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Lauren Holm

  • 73
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  • 8
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I am SHOOK

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 04-16-25

I am shook. I read this before TOG and am immediately continuing… I don’t even know what to say. My emotions are all over the place ATM. Well done SJM and chefs kiss to the narration.

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Beautiful story about friendship and resilience

Overall
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
3 out of 5 stars
Story
4 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 03-28-25

I struggled to finally pick up this last book (for now) in the series for a while and it took me a bit to get invested, which had nothing to do with the two leads who were actually some of my favorite characters in the previous stories. But this installment of the series really surprised me and not just because SJM upped the spice level for us! Holy hell! Instead, I was surprised by how thoroughly the characters are developed, especially compared to the first novels. They're flawed and dark and we get to see why. Watching them grow through the bonds of each other and friendship was emotional and beautiful. I was utterly charmed by this story!

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Mixed feelings on this one but Ainsley captured my heart!

Overall
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Story
2 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 01-13-25

I have really mixed feelings about this story… Ainsley is such a lovable MMC that I wanted better for him… I loved hearing about Tessa and Leo’s HEA and the story was eventually a nice end to the series but there was a lot that frustrated me on the way to everyone’s HEA that I don’t think I could get past to make this one I say I enjoyed or would re-visit, which was disappointing. If you’ve listened or read the other two in the story it’s worth the listen/read just to close the series out.

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Another enthralling installment!

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 01-07-25

This has been such a fun series! I agree with other reviewers that wow! I did not see that one coming! This was an adventurous, sweet and satisfying conclusion to the lads love stories.

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Wow! 🤩 what a wonderful surprise!

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 01-05-25

I liked the first two books in the series and had no complaints but this installment might be one of my new all time favs! I went through all the emotions! I found myself stopping mid-task because I was so wrapped up in the story. Beautifully done! I don’t want to say too much because I think it just needs to be experienced. A true delight!

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Argh! Main characters were so cringe!! I could not do it. So sad to leave this review :( hope the next is better

Overall
2 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
1 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 11-19-24

This story had so much potential but from the start both Liv and Ben annoyed the s$*+ out of me.


**** potential spoilers *****

He had substance and an interesting back story and I could have grown to like him but I really got lost by how he went from thinking of Olivia as a little sister figure to uncontrollably lusting for her all because of one surprise kiss. He also fought his feelings for like half a day and suddenly he decides to marry her? Without even contemplating what his friend/her dad would do or say??? It was just bizarre. I would have liked Olivia to have been more mature and worldly to makeup a bit for this age gap but her nativity and immaturity just made the whole attraction and chemistry feel cringe. Their interactions were just … uncomfortable. And it made what could have been steamy love scenes unbearable and could not fast forward quick enough. Lol!

I didn’t mind the age gap trope in general but the transition from “friends” to “lovers” was clumsy and left me confused. Calloway does a great job with this trope in “The Gentleman Who Loved Me” with Primrose and Andrew… this time around I just couldn’t buy into it.

I liked the side narrative of the opium mystery but Charlie’s Society was a bit too far fetched for me. I wish more time would have passed between their induction and when they started going on missions rather than a week of learning martial arts and suddenly felling villains in the street with a punch… also confused how Olivia’s parents went from being involved in several mysteries in heart of inquiry to suddenly absent parents who just leave their teenager with a stranger for several months??? It didn’t make sense with the characters we were introduced to in heart of inquiry.

I’m hesitant to even continue the series… which makes me sad b/c I generally find Calloway’s books entertaining. To end on a positive note, Marianne hussy was flawless per usual.

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Least fav of the series but ending redeemed the whole story

Overall
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
3 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 11-10-24

I was disappointed with this installment… I think if you’re reading the whole series it’s worth it to soldier on through the first part for the ending.

*** potential spoilers ***

The first 3/4 of the story I really didn’t like… the MFC annoyed the hell out of me and I felt so bad for Paul who was just trying to help and everything just kept getting worse and worse. The end conflict and redemption arch saved the whole thing from being a “don’t bother” to “you gotta read for the series resolution but I wouldn’t read as a stand alone” the romance felt a bit forced and abrupt… didn’t feel like there was enough build up between Paul not noticing her to all of a sudden he’s infatuated and doesn’t understand why… all in all the story was wine but I wouldn’t recommend unless you’re invested in the characters and overall series.

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TG the series picked back up!!

Overall
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
4 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 11-04-24

The last few books in the series for me seemed to be on a progressive downward slide and I considered not finishing but boy am I glad I stuck to it! This one picked back up for me and had all the entertainment, development and steam the others had been missing! I finished the last two in this series back to back over a weekend of cleaning and they did not disappoint! Highly recommend for fans of the series!

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Wow! Best of the series! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 11-03-24

Andrew Corbbett.... Swoon!!! This book had a lot more depth than the others in the series. The heroine was frustrating at times, but as you dive deeper into her past so much insight into her motivations and fears begins to chip away at the surface level annoyance and by the end I had so much empathy for her. And ANDREW GOOD GOD! What a lovable MMC. I can honestly say he's gone straight to the top of favorite heroes for me. Sprinkle in maximum spice level and this is Grace Calloway at her best!

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Cute!!

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 10-19-24

Loved this refreshing take on a common HR trope. It was a great start to a new series. The MMC and MFC were super likable and I loved the boys in the boat element and can't wait for the friends to get their HEA. My only complaint was there was a bit too much internal monologues for my liking. As always, Ashford McNabb was wonderful.

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