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bluebeereads's reviews
1414 reviews
The Jock by E.M. Denning
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Another wonderfully sweet romance from E.M. Denning. I might be addicted, if I'm honest. This is not a complaint.
The Virgin by E.M. Denning
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Cute, heart-warming friends-to-lovers romance that made me happy! Also yay for demisexual rep!
Turning Tides by E.M. Denning
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
E.M. Denning is quickly becoming one of my all-time favorite authors. After loving her Walking Disasters duet, I was lucky enough to read an ARC of this book and, surprise!, I loved this as well. What a wonderful story!
Shane and Archer are such amazing characters. Shane is a very kind, generous person - sometimes too generous - but he's also a bit lonely. Archer is a feisty, spiky hedgehog of a guy - and a tattoo artist - who's a bit lost when he meets Shane. The two of them are exactly what the other needs. They are perfect for each other in every way. The only thing that holds both of them back is Archer's brother Cyrus. Cyrus is also Shane's friend and works as the cook in Shane's bar. And he's very protective over his brother, maybe a bit too much. While I understood why he was like that, I also found him a mix of an overbearing parent and a petulant child.
Despite that, though, this was a low angst story. And Cyrus' behavior never became annoying because we also find out why he is the way he is. But that's the thing I love about E.M. Denning's stories. The romance is very uncomplicated in some ways. Yes, there are obstacles to overcome, but they're always realistic. There's no angst just for the sake of it. It's just a beautiful story about two people finding their person, a story that feels real. Like I can just hop on a plane and travel to Shane's bar if I wanted to.
Also a highlight I have to mention: the spice. Good lord, it was something else in this book. I really love the smaller top/bigger bottom trope and it was done excellently. Add to that the fact that the smaller top (Archer) is feisty and take charge and has an absolute filthy mouth on him and Shane is desperate for everything and anything Archer is willing to give and you get absolutely explosive chemistry. Normally I don't really like books with a lot of spicy scenes, but it actually made sense in this one because neither of them had really gotten what they needed in that regard in so long, maybe ever. But, needless to say it was hot. Very hot.
Overall, this was another wonderful book and I am so eager for Shane's brothers' stories! I'm also going to pick up E.M.'s Breakfast at Bennett's series now, since this is a spin-off and it made me curious about some of the characters that popped up in this one. Safe to say, I highly recommend this one.
Shane and Archer are such amazing characters. Shane is a very kind, generous person - sometimes too generous - but he's also a bit lonely. Archer is a feisty, spiky hedgehog of a guy - and a tattoo artist - who's a bit lost when he meets Shane. The two of them are exactly what the other needs. They are perfect for each other in every way. The only thing that holds both of them back is Archer's brother Cyrus. Cyrus is also Shane's friend and works as the cook in Shane's bar. And he's very protective over his brother, maybe a bit too much. While I understood why he was like that, I also found him a mix of an overbearing parent and a petulant child.
Despite that, though, this was a low angst story. And Cyrus' behavior never became annoying because we also find out why he is the way he is. But that's the thing I love about E.M. Denning's stories. The romance is very uncomplicated in some ways. Yes, there are obstacles to overcome, but they're always realistic. There's no angst just for the sake of it. It's just a beautiful story about two people finding their person, a story that feels real. Like I can just hop on a plane and travel to Shane's bar if I wanted to.
Also a highlight I have to mention: the spice. Good lord, it was something else in this book. I really love the smaller top/bigger bottom trope and it was done excellently. Add to that the fact that the smaller top (Archer) is feisty and take charge and has an absolute filthy mouth on him and Shane is desperate for everything and anything Archer is willing to give and you get absolutely explosive chemistry. Normally I don't really like books with a lot of spicy scenes, but it actually made sense in this one because neither of them had really gotten what they needed in that regard in so long, maybe ever. But, needless to say it was hot. Very hot.
Overall, this was another wonderful book and I am so eager for Shane's brothers' stories! I'm also going to pick up E.M.'s Breakfast at Bennett's series now, since this is a spin-off and it made me curious about some of the characters that popped up in this one. Safe to say, I highly recommend this one.
Oliver by E.M. Denning
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This was just as beautiful as the first book, honestly. Just as poignant too. I love Oliver and Jordan together. I love how love wasn't a cure for the mental health issues in this book or in the previous one. I love the beautiful writing. I love the characters. I just love all of it. These two books are undoubtedly going to stay with me for a long time.
Missiletoe by Zile Elliven
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-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? Yes
4.0
This one was just as much insane bonkers fun as the first book! I really enjoyed it, though some personal niggles kept me from giving it the full five stars. I'm definitely a Zile Elliven fan now, though. No doubt about that.
Benji by E.M. Denning
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Well, then. Wasn’t this a wonderful surprise of a book? This is my first book by E.M. Dennings, which I picked up because it was recommended to me, and I can already tell it won’t be my last! I’d expected a light-hearted, low-angst romance with a lovely age gap, and while I did get that, it was also a lot more emotional than I thought it’d be.
