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cookesbooks's reviews
1511 reviews
Delayed Penalty by Teagan Hunter
5.0
I cannot even begin to tell you how happy I am to be back with the Seattle Serpents! Teagan Hunter stole my heart with this series and I have been anxiously awaiting Adam's story. I was 100% all in form start to finish and could not put this book down.
Teagan Hunter gives us everything, and I mean everything when she puts pen to paper. The text chats that will have you laughing out loud and wanting to be included in them, the most perfect found family, lots of banter, all the steam, and so much love.
Adam unexpectantly becomes the single guardian of his niece when his brother went to prison. Wanting to be a stand up good man, he took Flora in without a second thought. Of course, being a professional hockey player means he needs a nanny and pronto. Enter Quinn and yet again, Adam's world is tuned upside down. Those two had sparks flying off the pages from the moment they met!
The way Quinn and Adam come together and form their own little family unit with Flora was so sweet and made my heart melt. I adored Quinn and Flora's connection and the way they bonded.
Adam and Quinn supported eachother and balanced one another out so well. They really were perfect together.
I can't wait for more of this incredible hockey world that Teagan Hunter blesses us with!
Teagan Hunter gives us everything, and I mean everything when she puts pen to paper. The text chats that will have you laughing out loud and wanting to be included in them, the most perfect found family, lots of banter, all the steam, and so much love.
Adam unexpectantly becomes the single guardian of his niece when his brother went to prison. Wanting to be a stand up good man, he took Flora in without a second thought. Of course, being a professional hockey player means he needs a nanny and pronto. Enter Quinn and yet again, Adam's world is tuned upside down. Those two had sparks flying off the pages from the moment they met!
The way Quinn and Adam come together and form their own little family unit with Flora was so sweet and made my heart melt. I adored Quinn and Flora's connection and the way they bonded.
Adam and Quinn supported eachother and balanced one another out so well. They really were perfect together.
I can't wait for more of this incredible hockey world that Teagan Hunter blesses us with!
The Heartbreaker by Marni Mann
5.0
Marni Mann gives us the good good every single time. She delivers these delicious alpha billionaire men to us on a silver platter and I want to keep them all to myself. They go down bad for their woman and good grief, make a woman jealous why don't ya!
Daddy Cole...you sweet, sweet dirty mouth man. I was not ready for Ridge...
I was not expecting Ridge Cole to be the sweet romantic that he was but I was so here for it. Now, don't misconstrue, that man had a mouth on him and the moves to back it up (iykyk).
The sweet teacher Addison and her little nighttime side gig, loved it!
She was such a delight. I love a woman that will do what needs to be done for her family. The way Ridge supported her gig, even though he didn't like it one bit, was what a man should do. He fell for her the moment she walked off that stage the first night and didn't look back. I adored how he took care of her and settled her debts so she could fully be is. That woman loved Ridge with all she was and he took care of her in all the ways if you know what I'm saying.
I could go on and on about how amazing this book was but no spoiler. 10/10 recommend you read it now!
Daddy Cole...you sweet, sweet dirty mouth man. I was not ready for Ridge...
I was not expecting Ridge Cole to be the sweet romantic that he was but I was so here for it. Now, don't misconstrue, that man had a mouth on him and the moves to back it up (iykyk).
The sweet teacher Addison and her little nighttime side gig, loved it!
She was such a delight. I love a woman that will do what needs to be done for her family. The way Ridge supported her gig, even though he didn't like it one bit, was what a man should do. He fell for her the moment she walked off that stage the first night and didn't look back. I adored how he took care of her and settled her debts so she could fully be is. That woman loved Ridge with all she was and he took care of her in all the ways if you know what I'm saying.
I could go on and on about how amazing this book was but no spoiler. 10/10 recommend you read it now!
Hockey Boy by Brittanée Nicole
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Brittanee Nicole gets a hat trick every time! This world she's created with these characters gets better and better with each book.
We got little easter eggs over the last few books that Aiden and Lennox had some history and I couldn't wait to see what happened with them. I knew it was going to be something special from the moment he slammed into the plexiglass in Pucking revenge when he saw her in the stands after not seeing her for 10 years. Brittanee Nicole did not disappoint on their story.
Side rant - I couldn't wait for Jill to be gone and to know how Brittanee made her go bye bye. lol
OK back to Aiden and Lennox...
That man LOVED him some Lennox and wasn't afraid to show it. He had me swooning, heart melting, and getting all worked up over his alpha male possessive side, and THAT MOUTH...whew! Bring me a cold drink. But Lennox loved her some Aiden right back and these two were the other half to the whole for eachother.
