proserpine finished reading and wrote a review...
screaming crying wheezing throwing up As much as I really was looking forward to this book, I was unable to understand the perplexing, conflicting feeling I had while reading it. I have a strong interest in the hate-to-love and childhood-friends-to-lovers tropes However, I believe that this book has just fallen short of my expectations😞 This is one of the most absurd hate-to-love book tropes I have ever encountered. Regardless of their hatred, Cal and Nellie have been secretly in love since high school. And it seems that they express their love language for one another by harassing one another. It makes sense why the book has this title. Their banter was really confusing as hell, there also were no sweet moments or chemistry between them. They actually insult one another constantly, yet they also constantly desire for one another. One moment they had tense arguments, the next they had sex, then becoming distant again. Days or weeks pass before they meet one another, have sex, and insult each other once more. They simply never stop doing those irritating cycles. And it's pretty annoyed me that much😓 Nevertheless, the epilogue and bonus epilogue will make up for it. And once more, I was able to finish this in less than a day. On top of that, I would like to acknowledge Cindy Kay and Connor Crais for narrating this book. I liked how great they portrayed the characters and described them so well that I didn't lose interest in the book because of the annoying plot. I still merely curious to see where the author will take us in the upcoming book, as the epilogue gave us a sneak peek at what happens with Larke. I will undoubtedly read The Brawl immediately following this! 💥🏃🏻♀️
proserpine finished reading and wrote a review...
“I'm a mess.” —Kerrigan Hale “You're beautiful.” —Pierce Sullivan greening sobbing wheezing swooning screaming crying throwing up Once more, I finished this in less than twenty-four hours, and I'm still a little conflicted about it. I really adore Kerrigan's characters and personalities in this book. Her perseverance, fortitude, and ability to bounce back from challenges are admirable. However, I also found the "we want each other, but we can't be together" premise is a bit unnerving. Reaching the finish of the book's writing style also makes me think that I'm already growing used to the author's hurried plot. In spite of everything, this novel made me content, in the most possible ways. I revered the way their connection grew, which we witnessed over their time together. I also kind of liked it more than I should've hope for since the romance is so slow burn. Seeing the scenes with the three of them together, especially with Clementine, the cat mentioned, will make up for the twists that may have surprised me a little. Since the epilogue and the beginning of this book both gave us a major hint about what would happen between Nellie and Cal, I was just intrigued to see where the author would take us in the following book. I will totally read The Bully right after this! 💥🏃🏻♀️
proserpine finished reading and wrote a review...
fuming raging sobbing weeping screaming crying wheezing throwing up Well, first, what a disappointment is this? I had nothing but to feel so much hatred for all the main characters in here except Everly. I really had a high hope that this would be better that The Bribe, but it turns out so much worse hufttt😓Lately, i'm into the a marriage of convenience and a single dad, The Bluff, however, fell short of my expectations. Of course, I'll weep sob cry and wail only for Everly. This has been through a lot, only to get lash out by her husband even if she tried her best to help him out. Huxley, oh dammit, I had high hopes for him too, but it turns out that they turn into disdain. This dumbass dude had nothing to do rather than being mean to his wife. It would be good, though, if she gave her wife a bit more thought and consideration. In addition to their sex-only relationship, I wish this couple had more genuine chemistry and interaction. In spite of everything, I still managed to finish this in less than a day either. I would also like to acknowledge Aiden Snow and Vanessa Edwin for narrating this book. I love how great they portrayed the characters and described them so well that I didn't lose interest in the book because of this infuriating plot. Given that we were given a glimpse about what happens between Kerrigan and this mysterious dude that she had countered with in the epilogue, I was simply interested to see what the author was going to lead us to in the next book. I'll absolutely read The Brazen right after this! 💥🏃🏻♀️
proserpine finished reading and wrote a review...
“This is a long story” —Lucy Ross “I've got nothing but time for you.” —Duke Evans giggling gasping wheezing swooning screaming crying throwing up Well, I manage finish this—not in just one sitting tho, but less than 24 and I kinda feel conflicted about it. I like the banter between Lucy and Duke, especially I loved the way Duke adores her. On the other hand, they seem fell in love pretty quickly. I just wished they had to spend more time together more. Also, one thing that made me a bit itchy is how the climax sounds too rushed by reaching the end of the book. Despite it all, I love how the idea that the 'town girl' fmc was planning and wanting on to stay in this small town where she finds her solace rather than stays momentarily like another books with this kind of tropes which brings the third break up act into the surface. This book, however, is not like that, which is why I enjoyed it through some previous critics I have. Likewise, I wanted to acknowledge Ava Erickson and Jason Clarke for narrating this book. I love how vividly they brought the characters to life and how wonderfully they represented them. After getting a sneak peek at what transpires between Huxley and Everly, I was eager to see what the author will introduce us to in the upcoming novel. I will definitely read The Bluff immediately after this! 💥🏃🏻♀️
proserpine finished reading and wrote a review...
