amanda_reads13's reviews
197 reviews
Brutal Vows, by J.T. Geissinger
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Lili, the daughter of an Italian monster, is being forced into an arrange marriage to Spider, an Irish mobster. Her aunt Reyna will do anything to protect her neice including taking her place.
Reyna is a complete badass. She isn't called the Black Widow and nicknamed Viper for nothing. She has suffered through an incredibly abusive marriage and when noone would step in to protect her, she took care of it herself. She is fierce, smart, tough, and resilient. She is courageous and fiercely independent. She is a force to be reckoned with. She instantly hates Spider, but is also incredibly attracted to him. She hates that he is going to marry her neice and does not hold back. She throws punch after punch. She has sworn off marriage, but she puts her niece's happiness above her own.
I didn't like Spider much at the start of this book. A 38 year old agreeing to marry an 18 year old? Gross. Also, he was coming off very misogynistic. Then he turned it around. As we learned more about his background, his behaviour starts to make more sense. He agrees to marry Lili because he knows he will never catch feelings for her and it will help his family.
Unfortunately, he is instantly attracted to her aunt Reyna and just cannot stay away. Their chemistry is electric and their banter was very entertaining.
I enjoyed reading about the 4 men trying to coexist when their women were so close and refused to put up with their bullshit. It was pretty funny.
Tropes: Mafia, alpha male, open door, enemies to lovers, arranged marriage, badass FMC
Reyna is a complete badass. She isn't called the Black Widow and nicknamed Viper for nothing. She has suffered through an incredibly abusive marriage and when noone would step in to protect her, she took care of it herself. She is fierce, smart, tough, and resilient. She is courageous and fiercely independent. She is a force to be reckoned with. She instantly hates Spider, but is also incredibly attracted to him. She hates that he is going to marry her neice and does not hold back. She throws punch after punch. She has sworn off marriage, but she puts her niece's happiness above her own.
I didn't like Spider much at the start of this book. A 38 year old agreeing to marry an 18 year old? Gross. Also, he was coming off very misogynistic. Then he turned it around. As we learned more about his background, his behaviour starts to make more sense. He agrees to marry Lili because he knows he will never catch feelings for her and it will help his family.
Unfortunately, he is instantly attracted to her aunt Reyna and just cannot stay away. Their chemistry is electric and their banter was very entertaining.
I enjoyed reading about the 4 men trying to coexist when their women were so close and refused to put up with their bullshit. It was pretty funny.
Tropes: Mafia, alpha male, open door, enemies to lovers, arranged marriage, badass FMC
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gaslighting, Death, Misogyny, Toxic relationship, Gun violence, Injury/injury detail, Medical content, Domestic abuse, Grief, Sexual content, Emotional abuse, and Pregnancy
Savage Hearts, by J.T. Geissinger
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Mal is out for revenge. Declan killed his brother and now he is out to kill Declan. Instead, he ends up kidnapping Riley, Declan's sister in-law.
I didn't like this one as much as the other books. It is very similar to the plot of the second book.
Riley and Sloan have a terrible relationship, so when Sloan asks Riley to visit her, she is apprehensive. I hated the way Sloan treated Riley in the beginning, she was very rude and condescending towards her. Riley is quiet and introverted, while Sloan is the the opposite. They don't understand each other and have a hard time relating to one another. I liked Riley's development throughout the book. She became stronger, more confident, and starts to stand up for herself.
Mal is a ghost. He can get in anywhere without being detected. When he sees Riley he wants to save her, this begins his obsession. After taking her, we start to see his softer side as he nurses her back to health, takes care of her, and protected her. I didn't like him as much as Declan or even Kage. Yes, he was kind and sweet in his own way, but he will still very cold.
I just didn't feel as invested in their relationship. I was also really missing the witty and funny banter from the last two books.
I like that we get glimpses of the other couples. I was disappointed in the development of Sloan and Spider. I really liked them both in the 2nd book, but the both took a down turn in this one.
Tropes: Mafia, kidnapped FMC, protective alpha MMC, enemies to lovers, age gap, open door
I didn't like this one as much as the other books. It is very similar to the plot of the second book.
