booksbyec's reviews
279 reviews

Chris and Reed are just hilarious together. Chris is a sweetheart but he is also a clumsy mess and a bit too good hearted for his own good. Reed is stoic and tries so hard not to feel anything. But meeting Chris and being his protective agent awakes something in him and he starts to believe in a life with love. The way we end up in Copper County is just gold and meeting all of these amazing side characters made it even more enjoyable to read. 

May has created a storyline that keeps you hooked. It's funny and romantic but also a bit sad and in places a bit unhinged just like the TV show John Ruffain: Pretender, which is mentioned quite a bit in the book. 

The book is steamy but that is not what is important, the relationship between the main characters and also the friendships they form with the others in Copper County are. 

This is the perfect book to read snuggled up in your favorite spot. It is a fast read that leaves you wanting more. All in all it is a heartwarming story about two people meeting under “interesting” circumstances and how they criss-cross their way to love.  

Whiskey Sour

Miami Nights and Club Lights #2

I just knew after reading the first book that I would love Knox and Elton’s story and I wasn't disappointed. 

Knox is heartbroken after Everest started dating Rhys in the first book. So in his mind hooking up with his ex’s brother is a brilliant idea, I mean what could go wrong? 

I don’t know, maybe catching those pesky feelings when you shouldn’t?!?

Where Knox is stoic and grumpy, Elton is a sensitive golden retriever that just wants to find love and settle down. They shouldn’t work but they do and I think that is because somehow they click on a deeper level and they do actually communicate. Okey so maybe not about everything *cough* like the fact that Knox and Everest dated. But I think you need that angst hanging over you when reading a book like this. Just let me tell you I was stressed! 

Even if this book and the relationship between Knox and Elton is built on their attraction and s*xual compatibility. It is the small moments that make the book stay with you. Like a trip to a wildlife sanctuary, where they feed flamingos or a small tattoo that changes everything. 

I enjoyed the growth both of the characters went through and they showcase that not everything needs to be perfect to belong together. And that dislike-to-love is possible if you just take that leap of faith. 

I don’t want to give too much away so I think I will stop here. 

 

*I received an advance copy directly from the Author in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own. 

 The Silencer

The Unexpectedly Twisted book 1

This is a spin-off series of Cora Rose’s Unexpected series. The Unexpected series is on my TBR but i haven’t started them yet. But I feel like I didn't need the stories from Diablo and Ben to enjoy this book, which showcases Cora's ability to incorporate just enough from previous stories to make you understand the connections between all the characters.   

I love a mafia romance and this is just unhinged enough that you can’t put down the book until you have finished it. 

The story starts off with a bang and it never really stops.

Anthony Costello is the mafia boss and father of Diablo and Angel but he is also the sexiest man alive according to Angel’s best friend Tatum.

 Let me tell you Tatum is multifaceted, one minute he is sweet and innocent and the next unhinged and oh so cheeky. The banter and flirting between Anthony and Tatum is top tier and we get the perfect grumpy/sunshine couple. The way Tatum slowly wrecks Anthony's walls and the fact that Anthony never really stood a chance is funny as h*ll. Not only because Tatum is a h*rny mess but because Anthony's jealousy, especially when it comes to Tatum and Bane, is unfounded because Tatum just wants him.

And Bane my man you are a gem, slightly unhinged (or alot) but man you are funny. 

The overall story regarding the mafia and its endeavors keeps you on your toes. Some things that are cleared up in this book, like who the mafia mole was could be seen as coming from the left field but just works because of who the characters are and how they are as people. I can’t wait for the next book and whoever gets book 3 because I feel like there is so much more to the storyline that needs to be explored.  

 

 

The Backup Plan by Eden Finley

King Sports Book 1

When I listened to Eden Finley's Can’t Say Goodbye, I was intrigued by the side characters Kelley and Thad and what the deal was with both of them and in this book we get the answer

Thad is an intern at King Sports to become a sports agent but this is his backup plan after his dreams of becoming a baseball professional fell through. He is not the happiest of men and he is bitter about his failed dream even if he tries to hide it. It doesn't help that he and Brady have to “babysit” hotshot rookie pitcher Kelley Afton after his coming out story went live. Que 2 weeks in the Catskills with a superstar athlete with anxiety and a social media addiction together with an intern (Thad) who doesn't really want to be there. There can only be carnage or maybe the forced proximity will make sparks fly. 

I am so happy that Kelley’s anxiety is not glossed over but talked about again and again. Also the fact that Thad’s bitterness towards baseball and in some regards Kelley’s career in baseball is not looked down on but rather talked about and resolved in an organic manner makes me happy. Because sometimes realizing that your dreams aren't coming true can be crippling and I loved seeing Thad getting support from more than just Kelley but also Brady and Damon, his boss. 

The book has many funny moments and the sneaking around is pretty hilarious. Also the side characters of Zaka, Lincoln and Archer make me long for the upcoming books. Because I just know we will get some good angst, spice and laughs out of them. 

