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Under My Skin #1-4
Under My Skin: Boxed Set
The entire series for one great price!
All four books revolve around a dog grooming and day care business called Doggie Styles.
REGRET
When Brian “Brin” Schubert’s condo floods, he takes his co-worker up on the offer to stay on his crappy futon for a while. The last thing he expects is for his friend’s roommate to be the one guy he despises the most. The same guy who stomped on his heart senior year of high school.
As Brin reconnects with Nick, his perception of what really happened in their past begins to change. He’s finally ready to forgive him and take a second chance on the one guy who stirs him like no other. But Nick’s demons are complicated, heart-wrenching…demanding. So devastating, he might never allow himself true happiness—even with the one man who’s always owned his heart.
Tropes: second chance, hate to love, hurt/comfort
REAWAKEN
Losing his adoring husband shattered Tristan Rogers's world. For the past few years, he’s been going through the motions, running their dog grooming business while hiding the loneliness he feels down to his bones. When he witnesses an ugly breakup between a pretentious customer and his boyfriend, Tristan can’t help but intervene. Something about the unassuming younger man calls to him, and he can’t help wondering if he’s experienced some heartache of his own.
From innocent texts to companionable rides on Tristan’s boat, what starts as an unexpected friendship between the men sparks into undeniable attraction. Neither are ready for anything deeper than a couple of passionate nights wrapped in each other’s arms but their connection becomes too intense for either to ignore.
Tropes: hurt/comfort, age gap, love after loss
RECLAIM
Ever since high school, Elijah and Kamnan have always had each other’s backs. So when Kam suffers a freak accident and is laid up for a few weeks, it’s only natural that Elijah steps in to help him through his recuperation.
As Kam regains his independence, the real world begins to encroach on the sanctuary they’ve built for themselves. A relationship is the last thing either of them is prepared for, but will trying anyway end in heartbreak, or will resisting be the wedge that tears their friendship apart?
TROPES: best friends to lovers, hurt/comfort
REDEEM
Successful financial analyst Michael Walsh leads a picture-perfect life that anyone would envy—unless they caught a glimpse beneath the surface. Haunted by failed relationships and self-doubt, Michael harbors a soul-deep loneliness that no number of casual hookups can fulfill. So why can’t he stop thinking about his New Year’s fling with a man whose quiet desperation matched his own?
Every no-strings encounter that follows between Michael and Stewart peels away more layers, blurring the lines, until they’re left with a raw tenderness and acceptance they both crave. A relationship seems out of the question—they come from drastically different lives and are plagued by inexcusable sins.
TROPES: antiheroes unite, redemption, hookups to love
All four books revolve around a dog grooming and day care business called Doggie Styles.
REGRET
When Brian “Brin” Schubert’s condo floods, he takes his co-worker up on the offer to stay on his crappy futon for a while. The last thing he expects is for his friend’s roommate to be the one guy he despises the most. The same guy who stomped on his heart senior year of high school.
As Brin reconnects with Nick, his perception of what really happened in their past begins to change. He’s finally ready to forgive him and take a second chance on the one guy who stirs him like no other. But Nick’s demons are complicated, heart-wrenching…demanding. So devastating, he might never allow himself true happiness—even with the one man who’s always owned his heart.
Tropes: second chance, hate to love, hurt/comfort
REAWAKEN
Losing his adoring husband shattered Tristan Rogers's world. For the past few years, he’s been going through the motions, running their dog grooming business while hiding the loneliness he feels down to his bones. When he witnesses an ugly breakup between a pretentious customer and his boyfriend, Tristan can’t help but intervene. Something about the unassuming younger man calls to him, and he can’t help wondering if he’s experienced some heartache of his own.
From innocent texts to companionable rides on Tristan’s boat, what starts as an unexpected friendship between the men sparks into undeniable attraction. Neither are ready for anything deeper than a couple of passionate nights wrapped in each other’s arms but their connection becomes too intense for either to ignore.
Tropes: hurt/comfort, age gap, love after loss
RECLAIM
Ever since high school, Elijah and Kamnan have always had each other’s backs. So when Kam suffers a freak accident and is laid up for a few weeks, it’s only natural that Elijah steps in to help him through his recuperation.
