Tag: Adult (Page 18 of 51)

BOOK REVIEW: Never Met a Duke Like You (Taming of the Dukes #2) by Amalie Howard

November 19, 2023 / Jen / 2 Comments

Never Met a Duke Like You (Taming of the Dukes #2)
by Amalie Howard
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Clueless meets Bridgerton in this spicy opposites-attract Regency romance from “a must-read author” (Jodi Picoult, #1 New York Times bestselling author).

Lady Vesper Lyndhurst is beautiful, clever, and popular. Afforded every luxury as a duke’s daughter, she fills her days with friends, intrigues, and a self-professed knack for matchmaking. She may have sworn off love for herself, but she is rather excellent at arranging it.

Faced with an insolvent estate, the Duke of Greydon has no choice but to return to England in a final attempt to revive his family’s fortunes. He’s been gone for years, happy to have escaped his mother and the petty circles of the ton. To his dismay, not much has changed, including the beautiful and vexing heiress next door.

But when an accident of fate traps the friends-turned-enemies in an attic together, the explosive attraction between them becomes impossible to ignore and even harder to resist. They are total opposites and their lives don’t align in the slightest, but fate, the ultimate matchmaker, appears to have other plans . . .

Review:

Never Met a Duke Like You was a historical romance meets Clueless. With a little bit of enemies to lovers mixed with friends to lovers, this book was an easy read. My absolute favorite thing were the ties to the movie Clueless, and looking for those moments here and there within the pages.

“Every damsel dreams of being rescued from a tower by a handsome knight, only in my case, said knight is in the same snare as the damsel.”
He glanced at her, breath faltering on an unexpected hitch. “You think I’m handsome?”

As childhood friends and neighbors, Aspen had ruined Vesper’s idea of them being together at her coming out. He had been her first love and best friend. So when he scorned her, Vesper never forgave him. Getting to see pieces of their past throughout the story, I saw that Vesper missed her friend. As he grew up, and since he was two years older than her, he became cold. And their friendship stopped. Yet after not seeing one another for seven years, they found themselves stuck in the attic together. Alone.

Had he been so very wrong about her all along?

Getting to hear both of their thoughts, I was shocked listening to Aspen. He thought Vesper was cold and vain, like his mother. Yet he had no problems toying with her, and he could be absolutely hilarious. So their banter and jabs were so much fun and impossible not to smile when they were going back and forth. And his history is definitely one that will pull on hearts. There was a reason he had walls, and they were so hard to break down. Yet he could also be mean to Vesper at times, like belittling her for being so prim and proper. Plus he assumed wrong time and again when it came to Vesper. Just like Aspen, Vesper felt so alone. Even though she had a wonderful group of friends. But I loved how prim and proper Vesper was. And with her having a heart of gold, it led this story in a heartwarming way.

He canted his head. “Do you always do what’s required of you?”
“Usually,” she said, stiffening at the slight tone of mockery.
He stared at her for such a prolonged moment that Vesper felt the back of neck start to sweat. “I see you, Viper,” he said softly. “The real you underneath all those rules and regulations.”

The connections to Clueless?! They were what pulled me along and left me hunting for little moments here and there! Now I need to preface that with this book doesn’t give the same types of vibes that Clueless does. There is a darker element to this story, and the friendships didn’t vibe the same. Yet I loved that we got some scenes that were similar to the movie. And when characters in this book acted similar to the characters in the movie too. Here are some I caught…..

*Aspen could be so serious like Josh!
*Vesper was obsessed with match making like Cher. One of the stories reminded me of her trying to have her two teachers fall in love.
*Vesper was wrong about a lot of things, just like Cher.
*When Aspen accuses Vesper of just being concerned about being pretty and going to parties, it reminded me of more moments like when Josh accused Cher with just being concerned about directions to the mall.
*It felt like Judith was most definitely Tai.
*I struggled figuring out Deonne though, maybe it was Effie or her brother? Idk.
*There was something similar to when Cher was highlighting for her dad.
*Vesper’s dad gave me vibes of Cher’s dad.

Your Grace,” she said, lifting her wineglass and sipping. “You have to stop this, Greydon. This possessive, prevailing male performance when you have no right to be this way. I am not yours to command.”
“You should be.”
He had no idea where the growled words had come from—somewhere deep and raw and primal. Fuck.

The ending gave us a wonderful happily ever after, and things were set in motion for future books with side characters. There was definitely steam within the pages, but some things like tickling weren’t for me. And an outcome with a character, oh how I wanted there to be harsher consequences. But that’s just me and my difficult heart haha. Yet Vesper and Aspen were given fabulous ending that will warm your hearts!

