Jessie G

Butterfly Wishes by Teodora Kostova - 3 stars
This was a second chance romance. High school best friends became lovers in the last semester. It's not just told to us, we actually witness this, even though it's short. They tried long distance at first, but didn't work, so they agreed to end things. Several years later they meet again and the love is still there, but there's so much hurt to get through. It was kind of magical, but also a bit sappy for my liking.

Alpaca My Bags by JL Merrow - 3.5 stars
Despite being a short story, this was probably the most fleshed out, and well-written out of all in this anthology.
I didn't like the very beginning, with the ex. It was the typical "what did I ever see in you" effect, and I hate that. But yes, the ex is a douche. After that it was a pretty smooth sail. I liked it because it was so down to earth and real. Also my first book where both MCs are over 40. Beware of a howling baby... there's some family time in this one.

Alpha Mine by Aimee Brissay - 2 stars
I think this story was part of a series, I dunno. There were definitely previous events that led the characters where they are now, but in my opinion it's not necessary to read the one before this, those who did would enjoy it more.
Not sure what to say about this one. It was underdeveloped. A quick, easy, steamy read, it was ok.

Everybody in the Place by Suki Fleet - 3 stars
Another second chance romance. Best friends little brother is all grown up. They were always circling around each other even back when they were younger. Alfie disappeared for a year, but now he lost his job, and unexpectedly shows up to his best friends birthday party, already drunk. Benji takes care of him. Old sparks flare to life and ta-da. Magic. I liked this one, the feelings were there, but it progressed too fast, it was one night. It would have worked beautifully in a full-length novel.

Good Boys Don’t by K.A.Merikan - dnf
Christian boy with a hotter than hot musician biker. One night. 'There goes my virginity' situation. Sorry I couldn't finish it. It was crude.

Not So Predictable by Jessie G - 2 stars
Second Chance again. Two bears in a marriage had a 6-month long affair with Oliver and it was perfect, but Oliver wanted more with the couple. So in fear of rejection, one day he just vanished. This, we don't see, it's just told to us. A year later he goes on a cruise, and surprise, surprise Ben and Gavin are there too. The old fire sparks to life again. This was not so erotic as you might think, probably because of the lack of space. They were just trying to get through some miscommunication and then have sex and that's it basically.

Heart of the Dragon by Alina Popescu - 3 stars
This was kind of like Captive Prince with a paranormal fantasy twist. Except way more fluffier. It was not bad, I liked the plot, but the author could have gone deeper, could have explored more, both plot-wise and emotionally too. Also the MCs connected faster than I would have liked, given that they were on opposing sides. I found their immediate trust in each other a bit naive. The story is open-ended with a HFN, it might continue it there is enough interest.

… (mere)

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

Everything happens for a reason. That's what Bull believes and he had me (and Ian) believing it as well! Wowzers! I really enjoyed this book!!!

Ian and Bull were awesome together. Ian had a very lonely, painful childhood and was used to not relying on anyone. Bull had a very loving childhood and is used to protecting and helping everyone. Opposites attract! I loved Ian's vulnerability and quiet (yet fierce) strength and I loved Bull's desire to provide and his leadership.

Despite issues that arise for them, they actually COMMUNICATED!! This made me very happy. There was some drama in the story line, but not too much angst.

I loved all of the secondary characters. I did not know until right now that this was a book 2, so this really could be read as a standalone. I didn't feel like I really missed much from book 1 ([b:Past Hurts|22305545|Past Hurts (Sizzling Miami #1)|Jessie G.|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1400874611s/22305545.jpg|41695650]) in order to make this story work. I will definitely be going back to read book 1 though...and 3 and 4!

I found a new author that I enjoyed immensely. This was a 4.5 star book for me.… (mere)

Ah, a competition in stubbornness. With two men, both determined not to be the first to give in to temptation, the fireworks are sparking as the tension notches up and up. Heath is a cowboy filling in as baker in his uncle’s coffee shop while he recovers from an accident. Heath has fallen for the sexy cop who has been coming to the shop and is determined to make tall, dark, and silent talk. Quin is a detective, and while he is sorely tempted to flirt back and make contact with the sexy barista, he is also having great fun making him work for it. With one man more stubborn than the other, I was afraid this would be one relationship that would die a quiet death, so to speak.

Interestingly, even thought Heath finally gets Quin to talk to him, that doesn’t make things any easier. There are plenty of misunderstandings, misconceptions about what each man wants, the fear of commitment, and Quin’s reluctance to open up. Heath is only willing to compromise to a certain extent, then he “demands” Quin make an equal effort. With Quin being physically so much more powerful it was great to see Heath holding his own on the mental and emotional level. These guys make quite a pair! And then the tables are turned and Quin is the one trying to get Heath to respond – too funny!

If you like relationships that are too easy to be true on one level, yet complicated beyond description on another, if two stubborn, headstrong men trying to get together do it for you, and if you’re looking for a read that is sizzling hot, emotionally intense, and very entertaining, then you will probably like this free novella.… (mere)

3.5 Stars--It's interesting to see the ways an author breathes life into a requested prompt, huh?

This was part cheese, part heat, part funny, part sweet. (Nothing wrong with cheddar now and again)

A Texan baker and NYC cop (a bear - roar) have been playing flirty silent games for a month. They finally do something about it and they didn't fall into immediate insta-love- technically. Though it gave me the insta-love feel.

The dirty talk was better when they were alone rather than in public. The first scene was sorta awkward to me - dirty talking in front of customers and family?



There were stronger bits than weaker ones, it pushed me to lean a little high than the middle of the fence.

The epilogue was okay. My favorite part was the fact Heath was independent enough that he knew he didn't need Quin. The baking scones and cookies for his man wasn't bad either.



Thanks to the author and the team behind the story.
"… (mere)