As Kam regains his independence, the real world begins to encroach on the sanctuary they’ve built for themselves. A relationship is the last thing either of them is prepared for, but will trying anyway end in heartbreak, or will resisting be the wedge that tears their friendship apart?
TROPES: best friends to lovers, hurt/comfort
REDEEM
Successful financial analyst Michael Walsh leads a picture-perfect life that anyone would envy—unless they caught a glimpse beneath the surface. Haunted by failed relationships and self-doubt, Michael harbors a soul-deep loneliness that no number of casual hookups can fulfill. So why can’t he stop thinking about his New Year’s fling with a man whose quiet desperation matched his own?
Every no-strings encounter that follows between Michael and Stewart peels away more layers, blurring the lines, until they’re left with a raw tenderness and acceptance they both crave. A relationship seems out of the question—they come from drastically different lives and are plagued by inexcusable sins.
TROPES: antiheroes unite, redemption, hookups to love
874 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 24, 2024
8 people are currently reading
11 people want to read
About the author
Christina Lee
58 books2,152 followersChristina writes romance in different sub-genres, mostly with LGBTQ characters, not only because she's part of the community, but because representation matters, and everyone deserves a happily-ever-after.
You can find more info on her website: www.christinalee.net. From there you can link to her Facebook reader group as well as her IG account and newsletter.
You can find more info on her website: www.christinalee.net. From there you can link to her Facebook reader group as well as her IG account and newsletter.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
March 14, 2024
A selection of easy reads. They revolve around a unit of friends. Each story is completely different and the MC's also bring different characters to each story. Each story has emotional baggage and that brings some amount of angst. The intimacy in all of the stories were hot and steamy. Book 1 was the most emotional for me, lots of tears. Book 4 surprised me, with the two most unlikely characters falling in love. Each book has a happy ending and a feeling of wrongs made right. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 1, 2024
Regret
What happened between Brin and Nick when they were in high school has never been forgotten by them, somehow it has shaped who they are now. Meeting again is serendipitous because now it will give them the chance to forgive each other and maybe set some things straight. I cried so hard when reading this one, my heart broke knowing what Nick carries in his heart and soul. I cried for young Brin when Nick did what he did to him. But in the grand scheme of things, Nick has had his fair share of soul-wrenching guilt that he carries till now, he believes himself to be unworthy of any happiness at all, doesn’t that break your heart?
But getting to know each other better is great for Nick and Brin, maybe then they could forgive each other and start to heal. A beautiful story Ms. Christina Lee, I love it! Congratulations!
Reawaken
After his husband Chris died, Tristan has been focused on his business, filling up that hollow in his heart with the business he put up when his husband was alive. He has his chosen family and his husband’s family to shower him with love, friendship and companionship.
West has been indebted to Michael ever since he and his then wife took him in when his whole family perished in a fire. He finally decided to leave the security of Michael and find his own way in his own life. He does owe Michael a lot but Michael’s controlling tendencies is suffocating him.
Tristan could not help his desire to help the young man and keep his secrets while he starts his own life in his own terms. The tenuous friendship started to stabilize and they start spending more time together. These two deserve their own happiness after all the pain they have gone through. They are perfect for each other.
Reclaim
Elijah and Kamnan are childhood friends, always there for each other since high school and that friendship has grown into being best friends into their adult years. When Kam suffered a freak accident and had to be laid up for a few weeks, Elijah was there for him, taking care of him daily. The close proximity made them realize things that they only took for granted before. And that attraction just simmering under slowly made its appearance and the two are left with doubts because they both don’t want to lose their friendship over something that might not work out.
I love Elijah and Kam, they have always love each other, only now they realize that it could be so so much more.
Redeem
Now these tow have wreck havoc in the lives of West and Elijah but I think all those actions stemmed from being repressed, in Michael’s situation, and in wanting to control, in Stewart’s case. But they also deserve happiness, and I am happy that they found that in each other. A single hookup that became so much more as they spend more time with each other. Michael was West’s anchor for so long until West decided to forge his own path, without Michael hovering over him. Stewart was Elijah’s ex who can’t help himself, he just has to control everything until Elijah decided that enough was enough.