Riley and Sloan have a terrible relationship, so when Sloan asks Riley to visit her, she is apprehensive. I hated the way Sloan treated Riley in the beginning, she was very rude and condescending towards her. Riley is quiet and introverted, while Sloan is the the opposite. They don't understand each other and have a hard time relating to one another. I liked Riley's development throughout the book. She became stronger, more confident, and starts to stand up for herself.
Mal is a ghost. He can get in anywhere without being detected. When he sees Riley he wants to save her, this begins his obsession. After taking her, we start to see his softer side as he nurses her back to health, takes care of her, and protected her. I didn't like him as much as Declan or even Kage. Yes, he was kind and sweet in his own way, but he will still very cold.
I just didn't feel as invested in their relationship. I was also really missing the witty and funny banter from the last two books.
I like that we get glimpses of the other couples. I was disappointed in the development of Sloan and Spider. I really liked them both in the 2nd book, but the both took a down turn in this one.
Tropes: Mafia, kidnapped FMC, protective alpha MMC, enemies to lovers, age gap, open door
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Gun violence, Medical content, Sexual content, Stalking, Kidnapping, Violence, Injury/injury detail, and Pregnancy
Carnal Urges, by J.T. Geissinger
funny
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Sloan is kidnapped by Declan, the head of the Irish mob, in retaliation for "starting" a war between Mafia families.
I love Sloan so much. She is strong, badass, and so funny. She is often brushed off as being a bimbo and dumb because of the way she looks, be she is incredibly smart. She is able to charm every person who walks into her life, including these rough Mafia men. She has a tough shell due to a traumatic childhood and "doesn't keep boyfriends" because of it. As she develops feelings for Declan, she really struggles to accept them.
Declan has a reputation for being cruel, yet he treats Sloan with respect and never hurts her, even when she is annoying him and charming his men. He completely falls under Sloan's spell and would do anything for her.
I love these two together. The banter between them is so funny and had me laughing so many times. They have so much chemistry. There was an interesting twist with Declan, that I kind of saw coming, but made the book a bit more interesting.
I like that we get glimpses of Kage and Natalie within this book.
Tropes: Mafia, kidnapped FMC, protective alpha MMC, enemies to lovers, age gap, open door
I love Sloan so much. She is strong, badass, and so funny. She is often brushed off as being a bimbo and dumb because of the way she looks, be she is incredibly smart. She is able to charm every person who walks into her life, including these rough Mafia men. She has a tough shell due to a traumatic childhood and "doesn't keep boyfriends" because of it. As she develops feelings for Declan, she really struggles to accept them.
Declan has a reputation for being cruel, yet he treats Sloan with respect and never hurts her, even when she is annoying him and charming his men. He completely falls under Sloan's spell and would do anything for her.
I love these two together. The banter between them is so funny and had me laughing so many times. They have so much chemistry. There was an interesting twist with Declan, that I kind of saw coming, but made the book a bit more interesting.
I like that we get glimpses of Kage and Natalie within this book.
Tropes: Mafia, kidnapped FMC, protective alpha MMC, enemies to lovers, age gap, open door
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Body shaming, Miscarriage, Sexual content, Violence, Emotional abuse, Kidnapping, and Death
Moderate: Self harm and Child abuse
Ruthless Creatures, by J.T. Geissinger
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Natalie's fiance disappeared without a trace the day before their wedding. 5 years later, she is still struggling to come to terms with his disappearance. Then, Kage, a handsome mysterious and secretive stranger moves into town. They fall hard for each other, but Kage is not who he seems.
Natalie and Sloane's relationship made this book for me. Their banter and sarcasm was so funny and fun to read. They have such a strong tie to each other. Sloan was possibly my favourite character in the book. Sloan is there for Natalie no matter what and supports her through everything.
Natalie has been through the ringer over the last 5 years. She has definitely been dealing with some mental health issues due to David's disappearance. Before meeting Kage, she felt dead inside, unable to open herself up to another man. Kage lit something within her and she was able to feel something. Natalie is incredibly strong, witty, and honest. She is afraid of being hurt by Kage, but is able to open herself to the possibly of happiness with him.
I'm not sure how I feel about Kage. He didn't have much of a personality and felt kind of flat. He is definitely the alpha type and need to be in control.
