relly's reviews
2322 reviews

4 Stars

ARC received from GRR

I loved this one. It was really kind of mellow especially after the Rebel Kings Series, and I found that was just the balm my soul needed. 

Tam is a gem. I adored him. He likes his privacy and hates the fact that he needs to rent out his annex to make ends meet. His past still haunts him to a degree, but he just keeps continuing on. I loved the care he took with Bhodi. As soon as he realised he hadn't verbalised his feelings he took pains rectify that and let Bhodi know just how special he was.

Bhodi was a heartbreaker. He knows he falls too quickly for guys but also has the self awareness to know that Skylar in particular didn't do anything wrong, he just didn't love him back, and no promises were made. He knows his weakness and tries to protect himself but fails miserably. Luckily for him Tam is the sweetheart he needs. 

The relationship between the brothers was special and I was rooting for Sab to get his life in order, can't wait to see more of him. 

The quick nods to previous characters was fun with the little, was that who I thought it was moments throughout the book. 

Well worth the time

4.25 stars

Audio Review

Good. The narrator wasn't the best on the male voices and I think on audio it highlights how long winded and repetitive KA was. There are a number of words that were repeated that could have been tightened up, but it's also the magic of the early KA books. 

Enjoyed the story and will continue on

4.5 Stars

This book is a must for the readers of this series, as it gives you an insight to what was happening during times in the book series when the narration was centred on other characters. It's like an extended epilogue to each of the books.

I love that it gives you a look from multiple perspectives and sometimes from the same time frame, it really helps you get into each characters head and see other characters from a differing view than their partners. 

It was heartbreaking seeing the fallout from the last book as Saint went off on his own. His pain was well done even though the guy doesn't verbalise it well. I loved that he spent time with Rubi before facing the guys.

Now I want to go back and reread all the books again 

4 Stars

I enjoyed this one. It took a break from the hockey aspect as Kyle was on the injured list and had returned home to recuperate.

Kyle in the previous books is extremely quiet and relegated to the weird goalie. Here we find out he had his own demons he was fighting in a constant battle for his sanity and my heart went out to him.

I loved him and Christian together. They both had their shields up but talked it out and dropped them quickly. 

This one was really different from eh rest of the series as there isn't a lot of hockey in it, Kyle walks away to go home and recuperate so it takes him well away from the team. I was interested to see how the characters would deal with the fact that they both lived in different worlds and Christian actually had a life and job where he was that yes he could have dropped but why should he. I was impressed with how this was handled, when I look back at it. There was no easy solution and someone would have to give up something for them to be together. 

 

Audio Review 

 

3.5 Stars 

I enjoyed this one, maybe not as much as the Playing for Keeps, but it was still an enjoyable listen. 

I liked Morgan but also through she was a bit of a pushover at times. She loves Eric and continually keeps putting her life on hold for him. When she finally arranges a life away from him, he finally wakes up and starts pursuing her, all without realising that she is leaving. I was disappointed in a way that she threw in the job but happy that she got the life she wanted. 

Eric was good too, in typical Bradford fashion they beat to the beat of their own drums but that is the appeal of this family, and at least Morgan had grown up with them an understood what she was in for. 

On to the next one 

4 Stars

I liked this one. 
It's always hard to add another partner to an already established couple, but this one worked. I liked the way the guys both knew without having the big conversation, they knew their partner and knew what they wanted. Yes they had a discussion but it wasn't a big drawn out thing of who loves who more.
I also liked that they gave Daisy time to come to terms with what she wanted to happen. They didn't push and let her set the pace. It didn't stop them from connecting and the guys from continuing with their relationship, but also wasn't rushed.

 Stars

Audio Review

I love this book, and the audio is just as good.
I love Haley and her way of dealing with Jason. I love love love the Bradford’s obsession with food, I find those moments quite funny, especially when it revolves around a buffet.
I do like that they became friends first and the relationship progressed from there.
Looking forward to the next one

4 Stars

Audio Review

Nice end to the series.

I love Charles and sunny outlook on life. The relationship between him and Hugo is done well. They balance each other out beautifully. 

I felt for Hugo, well actually both of them, but Hugo trying to find his place to settle. I'm not sure why he couldn't stay at the school, but I did like that he took Charles needs into consideration too. It wasn't just all about him, and Charles has the personality to put himself last, as he loves Hugo enough to give him what he needs.

I loved seeing Rex and his grandfather. Now I want to read his book.

While I loved the book, I was feeling a little bit preached to at the end. I understand it is a big issue at the moment and I feel for the refugees but I did feel it was getting preachy. JMO

 

Audio Review 

4 Stars 

Great addition to the series. 

In the previous books Austin has come across as not a nice character. You knew he had his issues but he really was a prickly pear. Dom also didn’t come across as an in control individual, but oh how they both shone in this one. 

Beneath the surface there is a lot going on in each of their lives and Dom for everything that was going on with his, was still upbeat and happy. He never blamed anyone for what happened, in fact I think the only time he blamed someone it was to blame himself for not being involved enough to see what was going on. He worked so well to make Maissie happy. Everything he did was for her. I also was happy to see his ex wasn’t painted in a terrible way. While she didn’t have much page time, when she was mentioned it was with good vibes. 

I ended up feeling for Austin as he struggled to connect what he wanted with what he thought he should be doing, and I’m glad that Dom’s money wasn’t brought into it. He made the decision on his own, and his mum and he moved on from their own guilt and pain to finally have a loving relationship with each other. 

I’m glad he made ground with Cameron but it also wasn’t firmly set. Great listen 

3.75 Stars

Audio Review

I enjoyed this one. I did like getting into Luke's head and understanding his motivations to keep the school open. He gave it his all and you really felt his ups and downs.

I liked Nathan too but didn't connect as well with him. He kept pushing Luke away and for him to do it after finding out about Luke's past didn't sit well with me. It was just fortunate that Luke fought for them.

Looking forward to Austin's story next