Kristy Marie

My heart...

Books are magic. I live for those moments that I can get lost in a story and live vicariously through the characters and the world in which they inhabit. This is even more true when I find a book that also teaches me a lesson or reminds me of something that I might have forgotten in the craziness of adulting and real life. This author managed to give me that in spades with this book which shouldn't surprise me considering that she has managed to do that since I first discovered her work.

I knew from the very beginning that this book was going to be special, and not just because of the stunning cover (seriously, this cover is aesthetically sublime and might be my favorite of all of her covers which says something because her covers are always amazing), or the blurb that just grabbed my attention and made me more excited than I usually am that she has a new story. I was correct in my assumption that this was a special book but not in the way that I was originally thinking it was going to be. I knew that it would have the trademark snark that I have come to LOVE from this author but what I was not prepared for was the hidden message about forgiveness and the importance of living a life full of grace. Something that I personally have struggled with, especially of late. It is important to not only have forgiveness but to also forgive oneself. Such a simple, yet, profound concept.

Halle was a force of a woman and one that I admired. Her tenacity and perseverance were to be commended. I am not sure that I would have had the ability to forgive what it was that had brought her to needing Dr. Potter's assistance. She was full of sass and she did not let anything deter her from starting with a fresh slate. Dr. Vance Porter... good lord this damaged man. He reminded me of a wounded wild animal that was pushed into a corner. His first instinct was to lash out and it was something that he did well. He was no match for this sweet little Georgian peach of a woman. Initially, I thought that Halle needed Vance more than he needed her. I was wrong in that assumption because he needed to learn forgiveness, only it was in forgiving himself. My heart hurt for why he was the way that he was. I cannot even imagine. Their chemistry was fire, their steamy times were more than just a moment to give the book spice, and their purpose in each other's lives was two-fold. This book was a mixture of humor (there were times that Vance totally reminded me of Theo from the Commander series) that I have come to love and also dug deeper and had an added depth to it much as Bennett had in Rebellious.

I adored the introduction of Vance's brothers and another important character that I hope will get his own book later because I can already tell there is more to his story. I was dying for each little morsel that was hinted at, especially his camaraderie with Vance. I am not sure how this author does it but she truly has mastered the craft of creating sarcastic but endearing heroes. I love hearing their inner monologues as they are contemplating unaliving someone in their head.

A great epilogue that was bittersweet because I wasn't ready to let these characters go. I cannot wait for what this author writes next, whether it is in this world with Astor and Duke Potter, or if it is my sweet little{name who I shall not mention because it would spoil how it came about in the story}, or if it is back in Commander series because regardless of what it is, it will be amazing.… (more)

Crikey, she did it again.
The very first time that I read this author, she was just starting out. I knew from that first book that there was something special about her and I couldn't wait to see her become well-known because she was just that good. With every book that she has written, her work continually improves, which says something because she is dang near perfect in my book. When it comes time for a new book, I know that she is going to challenge herself. And she does, EVERY time. She, also, seems to do it with ease. That was the case with this book.

I wasn't sure how she was going to be able to do this book justice without it seeming trite or cheesy. I mean a surprise baby AND sister's, baby daddy? Yet, I knew if someone could do it, it would be her. I was correct in that assumption because this book was everything and then some. It had all of the snark that I have come to expect from her heroines and all the swoon-worthy men who were a mixture of cocky and delicious. I have never been one that could call another man, Daddy, but I might have to make an exception for Astor because he was a daddy I would like to do so many naughty things with. SO MANY...

I vacillated between wanting to cry, scream at the unjustness of this whole situation, and laugh all at the same time. The struggle was real. KM did an amazing job at showing the realness of this situation. This was not easy, and yet it was still one of the most poignant and beautiful things that I have been able to "witness." Everything was perfect, from both Keagan's and Astor's grief, (so many beautiful moments, but I am not sure I will ever get the funeral scene out of my head), names, unexpected "parenthood", grief, and ultimately navigating feelings that started in grief but completely eclipsed that and grew. Keys(gah-this nickname) was one of my favorite characters that this author has written. She had the same sass that I EXPECT but it was so much more. Her fight to make it in her career was impressive. As a former gamer, when at the time that was unheard of (I used to Beta games in production before they were released and long before they were popular), I applauded her drive in this male-dominated world.