I am not a fan of insta love, so that skewed my opinion. I wish there had been a bit more focus on the Mafia side of the story, it felt like it just faded into the background for majority of the book. I cannot wait to read Sloan's book.
Tropes: Mafia, alpha male, touch her and you die, open door, insta-loveish
Natalie and Sloane's relationship made this book for me. Their banter and sarcasm was so funny and fun to read. They have such a strong tie to each other. Sloan was possibly my favourite character in the book. Sloan is there for Natalie no matter what and supports her through everything.
Natalie has been through the ringer over the last 5 years. She has definitely been dealing with some mental health issues due to David's disappearance. Before meeting Kage, she felt dead inside, unable to open herself up to another man. Kage lit something within her and she was able to feel something. Natalie is incredibly strong, witty, and honest. She is afraid of being hurt by Kage, but is able to open herself to the possibly of happiness with him.
I'm not sure how I feel about Kage. He didn't have much of a personality and felt kind of flat. He is definitely the alpha type and need to be in control.
Spoiler
He knew that what he was doing would eventually hurt Natalie, but still withheld the truth from her and was dishonest. He was able to justify his actions because he fell for her the second he saw her and couldn't go through with his orders. Though he worshiped Natalie, he was still very selfish and secretive.I am not a fan of insta love, so that skewed my opinion. I wish there had been a bit more focus on the Mafia side of the story, it felt like it just faded into the background for majority of the book. I cannot wait to read Sloan's book.
Tropes: Mafia, alpha male, touch her and you die, open door, insta-loveish
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gaslighting, Sexual content, Death of parent, Mental illness, Violence, Grief, Suicidal thoughts, Blood, Gun violence, and Toxic relationship
Still Beating, by Jennifer Hartmann
challenging
dark
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
*Please check the trigger warnings before reading this book*
Cora hates her sisters fiance Dean. He has been a thorn in her side for the past 15 years. After attending her sister's birthday party, her wallet is stolen and she has to call Dean for a ride. She figures she will just sit through the awkward car ride home. What she doesn't anticipate is waking up the next morning handcuffed in a psychos basement, next to Dean. The two of them must lean on one another to survive and support each other as they are tested in unimaginable ways.
When I say I cried, I mean I sobbed. This story tore my heart open. It was tragic and heartbreaking, yet beautiful. There were parts that were really hard to read. Everyone deals with trauma differently, I think that Cora and Dean's story shows that in a realistic and sensitive way.
Dean was extremely traumatized and definitely suffering from PTSD, yet he still had this incredible emotional maturity.
Cora went through something unimaginable. Not many people would have been able to survive what she did.
A few things that annoyed me:
- I didn't like how everyone pushed Cora to "move on". She has been through something seriously fucked up. No, she doesn't need to date or go out to the bar.
-I disliked Mandy. She is completely devoid of compassion and empathy. At one point she says to Dean that she was surprised that he didn't want to have sex the second he escaped. Like what? He has been through some MAJOR trauma and you are being so disrespectful and overly pushy. She gave him no space to breathe and just expected Dean and Cora to go back to "normal".
- I didn't like that we got this backstory of Dean and Cora hating each other, but not really hating each other. We are supposed to believe that they have formed a trauma bond, which makes total sense, but then we are shown all these flashbacks that lead us to believe that there were feelings between them for a long time. I wish that there wasn't this "we loved each other all along" undertone to the story. It kind of takes a away from it.
Tropes: Dark, Taboo, enemies to lovers
Cora hates her sisters fiance Dean. He has been a thorn in her side for the past 15 years. After attending her sister's birthday party, her wallet is stolen and she has to call Dean for a ride. She figures she will just sit through the awkward car ride home. What she doesn't anticipate is waking up the next morning handcuffed in a psychos basement, next to Dean. The two of them must lean on one another to survive and support each other as they are tested in unimaginable ways.
When I say I cried, I mean I sobbed. This story tore my heart open. It was tragic and heartbreaking, yet beautiful. There were parts that were really hard to read. Everyone deals with trauma differently, I think that Cora and Dean's story shows that in a realistic and sensitive way.
Dean was extremely traumatized and definitely suffering from PTSD, yet he still had this incredible emotional maturity.
