Diving Between February's Covers

There was just something about this one. I typically do not like the back and forth and drawing things out in a romance read. HOWEVER, due to obstacles Carolina and Max had to overcome, I appreciated the organic feel and how it ended. 

This may not have been my favorite Kristan Higgins book, but I liked it. I feel like the supporting characters pulled me in more than the main ones. 

Not sure why it took me so long to eventually read this one...but I fell deep in between these covers and could not come up for air until I finished. 

When you realize you can tell someone your truth, when you can show yourself to them, when you stand in front of them bare and their response is "You're safe with me" - that's intimacy. 

I am such a sucker for a book set in Philly written by Philly authors. The icing on top was diving into racial issues. This one left me with so many conflicting emotions. 

Is Kelley REALLY a bad guy?! I liked him and see nothing wrong with having preferences. 

Tamra needs a muzzle along with committing to some serious self reflection. Natural hair does not make you authentically black. 

I adored Briar's relationship with Emira. 

Alix doesn't deserve my breath. 

I feel like the ending was rushed and a sequel on subsequent characters would have been better. 

My anticipation level is HIGH for books in this series. This one was a dud in my opinion. We are introducing new characters in the Duncan family, when things are hardly resolved with the existing ones. Due to a goodreads book description error, I had access to the synopsis of the next release. And let's just say, Niles may not be dead and I would like for this book to come out RIGHT NOW please. 

I wonder if this is a thing. A men's only book club dissecting romance reads because they need to figure out what women really want?! If so, I would LOVE to be a fly on the wall. 

And of course I saved the best for last. I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC (Advanced Reading Copy) from NetGalley for Allison Winn Scotch's book coming out on August 1. It has been 2 years since I have read a book from this author, so I also regret nothing as I abandoned my #TBR stack to get lost in these pages. 

Could you imagine PETTY things you did as a child coming back to threaten your future as an adult? And the idea those people seeking revenge have the financial means to attempt to destroy you AND your character without even knowing if you have grown as a person?!

And let's not forget vulnerability and feeling safe with those around you to be able to share your doubts and bad decisions you may have made?! 

Let's just say you are going to want to pick this one up when it is released. I cannot wait to discuss it with you all!