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BOOK REVIEWS: Heat & Capture (Hypothesis #2 & #3) by Penny Reid

BOOK REVIEWS: Heat & Capture (Hypothesis #2 & #3) by Penny ReidHeat (Hypothesis #2)
by Penny Reid
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

Four days left.
Private beach (…and boat).
Not so invisible girl.
And maybe less of a jerk-faced bully than originally thought.
What’s the worst (or the best) that could happen?

Kaitlyn is finding life outside of the science cabinet of obscurity to be quite illuminating …and so are her pants. When things heat up between Kaitlyn Parker and Martin—previously known as the jerk-faced bully—Sandeke, she places her trust in the one person she never thought capable of earning it, let alone keeping it safe. Fortunately or unfortunately for Kaitlyn, where she gives her trust she can’t help but also give her heart.

But how will the world beyond the sanctuary of their newfound connection react to their relationship? Soon senators, chinless billionaires, and elements beyond Martin and Kaitlyn’s control want to weigh in on the young couple’s future.

Navigating the chaotic inferno of new love might be more than Kaitlyn bargained for, and much, much more than her trust—or her heart—can handle.

Review of Heat:

Heat started right where Attraction left off, and it was my favorite book from Katy and Martin’s story!   Maybe it was because we finally got to see the physical side of their relationship a lot more.  And that was HOT.  Or it could have been because we watched them learn more about one another.  Their past, who they truly were, where they wanted to go in life, their fears and their passions.  I loved all of their heartwarming and soul sharing moments.  I can’t put my finger on exactly one reason why I loved these pages the most; I just know my heart was happiest while in this part of their story!

“I need to taste you, Kaitlyn. I want to fuck you with my tongue.”
I shivered convulsively and had no idea how to respond to that, so I said, “I have no idea how to respond to that.”
“Say yes. Say: Yes, Martin. I want you to fuck me…with your tongue.”
“I don’t think my mouth can say those words out loud. I’m not that outgoing.”

In Heat we got to see all sides of Katy and Martin.  That included not only both of them growing but a lot of their flaws.  Katy could be so immature and regimented.  Whereas Martin could be so callous and his baggage, oh wow, that was a lot!  So while they weren’t perfect, their flaws made them feel that more real.  They both had issues and insecurities to work through and I loved how they helped each other with certain issues.  I loved watching it make their friendship that much stronger.  I loved that it made their relationship feel that much deeper.  Even if they had only been on the island for one week.

I felt cherished.
I felt.
And it felt like perfection.

On top of Katy and Martin, we got to know their friends a lot more too.  Sam, Katy’s bestie was one of my favorites!  But….I just have to say I strongly disagreed with her for a certain thing, she was wrong imo and I just wanted to shake her.  Hard.  LOL!  But all in all, this was a quick read and the world faded around me while I was lost in this world.  So if you adore sexy, angsty books, then this trilogy is for you!  And you’ll want to have the next book Capture available asap, because this story ends on a cliffhanger, mid-scene too eeps!

Love was lasting. Love finds a way. Love endures.
But we’d had a week. One week. Only a week.
“A beautiful week,” I said through my tears, not immediately realizing I’d spoken out loud.

 

BOOK REVIEWS: Heat & Capture (Hypothesis #2 & #3) by Penny ReidCapture (Hypothesis #3)
by Penny Reid
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

One week.
Manhattan apartment.
Super-hot ex-boyfriend. …What’s the worst that could happen?

It’s been nine months since Kaitlyn Parker has seen or heard from Martin Sandeke—nine months and five stages of matter. She’s lived through the worst of first-love heartbreak, and is most certainly stronger (and less likely to hide in science cabinets) than ever before.

But now Martin is back. And he wants to be friends. But he’s sending mixed signals to the Bunsen burner in Kaitlyn’s pants. Will Martin re-capture Kaitlyn’s heart? Can Kaitlyn and Martin ever be just friends? Or, despite an abundance of chemistry, are some bonds just too unstable to endure?

