ggbookrecclub's reviews
751 reviews

Bull Rush by Maggie Rawdon

adventurous dark lighthearted tense medium-paced

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

5.0

This book is EVERYTHING I love in a romance book. Sports Romance 🤝Dark Romance. The only thing I love more than a marriage of convenience is a divorce of convenience. 

We’ve got ourselves a former pro football player who has to return to his family's ranch that was left to his ex wife in the divorce. But it turns out the papers never got filed. So they strike a 90 day deal to get through the divorce process(again). But there’s some serious chemistry between these two. They sure love to hate each other… if you know what I mean. 
 
If you read Mine to Gain from the Queen City series, you were introduced to Ramsey. He’s a little dark, a little mysterious, and a lot hot tatted football player. The only kind of woman that would satisfy this man, is one who could stand toe to toe with all the vigor and venom. Hazel is all that and more. She’s a strong, capable FMC who is the glue keeping this family ranch together. 

Bull Rush has everything you're looking for:
- Divorce of Convenience
- Indecent Proposal
- Hate to Love
- Morally Gray Hero
- Former Football Player
- Forced Proximity

And there’s some drama and danger along the way. The whodunit get’s wild, the more you know, the deeper the deceit goes. I just hope that Maggie gives us more of this dark western world because Ramsey’s got some brothers, and I need to hear their stories while they take down the bad guys. Or are they the bad guys? I guess we’ll find out.

For Always by Ari Wright, Ari Wright

challenging dark emotional hopeful sad slow-paced

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

3.5

This is a very cute, dual timeline, strangers to lovers, second chance, opposites attract romance. I will warn you, this is a long book. The Kindle is deceiving, you’re 50% in and realize you still have 225 pages left to go. The dual timeline bops back and forth between now and then explaining how their relationship started and evolved. 

The then of their story sounds like something out of a fairytale… Boy looks up and is struck by the beauty of girl. Girl isn’t so sure. Boy wins girl over through cute dates and caring gestures. It’s not until the 50% mark where we get the first glimmer as to why they didn’t work out-meddling parents and all. Around the 85% mark, we get a twist. I will say the book really picked up in the last third and zoomed through to the end. 

I highly recommend this book if you enjoy a longer read that is heartbreaking in the moment but you’re willing to hold out for a happily ever after.

My disclaimer for this read: there is heavy trauma  around SA. If that’s not for you, this book isn’t for you. It’s also a super long read. We’re talking 550 pages. She’s not a cute, short read. 

Between Desire and Denial by Shain Rose

lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

What should have been a one night only situation between a bridesmaid and groomsman turns into a let’s strike a deal situation. After breaking it off with her professor(don’t worry, I’m not spoiling anything you literally learn this on the first page of chapter one) her graduate thesis is in danger. Luckily the Hardy’s have their hands in all sorts of dealings and can easily pull strings. But no good deed goes unpunished, am I right? 

There’s just something about Dimitri and his smug ways of throwing around money to make things happen that just make you want to hate him. The problem with that is he’s also so caring and sincere with all things when it comes to Olive. Olive, hair stylist and friend to Kee(book #3), grew up in a quiet but oh so exclusive subdevelopment that Dimitri wants into. He bought a house thinking that would do it, getting him, in order to expand their businesses to the surrounding areas. Turns out it's not that easy. Striking a deal, Olive relocates to work on her thesis while faking as his live-in girlfriend gaining his favor with the townspeople. It’s all very Stars Hollow but exchange the quirky charm for a dangerous secret society. Of course, in true romance book fashion, this fake dating situation can’t stay fake for long.

Between Desire and Denial contained all the fun and drama you’d expect from the Hardy Billionaire Brothers series while also setting up Shain Rose’s next series perfectly. By the end of the book I kept finding myself wanting to know more about this diamond syndicate and then kept having to real myself back in to keep on topic. The groundwork for something truly devious has been laid and I can’t wait for the new series.

The Anaconda Downstairs by Amy Award

emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced

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

4.5

The Anaconda Downstairs is the fourth book in the Cocky Kingman’s series and I have to admit, this series just keeps getting better. As the PR/Socials manager for Kelsey Best, Penelope is constantly trying to put out fires before they’re even started. She’s charismatic, kind, and a little sassy but pouring all her effort into taking care of everyone else makes it challenging for Penelope to take care of herself. When Kelsey’s life settles down Penelope thinks it may be time for her to start dating. There’s only one problem, when the conversation turns from pleasantries to flirting, her deep knowledge of niche topics comes out. Like giraffes. It’s hard to make giraffes flirty. Everett is the go to guy for all things love advice for the Kingman’s. He’s got a bit of a reputation of being a ladies man, and while there is some truth to the persona, it’s also a bit exaggerated. Seeing his friends and family settle down he’s a little envious and wonders where his person is. And as attracted he is to Penelope, he’s hesitant to upset the balance in the family now that Kelsey is a part of it. 

If you enjoy a flirty fun football romance, this book is for you. Amy Award has a way of writing real characters, with real flaws, and real emotions. 

