Short Take Reviews: Circle B Ranch series | Books 5 thru 9

 

The Circle B Ranch series was a lot of fun and while I was sorry to see it come to an end, I loved spending time with these characters that I've come to know and love over the span of nine books (actually, thirteen books if you count the Bishop Family Origin series). While I had my favorites characters and favorite books, I always enjoyed spending time at the ranch with the Bishop clan and watching as the family expanded with new spouses and children. Here are my quick thoughts on books five through nine. 

Kissing the Cowboy

by Kennedy Fox

Series: Circle B Ranch #5

Tropes: Friends to Lovers, Fake Dating 

After several drinks, Harper tells her business rival that she is engaged. Once sober, she begs her best friend since childhood, Ethan, to play the part and keep up the charade. Ethan would do anything for Harper - he's been in love with her for years, but has never told her. Ethan's pining for Harper was everything and I loved the way he adored her. Of course, the lines got blurred and real feelings got involved and I ate it up. Ethan's willingness to lay his heart on the line was super swoony and I loved the ease in their relationship. One of my favorites in the series. 4.25 stars

Winning the Cowboy

by Kennedy Fox

Series: Circle B Ranch #6

Tropes: Enemies to Lovers 

There had been a lot of lead-up to Kenzie and Grayson's story. She hated the poor guy and he couldn't figure out why. I wasn't a big fan of their prank war (it felt childish and immature) but I really warmed to them both once they called a truce. When they started to open up and be vulnerable with one another, their relationship really started to develop. I loved Grayson's dogged determination to win Kenzie over, and I appreciated Kenzie's soft center underneath all the stubbornness and sass. 4 stars

Claiming the Cowboy

by Kennedy Fox

Series: Circle B Ranch #7

Tropes: Love Triangle, Childhood Friends

Hadleigh had been best friends with the Bishop twins, Knox and Kane, all her life. When she and Knox took their harmless flirting to the next level, they kept their hook-ups under wraps. Things took a turn when Kane confessed his feelings for Hadleigh and she found herself caught between the two brothers. This was not one of my favorites in the series because I never felt a strong emotional connection between Hadleigh and the brother she ended up with. Instead, their relationship seemed based on the nonstop sexcapades and how far they pushed their boundaries and experimented. Still it ended as it should and provided a good set-up for the next book. 3.5 stars

Tempting the Cowboy

by Kennedy Fox

Series: Circle B Ranch #8

Tropes: Age Gap, Sibling's Best Fried

Ivy was an introverted bookworm (fist bump for Ivy) and had a secret crush on Kane Bishop - who happened to be her sister Hadleigh's best friend. There were times the attraction seemed mutual, but the timing was always off. When Ivy finally made her move, Kane was right there returning her feelings. I loved how Ivy was able to be herself around Kane, and she felt seen and heard by him. Kane was a sweetheart and loved it when Ivy read to him (definite book boyfriend material) and it was so rewarding to see him finally find his person. 4.25 stars

Seducing the Cowboy

by Kennedy Fox

Series: Circle B Ranch #9

Tropes: Friend with Benefits

At 30 years old and no romantic prospects in sight, Kaitlyn Bishop has given up on waiting for the right man. Desperate for a family of her own, she decides to move forward with having a child. She's floored when her best friend, Payton, offers his services. She's not sure it's a good idea, but her desire for a baby is strong enough that she's willing to take the chance. Naturally, they both develop feelings but are too stubborn to admit it. Kaitlyn's single-minded obsession with getting pregnant was a turn-off for me and it really overtook the story. I enjoyed Payton's back story and his devotion to Kaitlyn (even when she seemed blind to it). The epilogue that featured all the couples from the series was a real highlight. 3.5 stars

Have you read this series?

Series Review: Tin Gypsy/Clifton Forge Series by Devney Perry

 

I read my first Devney Perry book two years ago and she quickly became one of my go-to authors. Twelve books later and she is cemented as one of my favorites. Today I'm sharing an entire series review. I tried to keep my thoughts on each book fairly brief, but yeah... there are a lot of feelings here and I had things to say. So get comfy - or resort to skimming. No hard feelings. 😄

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The Tin Gyspy motorcycle club is no more. The clubhouse is boarded up, the club disbanded, and its members have chosen to move beyond a life of crime, drugs and violence and operate on the right side of the law. Now they own the Clifton Forge Garage, widely respected for their restorations and customizations. The men are still brothers and they have allowed a select few into their found family. But the past comes back to haunt them and payment is due for past sins.

