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Stealing Sunshine
A good man wouldn’t go near his best friend’s little sister. I guess I’m not a good man. It took one look at Cassie for my world to be permanently altered. For her sake, for her brother’s sake, I curbed every instinct I had to take Cassie as my own. Until now. Now that I’ve gotten her under my roof, my self-restraint is gone. I no longer care what price I pay. All bets are off. Because Cassie Boudreaux is mine.
396 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 25, 2024
190 people are currently reading
461 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
did-not-finish
March 3, 2024Dnf @ 37%
Not feeling the writing style. This was insta-lust, and it's either a hit or miss for me. Sadly, this one fell into the latter part.
As much as I'd hoped to like the characters, they seem way too uninteresting. Roman (28) was obsessed with Cassie, and I still don't know why. He's an overprotective, jealous, and territorial man. It would've been sweet if I knew the reason why he's fixated on her, aside from the fact that she turns him on.
As for Cassie (18), does she have any personality? I mean, except for being a senior high school student, does she have any other plans? Like college or to pursue any other interests? Maybe she'll say it at a later point? I can't get a read on her character. She's too passive and more like an invisible side character in her own story. 🤷♀️
Idk, maybe I'm just not in the mood for something like this. Also, I knew this was a standalone, but there were side characters that I kept losing track of. I think it's advisable to read the other series by this author before going ahead with this. It got me confused, honestly. 😅
Anyway, while this isn't for me, I'm sure this will be someone else's cup of tea.
Not feeling the writing style. This was insta-lust, and it's either a hit or miss for me. Sadly, this one fell into the latter part.
As much as I'd hoped to like the characters, they seem way too uninteresting. Roman (28) was obsessed with Cassie, and I still don't know why. He's an overprotective, jealous, and territorial man. It would've been sweet if I knew the reason why he's fixated on her, aside from the fact that she turns him on.
As for Cassie (18), does she have any personality? I mean, except for being a senior high school student, does she have any other plans? Like college or to pursue any other interests? Maybe she'll say it at a later point? I can't get a read on her character. She's too passive and more like an invisible side character in her own story. 🤷♀️
Idk, maybe I'm just not in the mood for something like this. Also, I knew this was a standalone, but there were side characters that I kept losing track of. I think it's advisable to read the other series by this author before going ahead with this. It got me confused, honestly. 😅
Anyway, while this isn't for me, I'm sure this will be someone else's cup of tea.
February 26, 2024
So happy I loved this one! I wish this author had more books I could read, but I’ve read them all😣I just love her writing style so much, the little details she adds in about the mc’s relationships just make me love her writing even more. Like when they take selfies together, little touches, trying different flavor drinks, making each other their wallpaper on their phones, ugh it’s just so cute. So many authors don’t write about these little things and I wish more did bc I looooove it
Something irrelevant to my rating, but something that bugged me was I did NOT like the h’s sister in law Marissa for some reason lol. I feel like she had an attitude and I just didn’t like her
Something irrelevant to my rating, but something that bugged me was I did NOT like the h’s sister in law Marissa for some reason lol. I feel like she had an attitude and I just didn’t like her
April 5, 2025
Dnf just got bored and I’m not big on heroines who are always crying or sad or scared
And the whole “I can’t have her/im not good enough/im too old/etc” trope? Yeah no. Man the fuck up and get your girl. I’m also over the innocent heroine virgins. If one is a virgin they both better be. The experienced H and virgin h trope is outdated
And the whole “I can’t have her/im not good enough/im too old/etc” trope? Yeah no. Man the fuck up and get your girl. I’m also over the innocent heroine virgins. If one is a virgin they both better be. The experienced H and virgin h trope is outdated
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Want to read
July 18, 2025Update: I've made it past the halfway point, and I've been reading reallyyy slowly. I want to give this book a better chance, so I shall put it on pause for now :)
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This has an obsessive MMC?? Please be good. I need comfort food. 😮💨🪭
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This has an obsessive MMC?? Please be good. I need comfort food. 😮💨🪭
┈┈・୨✦୧・┈┈
February 25, 2024
Star Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice Rating:🌶🌶🌶
HEA (Married with a baby)
❗️Safety and Small Spoilers Below❗️
📌 Triggers: Death of Parents (off-page) Grief (on-page) Issues Surrounding Pregnancy (on-page (the baby is healthy))
📌 MMC is over the top. Thus, he does some crazy things to keep his girl.