Delayed Penalty by Teagan Hunter

emotional lighthearted medium-paced

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

5.0

I’m a sucker for the single dad x nanny trope. Delayed Penalty is here to top that with the reformed playboy/new guardian x nanny dynamic. If you’re a fan of banter, tension, and spice all wrapped up in a hockey romance package, Delayed Penalty is the book for you. If you’ve read any of Teagan Hunter’s books you know how perfect(ly flawed) her characters are. This book links the Carolina Comets to the Seattle Serpents together with a few key characters. I always love the check-ins on characters from previous books and series.

This book is undoubtedly a 5/5. I would say this book is a 3.5 on the spicy scale. The quantity of spice may be a bit lower than some other books but the quality is top tier. What adds to fun is the two of them sneaking around. They’re both convinced that they can manage a FWB situation while living under the same roof and spending all the time together while Quinn cares for his niece. Flora, a second grader, is adorable and her life pre Seattle is heartbreaking. But don’t let that stop you. Queue up pickles, silly earrings, and a cute cat.

I’m telling you, the Seattle Serpents series is something special. The day this series ends I will be both sad and thrilled. Sad that it ended but thrilled that I could (potentially) read the entire thing in one sitting. Basically, the Seattle Serpents is my comfort series.

Wicked Dreams by S. Massery

challenging mysterious tense medium-paced

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

4.0

Wicked Dreams, book one in the Fallen Royals series by S. Massery. I’ve never come across an S. Massery book that I didn’t enjoy, and Wicked Dreams was no different. This had all the drama and against of a bully romance set in the exclusive private academy of Rose Hill. Much like the FMC, who’s trying to put together the puzzle pieces of her traumatic past, the reader is also kept on the edge of their seat waiting for the next shoe to drop. This book kept the twists and turns coming. Just when you think you can trust someone? Nope, think again. 

The dark and mysterious community of Rose Hill is so well crafted. There are unknowns hidden behind every corner. And friends from your past are now your enemy. Everyone is keeping secrets. EVERYONE. I can’t wait to read the second book in the Fallen Royals series, Wicked Games. I would have loved this series in high school, it would have been my 

Roman Empire. 

Disclaimer: This book ends on a cliffhanger. To tell you I was shocked when a major plot twist hit at 95% is an understatement. Also, the characters in this story are high school students - minors.

Puck Around and Find Out by Sarah Blue

emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Puck Around and Find Out is the third(and final?) book in the Pucked Up Omegaverse series by Sarah Blue. Book 1 in this series, Pucked Up Pack, was one of the first omegaverse books I ever encountered. It feels like it's been a million years since then. Sarah Blue is an outstanding omegaverse author. Looking through her catalog, I believe I’ve now read all of her works. Clearly I enjoy them and keep coming back for more. 

This book hooked me right from the start. I love a headstrong omega who refuses to give up. Sloane, the coach’s daughter of the New Haven Fox’s, is determined to find her pack. And it’s not just any pre established pack, she’s going the build your own route. She first has her eyes set on the veteran defenseman, Bram. The man she’s crushed on for years. While doing her social media job with the team, she helps rebrand the mascot's image from forgetful fox, to sought after mascot. The other member of her pack is the bad boy goalie, who’s trying to find his footing on his new team. Of course the two alphas struggle to get along. This pack is pushing a tight timeline and not everything goes to Sloane’s meticulously planned instructions.

Wild Eyes by Elsie Silver

hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

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

4.0

Wild Eyes is book 2 in Elsie Silver’s Rose Hill series. We’ve seen a huge rise in the amount of music star x (insert your favorite pairing here) romance books pop up in the last year or so. Could you think of any major pop culture moment that would have happened to make this such a fun and exciting premise? While I’ve read MANY of these books, Wild Eyes, was done so well!

I absolutely loved the relationship West had with his children and ex wife. Everything was so normal. He owns/operates a ranch and participates in a bowling league. He is normal, hot, but normal. Skylar, on the other hand, is a well known musician who’s been paraded around by her management team(her parents) since she was a teenager. She sets out to create something on her own. Something that her parents won't have any creative or monetary control over. So she gets herself to the remote town of Rose Hill, but before she can find Ford Grant(Wilde Love, Rose Hill #1), she takes a photo op with a roadside bear and ends up being rescued by West.

I did notice one error in the book. It refers to her as Skylarki. It’s not a nickname or a joke. Just a typo. 

The Home Wrecker by Sara Cate

medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

It had been a while since I read the first book in this series, which I vaguely remember being on the okay to pretty good scale. But when  I was in a bit of a lull between reads and it was suggested on my Kindle, I figured why not. I really enjoyed this one. Usually I struggle with the cheating trope and while I wouldn’t say this is full on cheating, it's more like cheating adjacent. It’s most definitely a marriage in peril who welcomes a third party to spice things up. 

The same family drama(and trauma) is plaguing the Goode brothers in The Home Wrecker. We just get to see a little further into the history of this family. The back and forth timeline was a bit jarring at times, but overall fairly successful.

The Devious Husband by Catharina Maura

medium-paced

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

4.0

How are we at book six in The Windsors series?! This series is incredibly special to me. It’s one of those series that pulled me in when I got back into reading. With a character like Sierra, who’ve we seen glimpses of her sassy since the very beginning, it was rewarding to see her get her HEA. But getting to their happily ever after wasn’t easy. Not only did these two start as business rivals, but there were some outside forces working against them along the way. 

The Devious Husband is a solid 4 out 5 kind of read. You have to read books 1-5 to fully appreciate it. Spice level? 2.5/5