GYPSY KING

Pub date: October 29, 2019

Bryce is a journalist who has recently returned to her small hometown of Clifton Forge, Montana. When a grisly murder is committed and the former president of a supposedly defunct motorcycle club is implicated, Bryce is determined to get the story. Her run-in’s with Dash, son of the accused, leave her frustrated as he stonewalls her at every opportunity. Dash is certain that his father is being framed by a rival club and no good can come from Bryce digging into their past. 

I was hooked from the very start. Bryce was smart and feisty and never took no for an answer. Dash found himself in a tricky situation, being completely taken by Bryce while keeping safe the secrets of the past. This was the perfect blend of small town setting, intense chemistry and romance, and a suspenseful plot that tied it all together. I loved that some major plot points were left unresolved since that had me anxious for the next book. 4 STARS

RIVEN KNIGHT

Pub date: January 21, 2020

Isaiah and Genevieve entered into a marriage of convenience to protect them from prosecution for a crime – a crime that Isaiah committed while saving Genevieve’s life. Now living together in the small apartment above the Clifton Forge garage where Isaiah works, the virtual strangers slowly settle into a routine. But the danger from the past is still following the former Tin Gypsies and those in their circle.

Riven Knight is my favorite from the series for many reasons, but the main one is Isaiah. He was such a broken hero. Having spent time in prison for a devastating accident, he lived with crippling guilt, but he had the purest of hearts. Devney Perry really took the time to build the relationship between Isaiah and Genevieve slowly and carefully, while still furthering the plot. I adored this couple and their story. 4.5 STARS

STONE PRINCESS

Pub date: May 5, 2020

Presley was a jilted bride – left waiting at the altar by her longtime fiancé – with nothing but a text that he’d forgotten about the wedding. While licking her wounds, Hollywood heart throb Shaw Valance comes to Clifton Forge to film a movie about the grisly murder that took place in the small town. Shaw begins to frequent the garage, hoping to win the trust of Presley and the others. As Presley starts to thaw to Shaw’s advances, there is the ever-present danger from the past that continues to put them all at risk.

I appreciated Shaw’s dogged efforts to make a connection with Dash and the others, but Presley was having none of it. No way was she going to allow her found family be exploited. As their relationship grew, we learned a lot more about Presley’s past and how it tied into the current trouble. My only quibble with this one was when the conflict occurred between Presley and Shaw, Shaw made assumptions and didn’t even give Presley a chance to explain – he just left. It was still a compelling story, a solid romance, and I loved the set-up for the next book. 4 STARS

NOBLE PRINCE

Pub date: November 10, 2020

Scarlett Marks is under police protection. The information she has on a motorcycle gang means there’s a target on her back. When she escapes from the safe house, police chief Luke Rosen is prepared to keep her safe and alive at any cost, even if that means her living in his own home. As his feelings for Scarlett grow, he’s faced with impossible decisions: keeping Scarlett safe, or honoring his values as a cop.

Luke had played a part in previous books, so I already knew what a good man he was. He took his job to heart and was truly honorable and, yes, noble. Luke struggled with the decisions he was forced to make. He had to balance his love for Scarlett with his duty as an officer of the law. Devney Perry did an amazing job at showcasing Luke’s moral dilemma. While Scarlett wasn’t my favorite character at first (she put herself and others at risk with her decisions), her courage and her willingness to sacrifice for Luke really had me warming to her. Luke was a total alphamellow – super protective but so sweet and tender when it came to Scarlett. Luke was steady throughout, but Scarlett really came into her own and I appreciated seeing those changes in her. 4 STARS

FALLEN JESTER

Pub date: May 18, 2021

Confirmed bachelor Leo lived for a good time, so when a one-night stand showed up and announced she was pregnant with his baby, he wasn’t just thrown for a loop… he was rocked to his core. Cassandra took one night off from her structured life and what does she have to show for it? An unplanned pregnancy, the local bad boy as the father, and her academic dreams going down the tubes. When a series of accidents put her at risk, she feels like she’s in the middle of a battle that she doesn’t even understand.

