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caffeinatedcrystal's reviews
143 reviews
A Midsummer Night's Fling by Kelly Fox
5.0
A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S FLING was a shortie little novella that was available for the prolific works summer freebie giveaway. I scooped this one up so fast because you know Kelly Fox is an autobuy author for me.
First off, the idea for this story is epic. There are two conventions in the same hotel, and they very obviously do not go together. CHEF'S KISS. We were lucky to be blessed with the gym bros and the literature nerds.
All hail the impeccable jock/nerd trope. It's such a wonderful & classic choice. Always hits the spot like a diet coke on a summer day.
And Kelly Fox did not miss. There was a lot of story packed into 93 pages.
Gavin, our Shakespeare nerd, has an intense insta-lusty-eye contact vibe with Kai, the bulky & well-off gym bro-ey guy he ends up sharing an elevator with. And oh, their rooms are right next to each other. And oh! Let's go get tacos, and you can ride in my Maserati... sigh. It's what romance novellas are made of.
So, the chemistry is bumping. There's spice and heavy flirting. There's also some great plot and character exploration, too.
I love that Gavin and Kai were so into each other, and I also love that they both JUST KNEW what they found when they met each other.
If Kelly wants to take us somewhere, I'll happily follow along. Loved this short little novella. Loved this couple.
First off, the idea for this story is epic. There are two conventions in the same hotel, and they very obviously do not go together. CHEF'S KISS. We were lucky to be blessed with the gym bros and the literature nerds.
All hail the impeccable jock/nerd trope. It's such a wonderful & classic choice. Always hits the spot like a diet coke on a summer day.
And Kelly Fox did not miss. There was a lot of story packed into 93 pages.
Gavin, our Shakespeare nerd, has an intense insta-lusty-eye contact vibe with Kai, the bulky & well-off gym bro-ey guy he ends up sharing an elevator with. And oh, their rooms are right next to each other. And oh! Let's go get tacos, and you can ride in my Maserati... sigh. It's what romance novellas are made of.
So, the chemistry is bumping. There's spice and heavy flirting. There's also some great plot and character exploration, too.
I love that Gavin and Kai were so into each other, and I also love that they both JUST KNEW what they found when they met each other.
If Kelly wants to take us somewhere, I'll happily follow along. Loved this short little novella. Loved this couple.
Downfall by Parker St. John
5.0
Oh my god, y'all. This book.
Downfall was absolutely incredible. If you're looking for a fast-paced read, this isn't it. Downfall was a SPRAWLING romance. It has emotions and emotional damage packed to the gills.
Aiden and Seth were attached at the hip for a long time. But when something BIG happens, and Seth pushes Aiden away- our two mcs are separated by time and stubbornness.
When they reconnect, by fate, things begin to heat up in the story, and the plot starts plotting HARD.
Downfall isn't full of spice - it's an EPIC ROMANCE. I loved both of these characters. The situation is heartbreaking, and the way they both handled things was bad. But god, they love each other.
I was an absolute mess for the last 20% of this book. Longer, if I'm being honest. I understand why things had to happen the way they did - but the feelings!!!!!
The love that Seth and Aiden share is beautiful. These two deserved their HEA, and I am thrilled they got it.
I know this is book 6, but it's not necessary to have read the other books to get the plot. Parker St John can write a story, and I honestly can't recommend Downfall enough - especially if you're a fan of cowboy romances.
Book one, the only other book from this series I've read, is also an emotional gut punch in the best way. All the stars!!!
DOWNFALL is available now!
Downfall was absolutely incredible. If you're looking for a fast-paced read, this isn't it. Downfall was a SPRAWLING romance. It has emotions and emotional damage packed to the gills.
Aiden and Seth were attached at the hip for a long time. But when something BIG happens, and Seth pushes Aiden away- our two mcs are separated by time and stubbornness.
When they reconnect, by fate, things begin to heat up in the story, and the plot starts plotting HARD.
Downfall isn't full of spice - it's an EPIC ROMANCE. I loved both of these characters. The situation is heartbreaking, and the way they both handled things was bad. But god, they love each other.
I was an absolute mess for the last 20% of this book. Longer, if I'm being honest. I understand why things had to happen the way they did - but the feelings!!!!!