Maybe these two were just looking for the right person for them and I am happy that they found it in each other.
Congratulations Ms. Lee for a wonderful and beautiful series.
What happened between Brin and Nick when they were in high school has never been forgotten by them, somehow it has shaped who they are now. Meeting again is serendipitous because now it will give them the chance to forgive each other and maybe set some things straight. I cried so hard when reading this one, my heart broke knowing what Nick carries in his heart and soul. I cried for young Brin when Nick did what he did to him. But in the grand scheme of things, Nick has had his fair share of soul-wrenching guilt that he carries till now, he believes himself to be unworthy of any happiness at all, doesn’t that break your heart?
But getting to know each other better is great for Nick and Brin, maybe then they could forgive each other and start to heal. A beautiful story Ms. Christina Lee, I love it! Congratulations!
Reawaken
After his husband Chris died, Tristan has been focused on his business, filling up that hollow in his heart with the business he put up when his husband was alive. He has his chosen family and his husband’s family to shower him with love, friendship and companionship.
West has been indebted to Michael ever since he and his then wife took him in when his whole family perished in a fire. He finally decided to leave the security of Michael and find his own way in his own life. He does owe Michael a lot but Michael’s controlling tendencies is suffocating him.
Tristan could not help his desire to help the young man and keep his secrets while he starts his own life in his own terms. The tenuous friendship started to stabilize and they start spending more time together. These two deserve their own happiness after all the pain they have gone through. They are perfect for each other.
Reclaim
Elijah and Kamnan are childhood friends, always there for each other since high school and that friendship has grown into being best friends into their adult years. When Kam suffered a freak accident and had to be laid up for a few weeks, Elijah was there for him, taking care of him daily. The close proximity made them realize things that they only took for granted before. And that attraction just simmering under slowly made its appearance and the two are left with doubts because they both don’t want to lose their friendship over something that might not work out.
I love Elijah and Kam, they have always love each other, only now they realize that it could be so so much more.
Redeem
Now these tow have wreck havoc in the lives of West and Elijah but I think all those actions stemmed from being repressed, in Michael’s situation, and in wanting to control, in Stewart’s case. But they also deserve happiness, and I am happy that they found that in each other. A single hookup that became so much more as they spend more time with each other. Michael was West’s anchor for so long until West decided to forge his own path, without Michael hovering over him. Stewart was Elijah’s ex who can’t help himself, he just has to control everything until Elijah decided that enough was enough.
Maybe these two were just looking for the right person for them and I am happy that they found it in each other.
Congratulations Ms. Lee for a wonderful and beautiful series.
March 25, 2024
A wonderful box set of four books all focusing on hurt/comfort with four wonderful couples. I started reading this one Sunday afternoon and could not quite having read all four in on sitting as I simply had to know what happened next. Each one is unique yet they have a common with the theme and the dog grooming business--all the feels will be felt in this series.
Regret
A wonderful book focusing on forgiveness. Brin and Nick has a high school history where Brin got his heart broken. they are reunited when Brin's condo flood and coworker Nick offers him a place to stay some ten years later. both men have they issues as Brin has to learn to forgive and take a second chance on romance and Nick has to figure out who he is, accept himself, and love himself. The baggage both have drive their second chance at love and happiness as both realize perceptions not always what they seem.
Reawaken
Unlike book one this one focus on grief and healing from losing a husband. Tristian is simply trying to live his life and on the surface he is doing well, but underneath is a deep sense of loneliness. This slow burning romance focuses on healing and in this case West is the one to help Tristian reawaken and not feel alone. I will admit at times it was hard to read but with healing comes loves and happiness.
Reclaim
A wonderful story about friendship that becomes loved. It did not move as fast as the others boss but for me this one focused on the characters and their growth, rather than external forces to move the pot. Elijah and Kam have been friends since high school. When Kam has an accident, Elijah is there to help and sound a friendship become love. As I said not a lot of action but still as engaging as the other books Justin a different manner.
