Samantha's bookshelf: broken-insecure-self-doubting-hero en-US Wed, 05 Mar 2025 02:27:26 -0800 60 Samantha's bookshelf: broken-insecure-self-doubting-hero 144 41 /images/layout/goodreads_logo_144.jpg Voluptuous (The Bed Me Books) 215143049
Lady Henrietta Stafford can’t remember a time when she wasn’t fascinated by the tall, dark, melancholy Mr. Oliver Hart­well. But she knows she is meant for some other, far less compelling man. Her father’s friend would never be interested in her. She’s too young. She’s not beautiful or clever. And, of course, he’s already married.

A widower twice over, Oliver Hart­well has lived a life marked by failures—his boyhood-dream-turned-hellish-nightmare, his tragic marriages, the utter botch he is making of fatherhood. In truth, he has only ever found happiness in the home of his friend, the Duke of Bex­ton. But now that his friend’s oldest daughter has grown into a gorgeous, voluptuous woman, Oliver seems doomed to ruin his chances for love and affection, just as he has ruined everything else.

When ruination is the first step towards redemption�.�.�.

Voluptuous is a stand-alone, slow-burn, steamy, age-gap Regency romance novella and part of the Curves & Cravats collaboration and The Bed Me Books series.]]> 180 Felicity Niven 1958917141 Samantha 3
⭐⭐�
3 stars.





� What I liked :


Curvy/full-figured heroine. ]]> 4.29 Voluptuous (The Bed Me Books)
author: Felicity Niven
name: Samantha
average rating: 4.29
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2025/03/04
date added: 2025/03/05
shelves: younger-than-25, a-little-repetitive, age-gap, anachronisms, annoying-heroine, believability-plausibility-issues, big-age-gap, bodyshaming, broken-insecure-self-doubting-hero, contradictory-or-contradictions, curvy-chubby-heroine, eyeroll-moments, false-bravado, fatphobic-fat-shaming, good-supportive-family, heroine-oblivious-to-attraction, historical-romance, hmmm-idk, insecure-or-self-conscious, irksome-ott-side-characters, lacking-in-chemistry, miscommunication-misunderstanding, missed-opportunity, missed-the-mark, pet-peeves, platitudes-and-clichés, predictable-unoriginal-formulaic, self-deprecating-insecure, somewhat-cringeworthy, somewhat-underwhelming, stereotyped-characters, subtle-body-shaming, tall-heroine, tall-plus-sturdy, virgin-heroine, weight-or-size-obsessed-heroine, weird-undercurrent-or-vibe, widow-or-widower, two-pump-chump, wham-bam-thank-you-mam
review:


⭐⭐�
3 stars.





� What I liked :


Curvy/full-figured heroine.
]]> <![CDATA[His Christmas Rose: The Rockliffe Dynasty Book 4]]> 221796892 Christmas is coming, yet Lady Emily Prescott feels anything but merry �

Despite being surrounded by a loving family, along with a dashing suitor who promises her a Christmastide to remember, Emily can’t shake her worry that something is missing. Perhaps because her heart doesn’t flutter the way it did long ago—before her girlish adoration for the boy next door was crushed by his careless rejection.

Newly home from his grand tour with a debilitating injury and more regrets than he can count, Nathaniel Pembrook devotes all his attention to upholding tradition and hosting his family’s famed St. Stephen’s Day party. That is, until a snowstorm traps Lady Emily Prescott at his estate—leaving him face-to-face not with the girl he once brushed aside but with the captivating woman he cannot ignore.

While the storm rages beyond the windows, the fire inside draws Emily and Nate together, forcing them to confront old hurts and an attraction they can no longer deny. But with Emily’s possible betrothal looming, will their passion only last until the snow stops? Or is their Christmas encounter the start of a love that’s destined to bloom?

His Christmas Rose is a steamy novella-length regency romance with a guaranteed happily ever after. It is book 4 in The Rockliffe Dynasty series but can also be enjoyed as a standalone.]]> Jane Maguire 1738272737 Samantha 3 ⭐⭐�
3 stars.





� What I liked :


Christmas vibes.

Not set in London.


Some parts of the story were a little interesting.


Not a totally naive or ignorant/willfully ignorant heroine.





� What I disliked:


Anachronistic.
(Among other things � where was the heroines chaperone? The heroine spent days alone with the hero with only servants being about and no chaperone.)


Broken/insecure self-doubting hero.
(The hero spent too much time in a self-loathing/self-recrimination
state of mind and blamed himself for things that were out if his control and not his responsibility� and that he was not meant to be/should not be a martyr for�. Things that were on a societal level that were society and especially English aristocratic society problems and discrimination and prejudice etc.
But also other things that were from youthful "mistakes" that he made a much bigger deal about than they were.

And the issues with his Father was as much or more his Fathers fault than the heroes own fault� If the heroes father had nurtured and cared enough to create a strong/good bond with his son instead of pretending and putting up a “perfect� facade with his son that everything was good and great and took the time to get to know his son their relationship would have been better.
And they could have been more honest and closer.)



Not enough character development for any of the main characters.


Unconvincing romance and chemistry.

The plot and the characters and the romance needed more depth and some more fleshing out.

The grievance between the heroine and the hero was a little OTT and childish� The heroine held on to her grievance for too long for what it was� it would have been more understandable if the hero mocked or ridiculed her on purpose and with ill intentions or if he bullied her� but what he did was at worst a dismissal and not even a dismissal to her face but when he talked with a friend� he just did not see the heroine in a romantic way when they were younger for many reasons� and he was not in a good place at that age either.

Repetitive.
(Especially about how the hero talked/thought about how small or/and short/small in stature the heroine was.)

The ending was a little disappointing/inadequate� Not enough details in the epilogue etc.
]]> 4.32 His Christmas Rose: The Rockliffe Dynasty Book 4
author: Jane Maguire
name: Samantha
average rating: 4.32
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2025/01/20
date added: 2025/01/20
shelves: anachronisms, annoying-hero, broken-insecure-self-doubting-hero, christmas, historical-romance, immature-behavior, lacking-in-chemistry, mr-indecisive-irresolute-wishy-was, repetitive-character-description, somewhat-underwhelming
review:

⭐⭐�
3 stars.





� What I liked :


Christmas vibes.

Not set in London.


Some parts of the story were a little interesting.


Not a totally naive or ignorant/willfully ignorant heroine.





� What I disliked:


Anachronistic.
(Among other things � where was the heroines chaperone? The heroine spent days alone with the hero with only servants being about and no chaperone.)