The love that Seth and Aiden share is beautiful. These two deserved their HEA, and I am thrilled they got it.
I know this is book 6, but it's not necessary to have read the other books to get the plot. Parker St John can write a story, and I honestly can't recommend Downfall enough - especially if you're a fan of cowboy romances.
Book one, the only other book from this series I've read, is also an emotional gut punch in the best way. All the stars!!!
DOWNFALL is available now!
Rough Country by Kelly Fox
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
Grumpy/sunshine 💙 city boy/country boy 💙 secret cinnamon roll 💙 found family 💙 size difference 💙 single dad
I LOVED LOVED LOVED this book.
EMERY is a very rich man, burnt out by his finance bro job. Inspired by his favorite poet to move to the Texas hill country, EMERY is determined to fix up his place and move his daughter in.
WOODY is recovering from a broken heart. Deciding to protect said heart, he's built up walls of steel covered in barbed wire. All he wants is to run his sanctuary and write. Now, he has a reckless city mouse idiot move in next door and is busy keeping him alive and competing to be the snark king of the hill country.
Emery and Woody neither one knew how to love or be loved - but it was a joy to watch them tumble and stumble into it. The absolute dummies. Stevie, Emery's daughter, adds a whole other layer of learning to love and be loved - Woody and his cousin Rowdy have never really had a great family, and Stevie is such a sweet girl and loves them both so easily.
I loved these MCs. Woody was such a secret cinnamon roll, a real mad-sad boy. Emery was such an alpha dad type. I just loved them so much.
To be clear: I've read all of Kelly's books, and ROUGH COUNTRY has moved up to tie with the number one spot in my favorites. This story has great characters, wonderful story lines, amazing found family, and such sweetness. My lord, the sweetness. The spice was perfect, and the drama was on point, too.
I loved this book and can't recommend it enough. I loved Emery and Woody so much. ROUGH COUNTRY comes out on the 18th!
I LOVED LOVED LOVED this book.
EMERY is a very rich man, burnt out by his finance bro job. Inspired by his favorite poet to move to the Texas hill country, EMERY is determined to fix up his place and move his daughter in.
WOODY is recovering from a broken heart. Deciding to protect said heart, he's built up walls of steel covered in barbed wire. All he wants is to run his sanctuary and write. Now, he has a reckless city mouse idiot move in next door and is busy keeping him alive and competing to be the snark king of the hill country.
Emery and Woody neither one knew how to love or be loved - but it was a joy to watch them tumble and stumble into it. The absolute dummies. Stevie, Emery's daughter, adds a whole other layer of learning to love and be loved - Woody and his cousin Rowdy have never really had a great family, and Stevie is such a sweet girl and loves them both so easily.
I loved these MCs. Woody was such a secret cinnamon roll, a real mad-sad boy. Emery was such an alpha dad type. I just loved them so much.
To be clear: I've read all of Kelly's books, and ROUGH COUNTRY has moved up to tie with the number one spot in my favorites. This story has great characters, wonderful story lines, amazing found family, and such sweetness. My lord, the sweetness. The spice was perfect, and the drama was on point, too.
I loved this book and can't recommend it enough. I loved Emery and Woody so much. ROUGH COUNTRY comes out on the 18th!
The Pretenders of Copper County by May Archer
5.0
I finished PRETENDERS OF COPPER COUNTY, and I have to say, I think it's one of my favorite books of the year.
It reminds me of the movie Overnight Delivery or any other movie like Planes Trains and Automobiles or Tommy Boy: where there's a road trip and adventure around every corner. Just add ✨️romance✨️. And what a romance it was.
Chris is achingly sweet. Reed is not at all what I expected. These characters were just SO GOOD. No one writes a small town like May Archer.
When a pick-up date turns into a kidnapping, but not really? and our two MCs are put in close proximity - chef's kiss. Their chemistry was amazing. The scenarios were stomach-achingly high-key hilarious. The rambles. The Charcuterie Specialist and Charcuterie related conversations? Perfection. John Ruffian references? Incredible.
It's SO HARD to write a review without giving the plot away because I don't want to spoil it.
