Lauren Smith: The Scoundrel of Drury Lane

 https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/168506582-the-scoundrel-of-drury-lane

book blurb:

He was falsely accused and sentenced to die...

At nineteen, Christopher "Kit" Hollingsworth is spared the noose but sentenced to serve seven years in Australia as a convict. The men who betrayed him have plans to make sure he never returns to England. But Kit's strong will and thirst for vengeance ensure his survival.

Seven long years later, he returns to London but he's forever changed. Gone is the innocent, handsome young lad he'd been. Now Kit is a towering, muscular man of twenty-six with scars inside and out. He wants England to see the new him, the man who lost his soul, and he wants the three men who destroyed his life to forfeit theirs. The only light in his dark night is a beautiful, innocent young woman who paints the sets at the Drury Lane theater. There's just one problem...she's the daughter of one of the men who sent him to prison.

*Historical Romance *handsome lord  *plans for revenge *Lord x Painter FMC  *class differences

*some spice  *gruff MMC learning to feel again  *found family *loss of parents (in past) 

*Book sirens ARC 2026  *false imprisonment  *

*Trigger warnings (Harsh treatment while MMC was in penal colony leading to scars)

Thoughts:

I picked this one up without reading the previous books this is both the 7th book in the Scandals and Scoundrels of Drury Lane series (various authors) and the first book in this authors own series.  

To start with Christopher "Kit" Hollingsworth is a young and handsome lord's son but he is also on the naive side and ends up getting involved in a shady business deal with 2 other people as part of a shipping company unfortunately for Kit the other two work together to frame him for a crime he didn't commit and a "witness" gives false testimony against him sealing his fate thankfully his father is able to save him from a death sentence but it is reduced to 7 years in the penal colony of Australia where he has to regularly fight for his life and is overworked and often attacked. 

Seven years later Kit is no longer the young man full of visions of joy for his future but a solidly built man who has had a hard life but has come through these tough times stronger... and focused on revenge against the 3 men who had him falsely accused and sent away.

Upon returning home he learns that his father (the Earl of Kentwell) has passed away and he now newly back to town has to assume the role as the new Earl all while trying to navigate his life returning to normal... but it will never be truly normal it is just his new normal.  Thankfully he has several loyal friends who stood by him knowing he was wrongly accused and helped his father while he was away and to secure that the title of Earl would still be there waiting for him when they knew he would return.

Seeking his friends help to find out where the 3 men are located and form a plan of action as to how he is going to bring down his enemies he finds that one of the men has already passed away (the witness) but his daughter works at a local theater at first thinking she's an actress he goes to make inquiries only to find out she is a set painter and has to change tactics enticing her to come to his home to do his "returning home" portrait he is determined to know what she knows of her father's involvement in the plot to get rid of him and if she is living off of the wealth that he got from turning against him.

Only when he meets her he is instantly entranced by her beauty and kindness, she lives like a pauper so is she hiding the money or did she just never have any to begin with?  Early on Suzannah finds out who Kit is but agrees to continue to come to his home to do his portrait... we at first don't know if Kit plans to enact revenge on Suzannah or not as he is still set on revenge but she is starting to crack through his armor and bring out a softer side he hasn't seen in himself in years. 

The longer Kit and Suzannah spend together the more Kit's anger and emotional turmoil settles down he hasn't felt love in a long time but is this what he feels for Suzannah?  The story is somewhat repetitive in places and loses focus on the revenge plot that was a primary focus in the beginning somewhere around the middle but picks back up when Kit is now not only worried about his enemies finding him but what would happen now if they find out that he has more than himself to care about?

This was a sweet love story and I enjoyed watching Kit come back to life and find a new purpose the longer he spent with Suzannah.  The issues are all tied up by the end of the book I just wish this part had a bit longer to build it seemed to be done with and tidied up pretty quickly.  

I did have a somewhat difficult time keeping track of some of Kit's friends as they were introduced throughout and kind of all together during parts of the book so I was like "who is that again?"  I'm sure they will get easier to remember throughout the rest of the series I plan to read the next one in the series at some point.

I like how the epilogue leads into the beginning for the next book in the series it was a fun way to introduce our next FMC.  

Have you read this book?  Have you read any other books in this series what did you think?

Evie Rose: Accidentally Marrying the Mafia Don

 https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/250473047-accidentally-marrying-the-mafia-don

book blurb:

One tiny oops, and I’m married to a mafia boss.