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

BOOK REVIEW: Wreck the Halls by Tessa Bailey

November 8, 2023 / Jen / 4 Comments

Wreck the Halls by Tessa Bailey
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
#1 New York Times bestselling author Tessa Bailey delivers a sexy, hilarious standalone holiday rom-com about the adult children of two former rock stars who team up to convince their estranged mothers to play a Christmas Eve concert…

Melody Gallard may be the daughter of music royalty, but her world is far from glamorous. She spends her days restoring old books and avoiding the limelight (one awkward tabloid photo was enough, thanks). But when a producer offers her a lot of money to reunite her mother’s band on live tv, Mel begins to wonder if it’s time to rattle the cage, shake up her quiet life… and see him again. The only other person who could wrangle the rock and roll divas.

Beat Dawkins, the lead singer’s son, is Melody’s opposite—the camera loves him, he could charm the pants off anyone, and his mom is not a potential cult leader. Still, they might have been best friends if not for the legendary feud that broke up the band. When they met as teenagers, Mel felt an instant spark, but it’s nothing compared to the wild, intense attraction that builds as they embark on a madcap mission to convince their mothers to perform one last show.

While dealing with rock star shenanigans, a 24-hour film crew, brawling Santas, and mobs of adoring fans, Mel starts to step out of her comfort zone. With Beat by her side, cheering her on, she’s never felt so understood. But Christmas Eve is fast approaching, and a decades-old scandal is poised to wreck everything—the Steel Birds reunion, their relationships with their mothers, and their newfound love.

Review:

Wreck the Halls was a friends to lovers, famous, romance set around the holidays that was so much fun! While this story took me till almost 30%, chapter 10, to be completely pulled in, once it did I was hooked! With laugh out loud scenes, spicy moments, and a heartfelt love story, I enjoyed reading this story.

The woman had her and she knew it. To be in the same room with Beat Dawkins again . . . She wasn’t strong enough to pass up the chance. Melody shifted in her boots and tried not to sound too eager. “What time?”

Melody and Beat were the children of rock star royalty. Both of their moms had been in a band decades ago, that transcended time and was now popular again. Yet their moms had a falling out before they were even born. So when Melody and Beat first met as teenagers, awww it was smile worthy. Paparazzi seemed to be kind to him and horrific to her, and Beat made Melody feel seen and lifted her up. Yet when we jumped to present day, Beat seemed to be in a world of trouble. He was being blackmailed. So when a producer offered him a lot of money, to partake in a reality show to bring his mother’s band back together again, he knew that was the answer to his problems. And that he would get to spend time around Melody again.

He leaned down, brushing his lips against her forehead in what seemed like an unconscious gesture.

I absolutely loved Beat! He was kind, thoughtful, protective and swoon worthy. He seemed to have a wonderful family life with his parents, and was busy helping out with their charity and fundraiser work. Yet Beat had a secret which made him keep everyone at arm’s length. And that secret bled into his sexual life. I was thinking that it had to be something kinky, but nope I was way off base. It was a little different and I wasn’t sure how to feel about it. But I was excited to see how Beat would learn to trust, especially when it came to Melody.

Touching her was like breathing.

Melody seemed to live a quiet life restoring books and seeing her mother once a year. But as she spend more time on the reality show, not only did Beat fall under her spell, but so did the world. I couldn’t stop smiling at how adorable and quirky Melody was. How relatable she could be. How easy she was to like. And I completely got how she was still crushing on Beat all those years later. How could she not?! But my favorite thing about Melody was feeling everything she did as the story unfolded. When she went to see her mother? I felt all the emotions. And I loved that we also got to watch her find her voice!

“I don’t know if I’m good for you, Mel.”
“Maybe. Maybe not.” Melody shifted her hips, slowly turning in his lap until she was facing the front of the plane. She looked back at him over her shoulder and gave a slow roll of her lower body, memorizing the way his eyes darkened. “Are you going to let us find out?”

Melody and Beat felt like kindred spirits. Neither of them had true friends that they let in, because they were always second guessing why they were around them. Was it really for who they were? Or was it because of who each of their mothers were? So I loved that they felt that instant connection to each other. That they could talk and understand each other so well. That their friendship was so easily formed. And how later that friendship started to cross the line. Beat and Melody together were hot and seductive, even if their intimate talking was a little cheesy at times. Yet they definitely had some emotional healing to do. Melody with her mother. And Beat with himself. And while the third part breakup was inevitable, I just wanted them to get back together again ASAP. So the grand gesture was perfect and made my heart so happy!