📌 No Cheating/Sharing
📌 No OWD: MMC isn't particularly portrayed as a manwhore. He's been completely loyal to FMC since their first meeting.
📌 No OMD: FMC is a virgin
📌 No Separation/Third-act breakup
Spice Rating:🌶🌶🌶
HEA (Married with a baby)
❗️Safety and Small Spoilers Below❗️
📌 Triggers: Death of Parents (off-page) Grief (on-page) Issues Surrounding Pregnancy (on-page (the baby is healthy))
📌 MMC is over the top. Thus, he does some crazy things to keep his girl.
📌 No Cheating/Sharing
📌 No OWD: MMC isn't particularly portrayed as a manwhore. He's been completely loyal to FMC since their first meeting.
📌 No OMD: FMC is a virgin
📌 No Separation/Third-act breakup
Read
February 18, 2025According to my kindle this is 589 pages..... he's wanted her from page 11...at page 140 they've kissed and hes half way to in love with her.....so what in tarnation can take up over 400 more pages? It's insta lust FFS 🙄
Currently reading.....for now
Currently reading.....for now
Read
February 27, 2024*sigh*
I was all in for some forbidden romance but the insta-lust/love trope wasn’t for me. Usually I tend to stay away from those but occasionally I like to try them out to see if my tastes have changed.
Nope, still can’t buy into them.
I was all in for some forbidden romance but the insta-lust/love trope wasn’t for me. Usually I tend to stay away from those but occasionally I like to try them out to see if my tastes have changed.
Nope, still can’t buy into them.
February 29, 2024
This book was a wonderful and light read that was still jam-packed full of all those tropes that I love to read.
🔥J/P OTT Hero
🔥Age gap
🔥Insta-love, he falls HARD
🔥Breeding (he wanted her preggo and would do whatever it takes to make it happen) and pregnancy (birth in epilogue)
🔥Slightly coerced marriage, though she did want marriage one day, he just wanted it RIGHT NOW 🤣
🔥No 3rd act break up
🔥No OW drama (past relationship mentioned, but that's it)
We get some great guest appearances from the characters from the last books, and though this is the start of a new series and is a complete standalone, it was nice to see that crossover.
Nate from "The other half" was hard to beat for me, Roman really did try, but Nate is still my favourite, though Roman was absolutely delicious.
I really wanted him to snatch Cassie up immediately, but he waited because although she was 18, she was finishing her final school year, and he had concerns about her brother, who was also his teammate.
Cassie did very much read like her age, for me she really did come across as quite nieve and young, alot of her responses to situations, showed her age, and although this could be frustrating for me because I am not 18, I can appreciate that the author really tried to fit these characters into their profiles and pulled it off.
So overall Ive like previous heroines from this author over Cassie, but again she was just a little bit too young/immature for how I like my heroines, but she was very sweet and kind, sort of soft but also tried to have a backbone with some of Romans high handedness (useless of course, you really cant argue with a caveman 🤣) she really just was a young girl who fell in love with a man who never had any intention of letting her escape his clutches.
Roman was just a caveman who saw his woman and decided at first glance that she was his and that was that... he waited for his chance to pounce and then came at her like a bulldozer 🤣.
I can't wait to see what comes next
🔥J/P OTT Hero
🔥Age gap
🔥Insta-love, he falls HARD
🔥Breeding (he wanted her preggo and would do whatever it takes to make it happen) and pregnancy (birth in epilogue)
🔥Slightly coerced marriage, though she did want marriage one day, he just wanted it RIGHT NOW 🤣
🔥No 3rd act break up
🔥No OW drama (past relationship mentioned, but that's it)
We get some great guest appearances from the characters from the last books, and though this is the start of a new series and is a complete standalone, it was nice to see that crossover.
Nate from "The other half" was hard to beat for me, Roman really did try, but Nate is still my favourite, though Roman was absolutely delicious.
I really wanted him to snatch Cassie up immediately, but he waited because although she was 18, she was finishing her final school year, and he had concerns about her brother, who was also his teammate.
