Category: Review (Page 20 of 276)

BOOK REVIEW: Christmas Cupid by Ilsa Madden-Mills

November 6, 2023 / Jen / 4 Comments

Christmas Cupid by Ilsa Madden-Mills
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Dear Sneaky Santa,

I’d like to have a word about your sense of humor. Was it really necessary to stick me, a professional hockey player nursing an injury and avoiding the media, in an isolated cabin with a bratty, boot-designing princess who seems to have made it her mission to despise me? I mean, come on, what did I ever do to you?

And let’s talk about our first encounter. Was it your intention for her to barge in on me while I was enjoying a soak in the tub? It wasn’t exactly my finest moment, and I’m sure she didn’t appreciate the view of my massive body floundering around as I tried to grab a towel.

Now, I’m stuck with her, thanks to a mutual acquaintance, in the middle of a snow blizzard, navigating through bear attacks, sketchy neighbors, and whole lot of tension. I had plans, Santa, plans to escape to Cabo and forget about the world, not to be trapped with a woman who thinks I’m unworthy of her time just because she can’t stand hockey players.

Oh, and speaking of our delightful Iris, she’s stingier with her food than Scrooge was with his pennies! I’m not asking for a feast, but a guy’s got to eat! And could you possibly turn her yippy dog into a reindeer or something? It would certainly add to the Christmas spirit and save my eardrums.

I’m trying to rediscover the meaning of Christmas, and you throw me into this chaos? Is this some kind of test, or are you just having a jolly laugh up there in the North Pole?

So here’s my Christmas wish, Santa: sprinkle a bit of your magic and either get me out of here or be a Cupid and ignite a fiery, undeniable passion between us, because right now, this scenario is frostier than a snowman.

Slapshotting Through the Snow, Kyler Blanchette

Review:

Christmas Cupid was a forced proximity, heartwarming Christmas story. With snow falling, enemies to lovers and an adorable dog, this book was so easy to read in one sitting!

I pop a piece in my mouth as I lean against the island. “Come on, sweetheart. I’m too pretty to throw out like dirty dish water.”
She hoots. She actually hoots. “Hockey boys and their egos. You are pathetic.”
“Like water off a duck. And you are a bratty princess. Tell me, did those boots slide in the snow? Did you bring any real shoes?”
“I can shove this boot up your ass.”
I smile widely. Damn, I do like her spirit.

Iris’ brother was a hockey legend who let her have the cabin he had rented, so she could find some peace and Christmas joy. A year ago, the boyfriend she thought would be proposing on Christmas ended up dumping her and marrying somewhere else. And Iris had been struggling and moping around for the last year. I adored Iris right away. I loved her thoughts and that she talked to her little dog too! There were a few times I questioned her being a good dog mommy, but I still couldn’t help but like her. Especially when Iris’ alone cabin time was ruined when she walked in on Kyler taking a bath in the cabin that was supposed to be empty. Her reaction was so fabulous!

I’m not making the mistake of coming on to my teammate’s little sister, but damn if her lips don’t look so sweet…
Dragging my hands down my face, I take a deep breath. It’s cabin fever, driving me insane. That’s all.

Kyler played hockey with Iris’ brother and was offered the cabin too. He also was in desperate need of a break from his life. With a pinched nerve and surgery on the table, he was looking at being off the ice for the rest of the season. And that was eating him alive. So while my heart hurt for Kyler, I couldn’t help loving him the most. The way Kyler messed with Iris had me laughing out loud every single time he got a rise from her. Add in that he was beyond sexy without even trying, especially when he always seemed to be in some form of naked haha, and it was impossible not to fall for him. When Iris and Kyler got stuck at the cabin, because of a blizzard, I couldn’t wait to see their banter chemistry turn into more!

He’s everything I’ve sworn to avoid: my brother’s best friend, a hockey player, and definitely not my type. Yet there’s something about him that makes me feel like I’m having fun for the first time in ages.

With spice, holiday cheer, and banter, this book was so easy to devour! I loved how Kyler and Iris truly communicated and talked things out. And Rob/Puck stole the show time and again! If you’re looking for a quick read that will get you in the holiday spirit, and ends with a happily for now, this one may just do the trick!

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

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.*

BOOK REVIEW: Emergency Contact by Lauren Layne & Anthony Ledonne

October 23, 2023 / Jen / 6 Comments

Emergency Contact by Lauren Layne, Anthony Ledonne
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
From New York Times bestselling author Lauren Layne -- and her real life husband and high school sweetheart, Anthony LeDonne -- comes a new holiday romcom that is sure to warm even the coldest heart.

Katherine, an ambitious NYC attorney, gets diagnosed with a concussion and must be monitored for 48 hours to make sure it doesn't get worse. Unfortunately, she forgot to updated her emergency contact so the person they call is her ex-husband, Tom. Unable to be left alone, Katherine reluctantly agrees to travel to Chicago with Tom for the holidays. But thanks to a blizzard, what should have been a quick plane ride turns into an antagonistic overnight misadventure that stirs up old feelings even as Tom prepares to propose to his girlfriend on Christmas Eve.

A delightful meet-cute between The Proposal and Planes, Trains, and Automobiles, Emergency Contact is perfect for fans of Christina Lauren and Sally Thorne.

Review:

I’m just going to come right out and say it:
The Grinch was misunderstood.

