Caffeinated Crystal's book reviews

I just finished WILDE FIRE, book three in the Wilde family series and OMG. Talk about my favorite tropes TROPE-ING. • childhood best friends to lovers • second chance • unsent letters • both mcs carrying a torch • men in uniform • small town • big family • claustrophobia rep • feral for each other Gods above these two were so down bad for each other. Circumstances keep them apart, but they ALWAYS hoped (and knew) that they would find the other again. They were totally soulmates. When Seth Walker leaves their hometown, then suddenly cuts off communication completely, Otto Wilde joins the Navy to get away. Now his service is up, he's back home visiting family, he finds out Seth is living back in Hobie and he's the sheriff. After a quick moment of reconnection in the barn, Otto sees that Seth is married ---- AND WHEN I TELL YOU MY HEART BROKE. It's not what it looks like, but they go through it. I'm rating this 5⭐️ because I loved these two childhood besties finding their...

Reread 09/179 for reviewing ✨️ with the added bonus of being a Lucy Lennox book. She's my go to author to help drag me out of a reading slump. Felix and Lio aged well. When I first started reading MM romance, this was one of the first books I read. I loved it then, and I loved it NOW. It held up. Felix, the Wilde MC of this story, goes to the fictional castle in Gadleigh to study the glass and the glass making there. Apparently, there is magic sand! Lio, the crown prince and soon to be King of Liorland, is running away from the throne temporarily. His favorite getaway? Castle Gadleigh. Felix and Lio have instant attraction. They both know it can't BE something, just a fling, but the heart wants what it wants. • secret identity (both!) • big meddling & wellmeaning family • royal responsibilities • coming out • royalty/commoner • small town meets Monaco • paparazzi • CW: mentions of previous child abandonment & h○m○phobia Felix and Lio broke my heart, until they didn...

Oooo did I enjoy this one! Jodi Oliver hooked me good with Barn Burner and the Chicago Thunder series has been on my tbr since then. Thankfully these can be read as standalones cause I just skipped to book two, like a feral gremlin. Ethan and Jacob were lovely. • fake dating (for a wedding) • friends to lovers • light D/s • lingerie  • hockey player/baker • age gap • both want to fall in love but they're scared • found family For real, these two were SO DOWN BAD for each other. I wanted to just press their faces together and make them kiss, already. If you've known me for awhile, you know I am a sucker for an airport scene, and this one (two!) had me emotional as hell. I loved Jacob's sweetness and his fierce protectiveness. I loved Ethan's drive to be the best and to be a caretaker. I love a man that's closed off emotionally that learns to open up! I'm so glad they got it together. Oh, and Ian can go to hell. Just so we are clear. I downloaded book three, it...

Easily 5⭐️s from me, Lucy Lennox delivered a beautiful romance with Judd and Alex!  Blurb: I came to Legacy for a fresh start—to outrun my past and forget the anonymous man I fell for online. But now all I see is Alex Marian. The bane of my existence. Firebug. Reckless bar owner. Walking disaster. It doesn’t matter that he’s the sexiest man alive. Or charming. Or kind. He’s entitled, spoiled, rich, naive—everything I hate. He’s also young and untouched—not that it’s any of my business. The townspeople say he’s the sunshine to my grump. What they don’t know is that worrying about him keeps me up at night. He's the match, and I'm the gasoline—and the way he looks at me says he knows exactly what kind of fire we'd make together. But Alex Marian might just be worth the burn.

If you're looking for murdery golden retriever vibes and a kidnapping meet cute - this is definitely the story for you. Y'all, I LOVED Cade and Ansel. I wasn't even through the first chapter and I thought "this book is gonna be so much fun" and I was 100% correct. It wouldn't be a Lark book if I didn't cry, and there was a scene that broke my heart, and I wasn't even mad about it. The nicknames in this story had me all torn up, in the best way. These two are so down bad for each other it's bonkers. Similar to Covenant, the family bonding scenes had me in hysterics, these brothers are absolutely unhinged. Ansel and Cade were both charming when they needed to be, and broken by their pasts, but they've pushed their way into lives that thankfully had them crossing paths. If you've read Cora's mafia series you'll understand this: Cade reminded me of Bane. A lunatic for sure, but sweet in the way where you wanna wrap a blanket around him ...