Broken/insecure self-doubting hero.
(The hero spent too much time in a self-loathing/self-recrimination
state of mind and blamed himself for things that were out if his control and not his responsibility� and that he was not meant to be/should not be a martyr for�. Things that were on a societal level that were society and especially English aristocratic society problems and discrimination and prejudice etc.
But also other things that were from youthful "mistakes" that he made a much bigger deal about than they were.

And the issues with his Father was as much or more his Fathers fault than the heroes own fault� If the heroes father had nurtured and cared enough to create a strong/good bond with his son instead of pretending and putting up a “perfect� facade with his son that everything was good and great and took the time to get to know his son their relationship would have been better.
And they could have been more honest and closer.)



Not enough character development for any of the main characters.


Unconvincing romance and chemistry.

The plot and the characters and the romance needed more depth and some more fleshing out.

The grievance between the heroine and the hero was a little OTT and childish� The heroine held on to her grievance for too long for what it was� it would have been more understandable if the hero mocked or ridiculed her on purpose and with ill intentions or if he bullied her� but what he did was at worst a dismissal and not even a dismissal to her face but when he talked with a friend� he just did not see the heroine in a romantic way when they were younger for many reasons� and he was not in a good place at that age either.

Repetitive.
(Especially about how the hero talked/thought about how small or/and short/small in stature the heroine was.)

The ending was a little disappointing/inadequate� Not enough details in the epilogue etc.

]]> <![CDATA[The Highlander's Christmas Lassie (The Lairds Most Likely, #7.5)]]> 56231812 Have Yourself a Merry Little Scandal

Young love torn apart.

As teenagers, Malcolm Innes and Rhona Macleod fell passionately in love. But Malcom’s parents were horrified to think of the aristocratic heir to Dun Carron marrying a humble crofter’s daughter. Desperate to crush the affair, they locked Malcolm up and exiled Rhona to London where she disappears. But Malcolm is faithful and stubborn and devotes his life to searching for his beloved and the child she was carrying when they were cruelly separated.

A chance to mend two shattered lives.

On a snowy Christmas Eve, Rhona opens the door of her isolated farmhouse to find the man she never thought to see again, the man who betrayed her. When she was pregnant with his son, Malcolm abandoned her to find her way alone in a cold, heartless world. Now, she discovers that her long-held hatred is based on lies, and that he’s been true to her. Yet, surely, after all these years, it’s too late to awaken the love that once united them.

As Christmas Eve turns into Christmas Day, Malcolm and Rhona discover that their mutual desire has never died. Will this Yuletide reunion lead to a lifetime together? Or has old tragedy ruptured their bond forever?

]]> Anna Campbell Samantha 4 <br />⭐⭐� 4.00 2020 The Highlander's Christmas Lassie (The Lairds Most Likely, #7.5)
author: Anna Campbell
name: Samantha
average rating: 4.00
book published: 2020
rating: 4
read at: 2025/01/16
date added: 2025/01/16
shelves: 35-plus, 3-and-half-stars-really, a-little-repetitive, abusive-parents-relatives, awful-parents-relatives, believability-plausibility-issues, broken-insecure-self-doubting-hero, christmas, contradictory-character-description, countryside-country-estate-rural, historical-romance, inconsistencies, issues, issues-too-quickly-resolved, love-lost-love-found, plot-holes, presumed-dead-or-mia-or-faked-death, second-chance, similar-age-couples, vague-character-description
review:

⭐⭐�
]]> <![CDATA[A Lady by Midnight (Spindle Cove, #3)]]> 13061255 A temporary engagement, a lifetime in the making . . .

After years of fending for herself, Kate Taylor found friendship and acceptance in Spindle Cove—but she never stopped yearning for love. The very last place she'd look for it is in the arms of Corporal Thorne. The militia commander is as stone cold as he is brutally handsome. But when mysterious strangers come searching for Kate, Thorne steps forward as her fiancé. He claims to have only Kate's safety in mind. So why is there smoldering passion in his kiss?

Long ago, Samuel Thorne devoted his life to guarding Kate's happiness. He wants what's best for her, and he knows it's not marriage to a man like him. To outlast their temporary engagement, he must keep his hands off her tempting body and lock her warm smiles out of his withered heart. It's the toughest battle of this hardened warrior's life . . . and the first he seems destined to lose.]]> 374 Tessa Dare 0062049895 Samantha 4
** First Read** 1️⃣
September 24, 2022
⭐⭐ձ> 3.83 2012 A Lady by Midnight (Spindle Cove, #3)
author: Tessa Dare
name: Samantha
average rating: 3.83
book published: 2012
rating: 4
read at: 2024/09/05
date added: 2024/09/05
shelves: 2-and-half-stars-really, a-little-jumbled, a-little-repetitive, broken-insecure-self-doubting-hero, contradictory-or-contradictions, dogs-cats-pet-in-books, enemies-to-friends-to-lovers, historical-romance, irksome-ott-side-characters, mr-grump, mr-misunderstood, mr-indecisive-irresolute-wishy-was, over-the-top, pet-peeves, push-and-pull, rushed, sad-past, secrets, something-missing-or-inconsistent, somewhat-cringeworthy, somewhat-underwhelming, tiny-heroine-big-hero, too-much-drama, unassuming-reserved-heroine, virgin-heroine, working-class-blue-collar-hero, 3-and-half-stars-really, younger-than-25, annoying-heroine, anachronisms, believability-plausibility-issues, countryside-country-estate-rural, eyeroll-moments, hidden-false-identity, mary-sue-character, psychological-or-emotional-issues
review:


** First Read** 1️⃣
September 24, 2022
⭐⭐
]]> <![CDATA[The Silent Duke (The 1797 Club, #4)]]> 36445944
Recently widowed Charlotte may be the proper Countess of Portsmith to Society, but when she is around Ewan, she still feels like the enraptured little girl who met him decades before when her brother was best friends with him and his cousin.