Redeem
Frmethis was the best book on this series. Michael is a financial analyst with a string of bad relationship but again on the surface living live to its fullest, but underneath there is a feeling of an imposter syndrome adn loneliness. One of his hook up, Stewart, makes him think more about what he wants. This is their storyt. Of course life all the books Stewart is not the only one struggling as Stewart has his own history of trauma. A fantastic book about figuring out who one is personally and they who they are as a couple.
I did receive and ARC and leave this honest review.
Regret
A wonderful book focusing on forgiveness. Brin and Nick has a high school history where Brin got his heart broken. they are reunited when Brin's condo flood and coworker Nick offers him a place to stay some ten years later. both men have they issues as Brin has to learn to forgive and take a second chance on romance and Nick has to figure out who he is, accept himself, and love himself. The baggage both have drive their second chance at love and happiness as both realize perceptions not always what they seem.
Reawaken
Unlike book one this one focus on grief and healing from losing a husband. Tristian is simply trying to live his life and on the surface he is doing well, but underneath is a deep sense of loneliness. This slow burning romance focuses on healing and in this case West is the one to help Tristian reawaken and not feel alone. I will admit at times it was hard to read but with healing comes loves and happiness.
Reclaim
A wonderful story about friendship that becomes loved. It did not move as fast as the others boss but for me this one focused on the characters and their growth, rather than external forces to move the pot. Elijah and Kam have been friends since high school. When Kam has an accident, Elijah is there to help and sound a friendship become love. As I said not a lot of action but still as engaging as the other books Justin a different manner.
Redeem
Frmethis was the best book on this series. Michael is a financial analyst with a string of bad relationship but again on the surface living live to its fullest, but underneath there is a feeling of an imposter syndrome adn loneliness. One of his hook up, Stewart, makes him think more about what he wants. This is their storyt. Of course life all the books Stewart is not the only one struggling as Stewart has his own history of trauma. A fantastic book about figuring out who one is personally and they who they are as a couple.
I did receive and ARC and leave this honest review.
March 22, 2024
What all four books in this collection have in common is Doggie Styles, a doggie daycare and grooming salon.
The first book, Regret, centres around Brin and Nick and is a second-chance, enemies to lovers book. Lee perfectly captured their hesitant stumbling towards friendship and more. I also loved her gentle handling of mental illness.
The second book, Reawaken, features Doggie Styles’ owner Tristan, who lost his husband 3 years ago to cancer, and West. This friends-to-lovers story is an amazing discovery of love after loss.
Reclaim, the third book, is best- friends-to-lovers, with a side of forced proximity. Kam and Elijah are both broken-hearted at the beginning of the tale but each gets over their previous relationship in their own time. Kam’s daughter Olivia, although not previously part of the storyline, adds some great dimension to that character’s story arcs.
Both the second and third books have subplots involving unhealthy and controlling relationships. These instances are uncomfortable to read, which proves Lee got them right.
When I read the blurb for the fourth book, I was blown away. Michael and Stewart? How would I ever like either of them enough to invest in their love story? How could there possibly be redemption?? But the book is called Redeem, so I soldiered on. And while Lee does a good job building backstories for the two characters and convincing motivations for their previous poor behaviour, I found I just couldn’t bond with either character. Guess I hold grudges! Luckily, the rest of the gang believes in second chances and the series was wrapped up beautifully.
Lee excels with found family and the myriad dynamics existing within any friend group. I also liked her use of Coco and Chloe, the pugs, as ice breaker. Overall, a highly enjoyable series. 5 stars.
The first book, Regret, centres around Brin and Nick and is a second-chance, enemies to lovers book. Lee perfectly captured their hesitant stumbling towards friendship and more. I also loved her gentle handling of mental illness.
The second book, Reawaken, features Doggie Styles’ owner Tristan, who lost his husband 3 years ago to cancer, and West. This friends-to-lovers story is an amazing discovery of love after loss.
Reclaim, the third book, is best- friends-to-lovers, with a side of forced proximity. Kam and Elijah are both broken-hearted at the beginning of the tale but each gets over their previous relationship in their own time. Kam’s daughter Olivia, although not previously part of the storyline, adds some great dimension to that character’s story arcs.
Both the second and third books have subplots involving unhealthy and controlling relationships. These instances are uncomfortable to read, which proves Lee got them right.