“Never again will I let something from my past haunt me in the future.” gasping wheezing throwing up Well, this was something. The pace is uneven, but as it reaches 40% above, it becomes straightforward. Especially when this book has short chapters which the part I enjoyed the most and I manage to finish this in just one sitting. I truly did not see that coming and my guess was likewise wrong again apparently, but the twist was not that kind of shocking. This book's plot had the potential for an engaging thriller, but its lack of depth kept it from reaching its full potential. While it started strong, it soon lost momentum, feeling more like a slow-burn suspense rather than a true thriller. The characters and narrative lacked substance, and the repetitive storyline made it difficult to stay invested. Unfortunately, the ending felt too unrealistic, leaving a sense of disappointment instead of satisfaction. Nevertheless, I suppose it's still okay because it was a decent way for me to pass the time, and I still plan to read more of this author's novels in the future.
proserpine finished reading and wrote a review...
gasping wheezing slurring choking throwing up Interestingly, this wasn't that horrible. I mean I've already prepared myself to test your patience, since every Freida's character is infuriating, but, surprisingly, it's not. But why does everyone seem like have a beef with every other Freida's books tho they keep reading her own book (including me, but I don't have a beef with them tho, kinda). iykwim. Other than The Coworker and The Crash, this is another book by Freida McFadden with a subtly pleasant ending—not hapy tho, resolute? maybe(?) And that surprised me more than I could have imagined. The points of view were fragmented, alternating between the first and third person as well as the past and present. However, there are a lot of secrets, and the plot ended magnificently. This is actually a romantic thriller. Also, as always, it was difficult to get there until the twists clicked and makes your head wanted to explode. But the "twists" were spectacular and eventually acceptable tho. And yeah, that makes me enjoyed this more than I should have hoped for. I could possibly read Suicide Med or Brain Damage after this. Who would've guess🤷🏻♀️ Let's just see tho.
proserpine commented on a post
I've been that THAT eager to read Rio's own book ever since I read Mile High. After all, it was the Rio-Hallie edit that kept up in my timelines that ultimately prompted me to leap into binge-read this series. Hell yeah!! Rio-Hallie, I'm coming in hot!!!🔥💥🏃🏻♀️
proserpine finished reading and wrote a review...
“we’re all a bunch of transplants from other places who found a home in the windy city . . . and with each other.” sobbing weeping greening giggling gasping wheezing squeaking swooning limping wailing screaming throwing up. Five stars wouldn't even be sufficient. I require a thousand million billion trillion quadrillion more stars for this book. Utter perfection. RAAAAAHHHHH SCREAMING WHEEZING THROWING UP. I love this book so much it hurts my heart would detonate. I'd be delightful and proudly declare that this book is my most fave in the series.No complaints about it at all. Everything about it is perfect PERFECT✨ And I adore every sequence of it periodt. periodism. periodicity. periodically. periodic table. I was rolling and cartwheeling with pure joy. I also strongly believe that this was the best approach to wrap up the series. I've been dying to get to know this couple sides of story ever since I read Mile High, after all, it was the Rio-Hallie edit that kept up in my timelines that ultimately prompted me to leap into binge-read this series. This book has really and truly exceeded my expectations in every way. It is equally heartbreaking and swoon-worthy, making it an emotional rollercoaster. Liz Tomforde had done a fantastic job letting us greening giggling laughing during some certain scenes and sobbing weeping crying a lot more during others. A TMI, this might sound a bit crazy and odd and jarring, but I kinda see myself in Hallie and saw my former crush in Rio, and it stirs all of the emotion in me. I'm utterly bewildered and devastated. My eyes were completely dry from crying, whether it was from delight or despair 🥹. I never imagined getting so engrossed in this chaotic, real, complicated, realistic, passionate, and emotional love story🤧. I