Crystal Kaswell

Oh, I liked these two so much. Childhood friends turned troubled adults, re-connect for career purposes and to thwart an ex-lover. Which inevitably turns into something deeper and more true. Friends to enemies to lovers (with the added charm of re-establishing their friendship along the way). These characters have edge, and have deeper and more realistic problems than a typical romance book, which I found engaging. A reasonable amount of steam, and I liked the focus on intimate and emotional show more self-growth for both Cassie and Damon. I don't usually like the deceit/lying trope, puts me on edge until it's resolved, but I was invested enough in both of them that it wasn't a problem. I loved Damon's vulnerability contrasting with Cassie's outward toughness. I enjoyed two characters trying to keep up facades and finding it ultimately wasn't necessary between the two of them. I'm really looking forward to Daphne and Jackson's story! show less

This is a contemporary version of the classic "Sabrina". I was captivated by the story of Deanna, the mastermind behind a dating app that doesn't allow photos, and her unforeseen involvement with River, the nerdy boy next door who underwent a transformation. This story brilliantly contrasts technology-based compatibility with the unpredictable nature of human attraction. I was particularly intrigued by the relationship between Deanna and River, as their evolving bond challenges the show more fundamental basis of Deanna's app. The book expertly combines romance, personal growth, and the enduring question of whether love can be calculated. As someone who loves both romance and technology, this story resonated with me, providing both a heartwarming journey and a thought-provoking exploration of modern love. show less

4.9 stars

This book might be the best that I have read by this author. She writes with such intricate thought. Instead of writing a pretend girlfriend to shoe the ex you are over them, she instead takes that sub genre and flips it in a totally different way. I was expecting the tried and true way because I'm a sucker for those. However, this was soooooo much better. Her characters have depth. You learn all their idiosyncrasies and can get a better feel on the characters mind and how they are show more feeling. This is especially true with it being told in dual POV. As a reader I really appreciate that.

Leighton. This woman is fiery.i love that she is devoted to her best friend but keeps her true feelings hidden while she is there for him to heal from a bitter break-up. She was the personification of unrequited love. Something pretty much any person can relate to at least once in their lives.

Ryan. Good Lawd this man is swoon worthy. It's always hard to see the writing on the wall, so to speak, and in his case he couldn't see how a heartbreaking end was holding him back from the very thing he wanted. It was refreshing to see him vacillating in his feelings for Leighton instead of instant love.

Together these two had chemistry that was off the charts. It wasn't fast. It wasn't easy. It had angst. It made you smile, and your heart ache.

This series of standalones is fantastic. This one is my favorite so far though. Until Dean. I can already tell that's going to be my favorite since he is my favorite character. show less

4.4 stars

This book was a pleasant surprise. I really loved the connection between Joel and Bella. It was so much more than just steam. There was a true merging of souls in this one. I think they really were the yin and yang to the other. Joel has a dirty dirty mouth but is just as swoony as he is naughty. He brought the best out of Bella. I thought this was just going to be a quick frivilous read but there was a depth to it that I appreciated.