Needless to say: Chris was one of the hecking best characters I've read in a while. The way he always sees the good in people and tries to be kind is super special. There was such a sweetness to him.
Reed was the original draw for me because I loved the Sunday Brother books. I did love him and loved how he bloomed around *and for* Chris. He was giving PROTECT vibes the entire time, and I'm always here for that.
These two together were sensational. I ADORED this book. The ridiculous scenarios, the flamingo house, the adventure, the small town, the blushing, the FALLING - absolutely recommend.
THE PRETENDERS OF COPPER COUNTY comes out on 09/24, and again, I think it's one of my favorite books of the year. A feel-good romcom that John Ruffian would approve of ✨️iykyk✨️
It reminds me of the movie Overnight Delivery or any other movie like Planes Trains and Automobiles or Tommy Boy: where there's a road trip and adventure around every corner. Just add ✨️romance✨️. And what a romance it was.
Chris is achingly sweet. Reed is not at all what I expected. These characters were just SO GOOD. No one writes a small town like May Archer.
When a pick-up date turns into a kidnapping, but not really? and our two MCs are put in close proximity - chef's kiss. Their chemistry was amazing. The scenarios were stomach-achingly high-key hilarious. The rambles. The Charcuterie Specialist and Charcuterie related conversations? Perfection. John Ruffian references? Incredible.
It's SO HARD to write a review without giving the plot away because I don't want to spoil it.
Needless to say: Chris was one of the hecking best characters I've read in a while. The way he always sees the good in people and tries to be kind is super special. There was such a sweetness to him.
Reed was the original draw for me because I loved the Sunday Brother books. I did love him and loved how he bloomed around *and for* Chris. He was giving PROTECT vibes the entire time, and I'm always here for that.
These two together were sensational. I ADORED this book. The ridiculous scenarios, the flamingo house, the adventure, the small town, the blushing, the FALLING - absolutely recommend.
THE PRETENDERS OF COPPER COUNTY comes out on 09/24, and again, I think it's one of my favorite books of the year. A feel-good romcom that John Ruffian would approve of ✨️iykyk✨️
The Stargazers of Copper County by May Archer
fast-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
The Stargazers of Copper County is a shorty little novella set to prime the pump of May Archer's newest series. For real: I needed WAY MORE of both of these characters.
Bennett is what we call a snowbird. He spends time at his observatory/family vacation home but lives and works in the city. But over the years, and since the summer began, he's noticing his landscaper Theo more and more.
Through every window. Hiding behind his curtains.
It's all awkward as hell and hilarious. Bennett is like Mr Darcy, awkward and adorable and noble. He thinks he's too old to be messing around with Theo, so he... observes.
Theo is a Coppertain. He knows not to mess with the Copperplates who are only around seasonally. But he's been noticing Bennett for WAY TOO LONG ✨️years✨️ but now... he's noticing Bennett noticing him. Around town. Through the windows.
I'm gonna leave it there. Once Theo realizes he has a chance, or at least interest, he is like a predator on the hunt!
These two mcs are ADORABLY clueless until they aren't. Watching Bennett and Theo get to know each other was such a treat, and their flirting was top tier.
I'm excited about this new small town series. May Archer is amazing at small town -> big feelings. Stargazers was a sweet little toe in the water, and I just adored Theo and Bennett and their cute awkwardness.
Bennett is what we call a snowbird. He spends time at his observatory/family vacation home but lives and works in the city. But over the years, and since the summer began, he's noticing his landscaper Theo more and more.
Through every window. Hiding behind his curtains.
It's all awkward as hell and hilarious. Bennett is like Mr Darcy, awkward and adorable and noble. He thinks he's too old to be messing around with Theo, so he... observes.
Theo is a Coppertain. He knows not to mess with the Copperplates who are only around seasonally. But he's been noticing Bennett for WAY TOO LONG ✨️years✨️ but now... he's noticing Bennett noticing him. Around town. Through the windows.
I'm gonna leave it there. Once Theo realizes he has a chance, or at least interest, he is like a predator on the hunt!
These two mcs are ADORABLY clueless until they aren't. Watching Bennett and Theo get to know each other was such a treat, and their flirting was top tier.