Lennox was like the bright sunshine peeking through on a cloudy day. Her and Aiden were what second chances are all about. The way they loved and supported each other was the sweetest.
I so appreciated the mental health representation and how delicately it was handled but also so raw and real. Very well done.
I'm already ready for more! I will never get enough of this group of friends, family and found family. What an epic journey Brittanee Nicole is taking us on.
We got little easter eggs over the last few books that Aiden and Lennox had some history and I couldn't wait to see what happened with them. I knew it was going to be something special from the moment he slammed into the plexiglass in Pucking revenge when he saw her in the stands after not seeing her for 10 years. Brittanee Nicole did not disappoint on their story.
Side rant - I couldn't wait for Jill to be gone and to know how Brittanee made her go bye bye. lol
OK back to Aiden and Lennox...
That man LOVED him some Lennox and wasn't afraid to show it. He had me swooning, heart melting, and getting all worked up over his alpha male possessive side, and THAT MOUTH...whew! Bring me a cold drink. But Lennox loved her some Aiden right back and these two were the other half to the whole for eachother.
Lennox was like the bright sunshine peeking through on a cloudy day. Her and Aiden were what second chances are all about. The way they loved and supported each other was the sweetest.
I so appreciated the mental health representation and how delicately it was handled but also so raw and real. Very well done.
I'm already ready for more! I will never get enough of this group of friends, family and found family. What an epic journey Brittanee Nicole is taking us on.
Tackling Love Once More by Jezabel Nightingale
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Downright brilliant! I am a huge football fan so it was so fun to learn about and experience AFL through the authors vivid explanations and details.
Paige crosses the pond from New York to Australia and fully intends to embrace her fish out of the water opportunity. Only her new radio hosting gig didn't quite go as planned and she finds her self moving yet again to the small town of Bayview Cove.
Enter AFL pro Willow Lovemore, widowed single dad who's given up on love and choses to devote all his time and attention to his kids, his farm and career. He's had to navigate a tough road after three tragic losses and the last thing on his mind is love.
Paige has been dealt some tough cards of her own and has struggled for years with her body image. Her confidence is lacking, and past partners have always made her feel less than. She is determined to stay away from men and any talk of kids and small town living.
Although both Willow and Paige have had different struggles, they can relate to eachother in many ways. They had an instant connection when they met, and over the course of their story they both grew so much individually and together.
Overall a great read, and very relatable and lovable characters. I hope there's more to come from this world!
Paige crosses the pond from New York to Australia and fully intends to embrace her fish out of the water opportunity. Only her new radio hosting gig didn't quite go as planned and she finds her self moving yet again to the small town of Bayview Cove.
Enter AFL pro Willow Lovemore, widowed single dad who's given up on love and choses to devote all his time and attention to his kids, his farm and career. He's had to navigate a tough road after three tragic losses and the last thing on his mind is love.
Paige has been dealt some tough cards of her own and has struggled for years with her body image. Her confidence is lacking, and past partners have always made her feel less than. She is determined to stay away from men and any talk of kids and small town living.
Although both Willow and Paige have had different struggles, they can relate to eachother in many ways. They had an instant connection when they met, and over the course of their story they both grew so much individually and together.
Overall a great read, and very relatable and lovable characters. I hope there's more to come from this world!
Face Off With The Capital by R.C. Stephens
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I absolutely devoured Face Off with the Captain! I'm so glad this is the start of a new series because I can't wait to see what happens next.
Charlie was such a delight despite all the obstacles and challenges life has thrown at her. Finn has also had his fair share ups and downs, and they both can relate to not so great parenting. They connect on a deeper level than either of them are willing to explore, but the universe kept putting them in eachothers paths for a reason.
When Finn opened up and allowed himself to feel and accept Charlie's devotion, he became a new man and I loved that for the both of them. They were the missing piece that the other needed. Found family is one of my favorite tropes and is represented in such a heartwarming way with this group.
This was a fantastic, well plotted book with lots of depth, angst, emotions and self discovery. Oh! And the spice was spicing! The two athlete dynamic was new and original. I'm already looking forward to book 2!
Charlie was such a delight despite all the obstacles and challenges life has thrown at her. Finn has also had his fair share ups and downs, and they both can relate to not so great parenting. They connect on a deeper level than either of them are willing to explore, but the universe kept putting them in eachothers paths for a reason.
When Finn opened up and allowed himself to feel and accept Charlie's devotion, he became a new man and I loved that for the both of them. They were the missing piece that the other needed. Found family is one of my favorite tropes and is represented in such a heartwarming way with this group.
