Battling Beckett: A Contemporary Step Brother Romance by T. Christensen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was a very good story. Our FMC finds herself in a mansion and new school where the MMC is less than pleased. What set this apart was that while there was catty girls it wasn’t OTT. While Beckekett was a jerk, he wasn’t impossibly so. He also didn’t “run the school” like other male leads have done in other books.
Battling Beckett: A Contemporary Step Brother Romance by T. Christensen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Soooo I have step siblings. I don’t like to use the word “step” because to me they’re just my siblings. That being said I was very curious as to how this book would make me feel seeing as I could never look at one of my siblings as anything but my sibling…BUT…no lie it was a great story.
I liked that they were from different social groups. Beckett is rich, popular, good looking quarter back of the football team. Every guy wants to be him and every girl wants to be with him. Greer is not poor but doesn’t come from money, quiet, not popular, pretty but a “no one really sees her” kinda girl.
I enjoyed the tension between the 2 of them. They both had internal battles about their relationship. They don’t really like the other person but can’t help this magnetic pull towards each other.
There is also some drama/danger there that makes the story a little more interesting and helps bring the couple closer together.
I think there was some really good supporting characters in the story as well. I really enjoyed how the football team started to treat Greer like a little sister.
All in all I really enjoyed the story. I think it’s one of those stories that would make a great lifetime or hallmark movie.
Jake by Toni Denise
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I typically lean away from blind date books but this was so clever! A wonderful surprise! Jake is a genuine person who craves a partner. You fall in love with him. Meanwhile our heroine, is opposed to men with money. However, she doesn’t know if she wants to resist him. I wouldn’t either!
A Love Restrained by Becky Flade
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the first book I have read from this author and she now has a new fan. I love a good slow burn romance but this story exceeded all my expectations. These characters drew me into their story right from the beginning. I loved how you got to read both of their points of views. I could not put this book down until the end. It only took me a few hours to devour this amazing story.
Kylee Parker is a really good police officer in Philadelphia. She loves her job putting the bad guys away. Kylee goes to a call and finds herself arresting her high school crush, Jayson Donovan. She knows he is one of the bad guys but she can’t help the feelings she has for him. Kylee and Jayson get to know each other again and they find out they do care for one another.
They better be careful because when you know a bad guy there are more to follow. Will Kylee and Jayson find love or will the past destroy it?
Review @heatherbass
The Lonely Hearts of San Sity by Stacy-Deanne
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Jules is looking for just the right cowboy to star in her upcoming Dating Show. Mitchel is hot, hot, hot, but will not, not, Not be any part of the show or anything to do with T.V. Thing is while these two bicker and fight each other off. They are very much attracted to each other. So what do you think will happen with these two enemies? Or will they become lovers? The author has written this fast paced, steamy, story, and done it well. The characters at times are so funny and at other times they are hot and steamy. This is a must read for those 18 and older.
Review @cinful
Battling Beckett: A Contemporary Step Brother Romance by T. Christensen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Beckett learned at a young age that the women who take interest in his father are out for one thing, his money. When his father moves in his new fiancée and her daughter Greer, he decides he is going to keep a watchful eye on both of them because although they seem to be down to earth they are likely not.
Greer has watched her mom put her first all her life and she loves her for it, she knows Beckett is not thrilled to have her move to his home and now attend his prestigious school. He has made the fact known to her loud and clear. That being said, Greer keeps her head down and tries to stay under the radar at home and at school. It only works for so long though and the secret is out that she is living with him. That puts a target on Greer’s back though and when Beckett finds out he decides to protect her. Everything about Greer baffles Beckett, she is a ray of light to him but the rough exterior surrounding Beckett makes it difficult to put in words how he really feels. Will it be too late to fix his mistakes though when it comes to Greer?
I really enjoyed this one. Beckett is a jerk to Greer, no doubt about it but Greer just keeps on going. Greer is a wonderful character, she at first keeps quiet but not for long and their is a fire within her that calls Beckett to task. I would definitely read more by this author, very well done.
