Crazy Bao You

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Thank you NetGalley and the author for having this available as an ARC.

This book involves slight catfishing, a viral meme, an Etsy shop, instagram DMs, friendship, family, laughter, past trauma and individual growth. It’s a romance, but is also about one woman’s battle, to get over her own fears that have stopped her from evolving.

I was smiling so much during this read because the MC Kimmie had me laughing so much. Whether it was her random thoughts or witty retorts, she was a delight to read. Matt is a hot fireman that would pique anyone’s interest, but he was caring and down to earth. I liked how their relationship developed online and it was more than just looks. The connection was a genuine one.

This was such an easy read and well paced. I felt like I had some form of reaction within each chapter whether it was fun, cringey, heartfelt, awkward… and I remember having a few “oh no” moments. Definitely was a refreshing story - very lighthearted, but when those serious moments came, it was done with understanding and care.

Loved the author’s writing and want to check out her other work. Definitely recommend!

Long Shot

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Honestly, Kennedy Ryan can do no wrong! I swear it! This is my second read of hers and she is an impeccable storyteller! Here I was thinking this was going to be a hot steamy basketball romance, but it’s so much more!

Do check your triggers as there is much DV throughout this book and it’s very much of a story surrounding survival but also triumph and justice. The amount of research Kennedy shows is above measure. She keeps it authentic without devaluing anyone’s experience. The light shed on this subject and the reality it is for some out there, really allows us as the reader to sympathise, as well as, wanting more for those that go through this without help nor support. This book may bring tears to your eyes as it did mine.

The story follows August, an up and coming NBA star about to get drafted. He meets Iris at a bar and they instantly hit it off, mostly because Iris can talk anyone under the table with basketball stats. They leave the bar when August wants a kiss and Iris tells him that she can’t due to having a boyfriend. As time rolls on, we find out Iris’ boyfriend is indeed August’s childhood rival Caleb who is also drafted to the NBA. August can’t let go of the connection with Iris. Caleb notices the interest August holds for Iris and takes any chance to rub it in August’s face. Behind closed doors, Caleb’s narcissistic behaviour keeps Iris tethered until one night, with the help of her cousin Lo, she gains an opportunity to get out of his control for her daughters sake. Iris takes some time away without contact with August, but then their timing aligns.

I am flawed by Kennedy’s writing. If I wasn’t convinced with Before I Let You Go, I now want to read everything she’s ever written! Just wow!

This book had me laughing, crying, happy, sad, emotional… but in the end when Iris got her justice, I was touched by her triumph. I thought August was sweet - he knew a connection of this magnitude couldn’t be ignored. He hung around hoping one day he’d be with Iris but never pushed it in an obsessive way. It was the ultimate test of patience. August knew Caleb wasn’t right and that his and Iris’ time would come.

You really connected with the characters. The whole time I was thinking, how will Iris get out of this? It was painful to read her journey and I really wouldn’t have guessed how justice would be served to Caleb. I loved her cousin Lo and the strong sister bond they had despite having a fall out. All it took was one word for Lo to come running to help. I loved that!

This book has definitely left an impression! I honestly cannot fault it. The writing, the spice level, the dialogue, the research, the storytelling is all high level! Can’t wait for my next Kennedy read!

Coming Home

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Touré and Niomi had a moment during college but life had taken them on their respective journalist adventures and careers. Fate would have it that they would reunite at Touré's daughters graduation ceremony where the school invites their most famous alum to speak. Did they miss their chance or is this their opportunity to take a chance they didn't get?

I saw this as an inclusion for audible subscription, and because I love Kennedy Ryan so much, I had to check it out! It's a cute story and one of those what if moments. The two main characters could have had something during their college years but the timing wasn't right. I liked that they went to have their own lives, grew as people and then realised what they wanted in life.

Touré thinking he didn't have the best relationship with his daughter based on his sacrifice to work to provide, was very noble. Even though he felt like he missed out throughout his daughter's life, her telling him that she admired him was such a sweet and pivotal moment.

I like second chance stories and how Niomi and Touré got together. This was a very short audiobook and a nice story. There was a little bit of spice also.

Little Bird

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I have no idea what I was expecting or should have been expecting for a dark mafia romance. I can't say I have read this genre so it's quite new for me.

Bane is a drug lord in LA. One of his dealers Hawk leaves him $50k short and if the money doesn’t show up by the end of the week, it’s his head. Hawk freaks out and let’s his sister Wren know. She’s used to him getting in trouble but not this deep. What does Wren do? March up to Bane’s club Dollhouse to bargain another deal but she doesn’t have anything to offer in return. Bane says if she will be his, and only his for two weeks, then all debt is cleared. Is giving up her freedom to a criminal a good idea? What is she willing to sacrifice for her brother?

If you’re after a fast paced book with lots of spice, then you’ll like this book. I read it in about 5 hours total and it really is easy to read. There’s a lot of spice, so it’s not for the faint hearted.

Not a fan of insta love and I wasn’t fully convinced that Bane, this well known drug lord, would stop in his tracks for Wren. No offence to Wren, I’m sure she’s a lovely person but she had no depth. Give me more substance to them and I’ll love you for it. I wanted a bit more connection - but maybe that's just my preference.

Bane would drop everything for Wren. I guess that’s sweet but he’s a cold hard killer. He fell for her on looks and a bit of her sass to protect her brother. I also wish Wren was slightly more intelligent. It’s like Bane being a bad boy was all it took for her to want to be with him. Also, the whole damsel in distress narrative. She didn’t need Bane to be her saviour for anything and she's strong enough to figure it out.

So what did I like? I actually didn't mind the plot and would've liked a bit more. When dealers were getting hit, I was thinking, will this turn out to be a blown out turf war? Detective Cox hot on Bane's trail was also another part of the story I liked being played out. There were a few twists in there. Bane's right hand man Dagger was mysterious and I wanted to know more about him. He's loyal, hot and I'm here for it.

Unbetrothed

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This author had reached out on TikTok about their book and I’m so glad to have checked this out! If you’re after a romantasy described as Encanto meets the Selection, then this may be for you.

Beatriz is set to be betrothed, though her love of her best friend Lux, stops her from choosing a suitor. She can’t have Lux as he’s already paired to another person. On top of this, Beatriz fails to possess a magical gift - everyone in her kingdom are usually bestowed a gift from the ages 1-5, though at 17, she is still not charmed and sees herself as useless in comparison to others. Marking her words via an oath to the ancient ones, she goes on a secret quest to be granted her magical gifts in the valle de los fantasmas, gets in a sticky situation and is saved by a group of men, who we find out are from a rival kingdom Himzo. As she embarks on her journey with these men, she realises that not everything is as it seems and she has much learning to do about herself and those around her.

This book was well written and I enjoyed the characters. Beatriz was always going to be a stuck up princess who thought she knew better. There was much learning she needed to do and I appreciated her journey. She was flawed and felt her shortcomings, more so than others, because she was in the spotlight.

I loved her maid Laude and cracked up a lot at the things she would say and do, especially when she was with the Himzo group. She was hilarious to read. I kept thinking about what was this Himzo groups angle - they could capture Beatriz at any point and spark some more conflict. All was to be revealed in time and I loved the developing relationships between all of the characters. Zichri was all things you would want in a man - gentle natured, kind, caring, good looking, would take a sword to the chest for you… like he was built to be loved.

Things really pick up around the 70-80% mark when we encounter some betrayal and deceit. I did guess who the culprit was as it was hinted earlier in the book.

This was a really good read and I would love to read more from this author!