What I Read Last Week

Another week in 2023 is complete. Hopefully you are making progress on your reading goals. I know I am. Since it is Monday, that means it's time for another What I Read Last Week post! I love writing these and reflecting back on what I read.

As per usual, it was a pretty good week of reading. Sports romance was involved, I also continued reading a series, and I'm just generally happy with my progress. When it comes to how many books I read, I finished 4 books! That's awesome. The breakdown was 3 ARCs and 1 from my ebook tbr.

Now you might be thinking that 4 books is pretty low as I typically read 6-7 per week. However if you look at the books I read, they were some heavy books. I'm not talking page counts either, but rather the topics discussed. So it makes sense that I didn't read as many. Plus I was able to sit with the books a bit, and digest what I read before putting my reviews together. I have dedicated posts here for three of the books, but my full review for Mikayla Christy's book is on Goodreads.

What did you read last week? Any specific tropes? Authors? Keep scrolling to see what I read, and read these little mini reviews. My kids are on spring break this week, so we'll see how much reading I accomplish. Hope you have a good week.

Happy Reading,
Laura

Devious Obsession by S Massery

S Massery has created these amazing characters and stories that I cannot turn away from. I'm hooked. My review has been posted, so go read it! (friendly warning: it's long winded. as per usual.)

Jagged Thorns by January James

Jagged Thorns is the start of a new series. Therefore the start of this book was building the world, introducing the characters (as well as their histories), and just the standard setting of the stage. That being said for the first 25% of this book I struggled. I did. After that though things picked up. I became more intrigued by the island, by the Thorn family, by the secrets that were clearly being held, and this relationship between Vivian and Rupert. I am not even kidding that once I made it past the 25% mark, things really picked up. We were in to the good stuff so to speak. The intensity ramped up, the connection between our characters deepened, and I had more questions than answers at this point. Before I knew it the book was over, and I got slapped with a cliffhanger. This wouldn't be a big deal, but I have NO CLUE when the second book is coming. I need a release date. My full review will be out on Wednesday!

The Sky At Night by Samantha Lovelock

I have my full review coming tomorrow, but OH MY WORD THIS BOOK! I loved the story. I loved the characters. Yes even our female main character. You see I've had a love to hate relationship with her in the Folkestone Sins series, so I had to warm up to her. As the story unfolded though, the reality of it all was laid out. This book tackles difficult topics, and it also shows these two working towards improving themselves. Falling in love was just a bonus. Samantha Lovelock continues to pull me in with her characters and stories.

Cross Check My Heart by Mikayla Christy

This was such a good debut book! I found myself captivated by the characters, as well as being invested in their stories. Both Lilly and Dom had been through some hard times, and I loved how they opened up to each other. There were some difficult moments discussed in the book, from the death of a family member, to the end of a relationship, to what truly happened during a divorce. What I appreciated about this book though was the found family that Dom discovered. His new team in Tampa was just that for him, and it proved that these unicorn teams do exist. Plus they were all there for Lilly when the situations with her ex occurred. While the relationship being kept secret wasn't my favorite thing, as per usual I can understand why it had to happen. The way it was revealed though had me chuckling. Definitely worth checking this book out if you've been on the fence. I found it through TikTok, and am happy I took the chance on it. 

Thank you January James, S Massery, and Samantha Lovelock for providing me with advanced copies of your books. I greatly appreciate it.

Please note:

I participate in the Amazon Affiliates program.

Purchases made through links above allow me to earn a small commission.

Thank you!

Book Recommendation Tag

As I was scrolling through booktube, I came across a video from Novel Life. They were doing a new book tag called Book Recommendations. As I watched the video I liked what I was seeing, and then went to watch the video from the person who originated the tag. Steph Bohrer's video was also really good. I loved all the different books both of these individuals recommended. Have I read a lot of those books? No, but I still wrote down some titles to check out.

After watching both of those videos, I decided to bring the tag here to my blog.  I'd love to know how you would answer these questions. Especially since I am always open to new books recommendations.

