rdmoreland0801's reviews
248 reviews

Come As You Are by Lauren Blakely

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funny inspiring lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

Flynn and Sabrina have a crazy rendezvous at a masquerade ball, without knowing the other’s identity.  Both still moving on from their pasts, they feel a connection.

Turns out, Sabrina is writing an expose on Flynn and a relationship would diminish any objectivity in such a story.

However, through the interviews for the story, they begin to form a real connection.  They learn each other’s favorite spots in the city, about their families, talk about their past struggles with relationships.

Crazy first meeting aside, this couple gets true relationship-building and we get to see their story unfold so naturally. 

The story did not feel rushed, even though it takes place over a couple of weeks.  I always enjoy Lauren Blakely’s writing, so I’m looking forward to more.
The Knocked Up Plan by Lauren Blakely

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funny lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

I love Nicole’s outgoing, confident personality.  She knows what she wants and she goes for it.

Ryder has such golden retriever energy and he would do anything to take care of Nicole.

While they made an agreement for Ryder to simply be essentially a Soren donor, I loved seeing their relationship bloom.  He not only came to care for Nicole but for their unborn child as well.

I feel like there was a sort of natural progression to the relationship (minus the baby thing) thanks to the dates they were going on as part of Ryder’s project.  I think it gave him a way to heal without him realizing right away.

They both found what they were missing in each other, and it was told in a cute, non-pushy way.

Probably my favorite couple in the One Love series.
A Game of Gods by Scarlett St. Clair

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adventurous mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

This book was sort of a miss for me, though not completely.  While I love Hades’ POV, I don’t think we got enough additional information for this book to be as long as it was.

What I enjoyed the most was Dionysus and Ariadne.  Even after everything, they continued to bicker and taunt each other.  The bonus interview with Hermes was hilarious.

Im hoping a Touch of Chaos wraps everything up nicely because I have dedicated myself to five books (three of which were essentially just rewritten from Hades’ POV.

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The Hot One by Lauren Blakely

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funny lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

This one was cute, definitely better than the last.  The female narrator was significantly less annoying than the first book.

I liked that we got more of a history of the characters, as well as getting to see their relationship.  However, some of the stuff was unrealistic, as per usual with a lot of these books.

Greatest present ever?  A six-toed orange cat name Mr. Crazy Pants.

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Foxglove by Adalyn Grace

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adventurous funny mysterious medium-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? Yes

5.0

There is so much to say about this book and the series as a whole.  I love the characters, the storyline, and the narrator for the audiobook.

We last left off with the duke dying at Thorngrove and Elijah is arrested for his murder.  We also have an unwelcome guest - Death’s brother, Fate.

Fate can be a real dick and he is convinced that Signa is Life reincarnated, his one true love.  He is here to win her away from Death and he will stop at nothing until he has her.

Signa is panicking trying to clear Elijah’s name while also trying to hold off Fate’s advances.  He doesn’t make it easy, but Signa isn’t one to back down.  She is trying to use Life’s powers, but she can’t seem to manage them like she can her reaper powers.  She finally realizes there is one common denominator each time Life’s powers are used - Blythe.

In the end, Blythe saves the day by tricking Fate and they end up married and tied to each other.  Little do either of them know, Blythe is Life reincarnated.  Signa and Death sit back to watch them figure it out together, and it’s going to be fantastic.

I can’t wait for the next one to come out so we can see more of Blythe and Fate battle it out.  Both are ridiculously stubborn and hotheaded.  Fate is about to get a run for his money. 
An Endless Escape by Kaven Hirning

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adventurous funny lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

At times, it felt like there was a lot of jumping around.  I guess with a cast this big, that might happen.  Overall, I’m not sure how much this book progressed the storyline, but it was still enjoyable.

I adore that Idalia really stepped up to keep everyone together while Braizen was MIA.  Everyone really went through quite a rough time in this book, with very little time to recoup before getting knocked on their asses again.

I’m hoping the next boom actually progresses the storyline more and ties everything up neatly.
That First Night by Jenn McMahon

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funny lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

This book had me laughing and giggling the whole time.

Hot single dad ✅
Hot nanny ✅
Adorable kid ✅

I loved Peyton’s character.  She was relatable and practical, and she didn’t just fall head over heels.  I also loved that Thomas fell first and fell much harder.  He essentially stopped his whole life because he was caught up on Peyton even after five years.

I enjoyed the relationship between Peyton and the son - he really got attached.  Peyton also loved him which is great when you’re trying to get with the father.

This was very enjoyable to me, as I was looking for something light and fun.  I can’t wait to read Marc and Avery’s story next.
The Sexy One by Lauren Blakely

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slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

Decent premise - hot single dad and the nanny.  I just didn’t feel like the story was developed at all.  It was very insta-lovey, which isn’t something I gravitate to.

I couldn’t stand the FMC at all.  She was just annoying and kind of whiny.  It’s not really the narrator, as I don’t mind her voice in the next one.

This book was okay, but I’m hoping the others in this series are a little better.
The Grump, the Bride & the Baby by Hailey Shore

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emotional funny fast-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? Yes

4.0

This was definitely cute and I’ll probably read more from Calico Cove.

Vanessa has major family issues and decides to leave her wedding from a man she’s only marrying because her father said so.  She goes through a journey of self-growth and really comes into her own by the end.

Roy can be a major dick sometimes, but Vanessa broke his heart two years ago and he’s not over it.  However, he’s in a tough situation and needs help.  That is how this marriage of convenience begins.

Nora is really responsible for the entire love story.  Roy and Vanessa bond over caring for Nora and they seemingly become a happy little family.

Vanessa is wants love but Roy doesn’t think he can give her that.  We get to see the ups and downs of their relationship, while also getting to see them grow separately.  
That Time I Got Drunk and Saved a Human by Kimberly Lemming

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adventurous funny lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

Cute and chaotic, like I’ve come to expect from Kimberly Lemming.

I adore the fact that Damian falls first and falls hard.  Cherry is just as badass, although she’s human.  The two compliment each other very well.

In the end, I wish we’d gotten more of the entire gang together.  I will definitely be picking up anything else Ms. Lemming puts out.