Oh, how I loved Leo. He was something of a scoundrel, but he came around. He did not handle the news of impending fatherhood well. I felt for him as he struggled with a role he never wanted but I also wondered how I was going to respect him as the hero when he kept letting Cassandra down. Trust Devney Perry! Because she had Leo grow and change in such a believable way. It wasn’t like a switch was flipped; it was so gradual, and I loved seeing him become the man he wanted to be. Cassandra was hurt by Leo again and again and she showed such patience, but she was no pushover. There were moments when she stood her ground and set limits with Leo to protect her heart. My own heart practically burst at how Leo loved Cassandra and how he cherished their little family. Leo’s redemption arc helped to make this one of my favorites in the series. 4.5 STARS

TIN QUEEN

Pub date: August 31, 2021

After years of drama following the end of his motorcycle club, Emmett is all for a no-strings fling with the mystery woman he meets at the bar. As they spend more and more time together, Emmett realizes she’s his perfect match: intelligent, sassy, loves riding on the back of his bike, and lazing in his bed. What Emmett doesn’t know is that she’s the daughter of his archenemy – the president of a rival motorcycle club, and the man who murdered his father. Nova has come to Clifton Forge seeking revenge, but if she’s successful it will mean losing the man she has come to love.

Tin Queen provided a satisfying end to the series, but I found myself wishing it wasn’t this particular couple that provided that conclusion. Perry did an amazing job at bringing the story arc full circle and providing redemption for the characters, but in this case, it was a personal preference that kept me from being fully on-board. I’m not a fan of relationships that are based on lies or deception. And because Nova’s ulterior motive was the genesis for the relationship with Emmett, I just wasn’t able to get past that and be fully invested in them as a couple. Nova chose time and time again to deceive and to move forward with her plan for revenge, and I couldn’t get over the betrayal. Despite that, I thoroughly enjoyed being in the Clifton Forge world, surrounded by the characters I love. 4 STARS

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In case there was any doubt, I thoroughly enjoyed this series. Devney Perry built the overall story book by book, each installment adding new layers, continuing the arc of the story while still giving each couple their own journey. One of my favorite aspects was the way Perry set up each future book. At the end of each story there were threads of the next story to come, giving just enough to have me anxious to continue on. I already knew that Perry was gifted in great characterization and that was really evident in this series. I got the feeling that she knew these characters inside and out. I felt like I got to know them just as intimately and finishing the final book was like saying goodbye to friends. 

NOTE: 

In 2021, the series was rebranded. The series name was changed from the Tin Gypsy series to the Clifton Forge series, and the first book was retitled from Gypsy King to Steel King. In addition, the original skull covers (which I love) were updated. The content remained the same.

While I still think of the series as the Tin Gypsy series and the first book as Gypsy King, I want to recognize the changes.

  

  

HAVE YOU READ THIS SERIES?

Review: Beloved and Beholden | The Belonging Duet by Corinne Michaels

Corinne Michaels is one of those "it" authors for me. She writes just the kind of emotional contemporary romances that I love, and over the last two years I've devoured more than a dozen of her novels. Recently I decided to do a deep dive into her backlist and read the Belonging Duet, her first two published books, and I've gotta say: she's come a long way, baby. Sure, Corinne's signature romance and emotional impact was there, but without the polish and the remarkable characters that I've come to expect. It's obvious there's been a lot of growth and finesse over the last 7-8 years. So here are my rambly-ranty thoughts on Corinne's earliest work, The Belonging Duet.

     

BELOVED (The Belonging Duet #1)

Pub date: May 27, 2014

Format: Audio

3.25 Stars

Enough. That single word is all I’ve ever wanted to be. Enough to make someone stay. Enough for someone to love and cherish, but I’ve been burned every time.

Except at my job. I thrive there. In my office, I have the ability to fix things and command situations.

Until my new client walks in.

It shouldn’t matter that he fills out a suit better than any man I’ve ever seen. His dimples and blue-green eyes shouldn’t call to me on every level. I know men like him and they’re dangerous to trust.

But Jackson Cole is irresistible.

The pain of the past disappears when he’s around. With him, I’m more than enough, and I break every rule about dating a client. I fall desperately in love with him—only to realize I should’ve trusted my instincts because I’m no one’s beloved.

BEHOLDEN (The Belonging Duet #2)

Pub Date: 

Format: Audio

3 Stars

I tried resisting him. I fought to ensure history wouldn’t repeat itself. In the end, Jackson and I knew he would win. He broke down my walls, obliterated every excuse, and made me love him against all odds.

Then he shattered my heart into thousands of pieces.

