Book Review: Tangled Like Us by Krista & Becca Ritchie

Series: Like Us Book #4

Format: ebook

Rating: 4 Stars

How I Got It: Purchased

Genre: New Adult, Contemporary Romance

Publisher: Self-published

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

Jane Cobalt is an American princess. The loyal and painfully curious twenty-three-year-old has inherited immense pressure to preserve the Cobalt legacy. But for Jane — sex, love, and life have been a series of royal failures. 

After a friends-with-benefits ended in disaster, she's sworn to a “no sex” hiatus for, well, eternity — and she has no intention of letting anyone in her bed and definitely not her heart. 

Twenty-eight-year-old Thatcher Moretti is painfully professional. As the stern 24/7 bodyguard to Jane, thinking about unbridled sex with his sweet client is a sin. One that he keeps committing. 

But the real act is a hard line he’d never cross. 

When a family member betrays Jane's trust, the media becomes obsessed with matchmaking the perpetually “single” Jane Cobalt and unwanted attention suddenly compromises her safety. 

Thatcher would do anything to protect her, and one solution may level the threats: 

Become the fake boyfriend to an American princess. 

Entwined together with boiling chemistry, new “professional” parameters, and an oath, unsaid feelings threaten to rise and change everything. 

Review

I've been putting off this review for some reason. I think I don't have a lot to say, but I want to write something to support Krista and Becca.

I did really like this story which I expected. But it just wasn't quite a five star read. There isn't anything in particular. Maybe I'm just always comparing the Core 6 books with the Like Us books. LiLo is my OTP and nothing can compare.

This is a fake dating trope which isn't one of my favorites. But this was helped by the fact that Jane and Thatcher own their attraction for one another. A lot of times there's denial and-in my opinion-unnecessary drama. And they do have really good chemistry. And I definitely had to Google something that happened in a sex scene-you read and you learn.

I liked getting to know Thatcher. I know a lot of people disliked him because of the Farrow situation, but I was not one of those people. And I loved the relationship between him and his twin-Banks. I know that meant a lot to Krista and Becca because they are twins and you can tell.

Jane is definitely odd, but she is 100% herself. That is something to admire and I really like seeing a character like that. 

The ending was not what I expected, but I am very happy with it. And I can't wait for the next book. There is no release date yet, but it should be out this year.

Thanks for reading!

Holly

Review: Infini by Krista & Becca Ritchie

Series: Aerial Ethereal Book #2

Format: ebook

Rating: 5 Stars

How I Got It: Purchased

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Circus

Publisher: Self-Published

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

"Don’t have a best friend that’s a girl" — this was the advice from my older cousin. I didn’t take it. Because he followed with, "friends don’t f*ck friends. And you’ll want to f*ck her."

It was terrible advice. 

My cousin should’ve told me that being best friends with Baylee Wright — since she was twelve — would be the best and worst decision of my life. 

He should have told me to protect her from what was coming. 

He should have told me that when a darkness crawled towards us, there’d be no safety net. 

Now I’ve signed back on to the same Vegas acrobatic show as Baylee, working together for the first time in years. And she tells me that she’s having trouble in a certain “area” of her life — because of our past. 

“You can help me fix it,” she says.

And then she hands me a list.

Review

I have no idea why I was putting off reading this-I wanted it the minute it was announced. Amour Amour was a beautiful story, but this just blew me away. My apartment is a mess (which I hate), but I couldn't put this down.

Luka is probably my favorite of the pair, but I have no issues with Baylee. I think you spend more time with him so that could be why. They are both very passionate people-about each other, the circus, and their families. The romance was heartbreaking and beautiful. It was an interesting take on one of my favorite tropes-reunited lovers. There was definitely a lot of angst, but it worked for me.

Krista and Becca Ritchie are experts at writing ensemble casts. This books was no exception. It's fun to see the Katovas and Baylee's families' interactions. It always feels real like I'm just a fly on the wall during their interactions.

I know this series hasn't done very well-that's a tragedy. Please read it. I know a lot of people want a Timo book, but I would die for a Dimitri book. And I'm pretty sure there was sequel bait in here. Don't tease me like that.

Thanks for reading!

