serenity81's reviews
960 reviews

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? No

4.0

I'm not sure what I was expecting when I started this slightly forbidden (best friend's son) romance, but I was wrong. Blame it on too many uncomfortable reads with this trope, because this was nothing like those.
Milo (28 years old) has never met his dad, or anyone from his friend group, which means that when he starts hooking up with Piston (46 years old), the only reservations held are voiced by Piston, who doesn't want to blow up his friendship and working relationship with Hero (Milo's dad).
The evolution of Milo and Piston's relationship is beautiful, despite them having to sneak around behind Milo's dad's back. Piston accepts all of Milo's 'flaws', and I hate referring to ADHD as a flaw, because it's not. Is it slightly stereotypical behavior? Yes, but it's also painfully accurate. Milo's portrayal of it is 100% on the nose for me and my family.
The only thing I didn't really vibe with was how much of a martyr Piston was. Yeah, I know he didn't want to hurt his friend and possibly risk throwing their 20-some year friendship away. Did I appreciate that Piston was taking his friend's feelings into account? Yes, absolutely. It was just annoying LOL. Like, do what you want and be happy, my man.
Other than that, I absolutely loved this book and can't wait for the rest of the series.
Thank you to K.M. for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

Content Warnings

Flash by K.M. Neuhold

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emotional funny hopeful lighthearted reflective tense 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? No

4.0

Content Warnings

Just Bromantically Invested by Saxon James

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emotional funny hopeful lighthearted reflective 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

4.0

Content Warnings

Finding Home at Randy's by Abrianna Denae

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funny hopeful lighthearted reflective 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? No

3.5

If someone were to ask me for three words to sum up this series, I'd say love, support, and acceptance. There is nothing BUT that in these books. Yes, we get a small taste of homophobia/transphobia and bigoted views, but it's mostly in the background, which I'm thankful for. There's enough cruelty in the real world. I don't like seeing it front and center in the fictional one.
The emotional growth these characters go through is beautiful to witness and I'm thankful to the author for sharing their story of these three with us.

Content Warnings

Paint Our Song by Maia Kinley

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emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective relaxing sad 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

4.0

I easily fell into the love story of Miles and Calvin. The pair are each hiding from their own trauma and baggage; Miles is dealing with the grief of losing his father and Calvin has a toxic ex that is very much in his life since they're bandmates.
Their journey of bringing each other out of their shells learning to trust was both heartbreaking and beautiful at the same time. They raised each other up when they were spiraling and were just what the other person needed.
I'm not a fan of third act breakups, and although this was more like third act drama, it still hurt to read. I just want everyone to be happy. Well, except for Calvin's ex, because that man is a tool.
I hope we get to see

Gil and Chase's

story next.
Thank you to the author for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

Content Warnings

Striking a Chord at Randy's by K.C. Carmine

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emotional funny hopeful lighthearted reflective 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? No

3.5

A himbo jock and rockstar addition to the Randy's Diner collection? Yes, please. A lovely second chance romance (one of my favorites) between Charlie and Trent after losing touch for 10 years. They fall right back into their friendship, and into each other's arms, and there's no looking back for these two.
The main thing I love about this lovely collection of books is that there's no second guessing when a character is having an awakening of sorts. There's no hesitation, no denial or pushing away the one they're attracted to, and Trent doesn't disappoint with embracing his pansexuality.

Content Warnings

Fruitbat by Micah Carver

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emotional funny hopeful reflective sad 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? No

4.5

Okay, look... I knew this was going to be cute and sweet and fluffy, but I didn't expect the plot twist or to have it make me cry a little bit.
Si and Danny have just been going through the motions of life, surviving losses of their own, ignored and forgotten about, until Halloween night when they have a

tragic

meet cute that will bond them together for

the rest of their upcoming lives

.
These two sweet men were absolutely perfect. I only wish there was more to their story.

Thank you to Micah Carver for this lovely ARC.

Content Warnings