Spoiler
He loved Cora, but realized that they were in this toxic spiral. He always put her first and did everything possible to protect her and help her heal, even when that meant walking away. He is much stronger than he gave himself credit for.Cora went through something unimaginable. Not many people would have been able to survive what she did.
Spoiler
She struggles with being pulled between Dean and her sister. Dean is the only one she can lean on and she depends on him heavily. She is going through a rollercoaster of emotions and really struggles to deal with the trauma she has endured. She is scared to be 100% in with Dean because of Mandy and she kind of treats him like crap. She doesn't realize that Dean's sacrifice is really what she needed, she needs to heal herself, he can't heal her.A few things that annoyed me:
Spoiler
- I didn't like how everyone pushed Cora to "move on". She has been through something seriously fucked up. No, she doesn't need to date or go out to the bar.
-I disliked Mandy. She is completely devoid of compassion and empathy. At one point she says to Dean that she was surprised that he didn't want to have sex the second he escaped. Like what? He has been through some MAJOR trauma and you are being so disrespectful and overly pushy. She gave him no space to breathe and just expected Dean and Cora to go back to "normal".
- I didn't like that we got this backstory of Dean and Cora hating each other, but not really hating each other. We are supposed to believe that they have formed a trauma bond, which makes total sense, but then we are shown all these flashbacks that lead us to believe that there were feelings between them for a long time. I wish that there wasn't this "we loved each other all along" undertone to the story. It kind of takes a away from it.
Tropes: Dark, Taboo, enemies to lovers
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Sexual content, Death, Gun violence, Mental illness, Miscarriage, Rape, Alcohol, Suicide attempt, Kidnapping, Animal cruelty, and Confinement
The Fae Princes, by Nikki St. Crowe
dark
fast-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? Yes
3.0
This is the conclusion of the Wendy, Pan, and Lost boys story. Just as they think everything is getting back to normal, things take another turn as they are visited by a fairy noone thought they would ever see again.
This is not the Tinkerbell we all know from our childhoods. This Tink is ruthless and out for blood. She will stop at nothing to get what she wants. It was a really interesting take on her character.
This book focused a lot on the fairy storyline and of the princes fight to get back their wings.
We are finally given Pan's origin story!
The ending sets up Ric's spin off book well. It should be an interesting one!
Tropes: retelling, found family, dark romance, reverse harem
This is not the Tinkerbell we all know from our childhoods. This Tink is ruthless and out for blood. She will stop at nothing to get what she wants. It was a really interesting take on her character.
This book focused a lot on the fairy storyline and of the princes fight to get back their wings.
We are finally given Pan's origin story!
Spoiler
Pan is the son of a star goddesses who abandoned him to the lagoon. He emerges from the lagoon fully grown and with the shadow, something the lagoon gave him to protect him of his true identity. This explains why he was unable to venture into the sun without his shadow, stars cannot exist in the daylight.The ending sets up Ric's spin off book well. It should be an interesting one!
Tropes: retelling, found family, dark romance, reverse harem
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Toxic friendship, Abandonment, Injury/injury detail, Sexual content, Death, Blood, and Violence
Right Man, Right Time, by Meghan Quinn
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Ollie, a 21 year old journaist student, is out one night out with her bestie, Ross, when her enemy Candice comes into the bar with Oillies ex. Ollie panics and kisses a random stranger in the bar and pretends he is her bf. Silas, a 31 year old professional hockey player, just happens to be that stranger. After being kissed by Ollie he strikes up a deal with her. They will pretend to date...
This book had so many hilarious moments! Their banter at the beginnings as so funny, especially all the jokes about his age. I thought that Silas and Ollie had explosive physical chemistry and slowly their emotional chemistry caught up. The end of the book felt too rushed to me.
Silas has a hard time trusting. His ex, who was his highschool sweetheart, cheated on him and left him completely devastated. He has held onto his anger and has not been able to work through it, in fact he hasn't even talked to anyone about it. The thought of being hurt again scares home enough that he shuts everyone out. Ollie is the perfect solution to his problem, having a girlfriend will get his friends off his back and hopefully keep his ex away from him. Silas is very attracted to Ollie, but convinces himself that he isn't good enough for her because he is still messed up from his ex. He was very hot and cold will Ollie as he struggled to allow himself to feel his feelings for her. He slowly learns to trust her and let her in and gives himself permission to explore his feelings. once he opens up, we see his soft side and how supportive and possessive he is of Ollie. Two words... Jacob's Ladder.