Astor, good lord, this man. I wasn't sure what to make of him at first. I needed to figure out his secret. My heart broke, once I dug deeper into the story. Watching him be the strength for Keys and Tatum was heartwrenching. I, seriously, had to fan my face at how well he kept them afloat. Add in his DIRTY mouth. Crikey... I am not sure I will ever recover from the whole scene that started with gummy bears without needing a cold shower. That scene, in its entirety, will live forever in my jill-bank. The ending, and how the author bookended a pivotal scene and made it relevant again with notes that meant different things... PRICELESS, followed by the true ending...Yeah, I couldn't have asked this author for more.

There were the usual cameos that I live for in this book. The moments when I can catch a glimpse of Remington almost make me giddy. The power that he has over me is insane. I am not sure I have ever looked forward to when a character will get his book told more than this kid.

I cannot recommend this author enough. I truly cannot put into words what her stories offer my heart. In the month of June, I lost my furbaby and my Dad. My heart was broken. Hell, it is broken. Yet, this author proved, yet again, that books are magic. She gave me the chance to find beauty in grief and loss and made me remember why I love to read. That, in itself, is powerful.… (more)

One of my favorite things about this author is her ability to change things up. She is never one who is afraid to write where her muse takes her. Initially, when I started this I was thinking that a book that was this rich in story and characters needed to be more. Especially, after meeting the side characters. It would been sad to leave with so many possibilities left. That is another testament to how talented she is because she creates stories with characters that feel real. Even in their ability to traverse the fine line of dark/light red flags /green flags, or even good versus bad stands out as extraordinary. I liken her characters to having some traces of her Southern charm in everything she creates, where they will kill you with kindness while also saying, "Bless their heart." In my house, I say bless their heart--mainly to my son, Storm, and my daughter, Rayni, often. To the point that they usually answer back with, "We know what that means." In my defense, they are usually being the village idiot.

I find that when I read a book by this author, I know I'm going to get the trademark snark that I live for in a KM book. She is truly one of the best (looking at you Theo and Remi). Van Gogh was something. His anger was justified. Someone needed to pay and what better person than the person who betrayed him? Or did she? Prepare for a bumpy road before these characters get their ducks lined in a row.

The chemistry between these characters was extraordinary. It's why I read romance and getting this chance to see one of my favorite authors create a story this fantastic makes it even better. I loved the snark (and in all fairness, it wouldn't have been a true KM book without it. The steamy times and chemistry were chef's kiss. I needed these characters to be given a chance for their happily ever after. It had the angst and turmoil that enhanced the story.

I would be remiss if I didn't mention Tennyson, Shakespeare, and Bach. There is a gold mine here for their stories. Each interaction had me asking what their story was. I'm eager to find out.
I did wish a few things came out or had beer explained more, but it didn't weaken this story. In my opinion, this is some of her best work. Van Gogh is up there with my Remington, Timaeus, and Bennett.


This past couple of years, my health has curtailed my reading habits. usually, I have an easy time staying on task or can finish several books in a day instead of just a few chapters a night like my new norm. Yet, once I started this book, life ceased around me, and I stayed up way too late to finish it. That's a testament to this author's talent. Originally, this book was due on my birthday, so even though that didn't happen, I still call it a belated birthday gift. One of the best things of 2024. If the past four years have taught me anything, It is to celebrate the good things that give happiness. This book did that. And the cover?!?! Sweet holy titfire.

I will have to check this review for errors when I get on my computer. Kindle likes to change words on me. I just needed to review it when it was fresh in my mind, regardless that it's 4 am or the fact that I've taken all my nighttime meds so I'm one degree away from loopy.

In my next life, I will not settle for anything less than a man created by KM.… (more)