Happy Reading,
Laura

Devious Obsession by S Massery

Sara Massery has a new book coming out on March 23 called Devious Obsession! Back in November we met Greyson and Violet in Brutal Obsession, and in that book we were also introduced to Steele. When you think of Steele, you may recall one very memorable scene. If you were rooting for him to get a story, then prepare yourself for Devious Obsession. Also, if you thought Greyson was intense and an anti-hero, he has NOTHING on Steele. Steele takes it up a notch, or 10.

Now again, if you read Brutal Obsession then you know  what to expect. For the most part. Devious Obsession is a step, or two, above that. Some of it may make you uncomfortable. Some of it may have you questioning your decisions, and that is 100% okay. I just ask that if you don't like it for the things that occur between Steele and Aspen that you don't yuck on it as others may have no issues with the content. It's all about comfort zones and preferences. Curious as to what the content/trigger warnings are? Sara has them listed at the beginning of the book, but if you take a peek at this graphic, you'll know ahead of time.

Now let's discuss the tropes for Devious Obsession. This is a dark bully romance set in college. It is enemies to lovers, hate to love, forbidden (step-sibling), has a bit of suspense added in, and it's a hockey romance. Steele is very much an anti-hero, and goes to the extremes. 

Curious as to what the book is about? Here's the description:

"If you want to stay, you have to play the game…"

Steele O’Brien is everything I hate in hockey players. He’s cocky, brooding, antagonistic.

I played his game, learned his secrets, and got screwed over for it. But I never could’ve imagined I’d meet him again the next day.

 

The golden boy with hidden demons is my new step-brother. Now, the jerk is sleeping down the hall from me until we go back to college.

 

And oh, how I loathe the devious thoughts lurking under his smiling façade. It seems that, for him, the game isn’t over.

 

He says I'm his to play with. His to torment.

And he's determined to not only get under my skin, but carve his name into it.

After reading Steele and Aspen's story, I had to sit and think about the rating. Did I enjoy the story? Yes. Did I like the characters? Yes. Did I like the setting? Yes. Was there anything that I struggled with? Yes there was, and I'll get into that. Did those things affect my enjoyment of the story? No. Did I want this book to end? NO! So what did I rate Devious Obsession? 

4.5 Stars

Yes, I gave Devious Obsession 4.5 stars. I did not want to put this book down. I wanted to stay in this world with Steele and Aspen. I wanted to see what was going to happen next, and how it would affect their future together.

Even though I read Brutal Obsession I was not fully prepared for Steele. I wasn't. This man is determined, possessive, over the top, and intense. He isn't playing around with Aspen. He knows what he wants, how he wants it, and what the limits are for both of them. Aspen really is the perfect match for him. From the moment these two met, I knew their relationship would be all-consuming. These two just work together, and it is amazing to witness.

Now here are the things that kept me from giving this book 5 stars: 

1. Steele's online activities against Aspen
2. One specific scene that I cannot mention due to spoilers.

The steam in this book...OH MY WORD! Find yourself a safe word, as you might need it. There are so many scenes in this book that would fog up the windows. If you're someone who isn't big on steam in books, then this one is not for you. It isn't vanilla at all. There was at least two scenes that had me outside my comfort zone, but I just reminded myself that this is fiction. 

While their relationship was building the suspense storyline was kicking in. That suspense had me questioning EVERYONE. EVERYONE! I seriously have a list written down of who my potentials were. 

See ↓↓↓

That's right, even people who I thought would be safe went on my list. There was just too many coincidences. So if I felt they were being shady, they went on my list. I mean honestly there are some names not even listed, but I was keeping an eye on them. "Trust no one" was my motto at this point.

Now about that suspense situation. WOW! Just WOW! Even as I think back on everything that happened, I can't believe it all happened. From how it all started, to the big scene in motion, to the outcome of it, I was just blown away. Honestly that will probably be the major thing I remember from this book. I want to say so much about it, but am limited because I don't want to spoil things. Just hold on to your hats when you get to that point.