Review of Capture:

*Spoilers Ahead* This is the final book for Katy and Martin!  And be prepared for some jumps in time.  First off, we jump six months ahead from Heat and so much has changed.  Their each living their own lives, but with what seemed like fate, they’re getting a second chance at their friendship!  Martin…oh my heart he read one of her favorite books, Lord of the Rings, and he did so much more I can’t even say.  So when it all comes out, sigh again, Martin was exactly who Katy needed!  He still made mistakes and he was still controlling as ever, but I really liked him.  And while Katy didn’t think he was interested in her any longer, I just refused to believe that and held onto all of the hope!

“I want to discuss the terms of our friendship.”
I stared at him, careful to keep my face devoid of expression, even though I wanted to yell, WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?
Instead I said, “What friendship?”
“The one you promised would always be mine if I ever wanted it, no matter what happened between us.”

I loved that Katy slowly but surely changed since we met her in Attraction.  The fact that she was now wearing clothes that made her feel good instead of hiding in baggy ones, aw I loved it!  And her emotions didn’t feel so black and white or clinical.  But oh goodness, she could still be so clueless.. like when Martin stole her line, she didn’t even catch that *smacks face*.  You’ll see what I mean lol.

If he wanted me still, then he would have done something, said something already. Therefore… not holding my breath.

Capture was a fabulous ending for Katy and Martin’s story!  I loved watching how far both of them had come, I loved that they realized their flaws and I loved even more that they worked their hardest to make themselves better.  Plus we got a HEA, and those are always the best!  This was a great introduction to Penny Reid’s stories and I’m definitely looking forward to reading more of her books in the future!

“I don’t want a beautiful week with you. I want a beautiful lifetime.”

PS The Christmas present?!  My heart was melting

PPS Abram was an interesting addition to this series!  While he’s her band mate, he’s definitely interested in her more than a friend.  Annnnnd that’s all I’m saying.  Sorry LOL!  But really, I think you’ll end up liking Abram too ♥.

 

BOOK REVIEW: Stargazer (Speakeasy Taproom #8) by Wendy S. Marcus

BOOK REVIEW: Stargazer (Speakeasy Taproom #8) by Wendy S. MarcusStargazer (Speakeasy Taproom #8)
by Wendy S. Marcus
Purchase on: AmazoniBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

Randall Dickson is coping. Sort of. An upcoming medical eval, one that could end his military career, has him stressed and making bad choices. So when a concerned friend issues a strongly-worded “invitation” to Vermont, R.D. is all in for a change of scenery, a temporary job as a bartender, and the opportunity to shake himself out of his self-destructive routine.

Then he sets eyes on his seriously sexy new co-worker…

Lily Reynolds, an artist by day, Speakeasy’s favorite bartender at night, works hard to stay positive, unlike her surly new coworker. He may be a treat to look at, but that grumpy attitude and terse manner are not her type. So when Lily finds herself in desperate need of someone to share expenses, she convinces R.D. to rent her vacant room. There’s no way she’ll find herself falling for him.

She’d like to find the secret admirer who’s leaving her secret love notes around the bar, though. But he won’t reveal himself...

This standalone contains: opposites who definitely attract, a workplace romance, and an opinionated French bulldog.

Review

OKAYYYY. SO. At this point I have read TWENTY FOUR freaking books between the four different series that make up The World of True North and I think this might be my top favorite. I know, that’s a pretty bold claim. BUT….once you all read R.D. and Lily’s story I think you’ll understand.

Everything about their book was sheer and utter perfection. The two of them shouldn’t make any sense together and yet they do. And it’s beautiful. And really fucking hot. And Lily’s little French bulldog is in love with R.D. and if that itself doesn’t make you ALSO fall in love with him, I don’t know what will.

Going into this book we have only seen Lily before, seeing as she is one of Speakeasy’s favorite bartenders for her upbeat personalities and inspiring quotes that she loves putting up on a white board every day before her shift starts. I knew there was going to be more to her story than someone who was just positive and happy every minute of the day so finding out more appealed to me. Enter R.D. Randy Dick. lollll He and our old pal Griff Shipley had been friends back in college and when R.D. makes the mistake of reaching out to an old dealer to get pain pills for an accident than occurred over a year ago, Griff catches wind and “forces” him to come to Colebury to work at Speakeasy for a bit.

