Note: Reviews are listed alphabetically by author’s last name.
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Mutinous Relations
Abrianna Denae & Leigh Kenzie (Crimson Bonds #6)
Even after these authors have continually surprised me by how the relationships between the characters in their individual series have evolved, part of me definitely assumed that some things would return to the “status quo” by the end of this joint venture. My assumption officially changed in this installment, however, as I find myself increasingly convinced that some relationships might not be repairable. This is also the first book in this relatively dark series to make me cry while reading. These two things may be connected. While this revelation might put some readers off, I remain completely invested in this series and intrigued by what twists may happen next. Especially now that even the “Families” themselves have altered as much as the relationship dynamics in this series.
Disclaimer: I received a digital review copy of this book from the authors.
Winning You
E.M. Lindsey (Words We Never Said #7)
One thing I low-key appreciate about this series is that Lindsey allows time to pass between the individual stories. I feel like this gives the relationships and friendships between the characters time to breathe and evolve naturally between the hits of drama, especially when the reason why the original characters have their bond in the first place (single dads) is functionally eliminated by them finding romance and long-term partnership. This also allows younger characters to age “off-screen” so that teenagers I enjoyed as children of the single dads are even more fun to read as they grow into adulthood and find romance themselves. I already knew I’d be invested in Frankie’s eventual happily-ever-after; Lindsey pairs him with a character just as fascinating, giving me all the more reason to enjoy every moment of Frankie and Lucas’s awkward meet-cute(s) and what develops between them. I adored the way these characters decide to fight for their future together, even while acknowledging the implied and tackling the real obstacles that stand in their way. And, as much as I don’t want this series to end (already high praise from a reader who tends to shy away from the single dads trope), Lindsey interweaves enough about the characters and conflicts for the relationship in the final installment to have me eagerly counting down the days to release.
Disclaimer: I received a digital review copy of this book from the author.
Heated Rivalry
Rachel Reid (Game Changers #2)
I’d been in a bit of a reading slump, so I decided at the last minute to read this series before watching the new television show. I’m so glad that I did! I powered through the first two books before the debut episodes premiered and promptly binge-read the rest over the following weekend. Now, I don’t have a book hangover so much as an Ilya hangover. Since I’m kind of a hipster about popular stuff, I kept my expectations low for this novel. However, the way Reid launches us into the forbidden romance element, establishing two strong, dynamic personalities before circling back to the beginning of Ilya and Shane’s non-friendship, had me hooked. This is a powerful, intense story worthy of adaptation. Without spoiling anything, I especially appreciated how much the ending differs from the first book in this series. Shane and Ilya’s circumstances mean they don’t get the flashy drama, but I believe their happily-ever-after is all the stronger for it.