Aurora Rey

Since I've not been living completely under a rock for the past several years, I have heard of Aurora Rey but I've never picked up one of her books. I think she was getting popular as I was moving away from solidly reading wlw books and was pretty well burned out on them. My reading tastes are much more varied than back then but I still read plenty of wlw romances. Mostly as a way to balance out the true crime and murdery thrillers and mysteries I love. But I tend to stick to favorite old books or authors I've previously read and enjoyed. I don't often take a chance on someone who is new to me. After reading You Again, I'm going to be adding Aurora Rey to my list of authors to choose from when I need a fix.

My favorite romance trope is the second chance at love one. I absolutely adore it. When it's done well, that is. And this book was damn near perfect. The reason for the separation, the reason for the return to the hometown, the hurt, the angst, the chemistry, and the family - it was all on point and believable. Even the plot point that creates the final drama and resolution was well done and not the dreaded miscommunication or lack of communication or secret. There's little I hate more than something so that could be so easily resolved or prevented being used in such a way. It tends to feel lazy and emotionally manipulative and I want more than that. Yes, I'm demanding and have high expectations but still...

I feel like You Again has earned a spot on my reread list and I'm not lying when I say that I'm legitimately going to miss Sutton and Kate and Harper. Mostly Sutton though. She really spoke to me as a character and she had my heart aching a few times. I felt for her so much. *sigh*

I better wrap this up before I get lost in my own head rehashing the story. Big thanks to Bold Strokes Books and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to finally read Ms. Rey.… (altro)

This book is exactly what I look for in a romance novel. I connected with both MCs, thought their chemistry was fantastic, angst driven primarily from the outside but plenty of insecurities and flaws from the protagonists, very little drama due to miscommunication, interesting secondary characters that add flavor but don't take over, and a cute kid.

I've had one previous experience with Aurora Rey but this was my first read of anything by Jaime Clevenger. It won't be my last. As a matter of fact, I immediately started [b:Love, Accidentally|58517393|Love, Accidentally|Jaime Clevenger|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1625773848l/58517393._SX50_.jpg|91916531], the second combined effort by the authors focused on Finn and Amelia.

Thanks to Bold Strokes Books and NetGalley for giving me that opportunity to fall in love with two new women and an adorable kid.… (altro)

Another sweet, light-angst romance from Aurora Rey. For sure one of my go-to romance authors. Mira and Dylan were such a sweet pairing and it was SO NICE to have a Black woman as a main character!

Hard Pressed really does have it all, as far as I'm concerned. A lovely not-quite-enemies to lovers story with protagonists that have great chemistry, realistic expectations, and practice adult communication (mostly) skills. And I liked the way the book ended. After chatting with some other folks about epilogue fails, it was a nice bonus to have an ending I felt fine with.

I haven't read the book that features Rowan and Audrey but, even though they were present throughout Hard Pressed, I didn't feel like I was missing anything or hit with loads of backstory that wasn't crucial to this book.

I feel good recommending Hard Pressed to all the wlw romance readers out there.

Thanks to BSB and NetGalley for helping to feed my Aurora Rey addiction.… (altro)