I’m the stand-in maid of honour, he’s the silver fox uncle of the groom who saves the day when the wedding becomes a disaster, with a fluffy ring-bearer gone rogue, a drunk priest, and a child with perfect comic timing. But the dream Italian wedding continues, and the uncle—Dante—and I sign as witnesses. And if I try to flirt with him, I blame the romantic setting and the fact that although he’s twice my age, he’s the hottest man I’ve ever met. His edge of danger, with his tattoos and the way everyone is nervous of him, gossiping that he’s a morally gray billionaire, only makes me want him more. He turns me down with a touch to my cheek and a hoarse murmur that I’m too young and innocent for a man like him. Back at home, my dull little life doesn't compare. Then a wedding certificate arrives at my door. There’s been a mix up, and I’m married. To him.

Accidentally Marrying the Mafia Don is a sweet and spicy instalove romance with fluffy mafia romcom vibes and sizzling chemistry.

Duet narrated by gruff and growly Brandon Francis and light and relatable Zara Hampton-Brown.

*Netgalley ALC 2026 (2/12)  *Duet *Mafia Rom-Com  *Novella *"My Wife" *touch her and 💀

*Age Gap *spice  *quick read  *Insta Love/Lust  *Accidental Marriage *forced proximity *One Bed

*Young, Naive, inexperienced FMC x Experienced older man *Billionaire MMC *possessive MMC

Thoughts:

Ruby (FMC) is working as a hairdresser for a special client at a destination wedding in Italy when things begin to go downhill quickly with the wedding she manages to step into a new role as Maid of Honor since she can fit in one of the extra dresses and the other ladies are not well enough to stand.  She quickly finds herself wanting to do everything she can to give the bride and groom a perfect day... including keeping their dog from ruining the wedding photos... It also doesn't hurt that the brides handsome but dangerous looking Uncle is standing with her in her quest to make this day magical.

The story really falls to "Fluffy mafia romcom" but spent too much time on certain "funny" parts like I don't think in a story under 150 pages there needs to be this many pages about keeping a dog from licking their business... we get that it's a dog that's what they do.  

Ruby and Dante are pretty much immediately in love with each other after this brief encounter at the wedding but Dante is too ancient and his life is too dangerous to be with this sweet, younger woman who is around the same age as his niece in her early twenties.  (I joke about the ancient part as while this is addressed multiple times the guy is younger than me at 40).  

After going their seperate ways a few months later Ruby gets a surprise in the mail... after a mix up at the wedding venue she has received a marriage certificate... she was recorded in Italy as married to her handsome older gentleman and when she goes to the address listed she interrupts a "mafia boss" meeting due to the danger she is now in from her declaration Dante quickly requests she stay with him to keep "safe" while they work on getting their marriage annulled... only he doesn't want that it was love at first sight for him and he might just have to keep her with him until she realizes that they were made for each other.

This book was cute with flirty banter in places and a quick read/listen I didn't dislike the lead characters but there is not enough time for an actual build up of any back story everything feels on the rushed side.  Dante calls her by her nick name or "My Wife" 700 times (I didn't really count this), a lot of corny/cheesy scenes (including in the bedroom).  The FMC also spends too much time worried about being a "Perfect little wife"... girl just be you he loved you the way you are 3 minutes after meeting you.  

While not a bad read this one just missed the mark for me in a lot of places we only really have story with the lead couple with occasional other characters showing up but it's only surface level for everyone and I just didn't feel like I could get invested with the story or the characters.  

I felt the narrators did a good job for the most part the MMC while he has a nice voice it felt like he was doing his sultry/steamy/breathy voice for the whole book... kind of took me out of it at times I've never heard someone talk like that all the time and it didn't feel like a natural speaking voice.  

Have you read/listened to this one?  what did you think?  Have you read this author before?  

Elisa A. Bonnin: The Night King's Court

 https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/239413682-the-night-king-s-court

Book Blurb:

Caraval meets Flowerheart in this rich and immersive cozy fantasy, where dazzling magic, lush descriptions, and a sweet sapphic romance cast an irresistible spell.

Ida’s father went missing without a trace seven years ago, last seen at the court of the enigmatic Night King, which comes to life only after dark with magic and revelry.

So when a position opens up for a new court Luminaire, Ida doesn’t hesitate. She inherited her gift for enchantments from her father—and with this position, she’ll use it to find him again.

Ida is swept into the king’s collection of magical beings, those who bring light and entertainment to the Court’s midnight gatherings—and swept away by the Court, where faerie gardens edge into underwater masquerades, dreaming revels offer blissful escapes, and life is a mesmerizing euphoria.