I can’t let him back in. It was hard enough surrendering my heart the first time. If he hurts me again, I’ll never survive. No matter what he thinks, we’re beholden to our past.

Catherine - One of my favorite things about Corinne's books are her characters. The women are down to earth, strong, relatable, and someone you could imagine being friends with. Catherine was... eh, not quite those things. Those around her were forever telling her how strong she was but I beg to differ. Girlfriend played the victim very well. She used her Daddy issues and a bad break-up with her fiancé to color her outlook on virtually everything. I can't remember the last time I read about a character who was so in her feelings. I mean, she wallowed in some epic teenage-level angst. Her friendship with Ashley was pretty cringey. They called each other Biffle (as in BFL... yeah, I cringed, too) and their relationship just felt super immature. I will say that I really admired Catherine's ambition and her work ethic - she was quite the go-getter. And her loyalty to those around her was strong.

Jackson - I adore Corinne's heroes. She writes men who are strong, protective, and willing to go the distance for the women they love. There were glimpses of that in Jackson but he often missed the mark. Too often he crossed the line from alpha-male to alpha-hole. His mood swings, specifically in the first book, were annoying. I loved his loyalty to his friends and his former team members but this guy's guilt and savior complex was written with a heavy hand. I mean, you'd think Jackson was solely responsible for all the ills in the world, such was his angst.

Plot - First, this really could have been one book. There was no need to drag out the drama over two books. It made the overall story feel repetitive and I was starting to think: Oh FFS, will you two just sort it out already? I really enjoyed the times Jackson and Catherine were together and they did have great chemistry. I also liked the sub-plots with both of Jackson's companies and the conflict/sabotage that occurred with Catherine and a rival. Those aspects really added a lot to the story. But in the end, the characters felt weak and the drama and angst was overdone. Oh, and Jackson's Big Secret that finally came to light in the second book? Really? Why was it a secret (Jackson's explanation was pretty flimsy) and why did Catherine overreact so badly? Yeah, too much drama and angst.

So there you have it. My ranty thoughts on the Belonging Duet. If You've read Corinne Michaels before, what did you think of these? And if you're new to Corinne Michaels, some words of advice: Skip her earliest work and jump right into the Arrowood Brothers series or the Willow Creek Valley series, both of which are excellent.

HAVE YOU EVER READ A FAVORITE AUTHOR'S EARLIER WORK AND BEEN SURPRISED OR DISAPPOINTED?

Short Take Reviews: The Greene Family series by Piper Rayne | Books #0.5 - #3

I was recently in the mood for something short and sweet so I picked up My Twist of Fortune on a whim. And I’m so glad I did! This prequel novella to the Green Family series checked all my boxes and was the perfect introduction to the loud, boisterous, meddling, blended Greene family. There's a time jump between the prequel novella and the rest of the series and subsequent books follow each of the (now grown) Greene kids. I'm excited to continue the series, but for now here are my thoughts through book #3.

MY TWIST OF FORTUNE

by Piper Rayne

Greene Family series #0.5

Pub date: February 4, 2021

Marla returns to Sunrise Bay, Alaska with her four children after divorcing her cheating husband. Determined to make a fresh start in her hometown, she almost immediately encounters Hank Greene, her husband’s cousin. They had feelings for one another in high school but never acted on them. Hank, a widower with five children of his own, is ready to (finally) pursue a relationship with Marla but knows there are hurdles to cross – from their kids and from the small-town gossip that spreads like wildfire.

This was my first book from the writing duo of Piper Rayne and I was hooked from the very start. I loved this story of two people of a certain age, who had been dealt some tough hands, but were willing to take a chance on one another to find lasting happiness. With a perfect mix of sweet and steamy plus some humor, I enjoyed this series starter from beginning to end. 4 STARS

MY BEAUTIFUL NEIGHBOR

by Piper Rayne

Greene Family series #1

Pub date: February 23, 2021

Cade is the eldest of the siblings in the blended Greene clan. He runs a local brewery with his stepbrother Jed, and has a good life, even if his love life is lacking. When he sees a stranger in the bar one day he’s instantly intrigued. Presley has come to Sunrise Bay for the reading of her mother’s will – the biological mother that she never met. Meeting her sister throws a wrench in Presley’s plans and she decides to stay in town and open her own business in the building she inherited. While Cade and Jed were hoping to expand their business into the space next to the brewery, a plan now foiled with Presley’s arrival, Cade is much more interested in the new owner than his business plan.

