Egon Wolf is on a hockey scholarship but failing at everything else. Knowing heās going to lose his ride if he doesnāt get his academic act together, he seeks out a tutor.
Rakesh Aahnu is a dual major and dangerous when bored. What he enjoys more than anything is the challenge of making straight men fall for him before walking away. Just because he can.
But both Egon and Rakesh are about to discover that life has a way of throwing you in the sin-bin when you least expect it.
And when faced with an unfamiliar play?
All you can do is shiver.
***
This is a LGBT+ story with content not intended for those under 18 years of age due to graphic scenes and situations.
Shiver (For Puck’s Sake Book 1) by Crea Reitan
Publication Date 25/5/2023
My Review
Itās just m/m in this book. And to be honest I loved it. This author can be relied upon to get our pulses racing with multiple partners and established groups. So I did wonder how only two bodies would fill the page.
I need not of worried, Egon and Rakesh fill those pages just nicely thank you.
Egon Wolf is a hockey player with a problem! His grades are slipping! And if they fall any further heās off the team and out of college (heās on a scholarship) so he needs a tutor, luckily his hockey coach has a genius on hand to help himā¦ā¦
Rakesh Aahnu is teaching assistant in the same college who is also working on his own dissertation on atomic metric of an RNA for his P.h.D, getting his master’s in physics
(not to brag, but the man is a genius) he doesnāt do people, nor does he like to tutor (most of the students he tutored did not take him seriously!) but he owes his uncle a favour and reluctantly takes Egon onā¦ā¦.
Gay guy leads straight guy astray š and thatās all Rake wants, (he finds the challenge of selecting a man and then conquering him, until the novelty wears off! But along the way feelings are involved (which is a foreign concept for Rake!) and this angers and scares Rake (heās only looking for a little fun then he moves on to his next conquest.
Egon is also struggling with his feelings and thoughts about his tutor! He likes girls, he has a āsortā of girlfriend. But the more time these two spend together the lines become blurredā¦.
And when the inevitable happens, one heart will break, and the other heart shatters! And when that moment cameā¦.. I blubber like a baby! I wanted to scream at Rake for abandoning Egon, I know he was scared, but the way he left Egon was just low!!!!
Both characters have family issues, and itās great that they are looked at and resolved.
The bedroom scenes are hot š„µ the humour between Egon and his teammates will have you chuckling. And the romantic momentsā¦. Well they will just have you sighing like a Victorian maiden š
So will Egon forgive Rakesh? Can Rakesh move past his fears of commitment? Will they get their happy ever after?
This book has been a little gem. And I hope we get to see more of the team in future books.
Loved Egon (my favourite character in the book) he was just a gem. Took me a little while to warm up to Rake, but once you see his caring/dominant side come out, Iām there grinning from ear to ear. Secondary characters had me wanting to read their stories, especially Uncle ? and BFFās Rakkis and ?
Iām not a big sports fan, so the writer could have written anything, but with enough hockey terminology it stopped the book becoming boring.
There are a few subjects that might upset some readers, my advice is to check them out before reading this book.
Immortal Beginnings (An Etheryaās Earth novella) #4.5 Etheryaās Earth Series by Rebecca Hefner
DESCRIPTION
From USA Today bestselling author Rebecca Hefner
Etheryaās Earth #4.5
Can a Deamon who has never felt a loverās touch win the affection of a beautiful but wary Vampyre widow?
Strong and stoic Dragos yearns to build an honest life after the War of the Species ends. Due to his servitude to the Dark Lord Crimeous, he never had the opportunity to experience love or true emotion.
Vampyre widow Raina promised sheād never love another. Yet, sheās taken with her handsome, enigmatic new neighbor and his kindness to her two sons.
When Raina realizes Dragos has never had a lover, she gives in to their mutual passion, never realizing she might also lose her heart to the man who somehow invaded every crevice of her soulā¦
Dear readers, you know I love an inexperienced hero! Settle in and enjoy this sweet, steamy story with a guaranteed HEA.