“Oh, darling.” Sympathy shone in his mother’s eyes. “Didn’t I mention? She’s not being subtle about her feelings, either. Friends shmends.”
“It’s complicated,” he said, hoarsely.
“Are you in love with her?” His heart answered for him, pounding behind his jugular.
“Yes.”
Tempered joy flooded Octavia’s expression. “Then perhaps you should uncomplicate it.”

While this book is set counting down till Christmas, it doesn’t have a lot of Christmas feels within the pages. Besides snow, snowball fights and I’m truly blanking on what else, this was just a wonderful winter book. On top of loving Melody and Beat, there were side characters that I loved too. Melody was the producer and she seemed like a true friend to Melody. I loved that she had a little side romance story going on for her too! This story closed with a wonderful happily for now, and I’m so glad I picked this book up!

BOOK REVIEW: A Fire in the Flesh (Flesh and Fire #3) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

November 3, 2023 / Jen / 2 Comments

A Fire in the Flesh (Flesh and Fire #3)
by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
From #1 New York Times bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout comes book three in her beloved Flesh and Fire series…

The only thing that can save the realms now is the one thing more powerful than the Fates.

After a startling betrayal ends with both Sera and the dangerously seductive ruler of the Shadowlands she has fallen madly in love with being held captive by the false King of the Gods, there is only one thing that can free Nyktos and prevent the forces of the Shadowlands from invading Dalos and igniting a War of Primals.

Convincing Kolis won’t be easy, though – not even with a lifetime of training. While his most favored Revenant is insistent that she is nothing more than a lie, Kolis’s erratic nature and twisted sense of honor leave her shaken to the core, and nothing could’ve prepared her for the cruelty of his Court or the shocking truths revealed. The revelations not only upend what she has understood about her duty and the very creation of the realms but also draw into question exactly what the true threat is. However, surviving Kolis is only one part of the battle. The Ascension is upon her, and Sera is out of time.

But Nyktos will do anything to keep Sera alive and give her the life she deserves. He’ll even risk the utter destruction of the realms, and that’s exactly what will happen if he doesn’t Ascend as the Primal of Life. Yet despite his desperate determination, their destinies may be out of their hands.

But there is that foreseen unexpected thread—the unpredictable, unknown, and unwritten. The only thing more powerful than the Fates…

Review:

A Fire in the Flesh was a heart stopping continuation of the Flesh and Fire Series. Death bled from the pages, motives were unknown and the stakes were even higher, making this book impossible to put down. And the way this story tied into the From Blood and Ash Series, especially A Soul of Ash and Blood, oh my heart I am obsessed. If you love romantasy, romance, or any books in this series, this book will make you fall in love with this world all over again!

It was almost like donning the veil of nothingness because I felt nothing. No fear for my life. No fear of failure. That had been trained out of me, but unlike the times my mother had sent me to deliver her messages, I didn’t feel like a monster.
I felt like vengeance and wrath come to life.

Sera was still a force to be reckoned with. Even when she was utterly terrified, she was still so brave with her words and actions. I loved that she was so wise, selfless, and made us laugh when she threw barbs other people’s way. Yet she and Ash were both trapped by Kolis. It was suffocating watching how she was controlled by him. My heart felt like it was being torn apart watching her suffer at his hands. So I cheered her on as she made weapons from what shouldn’t have been a weapon. As she fought back and figured out how to toy with him. I loved that she still had her blood thirsty side and wasn’t afraid to use it. That when she called others out, you could feel the dread coiling within them. She was so cunning. But one of the things I loved the most about Sera was watching her come into her power and having others join her in her fight against Kolis!

Kolis swiped a hand over his chest and looked down at his blood- smeared palm. He tilted his head and lowered his hand. “That was very unwise.”
“It was,” I rasped. “I probably should’ve aimed for the head.”
His gold- flecked silver eyes went flat. Absolutely dead.

You will love how many answers you get. By that third chapter I was screaming with excitement because of how something tied back to the very first book, From Blood and Ash. It’s been in the back of my head since then, and I have kept hoping, and I’m so glad that we got that answer! But also there were three HUGE reveals that I still can’t wrap my head around. The twists were absolutely phenomenal. I still can’t believe it, yet it makes so much sense. And I have so many questions, don’t mind me spiraling over here….I hope you’ll feel the same too! Ohhhh and when a name appeared on the pages, that I never once thought we would see, I gasped out loud! I didn’t expect that either. I can’t wait to see how that plays out in the next book! The revelations, hints, and foreshadowing were absolutely perfectly done!