I'm excited about this new small town series. May Archer is amazing at small town -> big feelings. Stargazers was a sweet little toe in the water, and I just adored Theo and Bennett and their cute awkwardness.
Our Blood, Our Pain by Syn Blackrose
medium-paced
5.0
Looking for another dark romance with unhinged alphaholes? 👀 Syn Blackrose brings more Kozlov madness & a hint of forbidden with Our Blood Our Pain. It comes out tomorrow, so jot that down.
Kai is struggling where he is. He's in with a bad crowd and is constantly being arrested and getting in trouble. He ends up being taken by his ✨️step-uncle✨️ Jules to a different city & a job in "security". Jules works for the Kozlov brothers doing mafia adjacent shit.
It's obvious from the get-go that Kai isn't made for a job like this, but he and Jules' chemistry is seconds away from igniting a forest fire. There's a lot of steamy looks, backsassing, bratting, flirting, choking ... it goes on and on. They finally give in, and it's punches and biting and lots of dirty talking.
There's side-plots happening the entire time, but the draw is when Jules gives in and goes feral alpha. If you're looking for ✨️touch him and die✨️ and what amounts to gay-for-you that takes place in a darker world with violence kink all around - Syn Blackrose LITERALLY WROTE THESE BOOKS FOR YOU.
As always, the Kozlov brothers are unhinged delights, and their partners are pot-stirring like crazy. Jules was entertaining in a growly way, and Ivan seems like an MC I can't wait to read more of. I could have done without Kai's mom. Jenny was shrill and whiny, and I HATED her every time she popped up - which sucks cause I always want to be a girls girl - but she was the absolute worst.
OUR BLOOD OUR PAIN is out tomorrow. I absolutely recommend reading all of the books. They're delightfully dark, and Our Blood Our Pain fits right in with them.
"Trust me, Kai. Jules is the same as the brothers. Their love language and foreplay is asshole possessiveness, with a hint of violence if anyone tries to touch you. I guarantee, Jules would fuck up anyone who got near you."
"He's straight." "So was I, and look at me now."
*had me LOLing something fierce*
Kai is struggling where he is. He's in with a bad crowd and is constantly being arrested and getting in trouble. He ends up being taken by his ✨️step-uncle✨️ Jules to a different city & a job in "security". Jules works for the Kozlov brothers doing mafia adjacent shit.
It's obvious from the get-go that Kai isn't made for a job like this, but he and Jules' chemistry is seconds away from igniting a forest fire. There's a lot of steamy looks, backsassing, bratting, flirting, choking ... it goes on and on. They finally give in, and it's punches and biting and lots of dirty talking.
There's side-plots happening the entire time, but the draw is when Jules gives in and goes feral alpha. If you're looking for ✨️touch him and die✨️ and what amounts to gay-for-you that takes place in a darker world with violence kink all around - Syn Blackrose LITERALLY WROTE THESE BOOKS FOR YOU.
As always, the Kozlov brothers are unhinged delights, and their partners are pot-stirring like crazy. Jules was entertaining in a growly way, and Ivan seems like an MC I can't wait to read more of. I could have done without Kai's mom. Jenny was shrill and whiny, and I HATED her every time she popped up - which sucks cause I always want to be a girls girl - but she was the absolute worst.
OUR BLOOD OUR PAIN is out tomorrow. I absolutely recommend reading all of the books. They're delightfully dark, and Our Blood Our Pain fits right in with them.
"Trust me, Kai. Jules is the same as the brothers. Their love language and foreplay is asshole possessiveness, with a hint of violence if anyone tries to touch you. I guarantee, Jules would fuck up anyone who got near you."
"He's straight." "So was I, and look at me now."
*had me LOLing something fierce*
The Step Don't by Devon McCormack, Riley Hart
fast-paced
5.0
Y'all ... Jesus.
THE STEP DON'T comes out 09/12, and oh my god. This is stepbrother/exhibitionist p🌽rn.
I'm not mad about it, but I was not prepared.
Colin and Ash are besties and stepbros. But Ash is keeping a secret. When Colin finds out, these codependent oblivious dummies start a k!nky journey and fall in love.
Honestly, 🌽 aside, this book was funny as hell. Colin and Ash have been close for so long that their bestie-ship is riddled with ZERO BOUNDARIES and inside jokes.