This is hands down one of my favorite books of the year. Eve Holmes really did something with this story and now that it's over I am left feeling some kind of way. Arthur is a wildlife photographer. He's also autistic. While rescuing a bird with a broken wing, he stumbles into the path of a wildlife veterinarian, Trevor. While Trevor never stops, he's always busy, surrounded by people and doing SOMETHING - Arthur brings a stillness into his life he didn't know he needed. This book was stunning. The story was beautiful. These two men find a place of peace and wild in each other, all while navigating a blooming relationship and "normal" new couple activities like getting to know each other, meeting friends and family, and sharing their day to day lives. Trevor is mesmerized by Arthur, and the two click in what I dare say is a ✨️soulmate connection.✨️ This story, similar to Tide Over, was atmospheric as hell. Where Tide Over felt like the ocean, Dip Out felt like...

TIDE OVER was an exploration of grief and expectations and finding peace and healing along the way... while falling in love. This isn't a fast paced read, it's slower. The author paints the picture and you're left feeling everything right alongside Liam and Theo. Liam is running. Theo is stuck. And when they find each other, there's peace. There's quiet moments over coffee. They've found their person. There's SAME. This story was beautiful and sad and wonderful. These two mcs like each other so much and I loved getting to read them falling in love. • double(ish) awakening • running from grief • first times (with a man) • small town • blue collar men & lifestyle • swoon worthy Gaelic nicknames As soon as I finished Tide Over I immediately bought it, then downloaded book two. I absolutely recommend this story, especially if you're feeling a little melancholy or if it's raining or if you just want a slow sprawling romance. This was definitely a 5⭐️ ...

Gods, y'all. This book was f*cking INCREDIBLE. I stayed up too late reading it, I could NOT PUT IT DOWN. This is for my friends who read MF stories, and holy shit, SJ Tilly has reaffirmed with MOUNTAIN GRUMP why she remains my go to author for MF romance. • plus size fmc • tattooed & grumpy mc • marriage of convenience • nicknames for days • "good boy" • mmc is DOWN BAD • pierced 🍆 • how is everyone so hot?! This book and it's characters absolutely ripped my heart out, wrapped it in purple ribbons, and shoved it back in. Ethan is a grumpy park ranger, but he is such a tender little biddle inside. Tilda is sweet and precious and every instinct Ethan has to protect, I was feeling it too. These two are 600+ pages of crazy situations, shenanigans and HOLY SHIT spice. Mountain Boss and Mountain Daddy were both amazing stories, but Mountain Grump is not only funny and spicy, it's chock full of emotional situations and characters that left me with ALL THE FEELS. Eve...

NOEL I WON'T is just the holiday story I needed ❤️💚 DJ Jamison delivered a classic trope with a twist, and I ATE THIS STORY UP. Noel and Hopper scooped my heart right out! There is, of course, holiday vibes. But there's also coming home again, reconnecting with family and tradition, making big life choices, found family, ✨️parents getting older✨️, the hot jock drom high school who had a later in life bi-awakening you never heard about, your home town changing without you realizing it, a box full of sex toys, and a bossy chef who likes topping bigger guys. This comes in at under 200 pages, but they flew by. I loved all the feels the story brought up, and it made me nostalgic for my mama's macaroni and cheese. If you're a fan of the Foster Bro Code books, the guys make an appearance too! Noel irritated me a bit at the beginning. Poor Hopper was just doing the best he could. Your honor, I loved him. But the more the story progressed, the more I was rooting for the two mcs...