I carefully wiped at my cheeks, my stomach dipping at the red sheen I saw on my palms.
Tears of blood.
Tears of a Primal.
Gods.

But on top of all of the answers we get, this book was extremely emotional. I cried I don’t even know how many times. From torture, sacrifice and love, it was impossible not to have the tears falling down my face. And then later in the book, those tears turned to sobs. This was the most emotional book in the Flesh and Fire Series! This book also made me feel so much hate. It solidified even harder towards Kolis. And each time I didn’t think I could hate him more, he proved me wrong with his disgusting, vile, controlling self. Same with Callum. Yet there were those I wanted to trust, yet I was terrified. Like Attes. He intrigued me and I was pulled into his charismatic self, but I was also weary. I didn’t know where he truly stood, it felt like a dangerous game allowing myself to trust him. And then there was Sotoria’s voice. I have a huge guess about her and I’m terrified that I am correct.

“Love me,” I ordered—begged, really. “Love me.”
“Always,” he rasped.
Tears dampened my lashes. I squeezed my eyes shut against them, not wanting to feel the hopelessness they evoked. I didn’t want a sorrow-filled experience in my dreams.
I wanted to burn.

I also have so many thoughts about Ash. Ash was beautifully seductive, beyond protective and he treated Sera with so much love and respect. Even if he couldn’t love. The way he took care of Sera in this book made me love him even more. And their moments together were extremely sensual and seductive. Yet I don’t want to say much about Ash, because of spoilers. Just know that Ash is book boyfriend worthy and each time I read his story my love for him rivals and also reaches above Cas. Yet when I read a story with Cas, then he rivals and reaches above Ash. It’s beautifully vicious cycle haha.

Death wasn’t silent.
Or peaceful.
It sounded full of feral rage.
I love you, even if I cannot.
Death was a roar of fury and agony, the sound of a soul shattering.
Of a heart breaking.

A Fire in the Flesh ended at the perfect stopping spot. While there was no cliffhanger, there was still so much up in the air for what was yet to come. But for me it didn’t matter, because those last few chapters and pages will leave you closing this book with a smile on your face. And your heart will be so happy. Yet it was a rough road to get there. The nervousness and anxiety that this book created was so intense. So those moments here and there that were sprinkled with humor were much appreciated. Add to that foreshadowing, political intrigue, deadly games, bargains with the devil, and sacrifices, well this book was everything I was hoping it would be and more!

“Open your eyes for me, liessa. I need to see them.” His breath danced over my lips. “Please.”

PS Hair ties. Oh, that was perfect!

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

Reading Order & Links:

Amazon (click on covers) & iBooks (click on titles)

From Blood and Ash (Blood and Ash Series) #1 Review: Jen	A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire (Blood and Ash Series) #2 Review: Jen	The Crown of Gilded Bones (Blood and Ash Series) #3 Review: Jen
A Shadow in the Ember Ash (Flesh and Fire Series) #1 Review: Jen	The War of Two Queens (Blood and Ash Series) #4 Review: Jen	A Light in the Flame (Flesh and Fire Series ) #2 Review: Jen
A Soul of Ash and Blood (Blood and Ash Series) #5 Review: Jen	A Fire in the Flesh (Flesh and Fire Series) #3 Review: Jen	Visions of Flesh and Blood (Blood and Ash Series) #5.5 Review: Jen

BOOK REVIEW: Lone Wolf (Exiled Omegas #1) by Tessa Kane

October 25, 2023 / Jen / 0 Comments

Lone Wolf (Exiled Omegas #1)
by Tessa Kane
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
No good deed goes unpunished.

After being exiled by my pack at seventeen, I've spent the last four years constantly on the move trying to avoid all ties to the shifter world.

Unfortunately, I can’t outrun fate.

When I step in to break up a fight, the shifters involved realize I’m a rare male omega. Not only does that revelation put me in the crosshairs of competing packs that would do anything to control me, it also leads me to cross paths with an Alpha who claims to be my fated mate.

Past experiences have left scars—both literal and figurative—and, fated mate or not, permanently binding myself to an Alpha is the last thing I want.

But Julien might be exactly what I need.

As my life erupts into chaos and new threats emerge from the secrets of my past, I realize this Alpha is different and placing my trust in him could finally allow me to have the one thing I've always wanted.

