readingwithfefe's reviews
745 reviews

1st person/dual pov
Spice: 3.5/5

After how Book 1 ended I knew this book would start out breaking my heart and I wasn't wrong. Things have to get worse before they can get better right?? I mean it's cool, my heart can totally handle being emotionally stabbed repeatedly before it's all stitched back up,  no big deal lol. 

It's the way the roles each character seems to have established in book 1 do a complete 180 in book 2 that had me even more emotional than I thought I could be. Where one guy would chase and the other would run or push away they now did the opposite. The runner became the one chasing and the one chasing is trying so hard to let go in an effort to keep his heart from crumbling into nothing one final time. It really captures how we as humans can only take so much before we just can't risk getting hurt one more time. On the other side, it also captures how we sometimes do not realize what's really important until we no longer have it within reach. Too often it takes losing what we didn't realize we needed to wake us up or to give us the courage to face our own truths. 

While it's certainly still sad and absolutely still a tear-jerker this book has a lot more healing than the first one in many different areas. The spice did step up a notch or two as well which let's face it I don't hate lol but it's still not overdone and it still focuses a lot on the connection and trust that's built between these guys. So many questions get answers and there are even a couple of small twists I didn't see happening that had my brain scrambling in shock. There's even a moment or two that had me biting my nails in fear it would completely derail the progress that seemed to have been made up to that point. I won't let you know if it did or not though because where's the fun in that but I will say that it sure made my anxiety stick around longer than I had hoped it would haha. Even though the anxiety sucked once again it was all worth it because the ending was just so satisfying all things considered. I've read the short story that takes place between the last chapter and the epilogue as well (this was featured in the Worthy anthology for those wanting to read it) which just gave me even more satisfaction because of the little moments of growth and small victories you get to see in those few chapters as well. 

One last thing I will say, besides please don't skip the content warnings on book 2 either, is that I'm a sucker for a good romantic or swoon-worthy quote professing how much you love and care for someone. Whether it's said aloud to that person or simply a thought flitting across the character's inner monologue and Jessie gives us plenty of those across these two books. I can glance back at my highlights and read just about any line or so that I've saved and I can feel the tears stinging at the backs of my eyes. They just sum up what these two experience and feel so perfectly and in such a beautiful and sometimes poetic way. Ugh, the writing is just so beautiful I can't even stand it lol!

Needless to say, I'm beyond obsessed with their story and I'm so glad there's a novella for me to dive into next because I'm nowhere near okay with their story being over haha! I need so much more because Will and Way are everything! If anything else Jessie writes is of this caliber then this is only the beginning of an amazing writing career and I can't wait to read anything and everything Jessie writes going forward. 

XX

1st person/dual pov
Spice: 3/5

Well you know the book is probably going to be good when it has you crying seconds into the PROLOGUE... Yeah. 
I've seen so many people talking about how good this duet is and I have had it on my TBR for a pretty good while. Thanks to a group buddy read I joined in on I was forced to put my other reads aside and start on this (finally lol). To say that I am grateful for this group read is an understatement because if I had somehow missed out and never read this duet I would be so mad at myself, especially now that I know what I would have been missing. 

I'm pretty blown away that this is the debut novel for this author because holy wow! I never really know what to expect when I'm aware it's an author's first book but this? This was not it... there's no way I could have guessed that the writing style and ability to transport me into the minds of these two main characters so thoroughly would come from these pages. I was not expecting their story to consume me the way that it did. There is so much angst and pain that at times it physically hurt to keep turning the page but when I tried to stop it actually hurt even more. I had to know what was going to happen next between them. I had to see how they were going to overcome the situation they were in. I needed to see both of them happy because JFC - they deserve to be happy, so damn happy!! 

