cozyupwithfictionandtea_sarah's reviews
298 reviews

Daybreak by Kate Hawthorne

4.75

Goodness. I honestly like reading series like this with a whole bunch of authors that I’m either not familiar with or haven’t read much of their backlist. I’m almost done here & so far I’ve really enjoyed each story. What I liked about this book was that for Jasper, it was a second chance at love & for Liam, it was learning about himself & realizing that if he was going to consider himself an adult then he had to stand up & say so. Really liked how the author handled both characters & their individual stories. The grief, parental oppression & Devon, Emmett & Tyler being nosy but caring, even when it was gruff. Listened via Anyplay.

Booklover by J.E. Birk

4.5

Listened via Anyplay. New to me author & while a few instances got me iffy on finishing it, I’m glad I stuck with it & really liked the epilogue, like really really liked how the author gave us readers the HEA we needed.

Winter's Promise by Giovanna Reaves

fast-paced

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

4.0

First book by a new to me author. I enjoyed it, while it definitely falls in the insta-love category, the plot helped immensely & detracted from that. This one is nice & on the shorter side, with the author filling out said story. Listened via Hoopla Alameda.

Insatiable by Rhys Everly

4.0

This was so good! The author is new to me & I’m intrigued to read more of their backlist. Also a first was Kale Williams & IMHO they did a fantastic job. A recently jilted MMC & a playboy author who decides to reform. I’ve done some serious reading this year so far & not come across this trope per se & I I really enjoyed this even with the OM drama. Listened via Anythink.

Heartsong by A.E. Wasp

Listened via Anyplay. This one wasn’t exactly my jam. While Sean gave me plenty to laugh or chuckle about, I didn’t care for how the author addressed Sean’s PTSD-C (it was improperly categorized in the story as simple PTSD) & I also didn’t care for Sean’s VERY delayed disappearance being the age he is. Anyway, probably won’t read anything else by this author bc the writing just isn’t for me & nobody else has to agree with me!!

Stronghold by Ana Ashley

4.5

Childhood BFFs. I have fallen in love with Ms. Ashley’s writing & Stronghold was wonderful. My plan for the remainder of this year I intend to read whatever I can of new 2 me authors & as this one didn’t disappoint, I’ll be chomping at the bit to get started on anything I haven’t read yet. I really like different stories surrounding Vino & Veritas that I’ve had the opportunity to read so far & although there are a few authors I haven’t been impressed with, I’m glad to have an audiobook which can bring a story alive even if the subject matter is a struggle. Listened via Anyplay.

The Backup Boyfriend by River Jaymes

4.0

New 2 me author & the story was okay IMHO. I think that what was missing for me was a more definitive response from  Dylan once he realized what Noah so eloquently explained to him about himself & I feel Alec deserved a bit more from him. 🤷🏻‍♀️ Anyway, fake boyfriends with a guy who thought he was straight. Normally, I enjoy this trope but I’m certain the writing didn’t feel true to me. But that’s not a negative about the author or their writing style. Listened via Anyplay.

Pressure by Kiki Burrelli

4.5

This one was longer than it honestly needed to be. Yes, that is my opinion. As to why I think so is that there was way too much going on only to finally wrap up with that well needed mating ceremony. The author’s writing is great, seriously. I just think for a book 1 there was too much that consisted of this storyline even though the only unresolved conflict was Alpha challenge. I’m not certain I’ll finish this series but  I do  want to say that this  didn’t feel like a waste of my time. Listened via Hoopla Anythink.

Moving On by Felice Stevens

4.5

So…this one has a few topics that some readers might find triggering or very sensitive. Both men left behind as young boys; one was left with a toxic elderly grandmother & the other signed off to the state & matured through foster care. Ms. Stevens does such a great job writing sensitive material with writing that is clear but respectful to both characters & readers. Kale Williams narrated & as a new one for me, did an excellent job. Listened via Hoopla Anythink.

Don't Mess with the Ex by DJ Jamison

4.75

Second Chance!!! But still married & didn’t know 🤭 yes please! Tucker & Laurie. Just all the feels yet again 🫠😍 I live in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains & walking next door is not possible safely. So to think of living in a close knit town where everyone knows basically everything about everyone else is greatly missed. Anyway, there is 1 more story & I’m hoping it’s about who I think it is. Cause what happens in Vegas never actually stays in Vegas, just saying. Anyhow, it’ll be sad to leave this community for sure. Mr. Toma is an exceptional narrator & doesn’t ever disappoint. Listened via Hoopla Anythink.