Holly

Review: Alpha's Like Us by Krista and Becca Ritchie

Series: Like Us Book #3

Format: ebook

Rating: 5 Stars

How I Got It: Purchased

Genre: Contemporary Romance, M/M

Publisher: Self-Published

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

Maverick, know-it-all bodyguard Farrow Keene knows publicly dating American royalty comes with a great cost. Everyone wants a piece of their relationship. And as a protective boyfriend, he’s not here for the malicious hands that grab at their love life and seek to rip them apart. 

But Farrow is confident — he’s confident that he could’ve never prepared for the storm to come.

Keep him safe.

Maximoff Hale isn’t a big fan of change. And to regain the charity CEO position he lost, he agrees to a task that he’s always rejected. One that could uproot his unconventional world. 

But Maximoff is afraid — he’s afraid of the consequences that could destroy his boyfriend and his family. 

Keep him safe.

Changes are on the horizon. 

Big. 

Messy. 

Complicated. 

Changes. 

Maximoff & Farrow will fight for their forever. And with every breath, they promise that their love story won’t end here. 

Review

That was such a wonderful read. I've enjoyed reading about Moffy and Farrow, but with this book I fell in love with them. 

So much happened in this book-for the couple and other characters. And of course, I was incredibly invested in all these characters. Xander and Charlie especially are working their way into my heart.

This is going to have spoilers, because I really just want to fangirl right now.

That proposal scene was so adorable. And it was the perfect exchange for Moffy and Farrow's relationship.

Jane giving Thatcher the silent treatment was perfect. It made their relationship even more unspoken and I need it even more now.

I am becoming a die-hard Lunnally shipper (which is now confirmed). Seeing Luna be changed by a douche bag and then Donnelly's support is just perfect. Plus, I love his love for Wawa.

Lo as a compassionate and caring dad made my heart melt. He can be so self-deprecating, but his is an amazing dad. I just loved that scene with Farrow when they were all on vacation.

This book made me want a story for all the famous kids and the SFO bodyguards. Please buy these books so I can have that in my life.

Thanks for reading!

Holly

Review: Lovers Like Us by Krista and Becca Ritchie

Series: Like Us Book #2

Format: ebook

Rating: 4 Stars

How I Got It: Purchased

Genre: Contemporary Romance, M/M 

Publisher: Self-Published

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

Twenty-seven-year-old Farrow Keene lives by his actions, and his actions say he’s the best at whatever he does. As a 24/7 bodyguard and the new boyfriend to Maximoff Hale, protecting the headstrong, alpha billionaire has never been more complicated. And one rule can’t be bent: 

Keep your relationship secret from the public. 

Farrow is confident he’s the best man for the job. But a twist in Maximoff’s fast-paced life sticks them with the rest of Security Force Omega and their clients. 

On the road. 

In a sleeper tour bus. 

For four rocky months.

Sexual frustrations, check. Road trip drama, check. Awkward bonding, check. 

But Farrow couldn’t have accounted for a high-risk threat (identity: unknown) that targets Maximoff before the ignition even turns. And it hits Farrow — someone has it out for the guy he loves. 

Every day, Maximoff & Farrow's feelings grow stronger, and together, they'll either sink or swim. 

Review

I already wrote this review and then threw it out. But I will not be silenced-by myself-so here we go again.

Farrow really worked for me here. Moffy is a little hard to connect with because he's so closed off, but Farrow is more accessible. While their alpha personalities are not my favorite (in general) I do like them here. And it is pretty cute to see Moffy's awkwardness about being in a relationship.

Seeing Jane and Moffy's relationship under pressure broke my heart. And that's probably a good thing. It reminds you how destructive fame and the media can be. It also made the small moments of peace they do have all the more sweet. Every time Moffy calls her Janie I can't help but smile.

This book does deal with some serious issues, but it was still very funny. There's a truth or dare scene with the bodyguards that was perfect. Just thinking about it makes me want to reread it. That scene is quintessential Krista and Becca Ritchie. They are great at writing an ensemble cast/scene.

Then, there's Jane and Thatcher. I need their story so bad. I need in Thatcher's head and need this romance like I need to breathe.

Thanks for reading!

Holly

Review: Damaged Like Us by Krista and Becca Ritchie

Series: Like Us Book#1

Format: ebook

Rating: 4 Stars

How I Got It: Purchased

Genre: New Adult, Contemporary Romance, M/M

Publisher: Self-Published

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

Maximoff Hale is a force of nature. A ship unwilling to be steered. Headstrong, resilient, and wholly responsible — the twenty-two-year-old alpha billionaire can handle his unconventional life. By noon, lunch can turn into a mob of screaming fans. By two, his face is all over the internet.

