Not Guilty of Books

  HIS UNTIL CHRISTMAS Con Riley’s Christmas Collection by Con Riley Release Date: November 20, 2024 Review What a stunningly beautiful story.  I think it may fav of Con’s Christmas stories. There was so much warmth, that even in the moments of big feelings (and misty eyes) I felt like I was wrapped up in a cozy blanket. It made me smile in a tender way. I especially adore Reece, he’s just so…thoughtful and passionate.  Jack of course is also wonderful. I mean, you have to be to make a living wrangling Rex! But he really shines over the course of the story and comes into his own. This is just one big swoony moment! Add to your TBR List GOODREADS LINK Synopsis Welcome back to London for another snow-dusted and super-emotional holiday romance from Con Riley's Christmas collection. "What do you mean I'll be someone else's PA?" I slump, the bell on my Santa hat tinkling. "For how long?" "Just until Christmas," Rex promises. "Don't worry, Ja...

  SECOND SHOT Second Chance School - Book Two by Con Riley Release Date: October 3, 2024 Review This blew me away.  So, so good. Con Riley’s writing is so utterly gorgeous that I often have to remind myself to focus on the story because I’ve started daydreaming about the places she’s described or thinking about the incredibly moving topics she exposes us to. And Second Shot is chockful of reasons to daydream.  Trauma, loss, guilt, shame. There is one scene between Hayden and Mitch, a teacher mentor, that had me bawling. But it was such a cathartic moment - for Hayden and me. Rae and Hayden are just absolutely stunning people tender, caring, selfless and so passionate. And their journey together, to love, to feeling worthy of love was perfect. This book was an honour to read. Add to your TBR List GOODREADS LINK Synopsis Second Shot (Second Chance School #2) Welcome back to Glynn Harber School for another steamy, swoony romance between two bruised souls. Passion always lead...

  SECOND SONG Second Chance School - Book One by Con Riley Release Date: May 8, 2024 Review Con blows me away every time. Her writing is spectacular. It’s the kind of writing that requires you to read every single word because you will miss nuggets of truths that will floor you. Honestly, anytime I read her work, but especially this one, I’m not only drawn into every emotion of the characters, but I also find myself learning so much about myself or about how I wish the world could be.  Liam and Rowan are both incredible people. Compassionate, hurting, and in need of a second chance. Their meeting was dramatic but set the scene for who these men were and the way they would keep finding themselves pulled to each other. What they bring to each other, but also the community was perfect. It felt so good to be back at Glynn Harber where we get to see some of the most impactful members of the team. Charles and Luke were both perfect and necessary additions to this story. But we also ...

  AFTER BEN Seattle Stories - Book One by Con Riley Release Date: Oct 5, 2019 Review This was a powerful story. It was both heartbreaking and absolutely gorgeous. This story is about Theo and his life after losing his partner Ben. It shouldn’t be a shock to discover that Ben is a huge part of this story because without understanding Ben and his love for Theo, you can’t understand Theo and the effects the loss had on his life. But the story is also about hope and new beginnings. It’s about learning to move forward and find space in your heart for another. Not to replace them but to join them.  Part of what makes it such an incredible story, isn’t just that it makes you feel the emotions of the characters, but also that it makes you sit with external emotions. Namely, there are two really great men that help Theo see a life after Ben, but only one will capture his heart. There’s no cheating or malice, but I still hurt a little for him. Con created a stunning character-driven hur...

  AUSTIN Learning to Love - Book Four by Con Riley Release Date: May 25, 2022 Audio Release Date: December 5, 2023 Review Every once and a while you come across the perfect author/narrator pairing.  Where you just couldn’t imagine the words brought to life by anyone else. Con Riley and Cornell Collins are one of those. They’re just meant to be. Together they create an unforgettable masterpiece.  I’ve previously read Austin when it was first released and was instantly in love (see original review below). But I’m so glad to say, I got to fall in love with them all over again with the audio version. Cornell is such a talented narrator. I hope to listen to more from him, especially if he’s paired with Con. ___________________________________ Original Review: Con Riley writes another masterful tale in the Learning to Love series.  Who doesn’t love a redemption story? And Austin was due his, which was beautiful, mushy, and sexy.  This was a story that reminds us that ...