Cassie did very much read like her age, for me she really did come across as quite nieve and young, alot of her responses to situations, showed her age, and although this could be frustrating for me because I am not 18, I can appreciate that the author really tried to fit these characters into their profiles and pulled it off.
So overall Ive like previous heroines from this author over Cassie, but again she was just a little bit too young/immature for how I like my heroines, but she was very sweet and kind, sort of soft but also tried to have a backbone with some of Romans high handedness (useless of course, you really cant argue with a caveman 🤣) she really just was a young girl who fell in love with a man who never had any intention of letting her escape his clutches.
Roman was just a caveman who saw his woman and decided at first glance that she was his and that was that... he waited for his chance to pounce and then came at her like a bulldozer 🤣.
I can't wait to see what comes next
October 8, 2024
-=- 3.5 stars -=-
I'm glad I stumbled across this, it was sweet.
It definitely went from 1-100 REALLY quickly with very little explanation, but I enjoyed it overall. There were some nice scenes, and I loved how domestic it was.
I wasn't the biggest fan of some of the people in the heroine's life (like her sister-in-law). I felt like many people, her brother included, didn't consider her in their actions, and were just inconsiderate to her feelings in general.
It made the whole 'we can't be in a relationship' drama feel so meaningless, and made the tension feel pointless, especially towards the end. Because so what if they dated? So what if they were in love? People need to live life and move on, it felt so dragged out 😭.
It was frustrating to read about because the main 'conflict' in this book was how Cassie and Roman were hiding their relationship.
Anyway, I didn't love this, but I liked how generally straightforward this was, with no unnecessary conflict/third-act breakup 🙂↕️ it was a good light-hearted read!
"He'd been so close but so far away until the timing was right. Fate's awfully funny like that."
I'm glad I stumbled across this, it was sweet.
It definitely went from 1-100 REALLY quickly with very little explanation, but I enjoyed it overall. There were some nice scenes, and I loved how domestic it was.
I wasn't the biggest fan of some of the people in the heroine's life (like her sister-in-law). I felt like many people, her brother included, didn't consider her in their actions, and were just inconsiderate to her feelings in general.
It made the whole 'we can't be in a relationship' drama feel so meaningless, and made the tension feel pointless, especially towards the end. Because so what if they dated? So what if they were in love? People need to live life and move on, it felt so dragged out 😭.
It was frustrating to read about because the main 'conflict' in this book was how Cassie and Roman were hiding their relationship.
Anyway, I didn't love this, but I liked how generally straightforward this was, with no unnecessary conflict/third-act breakup 🙂↕️ it was a good light-hearted read!
February 17, 2024
Annelise Devereaux has done it again. This book is a perfect combo of sweet and spicy.
Cassie moved in with her brother after becoming an orphan at 18, not really sure what direction her life was going to go. Roman is a teammate and best friend of Cassie's brother. She's off limits but once Roman met her, he knew that she was the one so he put a plan into place. I love their chemistry, he's protective of her but they flowed really well from the start. Even though Roman did some sneaky things to make sure that Cassie would be his forever, he was so sweet to her. As always with Annelise's books, the MMC only has eyes for his woman and there's no OWD. I knew that I was going to love this book, it's definitely one of my favorites so far this year.
Cassie moved in with her brother after becoming an orphan at 18, not really sure what direction her life was going to go. Roman is a teammate and best friend of Cassie's brother. She's off limits but once Roman met her, he knew that she was the one so he put a plan into place. I love their chemistry, he's protective of her but they flowed really well from the start. Even though Roman did some sneaky things to make sure that Cassie would be his forever, he was so sweet to her. As always with Annelise's books, the MMC only has eyes for his woman and there's no OWD. I knew that I was going to love this book, it's definitely one of my favorites so far this year.
March 8, 2024
I love this authors work and this book was no different I loved it! Roman was just amazing!
Roman and Cassie are my new favourite couple and I loved how they’re relationship developed so quickly.
Roman is alot but he’s so dedicated to his girl. If your looking for a character who is devoted, sweet, loving but has a dark side this is for you. That man will do anything to keep Cassie and I’m all there for it!
The story is beautifully written and I couldn’t put it down! I love an age gap book and add in brothers best friend and I’m all in.
Definitely recommend. Can’t wait for the next book.
Roman and Cassie are my new favourite couple and I loved how they’re relationship developed so quickly.