Born into one of the most famous families in the country, his celebrity status began at birth.

He is certified American royalty.

When he’s assigned a new 24/7 bodyguard, he comes face-to-face with the worst case scenario: being attached to the tattooed, MMA-trained, Yale graduate who’s known for “going rogue” in the security team — and who fills 1/3 of Maximoff's sexual fantasies.

Twenty-seven-year-old Farrow Keene has one job: protect Maximoff Hale. Flirting, dating, and hot sex falls far, far out of the boundary of his bodyguard duties and into “termination” territory. But when feelings surface, protecting the sexy-as-sin, stubborn celebrity becomes increasingly complicated.

Together, boundaries blur, and being exposed could mean catastrophic consequences for both.

Review

I've been excited for this book since it was announced. And I read it in a day and enjoyed myself. I want to make that clear, because this review may come across a little negative. I stand by the 4-Star rating but wanted to talk more about my "issues".

It's nice to spend time with all the Hales, Meadows, and Cobalts. But I thought this would have mroe of Jane and Sulli. Don't get me wrong, I love Moffy, but I wanted all three of them. I really like his relationship with Jane. Maybe they'll get POVs in future books. And I really like the bodyguards. They're a good addition to this ragtag family/group.

The romance was steamy. I do like Farrow and Moffy together. The Ritchies handled it well but I always feel a little iffy about romances with potential power issues this one.

And I absolutely love how normalized sexuality and LGBTQ lifestyles were. There are still some messed up people in the world, but there's much more acceptance. Hopefully, that's really what our world looks like in the future.

I thought I had more to say, but now I can't remember what those things were. I am excited for the next book to come out though.

Thanks for reading!

Holly

Review: Some Kind of Perfect by Krista and Becca Ritchie

Series: Calloway Sisters 4.5
Format: Ebook
Rating: 5 Stars
How I Got It: Purchased
Genre: Contemporary Romance, New Adult
Publisher: Self-published

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

 

The conclusion to the epic ten-book series about the unbreakable strength of family, friendship, and love.

Lily & Lo are back one final time. Childhood best friends and soul mates.

Ryke & Daisy are back one final time. Wild risk-takers and flirty adventurers.

Connor & Rose are back one final time. Genius rivals and intellectual teammates.

Ten years of laughter. Of heartache. And love.

Review

Reviewing a book like this is incredibly hard. I feel like this is my family and I'm saying good-bye. Plus, it isn't necssarily a complete story. It's more a series of vignettes. It's 600+ pages of Calloway port-not that way Lily;) There is some of that, too.

I've spent so much time with these characters. I feel like they are my friends. They've been there during some hard times. And have taught me so much about my life and myself-sometimes not good things. So how do you rate something that feels like it's become a part of your DNA?

I will say that it was great to see the gang growing up and having children. Life isn't all gumdrops and rainbows and they face those struggles head on. So many kids were introduced and are all their own characters. I'm constantly amazed by the talent of Krista and Becca Ritchie. I already care so much about these children that I can't wait for Damaged Like Us. Moffy is my favorite so far.

If you loved the Addicted and Calloway Sisters books like me you will probably love this. It is a massive epilogue. It is the kind of book I wish more authors would write.

Thanks for reading!
Holly

Review: Long Way Down by Krista and Becca Ritchie

Series: Calloway Sisters Book # 4/Addicted Book #3.2
Format: Ebook
Rating: 5 Stars
How I Got It: Purchased
Genre: New Adult, Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Self-published

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

With a seven-year age difference, Ryke & Daisy have faced an uphill battle in the eyes of the world and their families. Known as the most adventurous, fast-paced couple — their next step has always been elusive to the rabid media.

Behind the scenes, heartbreaking troubles continue to test Ryke & Daisy’s resilience and shape their future together.

They promise:

To never slow down.
To never compromise who they are.
To never abandon their love for each other.

But preserving their happiness also means adding more risks. Ones that Connor Cobalt wouldn’t even take. As a professional free-solo climber, Ryke is no stranger to risk, but his next step with Daisy wagers more than just his health.

With their lives on the line, Ryke & Daisy head towards the vast, wild unknown in this epic final conclusion to the Addicted series. 

