Islanders wearing lavalava skirts, and the girl is a biracial incarnation of a Polynesian fire goddess who can literally explode into flames. Okay, so maybe that’s not like Twilight at all, but it’s got the romance vibes of the era.

I had issues with a few quirks in this book, like the school setting... even though Leila has already graduated back in the States? It also tends to leans too heavy on the miscommunication trope - for example, when Leila gets offended early on by something Daniel says, nobody in the whole class, including the guy himself, can tell her it’s a joke, even seeing that she’s really hurt by it? Rather, it turns into a catalyst for her hating him (while being wildly attracted to him at the same time). There’s more miscommunication later that causes a lot of drama, too. There were also some punctuation issues and run-on dialogue at times that could have used better editing.

On the upside, this book is dripping with Samoan culture and I loved that. It brings together modern life on the island, Polynesian myth, environmental issues, even racial issues and I really felt like I was on the islands. I love that there are fa’afafine (third gender) characters who are 100% accepted and part of society even if they’re a minor part of the story. And despite all the sexual tension, the story is surprisingly chaste - the guy having strict rules for himself and the girl respecting that, which is cool. (Though the whole “I’ll burst into flames if we make love” helps.) Leila’s struggles with her powers and the decisions she must make keep the narrative interesting.

In conclusion, I recommend picking this up just for all the Pacific culture, and if you like teen romances, that’s an extra bonus, too. (Plus the Kindle edition is cheap!)

Other reps: #biracial, #genderqueer* side character (*fa’afafine, a Samoan third gender)

Genres: #contemporary fantasy #mythology #romance #enemies to lovers?

★ ★ ★ 3.5 stars

Read it at: Bookshop.org | Amazon

#book review #samoa #ya world challenge #booklr #bookblr #ya books #paranormal #mythology #contemporary fantasy #romance #enemies to lovers #climate #biracial #genderqueer #3 stars #4 stars #oceania

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yaworldchallenge · 2 years

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YA World Challenge Review - Facing the Sun (🇧🇸 Bahamas)

(Image source: Wikimedia Commons)

YA World Challenge book review for: 🇧🇸 Bahamas

Facing the Sun

Author: Janice Lynn Mather

“I wonder, not for the first time, how it would be to melt off the road and into that forest... Until no one I’m responsible for knows how to find me.”

First off, this book has some gorgeous lyrical prose, poetry oozing through each chapter (and sometimes in stanzas through KeeKee’s spoken word poems). Even just everyday moments are lovingly described.

We go beyond the tourist image of the Bahamas to follow the lives of four teenagers on the rural outskirts of Nassau. The summer begins with a hotel developer purchasing the local beach, which pretty much turns the community upside down. And while there is some villainy here, including thuggish threats, this isn’t a book were the underdog kids go up against the big corporations and win.

It’s more about having to confront change. About the grief of losing a parent who is still there, the hurt passed down through generations, the unfairness of responsibility, the grief of change when you want the world to stay, captured as it is. Having everything turn upside down and still having to “face the sun”.

This book hit kind of hard at points because I’ve been going through some hard times, but it’s not all heavy, and there are some great moments of friendship as we follow the four girls. They are not perfect, and they do have their falling-outs and betrayals, and I found their reactions and actions believable and relatable.

Bonus points for the sex-ed and sex positively themes. KeeKee’s mom gives out free condoms, and the narrative doesn’t shy away from things like periods.

It was a bit annoying that there was only one teenage boy, that pretty much everybody but his own sister was after at some point... but I have lived in small communities like that. 😂

Overall, this was a very beautiful snapshot of Bahamas life, and I enjoyed reading it.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 5 stars

Bookshop.org link || Kobo ebook