Roman is alot but he’s so dedicated to his girl. If your looking for a character who is devoted, sweet, loving but has a dark side this is for you. That man will do anything to keep Cassie and I’m all there for it!
The story is beautifully written and I couldn’t put it down! I love an age gap book and add in brothers best friend and I’m all in.
Definitely recommend. Can’t wait for the next book.
February 18, 2024
Roman falls hard for Cassie, his best friend’s sister, instantly. He knows she should be off-limits, but can’t control his feelings for her. The book is a beautiful mix of sweet and spicy with a pampered cat named Jinx thrown in the mix. While Cassie and Roman attempt to hide their love for each other until her brother’s wedding, they spend time getting to know each other only affirming the love they have. Though they face challenges, they find their HEA. I’d love to catch up with them in later books from the series. Annelise does it again!
February 26, 2024
I didn’t think this author could beat Nate. Because that man was GOALS. Well the author was like “hold my drink” cuz holy s*%! MEET ROMAN!!! The man was INTENSE 🥵🥵🥵
And Cassie omg, I LOVED her! She was perfect for Roman and he was perfect for her 😭
She knew he was insane but accepted his insanity because it spoke to her needs and I LOVED that.
I’m not gonna lie him ambushing her with a marriage was probably my favorite thing. 💁🏻♀️
This book is heading to my reread pile but then so far anything this author writes ends up there.
And Cassie omg, I LOVED her! She was perfect for Roman and he was perfect for her 😭
She knew he was insane but accepted his insanity because it spoke to her needs and I LOVED that.
I’m not gonna lie him ambushing her with a marriage was probably my favorite thing. 💁🏻♀️
This book is heading to my reread pile but then so far anything this author writes ends up there.
March 20, 2025
Sweet Sunshine Story
Super sweet story with a marshmallow alpha and a spunky, innocent woman coming into her own and finding her Prince Charming that so happens to wear football pads and be extremely possessive and protective.
This is my first book by this author and most likely won’t be my last.
Super sweet story with a marshmallow alpha and a spunky, innocent woman coming into her own and finding her Prince Charming that so happens to wear football pads and be extremely possessive and protective.
This is my first book by this author and most likely won’t be my last.
February 27, 2024
Roman & Cassie’s story
I’ve waited for this since I read The Other Half last year, I knew it was gonna be juicy between them from the snippets we got.
Now Roman is toxic and there’s plenty of red flags but in the best kinda way, ya know what I mean? His possessiveness, dominance, tricks to get what he wants are next level, Nate must’ve rubbed off on him lol. But overall Roman was obsessed with Cassie from the moment he met her, but since Caleb being his best friend he tempered it until the right moment. But don’t think he didn’t make sure guys didn’t sniff around and he wasn’t aware of everything. She was his Sunshine from the start.
Cassie is such a sweetheart, been through so much from losing her parents,orphaned at 18, sick of the pity looks everyone gives her. But with Roman she can just be herself and not have to worry about anything. She did stand up for herself but overall she liked Roman’s possessiveness and his ways so it wasn’t much of an issue.
this may just be me but Caleb kinda made me mad because he said he didn’t want her to move out and “make him worry” but at the same time got mad her at for not calling ahead of time that she was coming back to his and Marissa’s house from seeing her cat at Roman’s , like if she’s living there and supposed to feel at home, why would she call?? So he was just so wishy washy and both Caleb and Marissa annoyed me. Especially with Trisha situation, like can he be anymore of a coward? She hurts everyone and he just laughs, While everyone else has to deal with her. Just like Trisha hurt Cassie’s feelings at the wedding but Caleb did nothing and when Roman calls him out, Caleb gets mad?? Ugh eat a bag of dicks
Steam-3/5 breeding kink w/preg,no condoms/BC at all, age gap 18/28, Virgin h.
I’ve waited for this since I read The Other Half last year, I knew it was gonna be juicy between them from the snippets we got.
Now Roman is toxic and there’s plenty of red flags but in the best kinda way, ya know what I mean? His possessiveness, dominance, tricks to get what he wants are next level, Nate must’ve rubbed off on him lol. But overall Roman was obsessed with Cassie from the moment he met her, but since Caleb being his best friend he tempered it until the right moment. But don’t think he didn’t make sure guys didn’t sniff around and he wasn’t aware of everything. She was his Sunshine from the start.