Emergency Contact was an emotional forced proximity, second chance, adult romance that will easily steal your heart. With Christmas in the air and ordeals at every turn, this book was so easy to read in one sitting! So grab a box of tissues and a warm festive drink to enjoy this story. It brimmed with emotions that were raw and real, was filled with characters who were flawed and relatable, and Emergency Contact easily became one of my favorite holiday books!

I would never admit it to a single soul. I can barely admit it to myself. But . . .
I’ve thought about this moment.
Thought about the next time I’d see her.

When Katherine was in a car accident, her ex-husband Tom was notified since he was her emergency contact. Katherine needed to be monitored because of her concussion and taken care of because of the stitches on her back, so she found herself joining Tom on his way home during the holidays. Yet little did Katherine know that Tom was planning to propose to his girlfriend on Christmas Eve. From the moment they started their adventure, no part of it was easy from New York to Chicago. Physically and emotionally. Yet with old feelings resurfacing, second chances may just be what Santa was bringing them for Christmas!

I swallow.
I should not be here.
Doing this.
With her.
But right now I don’t want to be anywhere else, doing anything else, with anyone else.

Katherine was fierce, independent, quick witted and had dubbed herself as the Grinch. She was utterly alone, didn’t mince words, and hated Christmas. And as we got to know Katherine, it’s understandable why she hated the holidays and was also driven to make partner. We also got to see how that latter aspect ultimately destroyed her marriage to Tom. But do you know that feeling in the back of your throat where you’re two seconds away from crying and desperately trying not to?! That was what Katherine’s thoughts kept doing to me. Understanding Katherine broke my heart. So I was cheering her on every step of the way as she showed us her heart. It was there. Hidden underneath so much pain. So Katherine could say she was the Grinch all she wanted, and even act like him, yet those Cindy Lou Who moments were there. And those moments were directed at Tom.

The rumble of the approaching train captures his attention, and I exhale in relief that my darkest secret remains safely hidden:
That I want a place on his spreadsheet. I always did.

Tom was a planner with a capital P! He was focused on his timeline for being engaged and having kids, and it seemed like he found a woman who would help him achieve his spreadsheet filled with his personal life goals. Even if he was second guessing being with that woman. So while Katherine’s desire to become partner broke them apart, Tom’s checklist is what ultimately separated them. Yet when he saw the situation Katherine was in, he couldn’t leave her. Tom had the hugest heart ever and always tried to give everyone his best side. He tried to be cheer, hope, happiness and love all rolled into one beautiful man. Yet on that journey home, Tom was still hurting form the past and could be provoking to Katherine. Not to mention he was keeping the hugest secret of all from her, that he was going to propose to his girlfriend on Christmas Eve.

Every last drop of horrible that’s happened today? All on me.
I glance down at the phone in my hand, and for the first time in my life, really truly ask myself:
Is it worth it?
This obsessive fixation on making partner . . . where has it gotten me, exactly?

As the story alternated between Katherine and Tom, I was shocked at how bitter they were towards one another. Their banter was filled with barbs. Their hurt and pain ran so deep. And it almost felt like hatred simmered between them. So they both had huge journeys of growth from that first page to the last. And I was grateful that as we got further into the story, there were moments of laughter. Also times that will make you smile and melt your heart. Plus those scenes where we got to see both Katherine and Tom realize all of the reasons they fell in love with one another to begin with. And through it all, their trip was one misadventure after another. It truly was a crazy ride! Yet they did it all together. Also, while there was no steam in this story, and I love her books that have steam!, I felt like that aspect worked perfectly with Emergency Contact. So good luck not crying, because their story was an emotional one I’ll always remember.

“Come on. It’ll be an adventure,” Katherine says over her shoulder.
“I think I’ve had enough adventure,” I call after her, even as I start to follow.
I’m a little surprised to find I’m actually smiling. Even more surprised to realize . . . there’s nobody I’d rather be on this adventure with.

While Emergency Contact took us on a spellbinding adventure, it also took us on a heartbreaking one that had me sobbing in public. And for Lauren Layne fans, it had so much of what we love and resonate with in her previous books. The characters we fall for, the story that’s so easy to devour, and an ending that leaves us oh so happy. Yet there was another level to this book. There was a hurt that festered throughout that then turned to hope and love. So while I have definitely cried reading LL’s other books, this pain seemed to cut so much deeper. It was impossible not to sob, even when they were happy tears too. Ohhhh and that epilogue?! It was absolutory perfect and everything I could have wished for and more!

“Cuz, I gotta say ,” he continues when neither of us reply. “The two of you together. You’ve got a real . . . what’s the word I’m lookin’ for?”
“Hostility? Animosity? Mutual-loathing?” Katherine provides.
“Energy!” Gorby proclaims. “That’s the word I was thinkin.’ Or was it synergy? You two kind of crackle? You know?”
I do know. I know all too well.

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

Jen	Chelsea
Arielle	Cassie

Jen	Chelsea
Arielle	Cassie

Category: Review (Page 20 of 276)

BOOK REVIEW: Christmas Cupid by Ilsa Madden-Mills

Synopsis:

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

Synopsis:

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

Synopsis:

BOOK REVIEW: Gratest Ever After by Carissa May

Synopsis:

BOOK REVIEW: Emergency Contact by Lauren Layne & Anthony Ledonne

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

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BOOK REVIEW: Emergency Contact by Lauren Layne & Anthony Ledonne

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Jen’s Currently Reading

Jen’s Currently Reading

Chelsea’s Currently Reading

Arielle’s Currently Reading

Anna’s Currently Reading

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Follow Us:

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Star-Crossed Ladies

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Recent Reviews

Fun Lists About Books

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