en-US Tue, 29 Apr 2025 14:01:40 -0700 60 144 41 /images/layout/goodreads_logo_144.jpg ReadStatus9367519073 Tue, 29 Apr 2025 14:01:40 -0700 /review/show/7529319294 Cigi is currently reading Caged Bird by Elle Thorpe
]]> Review7529104683 Tue, 29 Apr 2025 13:06:51 -0700 /review/show/7529104683 Cigi has read The Single Dad Dilemma: An Age Gap Single Dad x Nanny Rom Com (Family of Misfits Book 1) by Kat Savage
bookshelves: arc
🩵, PictureAge Gap
💛, PictureSingle Dad x Nanny
🩵, PictureHe’s a Tattoo Artist
💛, PictureShe’s a Grad Student

Star: ⭐️⭐️⭐️��.5

The Single Dad Dilemma by Kat Savage, the first instalment in the new Family of Misfits series, is a heartfelt and charming romance that successfully builds on the themes of found family and emotional resilience Kat Savage explored in her Men of Bird’s Eye series. Set in vibrant Nashville, this novel introduces Ridge Jessup, a celebrity tattoo artist and single father trying to keep his life afloat while raising his lively daughter. With his work schedule spiralling and daycare after daycare rejecting his daughter, Ridge’s desperation sets the stage for an unexpected, life-altering encounter.

Darcy Anderson, a relatable and driven character, enters the scene with her own struggles. Still a few credits shy of finishing her degree and with dwindling finances, she leaps at the chance to take a high-paying nanny job. From their first meeting, sparks fly between Ridge and Darcy, even as Ridge tries (and fails) to keep things strictly professional. The ten-year age gap adds a delicious layer of tension, while Ridge’s daughter acts as a catalyst, ultimately influencing his decision to hire Darcy against his better judgement.

Kat Savage masterfully blends humour, heat, and heartfelt moments in a way that makes the chemistry between Ridge and Darcy feel authentic and irresistible. The emotional stakes are beautifully drawn, with Darcy torn between the practical future she has mapped out and the messy, beautiful life she could have with Ridge and his daughter. Ridge’s internal struggle—balancing his responsibilities as a father with his growing feelings for Darcy—feels raw and real, making his character incredibly sympathetic.

The novel maintains a perfect pace, allowing their relationship to develop naturally against the backdrop of the chaotic but love-filled world of Bird’s Eye Tattoo Studio. Kat Savage’s knack for writing found families shines here, with secondary characters providing warmth, humour, and a strong sense of community, setting up intriguing possibilities for future books in the series.

Overall, The Single Dad Dilemma is a delightful start to the Family of Misfits series. It delivers all the emotional connection, steamy romance, and heartfelt storytelling readers have come to expect from Kat Savage. Whether you’re new to her work or a devoted fan of Men of Bird’s Eye, this new series promises to be another unforgettable journey. ]]> Review7526218613 Tue, 29 Apr 2025 12:24:36 -0700 /review/show/7526218613 Cigi gave 5 stars to Beautiful Mess (Blossom Beach #2) by Ashley James
bookshelves: arc
🎙️📚AUDIO & BOOK 📚🎙��

💕, PictureSmall Town
🔥, PictureAge Gap
💕, PictureEx Boyfriend’s Dad
🔥, PictureSingle Mom x Single Dad
💕, PictureGrumpy Sunshine
🔥, PictureDaddy Kink
💕, PictureShe Falls First/He Falls Harder
🔥, PictureBaker
💕, PictureBlue Collar
🔥, PictureForced Proximity

Star: ️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐.75

Narrator: CJ Bloom | Alex Kydd

Beautiful Mess by Ashley James, the second book in the Blossom Beach series, is an utterly captivating small-town romance that expertly balances humour, heart, and heat. It plunges readers into a lively community where everybody knows your past �� sometimes a little too well �� and where second chances can come from the most unexpected places.

The story centres around a bright and sunny Grace, all pretty in pink and exuding Southern charm, who is forced into close proximity with the last man she ever wanted to face again: Conway Levine, her ex-boyfriend’s gruff, brooding father. With his salt-and-pepper scruff and tough-as-nails exterior, Conway is the epitome of the reluctant hero �� and the sparks that fly between them are nothing short of explosive.

Ashley James does a brilliant job drawing out the simmering chemistry between the two. What begins with dread and awkwardness soon evolves into a magnetic connection filled with heated stares, snarky banter, and unexpected tenderness. The forbidden element �� the social taboo of their connection �� only heightens the tension, making every stolen moment between them all the more thrilling.

The characters are wonderfully fleshed out. Grace is instantly likeable, a mix of vulnerability and fierce determination, while Conway’s gradual softening is handled with care and authenticity. Their daughters�� friendship ties their lives together even tighter, weaving an inevitable thread through their reluctant interactions. The supporting cast brings warmth and humour, building a vivid sense of place that makes Blossom Beach feel real and familiar.