Publication date 7/8/2022
Immortal Beginnings (An Etheryaās Earth novella) #4.5 Etheryaās Earth Series by Rebecca Hefner
Etheryaās Earth Series:
Book 0.5 The Dawn of Peace (novella)
Book 1: The End of Hatred
Book 2: The Elusive Sun
Book 3: The Darkness Within
Book 4: The Reluctant Savior
Book 4.5: Immortal Beginnings (novella)
Book 5: The Impassioned Choice
Book 5.5: Two Souls United (novella)
Book 6: The Cryptic Prophecy
Book 6.5: Garridanās Mate (novella)
Book 7: The Diplomatic Heir
Book 7.5: Sebastianās Fate (novella)
Book 8: The Solitary Protector
My Review
Raina and Dragos are neighbours in my favourite realm āEtheryaā written by one of my āgo toā authors Rebecca Hefner.
So, Raina and Dragos are neighbours, Dragos is a Deamon solider who was released after the death of his master Crimeous (and thatās all Iāll say on that matter as it happens in book 4 of this series āReluctant Saviorā you might not have read) heās living as a free Deamon and heās happy at last, working with as a labourer in a factory and carving wood pieces in his spare time, itās not much,but heās living free.
His only wish is that his beautiful neighbour would see him more than just a neighbour! But he doesnāt know how to chat to a female!
But that wouldnāt matter, heās a Deamon and a Deamon killed the womanās male!
Raina has two young boys to bring up after her bonded male died in the final war that freed the realm from the evil Crimeous, moving away from the family home that held so many memories, sheās making a new life for her and the boys.
Sheās kept her distance from the quiet neighbour, but sheās definitely aware of him. She shouldnāt be entertaining the notion of romance with a Deamon, but thoughts keep entering her mind at why not?!
An incident brings the neighbours closer together, they become friends, but who makes the first move to make them more?
I did like the fact Raina is the instigator in this book, she takes charge and takes the reins. Dragos is totally inexperienced and surprised when all of his fantasies and dreams come true at the hands of this amazing female. There are funny moments, there is a few tears shed along the way, and there is a few hot under the collar moments.
But can they overlook his deeds? And how will the Vampyres react to Raina and Dragos?
This is a novella that is between books four and five.
A tale of Vampyre and Deamon, a warrior and a widow.
Short, but so sweet. And with a little bit of spice š
Iām loving these short stories that keep appearing.
Equipoise (Brothers of Eschat Book 2) by Crea Reitan
Description
Fight or f*ck. Thatās how the Eschats live.
What started with unsolicited d!ck pics that led to an @rgy has resulted in the end of the world.
While Iām happy in my new life with the seven Brothers of Eschat, living in their underground world of Manaalanian, there are questions left unanswered.
Questions that require a lot of d!ck-in time to contemplate, make plans, and decide to put forth an effort to solve.
But we donāt actually find the person responsible for setting the end in motion. He finds us. And he needs our help to set the world right because now thereās something else interfering in his endeavor to rebuild civilization by unaliving everything that is left.
I said it before and I’ll say it again; at least the men in this weird world are hot and hung.
There are worse ways to spend my days. Like running from things that are set on killing me while my men fight for their very existence.
*This is a polyamorous story with content not intended for those under 18 years of age due to graphic scenes and situations.
Equipoise (Brothers of Eschat Book 2) by Crea Reitan
My Review
Book two has us almost where book one left us. Iād recommend reading book one first, but thatās just me. (But this book will make more sense if you read book one)
And without giving too much away from book oneā¦.
Lux is still with her hot posse, they are discovering that āend of daysā is still going to happen! And they are all linked to the end of days prophecy! They are still trying to correct the damage Kulki created! But there is also something else in the dark thatās trying to bring on the end of daysā¦.. and itās harder to pin downā¦.
Lux is still a strong character, but in parts she does become a little whiny! She also stops questioning things and lets her āguysā deal with issues! And Iāve also got issues with Sunny/Apo/Sham/Rage/Atar/Doom and Gedd, theyāve gone from wanting to save the world to almost āmehā š«¤ whatever!!