Spice is a huge part of this book. You have to be down for exhibitionism, master bation, dirty talk, edging, bath houses, camming, and general f*ckery.
I loved Frat Cat.
I loved how into each other the mcs were.
As we get to know Ash, his kinks make sense. Colin is so down bad for Ash that he'd be game for anything.
This book was AN ADVENTURE. I haven't blushed like that in a long time. At the end of the day, Colin and Ash were great together. Super in love & chock full of chemistry.
So, Thursday. Pop THE STEP DON'T on your tbrs & Spice up your life!
THE STEP DON'T comes out 09/12, and oh my god. This is stepbrother/exhibitionist p🌽rn.
I'm not mad about it, but I was not prepared.
Colin and Ash are besties and stepbros. But Ash is keeping a secret. When Colin finds out, these codependent oblivious dummies start a k!nky journey and fall in love.
Honestly, 🌽 aside, this book was funny as hell. Colin and Ash have been close for so long that their bestie-ship is riddled with ZERO BOUNDARIES and inside jokes.
Spice is a huge part of this book. You have to be down for exhibitionism, master bation, dirty talk, edging, bath houses, camming, and general f*ckery.
I loved Frat Cat.
I loved how into each other the mcs were.
As we get to know Ash, his kinks make sense. Colin is so down bad for Ash that he'd be game for anything.
This book was AN ADVENTURE. I haven't blushed like that in a long time. At the end of the day, Colin and Ash were great together. Super in love & chock full of chemistry.
So, Thursday. Pop THE STEP DON'T on your tbrs & Spice up your life!
Mixed Motives by Leslie McAdam
fast-paced
5.0
Mixed Motives was in the H2H anthology, and when I heard EX'S DAD, I ran to download. We know what we like, why lie?
So Henry finds out his boyfriend is cheating on him by walking in on them! He decides he immediately must inact revenge. What better way than to pop on some booty shorts and go try to seduce his now ex-boyfriend's hot dad.
Keane and Henry have always had a chemistry. But when Henry shows up, he forces himself to say no. The age gap is too weird for him, and he seems to drown himself in society's expectations.
Both guys independently decide to download the H2H app and let Cupid choose their dates.
I BET YOU CAN GUESS WHAT HAPPENS.
These two were adorable and sweet. So into each other & perfect. I liked how into each other they were. I liked their love of their jobs.
This was a CUTE, little, shorty novella.
Henry and Keane were great together.
Perfect if you're looking for a quick, not too spicy read
So Henry finds out his boyfriend is cheating on him by walking in on them! He decides he immediately must inact revenge. What better way than to pop on some booty shorts and go try to seduce his now ex-boyfriend's hot dad.
Keane and Henry have always had a chemistry. But when Henry shows up, he forces himself to say no. The age gap is too weird for him, and he seems to drown himself in society's expectations.
Both guys independently decide to download the H2H app and let Cupid choose their dates.
I BET YOU CAN GUESS WHAT HAPPENS.
These two were adorable and sweet. So into each other & perfect. I liked how into each other they were. I liked their love of their jobs.
This was a CUTE, little, shorty novella.
Henry and Keane were great together.
Perfect if you're looking for a quick, not too spicy read
Sin Too by S.J. Tilly
5.0
Sin Too is Angelo's love story *Vincent's cousin and head of security from book one*
Angelo has one hell of a time getting his act together when it comes his love interest, Beth. Beth, who has a secret identity/past and a 16 year old ward/nephew.
We get Angelo and Beth's romance. We get their spicy scenes... and how does that WORK? He is said to be 6'8 350 lbs, and all references to Beth say that she's curvy but tiny .... the math is... not mathing... but that did not detract from the story. It just had me giggling more if I'm being honest with you.
So we get the spice. Their love story. Angelo being a giant. And we get Beth's AMAZING backstory. WHY she has a secret identity. How she and Noah came to be in the city. What they're running from. Again, it's a great plot.
I really enjoyed this book, as I have all of Tilly's other books so far. If you're looking for a hetero love story with lots of feels, found family, actual family, a sassy fmc, and a growly broody hulk of a mmc, this may be for you!