Jumping from the prequel novella to this first book and seeing all the Greene kids grown up was such a treat! As the oldest, Cade took his role as big brother seriously and was always looking out for his siblings. Presley was a little prickly at first, unwilling to accept the kindness and friendship of those in Sunrise Bay, but it was understandable considering her background and her feelings concerning her biological family. Once she came around, look out, because she and Cade were off and running. I thoroughly enjoyed this small-town romance and the tight knit Greene family. The family matriarch, Grandma Ethel, was super sassy and not above meddling as she saw fit – and provided plenty of comic relief. With an ending that provided one surprising set-up for the next book, My Beautiful Neighbor was a real treat. 4 STARS

MY ALMOST EX

by Piper Rayne

Greene Family series #2

Pub date: April 6, 2021

Adam has been struggling for the past year, ever since his wife walked out with little explanation, ending what he thought was an idyllic marriage to his high school sweetheart. His heartbreak quickly turns to anger and confusion when she returns to Sunrise Bay and approaches him as if all is well. After an accident, Lucy has a form of amnesia and has come back to Sunrise Bay to reclaim her life, and hopefully her memories. The husband she remembers is now distant and angry but still agrees to help her as she attempts to piece together her memories and try to understand why she left Adam, the man she’s always loved.

I’m a sucker for a second chance romance and this one gave me all the feels. I seriously loved Adam and Lucy and my heart ached for them as they took small steps to reconnect. Adam was devastated when Lucy left and was hesitant to trust again. And Lucy desperately wanted answers on why she walked away from Adam and their life together. I adored these two characters, and they truly captured my heart. Grandma Ethel continued to provide some comic relief and the warm, supportive presence of the entire Greene family made My Almost Ex my favorite in the series so far. 4 STARS

MY VEGAS GROOM

by Piper Rayne

Greene Family series #3

Pub date: May 18, 2021

While on a girl’s trip to Vegas, Nikki wakes up to a strange man in the shower… and a ring on her finger. Finding herself married to MMA fighter Logan Stone is a shock and she returns home determined to put it behind her. But she gets a bigger shock when Logan arrives in Sunrise Bay, meets the family, and announces he’s there to make their marriage work.

Nikki’s reports on the town gossip on-air every day at her job at the radio station. Suddenly, with Logan in town, the gossip is about her. I struggled a bit with Nikki because she hasn’t been my favorite character among the Greene family siblings. Her job is literally spreading gossip and rumors, and no one was immune, not even family members. The shining star for me was Logan. What a sweetheart! He was so certain that he and Nikki were meant to be, and he was willing to make sacrifices to make it happen. His patience with Nikki and her trust issues was seemingly unlimited, and I loved his willingness to put his heart on the line. Once again, Piper Rayne gave an ending that provided a big set-up for the next book, and I can’t wait to read more about the close-knit Greene family. 3.75 STARS

HAVE YOU READ THIS SERIES?

Series Review: The Bishop Brothers series by Kennedy Fox

 

Over the last couple months I've been on a mission to catch up on/complete the plethora of series I have going. Most recently I binged Kennedy Fox's Bishop Brothers series on audio and I inhaled all four books like a Venti Iced Chai Tea Latte with two extra pumps of Chai. 😉 I don't feel particularly led to write full-length reviews for each book, so here are the short and sweet versions of my thoughts on each book.

   


TAMING HIM (Bishop Brothers #1)

⭐⭐⭐⭐.25

11 hours 16 min | 394 pages

Narrators: Aiden Snow and Savannah Peachwood

Alex Bishop was full of southern charm and sex appeal. He worked hard on his family's ranch and had a reputation for playing just as hard. A two week vacation in the Florida Keys had him crossing paths with River. Pediatric nurse River Lancaster made the impromptu escape from Wisconsin to the Keys after learning her boyfriend was married. She absolutely was not looking for a man, but crossing paths with Alex led to a sizzling hot, no-strings-attached vacation fling. When they parted ways, I was puzzled as to how their story would play out, but when River showed up in Texas several months later with news she needed to deliver face to face... that's when things really got interesting. I loved this introduction to the tight-knit Bishop family and watching as Alex and River navigated a new relationship. The narration was a treat and Aiden Snow nailed the charming Southern drawl.