Kulki has a few chapters to have his say in the book, and also a few chapters dedicated to ānothingā (this is a character that interests me immensely) who are these characters? well in order to find out, youāll need to read the books š #sorrynotsorry
Still plenty of smut and spice, still lots of m/m, m/f/m, in fact throw those two letters in any direction and there they are š all still at it.
I did get the feeling that the author didnāt really want to write this book, donāt get me wrong, the descriptions are spot on, continuity is dead on. It just felt a little half hearted.
I love this authors work, Iāve read most of it, but I have to admit, this isnāt my favourite couple of books!
Unsolicited (Brothers of Eschat Book 1) by Crea Reitan
Description
It starts with an unsolicited d!ck pic that led me to the @rgy where I met five glorious men for a night of my life. Don’t worry, this doesnāt result in an accidental pregnancy. Itās a whole lot weirder than that.
By the next afternoon, I found some odd marks on my body. Theyāre very obviously not bruises. It starts with a red line spiraling around my left ankle that kinda looks like a snake. And then a gray-blue star on my hip. By the time the fourth mark shows up, I realize that each one is where one of them men had held me while weā¦ you know.
Iām starting to feel like a freak show as they continue to cover my body as visible reminders of my salacious night. Now, Iām doing the unthinkable – tracking down my one night stand (all six of them) to figure out what the f*ck is going on.
All I can say is Iām not prepared for the world Iāve been marked into. But at least the men are hot and hung.
This is a polyamorous story with content not suitable for those under 18 years of age due to graphic scenes and situations.
Publication Date 15/7/2022
Unsolicited (Brothers of Eschat Book 1) by Crea Reitan
My Review
Could you imagine that a d!ck pic sent to you by mistake, could result in a night of passion/tattoos and more š than you should shake a stick at? No? Well thatās what happened too Luxā¦..
Lux is a photographer, she loves nothing more than capturing beauty in all its glory. So when a group of d!ck pics come her way, curiosity and appreciation for the male form has her conversing with total strangers (I do love the text parts of the book, did make me chuckle) and then an invitation to a party to meet up has Lux in a quandary, does she stay at home, or have a night to remember?
Letās just say, there is a lot of spicy moments, and some may say maybe too much?! If itās not your thing, then either skip over or donāt bother grabbing the book. It didnāt bother me, it became part of the story. In parts it did get a little monotonous, but itās all part of this book.
I did enjoy the interactions between Lux and the men she was with when they werenāt all going at it š
I also enjoyed trying to work out the dynamics within the ābrotherhoodā, donāt panic, they arenāt blood related, they just refer to themselves as brothers.
And the tattoos I hear you ask, well, after her spending the night with them all, mysterious shapes begin to appear on Luxās body! And sheās not happy, not happy at all! She goes in search of Sunny/Apo/Sham/Rage/Atar/Gedd and Doom to enquire what the hell the markings are aboutā¦.
But they nowhere to be found! And a search is in order for Lux to have her questions answered.
There is a few twists that I sort of saw coming. There were also a few twists I didnāt see until I got slapped with them. There are definitely questions left unanswered. There is also m/m in this book (itās not all about Lux š) I liked that Lux seemed more mature in age than usual FMC, I also liked her no nonsense attitude, her confidence and her brain (she didnāt become a doormat after being with the guys)
Sunny/Apo/Sham/Rage/Atar/Gedd and Doom are all great monsters/men, this is end of days (and as the author tells you in the front of the book, she created this world, her word is law) each has his own personality, iād personally like to have seen a little more development.
Apparently this was suppose to be a one off book, but Iāve seen that there is now a second book. š¤·š»āāļø
I can see why we needed possibly a second book, as there was a few questions that needed answers, but to be honest I think the author could have left it at book one (my opinion)
Do they all have a happy ending? Well to find out youāll have to read the book.
Garridanās Mate (Etheryaās Earth #6.5) by Rebecca Hefner
Description
General Garridan has lived for centuries without a bonded mate.
Born an aristocrat, he chose to forgo his familyās wealth and privilege to fight in the Vampyre immortal army.
After the centuries-long War of the Species ended, a new foe emerged, reaffirming his vow to protect his people.
