K Pettaway

The Male Narrator 🥵🥵🥵

Revisado: 05-08-24

This was my first BB Easton book, and it definitely won't be my last. This book grabbed me from the very first page, and I couldn't get enough. As I approached the end of the book I felt myself getting sad that it was going to end. Can't wait to read this over and over again. Though I wish we got more of their childhoods in a POV and not just retellings. Nothing to lose sleep over of course. And the audiobook chef's kiss.

While the themes addressed in this book are considered dark, the Mafia aspects are definitely on the lighter side. There were times I forgot this was a Mafia book, and could easily fall into a dark contemporary romance.

The beginning of the book captured my attention in a way a book hasn't done in months. At first I was questioning why we started so far back in the past. But it worked for developing the characters back stories. Darby and Kellen are so interesting. And the fact that this book takes place in Ireland, was a breath of fresh air.

I was sobbing at the events between Darby and Kellen, while the adults were at church. Poor Kellen didn't want to lose his friend. "Remember me" 😫😭. The scene at the lough when they were kids. Ugh beautiful! And the moment I fell in love with this book. I haven't read anything like this story. Just want I needed to get out of my reading slump.

Their first kiss!!!!😭😭😭 I'm going through all the emotions.

When he grandfather died, I lost it 😫. Why cruel world why? Plus her mother. But I expect something was wrong the way her mother was being described. I had to put the book down and compose myself. Real tears were flowing.

But ew to her being engaged to John. I always hate the other man trope. The whole time she was in Ireland with John. I was praying Kellen would just appear. So much suspense. And when he saw her I was giggling like a fan girl. Gosh I love this couple, so much. But he didn't allow her to see him, because of that stupid ring 😭.

John can go to hell, poor St. Timothy McFluffles 🤧. And then just coming home assuming she cheated on him. Kellen sent him straight there. You won't be missed John. How Darby uses this in her favor later on was awesome. This plot line definitely had me on the edge of my seat.

"I don't drink", "and they haven't kicked you off the island yet". Not going to lie this interaction earned an actual laugh out loud moment 🤣🤣.

Darby's "ghost story" was tragic. I was actually crying. The writing made it so raw even though it wasn't necessarily explicit.

They both made each other feel safe, and I loved it!! The first time they had sex together was one of the most beautiful spicy scene I have read this year. I freaking love this couple. They make me go through all the emotions.

Their sexual healing journey was written well. They both felt safe with each other. And wanted to give each other passion, while overcoming their past trauma. They respected each other, and took the time to enjoy what they each enjoyed.

Darby showing up at that bar right when the missing persons report came out, shocked me. But of course John's family only cares about his whereabouts.

Kellen praying to see Darby again, calling her his only blessing ugh 😫😫😫. This book is taking all my tears.

The book started and ended where they first met in the woods. I was a bundle of tears. This book was everything and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I'm glad Darby got to stay in her grandfather's house. I know that's what he would have wanted. Two people with tragic beginnings, having a very happy ending.

Shout-out to Darby going to therapy and helping her heal further. And Kellen getting that letter from his mother, was what he needed to realize that he wasn't abandoned by choice. Kellen and Kate's reunion was singlehandedly the best thing I have read all year!

5 happily ever after stars!!

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Sleeper Win!

Revisado: 05-08-24

I quickly liked Logan the moment he was introduced in Shannon's book. And was eager to read more about him. And it didn't take long to love Grace. She's so funny in the beginning with the red thong 😂. And just funny overall "Like the man needed to be compared to God. His ego was already biblical". I can't with Grace 😂😂😂.

Similar to Cole, I wished this book was in Logan's POV. Since they are the characters we were introduced to. While I love Grace and Shannon, I feel dropping them on us after books of reading about Cole and touches of Logan. It would make since for these books to be more about them.

Logan and Grace could meet each other's banter, and it was amazing. Instantly liked them together.

Her sex dream had me blushing 🫣. Shoot Logan making up for lost time was making me blush. But made me excited for what was to come for Grace 😅. It was obvious Logan was making up for lost time.