Battling Beckett: A Contemporary Step Brother Romance by T. Christensen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I love enemies to lovers romance books so much! So I really really enjoyed this read! Greer and her mom move into her moms fiancés house..with his son Beckett. The men come from money so when Beckett sees Greer and her mom barging into his life..He thinks it’s just for the money. He doesn’t like them and he doesn’t want to like them. Until he realizes Greer and her mom are the complete opposites of a gold digger. They don’t want handouts. They don’t want help. They’re independent. And greers mom loves his dad so so much. But Beckett and Greer are constantly bumping heads. Is it because they can’t stop their feelings towards one another? Does Beckett care for her more than he leads on? Read this to find out! You won’t be disappointed! Great characters, great plot and all around great book.
I enjoyed listening to this audible book. This is an author that I never hesitate to pick up and I was excited to pick up one of her audible books. This is a great fairytale story where the narrator brought the story to life using different tones of voice. I also enjoyed how they were able to keep me engaged. It had me coming back for more. This is a great story that will make you question fairytale magic. Does it have a place in life or is it just that a fairytale? The characters have great chemistry and are supportive of each other throughout. I highly recommend this audible, I can’t wait for the next one.
A Love Restrained by Becky Flade
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I chose this book as good girl meets ex crush bad boy intrigued me. I must say I wasn’t disappointed and it was a great read. The characters were great and came to life in the text.
I was a little thrown by the POV swapping between 3rd and 1st person – it took a little bit to get used to it and for the majority I kind of ignored it.
Definitely worth the read.
Battling Beckett: A Contemporary Step Brother Romance by T. Christensen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
WHOOOOWHEEE That was one hell of a rollercoaster ride.
Enemies to lovers is one of my absolute favorite tropes but this book….. this was the best Enemies to Lovers I’ve read in a long time.
The author took me from highs to lows in seconds and the characters!!!
The emotional development of the characters is superbly written. The storyline with the little extra danger thrown into it was a perfect fit.
I also loved that the book didn’t immediately cut off after they got their HAE it went on and gave an extra little HEA.
Great read!! Highly recommended.
Jake by Toni Denise
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was such a nice easy to read romance! The author is new to me and I really liked her writing style! I was thoroughly pleased with how the book flowed and I adored the characters! Jake and Lauren were the couple that you just hoped lasted a lifetime! The book had a good balance of drama, excitement and sweet moments! Would definitely like to read more of the series!!
A Love Restrained by Becky Flade
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a romantic suspense with twists and turns. This story has love, romance, danger, deceit and family. Kylee and Jayson go through a lot of ups and downs in their relationship. As I was reading I felt the emotions along with the characters. There were some moments that were a little confusing because of the writing style but as soon as I figured out what the author was doing I was able to move on without any more confusion, overall I thought this was a very good read.
Aloha Series Box Set Books 1-3 by Jill Brashear
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The Aloha series box set is 3 separate stories set in Hawaii in the 1960’s. The descriptions of the islands and its rich history are captivating. The characters in each story are connected and well developed. You can feel the emotion on each page. You can feel not only the connection with the characters but also with the islands themselves.
Aloha Series Box Set Books 1-3 by Jill Brashear
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I love a good boxset three books for the price of one you cannot beat a deal like that in my opinion!
The fact that it was about my beloved Hawaii was an added bonus! I love the vivid imagery the author gave, I was instantly transported to the Hawaiian Islands. Imagining it in another time too was interesting, I often imagine myself in the place of the heroine in the books I read and that was very easy to do with this series. I look forward to reading more from this author!
Aloha Series Box Set Books 1-3 by Jill Brashear
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
These were all beautifully written romances. I was immediately drawn in by the beautiful descriptions, allowing me to feel like I was right there in Hawaii with the characters, seeing what they were seeing. I enjoyed the small sample of Hawaiian culture with the words that native Hawaiians use when talking to each other, like haole. I always love learning more about the characters as they get to know each other. Bones, Keoni, Declan, Lou, Penny, all of them, and every other character we get to know, are so interesting and complex. They don’t have that one dimensional, basic personality type that sometimes happens when romance is the focus. Although, I definitely adore the bits of their friendships that we get to see during their stories. If you’re looking for a beautiful view, strong friendships, fabulous characters, and romance in late 1960s Hawaii, this is your pick!
