Ever since a rough break-up in college, Belle has stuck to her three-date-max rule - she has fun and never lets things get too serious. That is, until she meets Makoa, whose opposite three-date rule may have her reconsidering. But Makoa is hiding something, and it may be a dealbreaker for Belle. This was such a good read! Belle was fun and feisty and hard-working, and I loved getting to know her. Makoa was a total cinnamon roll; although he was a little cheesy at times, he was so romantic and such a gentleman, and I adored the way he revered Belle. Their chemistry was off the charts and led to a couple very spicy scenes. I did get a little frustrated with Makoa and the secret he was keeping from Belle, especially after finding out her history, but overall this was an entertaining and light sports romance! 4 stars
Highland Games by Evie Alexander (2021)
Zoe makes a huge change in her life when her great-uncle dies and leaves her his cabin in the Scottish Highlands; she moves into the almost-uninhabitable cabin and comes face-to-face with Rory, who is responsible for the surrounding Kinloch castle and thought he might move into it, too. I felt like I was reading two different stories here. First, we get the hot grump Rory playing pranks on Zoe, trying to get her to move out, while Zoe gets reacquainted with the friends she made while visiting her uncle decades ago. The overall feel of the story at this point is very innocent, almost twee, but this doesn't last long and when the two inevitably admit their feelings for each other, suddenly the story became raunchy. I don't mind sex scenes in my books, but these came out of nowhere and just went on and on! I also didn't care for all the random declarations of insta-love. I thought the secret Rory was keeping added some interest to the story, but unfortunately, this one didn't work for me. 2.5 stars
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Cinnamon roll characters are the best and I think I may already love Makoa! And I'm sorry Highland Games didn't work for you. :(
ReplyDeleteMakoa was pretty special!
DeleteThe cover on that first one reminds me of a Kasie West novel. It sounds like my kind of book too. I enjoy a good sports romance and love those cinnamon rolls. :)
ReplyDeleteYes, maybe a grown-up Kasie West cover!
DeleteOh, no! I am a bit sad to see you didn't enjoy Highland Games because I own that book. I don't mind instalove, but not sure how I would feel about the other issues you raised.
ReplyDeleteI'd love to know what you think when you get to it!
DeleteI do love a great sports romance and The Right Player sounds like my kind of read! Too bad Highland Games wasn't as enjoyable as you had hope. It looks like it would be so much fun. :)
ReplyDeleteI know, I had high hopes!
DeleteGlad the first one was good anyway! The cover of the second one made me laugh!
ReplyDeleteHaha, yeah, it's a pretty great cover!
DeleteHighland Games sounds cute, so its a pity that didn’t work out. The Right Player sounds sooo cute! And cinnamon roll Makoa!!! ❤️
ReplyDeleteLoved Makoa!
DeleteThe Right Player does sound like a nice read, I do love me some cinnamon rolls :)
ReplyDeleteMe,too!
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