Let's talk a bit about the forbidden aspect of this relationship. Yes these two are step-siblings. But they met before all that. They already had an encounter at a party where they got to know certain things about the other. It was where their connection began. Honestly I forgot they were step siblings except for when it was mentioned. In my mind they are two consenting adults who are only connected by the marriage of their parents. Is it something I would do? No, no, absolutely not. But it does happen. So just keep an open mind about this work of fiction.

The last thing I want to touch on with Devious Obsession is Steele's Mom. In my mind I figured one thing had happened to her, so when it was something else I was caught off guard. I did like how that scene played out, and how it was all revealed. It was a nice curveball I wasn't expecting.

S Massery has created these amazing characters, and stories, that I cannot turn away from. I'm hooked. You could even say I have an obsession. I do know that I am excited for the next book. Miles is going to get his story, and I am 99% certain I figured out who his love interest is going to be. It's going to be another wild ride. I feel like Miles isn't going to be as extreme as Steele or Grey. Now watch me be wrong. 

Also that mention, toward the end, of a certain character had me screaming! I immediately shouted their name. I wasn't expecting that character to appear, but I loved the tie-in. Any chance that character has to appear, I will be here for it. The only way it could have been better was if other familiar faces were present.

Do you read bully romances? Dark romances? Forbidden? Do you think you'll read Devious Obsession? Let me know! Don't forget this book releases on March 23!

Happy Reading,
Laura

Thank you Sara Massery, and Grey's Promo, for providing me with an advanced copy of Devious Obsession.

Please note:

I participate in the Amazon Affiliates program.

Purchases made through links above allow me to earn a small commission.

Thank you!

My 12 Favorite Quotes from The Front Runner

It is no secret that I've recently discovered Elsie Silver's books. I decided to start with the Gold Rush Ranch series, and I am absolutely loving the relationships! The setting is pretty fabulous as well. Then there's those horses that just steal the scenes from time to time.

Since I just finished The Front Runner, and I had so many quotes (and character thoughts) highlighted on my kindle, I figured I'd share some of my favorites.

If you're curious about my favorite quotes, keep scrolling! Also if you've read The Front Runner, do you have any favorite quotes? I'd love to hear them.

I am eager to see what transpires between Nadia and Griffin in A False Start! My goal is to read that this coming week. Once that's read I will be able to move onto the Chestnut Springs series! The first two books are waiting on my kindle for me, so hopefully I love those stories (and characters) as much as Gold Rush Ranch. Chestnut Springs will also determine if Elsie Silver moves onto my auto-buy author list or not. My gut tells me that she will.

Happy Reading,
Laura

Thoughts I Had While Reading The Front Runner by Elsie Silver

I finished The Front Runner, and I'm over the moon happy with what I read! 

When I started reading this book, I knew I had to do a Thoughts While Reading post. You may recall that last week I posted one for Off to the Races by Elsie Silver. So let's jump into my random thoughts for The Front Runner!

Not familiar with the book? Here's the description:

Stefan Dalca is beautiful, brooding, and bossy. He’s also public enemy number one in this small town, with a murky past that’s hard to overlook. And I just agreed to three fake dates with him.

I may be a renowned veterinarian, but when I find myself in a sticky situation, Stefan is my last hope. I need his help to save a sick foal and what he wants in return is me.

Our time together starts out as a simple transaction, but the more time I spend with him, the more I wonder if he’s not quite the villain they’ve made him out to be. With every intimate conversation and lingering look, the tension between us builds. I’ve been drawn to Stefan since the first day I laid eyes on him. And now he’s downright irresistible.

I know sleeping with the enemy is playing with fire. But like a moth to a flame, I’m attracted to the mysterious man in a way I can’t explain—in a way those closest to me wouldn’t approve of or understand.

And the more he softens for me, the harder I fall.

But as his mysteries unravel, so do hidden truths. Truths that are bound to leave someone burned.

I just didn’t expect that someone to be me.

 

The Front Runner is book three in the Gold Rush Ranch series. Trope wise this book is sports romance (horse racing), as well as small town, opposites attract, a little fake dating, workplace, and forced proximity.  I guess you could even consider it a billionaire romance, as well as maybe a smidge of enemies to lovers. Personally I think it might be more hate to love than enemies, as it's really Billie who is enemies with Stefan.