 

 Single Malt +Cask Strength + Barrel Proof by Layla Reyne

Agents Irish and Whiskey series

I just finished the Agents Irish and Whiskey series by Layla Reyne

This is the second 3 part series I have finished by Layla and I have to say I really enjoy the way she tells the stories over several books. All of the books have their own cases that need to be solved but we also have the big case that spans all 3 books. 

In this case it is the murder of Aidan “Irish” Talleys husband Gabe and FBI partner Tom, that sets off the big storyline. They know who did it but they don’t know why and how to apprehend the suspect. Aidan is joined by former basketball star turned cyber agent Jameson “Whiskey” Walker in the quest to find the culprit but also they are tasked with several other cases in the meantime. Not only are there fireworks between them on the job but also in private when the attraction between them builds and they finally get it together just to fall apart again and again. 

I enjoyed the push and pull between the two MC’s. But I also enjoy the side storylines, with cases taking us all over the US and friends and family being the anchors when Irish and Whiskeys lives fall apart. 

If you want a funny, suspenseful and smutty series to enjoy in the darker winter months, this is a perfect read. 

 

 

Wrecked for the Holidays by Kerry Kilpatrick 

It is the holiday season and all the fun romantic holiday books are hitting the shelves and now we just need to keep up.

Wrecked for the Holidays was my first holiday read of the season and what a cute and sweet start. 

If you have read Kerry’s Just a Little and/or Almstead Island: Newcomer's Club series you have met Jakob and Reed in passing before and  this is their origin story and such a wonderful one at that. 

It all begins with a small car crash between Jakob and Reed, that lands Jakob in the hospital and later on in Reed's home. All because he is trying to break free from his parents overbearing manner in regards to him and his genius brain. Jakob is looking for that holiday magic and maybe also a papa to help him cope with everything life throws at him. When Reed helps him tick all of his wishes both the holidays and in everyday life, he knows that he has found that magic person he has been looking for. The problem now is just to see if Reed feels the same. 

For Reed to let Jakob in is hard. But he quickly realizes that Jakob is the boy to his daddy that he has been looking for. Now he just needs to trust the holiday magic and himself to keep ahold of Jakob and the connection and attraction they have so quickly developed.  

This is a short fun holiday read that is best enjoyed under a cozy blanket and a hot drink in hand.

 

Oh my, oh my, oh my what a delicious snack of a book this was. I didn’t want it to end, but knowing that there is a part two coming will have to tie me over until its 2025 release.

It is kinky and filthy but also somehow sweet. I love these two opposites together, it makes for a joyous ride when reading. The fact that a smutty book is the catalyst for this intense chase turned primal play between Adair and Jack is just pure gold. 

The book is about 150 pages long and I am in awe that Em Jae manages to get all of these scorching hot scenes into the book without losing the base storyline. Which is two people meeting and there is an attraction there but also hate that develops into something more. 

This is just a perfect weekend read!

 Every promise broken

Copper Lake Book 5

This is the final book in the series surrounding the people living in Copper Lake and we are finally getting Conrad and Whit’s story. This book is all about second chances and finding happiness when you thought you had lost it forever. 

This book will make you laugh, cry and swoon but it will also make you angry and frustrated because we meet two people that clearly still love each other but can’t seem to get the communication right. The pull is so strong but they go about things the hard way and that is what makes the story so compelling. I know that if I had read this book in the physical format and not digitally, I would have slammed it shut just so that I two seconds later could pick it up again and continue reading. Just because I needed to know how they were going to fix it. 

I have to say Conrad’s Nana is a hoot and I loved that we got Shooter and Will as the to-go-to people for Whit and Conrad. They have good heads on their shoulders and they are not afraid to be blunt and honest when they feel like the two MC’s need a kick in the butt. 

This was a nice and satisfactory end to the series. And I am happy to have read them all.  

Mind you there is a reason why this book didn't get a 5 star review. And that is because of the discrepancies in the timeline, the years aren’t lining up. Also in regards to Conrad's Nana, in The History of Us, we find out she moved to Norway after her husband's death but in this book she moved to Greece. And as a Swede I can tell you there is a big difference between Norway and Greece. Since I read an Arc copy this may have changed in the final version of the book.

 

This book is a delicate journey between two young men that have endured so much hatred and pain. This is hurt/comfort to the core and my emotions went through a roller coaster. 

Philipp is out and proud but has endured a  relationship where he has been degraded and hurt both emotionally and physically. This especially in regards to sex and intimacy.

Adrien is out but not of his own making and the way he was outed has put a mark on how he sees the world and the people in it.  

I want to hurt both the ex's of the MCs, especially Philipp's. I can't fathom what he has endured and the fact that he manages to trust Adrien is a sign of how strong he is.

I enjoy the setting of the book, with it being in central-ish Europe and with the backdrop of dance. As a reader you realize how important the dancing is for all of the characters even if not all of them participate in the endeavors on stage.

The book is emotional, it both breaks and heals your heart at the same time. So have tissues nearby and snuggle up for a wonderful read.