The two work together for a bit and then R.D. winds up moving in after Lily’s terrible ex moves out. I loved how Lily immediately confided in him, big things that she never told other people who had been in her life for longer. Even just the fact that she gave him a key to her workshop. That was a big trust move right there. The almost-moments they had too were so appealing. Who doesn’t love a good ~oh we promised we wouldn’t have sex but now we’re drowning in all this sexual tension and how long are we going to last before we break and do something about it~ dynamic? *Chefs kiss*

I don’t even know what more to say about this book other than to again just reiterate how obsessed I was with it and how I am both excited and devastated to be starting the final book in the series next. This is one I will for be re-reading many a time!

Huge thanks to Heart Eyes Press for allowing me to read an eARC of this in exchange for my honest review!

BOOK REVIEW: Attraction (Hypothesis #1) by Penny Reid

BOOK REVIEW: Attraction (Hypothesis #1) by Penny ReidAttraction (Hypothesis #1)
by Penny Reid
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

One week.
Private beach.
Invisible girl.
Jerk-faced bully.
What’s the worst that could happen?

Kaitlyn Parker has no problem being the invisible girl, which is why she finds herself hiding in various cabinets and closets all over her college campus. Despite her best efforts, she can’t escape the notice of Martin Sandeke—bad boy, jerkface bully, and the universe’s hottest, wealthiest, and most unobtainable bachelor—who also happens to be Kaitlyn’s chemistry lab partner.

Kaitlyn might be the only girl who isn’t interested in exploiting his stunning rower’s build, chiseled features, and family's billionaire fortune. Kaitlyn wants Martin for his brain, specifically to tabulate findings of trace elements in surface water.

When Kaitlyn saves Martin from a nefarious plot, Martin uses the opportunity to push Kaitlyn out of her comfort zone: spring break, one week, house parties, bathing suits, and suntan lotion. Can she overcome her aversion to being noticed? Will he be able grow beyond his self-centered nature? Or, despite their obvious chemistry, will Martin be the one to drive Kaitlyn into the science cabinet of obscurity for good?

Review:

The Hypothesis Series sucked me in and before I knew it, I had binged all three books about Martin and Katy.   While I did have some hiccups here and there, I didn’t really care because this story was so much fun and kept me entertained.  The first book in this series, Attraction, was emotional, quirky and so easy to devour.  If you love unconventional girls, Alpha males and lots of angst, then this is the series to add to your tbr!

“Haven’t you ever wondered why I come on Fridays?” His fingers curled around my neck and his thumb traced circles along the line of my collarbone. He encouraged my head to tip backward.
“So that we can get a jump start on the weekly assignment?”
He shook his head. “You.”

Kaitlyn Parker, aka Katy, was lab partners with Martin Sandeke.  Martin was tall, gorgeous, smart, athletic, and his family were billionaires.  He truly had it all going for him.  And while Katy’s family was well known too, she definitely felt like they were in very different leagues.  You see, while Martin was popular, outgoing annnnnnnd a total douche, Katy was quiet, timid and liked to hide in closets.  So while Katie was hiding in a closet (see, told you LOL), she overheard a plot to take Martin down.  With her kind heart, she warned him and it set her on a path that would completely change her world.

“You think I’m only interested in you for one thing. You’re wrong,” he whispered against my ear, hot breath spilling against my neck making me shiver, his hand on my stomach inching lower.
“This, what you’re doing now, how you’re touching me, does not give credibility to your words.” My breath hitched, my brain disengaging.

Katy was beyond quirky and cracked me up!  Did she have some growing up and learning how to interact with others to do?  Uh yeah!  But she was so endearing, that I loved watching her journey.  Sometimes her mouth would open and oh my gosh I’d die laughing.  BUT at the same point I just wanted to hug her because you could tell that her upbringing was extremely different than those around her.  She could be so over the top, almost kind of like Sheldon from the Big Bang Theory, but by the second book you get to see how much she grew.  And by the third book, besides her keyword burner, she had changed so much.  I’m glad I was patient with her because she slowly but surely matured and evolved as this trilogy unfolded.