Oooof. BURNING FOR ALEXANDER had me all kinds of emotional! I'm seriously loving this Legacy series! • age gap • second chance • small town • big feelings • enemies(ish) to lovers • miscommunication • first time/virgin mc • nickname! This story was so SO good and also absolutely bonkers. Alex, the owner of TIMBER, has regular ✨️fire inspections✨️ served by fire chief Judd. There are many hilarious ill timed accidents, and Judd always seems to be there to see them and issue citations for them. These two were the definition of disasters. The chemistry between them and the constant picking at each other, kept me internally screaming JUST KISS ALREADY. And then they do! But its not smooth sailing for them. Something is ALWAYS happening. Both of them have amazing backstories that are (unknown to the other) connected. When I tell you I ate this up, believe me. You'll enjoy this story the most if you read: Rescuing Dr. Marian and Hashtag Holidate before hand. BURNING FOR ALEXANDER hap...

✨️breathes into a brown paper bag✨️ OMFG, I LOVED THIS BOOK. I have been enjoying (as much as you can enjoy being emotionally assaulted by character's trauma in a dystopian story) this series so much, but NYX has finished me. I have passed away. This series, y'all. Read it so we can talk about it! Nyx and Reyes were perfection. These characters are put THROUGH IT, over and over. We see them survive, heal, go through it again, survive, heal. I just want them to be happy in their village forever. 😭😭😭😭 I don't wanna deep dive in my review, spoiling the story would be very easy, and I want you to actually read these books so I will NOT spoil them... but damn. • "monster"/human • dystopian world • hurt/comfort • fated mates • magic? • intersex mc Did y'all ever watch The Walking Dead? This series gives Walking Dead vibes to me. How the people our group encounters are the real monsters. What people are capable of doing to survive. Who we can become when the rule...

08/179 rereads for goodreads reviews. Still on my Kiki sh!t. Still LOVING this adventure. Laying Pipe is the official book one of the Blue Collar Hearts series. Lukas has had a crush on John for forever. But John is Lukas's dad's best friend... and unknowingly a late blooming bisexual. JOHN CAN GET IT. LUKAS, GET YOUR MAN, BOO! This story somehow walked the line between dirty and sweet. Like, talk dirty to me while I eat this tiramisu. 😂😂😂 But seriously, John has a dirty mouth and an obsession with Lukas' ass(ets). The forbidden aspect comes into play with John not wanting to lose his bestie, and Lukas is scared of John choosing his dad. Fun, full of heart, and lots of delicious spicy scenes - this story remains one of my favorites. Top tier Kiki Clark. • age gap • dad's best friend • blue collar man ✨️plumber✨️/vet tech • Dirty talk • 🍑 obsession • S3x toys • exhibitionism talk I ABSOLUTELY RECOMMEND Laying Pipe. This series is so good. 5⭐️ from me Y'all. The v...

07/179 rereads for reviewing. I'm enjoying my Kiki Clark adventure in rereading, girl. I love you. You were one of my first love authors when I jumped back into reading! *did you know?* Out in the Cold is the prequel for the Blue Collar Hearts series. It's a novella, and IT IS steamy!  • plus size mc • lingerie • blue collar man/accountant • r!mm!ng • size difference • grumpyish/sunshine 🥵🥵🥵 the chemistry is through the roof between Beau and Coop. We love a man who appreciates a thicc partner! Coop can GET IT. Since this is a novella, it's a little insta-lovey. But it also just goes with the story. Beau is prepared to reach out and grab his HEA, and Coop lowers his walls to invite in love again. ✨️swoon✨️ These two were so fun and the spice was so nice. Ripped panties? Lets gooooooo! Guess what I'm reading next? If your guess was Laying Pipe, the next book in this story, you were right!!!! We love a hunky blue collar man finding love, and this series delivers. 100000...