Graphic credit: @shay_shelf

NEEDING HIM (Bishop Brothers #2)

⭐⭐⭐⭐.25

11 hours | 379 pages

Narrators: Aiden Snow and Vanessa Edwin

Oldest Bishop brother Evan bucked family tradition and instead of working on the ranch, he went to medical school and was now an ER doctor. Quiet and broody, he acted completely out of character the night of his brother Alex's wedding by indulging in a one night stand with a stunning woman he'd never seen before. The following Monday at the hospital he meets the new ER physician who is, of course, his one night stand, Emily. There was a mild enemies to lovers vibe in this one (not my favorite trope) but there was no real animosity and it didn't take long for their relationship to gather steam. Evan's lingering grief over a woman from his past seemed a bit much (I mean, he liked her but never even asked her out so how deep could his feelings have ran?). The sub-plot with Emily's stalker added plenty of tension and suspense and showcased Evan's protective nature. The teaser at the end was a brilliant set-up for the next book and had me diving right into Chasing Him.

Graphic credit: @shay_shelf

CHASING HIM (Bishop Brothers #3)

⭐⭐⭐⭐.25

11 hours 16 min | 428 pages

Narrators: Aiden Snow and Vanessa Edwin

John Bishop's life took a dramatic turn when he found out he was a father... in a most dramatic fashion, involving a 9 week old baby being left on his doorstep. Baby Maize was the product of a brief affair between John and Bailey, who never shared that she was pregnant. Having lost her battle with cancer, she left Maize to be raised by John. Mila Carmichael left her home in Georgia to spend time with her beloved grandparents in Texas. A little meddling by Mama Bishop, the family matriarch, led to Mila working as a live-in nanny for Maize while John ran the B&B on the ranch and adjusted to life as a new father. Mila fit in so well with the Bishop clan and they all adored her. And whether John was willing to admit it or not, he did too. I'd be hard-pressed to pick a favorite from the Bishop Brothers series, but if I had to this would be it. I fell hard for John and Mila and Maize and the little family they created - even when they didn't recognize it as such. The way John took to fatherhood and was so in love with his baby girl turned me into a pile of goo. And the way he encouraged Mila to follow her dreams, even if it meant leaving him and Maize and returning to Georgia, showed what a loving and selfless man he was. Vanessa Edwin lent such a sweetness to Mila's voice and Aiden Snow continued to bring every Bishop brother to life.

Graphic credit: @shay_shelf

KEEPING HIM (Bishop Brothers #4)

⭐⭐⭐⭐

12 hours 54 min | 492 pages

Narrators: Aiden Snow and Vanessa Edwin

Jackson Bishop and Kiera had been best friends since before they could walk. By the time she was fifteen, Kiera knew Jackson was the one for her but it seemed he kept her firmly in the friend zone. More than fifteen years later, she knew it was past time to move on and was now engaged to Trent. Jackson had loved Kiera for as long as could remember but felt he wasn't good enough for her. He was passionate about his work on the ranch but was certain Kiera deserved more than a life married to a ranch hand. When Jackson kissed Kiera the night of her wedding rehearsal (thanks to an abundance of whiskey), the doubts she'd been harboring all came to the surface. I can't say that Jackson was my favorite of the Bishop brothers. At over 30 years old, he still lived like a carefree frat boy - a total playboy who slept with all the single women and had Friday night whiskey parties. A lot of time was spent on flashbacks of Jackson and Kiera's past and I found myself wanting more of their present. (That also led to this being the longest of the books at almost 500 pages, which felt unnecessary.) There were some serious red flags in Kiera's relationship with Trent that she consistently explained away and Kennedy Fox really amped up the tension as the relationship imploded. While I wished for more time with Jackson and Kiera together as a couple (that came late in the story), I really loved all the time spent with the ever-growing Bishop family. The brothers, their wives, the children... I'd grown attached over the span of four books and was sad to say goodbye.

HAVE YOU READ THE BISHOP BROTHERS SERIES?

Short Take Reviews: Brooklyn Bruisers series #1-5

  

Over the last couple months I've been on a mission to catch up/finish the plethora of series I have going. It's been ridiculously satisfying. :) One series that I managed start out of order (something I never do) is Sarina Bowen's Brooklyn Bruisers series. I received arcs of Superfan and Sure Shot back in 2019-2020 and loved them, but they were books six and seven in the series. Oops! So I've gone back and binged the first five books. Here are some super quick thoughts on each.