Reading about Grace's past had me sobbing, I had to step away from the book for a few minutes to process. Her personality now makes sense. As does Logan's behavior in the beginning. He probably didn't think he deserve stable love. And I think Logan the protective person that he is is perfect for Grace. And Grace was what Logan needed to gain more confidence in himself to take care of Maia. Both of them had terrible families, surviving some pretty crappy stuff.

I usually don't like waiting pages for the characters to get together, but it worked so well with this one. Especially when Logan has a slip up with the American and Grace was surprised by her jealousy. But nothing tops Logan's jealousy of Colin. My God man 🥵!

Maia commenting on the lack of communication in chick flicks was comical. And low-key shady, since she was talking about Logan and Grace.

Girls night with all the on Dublin Street women was probably my favorite part of the book. I'm glad Grace quickly became a part of the pact. They always make me laugh and it amazing how close they are. Makes me reminisce at how far everyone has come.

I was wondering if Shannon's ex would make another appearance. And when he did I knew all hell was about to break loose. But now Shannon has 6 alpha males to protect her. I'm glad Logan was able to confront him, while remembered Maia and Grace. I love how tight knitted this group is.

Overall I loved how comfortable Grace and Logan felt with each other. Grace sharing her past with him, Logan diving into his time in jail. This book hit me on an emotional level. And a great end to the on Dublin Street series. I loved everything about this couple. Two people who were told they were nothing, being each other's everything. And Maia playing match maker the whole time, chef's kiss!

Mr. Alpha Logan gets 5 stars!!! 🥵

The epilogue with all the on Dublin Street women was amazing and great touch to the book. I teared up a bit, and all the memories of reading the books came flooding back. I can't wait to read this series over and over again.

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Cole!!!!

Revisado: 05-08-24

*I just realized the girl Cole was talking to at the end of Olivia's book was Shannon!! 😭😭. I was upset we didn't get his pov on this situation, but it turns out we did*

I was hooked from the prologue. I love Cole and Shannon was so likable from the begining. There encounter at the tattoo shop for the first was amusing. I understand why Shannon pretended not to remember Cole, but I did feel slightly bad for him.

Rae officially has become my favorite side character. She's so funny 😂. And quickly could sense Shannon's feelings and emotions. A friend Shannon definitely needed.

When Shannon goes off on him in the tattoo shop, I was shocked. Especially calling Cole "nothing" I know that hurt given his past. But I'm glad he told her about herself. Judging a book by it's cover isn't cool. However of course she's hurt too, and needs to be cautious. Still given I've watched Cole grow up, I got into my feelings.

Their first kiss together, screaming! Talk about dramatic. However I'm happy Cole made Shannon be accountable for her judgements. When he said Shannon wasn't the girl for him, I was shocked of course, but I completely understood. It sucks that Shannon had to over hear this, but I think she needed to realize how much her words hurt.

I sat open mouthed about Shannon's past with Ollie. Literal tears rolling down my cheeks. I was not ready. I'm glad she got away from the disgusting thing.

I knew I was going to love Cole's book. And I was correct. This book is right there behind Olivia and Nate's. This book was amazing from beginning to end. I went through so many emotions. I'm going to label this childhood sweethearts. Because Cole never forgot about Shannon. Cole is all man in this book ("with big hands"), I was blushing and getting hot. Damn what a wild ride 🥵.

The narrator of the audiobooks need a fantastic job! I think the best in the series. She captured the emotions and passion of this couple. Loved listening to it.

I definitely saw some similarities between Nate and Cole. While Nate helped Olivia find confidence in her body, Cole helped Shannon find confidence in herself. Plus he was amazing to find out the comic books he wrote has a child was about Shannon 😭.

Shannon thinking it was normal to take a break to visit her toxic family was crazy. I had to roll my eyes at her thinking it was "just an argument". But it's very obvious why she kept giving bad boys second chances, because she kept giving her family second chances. I'm happy Logan let her know, that he was in jail because of his actions. Shannon needed to hear that. Though I'm glad she never thought about leaving.