This was a fantastic, well plotted book with lots of depth, angst, emotions and self discovery. Oh! And the spice was spicing! The two athlete dynamic was new and original. I'm already looking forward to book 2!
Hush Money by Ava Ryan
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
To say I was eagerly awaiting this release would be a huge understatement. That cliffhanger from book 1 (Filthy Rich) literally had my jaw on the floor. I knew Ava Ryan was coming back swinging with book 2 and she did not disappoint.
Lucien and Tamsyn are absolutely captivating and they sucked me in yet again. I couldn't get enough. Ravenna's sudden return took this story on a crazy rollercoaster ride that I don't ever want to get off of.
The mystery and suspense, and what's going to happen next had me on the edge of my seat until the very end. Another shocking cliffhanger ending has me wanting to fast forward time to get the final installation of this trilogy. I can't even imagine what Ava Ryan has up her sleeve for us to tie this up with a pretty bow.
I will not be OK if there's not an HEA for Lucien and Tamsyn on the horizon. My heart will simply not recover.
Lucien and Tamsyn are absolutely captivating and they sucked me in yet again. I couldn't get enough. Ravenna's sudden return took this story on a crazy rollercoaster ride that I don't ever want to get off of.
The mystery and suspense, and what's going to happen next had me on the edge of my seat until the very end. Another shocking cliffhanger ending has me wanting to fast forward time to get the final installation of this trilogy. I can't even imagine what Ava Ryan has up her sleeve for us to tie this up with a pretty bow.
I will not be OK if there's not an HEA for Lucien and Tamsyn on the horizon. My heart will simply not recover.
The One I Didn't See Coming by Piper Rayne
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Are we allowed to have a favorite Noughton brother? Emmett was the absolute sweetest with Briar and his actions made me fall in love with him before she did.
Emmett was not at all what his brothers thought he was and the tension between them reached an all time high. Briar was there to encourage him and support him the same way he was with her. She helped him work through his family issues and make his brothers see who he was underneath the jokester facade he put on.
When Emmett and Briar finally talked through the misunderstandings of the past, and really opened up to each other, her crush from all those years ago didn't hold a candle to the chemistry and passion the shared as adults.
I was so happy the family got onboard with their relationship because Emmett and Briar were always meant to be.
Duet narration is my absolute favorite narration style and Jason Clarke and Ava Erickson make a dynamite duo. They were fantastic as Emmett and Briar.
I had the pleasure of reading and listening to The One I Didn't See Coming and thoroughly enjoyed both. Audiobooks always elevate an already outstanding story to another level for me and this was no exception.
Emmett was not at all what his brothers thought he was and the tension between them reached an all time high. Briar was there to encourage him and support him the same way he was with her. She helped him work through his family issues and make his brothers see who he was underneath the jokester facade he put on.
When Emmett and Briar finally talked through the misunderstandings of the past, and really opened up to each other, her crush from all those years ago didn't hold a candle to the chemistry and passion the shared as adults.
I was so happy the family got onboard with their relationship because Emmett and Briar were always meant to be.
Duet narration is my absolute favorite narration style and Jason Clarke and Ava Erickson make a dynamite duo. They were fantastic as Emmett and Briar.
I had the pleasure of reading and listening to The One I Didn't See Coming and thoroughly enjoyed both. Audiobooks always elevate an already outstanding story to another level for me and this was no exception.
Force Play by Lo Everett
emotional
hopeful
informative
medium-paced
5.0
Lo Everett DID THAT with Force Play!
Dom & Indie….my, oh my! Your girl is speechless it was that d@Mn good…
After what was supposed to be a one-night stand (according to Indie) Dom is down bad for this girl, and tries to get over her for a year - until she comes back into his life and his world is turned upside down again by his little firecracker.
Indie was one bad a$$, strong woman that refused to let people help her. Too bad Dom wasn't having it and continued to wear her down because he was exactly what she needed to support, encourage and love her the way only he could. He was truly her rock through all the emotional ups and downs and turmoil she went through. Lo Everett did an amazing job with the sensitive and emotional topics in this book. Her writing of a subject close to home for me was done with care and compassion and I applaud her for that.
The banter and chemistry between Dom and Indie was top tier, some of the best I've read.
I started this series with this book but quickly purchased the rest so I can read all of this found family and friends. I know I'm in for quite the ride if Dom and Indie are any indication.
Dom & Indie….my, oh my! Your girl is speechless it was that d@Mn good…
After what was supposed to be a one-night stand (according to Indie) Dom is down bad for this girl, and tries to get over her for a year - until she comes back into his life and his world is turned upside down again by his little firecracker.