Yet a sinister thread interrupts Ida’s nights of decadence. Memories go missing, the castle’s magic takes on a malevolence, and Ida can’t seem to leave the boundaries of the court itself.

Enlisting the help of the king’s breathtakingly beautiful daughter Lenore, Ida must unravel the castle’s secrets… before this enchanted world destroys her.

*2026 ALC Netgalley  *Young Adult *Romantasy *Sapphic  *Closed Door  

*ALC 1/12 (Netgalley) *Unique magic system *fast friends *sweet cozy fantasy 

Thoughts:

So I recently went on Netgalley and just started requesting a bunch of audio books that sounded interesting... at the time I didn't think that I would get approved for all of them and then I got approved for pretty much all of them at the same time.  Knowing that I now had to get through so many ALC (along with a few others from different ALC sites I signed up for) I randomly chose this one to start with.

Ida is a young adult (not quite 20) and decides to go on a journey to find her missing father, he disappeared around 7 years earlier while working for the kingdom as the court Luminaire.  Ida lives in a world where magic exists just not everyone has the ability, she inherited her father's skills and while she uses a different medium she decides to leave her family home in search of answers despite what everyone around her says she knows that her father didn't just leave their family on his own free will and she wants to get to the bottom of it!

Essentially she goes to the King after she learns that a spot has opened up and he is searching for a new Luminaire... she has the skills she has been practicing for years and what better way to get answers than to go where her father was last known to be residing when he went missing.  Only once she gets there she has to audition for her job, no one has heard of or remembers her father when she brings up his name and she is told very early on to be careful who she questions and to never ask the King directly.

The narrator does a great job bringing these characters to life and I really enjoyed the world building that the author shows throughout the story it really felt like I was at the castle with Ida searching for her father.  Ida shortly after arrival realizes that she is bound to the king and no longer able to freely leave it is brought up later that leaving is possible but it would come with a great loss that she's not willing to sacrifice.  

Ida meets some friends along the way including Lenore (The king's daughter (not through marriage)), Vegard an Ice spirit from the north, gloam a being that was like a navigator to new arrivals and even her assigned maid.  Learning Ida's quest Lenore and Vegard offer to help even at risk to their own safety while in the castle but they would like answers too they remember arriving but certain memories are gone and even though they were there at the time her father would have been neither one knows of him it's like he never existed at all.

The author does a great job keeping everything kind of eerily mysterious throughout and as the mystery unravels and Ida finds ways to help her friends regain their missing memories will they ever be the same?  Sometimes lost memories should stay lost.

As far as the "romance" aspect goes it's really on the light side like barely there like a few "glances" or a brushed hand but I would say this more focused on the mystery surrounding Ida and her missing father but the story pulled me in and I wanted to know what happened to Ida's father as much as she did by the end of the story.  

I think that I might have an advantage when listening to this story as I am just starting my romantasy journey so I don't have much to compare it to and might have enjoyed it more over others who have read loads of romantasy.  Over all I enjoyed this story and would recommend this to those interested in Young Adult, Cozy Mysteries, Romantasy's (light on the romance) with detailed world building with unique magic systems.

Have you read/listened to this one?  What did you think?  Tell me in the comments!  

Eva Brandt: Cardio With The Easter Orc

 https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/249507814-cardio-with-the-easter-orc

Book Blurb:

I’m an Orc personal trainer with one mission: get the Easter Bunny shredded before the holiday rush. The problem? A curvy chocolatier who keeps tempting him, and me, with her dangerously good truffles.

My name is Brok. I’m seven feet of green muscle, tusks, and discipline. I’ve trained Minotaurs for maze runs and the Headless Horseman for his midnight ride. I don’t fail my clients.

But Barnaby the Easter Bunny is testing me.

He’s soft, sluggish, and sneaking carbs.

The culprit of this corruption? A tiny bakery called The Cocoa Bean.

My plan is simple: confront the owner, cut the sugar supply, and get Barnaby back on track.

Then I meet Hazel.

She doesn’t flinch at my size. She argues with my scowl. She wields a rolling pin like a weapon and guards her pastries with the fierce devotion of someone who truly loves butter. And she has no idea I’m an Orc in disguise or that her sweetest “customer” is a magical being on a deadline.

I came here to stop Barnaby from cheating.

I’m supposed to stay focused.

But around Hazel?

Focus is the first thing to melt.