Ashley James�� writing style is breezy, vibrant, and effortlessly addictive. She knows exactly how to balance light, funny moments with swoony romance and emotional introspection, keeping the reader hooked from the first page to the last. The steamy scenes are tastefully written but pack a serious punch, striking the perfect balance between physical passion and emotional depth.

At its heart, Beautiful Mess is a story about redemption, vulnerability, and the messy, complicated beauty of falling for someone you never expected to. It shows that love isn’t always neat and tidy �� sometimes it’s chaotic, unexpected, and exactly what you need. This novel is a warm hug wrapped up in witty dialogue, electric chemistry, and heartfelt storytelling.

Ashley James has delivered another stunning addition to the Blossom Beach series. Fans of small-town romance, slow-burn love stories, and steamy second-chance tales will fall head over heels for this beautifully messy romance. It’s the kind of book that leaves you smiling long after you’ve turned the last page. ]]> Review7523631775 Sun, 27 Apr 2025 20:30:30 -0700 /review/show/7523631775 Cigi gave 5 stars to Brother's Sins: Sentinels Book Two (The Sentinels 2) by Genavie Castle
bookshelves: arc
🔥 Forbidden Love
🤫 Secret Agenda
🎭 Love Triangle
💔 Betrayal
🎯 Forced Proximity
🛡�� Protective Anti-Hero
🧨 Enemies to Lovers Vibe
🎲 Risking It All
�� Slow Burn to Inferno
🕸�� Lies and Deception
🏚�� Dark Past
🔪 Revenge
👊 Power Struggle
🎭 Hidden Identity

Star: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5

Brother’s Sins by Genavie Castle is a raw, addictive exploration of love, betrayal, and the brutal consequences of deception. As the second instalment in The Sentinal Series, it raises the stakes, plunging readers deeper into a world where trust is fragile and desire is dangerous.

The story centres around Ezekiel “Zeke�� Ford, a man who has mastered control, both in business and relationships. His arrangement with Elsa is simple—pleasure without promises. Yet when Elsa subtly shifts the terms, cracks begin to form in Zeke’s carefully built emotional walls. Enter Dakota, a woman caught in a desperate situation, blackmailed into seducing Zeke to save her family. What starts as manipulation quickly spirals into a tangled web of passion, betrayal, and emotional devastation. The chemistry between Zeke, Elsa, and Dakota is electric, and as the boundaries blur, the consequences become catastrophic.

Genavie Castle excels at crafting deeply flawed, painfully human characters. Zeke’s struggle to maintain control in the face of genuine emotion is compelling. Elsa’s vulnerability and Dakota’s fierce resilience create a powerful dynamic where no character is wholly good or irredeemably bad. Each decision they make carries emotional weight, and the fallout feels brutally real. Genavie Castle doesn't flinch away from the darker aspects of love and survival, making the emotional stakes feel as urgent as the physical danger.

The pacing is relentless, pulling you breathlessly from one revelation to the next. The writing is taut, evocative, and charged with sensual energy. Every scene crackles with tension, whether it’s the slow burn of temptation or the explosive eruption of long-held secrets. Genavie Castle balances steamy scenes with raw emotional depth, ensuring the story never feels shallow or gratuitous.

While Brother’s Sins is breathtakingly intense, it may not suit readers looking for a lighter or more straightforward romance. The themes of coercion, loyalty, and emotional manipulation are heavy and handled with brutal honesty. Yet for those drawn to dark romances that challenge the heart and mind, it offers an unforgettable experience.

In short, Brother’s Sins is a fiercely emotional, beautifully destructive love story. Genavie Castle has delivered a dark romance that is as heartbreaking as it is irresistible. Highly recommended for readers who aren't afraid to venture into the messy, devastating side of love. ]]> Review7521396457 Sat, 26 Apr 2025 17:15:04 -0700 /review/show/7521396457 Cigi gave 5 stars to One Timer With A Wingman (Riverside U) by R.C. Stephens
🏒 Hockey Romance
👶 Surprise Pregnancy
🛫 Forced Proximity (Plane Ride)
💬 Bucket List Confession
🔥 Friends with Benefits / Fling
💔 Campus Heartbreaker
🏖�� Vacation Romance
❤️‍�� Broken but Healing
💘 Slow Burn to Lovers
🎓 College Romance
🔒 No Cheating
💍 Happily Ever After

Star: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.75

One Timer With A Wingman by R.C. Stephens is an utterly addictive, swoon-worthy read that blends humour, steam, heartache, and hope in the best possible way. The fourth book in the Riverside U series, it delivers all the charm and emotional depth readers have come to expect, while giving us a fresh, heartfelt story that stands beautifully on its own.

The story follows a college junior who finds herself alone, broke, and unexpectedly pregnant �� a far cry from how she imagined her life turning out. Enter Aaron Murray, Riverside U’s infamous hockey wingman and campus heartbreaker. From the very first meeting, which involves them being seated next to each other on a turbulent flight, the chemistry between the two leaps off the page. Aaron’s cocky charm and undeniable good looks are hard to resist, but it’s the moments of unexpected vulnerability and sweetness that truly make him shine as a leading man.