A planned trip to spend Christmas with their families at Ewan’s estate reunites the old friends. But when a storm keeps the others from arriving on time, Charlotte decides to stop living in fear and pursue the man she has desired and loved her entire life. Ewan cannot resist her seduction, but he fears giving in to his heart. Especially when the family that disposed of him returns and threatens not only his life, but that of the woman he loves.]]> 218 Jess Michaels 1947770047 Samantha 2 � 4.02 2017 The Silent Duke (The 1797 Club, #4)
author: Jess Michaels
name: Samantha
average rating: 4.02
book published: 2017
rating: 2
read at: 2024/07/22
date added: 2024/07/22
shelves: 1-and-half-stars-really, a-little-jumbled, a-little-repetitive, abrupt-weird-ending, abusive-parents-relatives, awful-parents-relatives, believability-plausibility-issues, boring, broken-insecure-self-doubting-hero, disability, disappointed, friends-to-lovers, historical-romance, just-lust-no-real-love, mary-sue-character, miss-shallow, mr-indecisive-irresolute-wishy-was, mr-misunderstood, over-the-top, overly-shallow-or-superficial-vibe, pet-peeves, platitudes-and-clichés, plot-holes, predictable-unoriginal-formulaic, repetitive-character-description, sad-past, simplistic, somewhat-underwhelming, somewhat-predictable, tiny-heroine-big-hero, too-much-drama, toxic-parent-or-relative, virgin-hero, widow-or-widower
review:
�
]]> <![CDATA[The Major's Faux Fiancee (The Dukes of War, #4)]]> 45551019
Miss Daphne Vaughan hates that crying off will destroy Major Blackpool's chances of finding a real bride. She plots to make him jilt her first. Who cares if it ruins her? She never wanted a husband anyway. But the major is equally determined that she break the engagement. With both of them on their worst behavior, neither expects their fake betrothal to lead to love...]]> 259 Erica Ridley Samantha 2 � 3.95 2015 The Major's Faux Fiancee (The Dukes of War, #4)
author: Erica Ridley
name: Samantha
average rating: 3.95
book published: 2015
rating: 2
read at: 2024/07/01
date added: 2024/07/01
shelves: 1-and-half-stars-really, younger-than-25, a-little-repetitive, annoying-hero, annoying-heroine, broken-insecure-self-doubting-hero, disappointed, disability, emotionally-immature, eyeroll-moments, historical-romance, no-chemistry, no-depth, plot-holes, somewhat-underwhelming
review:
�
]]> <![CDATA[The Duke of Distraction (The Untouchables, #12)]]> 42983471
Miss Sarah Colton has given up on the pursuit of marriage. When her parents learn she intends to open a millinery shop, they give her an ultimatum: choose a husband or they’ll do it for her. She accepts Felix’s help, never imagining their scheme will ignite a mutual attraction neither of them dare indulge. But when tragedy strikes, can they heal each other or will the demons of Felix’s past consume them both?]]> 270 Darcy Burke 1944576436 Samantha 2 2 stars.


� What I liked :

The friendship between the hero and the heroines brother and the heroine.

Kind of interesting hero.







� What I disliked:

Vague character description of both the main characters.
(Apart from vague eye color and hair color descriptions much of the characters description/character appearance/physical description are vague for/about both the main characters …unfortunately this is also true for many of the other books/main characters in this series.)


Some parts dragged and were a little stilted.

Many parts of the story was too anachronistic/too modern.

Somewhat underdeveloped and lacking in depth.

The why and how of why the main characters feel in love was lacking.

The romantic build up and chemistry was lacking and felt stilted� there was no real “spark� between the couple and the jump/shift from friends to lovers felt unconvincing and forced.

Annoying heroine.
(Some of the heroines decisions and actions were somewhat nonsensical and foolish and sometimes also contrary.)

Too much focus and repetition on and about the heroines hats and clothing.

Too little focus on the romance between the main characters.

The inconsistencies.

Some serious issues are more or less glossed over� such as childhood neglect,child abuse (beatings), alcoholism etc.]]> 4.18 2019 The Duke of Distraction (The Untouchables, #12)
author: Darcy Burke
name: Samantha
average rating: 4.18
book published: 2019
rating: 2
read at: 2024/01/26
date added: 2024/01/26
shelves: a-little-repetitive, annoying-heroine, anachronisms, broken-insecure-self-doubting-hero, brothers-best-friend, contradictory-or-contradictions, dragged, eyeroll-moments, friends-to-lovers, historical-romance, inconsistencies, lacking-in-chemistry, mommy-or-daddy-issues, mr-misunderstood, naive-or-foolish-heroine, nondescript-character-description, pet-peeves, platitudes-and-clichés, sad-past, somewhat-underwhelming, somewhat-verbose, stilted, strained-family-dynamics, vague-character-description, virgin-heroine
review:
⭐⭐
2 stars.


� What I liked :

The friendship between the hero and the heroines brother and the heroine.

Kind of interesting hero.







� What I disliked:

Vague character description of both the main characters.
(Apart from vague eye color and hair color descriptions much of the characters description/character appearance/physical description are vague for/about both the main characters …unfortunately this is also true for many of the other books/main characters in this series.)


Some parts dragged and were a little stilted.

Many parts of the story was too anachronistic/too modern.

Somewhat underdeveloped and lacking in depth.

The why and how of why the main characters feel in love was lacking.

The romantic build up and chemistry was lacking and felt stilted� there was no real “spark� between the couple and the jump/shift from friends to lovers felt unconvincing and forced.

Annoying heroine.
(Some of the heroines decisions and actions were somewhat nonsensical and foolish and sometimes also contrary.)

Too much focus and repetition on and about the heroines hats and clothing.

Too little focus on the romance between the main characters.

The inconsistencies.

Some serious issues are more or less glossed over� such as childhood neglect,child abuse (beatings), alcoholism etc.
]]> <![CDATA[Ensnared by the Werewolf (Monstrous Matches, #2.5)]]> 62970241
Belinda loves curse breaking. When a man shows up at her shop asking for help, she’s delighted to assist.
Who wouldn’t help their fated mate after all?

Things go from bad to worse and now she’s left on the rebound. Perhaps riding the local lake monster through his heat will be enough to patch up her wounded soul and get her life out of the rut it’s fallen in.

Getting lost in the woods on the way to her date was not a part of the plan.
What also isn’t a part of the plan? Belinda has unfinished business coming for her with an entirely different type of rut in mind.
Can she outrun what hunts her? Does she want to?

Ensnared by the Werewolf takes place in the same world and night as Found by the Lake Monster and includes chasing, knotting, and breeding.
This is the longer version of Captured by the Werewolf, formerly published in the Into the Woods anthology.]]> 76 Lillian Lark Samantha 3 ⭐⭐�
3 stars.


� What I liked :

Some parts were interesting and had real potential.







� What I disliked:


Nothing is really explored in-depth.
(Not the main characters or the plot they both needed more depth and development.)

Rushed.
(Even for a novella this plot is rushed and so is the romantic build-up and chemistry.)

The story is too short.
(More details and more world-building etc. was needed and this story would have been really good/interesting if the story was longer and/or more comprehensive.)

That the hero/mmc kept pushing the heroine/fmc away and not trying to communicate/listen and instead felt sorry for himself and thought the heroine/fmc did not want a “monster� even though she told him she did many times. (His insecurities dragged on to long for such a short story.)

Repetitive and underdeveloped.

Formulaic in the character description/character choice.

