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missdevo's reviews
290 reviews
A Favor for a Favor by Helena Hunting
emotional
funny
medium-paced
4.5
The 2nd book in the All In series features Stevie, the sister of book one's hero, Rook. Now that Rook has brought his wife and son back home to Seattle via the NHL expansion draft, we're settling into a new team and cast of characters. Some old faves have come along for the ride (Alex & Violet Waters), but we're meeting a whole new crew of players and friends too. Among the team is Bishop Winslow who thought he was going to be the new team Captain until Alex brought along his buddy Rook and gave him the job. I like how this book explores being the sibling of a star athlete, and all that comes with that emotionally. Bishop is spicier in temperment where Rook was sweet, so I liked the resulting banter and friction (if you will) of him and Stevie. Overall I would rate this one slightly higher than book one, and the audio is fantastic. Erin Mallon and Jacob Morgan are two of my faves, and they make this story sing.
A Lie for a Lie by Helena Hunting
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I enjoyed this spinoff of the "Puckedaverse". The meet cute for Rook/RJ and Lainey is fun and funny. I loved the Alaska section of the story, and only have a couple of minor quibbles with the Chicago section. The trope everyone seems to love to hate doesn't bother me much as long as it's well written. In this case, it's pretty good (only verges on cheesy a few times). Overall I enjoyed this book, but wish there was a little more tension in the relationship aside from the lost contact in order to make the payoff feel bigger. I'm looking forward to the next in the series. I listened to the audio on audible, and it was fantastically done. It's duo/chapter by chapter and not duet narration, but both Stella Bloom and Jason Clarke (a particular fave) handle the other gender voices well.
On the Line by Naomi Loud
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
The Bear, meets Sweetbitter meets Kitchen Confidential with a little Shameless mixed in.
I love watching movies and TV shows that highlight fine dining and restaurant culture, so I was super excited to dive into this book. Having never worked in a restaurant, I can't say from experience, but from conversations I've had with friends who have worked food service, the culture described is pretty accurate.
The spice, the kink, the pining (OMG the pining!). I just ate this up. It's a very horny story in the best of ways. It does walk the line with some darker/heavier elements for both main characters to overcome, but it still feels real. The character journey for James in particular was fantastic. (check CW if concerned) I also really love that there's no magical string to tie everything up in a pretty bow at the end. When it comes, this happy ending is grounded and real and a little gritty, but all the more beautiful for that. Jimbo & Ozzy forever!
I love watching movies and TV shows that highlight fine dining and restaurant culture, so I was super excited to dive into this book. Having never worked in a restaurant, I can't say from experience, but from conversations I've had with friends who have worked food service, the culture described is pretty accurate.
The spice, the kink, the pining (OMG the pining!). I just ate this up. It's a very horny story in the best of ways. It does walk the line with some darker/heavier elements for both main characters to overcome, but it still feels real. The character journey for James in particular was fantastic. (check CW if concerned) I also really love that there's no magical string to tie everything up in a pretty bow at the end. When it comes, this happy ending is grounded and real and a little gritty, but all the more beautiful for that. Jimbo & Ozzy forever!
Walk of Shame by Avery Flynn
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
One night. No strings. And a really good puck.
Astrid has sworn off dating and hockey players for good. After being jilted at the altar by her pro hockey goalie fiance, she's made some big changes. After spending a year banging it out around the world, she's back home and settled in with some new life rules to protect herself. No dating, she won't mix sex with anything that might resemble a date. No repeats, one night only . No hockey talk. No hockey players. She never counted on Cal though...
The meet cute here is so good, and it just builds from there. Avery Flynn handles the humor and spice with real finesse, blending both so they don't lose their punch. If spicy rom-coms are your thing, look no further! The characters have depth and motivations that make sense within the story, and the pacing just builds the tension the whole way through. As an oldest daughter, the idea that Cal sees that she takes care of everyone and wants to be the one to take care of her...SWOON. There are some surprises to be had in this book, and some things I didn't see coming as it ended.
Savannah Peachwood is high on my list of favorite female narrators, but this is the first time I've heard Robert Hatchet do his thing, and I am here for it! The spice is SPICING here, and both narrators do a fantastic job of keeping it hot and not sliding into cringe or awkwardness. This is a really fun listen, and I highly recommend it.
Thanks to NetGalley and RB media for the ALC and opportunity.
Astrid has sworn off dating and hockey players for good. After being jilted at the altar by her pro hockey goalie fiance, she's made some big changes. After spending a year banging it out around the world, she's back home and settled in with some new life rules to protect herself. No dating, she won't mix sex with anything that might resemble a date. No repeats, one night only . No hockey talk. No hockey players. She never counted on Cal though...