Cassie is such a sweetheart, been through so much from losing her parents,orphaned at 18, sick of the pity looks everyone gives her. But with Roman she can just be herself and not have to worry about anything. She did stand up for herself but overall she liked Roman’s possessiveness and his ways so it wasn’t much of an issue.
this may just be me but Caleb kinda made me mad because he said he didn’t want her to move out and “make him worry” but at the same time got mad her at for not calling ahead of time that she was coming back to his and Marissa’s house from seeing her cat at Roman’s , like if she’s living there and supposed to feel at home, why would she call?? So he was just so wishy washy and both Caleb and Marissa annoyed me. Especially with Trisha situation, like can he be anymore of a coward? She hurts everyone and he just laughs, While everyone else has to deal with her. Just like Trisha hurt Cassie’s feelings at the wedding but Caleb did nothing and when Roman calls him out, Caleb gets mad?? Ugh eat a bag of dicks
Steam-3/5 breeding kink w/preg,no condoms/BC at all, age gap 18/28, Virgin h.
February 24, 2024
If you’re looking for forbidden (best friends sister), spicy sports romance (NFL player), forced proximity (one bed— mysterious things keep happening at her apartment) cat rescuing FMC, age gap, morally grey OTT/JP MMC with a HEA this is your book!
Roman is truly an amazing MMC who typically follows the rules and is always there for his friends, family, and teammates— but for his Sunshine— he’s a morally gray hero who will unapologetically cross lines while waving red flags to get his girl! He ultimately doesn’t care if he’s caught because he knows it’s for the right reasons and their future! He believes he can show her how right they are and prove his devotion if/when he’s caught.
Cassie is Roman’s best friend’s little sister who is completely off-limits, but he knew she was his— so how could it be wrong? He was ready to leave it all behind (businesses, friendships , possibly even his team) temporarily to ensure she was fully his! In Roman’s words ““it’s only kidnapping if you don’t want to go, sunshine”.
Roman is truly an amazing MMC who typically follows the rules and is always there for his friends, family, and teammates— but for his Sunshine— he’s a morally gray hero who will unapologetically cross lines while waving red flags to get his girl! He ultimately doesn’t care if he’s caught because he knows it’s for the right reasons and their future! He believes he can show her how right they are and prove his devotion if/when he’s caught.
Cassie is Roman’s best friend’s little sister who is completely off-limits, but he knew she was his— so how could it be wrong? He was ready to leave it all behind (businesses, friendships , possibly even his team) temporarily to ensure she was fully his! In Roman’s words ““it’s only kidnapping if you don’t want to go, sunshine”.
February 27, 2024
I love these books. The H brings everything that I like. Crazy OTT j/p but super honey sweet to the h. However, I had to keep reminding myself that this h was only 18 and her reactions would be similar to other 18 year olds because she was quite frustrating. The beginning after their first kiss there is zero communication, misunderstanding, and then she literally runs away or hides from him so they don’t have to clear up the miscommunication. I cringed. But alas, Roman saves this book with his deliciousness!
May 28, 2024
great story
I really enjoyed this book overall. The way Roman loves is beautiful to read, and the innocence is Cassie is real in a refreshing way. So often with these kinds of books the girl seems totally unrealistic and that’s not at all the case here. The spice was 🥵 and I’ve read the book twice since j couldn’t get enough of it.
Possible unpopular opinion? I don’t love Marissa. Not saying she isn’t right for Caleb, just saying she rubs me the wrong way. But not enough to stop reading or deter me from reading more books from this universe. Can’t wait to see what Annalise comes up with next!
I really enjoyed this book overall. The way Roman loves is beautiful to read, and the innocence is Cassie is real in a refreshing way. So often with these kinds of books the girl seems totally unrealistic and that’s not at all the case here. The spice was 🥵 and I’ve read the book twice since j couldn’t get enough of it.
Possible unpopular opinion? I don’t love Marissa. Not saying she isn’t right for Caleb, just saying she rubs me the wrong way. But not enough to stop reading or deter me from reading more books from this universe. Can’t wait to see what Annalise comes up with next!
February 18, 2024
I was pulled into this book right away. Roman knew right away Cassie was the one. She’s his best friend’s sister and 10 years younger than him, but he’ll do anything to make her his wife. Roman takes things slow, having the patience to take things slow for her.