Our main characters are Stefan Dalca and Dr. Mira Thorne. The setting bounces between Gold Rush Ranch and Cascade Acres. Naturally we also find ourselves at the track. 

• STEFAN? Oh, I wasn't too sure about him when he was introduced in Off to the Races. I'm curious about who he is, and how he came to be a race horse owner/breeder/all of that.
• I'm so happy that Mira is our leading lady. I've been curious about her!
• Okay so these stories are overlapping a bit. Interesting. I like that.
• Billie's dislike of this man is intense. I mean I get it after the shenanigans in Off to the Races.
• I still really like Violet. She's good people.
• Wait, what happened to that mare? I think my heart just broke. And of course her baby's sire has to be who it is. OF FREAKING COURSE.
• How is this going to bring Mira and Stefan together?
• OH THAT'S HOW! 
• My heart is breaking all over again. (and over another horse!)
• I'm liking these glimpses of Stefan's past that we are getting. It sounds like his childhood was not an ideal one.
• "He needs a name. It's important he has a name." "Why?" "Because he's going to make it. A name ties him to this world. It gives him an identity. Means we recognize his existence."
• The fact that Mira cannot classify Stefan makes perfect sense. The sides he has shown are vastly different, and which is the real him? Or is he just a mix of it all?
• Hank really is the best. Such a father figure to all the characters.
• OOFTA THAT WAS A LINE! Did it just get hot in here?
• Loki? Really? I mean I love it, but too funny.
• What's going on with Nadia? What was that call about?
• 13 years between Stefan and Nadia. So he's 32, and I think Mira mentioned she's 27. 
• I'm sorry, WHAT HAPPENED TO NADIA? I did not just read that. What the hell?!?
• This bond that Mira and Nadia have formed so quickly is wonderful. Nadia clearly needs someone like Mira in her life. That female connection, a sisterly relationship if you will. (or just a good friend.)
• That's right, Elsie did mention that there was content warnings for this book. 30% in, and Stefan just dropped some info. Oof.
• Okay that's the tie that Stefan has to Rush Creek. I was wondering about that, and it makes perfect sense.
• This has to be the dance that Stefan was referring to:
  
  
  
  
• What is Patrick up to? Seriously. He's sketchy and I don't trust him.
  
• I like learning about Stefan. This book has definitely changed my impression of him. Which was probably the point of him getting a story. The reader would feel for him, and what he's been through. I don't want to call it a redemption arc, as my initial reaction to him was based off of a brief encounter in that first book.
• Okay I guess this really is a fake dating situation. Especially with what's going on. Personally I didn't picture Stefan as blonde, but that's what Mira is saying, and he just confirmed it. So okay then. I pictured him with a darker complexion, and darker skin. Why? No real clue, it's just what I envisioned.
• Everything that happened when they visited Mira's parents was fantastic. From Nana giving her approval of sorts, to the things Sylvia said, to the way Sunny reacted to Stefan, to the "promise" Stefan made, I loved it all. Plus Stefan having Mira's back like that? SWOON!
• OOFTA THAT WAS ONE STEAMY KISS IN THE RAIN! More of that please!
• Oh my word the things that Stefan has experienced! His dad was a horrible person, that is very evident.
• WWWHHHHHAAAAT? WHAT?!? NO! NO WAY. Excuse me while I pick my jaw up from the ground. (p186 iykyk)
  

  

  
  