A home.

Lone Wolf is a fast-paced MM fated mates shifter romance set in an A/B/O world with mpreg. It features a cynical omega who’s a little skeptical of this whole fated mates thing and the cinnamon roll Alpha who refuses to let him go. This book was previously published in serial format on Kindle Vella under the same title. This version has been edited and expanded.

Review:

Lone Wolf was a MM shifter romance that was impossible to put down. With an addictively quick pace, entertaining storyline, and fabulous characters, this book was such a huge hit! If you love shifters, paranormal stories, or MM romance, definitely put this one on your tbr!

Dawn is creeping along the edges of the sky before I can pull myself together enough to shift into my wolf. I grab the bag Luke left for me in my mouth and run as quickly as my still healing legs can manage.
I don’t look back.

The prologue pulls you right into Keir’s life. He was an omega shifter, which was looked down upon within his pack. After his cousin Luke helped him escape being beaten to death, Keir spent the last four years on the run. He was utterly alone and my heart hurt for him. Chicago had been the longest he had stayed anywhere, and even that amounted to just a couple of months. Yet when Keir stepped in to protect someone, it put him in the middle of a huge push and pull. Other packs wanted to control Keir because of what he was. A male omega was extremely rare. Yet through it all he met Julien, who was Keir’s fated mate. The path to their happily ever after was filled with obstacles at every single turn. Making this book impossible to put down.

Nothing good can come from associating with Alphas, no matter how nice they seem— or how loudly my wolf is whining about not wanting to leave Julien’s side.

I absolutely loved Keir. He was resourceful, quick witted, and had the kindest heart. The life he had been dealt was challenging, and his past will tug at your heart. Yet Keir had been in the dark for so much. So I loved that we learned things right along with him. For what he truly was. What that meant. The possibilities for his future. We felt what Keir did, right along with him. And from the moment he met Julien, there was a war within himself. He was pulled to his mate, yet he was scared. The past hadn’t been kind to him and others seemed to want him for different nefarious reasons. So I kept my fingers crossed that Keir would follow his instincts, and trust Julien whole heartedly.

I guess— I halfway expect to him to just rip my clothes off and claim me right here.
But that’s not what happens.
He simply holds me close, breathing me in as he runs his hands up and down my arms.

I was obsessed with Julien and wanted him for myself. Julien was sexy, his intentions were breathtaking, and he was someone you can easily swoon over. We also got a few chapters in his POV, which had me cheering with joy! So when Julien stepped in to save Keir from a precarious situation, my heart beat faster. Not only did he recognize him as his fated mate, but his level of protection was through the roof hot. Julien was brave, fierce, and completely seductive.

“Promise me you’ll be fine,” he says, taking hold of my hand and giving it a squeeze.
“I promise.” I lean down and rub my cheek over the top of his head. “I won’t let anything take me away from you, especially not Stevens.”

Keir and Julien together were like an explosion. From that first day, things escalated quickly and even their kissing was hot. And their moments together were steamy and sensual. Yet there was also a connection between them that grew and I loved watching that friendship and trust flourish. Around them were side characters who I absolutely adored, Luke I’m looking at you! And others who I was counting down until they met their death! Especially when there was a flashback that showed grooming of a minor, I was hoping his death would be the worst! On top of that were politics that were fascinating, and a storyline that will keep you turning the pages to see what happens next.

I chuckle, the sound barely more than a puff of breath. “You and me against the world?”
“If that’s what it takes, then yes. Always.”

Lone Wolf was a deeply romantic MM shifter romance that was so easy to devour. With political intrigue, life and death situations, and plans in play, this mesmerizing tale will sweep you away! The epilogue will leave a smile on your face for Keir and Julien. And you’ll also be left so excited for the next book, which is Luke’s story. I can’t wait to be back in this world, see what happens next, and follow Luke who I fell so easily for!

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

BOOK REVIEW: Gratest Ever After by Carissa May

October 25, 2023 / Jen / 4 Comments

Gratest Ever After by Carissa May
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Maddie Williams had big plans to spend her life writing happily ever afters, but after an abusive relationship left her physically and emotionally scarred, she no longer believes in them.

That is, until she finds herself living under the same roof as her best friend's older brother...

Nate West has always been there for Maddie; now is no exception. It's been two years since they last spoke, but when Maddie needs a place to stay Nate welcomes her into his home with no questions asked. Sparks fly between them as Maddie starts to write her own story.

Now it's up to her to create her own ending.