The Lonely Hearts of San Sity by Stacy-Deanne
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Jules ends up in small town San Sity talent scouting for a reality dating show that will be filmed in the town. Majority of the towns interesting characters think they have what it takes to be on the show but Jules sets her sites on hunky rancher Mitchel who wants absolutely nothing to do with the show. There is something between them that both try to deny and fight (and fight with each other) at every turn. Will they overcome their differences and fears to be together?
The character development on the main characters was really quick and not very good on the auxiliary characters in my opinion Like I would have liked some more on Jules assistant and Mitchel’s aunt. But it was a cute story and an easy fun read.
Tropical Date by R.S. Jonesee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The moment that Weston arrived back to Postscript Island, I was sucked into the book and transported there myself! This is the first book I have read by this author but was instantly a huge fan, she has a major talent for writing quality romcom books! She has such a unique way of putting humor into the story, and the connection between the characters made them easy to fall in love with. She has you guessing until the very end about what will happen between the two of them, another thing that I loved about the book! I’m definitely going to be reading more of her stories in the future!
Battling Beckett: A Contemporary Step Brother Romance by T. Christensen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Greer’s life is dramatically changed when her mother gets engaged to the father of the football god of Oak High, an exclusive private school for the richest of the rich. Greer wants her mom to be happy, so she transfers to the school and does everything she can to make sure her mom doesn’t know what she’s going through. Beckett Dawson, her new stepbrother has not made her new life easy. He is constantly putting her down or ignoring her at school. Instead of making Greer have a pleasant experience at Oak High, he does whatever he can to make her want to pack her bags and move out of her fancy house. Greer has a crush on Beckett, even with him treating her badly. She is beaten up at school and that changes things. Beckett begins to help Greer whenever he can. Can Greer survive her senior year and put this all behind her or will the drama of the elite be too much for her?
This was such a good read, I was addicted! I hope there will be a sequel of Greer and Beckett in college. This book is filled with friendship, drama, action, twists, and even love.
Jake by Toni Denise
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Jake is having issues finding a woman interested in him instead of his money and social status. He accepts his friends setting him up on four blind dates through a new restaurant his friend, Evan, was investing in. The new place was made for blind dates, where the room was dark, and the patrons were unable to see each other.
Meanwhile, Lauren is looking for a new place to live since she was living with a toxic roommate. Her best friend, Catherine, keeps offering her a place to stay. The only problem Lauren has is Catherine is the sister of her boss, Cade. Cade dismisses the idea and even pays for her move.
Jake has gone on his first blind date. He couldn’t get away from the woman fast enough. He decides he will text the next blind date throughout the week to learn more about her.
Catherine begs Lauren to go on a blind date, stating she knows the perfect person. Lauren finally relents. At the blind date restaurant, Lauren finds herself at ease with the stranger on the other side of the screen. He asks her if they could continue the date outside the restaurant, but Lauren declines. However, she agrees to continue messaging him to get to know him better. Could Lauren let her walls down and meet her mystery date? Can Jake find someone who didn’t care about his money?
Master Romano by Sylvia Black
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I love vampire romances and this was just the ticket. The author has done a wonderful job of creating a world and brining the characters to life. I really liked how the book was well balanced and had drama with romance. The chemistry between the characters is explosive. I was just not wanting or able to put this book down.
The romance was of the forbidden so was really really drawing for me. I was so eager to see how it would pan out. I like how there is a flowing plot that I am sure will carry out throughout the series and therefore I cannot wait to read more from it.