can relate with Hallie's character, her quiet strength, the weight she carried without complaint, and the sacrifices she made for those who didn’t always appreciate them. She downplayed her own struggles, feeling ashamed of simply trying to survive, while grappling with regrets from the past that she had no choice but to face. The emotional depth of her journey, from anchoring her family to finally embracing her own dreams, was both heartbreaking and beautiful. And my heart breaks, hurts, and aches for her. I adored how the author portrayed Hallie's pain, resilience, and ultimate growth— allows Hallie to be seen. It was very enticing to see her change because, in the end, she did not only survive but thrived. And there's the man I've been longing for since the first book, Rio is everything—one of the most beautifully written male leads, not just for his swoon-worthy moments but for the way he loves. His devotion to Hallie is steady, fierce, and unwavering, and his loyalty never falters, even after heartbreak. His unselfish nature and absolute trust in her make me want to drop to my knees. What wrecked me most was his belief in love as something unshakable and unbreakable, only to see that illusion shatter. Throughout the series, we saw him struggling to find love, but here, we finally understand why—it wasn’t just losing a person; it was losing what love was supposed to be in his eyes. Watching him rebuild that belief—not blindly, but with full awareness of its fragility—was breathtaking. His journey was subtle yet profound, and in the end, he didn’t just accept love; he found something real—a love that hurts, heals, and chooses you anyway. The romance in this book is anything I could ever envision in a love story. The longing, pinning, yearning is beyond everything. Their chemistry, banter, and reconnection were so flawless that I thought my heart could burst 🥹 Every moment seemed genuine and achieved because of their relationship, which was based on mutual respect, communication, patience, and understanding. Liz Tomforde absolutely nails the second-chance trope, delivering flashbacks that matter—not filler, but essential pieces of their story. We had to see it all—how they met, how they fell, how they broke, and how they found their way back. Their love feels raw, emotional, and lived-in because we witness every phase—the memories, the firsts, the pain, the mistakes. And when they finally reunite, it’s not just a fix—it’s a reckoning, a healing, a choice. They chose each other again, and this time, it was intentional, certain, and deeply felt. There is nothing more satisfying than witnessing a character you connect with receive everything they deserve. I’m not ready to say goodbye to this series. The found family trope? Perfect. Impeccable. Fantastic. *chef's kiss*💋 I’m obsessed with this entire friend group, they've become my emotional wreck, my haven, and my solace. One of the most satisfying aspects of this adventure was seeing them transform from separate love stories into a ride-or-die family. I was absolutely destroyed (in the best manner possible) by the group's moments and scenes. The author’s mastery of the found family trope is flawless, leaving me utterly stunned. The characters from previous books still shine, their bonds stronger than ever, and I cherished every moment of their love and loyalty 🥺 I would also like to acknowledge Connor Crais and Megan Wicks for their incredible book duet narration. I loved how they brought the characters to life and how wonderfully they represented them. Overall, I had a great time devouring this series. The relationships, the banter, and the deep connections between each couple were so engaging and heartfelt. The found family trope was executed perfectly, making the entire series even more charming and emotionally fulfilling. If you're looking for a sports romance packed with swoon-worthy chemistry and unforgettable bonds, this is an absolute must-read! 💙🩷🧡💜❤️❤️🔥❤️🩹💞💖💓💗💥
Post from the Rewind It Back (Windy City, #5) forum
I've been that THAT eager to read Rio's own book ever since I read Mile High. After all, it was the Rio-Hallie edit that kept up in my timelines that ultimately prompted me to leap into binge-read this series. Hell yeah!! Rio-Hallie, I'm coming in hot!!!🔥💥🏃🏻♀️
proserpine started reading...
Rewind It Back (Windy City, #5)
Liz Tomforde
proserpine finished reading and wrote a review...