When I read the blurb for the fourth book, I was blown away. Michael and Stewart? How would I ever like either of them enough to invest in their love story? How could there possibly be redemption?? But the book is called Redeem, so I soldiered on. And while Lee does a good job building backstories for the two characters and convincing motivations for their previous poor behaviour, I found I just couldn’t bond with either character. Guess I hold grudges! Luckily, the rest of the gang believes in second chances and the series was wrapped up beautifully.
Lee excels with found family and the myriad dynamics existing within any friend group. I also liked her use of Coco and Chloe, the pugs, as ice breaker. Overall, a highly enjoyable series. 5 stars.
April 3, 2024
4.5 stars
This set of 4 stories is centered on characters working at a doggy daycare/grooming business or ones one step removed. The stories bleed seamlessly from one into the next, so there is a continuity from each one, with interesting characters that continue to develop from one book to the next, even if it isn’t “their” story. By the time you finish the 4 books, you feel like you know all the MCs very well. The blurb sets up each story well, without giving too much away. Characters are interesting and complex, each carrying baggage of some sort, whether it be through loss of loved ones, past history and hurts with the character that becomes their partner, best friends moving on to become lovers, or broken relationships with one of the characters now in new relationships, trying to find their own. Each story is told in a dual POV of the couple. The situations for each couple are individual and realistic, developing in a natural way, each with their own problems but finding a way to reach what they want and need at the end. I got very invested in the development of each couple and the endings for each felt right for them. At over 800 pages it is long for one sitting, but each book can be read as a standalone without reading the others. Each one is an enjoyable, satisfying read in itself, and as a set they are even richer as a whole, well worth the time to get to know these 8 very interesting and complicated men.
I received a copy of this book set and this is my voluntary review.
This set of 4 stories is centered on characters working at a doggy daycare/grooming business or ones one step removed. The stories bleed seamlessly from one into the next, so there is a continuity from each one, with interesting characters that continue to develop from one book to the next, even if it isn’t “their” story. By the time you finish the 4 books, you feel like you know all the MCs very well. The blurb sets up each story well, without giving too much away. Characters are interesting and complex, each carrying baggage of some sort, whether it be through loss of loved ones, past history and hurts with the character that becomes their partner, best friends moving on to become lovers, or broken relationships with one of the characters now in new relationships, trying to find their own. Each story is told in a dual POV of the couple. The situations for each couple are individual and realistic, developing in a natural way, each with their own problems but finding a way to reach what they want and need at the end. I got very invested in the development of each couple and the endings for each felt right for them. At over 800 pages it is long for one sitting, but each book can be read as a standalone without reading the others. Each one is an enjoyable, satisfying read in itself, and as a set they are even richer as a whole, well worth the time to get to know these 8 very interesting and complicated men.
I received a copy of this book set and this is my voluntary review.
April 2, 2024
A BOX SET FULL OF LOVE ❤️
This was quite a box set of stories all sweet, steamy, and bit angsty but a little drawn out for me hence four stars.
All the stories are interconnected and future friends working at a doggie parlour called Doggie Styles and after care centre who fall hard for their other person!
REGRET: Two high school hookups paths cross again eleven years later when Brin’s apartment floods his co- worker and friend Elijah offers him a room to use but his roommate is Nick still in the closet and full of regrets…
REAWAKEN: a widower and owner of Doggy Styles Tristan helps out a sexy guy one night West aka Jonas which leads to a “borrowed” bicycle being the catalyst to many phone calls and texts and later so much more…
RECLAIM: Two best friends Elijah and Kam realise there has always been more to their friendship when Kam has a bicycle accident which leads to close proximity and feelings…
REDEEM: Two antiheroes from previous relationships of the series Stewart and Michael both broken souls hook up one night and find compassion, comfort , friendship and most of all love and this is where they grow up emotionally and learn from their previous mistakes until Michael gets a promotion to Chicago…
I loved how everyone got closure from the previous books in the last book which rounded off the series beautifully!
I voluntarily received an ARC from GRR for an honest review.
This was quite a box set of stories all sweet, steamy, and bit angsty but a little drawn out for me hence four stars.
All the stories are interconnected and future friends working at a doggie parlour called Doggie Styles and after care centre who fall hard for their other person!