]]> 3.71 2022 Ensnared by the Werewolf (Monstrous Matches, #2.5)
author: Lillian Lark
name: Samantha
average rating: 3.71
book published: 2022
rating: 3
read at: 2023/12/02
date added: 2023/12/02
shelves: a-little-repetitive, broken-insecure-self-doubting-hero, insta, interesting-but-underdeveloped, lacking-in-chemistry, longer-story-please, miscommunication-misunderstanding, monster-romance, more-backstory-please, push-and-pull, rushed, somewhat-underwhelming
review:

⭐⭐�
3 stars.


� What I liked :

Some parts were interesting and had real potential.







� What I disliked:


Nothing is really explored in-depth.
(Not the main characters or the plot they both needed more depth and development.)

Rushed.
(Even for a novella this plot is rushed and so is the romantic build-up and chemistry.)

The story is too short.
(More details and more world-building etc. was needed and this story would have been really good/interesting if the story was longer and/or more comprehensive.)

That the hero/mmc kept pushing the heroine/fmc away and not trying to communicate/listen and instead felt sorry for himself and thought the heroine/fmc did not want a “monster� even though she told him she did many times. (His insecurities dragged on to long for such a short story.)

Repetitive and underdeveloped.

Formulaic in the character description/character choice.


]]> <![CDATA[When She Dances (Risdaverse, #5)]]> 55561951
When I’m bought by the most intimidating alien on Three Nebulas Station, those better days are on their way. Zakoar of the Broken Back is a cyborg who deals in black market prosthetics. He’s terrifying to look at, with a metal jaw and a fearsome demeanor. He intimidates everyone in the galaxy� except me.

Zakoar doesn’t want my name. In fact, he doesn’t want anything from me� except a little bed sport. In exchange for my willingness, he’ll take me to a human-friendly planet where I can live unafraid.

Love isn’t part of the bargain, but every moment that I spend with him, I learn more about the male beneath the metal�

…and I’m suddenly dreaming of a very different happy ever after for myself…]]> 170 Ruby Dixon Samantha 3

** First Read** 1️⃣
May 5, 2021
⭐⭐⭐⭐
4 stars.



** Reread** 2️⃣
August 26, 2022.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
4 stars.


** Re-read** 3️⃣
November 20, 2023.
⭐⭐�
3 stars.





� What I liked :

No talk about babies or kids.
(No pregnancies and no talk about future pregnancies�. Or having or wanting kids/babies in the future.)

A tiny bit “older� heroine (near 30 so 28-29?)

Interesting details/world-building around/about the space station (Three Nebulas Station)







� What I disliked :


Formulaic in the character description/character choice: small “delicate� human and Huge hulking/buff alien.
(Would have been/Would be really interesting to maybe see much more variety in the character descriptions/character choices.)



The the MMC/”hero� did not help or “save “the heroine sooner.
(He had the power and money to do so� and was supposedly against slavery.)


The big power imbalance in the relationship.
(How the MMC/”hero� sees the heroine more like a object in the beginning and not a person with feelings and wants/needs etc. And the almost Stockholm Syndrome situation between the main characters.)

Rushed/lacking romantic build-up and chemistry.

The dub-con vibes (And it is not intended to be a dub-con)

Kind of a dark/darkish romance.

Other then the details of the space station the plot was somewhat thin and rushed.

More depth and background on both main characters was needed.














****Note to self: Do Not re-read this book again.****


]]> 4.12 2020 When She Dances (Risdaverse, #5)
author: Ruby Dixon
name: Samantha
average rating: 4.12
book published: 2020
rating: 3
read at: 2023/11/20
date added: 2023/11/20
shelves: 25-plus, alien, sad-past, scar, sci-fi, sci-fi-soldier-warrior, virgin-hero, wounded-characters, age-gap, broken-insecure-self-doubting-hero, issues, mr-grump, older-hero-virgins, power-imbalance, tiny-heroine-big-hero, darkish, forced-or-coerced-persuaded, just-lust-no-real-love, lacking-in-chemistry, more-backstory-please, psychological-or-emotional-issues, rushed, slave-or-ex-slave
review:



** First Read** 1️⃣
May 5, 2021
⭐⭐⭐⭐
4 stars.



** Reread** 2️⃣
August 26, 2022.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
4 stars.


** Re-read** 3️⃣
November 20, 2023.
⭐⭐�
3 stars.





� What I liked :

No talk about babies or kids.
(No pregnancies and no talk about future pregnancies�. Or having or wanting kids/babies in the future.)

A tiny bit “older� heroine (near 30 so 28-29?)

Interesting details/world-building around/about the space station (Three Nebulas Station)







� What I disliked :


Formulaic in the character description/character choice: small “delicate� human and Huge hulking/buff alien.
(Would have been/Would be really interesting to maybe see much more variety in the character descriptions/character choices.)



The the MMC/”hero� did not help or “save “the heroine sooner.
(He had the power and money to do so� and was supposedly against slavery.)


The big power imbalance in the relationship.
(How the MMC/”hero� sees the heroine more like a object in the beginning and not a person with feelings and wants/needs etc. And the almost Stockholm Syndrome situation between the main characters.)

Rushed/lacking romantic build-up and chemistry.

The dub-con vibes (And it is not intended to be a dub-con)

Kind of a dark/darkish romance.

Other then the details of the space station the plot was somewhat thin and rushed.

More depth and background on both main characters was needed.














****Note to self: Do Not re-read this book again.****



]]> <![CDATA[Devi's Distraction (Icehome, #6)]]> 45418848 It's hard to make friends with the other women at the Icehome camp when you'd rather be dissecting the local fauna. Which is why I'm surprised when one of the big, brawny islanders asks me to help him make a prosthetic leg. I don't know N'dek, but since I'm a scientist, he wants my help. And while I'm more into dinosaurs than anatomy, I love a challenge!

As we work together, I come to see that N'dek's not just clever and determined, he's also protective and sweet. And he kisses like a fiend!

He's a distraction I don't need... but he might be everything I've ever wanted. Too bad he says he's going to resonate to someone else...

]]> 254 Ruby Dixon Samantha 5 January 9, 2020.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
4 stars.



** Reread** 2️⃣
August 16, 2022.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ձ> 4.30 2019 Devi's Distraction (Icehome, #6)
author: Ruby Dixon
name: Samantha
average rating: 4.30
book published: 2019
rating: 5
read at: 2023/09/20
date added: 2023/09/20
shelves: older-heroine-virgins, sci-fi, sci-fi-fantasy-other-worlds, 4-and-half-stars-really, 25-plus, alien, bipoc-main-characters, both-are-virgins, brainiac-nerd-geek, broken-insecure-self-doubting-hero, disability, mr-grump, mr-misunderstood, multi-faceted-heroine, quirky-heroine-or-hero, tall-heroine, a-little-repetitive, awkward-heroine-or-hero, platitudes-and-clichés
review:
* First Read** 1️⃣
January 9, 2020.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
4 stars.