*Monster romance *Orc MMC x human FMC  *plus size representation  *Boss FMC  *cozy romance 

*some spice  *competition  *strangers --> More  *magical world  *hidden identities  *rom-com 

*opposites attract

Thoughts:

Brok is up for challenges he's trained some of the toughest out there and if he can handle a Minotaur for maze runs he can get the Easter bunny in shape in time for the season, his fitness plans are flawless if Barnaby sticks to his work out routines he will be in top shape with plenty of time to spare... so why is he not losing the weight or getting faster as planned?  And what is this foil wrapper from?

Barnaby is thankful for Brok's help... but his diet and exercise plan is impossible... he needs chocolate... and more chocolate and he's found the perfect source at Hazel's bakery in the human world... she of course doesn't know who he is with his glamour spell but her delicious treats make the day worth waking up for and he's been getting away with it... until now Brok knows and he's after the source of his joy.

Hazel is surprised when Brok shows up with muscles on muscles trying to talk her out of giving Barnaby sweets... but this is her job and while she understands the importance of diet and exercise it can be nutritious and taste good too... and she's about to show this Beef cake that Barnaby can get fit and she's going to help him reach his goals!

I was pulled into this fun world where magic and fairy tale beings are real but they keep themselves hidden from the human world, Brok goes to the bakery to give Hazel a piece of his mind but finds himself entranced.  This is a cozy sweet read and I loved watching these two opposites fall for each other... but would she like the real him if she knew he was an Orc?  

What initially started out as a race to get Barnaby ready for Easter turns into a race to even keep that title when his nemesis comes to challenge him to get this title back... but will Brok and Hazel be able to work together to help Barnaby in time for the competition?  

I truly enjoyed this story it was cute and cozy and had me laughing in parts.  I plan to check out other books by this author!  

Have you read anything by this author?  Have you read this book?  what did you think, tell me in the comments!  

Lexie Black: More Than Words

 https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/240713915-more-than-words

book Blurb: 

Kate Martin does not do spontaneous.
She color-codes her calendar, creates multi-tabbed, cross-referenced spreadsheets to plan her dinner menu, and once made a PowerPoint to decide between two shades of beige. But after a brutal breakup leaves her questioning everything, Kate decides it’s time to shake things up by accepting a job offer as the personal assistant to rock’s biggest heartthrob. For Kate, control is comfort, predictability is peace, and falling for a rockstar—particularly one who has a habit of forgetting things like names, birthdays, and, occasionally, pants—was never part of the plan.

On the outside, Josh Calloway has it all. On the inside, he’s falling apart.
Frontman for the chart-topping band Velvet Shadows, Josh is confident, charming, and used to living fast and loud. He’s always used humor to hide his flaws, but lately, the spiraling self-doubt is getting harder to ignore. Enter Kate—the quiet, capable assistant who calms his chaos with color-coded precision. She wasn’t supposed to matter. Now she’s the only thing that does.

She’s organized. He’s impulsive.
She plans her days down to the minute. He can barely remember what day it is.
On paper, they don’t add up.
But sometimes love shows up exactly when—and how—you least expect it.

*ALC 2026  *rockstar MMC  *personal assistant FMC  *High gravity audio books  *Duet narration

*secret relationship  *forced proximity  *on the road  *high profile career  *opposites attract

*ADHD rep  *toxic ex  *some drama  *cozy read  *rom-com  *found family *friends --> more 

*State Challenge (Tennessee) *golden retriever MMC *spice *banter 

thoughts:

Kate is doing something spontaneous for once in her life after the end of a toxic relationship of several years she has accepted the job of personal assistant to one of the worlds biggest rock stars it's easy for her to fall into the habit of organization and keeping order for her rock star boss Joshua Calloway and even if he can't remember what her name is he's getting closer every day so that's a start right?

Josh is the handsome lead singer of an incredibly popular band to the world he is calm, collected, handsome and just plain cool women want to be with him, men want to be him and that's what he wants the outside world to see but inside his mind is pure chaos struggling with ADHD he goes through each day with the equivalent of a bazillion open files in his head with none of them closing so he can concentrate properly on just one thing.

Kate and Josh balance each other out perfectly what starts out as a boss x assistant relationship turns into a friendship and then so much more.  Josh is down to earth and green flag boyfriend material.  once These two open up to each other they help each other heal emotionally.  The author does a really good job with showing both lead characters have vulnerabilities they need to work through and I think that was what made these two so easy to love they felt real and their struggles were relatable.  