Although his father wants him to bond with an aristocrat and settle down, Garridan only has eyes for one woman.
Siora is a natural warrior. When the immortal army finally allows women to join, she pledges to become the first battalion leader as conflict consumes the realm.
Once they defeat Bakari, she can settle into a security role at Lynia and help her father at his farm.
Dreams of the amber-eyed Vampyre who relentlessly pushes her during training have no place in her world, even if the general is the only man whoās ever made her long for a bonded mate.
Consumed by her skill and effort, along with her inherent natural beauty, Garridan offers to help Siora secure a leadership position as they near the final battle.
Although she swears they have no future, Garridan finds himself longing to claim the stubborn woman as his mate, no matter the cost.
Can two warriors from different paths find love amid their blazing desire, or will fear douse their spark before itās barely begun to burn?
Publication date 12/10/2021
Etheryaās Earth Series:
Book 0.5 The Dawn of Peace (novella)
Book 1: The End of Hatred
Book 2: The Elusive Sun
Book 3: The Darkness Within
Book 4: The Reluctant Savior
Book 4.5: Immortal Beginnings (novella)
Book 5: The Impassioned Choice
Book 5.5: Two Souls United (novella)
Book 6: The Cryptic Prophecy
Book 6.5: Garridanās Mate (novella)
Book 7: The Diplomatic Heir
Book 7.5: Sebastianās Fate (novella)
Book 8: The Solitary Protector
Garridanās Mate (Etheryaās Earth #6.5) by Rebecca Hefner
My Review
I love this series, I love the way the stories have evolved with time.
And when I get the chance to read another book from this series, I snatched it out of the authors hands š
It is a short story, but that doesnāt mean anything was missing.
Garridan, friend to Commander Latimus (his book The Elusive Sun) heās also the General to the kingās army.
Heās an aristocrat that wanted to fight and not Lord it over his lands! (Heās father does enough for both of them!)
Being cajoled into bonding with a high ranking female is not on his list of priorities (and anyway the female in question doesnāt see him that way, she has eyes for another!)
But once a certain female vampire joined the ranks, heās set his sight on winning the coming battle and then winning the most stubborn female heās ever come across!
Siora has worked hard to be where she is today.
She might have come from lowly stock (her father is a farmer) but sheās got great ambition, she wants to be the first female to lead a battalion in the King and Queens army. But proving herself has been an uphill battle! But Siora is nothing but determined! And if that means taking lessons on combat from the leader who stirs her blood and anger, then so be it.
It starts with a training session that soon leads to anger then uncontrolled passion! Siora and Garridan know that they need to keep their liaison a secret, but Garridan wants more! Can he convince the spiky female he wants a bonded mate and a soldier to fight by his side?
Siora is well aware their ātraining sessionsā are on a limited time scale, he wonāt want a lowly female when he can have a lovely vampire aristocrat. She needs to keep her eye on her goal and not get sidetracked!
Can they overcome the obstacles that life throws at them?
Can they work together and end the threat to Etherya?
And can we have a happy ending for a few more characters that Iāve fallen in love with? Please š
It begins with a dare and ends with the truth, but it’s the meet-cute crash that catapults some downright hilarious consequences in between that make this steamy, forced proximity, romantic comedy novella āunputdownable.
On the phone with her best friend, the beautiful, bored, billionaire heiress Princess Talia Taylor, enters a new gym and notices a gorgeous Greek God working out. Dared to take him to bed, she turns around and finds his overwhelming presence standing inches from her. Startled, she trips over a barbell, flinging her phone, falling on her face, and knocking herself out…cold.
The Dawn of Peace (Etheryaās Earth, #0.5) by Rebecca Hefner
Description
Before the end of hatred, there was the dawn of peaceā¦
Two immortals from warring species save each otherās lives as the conflict rages on.
Alrec, the hulking Vampyre warrior, spares her first.
Years later, Kilani, the fierce, uncompromising Slayer, returns the favor.
Stuck in her remote cabin, their bond grows as Kilani warily nurses her injured Vampyre, determined to deny her growing desire for the man with deep, knowing eyes and mesmerizing fangs.