REGRET: Two high school hookups paths cross again eleven years later when Brin’s apartment floods his co- worker and friend Elijah offers him a room to use but his roommate is Nick still in the closet and full of regrets…
REAWAKEN: a widower and owner of Doggy Styles Tristan helps out a sexy guy one night West aka Jonas which leads to a “borrowed” bicycle being the catalyst to many phone calls and texts and later so much more…
RECLAIM: Two best friends Elijah and Kam realise there has always been more to their friendship when Kam has a bicycle accident which leads to close proximity and feelings…
REDEEM: Two antiheroes from previous relationships of the series Stewart and Michael both broken souls hook up one night and find compassion, comfort , friendship and most of all love and this is where they grow up emotionally and learn from their previous mistakes until Michael gets a promotion to Chicago…
I loved how everyone got closure from the previous books in the last book which rounded off the series beautifully!
I voluntarily received an ARC from GRR for an honest review.
March 22, 2024
Under My Skin is a collection of four great books, Regret, Reawaken, Reclaim, and Redeem. All four books are related to a group of friends, and can be read together or separately.
Book One, Regret, pertains to Brin and Nick. After a not so great situation in high school, the two are reunited over a decade later. Nick is still struggling with coming to terms with his sexuality, and Brin is feeling burned from their past. either way, both carry a lot of baggage, and it’s all coming to a head. Can people and perceptions change?
Book Two, Reawaken, is Tristan’s story. He’s struggling with the loss of his husband. This book is about grief and healing, and is definitely different from the first book. I enjoyed it a bit more as it was hurt/comfort, which is my kryptonite.
Book Three, Reclaim, is a friends to lovers story, where one friend (Kam) is hurt, and is taken care of by his other friend (Elijah). This was probably my least favorite of the four.
Book Four, Redeem, was the final book. Michael had a trail of failed relationships behind him, despite being successful in his career. He just wants a successful relationship, someone that he can care for. Stewart also had a traumatic history, and had a lot of anxiety. Both characters were antiheroes in previous books, so it was fun to see them in this story getting their HEA.
Book One, Regret, pertains to Brin and Nick. After a not so great situation in high school, the two are reunited over a decade later. Nick is still struggling with coming to terms with his sexuality, and Brin is feeling burned from their past. either way, both carry a lot of baggage, and it’s all coming to a head. Can people and perceptions change?
Book Two, Reawaken, is Tristan’s story. He’s struggling with the loss of his husband. This book is about grief and healing, and is definitely different from the first book. I enjoyed it a bit more as it was hurt/comfort, which is my kryptonite.
Book Three, Reclaim, is a friends to lovers story, where one friend (Kam) is hurt, and is taken care of by his other friend (Elijah). This was probably my least favorite of the four.
Book Four, Redeem, was the final book. Michael had a trail of failed relationships behind him, despite being successful in his career. He just wants a successful relationship, someone that he can care for. Stewart also had a traumatic history, and had a lot of anxiety. Both characters were antiheroes in previous books, so it was fun to see them in this story getting their HEA.
April 2, 2024
I do love a boxset so you can jump straight into the next in series without waiting around! I thoroughly enjoyed all the books which are based on a hurt/comfort theme and set around a dog grooming business. I liked how though the themes were the same each story was unique with great characters.
The first book Regret, featured Brin and Nick who met in high school where Brin got his heart broken. They are reunited 10 years later when Brin's condo floods and Nick offers him a place to stay. They both have plenty of baggage and have to overcome issues to take this second chance on romance.
The second book Reawaken, was so emotional and moving. Tristian is still healing from loosing his husband and just skimming through life but when he meets West who helps him overcome his loneliness and learn to find happiness.
The third book Reclaim, was just such a lovely friends to lovers story that was slow paced but this helped you learn to really become involved with Elijah and Kam and their story.
The last book Redeem, was such a great book to finish with and I thoroughly enjoyed Michael and Stewart's story from hook up to love! Alot of figuring things out inbetween of course which made it a great read.
I received this as an ARC from GRR this is my honest review.