At first Ollie came off very immature. She is a bit chaotic. I loved that she embraces her sexuality and is direct in asking what she wants, but it got to a point where it became so repetitive (we get it, your ex hated sex and you love giving BJ's). She is frustrated that Silas won't give in to her she focuses her energy on cracking him and pushing him to give into her. She thinks that Silas is playing with her, but once she learns about his past, we see a more mature side of her. She becomes protective of Silas and understanding about his emotional needs. She scarifices so much for him.
As much as I hate miscommunication, I feel like his reaction is pretty understandable. He was crushed by his ex, but allowed himself to trust Ollie. So when he believed she betrayed him, he lashed out and shut down again. That said... He should of had to grovel more.
I really liked Ross and loved that we got to know Ian a bit more. I hope that they get a book!
Tropes: fake dating, age gap, hockey, found family
This book had so many hilarious moments! Their banter at the beginnings as so funny, especially all the jokes about his age. I thought that Silas and Ollie had explosive physical chemistry and slowly their emotional chemistry caught up. The end of the book felt too rushed to me.
Silas has a hard time trusting. His ex, who was his highschool sweetheart, cheated on him and left him completely devastated. He has held onto his anger and has not been able to work through it, in fact he hasn't even talked to anyone about it. The thought of being hurt again scares home enough that he shuts everyone out. Ollie is the perfect solution to his problem, having a girlfriend will get his friends off his back and hopefully keep his ex away from him. Silas is very attracted to Ollie, but convinces himself that he isn't good enough for her because he is still messed up from his ex. He was very hot and cold will Ollie as he struggled to allow himself to feel his feelings for her. He slowly learns to trust her and let her in and gives himself permission to explore his feelings. once he opens up, we see his soft side and how supportive and possessive he is of Ollie. Two words... Jacob's Ladder.
At first Ollie came off very immature. She is a bit chaotic. I loved that she embraces her sexuality and is direct in asking what she wants, but it got to a point where it became so repetitive (we get it, your ex hated sex and you love giving BJ's). She is frustrated that Silas won't give in to her she focuses her energy on cracking him and pushing him to give into her. She thinks that Silas is playing with her, but once she learns about his past, we see a more mature side of her. She becomes protective of Silas and understanding about his emotional needs. She scarifices so much for him.
As much as I hate miscommunication, I feel like his reaction is pretty understandable. He was crushed by his ex, but allowed himself to trust Ollie. So when he believed she betrayed him, he lashed out and shut down again. That said... He should of had to grovel more.
I really liked Ross and loved that we got to know Ian a bit more. I hope that they get a book!
Tropes: fake dating, age gap, hockey, found family
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Grief, Infidelity, Sexual content, and Toxic relationship
Those Three Little Words, by Meghan Quinn
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Eli, hockey player, is a well known playboy. When he hooks up with Penny, his best friend and teammates baby sister, get gets more than he bargains for. Their one night stand winds up with Penny accidentally getting knocked up.
I am going to start by saying that I hate the accidental pregnancy trope, but really wanted to love this book because I really loved Eli and there were some genuinely hilarious moments.
Eli has a horrible childhood and is working on getting though his trauma with the help of his therapist and his closest friends.
I did not like Penny. I wanted to but I just didn't. She was whiny and vindictive. She has a complete lack of compassion and empathy for Eli's feelings and does not acknowledge how his past has impacted him until her friends drill it into her. She pressures him to move along her prescribed timeline and does not allow him to work through his feelings. When he pulls away, she lashes out or manipulates him through sex. She does not respect his boundaries and acts like a child when she doesn't get her way.
I also hate the way pregnancy way highlighted in this book. Penny was show as "crazy" during her 3rd trimester. She was angry, mean, and awful. That is such a stereotypical view of pregnancy.
Again, I loved all the side characters in this book. I felt that the Winnie/Pacey drama was not needed.
Tropes: found family, accidental pregnancy, hockey
I am going to start by saying that I hate the accidental pregnancy trope, but really wanted to love this book because I really loved Eli and there were some genuinely hilarious moments.