Now I did see a few reviews complaining about the boys being 11 when they had their big falling out and that some didn't feel like that age was old enough to feel the feelings that they felt and for it to lead to the grudge/rift between them for the next several years. It had me concerned that I wouldn't like the book as much as everyone said I would so if you find yourself in the same situation let me ease your mind - don't listen to them. Is there a possibility you will agree? Of course. But after reading the duet in its entirety before writing this review I can honestly say looking at the bigger picture and having all of the facts I don't see this as the big deal others made it out to be. You have to take into consideration the things that Way deals with on a daily basis. The emotional and mental trauma he is living through has him latching on to Will like he's a life jacket to keep him from drowning in his own personal daily hell. I'm sure in some ways this caused Way to lose bits of that childhood innocence that would normally keep others his age from developing the attachment he does. As for Will, well he seems to already be a tad more mature for his age than his peers so again I can see how it's possible for him to do the same just maybe in a different way. (haha no pun intended) And once you have all of the facts about what was really happening at the time of their falling out not just what you could see on the surface, you have to consider that Way's mind was looking for anything it could use to try and cope with what he was going through. So is it really that farfetched for his mind to twist those moments into anger and hatred to help him survive those next few years without Will? I don't believe it is. Besides, everyone's mental and emotional maturity differs to some degree, who are we to say it's unrealistic? Then at the very minimum, there's one simple fact we can't ignore - it's fiction! Just roll with it and enjoy the beauty of the story. If it bothers you that much just age them up in your mind to whatever age you think is acceptable and keep reading because the story is just too incredible not to. 

Then of course there is the writing style that seems to take you and the character's pov you're reading and melds them together in a way that puts you standing there in their shoes. You can see what they see, smell what they smell, hear the same sounds, and feel your heart racing as if you were the one actually in the story. I also love how the use of music within the scenes was done where certain lyrics from the song that is mentioned is playing in that moment are used to describe what is happening as if the song was written specifically to describe this instance. I can no longer listen to those songs without seeing these scenes play out when I close my eyes and take in the music. Another element of the writing that had me connect with the characters so much is how their inner monologues are structured. The way their thoughts bounce around a little and they seem to be talking to themselves or joking with themselves as they narrate the events happening. Sometimes they even respond to other characters in the story in their heads differently than they do out loud the same way I'm sure a lot of us do in real life, or at least I do. Just one more example of how this book made me feel like it was my mind these thoughts were sweeping through.  

I felt the spice level was pretty average and appropriate for this story as well considering the different levels of their relationship throughout the book. It may take some time before you get to the spicier stuff but don't worry there is plenty of teasing and tension that builds up along the way which just makes those heavier moments towards the end even more worth it. Plus, you can feel a lot more emotion swirling around those intimate scenes due to that build-up which puts more focus on the connection they share vs just throwing some sexy stuff into the story for smut's sake. Each time they let their walls down it's transformative for them both and not just "spice". There's trust, respect, safety, understanding... there's love plain and simple. 

As for the contents of the story, they are pretty heavy. It deals with raw and painful things that so many people out there, unfortunately, face every day. It's dark and at times it will leave you feeling gutted and like your heart was ripped open left to bleed out on the floor. If you are someone who typically needs to check the trigger warnings before reading then this would absolutely be one I recommend reading through before starting. 

Regardless this is one of those books that simply must be experienced. Especially if you're looking for a good cathartic crying session because trust me there are several chances for that to happen here. I mean I met every single one of them along the way with uncontrolled sobbing but I'm a huge softy when it comes to stuff like this so I'm not shocked. But I would be extremely surprised if you can read through this in its entirety without shedding a single tear. Also, you should probably go ahead and have book two queued up and ready because the second you close this one you will be jumping into the next - this ending is a punch to the gut and you will be dying to see what it means for these two moving forward. 

1st person/dual pov
Spice: 4/5

“Calm down? Impossible. I’m fucking feral for her.”

Yea that about sums it up lol! Rory and Tate gave us a short and steamy little taboo story and it has me feral as well for more of these characters! 

Mafia family.
Obsessed older brothers. 
Virgin FMC.
Overly possessive. 
“She’s mine.” 

I’m dying to know what happens next! 😆😆 

1st person/dual or multi pov
Spice: 5/5 (if we’re talking the book as a whole then yea it’s good and steamy)

I loved every single story in this book! Usually, I come across a story or two, maybe more, that I just can’t get into when it comes to anthologies. Not this one though! I flew through this so much faster than I thought I would. I just couldn’t keep myself from flipping the page and moving on to the next one. I kept waiting to not like one of these and well it just never happened. 
Guess it’s not a bad thing! 😂

So here are just a few quick thoughts on all the different and wonderful stories you’ll get when you open 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐲.  