When I tell you Robito can GET IT, you gotta believe me. What a hottie. This was book 06/179 rereads for my goodreads reviews and Kiki Clark DOES. NOT. MISS. Robson and Marcus are mates. Except Robson is a human and Marcus is a wolf shifter and enforcer for the Kincaid Pack. The situation is NOT made easier by the fact that Robson [cutely] believes that the pack is somehow mobsters or traff!ckers or just plan bad folks. But Robson can't stop investigating. It also doesn't help that he is attracted to Marcus. Or that Marcus is always staring at him. The tension? Amazing.  The comedy? Present. We also get a look into how sweet and insecure Marcus is under his professional and closed off exterior. Robson is absolutely perfect for him. • fated mates • pnr shifters • human/wolf shifter mates • magic • one smoking hot Puerto Rican deputy • said deputy's family • possessiveness  • fisting/knotting This story is so good. This series is so good. And Robito is mine, please and thank ...

I want this series to live on forever and ever. I love the Alpha Tau boys. And Scout ✨️squeals in dolphin language because the cuteness is just too much to bear✨️ Imma need a couple more Scout and Trey books please. This was the cutest little glimpse back into the lives of Marty, Scout, Trey, and a few of the other Alpha Tau guys. Everyone is leaving the frat house for Christmas, Scout is keeping a sad boy secret, and Marty & Trey try to make things better. Fratmas was adorable. This is one of my favorite feel good series, and it will definitely put a smile on your face!  • found family • college age frat brothers • established relationships  • holiday vibes & shenanigans  If you haven't read this series and the novellas that go along with it, I absolutely recommend! As always, my only issue was the fact that this was a novella and I could have read another 200 pages. 4.75 ⭐️

05/179 rereads for goodreads reviews. JOYFUL is a holiday novella set in the Leather and Chrome series universe. • holiday vibes • brother's childhood best friend • plus size mc • daddy/boy • little! • found family (the motorcycle club) • kink positive environment Emmett and Rooster (Gray) were so cute. I loved Emmett's sweetness. He was so shy! I loved Roni's protectiveness and of course seeing CJ and Ollie again. Emmett's family sucked and I loved how Gray took charge of that situation. I also really loved how their kinks lined up, and through it all Rooster was super communicative with Emmett. Honestly, my only problem with this story was that fact it was a novella and not 300 pages long. If you're a fan of kink and smut and great characters and motorcycle clubs then I definitely recommend this series! Based on vibes alone and my love of a daddy story? 5⭐️

Y'all this was not a squishy book, just a heads up. I am wrung out after finishing Elas and August's story and need something sickeningly sweet and smutty to balance the vibes. Don't get it twisted though, this is a GREAT series. A dystopian world, where monsters have taken over and humans live in cities run by the monsters or they live in the wild. The fates are punishing everyone for the violence, peace and balance can only be restored when a human and a monster find their mates in each other. Book one is Ronan and Cameron and book two is August and Elas. Again, these books are story heavy and terrible things are happening to pretty much everyone. The fated mates are great, the smut is also great. But oomph. The plot and the violence definitely take a toll. Book two leaves us with a HFN with the plot of the next book Nyx, already set in motion. I need a few days before I jump into my arc of Nyx, because Elas has me all up in my feels. If you like monsters and a dystopia a...

04/179 rereads for reviews on goodreads: Temptation, book two of the Leather and Chrome series. Whew 🔥🔥🔥 I forgot how kinky this one was, y'all! Six and Ollie were on fire! • D/s • total power exchange & rules • impact play • c○ck cage • voyeurism • ownership  • daddy • funishments • brat (but a sweet one) I loved how both Six and Ollie had both pretty much assumed they'd never find a partner who ticked all their boxes and then suddenly, the two are put into proximity of the other. I loved the kink. I loved the clear communication. I loved how talking/expressing himself was so not Six's vibe, but he does it anyway for Ollie. These two together make so much sense, and they really were 🔥🔥🔥 together. The Doug plot, the intro to Ollie's friends Penny, Vin and Mason were all well done. I loved seeing CJ and Tank again, too. This was a great reread and a great edition to the series. Definitely 5 stars from me! 