Reviewed by @caraleeloonat
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Sessrumnir by T.S. Simons
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The book begins with Freya and Cam being at odds with each other. About the time that Freya decides to move on, tragedy strikes Freya’s children in their community and two others. Their friends take matters into their own hands and help a reconciliation happen because they need both of them to figure out how to protect what is theirs. As the team gathers up Freya’s scattered children, they meet up with unexpected friends, revisit the past, and find out how far they will go to protect each other.
I have thoroughly enjoyed reading this series. I am sad to see it end, but I loved how everything was tied up in the end! Freya, Cam, Sorcha, and Illy are wonderful examples of friend/family relationships. They aren’t easy, they are messy, but in the end, they have each other’s backs. It was interesting to read about Freya- a normally strong character- show some cracks and have PTSD and anxiety issues that she had to learn how to cope with during their travels. T.S. Simons has done a phenomenal job with this series!
The Lonely Hearts of San Sity by Stacy-Deanne
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This is a short BWWM, enemies to lovers romance novel. Like most novels I’ve read by this author it is short in length at only 138 pages. I felt that there was so much scope to make this a much longer book. In parts it felt rushed and I think the author has missed a great chance to have added much more ‘meat to the bones’ of the story.
I did enjoy Mitchel and Jules’ story. I really liked Mitchel’s character but have to admit that I found Jules very selfish and self centred at times and would have liked o give her a slap on the head to make her see how she was acting.
I feel that so much more could have been written about the TV show that Jules and her friend were in town to scout for. I would have liked to read more about that.
The story that is there is enjoyable to read. I just wish we had got more of it.
Jake by Toni Denise
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed the blind date premise of this storyline and the chemistry between Jake and Lauren. Jake is tired of women only looking at his money over his true self while Lauren never wants to be seen as someone who uses others for money. These two are set up through a blind date service and immediately, they feel connected. This was an entertaining read with great characters, romance and drama.
Battling Beckett: A Contemporary Step Brother Romance by T. Christensen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book is a high 4 star read. The only reason it isn’t a 5 star read is because it took me a bit to warm up to Beckett. He is your typical nasty, rich kid that is just super mean. I feel that if it didn’t take as long as it did to warm up to him then I would have enjoyed the book more than I did. However, that being said, this could be the exact feelings the author is trying to portray. I loved Greer from the get go. She knows that Beckett literally sucks in the personality department but is still attracted to him. It made for almost a bully romance book but it wasn’t quite there. Which is another reason for the high 4 star rating. I feel like it was so close to being a bully romance that it should have a little more angst and then it would be set. I will say that it was an amazing read and I would highly recommend this to anyone who likes the sports romance, enemies to lovers, edging on the verge of bully romance genres. I was not disappointed with the story line, just the growth of Beckett but that is just my opinion.
Reviewed by @bbohls
View all my reviews
Battling Beckett: A Contemporary Step Brother Romance by T. Christensen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I can never get enough of this author and all that they create and bring to life. This novel was no different. I enjoyed the complex level of emotions of the characters with this one. For sure, a worthwhile read.
I loved this one. I loved watching Beckett and Greer against one another. when their families, well collide. I loved Greer since her first introduction, and for Beckett, not so much at first glance. I loved the character development with him, and I changed my opinion of him. Underneath the ruthless skin there were emotions, and I mean a lot, and walls that were put up for a reason. I enjoyed the interactions with him and Greer. For sure, the book had a lot of realism and things we all can relate to. I love how this author brings issues that are faced every day and makes an emotional book come to life that is very much enjoyed! Loved this one!
I love this author and all that they create. I can not say enough good things about them. This is a very much must read book. I very much recommend it. I really enjoyed it and I am so glad I got to read this one.
Ashes by M.K. Harkins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A well done rock star forbidden romance that grips you quickly and you find yourself rooting for these characters quickly. Sprinkled in a Cinderella-ish female and the romance story is complete. A great read and a new author I enjoy.