Eli has a horrible childhood and is working on getting though his trauma with the help of his therapist and his closest friends.
Spoiler
Due to his traumatic childhood, he avoids relationships because so many people he has loved have died. He is scared to get close to anyone out of the fear of losing them. He only has one night stands, no relationships. That's why when he finals himself developing feelings for Penny, he has no idea how to handle them or what to do. She expects words that validate her feelings, but he struggles to and instead he shows it to her every day through his compassion, dedication, and empathy. He really struggles with verbal communication, but was genuinely trying his best.I did not like Penny. I wanted to but I just didn't. She was whiny and vindictive. She has a complete lack of compassion and empathy for Eli's feelings and does not acknowledge how his past has impacted him until her friends drill it into her. She pressures him to move along her prescribed timeline and does not allow him to work through his feelings. When he pulls away, she lashes out or manipulates him through sex. She does not respect his boundaries and acts like a child when she doesn't get her way.
I also hate the way pregnancy way highlighted in this book. Penny was show as "crazy" during her 3rd trimester. She was angry, mean, and awful. That is such a stereotypical view of pregnancy.
Again, I loved all the side characters in this book. I felt that the Winnie/Pacey drama was not needed.
Tropes: found family, accidental pregnancy, hockey
Kiss and Don't Tell, by Meghan Quinn
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Yet another super cute and hilarious book by Meghan Quinn! There were so many moments that had me in stitches. I loved Winnie and Pacey together, they are absolutely adorable!
Winnie is going through a rough patch so she decides to go on a solo adventure to Banff. Unfortunately, her tiny car is not made for the mountainous dirt roads and she gets stuck in the mud. Stranded, she follows the only light she sees to a nearby house which happens to be occupied by 5 gorgeous hockey players.
I loved the dynamic of the 5 men. The witty banter and hilarious exchanges between them were perfection. I liked the variety of personalities, they weren't your stereotypical egotistical jocks. I adored the relationship the 5 men had with each other. They had each other's backs and were so honest with each other. When Pacey fucked up and when he needed them most, these men come to his rescue and are his support system.
Winnie has lost so much and has dealt with so much grief. She is head strong and has a hard time trusting (thanks Josh). She is working on building herself back up and healing. Being around these men brought some ease to her life, they helped her start to heal and helped her learn to trust again. Her friends add another funny edge to this book!
Pacey is so charming and adorable. He is a golden retriever at heart. He falls for Winnie fast and hard. There were times when I was so frustrated with the decisions he made, if only he had been 100% honest with Winnie and communicated with her. I understand why he didn't want to tell her when he figured out who she was, but he ended up handling that situation horribly. That said, does he ever come back with a BANG. He is able to slowly work toward winning back her trust and takes things at the pace she dictated. THE. ACTS. OF. SERVICE. He is so endearing, thoughtful, and caring.
Tropes: found family, hockey, forced proximity, he falls first, instalove-ish
Winnie is going through a rough patch so she decides to go on a solo adventure to Banff. Unfortunately, her tiny car is not made for the mountainous dirt roads and she gets stuck in the mud. Stranded, she follows the only light she sees to a nearby house which happens to be occupied by 5 gorgeous hockey players.
I loved the dynamic of the 5 men. The witty banter and hilarious exchanges between them were perfection. I liked the variety of personalities, they weren't your stereotypical egotistical jocks. I adored the relationship the 5 men had with each other. They had each other's backs and were so honest with each other. When Pacey fucked up and when he needed them most, these men come to his rescue and are his support system.
Winnie has lost so much and has dealt with so much grief. She is head strong and has a hard time trusting (thanks Josh). She is working on building herself back up and healing. Being around these men brought some ease to her life, they helped her start to heal and helped her learn to trust again. Her friends add another funny edge to this book!
Pacey is so charming and adorable. He is a golden retriever at heart. He falls for Winnie fast and hard. There were times when I was so frustrated with the decisions he made, if only he had been 100% honest with Winnie and communicated with her. I understand why he didn't want to tell her when he figured out who she was, but he ended up handling that situation horribly. That said, does he ever come back with a BANG. He is able to slowly work toward winning back her trust and takes things at the pace she dictated. THE. ACTS. OF. SERVICE. He is so endearing, thoughtful, and caring.