The meet cute here is so good, and it just builds from there. Avery Flynn handles the humor and spice with real finesse, blending both so they don't lose their punch. If spicy rom-coms are your thing, look no further! The characters have depth and motivations that make sense within the story, and the pacing just builds the tension the whole way through. As an oldest daughter, the idea that Cal sees that she takes care of everyone and wants to be the one to take care of her...SWOON. There are some surprises to be had in this book, and some things I didn't see coming as it ended.
Savannah Peachwood is high on my list of favorite female narrators, but this is the first time I've heard Robert Hatchet do his thing, and I am here for it! The spice is SPICING here, and both narrators do a fantastic job of keeping it hot and not sliding into cringe or awkwardness. This is a really fun listen, and I highly recommend it.
Thanks to NetGalley and RB media for the ALC and opportunity.
If You Hate Me by Helena Hunting
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
After Rix rage quits her job and ditches her oversexed and inappropriate roommates, she’s forced to move in with her pro-hockey playing brother and his childhood best friend and teammate while she gets back on her feet.
This book is so sexy and funny, and still has real heart. I adored it, This one should definitely be HEARD, so don’t miss the audiobook. Connor Crais’s deep rasp is perfect for all the filthy delicious things Tristan says, and CJ Bloom has the perfect blend of sass and vulnerability in the smoking hot dual narration.
If You Hate me kicks off a new series featuring the Toronto Terror pro hockey team, and I’m already invested in this entire crew of players and friends. Check the content warnings if you have some sensitivities.
This book is so sexy and funny, and still has real heart. I adored it, This one should definitely be HEARD, so don’t miss the audiobook. Connor Crais’s deep rasp is perfect for all the filthy delicious things Tristan says, and CJ Bloom has the perfect blend of sass and vulnerability in the smoking hot dual narration.
If You Hate me kicks off a new series featuring the Toronto Terror pro hockey team, and I’m already invested in this entire crew of players and friends. Check the content warnings if you have some sensitivities.
This Could Be Us by Kennedy Ryan
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
This book had me in my feelings. It is so well written (as I've come to expect from Kennedy Ryan). I put her up there with Abby Jimenez as my favorite writers who can really break through and make me feel something with their stories. Nothing feels gratuitous in this book, everything feels grounded and real, from the emotion to the sex. Soledad is so real to me that I feel like she could just walk off the page. Her tribe of sisters and best friends being so supportive and connected is enviable. I really appreciate how KR navigated the complex issues of family, love, self sufficiency, spectrum disorders, friendship, and motherhood. We're not given any easy answers, but the depth makes everything richer. This is a book that I would recommend to anyone, regardless of whether they typically read romance. It's THAT GOOD. I actually haven't read the 1st book in this series yet, but after meeting this incredible tribe of women, you can bet that's about to change.
Not Just a Crush by Helena Hunting
funny
hopeful
fast-paced
3.5
Originally part of "Smartasses: a Rom-Com Anthology", in this novella we get to see what happens when Dahlia gets stuck in a snowstorm in the mountains after reading one too many "Why Choose Mountain Man books". The "Mountain Man" who comes to her rescue? Her unrequited (or was it?) crush from high school. It's a cute quickie of a read, without much depth or substance, but I would recommend it as a fun palate cleanser if someone is stuck in a book hangover. It's sweet and Spicy and just right!
Play With Me by Becka Mack
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
This audio was great. Alex Kydd and Kasha Kensington were fantastic once again, and it was funny and sexy and emotional all at once. I really appreciate how well developed the characters are in this series. This book builds on the 1st, and the appearances by the other team members, Carter and Olivia, and the rest of the family really help give depth to the story. This one will really hit home for anyone who has ever felt like they were stuck in the shadow of another person. For Jennie it's her famous brother, but it really could be anyone. I love a book that can make me feel something, and I definitely recommend this one.
All Rhodes Lead Here by Mariana Zapata
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I love a Mariana Zapata slow burn romance. I have yet to find an author who does it better. The buildup of tension is a vibe. The characters are well developed, and just as I start to get antsy for the action to finally start, there it is- right on time. Aurora is a complicated woman. She's dealing with unresolved grief and recovering from the end of her 14+ year relationship when she rolls back into the town where she lived as a child. Tobias Rhodes is a rock solid man; the kind you think might only exist if written by a woman. He's complex, not perfect, and dealing with his own unique family traumas. Part of the magic happens when broken people help hold each other up so they can do what it takes to heal themselves. Rhodes can prop me up any day *whew*! I love how this book portrays found families and non traditional family makeups. There's a new edition with exclusive bonus content that released in January, so WHEN I reread this - I'll be looking for that version.