Battling Beckett: A Contemporary Step Brother Romance by T. Christensen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Battling Beckett is a sports, enemy to lovers, taboo stepbrother romance. Greer Smith and her mother just move in with her soon to be stepfather and stepbrother. The problem with the merger is that Greer and her mother have always worked for everything that they have, and now they are living with people who are millionaires. Beckett is the most popular kid, at a private school, and the quarterback of the football team. Beckett is not happy about these women coming into their home and lives. He was taught to never trust women, they all are after their money. Due to this thinking, he is mad that Greer is there and now attending his expensive private school. At the beginning he tried to deny they knew each other and was rude and mean to her all the time. Throughout the story, Beckett tries many different things to get Greer to show her “true self”. Greer, while not happy about her situation, doesn’t want to get him in trouble in any way, and kind of starts to crush on him. Slowly, the two get close and that starts to bring a lot of attention to Greer, which she hates. One night she gets hurt and that is when Beckett starts to change his tune. Greer doesn’t try to change Beckett on purpose, but there is something about her that Beckett can’t seem to stay away from.
I really enjoyed this book. I am a sucker for taboo topics and enemy to lovers tropes. Greer was always an independent woman, but she turns into a woman who also starts to come out of her shell and stand up for herself, even through all the mixed signals and hurt. I loved watching her character development. I too loved Beckett, even though he was an ass at the beginning. Like Greer, you couldn’t blame him for his way of thinking, due to the past. Also, while he was an ass, you also saw, from the beginning, that he did care, even though he didn’t want to. His growth and love was evident as he started to care more and more for her, which I loved. The sexual tension between the two was also amazing. I felt like I was always waiting for it to happen, and when it did, it was slow but good. (Try to overlook the bad editing because the story is good)
Battling Beckett: A Contemporary Step Brother Romance by T. Christensen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is one of those romances that is a contemporary twist on rich boy-poor girl. Greer’s mom is marrying Beckett’s dad. The two of them come to develop feelings but have a lot to work through. The question is, can they make it? This question is what makes the whole story. The characters are well-developed. Everybody plays into the story so well. I found this book to be intriguing and very interesting. Their chemistry is slow to burn but came to build to a fire. The story, the drama, and the action bring it all together in a manner that plays into what young adults just may enjoy.
•*•❥• BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE •❥•*• •*•❥•
Greer Smith’s circumstances change radically her senior year of high school. Moving from an apartment to a multimillion-dollar mansion should be an easy transition, but her soon-to-be stepbrother makes it hell on earth.
Beckett Dawson is a football god and an arrogant jerk. He makes it clear Greer is not welcome in his home or at his elite private school. And yet, the battle with herself is more confusing than the one with Beckett. Why is she drawn to him? Why does she see the good in him?
Even with confusing and unexpected obstacles, Greer is determined to find a way to not only survive but also to thrive, no matter what Beckett throws her way. But he’s not going to make it easy.
This book features an alpha hero and an introverted heroine in a high school setting, but it’s meant for mature readers.
**This is a re-edited version of Battling Beckett. The story is the same. The new cover and improvements enhance the enjoyment!**
Christensen has been addicted to reading ever since she read her first romance book in middle school. When different characters and scenes started invading her brain she would write them down and put it away. Gradually she took the steps to give them a beginning, middle, and a happily ever after. It has been a long time dream to have her stories published.
T. has been a lifelong resident of South Dakota. Occasionally she ventures out, but being at home, with her family, is always the best place to be. Reading a romance novel is still the best reward at the end of the day.
Ashes by M.K. Harkins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I love retellings of childhood fairytales and couldn’t wait to give this book a shot. Especially when the original Disney version makes me want to gag. A Cinderella themed story with a MC who works in a funeral home?!?! Bring it on! I loved the story and it flowed very well. There was substantial character growth in both of the “main” characters and the world building was on point. The step mother and step sisters were absolutely wretched! Seriously deranged. It kept the story interesting and captured my full attention. I can’t tell you how many times I had to clutch my pearls!!! (Gasp!)
I’m so glad I read this book and loved the teasers thrown in. I can’t wait to see what this author has in store for us next.