The first book Regret, featured Brin and Nick who met in high school where Brin got his heart broken. They are reunited 10 years later when Brin's condo floods and Nick offers him a place to stay. They both have plenty of baggage and have to overcome issues to take this second chance on romance.
The second book Reawaken, was so emotional and moving. Tristian is still healing from loosing his husband and just skimming through life but when he meets West who helps him overcome his loneliness and learn to find happiness.
The third book Reclaim, was just such a lovely friends to lovers story that was slow paced but this helped you learn to really become involved with Elijah and Kam and their story.
The last book Redeem, was such a great book to finish with and I thoroughly enjoyed Michael and Stewart's story from hook up to love! Alot of figuring things out inbetween of course which made it a great read.
I received this as an ARC from GRR this is my honest review.
March 31, 2024
This is an excellent collection of stories. I liked the characters in particular, they are well developed and realistically flawed. Christina Lee is so skilled at imparting such genuine feeling into her writing. I would say all of the romances in this collection have a good bit of angst and plenty of emotion. In Regret, I loved the angst in the enemies to lovers story of Brian and Nick. The enemies part is really well done, the anger Brian is holding on to feels very raw and insurmountable at times - which gave their story great tension. Reawaken might be my favorite of the collection, I love age gap and this one is beautifully demonstrated how debilitating grief is. I loved how Tristian and West meet, they build a lovely friendship that was a highlight for me. Reclaim is a slow burn friends to lovers story, I loved the how the evolution of Kam and Elijah’s relationship felt so natural. Redeem, spicy and packed with feels. The MCs are wonderful and complex. They have plenty of baggage to work through, but what a satisfying ending for Michael and Stewart.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
April 3, 2024
This box set is such a great read. Many of the characters, in fact most of them cross between each one of the four stories.
Regret: Brings a second chance for Nick and Brin. Their young selves were not ready for what they eventually find. They find piece with each other.
Reawaken: Tristen can't help a draw to West. Their love takes it's time to grow but it is so nice.
Reclaim: Elijah finds his strength when he and Kam get closer than either of them ever expected. This is a good story.
Redeem: Who would have thought I would want to read a story about the main characters of this story. It was very unexpected but surprisingly eye opening.
All four of these stories are very well worth reading.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Regret: Brings a second chance for Nick and Brin. Their young selves were not ready for what they eventually find. They find piece with each other.
Reawaken: Tristen can't help a draw to West. Their love takes it's time to grow but it is so nice.
Reclaim: Elijah finds his strength when he and Kam get closer than either of them ever expected. This is a good story.
Redeem: Who would have thought I would want to read a story about the main characters of this story. It was very unexpected but surprisingly eye opening.
All four of these stories are very well worth reading.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
April 4, 2024
While all the characters in the books are distinct and individual, there are some common threads running through all the books that made this a must read series for me. First, the author knows how to write great variations on the hurt/comfort trope which is one of my favorites. Here, we have the pain of mourning a love lost to death, a painful high school experience, and lack of feelings of self-worth which interfere with forming relationships just to mention a few. Second, love doesn't easily or miraculously solve all problems in these stories but it does provide a foundation to build on. Also, the author knows how to effectively blend multiple tropes in a single story. These include age gap, second chances, and redemption along with the previously mentioned hurt/comfort.
April 2, 2024
This is a wonderful collection of stories by Christina Lee! So glad they this goodness is all in one set! Each story in this collection is written so beautifully and with so much emotion and heart. Get ready for some angst, steam, slow-burn, a little something for everyone! Each story will tug at your heart strings! I loved each story starting with Regret- with Brin and Nick, Reawaken with Tristian and West,
Reclaim with Kam and Elijah and finally Redeem with Michael and Stewart. I loved every story and you will too! I read an advanced copy of this boxed set and this is my unbiased review!
Reclaim with Kam and Elijah and finally Redeem with Michael and Stewart. I loved every story and you will too! I read an advanced copy of this boxed set and this is my unbiased review!
March 29, 2024
Three co-workers, all three find love and keep it tightly wrapped around them. Two exes that break off from the friend group find love in one another. Four journeys leading to four lovely HEA’S. Each includes the other characters as the friendships support each story. Each have sweetness and some drama while each compliments the others, as well. The sets of characters we meet are all likable, some after a bit, and you connect to them as they struggle and I found myself smiling as they each got their HEA’S. I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book/series.