And, of course, thereās only one bedā¦
The sizzling prequel to the Etheryaās Earth paranormal romance saga
This novella is brought to you by an author who adores her readers and always wanted to write a prequel for the series that launched her career. Written for both current and new readers, this steamy, heartfelt story has brand-new characters and a HEA.
Etheryaās Earth Series:
Book 0.5 The Dawn of Peace (novella)
Book 1: The End of Hatred
Book 2: The Elusive Sun
Book 3: The Darkness Within
Book 4: The Reluctant Savior
Book 4.5: Immortal Beginnings (novella)
Book 5: The Impassioned Choice
Book 5.5: Two Souls United (novella)
Book 6: The Cryptic Prophecy
Book 6.5: Garridanās Mate (novella)
Book 7: The Diplomatic Heir
Book 7.5: Sebastianās Fate (novella)
Book 8: The Solitary Protector
Publication Date 25/1/2022
The Dawn of Peace (Etheryaās Earth, #0.5) by Rebecca Hefner
My Review
At some point we needed to start at the beginning, to find out how the war started (Iām still waiting for Sathan and Mirandaās parents stories š) but this seems like a great place to startā¦..
Six years after the awakening (the awakening was the start of the bitter war between Vampyres and Slayeras) puts Miranda a mere fourteen years old and Sathan is King of the Vampyres.
Kilani teaches sword fighting to Miranda (but in secret as itās not the done thing for a Slayera female to fight) Slayera women are gentlefolk, they have no place in the army nor on the council, a view Miranda and Kilani find archaic, but until the day women are given the same rights as the men, Miranda and Kilani will train in secret.
Alrec leads a raiding party to acquire more Slayers (their blood is what sustains the Vampyres) on the order of King Sathan, heās not happy as it was only recently they had done a raid (but King Marsias decreed āif captured you are to take your own lifeā!) so here he is about to grab ten menā¦..
Alrec and Kilani meet when he raids her home. Heās astonished that a female slayer would stand up to him. And she really does give him a fight, and a few battle scars. But he leaves her after securing his goal, but she stays in his mind for longer than heād likeā¦.
Second meeting has Kilani at an advantage, Alrec is badly wounded, she could kill him and there would one less Vampyre in Etherya. But she recognises him as the one she fought five years ago. Deciding on nursing him back to health rather than killing him, has Kilani wondering about her own sanity!
But Vampyre and Slayer are enemies, no one will welcome them into their camps. So they spend what little time they have together, before returning to their separate lives!
Will the Goddess let them reunite, or will her rules about Slayers and Vampyres not falling in love remain?
I loved this novella, considering itās only 152 pages long, it packs plenty of information, it has a few twists and turns. And it has witty banter that Iāve come to know and love from this author.
And for those of you who have read the series, youāll see a few familiar faces.
And if youāre a first time reader, welcome to Etherya, itās a great series to read.
Reckless Lies (Rebels of Sandland Book 4) by Nikki J Summers
Description
They say that when you die, your whole life plays over in your mind like a Hallmark movie. A rose-tinted reflection to remind you what a great life youāve led.
But for me, that wasnāt the case.
There was no romantic, nostalgic ending for me.
All I had was pain, darkness, and despair on the day that I died, dragged by fire into the depths of hell. Thatās where I live now. A shadow of the man I used to be. A ghost living in my former life.
Life goes on, but not for me.
She burst into my world with her smiles and her sledgehammer, ready to smash down my walls. She thinks she can save me, but she wonāt. I donāt want to be saved. But Iāll play along. After all, thatās all I have left now, a life of pretend and a world of lies, where I play the role they want me to play.
Zak Atwood. Son. Brother. Friend. But boyfriend? Thatās never going to happen. How can I live that life when all I feel is dead inside?
Reckless Lies is book four in the Rebels of Sandland series. It can be read as a standalone, but reading the other books in the series is advised. There are scenes of a sexual nature in this story, therefore it is intended for readers of 18+ years. Please take note of the trigger warnings listed at the beginning of this book.