** Reread** 2️⃣
August 16, 2022.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
]]> <![CDATA[When She Belongs (Risdaverse, #4)]]> 55339584
I can live with being stuck on the far end of space. I can live with having to spend weeks on an abandoned station in an asteroid belt. Sure, I don’t belong, but I’ve got my book and my eight-legged attack cat with me. I should be fine.

I’m not fine.

My alien host, Jerrok, is a jerk. He’s surly and unpleasant. He hasn’t bathed in years. He’s part cyborg - and all those parts seem to be falling to pieces. He’s the one in charge of this remote station, which means we’re forced to interact. It’s an absolutely miserable situation for both of us�

…until I realize that all his anger and bluster is covering the fact that he’s thoughtful and understanding. He’s protective, too, keeping me safe when the bad guys approach. When I get hurt, he’s the one tenderly caring for my wounds.

Jerrok is also intensely, utterly lonely, just like me.

As time passes, I start to wonder…maybe where I belong isn’t a place…but a person.]]> 468 Ruby Dixon Samantha 4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐�
5 stars.
2021/04.


**Re-read:** 2️⃣
⭐⭐⭐⭐ձ> 4.23 2020 When She Belongs (Risdaverse, #4)
author: Ruby Dixon
name: Samantha
average rating: 4.23
book published: 2020
rating: 4
read at: 2023/09/02
date added: 2023/09/02
shelves: alien, excellent-book-and-great-writing, imaginative-and-interesting, mr-misunderstood, mr-saviour, multi-faceted-heroine, sad-past, scar, sci-fi, wounded-characters, broken-insecure-self-doubting-hero, cyborg, disability, issues, mr-grump, slow-burn, somewhat-verbose, tiny-heroine-big-hero, trauma-or-assault, a-little-repetitive, contradictory-or-contradictions, pet-peeves, psychological-or-emotional-issues, reclusive-hero-or-heroine, repetitive-character-description, sci-fi-soldier-warrior, slave-or-ex-slave, somewhat-predictable, unassuming-reserved-heroine
review:
**First read:** 1️⃣
⭐⭐⭐⭐�
5 stars.
2021/04.


**Re-read:** 2️⃣
⭐⭐⭐⭐
]]> <![CDATA[The Duke She Married (The Atwood Sisters, #1)]]> 60632135
To the Ghoul of Greyfair.

Disfigured by the fire that killed his wife, Lucas Bennett, the Duke of Greyfair, hides in his remote island castle, avoiding the rumors that suggest he murdered his wife. But when his need for an heir drives him from his lair, he strikes a bargain with the desperate Earl of Biggleswade for the hand of his daughter. Lucas’s plan is simple, but he’ll soon discover she’s not the timid debutante he had bargained for.

The Duke She Married is the first book in the steamy, heart-stopping historical romance series, The Atwood Sisters. If you love sexy, spellbinding romance and heartwarming humor, don’t miss this captivating series from bestselling author Jessie Clever. Discover adventure and romance when you download The Duke She Married today.]]> 250 Jessie Clever Samantha 3 ⭐⭐�
3 stars.


� What I liked :

A heroine that was rather empathetic towards others (servants and villagers/tenants etc.) despite
being ignored/belittled more or less her entire life.

The heroine wanted to be a Duchess that helped her people and did not wait for approval from the hero, before getting things done.

The heroine was not really a doormat or weak, she was a little timid and insecure at first but had some growth in her character and realized her worth etc.

The hero cared about his tenants and wanted improve their lives, but also the estate etc.

Somewhat interesting side character.
(The heroes cousin, which the hero has rather funny banter with.)

Castle setting.

Tiny bit of a gothic vibe to the story.





� What I disliked:

The romantic build up and chemistry is rushed and rather unconvincing.

Too much push and pull from both characters but mainly from the hero.

Indecisive hero.

More character development was needed especially for the hero.
(More backstory etc.)

The heroine was a little bit too naive.

Predictable.

The miscommunication and misunderstandings.
(The main characters did eventually communicate and share their pasts etc. but it took a little too long.)

Somewhat jumbled/inconsistent pacing of the story.

Vague character descriptions.]]> 4.10 2022 The Duke She Married (The Atwood Sisters, #1)
author: Jessie Clever
name: Samantha
average rating: 4.10
book published: 2022
rating: 3
read at: 2023/07/19
date added: 2023/07/19
shelves: a-little-jumbled, broken-insecure-self-doubting-hero, eyeroll-moments, historical-romance, interesting-side-character, lacking-in-chemistry, miscommunication-misunderstanding, more-backstory-please, mr-indecisive-irresolute-wishy-was, psychological-or-emotional-issues, push-and-pull, sad-past, somewhat-predictable, somewhat-underwhelming
review:

⭐⭐�
3 stars.


� What I liked :

A heroine that was rather empathetic towards others (servants and villagers/tenants etc.) despite
being ignored/belittled more or less her entire life.

The heroine wanted to be a Duchess that helped her people and did not wait for approval from the hero, before getting things done.

The heroine was not really a doormat or weak, she was a little timid and insecure at first but had some growth in her character and realized her worth etc.

The hero cared about his tenants and wanted improve their lives, but also the estate etc.

Somewhat interesting side character.
(The heroes cousin, which the hero has rather funny banter with.)

Castle setting.

Tiny bit of a gothic vibe to the story.





� What I disliked:

The romantic build up and chemistry is rushed and rather unconvincing.

Too much push and pull from both characters but mainly from the hero.

Indecisive hero.

More character development was needed especially for the hero.
(More backstory etc.)

The heroine was a little bit too naive.

Predictable.

The miscommunication and misunderstandings.
(The main characters did eventually communicate and share their pasts etc. but it took a little too long.)

Somewhat jumbled/inconsistent pacing of the story.

Vague character descriptions.
]]> <![CDATA[The Sinclair Hound (The Sinclair Jewels, #1)]]> 45437544 She was a lady - one of the Sinclair Jewels. And he was her father’s Hound!

The Sinclair Hound doesn’t speak�

Hanged as a lad for stealing food, Gregor, the notorious Sinclair Hound, was spared by a merciful laird. Although emotionally damaged and forever scarred and very silent, his devotion to Clan Sinclair, and especially the laird, is unwavering... until one of the Sinclair Jewels, the youngest daughter, Pearl, challenges that devotion and forces the Hound to make a fateful choice.

Pearl is a priceless lass�

As the youngest of the Sinclair Jewels, Pearl has made a place for herself among her clan, serving her people and doing her best to care for those who need help. Unlike her sisters, she has no interest in ever leaving her family. But when she’s forced to choose between an unwanted marriage or taking holy vows, she makes a fateful mistake.