April 2, 2024
This collection of books is absolutely fantastic, emotional, and engaging, with loveable characters and gripping hurt/comfort stories that are soooo delicious. These characters will stay with me for a long time and I love the connection of the doggy daycare. I highly recommend this box set! All 4 books are fantastic and the intertwined stories build on each other, so I already felt like I knew the characters.
I received a copy of this boxed set at no charge. This review is entirely voluntary and reflects my honest opinion of the work.
I received a copy of this boxed set at no charge. This review is entirely voluntary and reflects my honest opinion of the work.
April 3, 2024
Redeem, Reclaim, Reawaken, and Regret comprise a set of engaging stories that are connected by the dog grooming business. I especially liked Regret - there is something about the angst around that enemies to lovers theme with a closeted guy in the mix as well that made this such a delicious read. I liked the other stories as well but that one started me in and I was hooked and made my way quickly from there through the rest. I love a good bundle and this was one.
I received an ARC from GRR and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an ARC from GRR and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 8, 2024
You can't go wrong with a Christina Lee book. Put four of the most emotionally gripping stories together in a set, this is golden! Book 1 really does lay the foundation for this group of stories that intertwine. After reading books 1-3, I wasn't sure how I was going to enjoy book 4, as the main characters were not fan favorites. Thanks, Christina, for proving me wrong. It was so good! If you need a good emotional yet satifying HEA group of books, I highly recommend this set.
I received an ARC copy of this book from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an ARC copy of this book from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 8, 2024
Do overs are sweeter because of all the lessons learned. Great box set full of men who get their second chances and have grown enough to be more open to see what might have been. At least, some of our couples are ready. Sweet set, with some really nice men who have gone through some things. Our couples are dragging some serious baggage and it is a heavy chore to set the baggage down, flex and step off free of the past. Nice flow, great support, cozy sexy stories. Well done! I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 2, 2024
I love when authors provide box sets like this - I’m able to easily read, in order, a series I’m very interested in.
The Doggy Styles crew all have their own personalities and backstories. The way the books are written make them easy, yet enjoyable reads. I plan on revisiting this review once I’m able to really buckle down and review every single couple, but rest assured no matter what, this series will remain in my top 10
The Doggy Styles crew all have their own personalities and backstories. The way the books are written make them easy, yet enjoyable reads. I plan on revisiting this review once I’m able to really buckle down and review every single couple, but rest assured no matter what, this series will remain in my top 10
April 3, 2024
4.5 Stars ⭐️
This boxed set was such a fantastic collection of stories centering around a group of friends that I slowly but surely fell in love with . Each book and its main character's represented the depth of emotion, angst and straight up chemistry that I've come to expect from reading Christina Lee. I will gladly recommend this series, it was pretty much everything ❤️. See for yourself, you won't be disappointed.
* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *
This boxed set was such a fantastic collection of stories centering around a group of friends that I slowly but surely fell in love with . Each book and its main character's represented the depth of emotion, angst and straight up chemistry that I've come to expect from reading Christina Lee. I will gladly recommend this series, it was pretty much everything ❤️. See for yourself, you won't be disappointed.
* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *
April 3, 2024
These books taken separately are amazing stories but taken as a set, they are extremely powerful. Taking these screwed up guys, like me, and letting them find someone willing to take the time to see just what might be possible. Engaging reads. Totally worth my time. No wonder I love reading books by this author!
March 22, 2024
I love when I can get a box set for a series so I can just binge read all of the books in one place and I really enjoyed this series. These books are focused on a group of friends who each find their HEA, after working for it of course.
April 5, 2024
Regret, Reawaken, Reclaim,Redeem these books have a common thread woven through them in this box set and that's heart. Each one of the books will move you. You will fall in love with the characters and root for their HEAs.
April 2, 2024
A great box set of 4 tales all around a dog grooming shop. Each tale will take you on four different journeys. Fun and enjoyable stories which you will fall in love with
April 5, 2024
It was great to get all of these in one book to binge. The only book I had not read before was the 4th which was excellent! I adore a good redemption story.
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