Thank you Lola for not adding to the list of MC romances that make their female lead some meek, naive damsel with zero backbone, zero self-esteem, that is just waiting to be rescued by a jerk in leather.
Look...I will admit that Ava is a tiny bit unrealistic in that she is amazing at so many things, baking, cooking, fighting, singing, song writing, she has out of this world pets, but I'll be real. I don't go looking for books that are 100% realistic. I want my books to have a bit of the fantastic, I want a female lead that I can look up to, that makes me want to be more like her. Ava is a certified badass, and I completely respect Lola's decision to make her that way. Girl has plenty of reason for it.
Now Gunner. He's a bit more realistic. He's a bit of a dumbass at times. He doesn't pay too close attention to things that he probably should. Typical alpha that's used to bachelor life. He's dominant, protective, a little dumb, but he's loving, and kind too. I adore the way Ava puts him in his place and tries to make him see how his actions make her feel through Her actions.
Now the fun part. Ava pets. Loki, Gee, Mac, and Duffy.
Gee's name. Thank you, Lola for the giggle.
Duffy and his big lazy ass. Can relate. Still wondering if he is just abnormally large or if he's a main coon kitty.
Loki and his protective instinct. Thank you for giving me a big case of pup envy.
And Mac.
*chefs kiss* That bird knows how to provide some comedic relief. I giggled at that snarky little guy so many times throughout this story.
They may not be the most realistic set of pets but man am I jealous as hell that I don't have at least one of them.
Overall I had a lot of fun reading this. There are a few moments of seriousness towards the end but nothing gets too deep. There is always a bit of humor not too far away.
Re-read: 7-22-2021
Felt exactly the same way I did the first time when I was writing the review above.
Such a good book. I’m glad I reread it.
Re-Read: 02/21/22
4.7 stars.
Ditto. 👆🏻
But also. I would love to see the author go back in and do some minor editing. There’s some spelling errors, nothing too distracting, but still noticeable.
I would also like to see a bit more separation between time jumps. I love this book, and the series as a whole, but Lola really likes to jump ahead when things are slow and there’s just a paragraph tab to separate the difference most of time. It can be a little jarring.
Still.
None of that takes away from the enjoyment I get from reading this, as shown by the previous two times I’ve read it.
Also. I’d just like to note, you should check TWs for all of these books. This one has mention of past SA, kidnapping, and of course violence.
Just something I didn’t mention in my past reviews that I think is probably important to know for a lot of people.
Re-Read: 03/25/23
4.7 stars.
Every time I read this book. Which has now been four times, I think, I remember why it’s in my favorites list.
I would still love that edit update to happen someday, but the story itself is just too good to let the little things detract too much from it.
I am eternally in love with this cast of characters.