Benji is such a sweet guy, honestly. I felt so much for him, it’s ridiculous. But really, how could you not? Here’s this totally sweet guy, who tries so hard, but has all the bad luck in the world. He’s been rejected and neglected and he’s so starved for any sort of positive attention, it broke my heart. He’s so tired, down to his bones. He misses his best friend, Oliver - who’d (somewhat reluctantly) moved to London for a great job opportunity. He has no support system around him and has lost all faith in himself. So when he gets fired from yet another job when he’s already been living in his car, his best friend intervenes from a distance and arranges for him to stay at his father’s place. Leo is a wonderful, caring man and he was perfect for Benji. I loved their romance and how it grew so naturally and beautifully.
I loved that the romance didn’t have any outside complications. This book didn’t need that type of angst. It was a quiet sort of book where Benji’s inner demons were the antagonist, so to speak. Everything about this story felt so realistic, and I could definitely relate to Benji a whole lot, and it was just beautiful and it made me cry a little a few times and I wanted to give Benji all the cuddles. I also loved that Benji’s struggles weren’t solved by love alone. Because love isn’t a cure-all and with how deep his insecurities ran, it takes time for them to fade. Time and a lot of love and reassurances and care. Which Leo is more than happy to provide.
I’m glad I don’t have to wait for Oliver’s book and can dive right into it, because I’m not quite ready to let go of these characters just yet.
A Really Gay Book: It's Not Remotely About Christmas by Zile Elliven
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Oh this was perfect insanity. Yes, that's a thing. But, let's go over the facts of this book, right?
First we have Apple (what a fun, quirky name!), who is the luckiest bastard in the world and he hates it. I mean... Honestly? The amount of luck he has? I'd find it tedious and boring too after a while. It does not sound like much fun. I'd like a smidge of his luck though. Just a tiny smidge.
Second, we have Adam, who is the opposite of Apple. He is extremely unlucky. He's also a part of a found family of guys who are... supervillains? Ish? They're fun and crazy and I loved them. But Adam hates being unlucky and also kind of hates Apple. Until they actually properly meet and shenanigans ensue. This includes some mild (attempted) stalking, luck shifting both ways, amazing sexy times, hilarious banter and absolute craziness.
Look, don't try to make sense of this or expect it to be rooted in reality, okay? Just suspend your disbelief for a while and enjoy this crazy ride. Zile's writing style flows so easily and is so very fun and light and honestly, I'm a fan now. You should be too, so go pick up this book and climb aboard the Zile Crazy Train. It's fun here, I promise.
First we have Apple (what a fun, quirky name!), who is the luckiest bastard in the world and he hates it. I mean... Honestly? The amount of luck he has? I'd find it tedious and boring too after a while. It does not sound like much fun. I'd like a smidge of his luck though. Just a tiny smidge.
Second, we have Adam, who is the opposite of Apple. He is extremely unlucky. He's also a part of a found family of guys who are... supervillains? Ish? They're fun and crazy and I loved them. But Adam hates being unlucky and also kind of hates Apple. Until they actually properly meet and shenanigans ensue. This includes some mild (attempted) stalking, luck shifting both ways, amazing sexy times, hilarious banter and absolute craziness.
Look, don't try to make sense of this or expect it to be rooted in reality, okay? Just suspend your disbelief for a while and enjoy this crazy ride. Zile's writing style flows so easily and is so very fun and light and honestly, I'm a fan now. You should be too, so go pick up this book and climb aboard the Zile Crazy Train. It's fun here, I promise.
How to Hack a Hellhound by Shannon Mae
adventurous
emotional
funny
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? Yes
4.5
Well, then! I definitely enjoyed this one a lot more than the first book. One might actually say I loved it. Because I kind of did. Where I didn't feel a real connection to the first book, this one had its claws in me from the start and I'm more eager than ever to get my hands on the next book.
I am growing so fond of this group of hellhounds and humans, honestly. I cannot wait for the others to get their books and can make some guesses as to the pairings that are to come. But in this book, Quinton and Liam definitely stole the show. (As they should.) I adore Liam and his unconditional acceptance, his sunshiney golden retriever tendencies, and his huge heart. And I felt a soul deep connection to Quinton with his snark and sass. Little feral hellcat.
Also, I was a big fan of Quinton and Aiden's relationship. With all the cuddles and sweetness. But also the at times deep and poignant conversations about mental health and trauma that had me going YES! One conversation in particular unexpectedly punched me in the feels. I... might relate to these two a bit too much. Moving on!
Honestly, all these hellhounds are creepy stalkers but they make it work in the best way cause their boyfriend game is on point. Seriously. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and Quinton stole my heart. I also need Aiden and Atlas's book, like, yesterday.