If she can’t stay with her clan, she’ll become a nun.

But once her sire tasks the Hound to escort her to the abbey, Pearl is forced to admit two things: she never really wanted to take holy vows and her fascination with the Hound can no longer be denied.

As love becomes the greatest treasure of all, can Pearl and her Hound find a way to stay together, or will violence and family secrets keep them apart forever?
]]> 125 Caroline Lee Samantha 3 3 stars.

� What I liked :

Rather interesting characters.


Rather good chemistry and romantic build up.


Highlander.

Scottish setting.


� What I disliked:


Some parts felt rushed and needed to be a little bit more fleshed out.

The heroine was rather young but seemed even younger then she was.


Generic/formulaic character descriptions (appearance.)

The heroes self-chastisement/self-punishment (for his past etc.) went on a little bit too long and was a little bit over the top.

Somewhat anachronistic.
]]> 4.20 2019 The Sinclair Hound (The Sinclair Jewels, #1)
author: Caroline Lee
name: Samantha
average rating: 4.20
book published: 2019
rating: 3
read at: 2023/05/04
date added: 2023/05/04
shelves: age-gap, anachronisms, broken-insecure-self-doubting-hero, historical-romance, longer-story-please, pet-peeves, rushed, sad-past, scottish-or-scotland, younger-than-25
review:
⭐⭐�
3 stars.

� What I liked :

Rather interesting characters.


Rather good chemistry and romantic build up.


Highlander.

Scottish setting.


� What I disliked:


Some parts felt rushed and needed to be a little bit more fleshed out.

The heroine was rather young but seemed even younger then she was.


Generic/formulaic character descriptions (appearance.)

The heroes self-chastisement/self-punishment (for his past etc.) went on a little bit too long and was a little bit over the top.

Somewhat anachronistic.

]]> <![CDATA[The Duke of Ruin (The Untouchables, #8)]]> 37759534
Universally blamed for the death of his wife and unborn child, Simon Hastings doesn’t dispute his guilt over an accident he cannot even remember. He hasn’t had a drink since, nor a moment’s peace. Determined to be a better man, Simon rescues a young woman in need—only to be accused of kidnapping. They must marry to save him from prison. But how can a man haunted by the love he lost and a woman afraid to get too close find happiness together?]]> 306 Darcy Burke 194457624X Samantha 4 ⭐⭐� 4.23 2018 The Duke of Ruin (The Untouchables, #8)
author: Darcy Burke
name: Samantha
average rating: 4.23
book published: 2018
rating: 4
read at: 2023/03/30
date added: 2023/03/30
shelves: 3-and-half-stars-really, a-little-repetitive, abusive-parents-relatives, age-gap, anachronisms, awful-parents-relatives, believability-plausibility-issues, broken-insecure-self-doubting-hero, contradictory-or-contradictions, historical-romance, inconsistencies, mr-saviour, naive-or-foolish-heroine, mr-misunderstood, pet-peeves, road-trip, sad-past, somewhat-cringeworthy, strained-family-dynamics, sweet-nice-hero, toxic-parent-or-relative, unassuming-reserved-heroine, virgin-heroine, widow-or-widower, younger-than-25
review:
⭐⭐�
]]> <![CDATA[A Dark and Stormy Knight (Victorian Rebels, #7; Goode Girls, #1)]]> 35817300 Alternate cover edition of ASIN B081MDB8B3

This Knight of the Crown is driven by a painful past and a patient fury� and his entire life is a lie.

Sir Carlton Morley is famously possessed of extraordinary will, singular focus, and a merciless sense of justice. As a man, he secured his fortune and his preeminence as Scotland Yard's ruthless Chief Inspector. As a decorated soldier, he was legend for his unflinching trigger finger, his precision in battle, and his imperturbable strength. But as a boy, he was someone else. A twin, a thief, and a murderer, until tragedy reshaped him.

Now he stalks the night, in search of redemption and retribution, vowing to never give into temptation, as it's just another form of weakness.

Until temptation lands—quite literally—in his lap, taking the form of Prudence Goode.

Prim and proper Pru is expected to live a life of drudgery, but before she succumbs to her fate, she craves just one night of desire. On the night she searches for it, she stumbles upon a man made of shadows, muscle and wrath� And decides he is the one.

When their firestorm of passion burns out of control, Morley discovers, too late, that he was right. The tempting woman has become his weakness.

A weakness his enemies can use against him.]]> 270 Kerrigan Byrne Samantha 4 4 stars.


A good and interesting read.
Intriguing main characters. (especially the hero)

Rather good chemistry and romantic build up.

The heroine was a little bit too naive.
]]> 4.11 2020 A Dark and Stormy Knight (Victorian Rebels, #7; Goode Girls, #1)
author: Kerrigan Byrne
name: Samantha
average rating: 4.11
book published: 2020
rating: 4
read at: 2022/12/03
date added: 2022/12/03
shelves: historical-romance, broken-insecure-self-doubting-hero, irksome-ott-side-characters, naive-or-foolish-heroine, other-man, pet-peeves, resentful-side-characters, sad-past, slow-insta, virgin-heroine
review:
⭐⭐⭐⭐
4 stars.


A good and interesting read.
Intriguing main characters. (especially the hero)

Rather good chemistry and romantic build up.

The heroine was a little bit too naive.

]]> <![CDATA[The Duchess Deal (Girl Meets Duke, #1)]]> 33259027 When girl meets Duke, their marriage breaks all the rules�

Since his return from war, the Duke of Ashbury’s to-do list has been short and anything but sweet: brooding, glowering, menacing London ne’er-do-wells by night. Now there’s a new item on the list. He needs an heir—which means he needs a wife. When Emma Gladstone, a vicar’s daughter turned seamstress, appears in his library wearing a wedding gown, he decides on the spot that she’ll do.

His terms are simple:
- They will be husband and wife by night only.
- No lights, no kissing.
- No questions about his battle scars.
- Last, and most importantly� Once she’s pregnant with his heir, they need never share a bed again.

But Emma is no pushover. She has a few rules of her own:
- They will have dinner together every evening.
- With conversation.
- And unlimited teasing.
- Last, and most importantly� Once she’s seen the man beneath the scars, he can’t stop her from falling in love�]]> 389 Tessa Dare Samantha 4 4 stars.

Entertaining and charming read with interesting main characters.
]]> 3.99 2017 The Duchess Deal (Girl Meets Duke, #1)
author: Tessa Dare
name: Samantha
average rating: 3.99
book published: 2017
rating: 4
read at: 2022/09/27
date added: 2022/09/27
shelves: historical-romance, awful-parents-relatives, broken-insecure-self-doubting-hero, dogs-cats-pet-in-books, funny, interesting-side-character, mommy-or-daddy-issues, mr-grump, mr-misunderstood, pet-peeves, reclusive-hero-or-heroine, sad-past, scar, working-class-heroine
review:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
4 stars.