 
Review

No...it's over...sort of. There's going to be an epilogue book thankfully. I definitely support the Raisy ship, but they aren't my favorite, so I wasn't as emotionally invested as I could've been. But it's still a great book and conclusion to the series.

I liked where Daisy and Ryke went as individuals and as a couple. Especially Ryke. I was devastated by some things that happened to him, but they needed to happen. Ryke has been one of those mentally strong characters throughout the series so it was nice to see some weakness.

My main complaint was that it felt jumpy sometimes. Several times there were moments that were skipped that shouldn't h ave been. It was kind of like a book that has a companion and the author doesn't want to be repetitive. But there isn't one.

I still love these characters and really recommend Krista and Becca Ritchie. Now, they just need to publish another book so I can read it.

Thanks for reading!
Holly

Top 10 Tuesday: Books I’ve Read So Far (2015)

Top 10 Tuesday was created by the Broke and the Bookish. You can find more information here

 

Like almost any list I do (here or on Youtube) there is no actual order to this. I just don’t like picking favorites. Also I’m putting series on here as one section-otherwise the Addicted Series by Krista and Becca Ritchie would be half the list.

On to the list:

1)      Confess by Colleen Hoover

2)      Trade Me by Courtney Milan

3)      The Addicted Series by Krista and Becca Ritchie

4)      Nowhere but Here by Katie McGarry

5)      Asking for It by Lilah Pace

6)      For Darkness Shows the Stars by Diana Peterfreund

7)      Amour Amour by Krista and Becca Ritchie

8)      The Duke and the Lady in Red by Lorraine Heath

9)      The Year We Fell Down by Sarina Bowen

10)   Second Chance Summer by Morgan Matson

Thanks for reading!

Review: Fuel the Fire by Krista and Becca Ritchie

 

Series: Calloway Sisters #3

Format: ebook

Rating: 4 Stars

How I Got It: Purchased

This was definitely a good book, but I liked Kiss the Sky a little bit more. Sometimes it would drag. And I was far more interested in Connor’s parts than Rose, but I didn’t get as much information as I wanted.

I’m definitely a fan of stories that follow couples as a couple. It’s enjoyable seeing them deal with conflicts as a pair. And I loved seeing Connor and Rose interact with Jane. They are amazing and loving parents. All that being said, I often like Rose and Connor more as individuals than as a couple.

It was great to see the other characters and I’m even more excited for Long Way Down now. And this, more than the other books, make me really think about the media. I’m not a TMZ watcher or People reading type of person. But this really shows how lies in the media can impact the people they are about.

Oh, I forgot all about the ever-growing relationship between Connor, Ryke, and Lo. Their friendship is definitely one of my favorite story lines. It’s growing organically and they each interact differently. It’s just great.

And can I just say that I really want Krista and Becca to write a long epilogue and publish it. I would buy it in a second. And if there is anything I can do to put off the end of this series I’ll do it.

I don’t want it to be over.

Thanks for reading!

Review: Amour Amour by Krista and Becca Ritchie

Format: Ebook

Rating: 4.5 Stars

How I Got It: Purchased

I was a little anxious about this book. Because of the Addicted series I have built up these authors in my head. But this was a great standalone novel. It ended up not being what I expected, but that’s probably for the best. And I love that it takes place in the same world as the Addicted series.

Thora is a great character and narrator. Although, I would always prefer dual POV. She’s a very strong, brave, and inspiring character. I’m not this kind of person, but she makes me want to take risks and really go for what I desire. It’s also great that she has resting bitch face. I also have to deal with this affliction so I immediately connected to her.

There are also a crap-ton of well-developed side characters. Nikolai-the love interest- is great, but I don’t have much to say about him. After all these books, I’ve noticed that’s what the sisters Ritchie do. They create a world with flushed out characters that create a family. And they explore more of Thora’s relationships than just the romance.

And the romance was great. It felt natural and was surprisingly sweet. I think my favorite thing is how they navigate and discuss giving up dreams for someone you love.

Oh, I just thought of something I want to say about Nik. Is he Cooper from Center Stage? There’s a scene where he walks into the audition that I’m pretty sure is right out of that movie.

I was so happy with this and would love for them to write more books about some of the side characters. I really like these characters and it would be fun spending more time in this world.

Thanks for reading!