This book got better and better as it went on. And is my second favorite in the On Dublin Street series. Cole and Shannon were so perfect together. And I loved reading their story. When she asked him to marry him, I was sobbing!!! 😭😭😭😭

Nate forever will be my favorite male lead in this series, but Cole is definitely giving him a run for his money 🤭.

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Narrator's Soothing Voice 😭

Revisado: 05-08-24

“I hurt you and I didn’t mean to. Now you’re deliberately hurting us both.” Is a perfect summary of this book.

The scene at Sunday dinner between Nate and Liv made teary eyed. Liv reminding him that all the irreplaceable things of his were in the room with him. And Nate being upset he thought she gave away the shirt he wore when they met. Then him coming to steal her from girls night. Ugh 😩 This is why they are my favorite couple.

If I didn't like Hannah already, I could see where this book wouldn't draw a person in from the beginning. Unlike the other couples we don't get the instant attraction or banter between the love interest. And in my case I didn't connect with Hannah. Joss frustrated me in her book, but Hannah was on another level.

The audiobook's narrator has the most soothing voice. And it's exactly how I think Hannah would sound. This book is a slow burn. And I'm constantly waiting for something major to happen. However with Hannah I think it works well. Like Ellie she's a hopeless romantic. Marco like all the other male love interest has a dark past. But he's so mysterious, which is why I believe Hannah was so attracted to him.

When Hannah was seducing Marco at the party, I was screaming that's right Hannah get your man girl. It's always the quiet girls, that have those inner freaks 🤣. She said he was huge, and wondering how it was going to fit. Yes girl 😭. But then Marco had to go and ruin it, by taking her virginity and going ghost...Rude much 😒. Especially since it's had long term effects. And I must say, it really did make me question whether I could get into their love story. I'm all for second changes, but homegirl almost died.

I understand why Marco left, but did his phone not work? But as the saying goes hurt people hurt people. However I just don't know about forgiving this level of heartbreak. I get he was trying to better himself, but Hannah said he loved him. Clearly she didn't think he was worthless. And yes having a child is major...but again your phone doesn't work? Especially after working with Braden and Adam.

I think it was in poor taste (dare I say manipulative on Marco's part) for Hannah to start up a relationship with Marco without her telling him what happened after the he left. And where he was going every other weekend. It was frustrating to read them being happy, knowing the truth was hanging over their heads. But I will say Suzanne being the one who dropped the bomb, was perfect for drama purposes anyways. Hannah wasn't exactly being honest either. Both of them made me want to pull my hair out 😫🥴.

There break up made me start shaking and crying. I can't 😫😫😫. Hannah why, tell the man the truth. Not that I'm necessarily team Marco. But Hannah wasn't all that likeable either. Going off on Suzanne, while they didn't need to be friends she was misdirecting her anger at her. She just kept getting frustrating 😭. The way Cole reacted to the truth about she and Marco, he was a better love interest than Marco. Had more chemistry too. And the fact Hannah had no intentions of telling Marco. What are you talking about!!!!! But thank God for Ellie, being the voice of reason explaining to Hannah that Marco left because his grandfather died and he wanted to better himself. Hannah is over here acting like homie just left for no reason.

I believe Hannah's story takes parts from Joss, Ellie, and Liv's stories. Not sleeping with anyone else after a tragic first time like Liv, swearing off men like Joss, and falling in love with a guy who was older and a protector, waiting years for him to love her back like Ellie.

I don't know how to feel about this book. I didn't hate it, but I didn't like it either. The one black character and he has baby mama and an absent father. 🥴 Plus I felt like the side characters are what I most enjoyed about this book.

Also what kind of cold medicine did Hannah take that she had to stop taking her birth control pills, especially with Marco's clearly weak pull out game 🤣💀

Reading the end of the book on my period was a bad idea.....To Jarrod 😞. I was sobbing

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Nice Wrap Up

Revisado: 05-08-24

Nice wrap up for Braden and Joss. We hear bits and pieces of the rest of their story in Jo and Olivia's books. So it's great to get a first person perspective of the proposal, wedding, honeymoon and pregnancy. Joss and Braden always provide a good time. The beginning of their honeymoon at the airport was a fangirl's dream. It was so cute and sexy. Joss and Braden's chemistry is top notch. I enjoyed this book from beginning to end.