Publication Date 28/4/2023
Reckless Lies (Rebels of Sandland Book 4) by Nikki J Summers
My Review
Iāll admit, Zak was never my favourite character, all through the books he came across as an a$$, selfish and a total player.
But the way Nikki wrote this bookā¦.. Iād forgotten and forgiven him his past discretions.
This character went through sooooo much, his fight to reach the top of his hill was just jaw dropping.
After a fire that left him fighting for his life Zak withdrew from the world. For five long years he thinks himself a monster and a burden to family and friends, he lives away from his āRebels of Sandlandā gang, he lives in shadows.
But his boys have never given up on him. They know the old Zak is under there somewhere, he just needs time.
A wedding is just the excuse they need, they badger Zak until he relents and agrees to the wedding.
Where he meets Morgan. She hits him like a bolt of lightning, but heās not going to give her what she wants, oh no sir, itās his way all the wayā¦.
Morgan for me was the perfect foil for Zak, bright and cheery to his dark and bitter. But Morgan also has issues that sheās trying hard to constantly work on.
Both need each other, both balance one another, but convincing Zak of that, yeah good luck. Heās happy to dominate and control Morgan in the bedroom (and man some of those scenes need to come with a glass of cold water) but heās not boyfriend material, and he never will beā¦.
But as Iāve said, Morgan wonāt give up. She just keeps turning up, being there, lending Zak an earā¦..
But there is always a twist in these books, and the twist came out of nowhere snd walloped me a good one. I didnāt not expect that!!!!
There are triggers in this book that will upset some people, please read the advisement before grabbing this book.
I personally loved it. I cried whilst reading it, Iām crying now as I write the final review in the āRebels of Sandlandā series.
Itās full of ups/downs/twists and turns. Plenty of laughter and banter, but it also shows the resilience, the determination that the soul has to rise out of the ashes and live once again in the light.
A highly recommended read. Grab the book, grab the series, then grab the spin off š you really wonāt be disappointed.
Fractured Minds (Rebels of Sandland Book 3) by Nikki J Summers
Description
The rebel without a voice, thatās me.
But just because I choose to keep quiet, doesnāt mean there isnāt a raging fire burning inside. Still waters run deep, after all, and thereās a lot of secrets Iāve kept hidden from the world.
Art has always been my escape from the evil thatās tried to drag me down. It was all I had.
Until her.
Effy Spencer is like nobody Iāve ever met, but everything Iāve ever wanted.
In my dreams, Iām her whole world. In reality, Iām her worst nightmare.
I canāt let my darkness drown her. Thatās why I stay away. That, and the fact that heās back now, and heās going to destroy my life if itās the last thing he does.
Fractured Minds is a New Adult Romance, and the third book in the Rebels of Sandland series from Nikki J Summers. Each story can be read as a standalone, but it will enhance the overall experience if you read Renegade Hearts and Tortured Souls first.
Finnās story contains situations of a violent and sexual nature. It also includes references to child abuse that some may find difficult to read. Therefore, it is only suitable for readers 18 years+. Please take note of the trigger warnings at the beginning of the book.
Publication Date 2/4/ 2021
Fractured Minds (Rebels of Sandland Book 3) by Nikki J Summers
My Review
Boy meets girlā¦.
Boy has loved girl foreverā¦.
But boy doesnāt think heās good enough for girl!
Finn is the quiet one in the Sandland group, in fact he says very little to outsiders, so people look at him as weird! He also had a habit of retreating into his own worldā¦..
Effy has loved Finn for ages, but heās never really noticed her, and when he does notice her, itās always a quick glance or a word then heās back into his own space. But it doesnāt deter her, it cracks her heart a little every time, but she doesnāt want to give up on Finn, but if he doesnāt let her in soon, her heart wonāt stand much more!
Something needs to give and give soonā¦..
This book I was both anxious and looking forward to reading. Iād read books one and two āRenegade Heartsā and āTortured Souls ā, and loved them. But they did hint at a side of Finn we hadnāt seen yet. Did I really want to know his dark past?
There are triggers in this book, and I would advise you to read the warnings. It is heartbreaking, it does make you see Finn as a survivor never a victim.