Briar blurts out her bucket list �� including a very personal confession �� mid-flight panic, Aaron turns her embarrassing moment into an opportunity. What starts as playful teasing quickly deepens into something more meaningful as they spend reckless, passion-filled days together in paradise. The way R.C. Stephens builds their connection is both believable and emotionally satisfying. The slow burn, the trust, and the inevitable surrender are handled with just the right amount of tenderness and heat.

Returning to Riverside U brings reality crashing down, and with it, two life-changing pink lines. Watching the characters grapple with the consequences of their whirlwind romance is both heart-wrenching and uplifting. Aaron proves himself to be more than just a pretty face; he steps up in ways that are truly moving, and their journey toward building something lasting is filled with raw emotion and genuine growth.

R.C. Stephens�� writing style is easy to devour �� witty, warm, and emotionally layered. She balances steamy scenes with heartfelt moments, creating a story that feels real without losing its escapist appeal. Readers will fall in love not just with Aaron and Briar, but also with the friendships and team spirit that enrich the world of Riverside U.

This book is a full-length hockey romance that guarantees a happily ever after, with no cheating, and delivers all the feels. It’s perfect for readers who love sports romances with a strong emotional core, a swoon-worthy reformed bad boy, and a heroine who finds her strength even in unexpected circumstances. ]]> Review7518873324 Sat, 26 Apr 2025 16:57:02 -0700 /review/show/7518873324 Cigi gave 5 stars to Stolen Dreams (Dream #4) by Natasha Madison
bookshelves: arc
🎙️📚AUDIO & BOOK 📚🎙��

🔥, PictureGrumpy/Sunshine
🔥, PictureSingle Dad
🔥, PictureEnemies to Lovers
🔥, PictureOpposites Attract
🔥, PictureDifferent Worlds
🔥, PictureEmotional Scars
🔥, PictureBoss/Employee
🔥, PictureBroken FMC/MMC
🔥, PictureAge Gap

Star: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

Narrators: Savannah Peachwood | Gregory Salinas

Stolen Dreams by Natasha Madison, the fourth book in the Dreams series, is a heartfelt and emotional story that blends pain, healing, and the slow burn of an unexpected love. Set in Montgavin Township, a place irrevocably changed by one tragic night, it pulls readers into the lives of two people who have every reason to guard their hearts but may just find their salvation in each other.

Lilah is a character you immediately want to protect and cheer for. After surviving a brutal attack at eighteen, she rebuilds her life at Mustang Creek Ranch, finding purpose and peace in the work and the small community there. However, her heart harbours a secret �� a deep, unspoken love for her boss, Emmett. Emmett, a battle-scarred veteran, has made it clear he isn’t the settling-down type. His loyalty lies with the family he forged through hardship, not the idea of a traditional home and family.

The emotional tension between Lilah and Emmett simmers beautifully throughout the book. Emmett’s resistance is tested when a life-changing phone call reveals he has an eight-year-old daughter he never knew existed. Watching Lilah naturally step into a nurturing role stirs something in Emmett, forcing him to confront his fears and reconsider the future he thought he didn’t deserve. Their slow journey toward each other is tender, believable, and filled with moments that tug on the heartstrings.

Natasha Madison’s writing is effortless and deeply emotional, with dialogue that feels genuine and scenes that pulse with vulnerability. Her portrayal of trauma, healing, and the gradual building of trust is sensitive without ever feeling heavy-handed. The chemistry between Lilah and Emmett is undeniable, but it’s the emotional intimacy Madison develops that truly makes their story memorable.

The novel also shines in its depiction of family �� not just the biological ties but the chosen bonds that often prove even stronger. The small-town backdrop of Montgavin Township adds richness and a sense of community that grounds the story. While Stolen Dreams can be enjoyed as a standalone, readers of the series will appreciate the deeper connections and the wider story arc that threads through the township’s history.

Overall, Stolen Dreams is a beautifully written, moving romance about second chances, bravery, and learning to believe in love again. Madison delivers a satisfying story that lingers long after the final page, perfect for readers who adore grumpy/sunshine dynamics, single dad romances, and small-town settings filled with heart and resilience. ]]> ReadStatus9352412776 Fri, 25 Apr 2025 16:55:09 -0700 /review/show/7518873324 Cigi is currently reading Stolen Dreams by Natasha Madison
]]> Review7516345760 Fri, 25 Apr 2025 16:50:43 -0700 /review/show/7516345760 Cigi gave 4 stars to Addict: Bastard Brothers of Carnage, Book 1 (Audible Audio) by Blake Blessing
]]> ReadStatus9349356260 Thu, 24 Apr 2025 20:02:50 -0700 /review/show/7504258111 Cigi wants to read Savage Hope by K.C. Kean
]]> ReadStatus9348788150 Thu, 24 Apr 2025 17:13:13 -0700 /review/show/7516345760 Cigi is currently reading Addict: Bastard Brothers of Carnage, Book 1 by Blake Blessing
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