• Oh I cannot wait for that info to come out!
• Okay this little break up of sorts...I'm not here for it. Nope nope nope. Come on Mira pull your head out of the sand.
• Also this slow burn is TORTURE! (in the best way possible of course because of the tension.)
• Stefan is so f*cking misunderstood.  YES HE IS MIRA, YES HE IS!
• I wonder if Billie, Vaughn, Violet, Cole, and Patrick will be at this event? I could see Billie and Vaughn I guess.
• Of course Patrick was there, and OH MY WORD!!! DID THAT JUST HAPPEN? DID THAT SERIOUSLY HAPPEN? AHHHHHH! Oh to be a fly on the wall!
• Moving on from that ordeal with Patrick...Anyone have a fan I can use because damn that next scene was steamy.
• So it's just done. Seriously. Unacceptable. What the hell!
• Okay that's better, and YES!
• That just made me blush. Dang. I can't say I've had a book make me blush before. Stefan has a mouth on him. 
• Things are going too well, and there's still a lot left in this book. Something big is going to happen isn't it...
• I am loving that Nadia has joined the group. She fits in so well with Violet, Billie, and Mira!
• Glad it's out in the open now. Maybe now opinions will change. I would honestly love it if Billie's opinion changed. She's just holding a grudge.
• I love how much of a goner Mira is. She just hasn't realized it's love yet.
• Uh oh...here comes the drama. This is going to cause a fight, I just know it. 
• I was hoping it wouldn't come out this way. UGH!
• My heart is breaking.
• I did love the conversation that Stefan and ___ had after the fact. I think it helped clear some things up, and shed a little light.
• That person is going out to the lake to "talk" with Nora. Oh my heart!
• WOULD YOU JUST LISTEN to what's being said! FOR CRYING OUT LOUD!!! UGH. I get it you're hurt, you're frustrated, but come on!
• Nana is so spot on with everything she said. Love that she helped Mira see what was right in front of her.
  
• OH NO! NO NO NO NO NO NO NO! NO!
• Tears...tears are falling down my cheeks right now. I'm a wreck.
  
• Oofta that was an emotional ride. 
• Now let's work toward the happily ever after. It's time you two. It's time.
• Ahhhh the results! YAY!!
• The lake! It's happening! AHHHHH!
• So that's how it all went down with the colt. I love it.

My rating for The Front Runner:

When I discovered that this book was about Stefan and Mira, I was nervous. You see when I read Off to the Races I wasn't a fan of Stefan at all. What went down with DD just didn't sit well. Yes part of that was Vaughn's fault, and yes Billie may have overreacted a bit, but ultimately had Stefan pulled back I might not have felt like he was the bad guy. Then there was Mira who had my curiosity from the moment she was introduced. So I wanted to see her get her happily ever after, even if it was with Stefan.

I loved how that forced proximity really spurred things on between the couple. Being there for the mare and the foal was important, but it also proved to be the perfect opportunity for Mira and Stefan to bond. A friendship was forming, and the groundwork was being laid. Plus it showed Mira that Stefan isn't "Dalca the Dick" like Billie believes. There is more to this man, and she's going to like what she sees. While I wasn't too keen on the 3 dates agreement, it really did work out for the best. It allowed experiences to happen, conversation to build, and a connection to be formed. A better understanding was developed. All of that helped lead to their happily ever after.

The visit out to Mira's childhood home for that family event was an interesting one. I knew her mom would love Stefan, but her dad's reaction had me chuckling a bit. Then there's Nana who just knows everything. My favorite part though, besides that kiss, was when Stefan stood up for Mira to another family member. He shut that shit down immediately. The things he said were perfection.

I truly was not expecting The Front Runner to be a 5 star read for me. Yet here we are. I have fallen for Stefan, I like Mira even more now than I did previously, and I'm also really enjoying Nadia. Then there's that dang horse, Loki, that stole my heart too. It's the name plus a few other things.

The steam in this book? OH MY WORD. It may have started off as a slow burn but things definitely heated up. Stefan has quite the mouth on him, and some of those scenes were wow.

Now I marked this book as a sports romance, but I'm debating on it. You see there wasn't much that took place in that environment. We were only at the track once, and it wasn't a frequent conversation. So I'm struggling with my classification as sports romance.

I absolutely loved The Front Runner. It honestly is a toss up between this story and Off to the Races for a favorite. I honestly think that Stefan and Mira could come out on top of the list. That being said, I still need to read Nadia's story. She could trump them all. Only time will tell.

Thank you for reading my random thoughts, as well as my review. I appreciate you sticking around through my long-windedness. Have you read The Front Runner? If so what was your rating? Did you fall for the couple?

Happy Reading,
Laura

Please note:

I participate in the Amazon Affiliates program.

Purchases made through links above allow me to earn a small commission.

Thank you!