Effy is just a wonderful soul, the peacemaker, the caregiver, the shining star in Finnās dark and soulless world. She does back down a lot in the previous books, and it did make her look like a doormat. But she does have a backbone, and for the people she lives, she will roar like the lioness she is.
Finn gets himself into a little bit of trouble with the āSoldiers of Anarchyā (this series is a spin off, and FYI itās freaking brilliant) and they in turn blackmail him into doing things he would never usually do. (And the last task has dire consequences)
The push and pull between Effy and Finn really did a tap dance on my emotions, Iām left shouting at my kindle āfor goodness sake kiss herā or āenough is enough Effy, walk the f@&k away!ā
He doesnāt think heās good enough, or that his darkness will taint her.
She knows she can weather anything he throws at her.
With the darkness we also have light moments, we have scenes that will make you chuckle. And we catch up with the main characters from books one and two. And we also have the ending that will set the scene for book four āReckless Liesā and that sceneā¦.. had me bawling like a babyā¦..
A jaded single dad. A woman returning to her small-town roots. Neither was prepared for their paths to collideā¦
I should have known I was in trouble when I backed my old, beat-up truck into the shiny Range Rover.
The driver looked like a gorgeous fallen angel ā one whoād been booted right out of paradise for being a giant prick.
Good thing Iāll never have to see him again.
Except when I show up for my new job to teach a little girl how to ride her horse, I find the same icy blue eyes glaring back at me.
Paisley Dae is completely reckless. Sheās also the best trainer in this small town. And Evelyn gets the best.
Protecting the little girl is my one focus.
Only the sassy trainer in her cut-offs and cowgirl boots quickly gets under my skin. Distractions are dangerous, but she soon becomes everything I crave.
One reckless night of giving in, and Caleb and I spiral into a web of passion.
But when I begin to unravel the secrets hiding in this place, I find there is more riding on this job than I thought.
Caleb and Evelyn are worth any sacrifice ā only Caleb has to decide what he will sacrifice for meā¦
Tortured Souls (Rebels of Sandland Book 2) by Nikki J Summers
Description
They say the devil appears in many different forms.
To the town of Sandland, his face was one of them.
He was a rebel. A brawler. A bare-knuckle boxer that youād cross the road to avoid if you saw him coming the other way.
When he left our town, no one shed a tear, because Brandon Mathers was trouble and trouble followed him wherever he went.
The night he disappeared, he left behind a lifetime of devastation for the rest of us to bear.
He didnāt care.
He enjoyed creating chaos and leaving a trail of destruction in his wake.
But he was never going to stay hidden for long. He had too much bravado; too much ego. He couldnāt cope with being ignored. So, in the dead of night, when the darkness welcomes all the dirty, filthy creatures to come out to play, so does he.
He thinks nobody sees him or the wicked things he does. But I do. He thinks I donāt know that he watches. But I see him. I watch him too.
He thinks heās coming for me, but Iām already lying in wait. When the time is right, Iām going to destroy his blackened soul just like heās tortured mine.
Heāll never see it coming, but when it does, Iāll be there to remind him that Karma is realā¦ And her name is Harper Yates.
Tortured Souls is a New Adult Romance and the second instalment in the Rebels of Sandland series from Nikki J Summers.
Each book can be read as a standalone, but it will enhance the overall experience if you read Renegade Hearts prior to Tortured Souls.
Brandonās story contains situations of a violent and sexual nature. Therefore, it is only suitable for readers 18 years+. Please take note of the trigger warnings.
Publication Date 7/10/2020
Tortured Souls (Rebels of Sandland Book 2) by Nikki J Summers
My Review
Brandonā¦.. Brandon ā¦. Brandonā¦.
I wasnāt too sure about you when I was reading Emily and Ryanās book (Renegade Hearts) you came off as such a jerk in the beginning!! I wanted to wait, to process you and see you grow in other books. But I didnāt get my wish!! And you know what Iām glad you were the second book.
Brandon is a fighter through and through. He lives to fight and for his mates. But when an incident in book one alienates him from his pack, Brandon sees it as a betrayal! And heās hold one person responsibleā¦ā¦
Harper is out for revenge, her family is hurting because of one guy Brandon! Sheās going to make him pay, prison would be too good for him, she wants him dead!