Entertaining and charming read with interesting main characters.

]]> <![CDATA[Say Yes to the Marquess (Castles Ever After, #2)]]> 22007852 Your presence is requested at romantic Twill Castle for the wedding of Miss Clio Whitmore and ... and ...?

After eight years of waiting for Piers Brandon, the wandering Marquess of Granville, to set a wedding date, Clio Whitmore has had enough. She's inherited a castle, scraped together some pride, and made plans to break her engagement.

Not if Rafe Brandon can help it. A ruthless prizefighter and notorious rake, Rafe is determined that Clio will marry his brother—even if he has to plan the dratted wedding himself.

So how does a hardened fighter cure a reluctant bride's cold feet?
� He starts with flowers. A wedding can't have too many flowers. Or harps. Or cakes.
� He lets her know she'll make a beautiful, desirable bride—and tries not to picture her as his.
� He doesn't kiss her.
� If he kisses her, he definitely doesn't kiss her again.
� When all else fails, he puts her in a stunning gown. And vows not to be nearby when the gown comes off.
� And no matter what—he doesn't fall in disastrous, hopeless love with the one woman he can never call his own.]]> 390 Tessa Dare Samantha 2 2 stars.



� What I liked :


The Dog.

The heroine was curvy.






� What I disliked:

The way that the forced dieting/disordered eating and child abuse/neglect was written/handled was rather tactless and thoughtless/careless.
(The heroines mother was abusive and neglectful…she starved her daughter and manipulated her.)

One of the heroines sisters was shallow and unkind and body-shamed the heroine.


The characterization of the main characters especially the heroine was a bit too modern/anachronistic.

The hero and heroine was written rather stereotypical and one-dimensional.
(The heroine is curvy and insecure and the hero is alpha but deeply insecure)

Too much push and pull.

Lacking chemistry.


Over the top.]]> 4.05 2014 Say Yes to the Marquess (Castles Ever After, #2)
author: Tessa Dare
name: Samantha
average rating: 4.05
book published: 2014
rating: 2
read at: 2022/09/25
date added: 2022/09/25
shelves: historical-romance, a-little-repetitive, abusive-behavior, abusive-parents-relatives, annoying-sibling-or-relative, awful-parents-relatives, barely-ok-2-stars, believability-plausibility-issues, bodyshaming, broken-insecure-self-doubting-hero, contradictory-or-contradictions, disappointed, dogs-cats-pet-in-books, doormat-subordinate-yes-person, funny-but-not-funny, insecure-or-self-conscious, irksome-ott-side-characters, issues, just-lust-no-real-love, lacking-in-chemistry, mehh-boring, mommy-or-daddy-issues, mr-indecisive-irresolute-wishy-was, mr-grump, mr-misunderstood, one-dimensional-characters, other-man, over-the-top, pet-peeves, problematic, push-and-pull, sad-past, shapely-or-rounded, somewhat-underwhelming, stereotyped-characters, strained-family-dynamics, toxic-parent-or-relative, virgin-heroine
review:
⭐⭐
2 stars.



� What I liked :


The Dog.

The heroine was curvy.






� What I disliked:

The way that the forced dieting/disordered eating and child abuse/neglect was written/handled was rather tactless and thoughtless/careless.
(The heroines mother was abusive and neglectful…she starved her daughter and manipulated her.)

One of the heroines sisters was shallow and unkind and body-shamed the heroine.


The characterization of the main characters especially the heroine was a bit too modern/anachronistic.

The hero and heroine was written rather stereotypical and one-dimensional.
(The heroine is curvy and insecure and the hero is alpha but deeply insecure)

Too much push and pull.

Lacking chemistry.


Over the top.
]]> <![CDATA[The Lady Hellion (Wicked Deceptions, #3)]]> 22891428 Lady Sophia Barnes doesn’t take no for an answer. Especially when she’s roaming London’s seedy underground…dressed as a man.

A rabble rouser for justice, Sophie’s latest mission is to fight for the rights of the poor, the wretched—and the employees at Madame Hartley’s brothel. She’s not concerned about the criminals who will cross her path, for Sophie has mastered the art of deception—including the art of wearing trousers. Now her fate is in her own hands, along with a loaded gun. All she needs is instruction on how to shoot it. But only one person can help her: Lord Quint, the man who broke her heart years ago. The man she won’t let destroy her again�

The last thing Damien Beecham, Viscount Quint, needs is an intrusion on his privacy, especially from the beautiful, exasperating woman he’s never stopped wanting. A woman with a perilously absurd request, no less. For Damien is fighting a battle of his own, one he wishes to keep hidden—along with his feelings for Lady Sophia. Yet that fight is as hopeless as stopping her outlandish plan. Soon all Quint knows for certain is that he will die trying to protect her…]]> 338 Joanna Shupe 1420135562 Samantha 4 ⭐⭐� 3.83 2015 The Lady Hellion (Wicked Deceptions, #3)
author: Joanna Shupe
name: Samantha
average rating: 3.83
book published: 2015
rating: 4
read at: 2022/09/13
date added: 2022/09/18
shelves: 3-and-half-stars-really, broken-insecure-self-doubting-hero, contradictory-or-contradictions, issues, mr-misunderstood, psychological-or-emotional-issues, second-chance, sweet-nice-hero, tall-heroine, reclusive-hero-or-heroine
review:
⭐⭐�
]]> Good Guy (Rookie Rebels, #1) 45447913 He's a Special Forces veteran making his pro hockey debut. She's a dogged sports reporter determined to get a scoop. She's also his best friend's widow...

Fans can’t get enough of Levi Hunt, the Special Forces veteran who put his NHL career on hold to serve his country and fight the bad guys. So when his new Chicago Rebels bosses tell him to cooperate with the press on a profile, he’s ready to do his duty. Until he finds out who he has to work with: flame-haired, freckle-splashed, impossibly perky Jordan Cooke.

The woman he should not have kissed the night she buried her husband, Levi’s best friend in the service.