I don't want to give away much of the plot. That's why I'm being a bit vague here. But: Beth's mom was kind of the worst. Where is the [redacted] that [-----] was looking for? Will that be addressed in the next book? The scene with Beth at [REDACTED] and Angelo's reaction was hilarious. Sweet, but so funny.
My favorite part of this book, outside of the romance and the sweet moments between Beth and Noah, was when Beth and Sissy told [redacted] to eat a bag of dicks, and [redacted's] response was that they were a pescatarian. ...... when I tell you I CACKLED. It scared Thuban. I was laughing so hard.
So, do I recommend this book?
Absolutely, I do.
But read book one first.
Then read all her other books.
Then talk to me about it.
Fangirl with MEEEEEEEEE.
Reread: 09/04/24
The math still isn't mathing.
Still loved these characters
Angelo has one hell of a time getting his act together when it comes his love interest, Beth. Beth, who has a secret identity/past and a 16 year old ward/nephew.
We get Angelo and Beth's romance. We get their spicy scenes... and how does that WORK? He is said to be 6'8 350 lbs, and all references to Beth say that she's curvy but tiny .... the math is... not mathing... but that did not detract from the story. It just had me giggling more if I'm being honest with you.
So we get the spice. Their love story. Angelo being a giant. And we get Beth's AMAZING backstory. WHY she has a secret identity. How she and Noah came to be in the city. What they're running from. Again, it's a great plot.
I really enjoyed this book, as I have all of Tilly's other books so far. If you're looking for a hetero love story with lots of feels, found family, actual family, a sassy fmc, and a growly broody hulk of a mmc, this may be for you!
I don't want to give away much of the plot. That's why I'm being a bit vague here. But: Beth's mom was kind of the worst. Where is the [redacted] that [-----] was looking for? Will that be addressed in the next book? The scene with Beth at [REDACTED] and Angelo's reaction was hilarious. Sweet, but so funny.
My favorite part of this book, outside of the romance and the sweet moments between Beth and Noah, was when Beth and Sissy told [redacted] to eat a bag of dicks, and [redacted's] response was that they were a pescatarian. ...... when I tell you I CACKLED. It scared Thuban. I was laughing so hard.
So, do I recommend this book?
Absolutely, I do.
But read book one first.
Then read all her other books.
Then talk to me about it.
Fangirl with MEEEEEEEEE.
Reread: 09/04/24
The math still isn't mathing.
Still loved these characters
Just Friends by Saxon James
4.0
Just Friends is a 2020 Saxon James story. I haven't read all her backlog books yet, and I thought I'd give it a go.
Childhood best friends Royce " Roo" and Tanner are separated when Roo has to go back to Austrailia after graduation for a quality of life-saving operation. Five years later, Roo returns to Sunbury to see his straight best friend and confess his love. He has never gotten over Tanner, and this trip is supposed to rip the bandaid off.
Tanner is like a puppy. He's so happy to have Roo back, that he's determined to do whatever it takes to keep him in Sunbury.
I loved the epilepsy rep. I loved Tanner's devotion and openness. I loved how accepting the town was. And I thought Roo was a jerk. Yes, he loved Tanner, and I loved that for him, be he was a giant d* ck.
Just Friends was a good story, and when the two mcs actually started communicating, I liked how in synch they were. They'd do anything for each other, and I always love that. I'm also a sucker for a PINING romance, and Roo had it bad for Tanner for years.
Childhood best friends Royce " Roo" and Tanner are separated when Roo has to go back to Austrailia after graduation for a quality of life-saving operation. Five years later, Roo returns to Sunbury to see his straight best friend and confess his love. He has never gotten over Tanner, and this trip is supposed to rip the bandaid off.
Tanner is like a puppy. He's so happy to have Roo back, that he's determined to do whatever it takes to keep him in Sunbury.
I loved the epilepsy rep. I loved Tanner's devotion and openness. I loved how accepting the town was. And I thought Roo was a jerk. Yes, he loved Tanner, and I loved that for him, be he was a giant d* ck.
Just Friends was a good story, and when the two mcs actually started communicating, I liked how in synch they were. They'd do anything for each other, and I always love that. I'm also a sucker for a PINING romance, and Roo had it bad for Tanner for years.