Indie was one bad a$$, strong woman that refused to let people help her. Too bad Dom wasn't having it and continued to wear her down because he was exactly what she needed to support, encourage and love her the way only he could. He was truly her rock through all the emotional ups and downs and turmoil she went through. Lo Everett did an amazing job with the sensitive and emotional topics in this book. Her writing of a subject close to home for me was done with care and compassion and I applaud her for that.
The banter and chemistry between Dom and Indie was top tier, some of the best I've read.
I started this series with this book but quickly purchased the rest so I can read all of this found family and friends. I know I'm in for quite the ride if Dom and Indie are any indication.
Take by Anna Hackett
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
The Fury Brother's are coming in hot! Reath was no exception. That kiss he and Frankie shared before they knew who the other was...smoking hot!
This was my first read by Anna Hackett and now I must go back and read the first three of the series because I need more of these Fury Brothers in my life.
Take had just the right amount of spice, romance, and suspense to grab my attention and keep it. Add in a former military hero, say no more. I love how Reath went all protective alpha male on Frankie thinking he was only going to protect her and keep her safe, but ended up falling head over heels in love.
Found family is one of my absolute favorite tropes and the Fury Brothers are the best of it. I loved the way they would go to war for each other and their loved ones.
Overall a fantastic read that I would recommend to anyone who likes a hot romantic suspense with all the love included.
This was my first read by Anna Hackett and now I must go back and read the first three of the series because I need more of these Fury Brothers in my life.
Take had just the right amount of spice, romance, and suspense to grab my attention and keep it. Add in a former military hero, say no more. I love how Reath went all protective alpha male on Frankie thinking he was only going to protect her and keep her safe, but ended up falling head over heels in love.
Found family is one of my absolute favorite tropes and the Fury Brothers are the best of it. I loved the way they would go to war for each other and their loved ones.
Overall a fantastic read that I would recommend to anyone who likes a hot romantic suspense with all the love included.
The Promises We Break by Berlin Wick
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
The tropes caught my attention.
Chapters 1 and 2 sucked me in.
As of Chapter 3 I was a goner.
I was so engrossed in this book, my husband woke up at 2 am and told me to carry my butt to bed. I could not put it down and had not one care in the world that I had to be at work in a few hours. I had to know they got their HEA.
Berlin Wick wrote one heck of a story for Hudson and Ember AKA his little red. The plane meet cute was absolutely sizzling. Their instant connection was enough to make my kindle spark.
The writing was phenomenal and the characters were so real, raw and relatable. Ember was a runner and Hudson was a goner for his little sprinter from the moment he laid eyes on her. When she bolted after their Vegas wedding I couldn't wait to see how they ended up back together, and the coincidences that found them in the same city, the same place, at the same time was fate working her magic.
They way Hudson loved that woman...Gah! If she didn't come around I was ready to turn myself into a fictional character and go after him myself. I go feral for an emotional, down bad man that has a mouth like Hudson. The spicy scenes were hotter than hades and I couldn't get enough.
I absolutely loved that Ember was an intelligent strong FMC and that Hudson supported her drive and work ethic, and only wanted the best for her. It takes a strong man to love a career driven woman and Hudson was that man and more.
The big red gum...tic tac toe...I CHOOSE YOU...
Gove me more! More! More! A 5+++ stars from me.
Chapters 1 and 2 sucked me in.
As of Chapter 3 I was a goner.
I was so engrossed in this book, my husband woke up at 2 am and told me to carry my butt to bed. I could not put it down and had not one care in the world that I had to be at work in a few hours. I had to know they got their HEA.
Berlin Wick wrote one heck of a story for Hudson and Ember AKA his little red. The plane meet cute was absolutely sizzling. Their instant connection was enough to make my kindle spark.
The writing was phenomenal and the characters were so real, raw and relatable. Ember was a runner and Hudson was a goner for his little sprinter from the moment he laid eyes on her. When she bolted after their Vegas wedding I couldn't wait to see how they ended up back together, and the coincidences that found them in the same city, the same place, at the same time was fate working her magic.
They way Hudson loved that woman...Gah! If she didn't come around I was ready to turn myself into a fictional character and go after him myself. I go feral for an emotional, down bad man that has a mouth like Hudson. The spicy scenes were hotter than hades and I couldn't get enough.
I absolutely loved that Ember was an intelligent strong FMC and that Hudson supported her drive and work ethic, and only wanted the best for her. It takes a strong man to love a career driven woman and Hudson was that man and more.
The big red gum...tic tac toe...I CHOOSE YOU...
Gove me more! More! More! A 5+++ stars from me.