Hockey-stick-up-his-butt-serious Levi Hunt might despise Jordan for reasons she can’t fathom—okay, it’s to do with kissing—but her future in the cutthroat world of sports reporting hangs on delivering the goods on the league’s hottest, grumpiest rookie. So what if he’s not interested in having his life plated up for public consumption. Too bad. Jordan will have to play dirty to get her scoop and even dirtier to get her man. Only in winning the story, she might just lose her heart...]]> 340 Kate Meader Samantha 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 3.88 2019 Good Guy (Rookie Rebels, #1)
author: Kate Meader
name: Samantha
average rating: 3.88
book published: 2019
rating: 5
read at: 2022/07/09
date added: 2022/07/09
shelves: 30-plus, 4-and-half-stars-really, broken-insecure-self-doubting-hero, good-writing-well-written, heroine-oblivious-to-attraction, mr-grump, mr-misunderstood, nondescript-character-description, platitudes-and-clichés, preachy, sad-past, second-chance, sweet-nice-hero, sports-romance
review:
⭐⭐⭐⭐
]]> <![CDATA[Dear Roomie (Rookie Rebels, #5)]]> 57838586 Reid Durand isn't here to make friends.

Coming from a legacy of hockey greatness, he has games to win and things to prove. With his focus during his first season as a Chicago Rebel on his drive to succeed, every vice is off the table. No booze, no sugar, and definitely no women.

Kennedy Clark is the master of the side hustle.

She'll walk your dog, brew your espresso, and pick up your dry-cleaning, all while rocking it in Warrior pose. Standing still is impossible for her, because the moment she starts to slow down, it'll come rushing back in a torrent. The memories. The pain. The heartbreak.

Their meet-cute is more of a freeze-cute. Besides, they already know each other. He's the rude, entitled customer at her coffee shop, or what used to be her coffee shop since she just got fired—because of Mr. Extra Shot Americano himself.

Reid didn't intend to get Kennedy fired.
He didn't intend to rescue a dog after the poor thing ended up in the lake.
And he definitely didn't intend to acquire a new roommate.

A curvy, chatty, tempting roommate.
Now this perfect storm of events are about to wreak havoc on his neatly-ordered life.

Reid Durand isn't here to make friends, and he's certainly not here to lose his heart to a puppy, a team, or a chaos agent like Kennedy. But then we don't always get what we want ...]]> 350 Kate Meader Samantha 4 ⭐⭐� 3.91 2021 Dear Roomie (Rookie Rebels, #5)
author: Kate Meader
name: Samantha
average rating: 3.91
book published: 2021
rating: 4
read at: 2022/07/03
date added: 2022/07/03
shelves: 3-and-half-stars-really, 25-plus, awful-parents-relatives, boss-employee, broken-insecure-self-doubting-hero, dogs-cats-pet-in-books, issues, mommy-or-daddy-issues, mr-grump, mr-misunderstood, multi-faceted-heroine, opposite-attract, pet-peeves, sports-romance, spunky-strong-willed, steamy-erotic, strained-family-dynamics, tiny-heroine-big-hero, toxic-parent-or-relative, younger-than-25
review:
⭐⭐�
]]> Knocked Up By The Savage 57967333 He lived hidden away in the woods and completely off-grid.

He doesn’t miss his old life—in fact, he hated it.
He’s content to live out his life alone.

That is until he catches sight of a curvy, blonde goddess camping alone.

She’s not part of his world.
But he wants her.
He needs her.
He’s going to take her.

And just to make sure she’ll stay with him forever—he’ll give her something, too.
His baby.


Lily knows how you like big, burly men so she’s has a hot one for you. He’s big, he’s bad and he has no rules, except one. Claim his woman and knock her up. Okay, maybe that’s two but who’s counting. As always with a Lily book, you get an Alpha who is all in for his woman, a safe read with no drama and a happily ever after.]]> 68 L. Nicole Samantha 3 4.21 Knocked Up By The Savage
author: L. Nicole
name: Samantha
average rating: 4.21
book published:
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 2022/01/18
shelves: 2-and-half-stars-really, believability-plausibility-issues, broken-insecure-self-doubting-hero, cheesy-corny, contradictory-or-contradictions, hmmm-idk, incoherent-rushed, inconsistencies, insta, longer-story-please, more-backstory-please, naive-or-foolish-heroine, one-dimensional-characters, over-the-top, petite-but-round, simplistic, somewhat-cringeworthy, tiny-heroine-big-hero, weird, younger-than-25
review:

]]> Breaking Him 31435256
I remember him coming to my rescue, me following him into the barn, giving him his first taste of a woman, and his inexperienced yet barely reined touch turning me to ash.

Now all I can think about is exposing the dark desire I see deep inside him � having him turn those dark desires on me. That low, gritty voice rasping orders in my ear. Those huge, rough hands holding me down when a storm blows in.

I want his surrender. His control. I want to break him� and have him break me…]]> 142 Sherilee Gray 1633757358 Samantha 4 3.66 2016 Breaking Him
author: Sherilee Gray
name: Samantha
average rating: 3.66
book published: 2016
rating: 4
read at: 2021/11/01
date added: 2021/11/01
shelves: a-little-repetitive, boss-employee, broken-insecure-self-doubting-hero, heart-wrenching-emotional, inconsistencies, kinky-bdsm, mr-misunderstood, platitudes-and-clichés, resentful-side-characters, sad-past, similar-age-couples, steamy-erotic, tiny-heroine-big-hero, virgin-hero, wounded-characters
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Dirty Little Midlife Mess (Heart’s Cove Hotties, #2)]]> 58116282 Laugh-out-loud funny, with cover-to-cover banter and red-hot heat. Dirty Little Midlife Mess is not your typical fake relationship romance. It’s better.

Simone owes handsome, broody Wesley Byron a favor, and he’s calling it in.

He needs a maid.

Yes, like the type that cleans a house. Black and white uniform not included (she asked).

Except on Simone’s first day, she finds herself wrapped up in Wes’s muscular arms as he introduces her to his family using the word “girlfriend� instead of “maid�.

Then he ducks his head and whispers two words against her ear: Play along.

For a woman who dealt with a difficult man for eleven years (and divorced him), those words are like throwing a lit match into a box of fireworks.

She’ll play along. She might even have fun with it.
And when the explosions start, everyone will enjoy the show...

Plucky heroine wants to start over. Brooding grump wants to be left alone. Small town rumor mill starts churning. Hilarity ensues. Heat escalates. Then escalates again. Then escalates again. Kaboom. Who said your forties had to be boring?]]> 214 Lilian Monroe Samantha 4 4.32 2021 Dirty Little Midlife Mess (Heart’s Cove Hotties, #2)
author: Lilian Monroe
name: Samantha
average rating: 4.32
book published: 2021
rating: 4
read at: 2021/07/18
date added: 2021/07/18
shelves: 3-and-half-stars-really, 35-plus, broken-insecure-self-doubting-hero, divorce, good-writing-annoying-characters, mr-indecisive-irresolute-wishy-was, older-heroine, ott-angst, psychological-or-emotional-issues, self-imposed-angst-problems, similar-age-couples, strained-family-dynamics
review:

]]>