Tropes: found family, hockey, forced proximity, he falls first, instalove-ish
Content Warnings
Graphic: Medical content, Toxic relationship, Emotional abuse, Grief, Sexual content, Cancer, and Death of parent
The Roommate, by Rosie Danan
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Clara is an upright socialite who throws away her life to follow her childhood best friend and the "man of her dreams", Everett, across the country. When she arrives, she is shocked to find out that Everett is leaving for 3 months with his band and he rented out his room to some random from Craigslist. So now she is in LA with no job, no car, abandoned by Everett, and living with a stranger. Josh ends up being her new roommate. Clara is shocked to find out that her handsome new roommate is actually a very famous porn star.
I love how sex/body positive this book is and how it brings to light many of the issues facing those in the sex industry. I love the idea behind Shameless and how it focuses on turning an industry that panders to the male gaze on its head. Shameless focuses on women's pleasure and gives space to women in an industry where their needs are generally cast aside.
Clara is prim and proper and values order and organization. Think stereotypically uptight woman. She has a plan for her life, but things don't always go as planned. She pictures of future where she is married to Everett. But Everett is a selfish asshole who strings her along. He never had the same feelings for her. Then her life is thrown into a loop when she moves in with Josh and he opens her eyes to things in her life that are missing. She is able to be herswlf around Josh and doesn't feel like she has to be perfect around him. It takes her a while, but she is able to allow herself to step outside her family's expectations and go for what she truly wants.
Josh is goofy, funny, and incredibly sexy. He is instantly attracted to Clara, but hides his feelings from her. He has a history of being looked down upon because of his job. Though he is not embarrassed by his job, he feels that people around him are. This is one of the reasons why he's completely cut off connection with his parents. He doesn't believe that he will ever be able to find a meaningful relationship built on love because of his job, especially not with Clara. He thinks he isn't good enough for her.
What Clara and Josh have is written as an instalove situation, but really plays out more as lust. Yes, they've gotten to know each other well over the months that they are living together, but it doesn't come across as love. It comes across more as a relationship in the process of being built. Plus the amount of miscommunication in this book drive me bonkers.
I think Naomi and Jill are the most interesting characters in this book. Naomi is a badass woman working in an industry structured to take advantage of her, but she is fighting back and working to take what she deserves. Jill has brought "shame" upon her family and has been banished. She moves to LA and creates an incredible life for herself. She is strong and supportive of her niece.
Tropes: instalove, unrequited love
I love how sex/body positive this book is and how it brings to light many of the issues facing those in the sex industry. I love the idea behind Shameless and how it focuses on turning an industry that panders to the male gaze on its head. Shameless focuses on women's pleasure and gives space to women in an industry where their needs are generally cast aside.
Clara is prim and proper and values order and organization. Think stereotypically uptight woman. She has a plan for her life, but things don't always go as planned. She pictures of future where she is married to Everett. But Everett is a selfish asshole who strings her along. He never had the same feelings for her. Then her life is thrown into a loop when she moves in with Josh and he opens her eyes to things in her life that are missing. She is able to be herswlf around Josh and doesn't feel like she has to be perfect around him. It takes her a while, but she is able to allow herself to step outside her family's expectations and go for what she truly wants.
Josh is goofy, funny, and incredibly sexy. He is instantly attracted to Clara, but hides his feelings from her. He has a history of being looked down upon because of his job. Though he is not embarrassed by his job, he feels that people around him are. This is one of the reasons why he's completely cut off connection with his parents. He doesn't believe that he will ever be able to find a meaningful relationship built on love because of his job, especially not with Clara. He thinks he isn't good enough for her.
What Clara and Josh have is written as an instalove situation, but really plays out more as lust. Yes, they've gotten to know each other well over the months that they are living together, but it doesn't come across as love. It comes across more as a relationship in the process of being built. Plus the amount of miscommunication in this book drive me bonkers.
I think Naomi and Jill are the most interesting characters in this book. Naomi is a badass woman working in an industry structured to take advantage of her, but she is fighting back and working to take what she deserves. Jill has brought "shame" upon her family and has been banished. She moves to LA and creates an incredible life for herself. She is strong and supportive of her niece.
Tropes: instalove, unrequited love
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Sexual content, and Car accident