wheezing giggling greening swooning choking gasping weeping sobbing screaming crying throwing up Live, laugh, love Isaiah Rhodes indeed screaming wheezing throwing up. Oh, how do I express how much I really do adore every sequence of this book so much I might tantruming around. First of all, Isaiah“Watch your fucking words when you’re speaking to my wife.”Rhodes and second of all, ISAIAH"Her last name is Rhodes. Now get your fucking hands off my wife."RHODES Does this book is Play Along? No? Because I know it as PERFECTION🤌🏻✨I love both Isaiah and Kennedy so much either individually or as a couple. Their perfect in their own way, and I really truly adore them, I almost confused on how to write this proper review. He fell first and fell harder and combined with she finally falls for him too was a perfect damage indeed. Isaiah was very considerate and compassionate and the way he was devoted, infatuated, and devoted with Kennedy was so lovely my heart would combust. My standards are now so high that they penetrate the Earth's magnetosphere and then rise much farther to the TRAPPIST-1 planetary system. Yes, that STANDARD is Isaiah Rhodes. He might go "I'll go grocery shopping, cook your dinner, wash your car, read you a book, do some laundry, take care of you, love you without conditions, and worship you." This man also looks at Kennedy as though she were the only person in the entire universe. He is the perfect embodiment of he falls first and harder because he did exactly that. And his perfectly imperfect was beyond all measures. And there's Kennedy, the loml, I utterly immensely love, adore, admire her so much my lungs might detonate. She was raised up by dysfunctional parents who failed to instill in their daughter the value, uniqueness, and affection she possesses. I'll cry, weep, and mourn for that, specifically for her. I completely identify relate to her and her being was so valid, and I'm exceedingly proud of her! Their banter, connection and chemistry were so perfect my heart might actually explode🥹 Their relationship is built on a number of values, including communication, patience, respecting one another's difficulties, taking their time to get to know one another better, and more. They established a solid bond of adoration and affection for one another. I could feel their chemistry in every part of me. They gave each other room when necessary to work through their own difficulties, encouraged one another, and assisted one another in developing while working on themselves. Even if the near-third break-up-act is slightly on my radar, I don't feel overwhelmed by it since they both handle it maturely and so well, I could cry and sob from happiness and relieveness. Everything about their affection felt so genuine and unadulterated for me. I was grinning giggling wheezing throwing up just from their sexual tension and banter. I also started weeping sobbing crying throwing up during their vulnerable and tender moments. Isaiah and Kennedy are without any hesitation my favorite couple in this series so far, and they will always have special spot in the deepest part of my being. This was such a cute and romantic book. The found family is another aspect of this novel that I adored the most. The writer's mastery of the found family motif in this novel (series) is so amazing and flawless that it left me completely stunned. The characters from the earlier books show a great deal of affection here as well, and I cherished how strong the bonds were🥺 I also would like to acknowledge Jacob Morgan and Samantha Brentmoor for narrating this book. I loved how they brought the characters to life and how wonderfully they represented them. I'm very eager to see what the author will introduce us to in this series' last installment. Also, I've been that THAT eager to read Rio's own book ever since I read Mile High. After all, it was the Rio-Hallie edit that kept up in my timelines that ultimately prompted me to leap into binge-read this series. One step closer toward the series' eventual completion. Hell yeah!! Rewind It Back, I'm coming in hot!!!🔥💥🏃🏻♀️
Post from the Play Along (Windy City, #4) forum
gahhhhhh picking this right up after finishing Caught Up. Kennedy-Isaiah i'm comingggggg!!!
proserpine started reading...
Play Along (Windy City, #4)
Liz Tomforde
proserpine finished reading and wrote a review...
wheezing giggling gasping weeping sobbing screaming crying throwing up 4 freaking stars for little Max!!! I genuinely wanted to give it five stars because I love the way Miller interacted and handled Max so well my heart would erupt. But, then third break-up act happens and both of them are too stubborn to make them stay for each other, so yeah, I guess 4 stars would comply. I have mixed feelings about Miller's characters; she was bright, witty, and pleasant, but she also had problems that we saw her resolve. However, I think that was acceptable and valid, and I'm glad she was able to find a solution for herself in the end. And there's Kai the Baseball Daddy who happens to be our kryptonite duh🫦 Also, Max's cuteness is beyond words. Every scene that has Max in it has successfully melted my heart, especially when he got to called Miller Mama for the first time after learning how to pronounce certain words for so long🥺 The three of them would make the cutest little family, and when it truly happens in the epilogue my heart is exploding with joy. I couldn't feel happier. Even so, I find their banter to be rather entertaining. Though it initially feels a little insta-lustful, their chemistry was not that horrible. The relationship could have been a little slower, in my opinion, and they clicked too quickly. And the third break-up act was making me mad a bit, but I'm glad that their finally find a way to clear things up. The found family trope that the author presents in this book (series) is incredible as well, I cherished how solid the friendships were here. I also would like to acknowledge Alex Kydd and Megan Wicks for narrating this book. I enjoy how they both make the characters seem so real. Since it gave us a lot of details regarding Isaiah and Kennedy's side of the story (re: problem), which really piqued my interest, I was really interested to see where the author would take us in the next book. Yes! I'll absolutely read Play Along straight away after this! 💥🏃🏻♀️
Post from the Caught Up (Windy City, #3) forum
proserpine started reading...