However I was somewhat disappointed in the reserve of character development regarding kids. Both Joss and Braden revert back to a lack of communication regarding each other's reactions to the news. But that could be some unresolved issues that got caught up in their "best sex ever". Nevertheless Joss and Braden always find a way to find their way back to each other in the most beautiful way.

Overall I enjoyed watching them continue to love each other despite their flaws. And I think parenthood was the kick in the pants they both needed to grow as individuals together.

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Solid Read

Revisado: 05-08-24

I'm glad Adam and Ellie got a book. I felt there was so much going on between them in Joss and Braden's book, and we only scratched the surface.

It nice to step inside Ellie's head and she how her love for Adam grew. Plus her experience with other men, and she never lost hope in being with Adam. Would have liked to have some of the story in his pov, definitely would have added to the overall experience of the book. But it was nice to get his commentary at the end of each diary entry. He liked Ellie but wanted to respect his friendship with Braden.

I connected to Ellie being a fellow hopeless romantic. And enjoyed reading her optimism, despite years of rejection from Adam. Still dating around, but knowing no one would satisfy her the way Adam would. Oh the feels 😭. When she ended the friendship, I felt that. Adam was playing too many games. Keeping men away from her, but not stepping up to his feelings.

Overall a great read

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Great Read

Revisado: 05-08-24

I remember reading On Dublin Street for the first time in 2014, and it restoring my love of reading. 10 years later, I'm still in love with these books and characters. While Joss and Braden are not my favorite couple in the series, their instant chemistry is what dragged me into this world. Joss always finds a way to make me laugh, Braden is everything and then some. But most importantly book one makes you want to keep reading and learning more about all the characters that are introduced each book.

When Joss and Braden shared a cab early on in the book, and Joss got out saying she had "two names" after Braden asked if she had a name, I knew watching them fall in love was going to be fun and wild ride. Joss's backstory was heartbreaking. And Braden has his own story. Two broken people, who needed each other to heal. And learn to not be afraid to love unconditionally.

I loved this book because their banter with each other was amazing. I loved the instant chemistry and attraction between them. Both straight shooters and I loved it. This book was HOT and Braden's protectiveness made blush, clinch my pearls and squeal like a fangirl. Alpha males are one of my favorite book troupes. And Braden is up there with the best! Though earned a few eye rolls here and there.

Kind of a slow burn, but once the spicy starts, it kept getting hotter and hotter. Braden loves him some Joss. And I love that for him. Though communication and boundaries are something are missing with this couple. Joss's inner monologue about how she really felt made me want to scream sometimes. But I get her reasoning.....to a degree. I never like when a man calls a woman a Bitch, but when Braden tell Ellie that Joss was being one...I kinda had to agree. When Joss blamed herself for Ellie's tumor, it didn't make sense. She was having headaches prior to them becoming friends. Adam tells Joss this, how could she even think it was her fault. Joss and Braden's break up was just annoying. I literally wanted to skip it 😅. Because Joss always wants her cake and eat it too. She does and says crazy things to people, and then is shocked when they react. New flash lady people have feelings and emotions like you do Joss. I've never been so frustrated with a fictional character in my life 😭. And I liked how Ellie told her, just like Elodie, to stop playing games. Joss has a problem with not wanting to be hurt, but not caring that she hurts other people. So yeah "playing games" with people emotions.

I love that Joss goes to a therapist! Not something I've seen in other romance novels I have read. I think it brought a sense of reality to this book. That Joss's problem couldn't be solved simply with a good man and sex. She needed to talk through her problems with a none bias person. Which helped her personally and in her relationship with Braden. Mental health matter indeed 😭. Though Elodie was the voice of reasoning Joss needed to hear, going full mama bear and literally telling her to stop playing games. Go Elodie go!

Despite my back and forth with my feelings toward Joss. I really did enjoy watching her love story with Braden. And then making up was always a good time to read about.

As a fellow Virginian, Joss makes me want to pack up and leave Virginia for Scotland. Who knows maybe I'll have a chance encounter in a cab too 😭😅.