ROOKIE MOVE (Brooklyn Bruisers #1) - Leo & Georgia

I'm a sucker for a second-chance romance so Leo and Georgia's story was right up my alley. While Georgia was hesitant and gun shy, I loved that Leo was all in and made no apologies for his dogged pursual of Georgia. Their backstory really broke my heart and I liked how Bowen portrayed how the aftermath affected Leo as much as it did Georgia. I'm a big fan of this couple. 4 stars

HARD HITTER (Brooklyn Bruisers #2) - Patrick & Ari

At first glance, Patrick and Ari seemed like an unlikely pair. Patrick was a veteran player but even as team captain, he tended to keep a distance between himself and his teammates (and everyone else). He was something of a loner and a grumpy hero. Being forced to spend time with Ari, the team massage therapist, due to an injury was such a blessing in disguise. I loved seeing Patrick open up, let someone in, and make some changes in his life. The slow-burn romance between these two was delicious. 4 stars

PIPE DREAMS (Brooklyn Bruisers #3) - Mike & Lauren

Mike and Lauren had a history - one that had ended badly. Forced to work together again, Lauren was cold and distant but it was obvious there were still feelings there - on both sides. Mike was a little clueless but came to realize that he truly mishandled their breakup, even if his motives were pure. My struggle with this one was how an important aspect of Lauren's story was handled. She seemed to change her mind and do a total 180 about a big issue in the blink of an eye and I had to backtrack to see if I had skipped a few pages or even a whole chapter. The way it was handled rankled with me and kept me from loving this one quite as much as the others. On the plus side, I loved Mike and really enjoyed the storyline with his daughter. 3.75 stars

 

BROOKLYNAIRE (Brooklyn Bruisers #4) - Nate & Rebecca

I was so excited to get Nate and Becca's story. It was obvious from previous books that Nate was seriously pining for Becca and I was so there for it. I loved the strong friendship between these two, the total acceptance they gave one another, and the level of comfort between them. And they way it was obvious to almost everyone (except Becca!) that Nate was head over heels for her. Their relationship wasn't without challenges, considering Becca was an employee. Becca's ongoing issues with her head injury and Nate's attempts to take care of and help Becca gave me all the feelings. The ending - and then that epilogue - were just perfection. This slow-burn, friends to lovers romance hit all the right spots and was just what I wanted for Nate and Becca. 4.25 stars

OVERNIGHT SENSATION (Brooklyn Bruisers #5) - Jason & Heidi

Jason was a confirmed bachelor and did not do relationships. Heidi was the NHL Commissioner's daughter and was doing her best to strike out on her own and gain her independence. I loved the whole forced proximity trope with Heidi temporarily living in Jason's apartment. Heidi was irrepressible and impossible not to like. She was so positive and had such a can-do attitude and I loved that about her. Jason's backstory definitely pulled at my heart but his issues with his past also meant he wasn't completely open with Heidi. When he froze her out and pushed her away I truly wanted to throttle him. I didn't feel quite as connected to Jason and Heidi as I have with most of the other couples (and I can't even pinpoint why), but that didn't stop me from being on-board with their story and pulling for their HEA. 4 stars

HAVE YOU READ THE BROOKLYN BRUISERS SERIES?

Series Review: Saints of Denver by Jay Crownover

Back in 2016 I was browsing my library's OverDrive app looking for an audiobook to keep me entertained on my daily commute. I randomly downloaded Rule by Jay Crownover, the first book in the Marked Men series. To be honest, I didn't expect much but figured it would be some mindless brain candy. Here we are three years later, with multiple re-listens of each book in the series, feeling like the characters are my close, personal friends (LOL), and considering Marked Men among my favorite contemporary romance series. And now I've spent the last several weeks binge-listening to the spin-off series, Saints of Denver. These books consist largely of side-characters from the original series who now get their own stories. Having finished the series I'm positive that I'll be returning to these characters and their stories again and again, just like I've done with the Marked Men series. 

LEVELED #0.5
Pub: November 2, 2015
My rating: 3.5/5 stars

I've seen Crownover refer to Leveled as a sort of bridge between the Marked Men series and the Saints of Denver series. It tells the story of Orlando (Lando) and Dominic (Dom), two men who are totally dedicated to their careers but both crave something more in their life. They could not have been more different - Dom's rough-edged cop to Lando's polished exterior - but they couldn't have been better matched. I loved that Dom was so open with his feelings for Lando, even in the face of Lando’s hesitancy. Having experienced a great loss, and living with guilt, Lando was understandably gun-shy about opening himself up to a new relationship. And the danger involved in Dom’s job became a major factor in their story. Both guys were totally endearing in their own way and it warmed my heart to watch as they drew closer together.