How was it possible I was the most trustworthy person in his life? How heartbreaking was that?

Martin was such an unknown.  He could be extremely demanding and spoiler alert, that doesn’t change at all in the next two books.   But at the same time, he also had this soft side to him that made me melt.  And my heart hurt for how he was raised.  With his charming, seductive and captivating ways I found myself falling for Martin.  So when he invited Katy to take a trip with him to a tropical island, for spring break, I was so excited.  With a beautiful setting and lots of time together, I couldn’t flip the pages fast enough!

For some inexplicable reason, I felt like crying. Tears stung behind my eyelids and my throat felt tight.
I knew it.
I KNEW IT.
I knew he was going to make me cry.

 Attraction was filled with lots of angst, and as someone who can easily be consumed watching it all unfold, I loved every minute of it!  With side characters that leaped from the pages, two main characters I was fascinated with, tons of chemistry and a romantic tropical setting, this book was an absolute blast!  And spoiler alert….Book 2 is where all the heat is at….just sayin lol.

PS This ends on a cliffhanger and mid scene, so you definitely want to have Heat available, for when you read this book!

 

BOOK REVIEW: Starlight (Speakeasy Taproom #7) by Christine DePetrillo

BOOK REVIEW: Starlight (Speakeasy Taproom #7) by Christine DePetrilloStarlight (Speakeasy Taproom #7)
by Christine DePetrillo
Purchase on: AmazoniBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

He doesn’t trust women. She only trusts dogs. Why can’t they keep their paws off each other?

Darren Reade builds stone walls in Vermont--and around his heart. Women don’t stick around, so it’s better to put up No Trespassing signs and focus on raising his adopted son. Darren is willing to do whatever it takes to help the boy cope with his mother’s death. But doing it alone is a challenge.

Grace Hollings indulges her love of old-school jazz by singing nights at the Speakeasy Taproom, and spends her days training service dogs, connecting small humans with smart pooches. Of course she’d planned to be married already, but a failed engagement has taught her that dogs make better company than men.

One evening, Grace and Darren don’t exchange names, but they do engage in a single night neither of them will forget. Is once all there is? Or can they train their hearts to trust what they’ve built under the starlight?

Review

Thissssss!!!! This is the kind of romance I LIVE FOR. It had steam, it had passion, it had an entire spectrum of emotions, it had service puppies, it had the most adorable family dynamic. IT WAS EVERYTHINGGGGG. The best part about all of these series in The World of True North is catching glimpses of these characters in previous books, wondering if/when you’ll get their story. Darren and his son Kolton were mentioned a few times in Firefly and of course Grace was too as she worked with Melody at Speakeasy.

Getting to learn about Darren and Kolton’s story was so emotional. I won’t go into it as you will find out yourselves pretty early on but the fact that Darren takes care of Kolton like he does and loves THAT DEEP is a beautiful, beautiful thing. The boy suffers from intense bouts of trauma and anxiety and it was recommended to Darren by Kolton’s school that they try getting a service dog from a local place in town.

When he shows up to find Grace, the woman he recently spent a passionate birthday night with, as one of the two employees who trains the dogs, the two are both surprised and excited to have been thrown into one another’s paths again.

My favorite part about this book was how instantaneously Kolton took to Grace. Because of the genuine person she was AND because she has worked with many people with different and special needs at that point, she knew just how to immediately interact with Kolton. Melted my freaking heart, let me tell you.

The drama portion of this book really was through no fault of Darren or Grace’s which was nice, even if it still impacted them and their relationship for a small bit of time. The string of events that led them back together, though? THAT is what made me cry, and in the best way. I am so happy that this series is coming to a finish on such a strong note. I have been so happy to be introduced to so many new authors because of this World of True North project and am so excited for this to be out for everyone to read!

Huge thanks to Heart Eyes Press for allowing me to read an eARC of this in exchange for my honest review!