Make Me Pretty - Marie Ann
Omggggg these two!! 🥹🥹😭 What a hell of a way to start the anthology! I felt so much in such a short amount of time with these guys. The tension between them was instant. As the story moves along my heart shattered for them both. They are so broken and I just want to hold them and protect them from everything bad in this world! 😩😩 

Wren - Ashley James
Whew! Ashley… 🥵😮‍💨 
I’m gonna need a minute. 
Ok - this was so friggin hot let me just get that out of the way right now! I loved the storyline and how much they care for each other before the lines began to blur. If you like reading about women overcoming terrible situations and finding real love in the aftermath then you’ll enjoy this one. I sure hope we see more of these women and their story down the road!

Trouble - Nyla K
Tate… Tate, Tate, my oh-so-troublesome Tate. 😆
What can I say other than I love him and his IDGAF attitude to hide the fact that he in fact does give a fuck. When he made his appearance in Pull I knew things were about to get interesting. So I thoroughly enjoyed getting to see some of those moments from his perspective. As for him and Lance well they are messy AF. But in that can’t look away from a car crash kind of way haha. I already know that when we get their full story it’s going to be full of emotions, ups and downs, a ton of sarcasm and laughter, and lots of spicy fun times. I mean they’ve already changed the way I’ll look at a bottle of Banana Boat sunscreen in just a few chapters so I call this one a win. 🤣

Off Sides - Andi Jaxon
Ugh, this couple is just so sweet together! The way Nick is there for Joey being supportive and patient with him. And the way Joey is honest about not wanting to hurt him while trying to figure himself out. I just can’t with them! They’re precious! 🥹 
But the whole cinnamon roll thing!!! 😳🥵🤣💀 
They’re so perfect for each other… 🥰

Becoming Light - Riley Nash
Well, this just made my whole entire heart burst! That ending has me a sobbing mess but I don’t even care. This story - my god - it’s just so sweet and sad at the same time. All of the different and intense emotions Kota felt and the grief Jamie experienced pierces your heart so deeply. Then to see where they wound up just fills you with so much joy. I completely forgot how short this story was as well because it felt like I had read through a full novel not a piece of one. It had a good steady pace to me and the ending felt complete while also leaving a perfect opening to expand if one wanted to give more of their story down the road. (Which I would love to see just saying! 😆) And the spice… it was so intimate and caring on top of being hot as hell… 🤌🏻 Mmmph phenomenal! 

Discovery - Nicole Dykes 
Ok, if I had to choose one thing I can count on from a Nicole book it’s that the spice scenes always give me the shivers. 😆 I mean they could be doing the simplest of things and yet it’s somehow hotter than the kinkiest of others. And these guys are no exception. Gah they are so steamy together but also just adorable. I think I was smiling from ear to ear the whole story. 😂

Lost In Her - Harleigh Beck
Super cute story and sooooo steamy! I love how what they go through together changes things in both of them, one more so than the other. It gives them the courage to finally own who they really are and everything that follows. 

An Unexpected Beginning - Cora Rose
Well if Dean isn’t just the sweetest thing. He’s so flirty and seems like he’s so sure of himself even if he’s trembling inside. He’s so accepting too and the way he doesn’t even bat an eye at some of the things he discovers made my heart swell. 

All We Are - Jessie Walker
Jessie has hit me right in my heart all over again!! I waited until I finished the Lost Boys duet before reading this one since it could be seen as a spoiler if you haven't read it and I was almost done with it. (It takes place between the last chapter and the epilogue of If There's A Way so keep that in mind before reading.) I loved that we go more time with Will and Way and to see some of the things they got up to before the events in the epilogue. Way just continues to grow into his confidence and battles his demons with Will there beside him cheering him on. Gah they are just so cute together! But what I was even more excited to see were chapters about Mason and Jeremy! My oh my the tension and complications between those two and the strain on their friendship has me so excited for the next book coming out! I have a feeling things are going to be even more angsty than Will and Way.😉

Lost & Found - T. Ashleigh
This one was cute and fun to read. Owen and Lance are just adorable together. They have this air of awkwardness at first between them. Lance is crushing hard and Owen is finally noticing what’s been in front of him. Short and sweet. I’d be surprised if these two didn’t put a huge smile on your face. 