Between spending late nights together watching old rom-coms and talking about anything and everything their relationship turns spicy... but not wanting things out in the open due to his high profile career they keep it a secret even from their closest friends.  

Kate continues to have issues with low self esteem and self doubt throughout since her ex did a number on her.  While they are in a special secluded bubble together while on the road would they ever be able to make things work longer term?  He is in the spot light all the time and she is used to fading in the background to the point where she's not even noticed any relationship he were to have would be criticised and examined in the media and is Kate ready for that kind of extra stress?  What will their friends think about their relationship?  Also Josh said he doesn't do relationships anymore... is this just a fling, and they live thousands of miles away from each other what will happen after the tour?  

The narrators did a great job with bringing these characters to life and towards the end felt like listening to two good friends.  I did feel that some of the story line was predictable but I felt this was a cute feel good read and loved listening to their story and plan to read any other books that come out in this series.  

If you enjoy rock star romances, two broken hearts finding their other half, hot green flag boyfriends and a FMC that knows how to take charge when needed who you would love to hang out with this book will be for you!  

If you've read this one let me know what you think in the comments!  

Kassie Jones: Bake It 'Til You Make It

 https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/250712358-bake-it-til-you-make-it

Book Blurb:

All Taylor Madden has ever wanted is to own a bakery filled with whimsical designs and unforgettable flavors. Landing a spot on America's Next Great Baker is her chance to make that dream a reality--even if her biggest competition is a cocky, annoyingly gorgeous distraction who smirks every time she slips up. Winning could mean a fresh start. Surviving him might be the bigger challenge.

Alexander Harrington only agreed to the competition to get his parents off his back, not to complicate things with the disaster-prone optimist who insists on making everything cute. She's not supposed to be his biggest obstacle, but the longer they're stuck in the kitchen together, the harder it is to remember he's meant to beat her... not fall for her.

The stakes are high, the ovens are hot, and the cameras are rolling. But when the rivalry starts to taste like something sweeter, will either of them walk away with more than just the prize?

*Rom-Com  *Grumpy/Sunshine  *Flirty Banter  *Cozy read  *Baking competition  

*Reality TV Hijinks *protective MMC  *lighter spice *loveable leads and side characters 

*state Challenge (California repeat state) *Rivals to More  *Indie Author  *ARC 2026

Thoughts:

Taylor (FMC) is on the struggle bus she's in a dead end job that is sucking the life from her... and not even paying well as evidenced by her late payment due notices but then she gets the most amazing news... She's going to be a contestant on America's Next Great Baker a new reality show that mixes all of those cute cozy baking competitions but they are taking it up a notch by the show following them while at their shared house as well (think Real world or Big Brother).

Where Taylor is a walking ray of sunshine Alex (MMC) is the exact opposite he is uptight and grumpy he didn't even want to come and he was voluntold by his dad that if he didn't come to this show and put up a real effort his dreams will be gone before they even start... and he and his cousin have worked too hard to throw it away now... besides there are a few good things he's found about this competition like Taylor for instance her sunny disposition might just crack thru his layers before this competition is over.

Alex might take some people a bit to warm up to but he gets there eventually!  I really liked him even when he was the king of Grumps, he just takes a bit to warm up to people.  

This was a fun cozy read there were a lot of cute moments between our couple and I loved watching them fall for each other and support each other through the ups and downs of the competition.  The MMC stands up for what is right even if he knows that it could possibly ruin his chances in the competition I love a protective MMC. 

I love watching those baking competitions and the author did a really great job making that part of the book just like the actual shows... even with the corny jokes from the host and judges.  

I also enjoyed that the story didn't end when the show ended, Taylor and Alex had to actually work to keep something going after leaving their reality show bubble and going back to their real lives and Alex lived in Canada while Taylor lived in California this felt very real their relationship wasn't easy and the ending felt earned.  

I was excited to get my hands on this one and wasn't disappointed this book was a delightful feel-good read.  If you enjoy baking competitions, rom-coms, and characters with heart grab this one it comes out soon!  Thank you Kassie for letting me read this book early I loved it 💓

S. Rena: On Thin Ice

 https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/239680503-on-thin-ice

Book Blurb:

God of Malice meets Pucking Around in this spicy hockey romance where one freshman becomes the twisted obsession of three university hockey players.

I only have one shot to make a life for myself, and more than just my future is on the line. My baby brother is still back in the dump I escaped from, still living in a house of cigarette butts stuffed in beer cans and slurred arguments. So now that I've gotten to Sovereign Kings University, I have to make it worth it. I'll keep my eyes down, ignore the rich kids’ taunts, and graduate.