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5s Across the Board

Revisado: 05-08-24

Milene is a working woman and I'm here for it. Not only did she want to leave the Mafia life behind, but she made a life for her and got a job. When she talked about her apartment being smaller than her room at her childhood home, following it up with but it was paid for with her own money. Two girl power hands in the air!! But I got weary Salvatore put cameras in her house....sir I'm sorry? 🥴 However I soften a little when he had her apartment cleaned and fridge with food. I found it amusing, still creepy, but amusing.

Not going to lie I'm glad Salvatore took care of Randy early on. He couldn't take no for an answer, maybe a bullet to the thigh will help. Though it would have been interesting if he maybe became one of the villains in the book. He just disappears.

Milene and Bianca are by far my favorite characters in this series. Both taking what they want. Milene wanted Salvatore, invites him back to her house, and would of had a good time if it wasn't for the sniper 😭. I believe Milene and Salvatore had instant chemistry or maybe lust at first sight. Whatever you want to call it. Until the dummy forced her into a marriage. Why couldn't he just let the relationship play out, and still protect her from the shadows.

Milene made me laugh, and it was just natural with her. Not to mention despite having money given to her, she still insisted on spending her own from nursing. Prior to marrying Salvatore. And what does bother me is him preventing her from working, he could have easily hired bodyguards for her. But I suppose she gets to use her skills in the family infirmary.

I liked the slow progress of this story. Milene could have slept with him like she planned to the day after their date, once they were married. But she made him work for it after uprooting her life. Their banter was refreshing, because they could match each other's wity. And Salvatore allowed Milene to be herself, when everyone else around him needed to be perfect. Though her inner monologue got a little annoying. And I said many times, just sleep with him already 😭.

Milene running away from Salvatore's office was crazy to me. I get she didn't want part of this life, but surely she knew what her husband does for a living. She clearly just wanted to see Pippa. And I wonder if she could have seen her often if she asked. I will say her having to call him every hour is insanity. I mean I get it, but still.

Once they finally start sleeping together and more or less admit their feelings for each other the story picks up. The constant will they, won't they was dragging. Especially since we as the reader knew their feelings for each other. Communication is key people 😭. When Milene threatened to leave if Salvatore got shot again, was the silliest thing I ever read. Honey the man is a Mafia don, the odds of him getting shot again are high. What does she expect him to do, sit back and let other people run the family? Girl bye 💀.

I loved Salvatore's mother. Finally a high ranking Mafia man with a good mother. The care she verbally shows for him was refreshing. Not something I've seen much in the mafia books I've read. Her words about Salvatore were "ominous". But is what caused me to want to continue to read. As the book was getting a little dry for me. However I do wished it was explained why he called her by name and not mother.

Overall this definitely takes the second spot in my favorite book by Neva Altaj. The kidnapping scene was somewhat lacking, but since it happened towards the end of the book that was to be expected. The ending of this book was so cute, between Salvatore and their daughter Mia. I was not expecting that when Milene stormed into his office. And am very much looking forward to Alessandro's book after the brief conversation we overheard in this book. And a light bulb quickly went off AZ from Sergei's book is Alessandro!!!! 😲

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I liked it

Revisado: 05-08-24

Someone on YouTube said this book was similar to Sweet Temptation by Cora Reilly. And I definitely can see the similarities, from the beginning. Luca finds his wife sleeping with another man (her bodyguard), has a young child and gets remarried to a much younger woman. Basically Cassio and Guilia's storyline. And the ironic thing is Cassio's daughter's name is Simona. So it's funny (and cringe) to hear the name being used as grown man's cheating wife 😭. And there are lines in the book that are almost word for word similar to Sweet Temptation.

This book became my second favorite once I learned that Isabella's grandfather orchestrated Simona's affair with the bodyguard. He wanted to make sure she got the man she wanted to be with and that touched my heart....in a twisted hopeless romantic way. But I'm here for it, go Nonno! Then to find out the man had spies in all the capos households, absolutely genius! But dummy Luca thinking Isabella should stop running the spy ring was crazy. But still a far cry from the goodness of Broken Whispers!