Cassie was so sweet and Roman did everything to make her happy. I loved her character and backstory.
I didn’t want this book to end and can’t wait for the next book in this series. I love Annelise and her writing. This book can be read as a standalone, but is connected to The Other Half
Cassie was so sweet and Roman did everything to make her happy. I loved her character and backstory.
I didn’t want this book to end and can’t wait for the next book in this series. I love Annelise and her writing. This book can be read as a standalone, but is connected to The Other Half
February 26, 2024
Are you enjoy this book so much that I cannot wait until the next one every time I read a book by this author I’m like when can I get more of this stories because they’re just that good and if you haven’t read a book by her yet then you need to start now because stealing sunshine was it really freaking great book I’ve read in a while
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 28, 2024
Roman & Cassie
I love this story so much! The care he takes with her. So much love! Roman is total book boyfriend material. From the first page to the last, the connection between Roman and Cassie is just a beautiful, tangible thing. Of course Roman is an absolute Neanderthal. But it’s just one of the many things we love about him. I couldn’t put this down! I will totally be reading this again.
I love this story so much! The care he takes with her. So much love! Roman is total book boyfriend material. From the first page to the last, the connection between Roman and Cassie is just a beautiful, tangible thing. Of course Roman is an absolute Neanderthal. But it’s just one of the many things we love about him. I couldn’t put this down! I will totally be reading this again.
February 21, 2024
If you like overly possessive stubborn and hopelessly in love with the heroine, heroes then this one is for you. I think it's her best one yet. I love Roman antics and that Sunshine figured out what he was doing and didn't mind it too much. How could you not like to be loved so much? Roman and Cassie's story was great. It has pregnancy and over-the-top antics by the hero to get his girl.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
dnf
June 11, 2024DNF @ 7% - waaaaaay too much simping by the hero. His POV sounds like a woman. He claims to be “obsessed” after shaking hands and sharing MAYBE 2 sentences with her. (Dude. You think a girl you just met is cute. Calm the eff down. It’s not that deep. 🙄) He’s nearly 30, not 13. This would be way more compelling from the heroines point of view. 🤷🏼♀️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 13, 2024
This was fun and flirty, and sexy and sinful. The chemistry was good, the angst was perfect--not too much, not too little. And the HEA was beautiful. Well written.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 3, 2025
Stealing Sunshine!
I was obsessed with this book from the moment it started. The possessiveness & love that Roman had for Cassie was what reeled me in. I couldn’t put this book down. I devoured it completely! I love the banter between the characters and the 🌶️ scenes were 🥵🥵. Just makes you wish you could have had that HEA. I can’t wait to read more of her books.
I was obsessed with this book from the moment it started. The possessiveness & love that Roman had for Cassie was what reeled me in. I couldn’t put this book down. I devoured it completely! I love the banter between the characters and the 🌶️ scenes were 🥵🥵. Just makes you wish you could have had that HEA. I can’t wait to read more of her books.
March 2, 2024
Quite nice. No ow drama. Safe
May 14, 2024
Cute story!
June 6, 2024
I fucking loved this! 5 dreamy stars
This book is for those who love comfort read. I am currently in my comfort read zone. And this book was so wholesome.
"Did you want me to propose? Ask Caleb's permission, get down on one knee, and all that shit? Because I won't. I'm dragging you down the aisle, woman, like it or not."
Right? What a dreamy man!
Did he saw her and knew she must be his? Yep
Did he create elaborate plan to get her to live in his place? Of course
Did he faked broken gas pipe for her to sleep in his bed? Naturally
Did he reasoned why do we need to use condoms, stating for her to follow her cycle? Brilliant
Did he bulldoze her to marry him? You surprised?
He was the red flag I was searching for! True love right here 🫶
Don’t know anything negative here to say. It was perfect! It will be my re-read 💯
Those who love reading about pregnancy- this has definitely that part about last 20% pretty detailed
🔶 virgin h
🔶 H is not a manwhore
🔶 18/28
🔶 H sees her and falls for her
🔶 super j/p H
🔶 Red flag H
🔶 quiet and broody H
🔶 no condoms
🔶 no ow/om drama
🔶 no cheating
🔶 super hot sexy times
🔶 surprise pregnancy
🔶 coerced marriage
🔶 loved how sweet and shy h was
🔶 HEA with a super sweet Epilogue
This book is for those who love comfort read. I am currently in my comfort read zone. And this book was so wholesome.
