Note: Reviews are listed alphabetically by author’s last name.
Like my reviews?
The Memories We Made
Cara Dee (Remembering Us #1/The Game Series #16)
As a long-time fan of this author, I was entirely unsurprised when a prologue meant to set up the conflict in the main story became a full-length novel in itself. Considering Nathan and Ash have almost 20 years’ worth of history to unpack, every extra page is well-deserved. For those who are concerned, this book is not an angst-fest (except for the retrospective bits at the end of each chapter that keep reminding us the direction things are headed). In true Dee fashion, we get lots of references to other familiar names even outside Mclean House. The story also leans into the overarching theme of The Game series as a whole, where kink and real life intersect and are not necessarily easy to untangle. For these men, love was absolutely never the problem. We leave off less than 2 weeks away from where the events of the next book will pick up, and I’m anxious for these two men to finally achieve the personal fulfillment that is just as important as their happily ever after.
Disclaimer: I received a digital review copy of this book from the author.
Frayed Threads
Abriana Denae & Leigh Kenzie (Crimson Bonds #8)
Things have taken a dark(er) turn in the latest installment of this series, proving that Denae and Kenzie have yet to finish throwing their poor characters into the deep end. Alongside all the romantic relationships that have undergone massive upheaval since the start of this series, we learn that friendships aren’t safe either when characters reach such low points. Though Carter continues to be the only one to bring me to tears, my heart hurts for all of them, even a few previously beloved characters who are on the thinnest of ice. Everyone feels backed into a corner these days, including the villains, which means nothing is guaranteed. At this point, no one is making it out of this series unscathed…and I’m beginning to wonder whether some will make it out at all. Another cliffhanger means I’m once again anxiously awaiting what comes next.
Disclaimer: I received a digital review copy of this book from the authors.
Unlawful Desires
Kelly Fox (Wildlings #2)
One of the hazards of writing a “next generation” series is that some of the people in the next generation don’t follow directly in the footsteps of their parents. Mav is just like his fathers in all the best ways, just not necessarily in all the stabby ones. The way he imprints on Boone is pretty familiar, too. From an early point, these story elements set up plenty of delicious conflict. And all of that is before the massive surprise Fox drops on readers that had me even more invested in Mav and Boone than I was before! This book does rely heavily on previous book knowledge to be enjoyed to the greatest effect, but I believe new readers will be as drawn to this fabulous extended cast through the magic of Fox’s characterization that has already captured plenty of us who have been reading along the way.
Disclaimer: I received a digital review copy of this book from the author.