Bi The Way - Isabel Lucero
Ooooooooh my this one was hot!! The chemistry between Aiden and Oliver just gets better throughout the story. I mean their first interaction is tense but sexy AF and every single one after that builds off that tension. I love the way Oliver is cautious with Aiden and can push when he needs to but also relinquish control when he needs to. He balances out all of the feelings Aiden is dealing with and helps him come to terms with a piece of himself he’s been hiding. 

The Love Triangle Expedition - Hayden Hall
Oh. My. 👀
Yeah, this was a solid choice to end the book with. Three best friends all go on a camping trip in the woods. All three secretly hiding feelings for someone from each other. Nothing a little skinny dipping and campfire can’t fix. There’s some pretty serious friendship here between these guys and I love that it’s so easy to see what they mean to each other in a short amount of time. I loved the little matchmaking games they played with each other until they finally realized what’s been between them all along. Love, friendship, passion. Whew… I don’t know what was hotter them or the fire blazing in the middle of camp lol. I’m kinda sad it couldn’t be longer because I was so hooked and wanted so much more of their story! 

I mean how could you not love this book? There’s a little something for everyone from darker storylines and characters to the more contemporary and sweet ones. At the core of every story they all just want the same simple thing. To be accepted and loved for who they are. Something that I’m sure we all strive to have in our lives. Something we’re all 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐲 of. 

And finally the best part of this book? It’s for charity. A great one at that. 🥰

🏳️‍🌈🦋

 1st person/dual pov
Spice: 4/5

Vaughn King… to say this guy rules over Hillcrest University is an understatement. What he says is law and everyone knows not to go against what Vaughn decrees. If so they may find themselves on thin ice… or just you know on ice. 😏

Then we have Reese… unsure as to why she’s been accepted into the university and still grieving the loss of the person she loved most in the world. She just wants to keep her head down and go to class. When she catches the eye of Vaughn King in the middle of campus though that plan shatters. Between being the focus of all of his anger and attention and that familiar face of his she can’t stop thinking about the pull she has to him. She hasn’t felt this kind of connection to anyone since she lost Andrew but she can’t deny there is something between them.

Cue the tension! Vaughn acts like just seeing Reese’s face or hearing her name enrages him yet he can’t stay away from her. There’s nowhere she can hide that he won’t be watching her. And before long he can’t keep his hands to himself. The more he torments her the more he discovers about her and her past as well as his reason for terrorizing her.

It’s not all awful though because he absolutely makes sure to throw a little pleasure in with the pain. The spice… yea it’s as good as you’d expect from these two authors. Vaughn and his unhinged ways just make it even hotter.
There’s also an appearance by another couple that I can’t wait to see more of and I love the roles their characters played in this story.

Another great read from Rory and Tate. I can honestly say there’s nothing they could write that I won’t read. 

WOW! 

Any fan of Nirvana, the Foo Fighters, or just Dave Grohl in general needs to read or listen to this book!
Although I highly recommend listening to it because Dave himself is the narrator. Honestly, no one could have done this book justice but Dave. Not only can you hear all of the emotion that each story gives him but he makes you laugh with the way he tells some of the funnier moments from his past as well as his impressions of certain people along the way. Oh, and there is music sprinkled here and there throughout the audiobook so that was a nice touch I didn't see coming. 

As for the content of the book, it was quite eye-opening. I had no idea Dave had been through so much in such a short amount of time in his life. I had no idea how musically talented he truly is until hearing about some of it from his own mouth. I was a toddler when Nirvana had their rise to fame so I was unaware of all the chaos surrounding them as they became the name they are today. Then of course hearing Dave talk about the death of Kurt Cobain just broke my heart but it also gave some insight to how his death took a toll on so many people. 

I have learned so much about music and some of its legends by listening to Dave tell his stories. At times he makes you feel like you could close your eyes and see everything he's talking about playing out before you. I especially loved hearing about the wild things that would happen to him on his various travels as well as the love and commitment he has to his family. Here is an extremely talented musician, a doting father, a loyal friend, and a man who isn't afraid to embarrass himself a little or admit his flaws. He's famous but seems to remain fairly humble despite that fame. He has a wonderful outlook on life and this book shows how even the idols we look up to, that we put on a pedestal, are just people like you and me. 

