Scan barcode
A review by sarahluvsromance_1201
Managed by Kristen Callihan
5.0
***NOW AVAILABLE - FULL REVIEW***
5+ I’M HOME CROWNS
Managed, the second book in the VIP series is a standout, stellar, knockout, sensational, pretty much insert an synonym for AMAZING here. Kristen Callihan has crafted a story that is not only full of romance, but also vulnerability and so much love, both friendship and romantic, and I was moved as I felt my heart clench and sigh in relief with each passing page of this story.
The characters of this story were fantastically well developed, and I fell in love with Gabriel and Sophie. Sophie’s extroverted nature, her zest for life, her ability to laugh at herself, and her unwavering dedication to the people she loves make her a phenomenal heroine. I love her witty banter, her slight gibes thrown at Gabriel, and how open she is with her feelings, even if it is not verbally. Her radiance makes the reader want to know her, be friends with her, and root for her. Just like Gabriel, the reader is smitten. Then there is Gabriel, and his complexity that enthralls the reader. This man is made up with layers, and I mean layers upon layers, but with each layer that Sophie Darling peels back, the reader falls more hopelessly in love with this hero. What I love most about his character, though, is how strong and masculine he is while also being vulnerable, which is hard to pull off and make authentic, but Kristen Callihan flawlessly exhibits his strength and vulnerability by allowing the reader inside his mind to see what drives this man of steel. These moments of honesty, even in his own head, make the readers heart ache for him, and readers desperately want him to get out of his own way. Underneath all the gruff and blustering is a man looking for love and connections but held back by fear, and this only makes Gabriel more endearing and lovable.
Sunshine and Darling are simply perfect together. Their banter is intelligent and witty, and shoots their chemistry off the charts. The slow progression Kristen Callihan takes with this couple lends to the authenticity of their relationship, and readers savor every tiny morsel of interaction between these two, always hoping this will be the time they let go and embrace what they both want. Their chemistry is so palpable that the lack of physical interaction does not even register, and for a reader who loves some good physical action, this says a lot. Don’t worry there are steamy scenes, a lot of them, and they're completely worth the wait.
More than these two characters, the readers will fall in love with the band Kill John. In the previous book, there was little interaction with the band, but readers get them in all their glory. The camaraderie, the jokes, the obvious love among them makes all the moments with them fun, and readers have no choice but to laugh at this brotherhood that has been created among them. Getting to know Rye, Jax, Whip, Brenna, and Jules has only made me more excited for the continuation of this series.
Just as engaging as the characters is the plot. As I said before, even with the slow burn romance, this never reads slow. It is so well paced with each moment between Sophie and Gabriel only showcasing who they are characters, their growing attraction from physical to emotional, and descent into intoxicating lust and euphoric love, resulting in a page-turning story that will play with the readers’ hearts, but don’t worry, Kristen Callihan completely delivers with this epilogue, leaving this reader’s heart so light and full.
I fell in love with Kristen Callihan’s writing with the Game On series, and I don’t see my affection faltering any time soon. Her stories are well-written and intelligent, her characters are complex and read authentically, and her plots are engaging and entertaining. VIP series has only solidified what I know to be true, and I cannot wait for my return trip home with the next book in the series.
----------
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
For more reviews and other book news, check out Musings of the Modern Belle at www.modernbellebooks.com.
5+ I’M HOME CROWNS
Managed, the second book in the VIP series is a standout, stellar, knockout, sensational, pretty much insert an synonym for AMAZING here. Kristen Callihan has crafted a story that is not only full of romance, but also vulnerability and so much love, both friendship and romantic, and I was moved as I felt my heart clench and sigh in relief with each passing page of this story.
The characters of this story were fantastically well developed, and I fell in love with Gabriel and Sophie. Sophie’s extroverted nature, her zest for life, her ability to laugh at herself, and her unwavering dedication to the people she loves make her a phenomenal heroine. I love her witty banter, her slight gibes thrown at Gabriel, and how open she is with her feelings, even if it is not verbally. Her radiance makes the reader want to know her, be friends with her, and root for her. Just like Gabriel, the reader is smitten. Then there is Gabriel, and his complexity that enthralls the reader. This man is made up with layers, and I mean layers upon layers, but with each layer that Sophie Darling peels back, the reader falls more hopelessly in love with this hero. What I love most about his character, though, is how strong and masculine he is while also being vulnerable, which is hard to pull off and make authentic, but Kristen Callihan flawlessly exhibits his strength and vulnerability by allowing the reader inside his mind to see what drives this man of steel. These moments of honesty, even in his own head, make the readers heart ache for him, and readers desperately want him to get out of his own way. Underneath all the gruff and blustering is a man looking for love and connections but held back by fear, and this only makes Gabriel more endearing and lovable.
Sunshine and Darling are simply perfect together. Their banter is intelligent and witty, and shoots their chemistry off the charts. The slow progression Kristen Callihan takes with this couple lends to the authenticity of their relationship, and readers savor every tiny morsel of interaction between these two, always hoping this will be the time they let go and embrace what they both want. Their chemistry is so palpable that the lack of physical interaction does not even register, and for a reader who loves some good physical action, this says a lot. Don’t worry there are steamy scenes, a lot of them, and they're completely worth the wait.
More than these two characters, the readers will fall in love with the band Kill John. In the previous book, there was little interaction with the band, but readers get them in all their glory. The camaraderie, the jokes, the obvious love among them makes all the moments with them fun, and readers have no choice but to laugh at this brotherhood that has been created among them. Getting to know Rye, Jax, Whip, Brenna, and Jules has only made me more excited for the continuation of this series.
Just as engaging as the characters is the plot. As I said before, even with the slow burn romance, this never reads slow. It is so well paced with each moment between Sophie and Gabriel only showcasing who they are characters, their growing attraction from physical to emotional, and descent into intoxicating lust and euphoric love, resulting in a page-turning story that will play with the readers’ hearts, but don’t worry, Kristen Callihan completely delivers with this epilogue, leaving this reader’s heart so light and full.
I fell in love with Kristen Callihan’s writing with the Game On series, and I don’t see my affection faltering any time soon. Her stories are well-written and intelligent, her characters are complex and read authentically, and her plots are engaging and entertaining. VIP series has only solidified what I know to be true, and I cannot wait for my return trip home with the next book in the series.
----------
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
For more reviews and other book news, check out Musings of the Modern Belle at www.modernbellebooks.com.