"Did you want me to propose? Ask Caleb's permission, get down on one knee, and all that shit? Because I won't. I'm dragging you down the aisle, woman, like it or not."
Right? What a dreamy man!
Did he saw her and knew she must be his? Yep
Did he create elaborate plan to get her to live in his place? Of course
Did he faked broken gas pipe for her to sleep in his bed? Naturally
Did he reasoned why do we need to use condoms, stating for her to follow her cycle? Brilliant
Did he bulldoze her to marry him? You surprised?
He was the red flag I was searching for! True love right here 🫶
Don’t know anything negative here to say. It was perfect! It will be my re-read 💯
Those who love reading about pregnancy- this has definitely that part about last 20% pretty detailed
🔶 virgin h
🔶 H is not a manwhore
🔶 18/28
🔶 H sees her and falls for her
🔶 super j/p H
🔶 Red flag H
🔶 quiet and broody H
🔶 no condoms
🔶 no ow/om drama
🔶 no cheating
🔶 super hot sexy times
🔶 surprise pregnancy
🔶 coerced marriage
🔶 loved how sweet and shy h was
🔶 HEA with a super sweet Epilogue
February 25, 2024
I have enjoyed every book written by this author, and loved ALL the heroes....but Roman is my favorite. Roman is reserved and self contained until it comes to Cassie. He is a thinker and strategizer which comes in handy when it comes to manipulating things to make Cassie his. Roman is...the best characteristics of two former heroes - Nate from The Other Half and Sawyer from The Inevitable Us. Hear me out - Roman may not be as showy as Nate, but this man gets the job DONE, moving and manipulating things (including her living space, her work and let's not forget her birth control) around Cassie to bring her closer to him and wooing her. Yet, for all that red flag behavior, he is, like Mr. Capt. America, a deeply honorable, conscientious, thoughtful man who is loyal to those he loves. His relationship with her father, his internal conflict with how his love for Cassie would impact not just HIS relationship with Caleb, but more importantly HER relationship with her beloved brother really showcases his character.
Cassie is a perfect complement to Roman. She is quiet, sweet, deeply loyal to her loved ones and incredibly strong. Having her entire world upended by the loss of both her parents, she is just starting to find her balance when she meets Roman for the first time. Although she feels the attraction, it absolutely comes across as that first love feeling I remember from my youth when I crushed on an attractive older man. I found her immensely relatable, despite being decades older.
Roman and Cassie's courtship and relationship is filled with physical chemistry and attraction, but more importantly, it's deeply rooted in the quieter moments of conversation and connection over chess and during Tuesday dinners. I just loved them together.
If you are looking for an angst filled, action packed rollercoaster of a read, then this may not be for you. If instead you are looking for a story centered fully on the main characters, a hero who sets eyes on his heroine and immediately is all in, and a heroine who is just the right balance of sweet and sassy, this is DEFINITELY the book for you. After finishing Roman and Cassie's story, I felt GOOD and HAPPY. Considering the state of everything around me, that feeling is priceless.
I love the diversity and breadth of what is available now to readers in the romance genre (from rom-com to pitch black), but this book....it's a celebration of everything that first made me a romance reader all those years ago - a compelling story about a man, a woman, and how they fall in love....with several covert machinations on the hero's part.
Cassie is a perfect complement to Roman. She is quiet, sweet, deeply loyal to her loved ones and incredibly strong. Having her entire world upended by the loss of both her parents, she is just starting to find her balance when she meets Roman for the first time. Although she feels the attraction, it absolutely comes across as that first love feeling I remember from my youth when I crushed on an attractive older man. I found her immensely relatable, despite being decades older.
Roman and Cassie's courtship and relationship is filled with physical chemistry and attraction, but more importantly, it's deeply rooted in the quieter moments of conversation and connection over chess and during Tuesday dinners. I just loved them together.