I am truly thrilled that I gave this book a chance and the love I have for his music just tripled. 
Hands down a must-read for music lovers. 

1st person/dual pov
Spice: 4/5

I have quite a few of Marley's books on my TBR but I have yet to read them. Why this one stuck out so much that I chose to read it as my first I have no idea. All I know is that I am glad I read it and now I need to read the others on my list if they are anywhere close to being written like this one is. It is raw and emotional in a way that is hard to find in other books. It reaches into your soul and grabs ahold of it taking you on an emotional journey right alongside the characters. Then there is the way the story is told which had me hanging on every single moment.

I love flashback chapters in books if they are done well and these were perfectly executed in my opinion. You had what was happening now, in the present, running along one timeline, and then all of the flashback chapters flowed in order as they would have in the past while falling seamlessly in between what was happening in the present. This helped provide a closer look at the connection they had formed, how it was formed, who all might be affected by it, and how deep it ran before they got to the place they are in now. It had a very movie or tv show kind of feel to it the way it would switch into the past and then fade back into the present. A very captivating way to read this kind of story considering the subject matter.

As for that subject matter, I won't lie this story is heavy and does not shy away from pain. Like I said it is raw and shows the ugly side of so many different things that can tear a relationship to shreds. It shows how people react to things differently and that while there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to getting through these types of struggles, one person's healing is not more important than the other. And don't even get me started on the inner thoughts of these two as they work their way through each obstacle. From the actual thoughts to the way they are expressed - it's so moving. Marley wrote it in a way that leaves zero doubt as to how intensely they are feeling and as you read it you can't help but feel those same feelings in your own chest.

The spice I rated as a 4/5 because it has so much emotion packed into it. Some parts had me in tears because of the feelings pouring off of both of these guys. There's so much passion, anger, lust, love, fear, trust... sometimes all in one scene. Don't get me wrong it's super steamy but the emotions surrounding all of it are just so thick that it takes the entire scene to another level while burrowing down into your heart even more.

If you haven't read any of Marley's books stop waiting. The pain is absolutely worth it to get to the beautiful story underneath it.

**Please check all content warnings before reading.**

1st person/single pov
Spice: 5/5 

It is so incredibly unfair that Callum McCord doesn’t exist… it’s also incredibly unfair that if he did then Emery would also and well there’d be fuck all hope for me anyways. 😂

It’s no secret that I have a weakness for unhinged men (especially in books 😅) and Callum just proves that fact in spades. Once all his lies and secrets unfold am I the one sitting there gasping in disbelief over the things he’s done? Hell no - I’m all heart eyes and drooling! 🙈 I shouldn’t be… I should be angry… I should be shocked… ok well I actually am a little shocked cause whoa, my guy seriously has zero limits on what he’s willing to say or do to make things happen (but I MF LOVE it). And you know the fact he’s mega rich doesn’t hurt but let me just say that even if he wasn’t I’d still be over here picking my jaw and saliva up off the floor. 

As for Emery, well I can’t actually blame Callum for being so entranced by her. Honestly, I am as well lol. I mean she’s a major bibliophile so extra points right off the bat. But, that sarcastic and headstrong personality of hers combined with her quirky sense of humor had me falling for her too. One thing you can always count on from this author is loads of great banter and this book delivered it  tenfold. My god the back and forth was constant but in a way that made the sexual tension rise to such a boiling point I thought I was going to combust. And 👏🏻 the 👏🏻 spice 👏🏻 - ‘‘twas pure fire! 

After all of the buildup it gives suddenly a switch is flipped and it’s naughty, dirty, passionate, can’t get enough of you steamy goodness! 🥵🤤 Another thing you can always look forward to in JT’s books is a sinfully filthy dirty talking man. With lines that send chills shooting down your spine and commands that will have you saying “yes master” to your screen (🫣🙈) Callum was already sitting right at the top with the rest of the Geissinger’s Gang of top tier men. But then I was shown the truth of just how unhinged he is. It was revealed just how low his morality bar sits and oh would you look at that, I fell in love just a little bit more. Because at the end of the day no matter how unhinged it is to anyone else this man is going to worship and protect what’s his… and I am HERE FOR IT! 