Catch Me Again: Emmy Sanders OMG was this short story SO cute and charming. Lian and Foster were the cutest and they had me giggling the entire time. Like, kicking the couch cute. Lian is an adorable disaster of a man. Like a cute Tasmanian devil that often runs into mayhem. Foster is remarkably chill, especially in the face of all that chaos, and is absolutely charmed by Lian's insanity. The cruise aspect was so funny, funniest about me: I am very ANTI cruise. I would never. The "cruise killer" had me cackling multiple times, too. My only complaint: I could have read 300 pages of this, and it was a short story. Emmy, you genius. Scoring a Sweet Thing: Jodi Oliver Bailey and Remi were so cute! Bailey, an introverted tattoo artist "rescues" Remi, professional hockey goalie and marshmallow aficionado, from "grannies who grab his butt" at a charity auction. That's literally the entire premise. But for a man like Remi who has been told he is "too ...

3.75⭐️ Festive Fugitive is the next installment of KA Merikan's darker holiday novellas. This story was a rollercoaster from start to finish. I loved the last few years' holiday stories, but admittedly I didn't love this one. BUT I think a lot of you WILL love it. Especially if you're a fan of: • insta-obsession • murd3r babes • f r e e use • ○rgies • clingy/needy mcs The plot was fun: bad guy gets taken out, Luigi style, and then our two mcs go on the run. The spice: very spicy when it gets going. In classic Merikan style, it's graphic, and smut lovers will rejoice. This story was funny in parts and sad in others. The obsession between the two mcs didn’t make sense to me, but I DO think they needed each other. If you're looking for a fun but dark smut filled holiday themed story, I can't recommend this one enough. I bet it'll check all those boxes!

The Holiday Exchange is out tomorrow!  This was a sweet little novella featuring Dawson and Briar, who think fake dating the holidays in a Hallmark-esque town is a bright idea. Dawson is into Briar practically as soon as they meet. But then one day Briar comes into the shop with Dawson's twin brother Nathan. Y'all it's a debacle. • fake dating • small storybook town • forced proximity • only one bed This was a cute holiday novella. I wish there had been a little more chemistry between the mcs, they were both so awkward! But again, super sweet and quick story!

03/179 rereads for my goodreads reviews. HACKED was the last book in the Horn of Glory series. Hux and Kev were a snippy & nerdy combo. Throw in a little high stakes hacking and fake online players - their romance got swept in with the conclusion of the Horn/cartel drama. • Bodyguard/computer scientist • rich/poor dynamic • nerdy gamer guys • PUNS! • a bunny named Rodrigo  • an AI system named Henry Cavill • first times & a short king! • small town • found family Again, I loved these two and I loved this story. This writing duo regularly gives us fun quirky little details that keep their stories entertaining while delivering romances that are just the squishiest. The Horn Of Glory series is FUN, and I absolutely recommend it! Who doesnt love former service members turned security agents finding their person?

Book 02/179 rereads from my unreviewed goodreads list. Hitched was a delight! Percy Champion "Champ" and Quinn were both the most antirelationship people ever, I mean, 64th night stand? LOL it was absurdly cute how stubborn both of them were. Champ and Quinn met in a bar and just kept on sleeping together. They both were very firmly in their "I don't do relationships" stance. But they had amazing chemistry, and they both seemed to like each other. When their jobs crossed, they had no choice but to pretend to be engaged. • bodyguard/wedding planner • fake engagement • serial one night stands • "you forgot your dog" • small town shenanigans  • random exes • high society mother • more puns  • dirty DEA agents I loved how sassy and quippy Quinn was. He always had a zinger. I loved how over the top possessive Champ was. Their adventure to Nashville in Quinn's orange bug had me in stitches and the overall storyline of this book was entertaining. The sexy...