If you are looking for an angst filled, action packed rollercoaster of a read, then this may not be for you. If instead you are looking for a story centered fully on the main characters, a hero who sets eyes on his heroine and immediately is all in, and a heroine who is just the right balance of sweet and sassy, this is DEFINITELY the book for you. After finishing Roman and Cassie's story, I felt GOOD and HAPPY. Considering the state of everything around me, that feeling is priceless.
I love the diversity and breadth of what is available now to readers in the romance genre (from rom-com to pitch black), but this book....it's a celebration of everything that first made me a romance reader all those years ago - a compelling story about a man, a woman, and how they fall in love....with several covert machinations on the hero's part.
February 17, 2024
4.75 stars
3.5/5 spice
*ten year age gap
*OTP alpha-hole
*insta-lust/love for him
*hilarious and sassy pet black cat
You need something new to read? How about an age gap, flirty banter, forced proximity, morally grey football player obsessed with his best friend and fellow players little sister? Yeah. That’s what I thought. If you have read The Other Half(not required to read this book but I’d absolutely recommend it as it’s a personal favorite) this story takes place towards the ending time line of that book with Nate’s fellow teammates Roman and Caleb’s sister Cassie. I think what got me first is how Annelise’s writing sucks me with such riveting storytelling. I was only 30% in and I swore I’d read half the book. It’s not a bad thing here because you will devour every ounce of what you read. Cassie is not the stereotypical naive 18 year old. She’s been through a traumatic event and she grew up real quick but she’s hyper independent and determined to seek the best in her life moving forward. Roman. Oh this man. His moral compass doesn’t point due North. He’s sexy and possessive but also obsessed with Cassie and not always in a good way. Now make no mistake, while this isn’t a dark romance, there are some things Roman does in the name of love are really questionable. Yet, you couldn’t help but find his other side, the one that wants to show Cassie how deeply she’s loved or who has conversations with his rescue black cat Jinx, so endearing you may over look his behavior. What’s really interesting to watch as their relationship develops is that Cassie is fairly aware that Roman is kind of unhinged and definitely not doing things in a normal way. Yet she sees past a lot of his insanity and finds the parts of him that worthy of love. Roman, past his obsession, has such a wild ride from his instant obsession with Cassie to falling deeply in love with her. The spice was so delicious. While the first few are lust fueled and sexy, it’s intense, intimate moments that really stood out for me. They had various twists and turns in the battle for HEA, but when they got there, it was perfect. What I loved the most is that the heart of this story was love wins. Doesn’t matter how “wrong” or “not suppose” to happen the relationship is, love always wins.
3.5/5 spice
*ten year age gap
*OTP alpha-hole
*insta-lust/love for him
*hilarious and sassy pet black cat
You need something new to read? How about an age gap, flirty banter, forced proximity, morally grey football player obsessed with his best friend and fellow players little sister? Yeah. That’s what I thought. If you have read The Other Half(not required to read this book but I’d absolutely recommend it as it’s a personal favorite) this story takes place towards the ending time line of that book with Nate’s fellow teammates Roman and Caleb’s sister Cassie. I think what got me first is how Annelise’s writing sucks me with such riveting storytelling. I was only 30% in and I swore I’d read half the book. It’s not a bad thing here because you will devour every ounce of what you read. Cassie is not the stereotypical naive 18 year old. She’s been through a traumatic event and she grew up real quick but she’s hyper independent and determined to seek the best in her life moving forward. Roman. Oh this man. His moral compass doesn’t point due North. He’s sexy and possessive but also obsessed with Cassie and not always in a good way. Now make no mistake, while this isn’t a dark romance, there are some things Roman does in the name of love are really questionable. Yet, you couldn’t help but find his other side, the one that wants to show Cassie how deeply she’s loved or who has conversations with his rescue black cat Jinx, so endearing you may over look his behavior. What’s really interesting to watch as their relationship develops is that Cassie is fairly aware that Roman is kind of unhinged and definitely not doing things in a normal way. Yet she sees past a lot of his insanity and finds the parts of him that worthy of love. Roman, past his obsession, has such a wild ride from his instant obsession with Cassie to falling deeply in love with her. The spice was so delicious. While the first few are lust fueled and sexy, it’s intense, intimate moments that really stood out for me. They had various twists and turns in the battle for HEA, but when they got there, it was perfect. What I loved the most is that the heart of this story was love wins. Doesn’t matter how “wrong” or “not suppose” to happen the relationship is, love always wins.
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