But can Maddie trust Nate with her heart, or will she stand in the way of her own happily ever after?

Review:

Gratest Ever After was filled with an emotional richness and depth that will tug on readers hearts. This forced proximity, slow burn, spicy read was so easy to love. With characters that felt real and a storyline that brimmed with a heartbreaking journey, this book was impossible to put down. Especially since Gratest Ever After was also filled with all the hope. Hope for healing. Hope for love. Hope for friendship. And hope that happily ever afters exist.

“It’s okay, Maddie. I’m here. You’re safe. You’re always safe with me, remember?”
Everything went quiet again and I tried focusing on my breathing, but the silence was suffocating.

Maddie took us on an emotional journey. Her anxiety was overwhelming and caused her to have panic attacks, so I started out with so many questions. What happened in the past with Griffin, why hadn’t she seen her best friend in two years, why her relationship with her dad felt the way it did, and so many more. So as Maddie slowly started to let us in, my heart broke for her. For what her past had become. How that affected her in the present. And it left me desperately wanting her to get the happily ever after she deserved. When Maddie found herself living with her best friend’s older brother, I couldn’t help the hope that bloomed in my heart. Yes she was attracted to Nate, and it seemed like sometimes he felt the same way, but being at Nate’s house allowed Maddie to continue her path to healing. And writing her story.

He pressed his palms into his eyes and rested his head back. “I want to help you and I don’t know how.”
I took a deep breath in through my nose and out through my mouth. Biting down on my lip, I tried to think of what part of me I was comfortable sharing with him now. I wasn’t sure if I was ready to talk about everything yet, but I wanted to give him something.

Even when Maddie was closed off and secretive, she was so easy to love. And there was this fragility about her that made us want to protect her. Nate felt the same way. So I loved that she let us know exactly how much she wanted Nate. And how her feelings towards him had changed…. he went from being her best friend’s overprotective brother, to someone she desperately wanted. Yet Maddie was filled with so much self-doubt and little self-worth. As the story progressed, we got to read chapters of the book she was writing. That book was her past, and it was horrific and heartbreaking. It made us understand everything about Maddie, including how she went down that rabbit hole, and how it so adversely affected her now. I just wanted to reach into the book and give her a hug. Thankfully Nate was there to do just that.

Nate: How’s the porn?
I bit the inside of my cheek, trying to stop my cheesy smile from spreading across my face.
Me: It’s called smut, not porn. If you’re going to call me out on it, at least get it right.
Nate: My apologies.
Nate: Is it even legal to read that stuff in public?
Me: That’s the beauty of cute cartoon covers. No one knows.
Nate: Your secret is safe with me 😉

Nate was the most fabulous cinnamon roll book boyfriend! He tried his best to be kind, thoughtful, patient, and caring to Maddie. He also tried his best to get answers about her past, so he could figure out how to help her. So as he did little things to make her smile, the bookmarks made my heart burst with joy, we got to fall even more in love with Nate. He was swoon worthy! Add in the fact that he was a chef?! Not only did he make me want all the grilled cheese, but Nate was the total package that you will easily fall head over heels in love with! He also had a cat named Tuna, who was beyond fabulous and you will adore!

“Why don’t you write a romance? It can center around new beginnings, small-towns, old friends… old friend’s brothers…” Olivia said, wiggling her eyebrows at me.
I gasped, choking yet again on my coffee. Oh god, was it coming out of my nose? I reached across to the table next to us and fumbled for a wad of napkins, holding it to my face.

This beautifully emotional book will slowly seep into your heart and consume you. I loved watching Maddie find happiness in even the littlest of things. I loved watching friendships rekindle. I loved watching Maddie heal and even those moments where she was brave and stepped outside of her comfort zone. And underneath the healing was a heartwarming romance story. One that was spicy hot and also included emotional scenes that were touching and done brilliantly. There’s so much more I want to say here but just know that with grey sweatpants for the win, charm bracelet’s that mean everything, and adorably cheesy goodness, this book was so easy to love. Gratest Ever After did a wonderful job of portraying all of the different sides of mental health and Carissa May has definitively created a fan for life. I can’t wait to see what she writes next!

“What are you doing here?”
“Dinglehopper,” I whispered, knowing that by saying that one word it was equivalent to saying a thousand.

PS Dinglehopper ♥

I sucked in a shaky breath as he gently brushed away the tear with the pad of his thumb, exhaling softly as his eyes dropped to my mouth.

PPS I loved every single scene that revolved around the bathroom lol, they were beyond amazing!

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