BOOK REVIEW: Forever Starts Now by Stefanie London

BOOK REVIEW: Forever Starts Now by Stefanie London Forever Starts Now by Stefanie London
Purchase on: AmazoniBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

What happens when two people who’ve given up on forever find it in each other…?

Single men are as scarce in Forever Falls as a vegetarian at a barbecue. That is, until Ethan Hammersmith moves in. After his fiancée gave him an ultimatum, he left Australia and never looked back. He isn’t in America to find a new girlfriend, though. He’s searching for the father he never knew. But now it’s like he has a flashing sign above his head that says “available.” Thankfully, the manager of the local diner is willing to give him cover―if only she weren’t so distractingly adorable.

Monroe Roberts, town misanthrope and divorcée, knocked “forever” permanently off her wish list ever since the love of her life skipped town with the cliché yoga instructor. And good riddance. She’s got this struggling diner to keep her busy, trying anything to boost sales…until a hot Australian strolls in and changes everything. Monroe’s restaurant is packed full of women who aren’t there to order food, unless Ethan is on the menu. This could sink her business faster than ever. So―light bulb―what if they pretend to be together?

It sounds like the perfect plan. Until they realize there is some very real chemistry in this fake relationship. But is it enough to heal two hearts that have been so deeply wounded?

Review:

“Sometimes it takes the right person to shine a light on us so we can see who we’ve become.”

Forever Starts Now was a heartwarming tale of love and finding your way in life.  I absolutely loved the romance and the small town this story took place.  With a story line and characters that quickly hooked me, I couldn’t stop smiling.  If you’re a fan of the fake dating trope, which is one of my favorites!, then you definitely need to add this one to your tbr.

“I know you said I wasn’t your type, but maybe you could fake being attracted to me.”
If only he wasn’t her type. Hell, Monroe would chance it and say that Ethan might be the “type” of every living being with a pulse and a preference for men. Universal hotness, at its finest.

While Monroe Roberts worked at the local Sunshine Diner, her true passion in life was baking.  She had even won a national tv show baking competition.   But with a jaded past involving an ex-husband, trying to help a struggling diner and caring for her dad, Monroe never got to put herself first.  When a stranger walked into town that looked like Chris Hemsworth, her life got even busier.  With women stealing spots at her diner to catch a glance of the movie star doppelganger, and not ordering meals, the diner seemed to struggle even more.

“You’re a little too good at this, you know. Am I your first fake girlfriend? Be honest now.”
His smile was pure sunshine and warmth. Damn.

I heart Ethan Hammersmith.  He was sexy, kind, honest and when he opened up, it was impossible not to fall completely head over heels in love with him.  He too came from a jaded past, and his was filled with lies.  Ethan had been searching the U.S. for the dead father he never knew existed until now.  But with everyone trying to get up in his business or capture a date with the new bachelor, he wasn’t able to discreetly dig for info on his father.  So when Ethan suggested to Monroe that they fake date, so the diner could thrive and he could stop being bothered, I was utterly giddy!

“You’re beautiful,” he said quietly. There was something about the way he said it, low enough that maybe it wasn’t for show. For their act. Or maybe it was the way he looked at her— like he really saw who she was underneath it all. “Inside and out.”

 The story alternated between Monroe and Ethan and they had so much in common.  And from the moment they were near one another, there was instant chemistry.  Flirting and banter was so seamless between them.  So when they started to pretend dating, of course that electricity was still there.  With touches, whispering secret words to each other and even kissing…..this book was SO much fun!  Some of their moments together were hot and I couldn’t get enough of it!  All the while they were fake dating, it sure didn’t look or feel like it!

“For something that’s supposed to be fake, I’m having a hard time drawing a line in my head.”
Her breath caught in her throat.

Forever Starts Now was a sexy and sweet story that was so easy to devour!  With a story line that flowed effortlessly and characters that were a piece of cake to adore, I loved this story!  There were also side characters that felt so real to me!  So if you’re a fan of romance or the fake dating trope, then I can’t recommend this one enough!  Now I need to go check out London’s other books ♥.

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

 

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