hookedbythatbook's reviews
3131 reviews

I didn't know what to make of this story at the beginning, but once Renee made contact with August I was all in. I appreciated that Renee had so much support for Jackson and the other military personnel there. The world building around the Neighbors and their world was vivid and very detailed. We learned about them via Renee's interactions with August and while she was figuring them out. I am very excited to read the rest of this series.  

There was nothing big or spectacular about Jess and Adam falling in love, but it was deep, real, and forceful in its own way. This so story was so achingly beautiful and emotional.

A berserker and a tinker make an unlikely love match while thwarting the efforts of a power-hungry, demented neighbour. 

I loved Elizabeth’s unabashed appreciation of Stephen’s physical form and his reciprocal feelings of admiration. Elizabeth took charge of the situation and Stephen, and he was happy to let her. All he wanted was to work on his inventions and for the world to leave him alone. And then, for Elizabeth to be a part of it all. They were definitely two unusual personalities, but they fit together so well. 

The Wynchester’s devious scheming and obvious enthusiasm were very catching, and I felt completely immersed in their efforts and exuberance. As usual, I enjoyed every moment of this farcical battle and the way the family banded together. This is not your garden-variety historical, that’s for sure. 

I look forward to Jacob’s story, even though that will probably be the end of this wildly entertaining series. This is the book for you if you like steamy historical romance with over-the-top characters, and can to suspend disbelief for a moment. 

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

Darcy Burke’s first foray into a historical murder mystery was an appealing mix of clever detective work and a touch of the paranormal. 

Hadrian’s newfound ability was vague at the best of times, but it worked well because the reader discovered the possibilities at the same time as Hadrian. Tilda was already an established investigator, but with this case she had the opportunity to expand her skills. The two of them had to exert themselves to their limits for every piece of evidence. 

I found it to be a bit slow in some areas and maybe the case could’ve been solved a bit faster, but all the various parts of this whodunnit competently fit together. Tilda and Hadrian were very meticulous in their investigation. 

This is not a romance, despite all the private thoughts and occasional longing glances to the contrary. Tilda and Hadrian formed a solid friendship and I do hope that they will have plenty of more cases to solve together. 

I can recommend this if you like historical fiction with a murder and plenty of suspense. Oh, and don’t forget Hadrian’s puzzling power. 

Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

Childhood rivals become lovers in this beguiling and fun romance. 

August was unpleasant as a child and that is how Hazel remembered him.  So she was thoroughly discombobulated when he showed up at her friend’s matchmaking house party, looking nothing like the spoilt little brat she used to know and loathe. August, on the other hand, was completely enchanted by Hazel, even more so after he realized who she was. 

August’s efforts to capture Hazel’s attention were amusing, as well as their initial sniping. And then they slowly realized that maybe a person can change and that the past didn’t necessarily define you. They had some beautifully tender moments between them that gradually shifted their attitudes towards each other. 

I enjoyed the author’s light-hearted writing style. And even though this is more of a novella, the pacing ensured that everything fit in really well, without feeling rushed or incomplete. This is a lovely series if you like steamy historical romance.

Thank you to the author for providing me with a copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

This wasn't my favourite by SEP, but I enjoyed it for the most part. I loved Rory's job and how Brett had to reevaluate his priorities as time went on. I found Clint to be spoilt and whiny, and not attractive at all. The changing relationship between Rory and her stepmother was quite moving. This story went in quite an unexpected direction. I generally like it when the two main characters have some snarky banter, but Rory and Brett's felt a bit too adversarial at times. It was difficult to imagine them actually liking each other, never mind falling in love. 

A charming romance that left me with a smile on my face and in my heart.

This book is what you can imagine the groveling and making up would look like after the meet cute and the third act breakup, only with much more time available for personal reflection, growth, and reconciliation.

Addie’s struggles to maintain her autonomy in the face of reality and obligations were very poignant. It also showed how we can create new limitations for ourselves while at the same time trying to break free from traditional constraints. Duncan was exactly the partner that Addie needed by respecting her need for independence and being patient while she figured things out. They had intense chemistry and outstanding banter going on between them.

These characters and their struggles touched me deeply and I was very invested in them and their future together. In fact, I was enjoying their journey so much that the ending completely snuck up on me. And while their issues were very serious, the book tackled it all with a fun, light-hearted tone that was an absolute pleasure to read.

I can highly recommend this if you like steamy romance with flawed characters and significant personal development.

Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

In this delightfully sexy romance, Selina discovers that you cannot learn everything from books, some things are meant to be experienced. 

I think I enjoyed the first half a lot more, when Selina was looking in all the wrong places for a wife for Peter, but with good intentions, obviously. It was tremendous fun watching Peter “court” these three women while pining for Selina. The second half adopted a slightly more serious tone and while I loved seeing Peter and Selina happy, I missed some of their earlier sarcastic banter. The inner dialogue of these two characters was hilarious. They had chemistry in spades right from the start. 

This story had schemes upon schemes upon schemes, some more farfetched than others, to be sure. Peter’s siblings and Selina’s friends added levity and rich dimension to the story, while trying to find a solution to a very serious problem. Georgiana was the absolute best and I sincerely hope we will see more of her, as well as Lydia and Selina’s twin brother. 

I can highly recommend this if you like a light-hearted, yet steamy, historical romance. 

Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

 

A kidnapping and a very cunning puzzle to solve form a thrilling backdrop to this action-packed fantasy romance. 

We were immersed a little bit more in detail into this world of vampires, demons, witches, and more, but new players were also introduced and some of the history of this realm was revealed. 

Micha and Skye were both quiet souls, going about their business without fanfare. They fit together quite well as a couple. Their chemistry was also more subdued, but no less powerful. Between the two of them they had more than enough determination and courage to see this threat stopped at all costs.    

The author very cleverly hid the identity of the true villain in plain sight. Nail-biting action accompanied our heroes on this twisty quest to save the world from sure destruction. There were some vague but intriguing revelations about Maya’s mysterious Benefactor, and I can’t wait to find out more. 

This is a fascinating series if you like fantasy romance. It’s best to read the books in order. 

Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

 

I loved the Angelhart family dynamics the most in this book. Every single one of them stands out and makes an impact and I cannot wait to read more of them and their adventures. The way the two cases intertwined was truly interesting and very well done. I was all in for this nail-biting ride and couldn't put it down.