Caught Up (Windy City, #3)
Liz Tomforde
proserpine finished reading and wrote a review...
greening giggling gasping choking screaming wheezing throwing up Okay, this book was far better than the first one, and I am eternally grateful for that. Welcome, Ryan-Indy for joining my recently updated list of my favorite book couples of all time. Ryan's quietest loves for Indy screams the loudest indeed. I truly adore how Ryan loves Indy in a quiet but fierce way, worships her, encourages her to pursue what she wants, lets her to be unapologetically herself, defends her, respects her, helps her get over her embarrassing ex, and shows to her what it's like to be loved and cared. Also, the way he made her a bookshelf and made sure she always got food to eat is making me screaming wheezing kicking my feet punching my head to the wall so bad. Indy tho... I love her so much it had me speechless beyond everything. I adore her energy so much I almost wish I had the ability to jump into this book and puch Alex face myself. Her sunshine-y personality was worth everything. The attraction between them seems forced and fake since they're indeed doing a fake relationship, but the banter and especially the chemistry between them when their feeling starting to speak for each other is an absolute perfection🤌🏻🔥 And the almost third break-up act almost throw me over the edge, but it'll be paid off since both of them handled it well. They're so perfect together I almost couldn't stand it gahhhhhhh *screaming emptying the air from my lungs* And the spicy and smut scene, yummmm, my good God, Ryan Shay, I only pray for my soon-to-be-man out there, if they not taking notes from this man, then they're done. Likewise, I would like to acknowledge Sean Crisden and Juniper Young for voicing this book. They brought the characters to life and did an amazing job depicting them. I was merely interested yet again to see what the author will introduce us to in the next book, considering that we were given a teaser for what happens with Kai Rhodes. So, yes! will definitely begin reading Caught Up right away after this! 💥🏃🏻♀️
Post from the The Right Move (Windy City, #2) forum
proserpine finished reading and wrote a review...
greening giggling screaming wheezing throwing up Okay, first of all, I'm probably will get to many lashes out after saying this, but screw that, bcs I've got to be honest. This book seems to have too many pages, thus finishing it felt like completing an assignment. But despite it all, I truly adore Stevie's character her. I admire how she can embrace how truly she is and being confident for herself. And there's Zander who happens to be Stevie's number 1 defender. I adore how he always encouraging her and being proud for and of her. I still enjoy the banter between them even though the third break-up act was a bit overwhelmed me. But I believe they handle it both well and it will made up for it. I would also want to appreciate Mari and Winston James for narrating this book. They did a fantastic job portraying the characters and make it more alive. After seeing a preview of Ryan and Indy's banter, I was genuinely excited to see what the author will introduce us to in the upcoming novel. So yes, I will immediately start reading The Right Move after this! 💥🏃🏻♀️
proserpine finished reading and wrote a review...
“The bravest thing you can do when you love someone is work hard to keep them—to hold on to them with everything you’ve got—and even when you loosen your grip, you don’t let go.” sobbing weeping greening giggling wheezing screaming crying throwing up Okay, as much as I've already said that I'm so very looking forward to this book, I couldn't help but felt a bit conflicted about this book. Like I enjoyed this part of the book mostly, but I also felt off and flat about this book as well. I truly adore this one's tropes, as well as Cam and Dusty's characters and banter. Even though I was definitely rooting for them, I feel like I don't know them well, so I do wish we had gotten to know them a little better and more personally. Even if there is a flashback to their previous relationship, I still don't feel like I'm satisfied with Lyla, but I do feel like it captures the essence of their former interactions, IYKWIM. Despite it all, I thought this book's small-town setting and found family cliché were excellently written. There's mostly a great deal of good cry that came out of me while reading this book, especially by the epilogue and the bonus scene of Emmy's wedding. Likewise, I want to acknowledge Connor Crais and Savannah Peachwood for narrating this book. I love how vividly they brought the characters to life and how wonderfully they represented them. They are such a wonderful combination of narrators. Though it's not a duet narration, I truly cherished their combination's here 🤧💞 Overall, I genuinely enjoyed reading this series. I thought the relationships between each pair were interesting, courageous, and fascinating. The trope of the found family that characterizes this interwoven series is incredibly charming and endearing. I would heartily recommend reading this series if you're searching for a small-town romance with sizzling banter and unforgettable scenes between each couple! 🐎❤️🔥 And even though it is not an incredible way to wrap up the series, I'm glad that I was able to start this series at the perfect moment. I am aware that the first two books may seem poorly written or unworthy of your time, but I implore you to really be patient and bear with it. Because the third book is perfect in every aspect and is definitely worth your time, and because this last installment is a nice way for the author to communicate how she feels about ending this series as part of her life journey and as a way to acknowledge us, the readers! 🩵🧡💚🩷