I loved the storyline and how it was its own spin on marriage of convenience yet still had this mystery underneath it. Then the little Easter egg thrown in towards the end had me about falling over laughing because of course she tossed that in there and I totally should have seen it coming but again JT got me lol! Because of that I made sure to read through the acknowledgement and my oh my am I super hyped for what is planned for us down the road! I’m nervous as all hell too but still excited is an understatement! 😆

Super fun (and funny), entertaining, and hot as hell read. I cannot wait to see what else we get from this world. Now excuse me while I go cry into a jar because Callum is fictional… 😩😭

1st person/dual pov
Spice: 5/5

Who knew that I needed a taboo romance that included a tattoo shop in my life? Rory and Tate that’s who! I am not one but ashamed to say that I ate this book up! 

Charlie has recently graduated from college and her current job is not cutting it anymore. The only person she can turn to for help since her mother passed away is her father, Banks. The man she hasn’t spoken to in a year after running out of his life like her ass was on fire. One bad storm rolling through in the middle of the night and a terrified Charlie led to quite a mix-up between her and Banks. One that caused lines to blur and once clarity struck things could never go back to the way they were before. 

Figuring it’s time to move on and really wants the help she calls her dad to see if she can stay with him for a little while as she looks for a new job. When she returns home she discovers certain things have changed in the time she’s spent away. Her dad seems to have found himself a family and they’re not exactly thrilled about Charlie being there. Personalities begin to clash causing tempers to flare and it feels like Banks and Charlie are walking a tightrope trying to ignore their desires. Needless to say, the book title couldn’t be more appropriate. 😂

The tension in this book is so damn good I almost didn’t want it to stop lol! Almost… 😏
It just felt like every time Charlie and Banks were in the same space you could feel a charge in the air between them even if they weren’t talking to each other. And I of course loved how overly “protective” Banks was when it came to her. Especially when he apparently wasn’t in the past. The spice - Mmmph 🤌🏻 magnifico

Rory and Tate did a great job of having the spice slowly build up in intensity and it really helped the pace of the book for me. Even though the story was short and a lot of things happen in a short amount of time having the spice gradually increase kept it from feeling like things were moving at light speed. It’s one of the things I like most about Rory and Tate’s writing is their ability to write books that are on the shorter side yet the stories flow in a way that makes them feel like they aren’t rushed. 
That and there’s usually at least one spicy moment that stands out from the rest. One that will have you looking up from your book like 😳😳😈. I’ve never wanted a thigh tattoo so bad in my life! I had no idea a tattoo gun could be so…useful… that’s all I’m saying! 🤣😮‍💨 

OH!! And I just can’t write this review and NOT mention that there’s a cameo from my favorite psycho! 🥹🤭 I just love when he pops his ass into other people's stories like he belongs there! 
(You do baby… you most certainly do.😌)

Bottom line it’s another fanfuckingtastic taboo read from this duo and it’s absolutely worth the read! I cannot wait for more books in this little corner of their world! 

🚨**Remember this is a ϮΑƁ00 romance! So please remember to check the TW before reading.**🚨

 1st person/single pov
Spice: 4/5

Well, I absolutely adore Edin and Hunter!! I loved Edin when he made his appearance in the first book and was so happy to see he had his own story all to himself. His character is just so lovable and sweet I mean how could you not root for him? Not to mention the big guy can FLIRT like it’s no one’s business lol! I loved how he was so blunt about everything and how the tension built up between him and Hunter. Then when they finally gave in my gaaaawd it was hot AF!

Hunter’s character really made me feel seen not going to lie. He’s such a grump and so sarcastic that I found myself going wait a minute that sounds like something I would say or think. His inner monologue is so similar to mine it was almost creepy haha. But I loved that he had such a good heart deep down. He just needed those blinders he had been wearing thanks to years in the military to be removed so he could see the truth of the world. His interactions with Danny and Wyn were some of my favorite moments and I loved getting to see more of them in this story.

Just like with the first book the audio was superb! 🤌🏻
Michael really takes his performance to a level that few others do and it elevates the story in such a unique way. I cannot wait to continue the series and see not only what happens next but to hear how he will narrate it.