Luca watching Isabella "pleasure" herself every night, started getting frustrating. I'm like dude just claim your wife already. Stop acting like Edward watching Bella sleep at night. Constantly denying his needs just seemed creepy, rather than honorable like I'm guessing was the point trying to be conveyed. Even Isabella called out the bullshit of Luca looking but not touching.

Boy does Isabella know how to get under Luca's skin. The moment Luca and she were married Isabella quickly showed him she wouldn't be a push over. And I was hoping he wouldn't break her into obedience, so it was nice when Luca admits he's attracted to fact she stands up him.

I'm indifferent to the virgin troupe, however I think in this story it worked. Because it would have been unnecessary for Luca to go around killing men for "touching" Isabella first. Now their first time together was a bit sad, since he accused her of manipulation....sir you wanted her let's not play games 🥴.

The amnesia plot point was just annoying. Just when things were picking up between them, BAM homie loses his memory 💀. But Isabella going from sadness to wanting to kill the doctor if need be, go girl protect your man. However I do lean more towards the manipulation idea in this situation. She lies to him about him being in love with her. And while we find out later he was in love with her at that point, she didn't know that.

And the whole not being able to sleep without his fingers inside her was CRINGE, cause what the hell are you talking about 💀🫣. Once the "pussy plug" came into the picture this book lost me. The big booty dialogue made me uncomfortable, and that takes a lot. It was random and I was trying to figure out why it was such an important plot device. The only reason I continued to read this book was because I paid for the audio 😅🥴.

When Luca got his memories back, I'm glad he didn't go back to rejecting Isabella. I really would have lost my mind then. And I appreciate that he was grateful for all the stuff she did for while, to ensure no one other than his brother knew about his memory lost. And most importantly I'm glad he told her that he loved her!

This author's obsession with having her characters use the word "Nope." Is just funny to me. Because it seems childish coming from these high raking members of the Mafia. And it's in every book now. At this point it's a clearly some kind of running joke.

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Disappointed

Revisado: 05-08-24

I was hyped to read Sergei's book after getting brief glimpses of him in Roman's and Mikhail's books. The book started off exciting with the emails, then random at the same time, but effective. It made me want to continue to read and find out more about this mad man named Sergei. However once Angelina entered the picture, she didn't not grabbed my attention. Of course I quickly connected her to the girl Sergei saved from the previous book, so nice plot twist.

Somewhat of a slow burn. Never really understood when or why Angelina fell in love with Sergei. I guess lust at first sight? When Angelina walked in on Sergei showering her inner monologue about him being proportionate aka "big" was funny to me. Though she didn't admit it out right,she definitely liked what she saw. And I'm sure Sergei enjoyed being admired. The car sex scene 🥵 just wow. And Roman being on the phone just added to the spiciness of the scene. This scene saved the book for my interests lol I was starting to get a little bored. And honestly the whole last maybe 30% was the book was the most interesting, but at that point I feel it was too late.

Overall Felix saved this story for me. Him telling us important information about Sergei and being the one who pulled me in through his emails at the beginning. Otherwise this story was all over the place, and I couldn't keep up. Things happened, but didn't really finish. For example they go to the party with the politicians, are there for 30 seconds, he beats up Angelo (poor guy can't catch a break) and then they leave. Didn't really add anything to the story. The sex scenes were the most interesting thing in the book for me lol.

"Never presume someone is dead until he’s sporting a hole in his head. That’s my motto. It even rhymes." When Sergei said this I laughed, and then audibly was like oh that's not 😅. Sergei is so unhinged that it's comical.

This is random but whenever one of the characters says "nope." I can not image hardcore member of the Mafia, just saying "nope", maybe a "no." But "nope"? I either roll my eyes or laugh whenever it happens.

I loved the second book in this series, was looking forward to this one. But it just didn't do it for me. Seemed like a failed attempt at romcom. All I know was if Nana died at the wedding, I was going to throw the whole book away 😅. She didn't and ended up with Felix did not see that coming.

I will be continuing because I hear book 4 is similar to Sweet Temptation by Cora Reilly, and that's my favorite book by that author. So hopefully I'm not let down 🫣.

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