To be honest, it's not really necessary to read this novella before starting the rest of the series. I don't recall Dom or Lando appearing in any of the Saints of Denver books until the epilogue of the final book. But even so, I enjoyed their story and would recommend it. 

BUILT #1
Pub: January 5, 2016
My rating: 4/5 stars

There was definitely a hint in the Marked Men series that there was more to come with Sayer and Zeb. These two were the unlikeliest couple - the bearded ex-con and the reserved and refined lawyer - but you know what they say about opposites attracting. There was serious attraction between Sayer and Zeb but it took them a while to act on it, and even when they did Sayer was determined to keep Zeb at a distance. I gotta say, Sayer really started to annoy me as the story progressed. She was so hung up on her deceased father's expectations and it guided her every decision. Get over it already, Sayer! He's gone and you can do what you want! I was totally frustrated on Zeb's behalf. 

As much as I was annoyed by Sayer, I loved Zeb. He had such character and integrity. And when dealt with a surprise from his past he immediately regrouped and showed such amazing compassion and love and a willingness to do the right thing. It went a long way in demonstrating the kind of man he was. (Confession: I was actually moved to tears by one scene.) 

CHARGED #2
Pub: May 24, 2016
My rating: 3.5/5 stars

I admit, when I realized Charged was pairing Quaid and Avett I was more than a little skeptical. Avett, who appeared in the later Marked Men books, was a hot mess and I couldn't imagine there being a shred of compatibility or chemistry between she and Quaid. I did come around (mostly) because they did seem to bring out the best in one another but I still can't say I was ever 100% sold on the pairing. There was a common thread between them in that they were both living their lives based on their pasts. Avett was constantly atoning for a past mistake and Quaid had spent years building a persona to prove he was more than his past. Avett seemed slow to learn from her mistakes, which got a little tiresome, but I had to admire her big heart and her selflessness. Quaid was actually a good man who took a long, hard look at the life he'd created and realized it wasn't at all who he wanted to be. And then made drastic changes to become a person he could be proud of. Go Quaid!

I loved having so much of Brite, Avett's father, in this one. He's long been a favorite side character. And the inclusion of Asa and Rome (from the Marked Men series) was a great bonus. Love those guys!

RIVETED #3
Pub: February 14, 2017
My rating: 4/5 stars

I was so excited to Church and Dixie's story. The bubbly cocktail waitress who always had a smile on her face and the enigmatic ex-soldier whose whole demeanor screamed total badass. Dixie's been carrying a torch for Dash Churchill (Church) for a long time and when he asks her to go home to Mississippi with him as a favor she doesn't hesitate. It's there where Church's past comes to light and he has to confront it head-on. Dixie is there encouraging him all the way, while he's also there for her - letting her know it's okay to not be everyone's cheerleader all the time and put herself first. I wanted to shake Church every time he tried to convince himself that he wasn't what Dixie needed or deserved (gah!) but I still loved his sense of duty, his protective nature, his willingness to man up and admit his past mistakes and ask for forgiveness from those he loved and had let down. 

Even though the woman-in-danger element became kind of over the top and veered into Lifetime Movie territory, I was still completely into it and pulling hard for a happy ending for all. 

SALVAGED #4
Pub: June 20, 2017
My rating: 4/5 stars

Poppy's story was a long time coming and I loved that it was one that would intersect with Wheeler's story. Poppy was a character who had been through hell and was understandably skittish and distrustful. Wheeler had a rocky start in life and was convinced he would always be on his own, a feeling that was compounded when his longtime girlfriend/fianceé cheats on him and he ends their relationship. Watching these two come together gave me all the feels. I loved Poppy and Wheeler together. Wheeler was so patient with Poppy and gave her the space she needed to feel safe and secure. And with Poppy, Wheeler was able to finally have that person who put him first and stayed by his side no matter what. 

The drama started to slip into over the top territory near the end but it also felt necessary so that Poppy could fully put the past behind her. Wheeler now holds the place of my favorite guy from any Crownover novel (sorry, Nash, but you just got bumped). This guy was nothing but sweetness and kindness wrapped up in a hot package. Salvaged was definitely my favorite of the Saints of Denver series.

HAVE YOU READ THE SAINTS OF DENVER SERIES?