At least that was my plan before I busted the knee of a hockey player. Having possibly ruined the team’s chance of a championship, I'm now the target of the players. The golden boy captain, Alexander, is the ringleader of my popular bullies. Every day Kane—the tall, dark and perpetually pissed-off defense—finds a way to humiliate me. Yet, being painfully ignored by the huge, reserved goalie they call Mountain may just hurt the most.

When the guys aren’t making my life a living hell, they’re twisting me up inside with desire and giving me glimpses of the real them. But can I risk losing my heart to one hockey player—let alone all three? I’m certainly in for a long, hard season.

*College Romance  *Hockey/sports  *Darker vibes  *Enemies --> More  *why choose 

*spice  *taboo relationship *rich kids/poor kids  *Bully *Trigger warnings (check yours) 

*death of parent (in the past)  *family drama  *multi-cultural characters *Netgalley ALC 

*Multiple POV  *family secrets 

Thoughts: 

Sam (FMC) has had a tough life made even tougher since her mother passed away and she's stayed in custody of her step father to protect her younger brother.  Only now she's leaving her brother to focus on her studies at a new college across town if she does well there this will be huge for both of them she can fight for custody and give them both a better life.

Shortly after arriving she sees a familiar face in Kane (MMC #1)... only he doesn't welcome her like she thought he might he is moody and pushes her away.  Kane doesn't want Sam at his school she knows his history that he has worked so hard to hide from everyone (including his closest friends) and he needs to keep things together finish out the school year and make sure that his mother (who is mentally ill) continues to receive the care she needs in the super expensive facility he can't do any of that if Sam gets in his way.

Alex (MMC 2), Kane, and Mountain/Bryden (MMC #3) live together in the house that Alex's father has bought for them off campus even though he's not supposed to Alex throws a big party.  One of the popular girls invites Sam and she finds herself in a predicament where she is cornered by one of the Hockey players outside it's fight or flight and she fights... originally set on keeping her head down and pushing herself to succeed flying under the radar this just put her on the map for all the wrong reasons and now everyone is mad that she just possibly ruined the teams chances at finals which is coming up soon. 

Instead of listening to what happened at the party the leadership at the school takes the hockey player's side... but she is at that point thrilled not to be expelled, although her sentence might be worse she now has to work as the hockey players assistant (sharpening blades, filling up waters, clean up, washing jerseys) all while surviving the bullying and taunting that is now happening.

My heart went out to Sam she was put in a terrible situation and was trying to make the best of things in a world where the rich and powerful rule.  Throughout the book the lead characters lives all intertwine but for a good majority they are not "together" it is more of a love triangle (square?) until the last 5 or so chapters when things come together... *I will put a spoiler down below

All of these characters are dealing with their own hard times but over the course of the story you see Sam falling for each of the guys for different reasons.  There is a lot of family drama going on throughout this Alex's dad is the head of the school and he is shady and secretive.  Wanting to find out why she is even at the school Sam uncovers news to her that her mother went to this same college she never told her she went there and since she has passed she can't ask her any questions wanting to find out more she begins to investigate which leads down a rabbit hole of bad things that happened and were covered up but someone doesn't want Sam digging and when she begins to receive threats who is there for her... all 3 of these guys and if she's being honest with herself... and the guys when it comes down to it she can't let go of any of them.

I didn't really dislike any of the main characters but certain parts felt rushed especially the ending.  I only truly felt Sam developed a relationship naturally with Bryden as they built a friendship after being paired together in one of their classes for Alex and Kane it was more of a insta lust situation even though she did know Kane previously he went out of his way to not be friendly to her when she re-entered his life.  I appreciated the mystery in the story I just wish that that this section was built up better instead of being rushed towards the end of the book and I think that it could have been extended instead of having a spicy situation right after the big reveal of all of the information. 

I listened to this as an ALC and felt all of the narrators did a great job with their parts.  This one was just ok for me I feel that there was too much going on at the end which is another reason in how it felt really rushed to wrap everything up.

**Possible spoiler***

Kane knows and has known that he and Alex share the same father, the father has been paying for Kane's mother to be in an expensive mental health institution if he keeps quiet and doesn't announce that he is his illigitamet son.... two brothers being with the same girl at the same time and then in a relationship with her after I'm not a fan of this plot point... family shouldn't be getting that close, that parts a no for me.