I am growing so fond of this group of hellhounds and humans, honestly. I cannot wait for the others to get their books and can make some guesses as to the pairings that are to come. But in this book, Quinton and Liam definitely stole the show. (As they should.) I adore Liam and his unconditional acceptance, his sunshiney golden retriever tendencies, and his huge heart. And I felt a soul deep connection to Quinton with his snark and sass. Little feral hellcat.
Also, I was a big fan of Quinton and Aiden's relationship. With all the cuddles and sweetness. But also the at times deep and poignant conversations about mental health and trauma that had me going YES! One conversation in particular unexpectedly punched me in the feels. I... might relate to these two a bit too much. Moving on!
Honestly, all these hellhounds are creepy stalkers but they make it work in the best way cause their boyfriend game is on point. Seriously. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and Quinton stole my heart. I also need Aiden and Atlas's book, like, yesterday.
Galaxies and Oceans by N.R. Walker
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Absolutely stunning. That's what this was. I knew it could hit me hard because Aubrey's past is one I'm all too familiar with, and I'll admit I was worried it'd be too much for me. But, as it turns out, I didn't need to worry.
The story starts with Aubrey escaping his abusive boyfriend, leaving everything behind and starting over with practically nothing, the stars leading him south. He ends up in a small town, where he meets Patrick, a lighthouse keeper who lost his lover a few years earlier. Two very sensitive subjects, yes, but they were handled so very beautifully. So tactful and gentle. And despite it dealing with past abuse and heavy grief, this story was also unbearably romantic. It honestly made me want to move to southern Australia and become a lighthouse keeper who studies the ocean and the stars.
Aubrey and Patrick's story will stay with me for a long time and it was honestly the perfect book to start the year with. Highly recommend this one!
The story starts with Aubrey escaping his abusive boyfriend, leaving everything behind and starting over with practically nothing, the stars leading him south. He ends up in a small town, where he meets Patrick, a lighthouse keeper who lost his lover a few years earlier. Two very sensitive subjects, yes, but they were handled so very beautifully. So tactful and gentle. And despite it dealing with past abuse and heavy grief, this story was also unbearably romantic. It honestly made me want to move to southern Australia and become a lighthouse keeper who studies the ocean and the stars.
Aubrey and Patrick's story will stay with me for a long time and it was honestly the perfect book to start the year with. Highly recommend this one!
Dearest Milton James by N.R. Walker
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
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
That was absolutely stunning. Such a beautiful, heartfelt story. I loved it so very much! I've been slowly making my way through N.R. Walker's books - which was way overdue, let's be honest - and so far this one is definitely my favorite. Everything about it was just perfect for me.
I loved the setting of the Mail Redistribution Center, or the Dead Letter Office (which sounds way cooler, obviously). It could've been boring but it was highly entertaining! Honestly, I would love to work there and become a low-key detective reuniting people with their lost mail. The side characters were all so fun as well! Denise, Theo, Cherry, and even Paul! They were so fun and I adored them. (Even if Paul might still be a serial killer. We will never know.)
But, naturally, the stars of this story are Julian and Malachi. They're both so sweet and wonderful. Julian, though very caring and kind, is a bit more reserved at the start, but then Malachi comes into his life like the ray of sunshine he is and brings color back into his life. Malachi stole my heart, to be honest. He's all kinds of adorable, and his nervous rambling made me laugh and also cry a little bit because ahaha, been there. The fact that they actually got to know each other and didn't jump straight into bed made my demisexual heart very happy!
Of course, I can't end this review without mentioning the letters. THE LETTERS. God, talk about a beautiful secondary romance. I was just as invested in this mysterious love story as Malachi was and I cried right along with him every step of the way, especially at the end.
Overall, this was exceptional. A beautiful, heartfelt, funny story that will stay with me for a very long time.
I loved the setting of the Mail Redistribution Center, or the Dead Letter Office (which sounds way cooler, obviously). It could've been boring but it was highly entertaining! Honestly, I would love to work there and become a low-key detective reuniting people with their lost mail. The side characters were all so fun as well! Denise, Theo, Cherry, and even Paul! They were so fun and I adored them. (Even if Paul might still be a serial killer. We will never know.)
But, naturally, the stars of this story are Julian and Malachi. They're both so sweet and wonderful. Julian, though very caring and kind, is a bit more reserved at the start, but then Malachi comes into his life like the ray of sunshine he is and brings color back into his life. Malachi stole my heart, to be honest. He's all kinds of adorable, and his nervous rambling made me laugh and also cry a little bit because ahaha, been there. The fact that they actually got to know each other and didn't jump straight into bed made my demisexual heart very happy!
Of course, I can't end this review without mentioning the letters. THE LETTERS. God, talk about a beautiful secondary romance. I was just as invested in this mysterious love story as Malachi was and I cried right along with him every step of the way, especially at the end.
Overall, this was exceptional. A beautiful, heartfelt, funny story that will stay with me for a very long time.