We see Brandon in a whole different light in this book. I donāt want to give too much away from the first book, but Brandon really was a loose cannon, he didnāt really care who he upset and that included his crew! And now in his mind, there are a lot of people he needs to repay for abandoning him, for making him a scapegoat and for ruining his life! Heās all alone and itās making him crazy!
Harper and Brandon play cat and mouse, neither will give an inch in this game. Both want their lives back, but their lives will never be the same again.
So when does hate turn to love? When do they lean on each other instead of trying to kill one another? And when an unexpected announcement turns into something more, it rocks Brandonās world!
We catch up with the same characters in the first book, which I love, I like seeing how the characters continue to evolve, and to get insights into the next story.
So can Brandon and Harper really get past all their issues?
Book one is still my favourite in the series, but Brandon definitely knocks on the door of my emotions. You canāt help but feel sorry for his situation and his upbringing. Harper had me in tears, I literally felt the sorrow she went through š
This book has all the feels, has tons of emotion, and although a slow burn, it delivers on the steam when we finally get there.
*Please read the triggers before opening this book.*
Itās a great second book in a series that is becoming a firm favourite.
After escaping Neverland and its mad lords, who in their right mind would ever wish to go back?
My memories from the island torment me. I am worried about Peter, Jas, and the other Lost Boys, no matter how badly I want to deny it. Coming back to my own world hasn’t given me the relief I’d expected.
I miss them.
I miss what we did together.
I miss being with these men who understand me, understand what I need and give it to me, no questions asked, no regrets, no shame.
Leaving them, I was aware I might be signing their death warrant, but I was selfish. I thought I was happy in the human world.
But the truth is, I don’t think I am. The only place I’ve ever felt safe and content and right in my own skin was with them, on the island. In Neverland.
So when Peter Pan appears below my window, I jump at the chance to go back.
Call me crazy.
I must be.
Will things be like before? Will I be able to help them? Will I face my fears? What about my feelings for them?
And their feelings for me?
Lord of Shadows Brutal Never Boys #2 by Mona Black
Mona Black is a Fantasy Romance and Reverse Harem Romance Author. She writes about Fae, shifters, and witches, and of course, love. She loves fairy tales and long sagas of magic, and especially loves characters who redeem themselves and find their happily ever after.
What to expect: āļø Reverse grumpy sunshine āļø New town, fresh start āļø Organ recipient āļø He falls first āļø Trauma (*TW) āļø Second chance āļø Anticipation āļø Slow burn
Your Echo Gatlin Brothers series Book 1 By Vi Summers
The cruelest second chance at love.
My soul shattered the day I left the city for a quieter life. Gatlin Falls promised anonymity. A place where I could be just the new girl, not the broken girl. I tried so hard to keep my head down and my walls up. But the thing about small towns is that eventually someone gets too close, and feelings come into play. Dormant feelings. Ones I fought so hard to keep at bay. Cue, Banks Gatlin. The third brother of six and frustratingly persistent. The one that kissed me without an introduction. The one that had my heart skipping and wracked with guilt every time he smiled. And the one that received his second chance at life the day my first love lost his.
Your Echo is a steamy, wrenching, frenemies-to-lovers, small-town romance. The Gatlin Brothers Series will be 6 interlinked books that can be read as complete standalones.
*Intended for readers 18+. *Tr!gger warningāself-h4rm and organ recipient.
by @lindseypowellperfect is AVAILABLE NOW and FREE to read on kindle unlimited.
I married a man I never loved to please my parents.
Iāve lived my life to conform to others for as long as I can remember.
I gave in to their demands to keep the peace and make them proud of me.
But that never happened.
They never appreciated what I gave up for them, and as a result, Iām far more damaged than Iāll ever admit.
And as for my husbandā¦ he was never the man meant for me, and a shock encounter showed me just how little he thought of me.
And then he came alongāa stranger who took my breath away, and one who could easily steal my heart.
There comes a point in time when you have to put yourself first in order to live and not just exist, and thatās what I did. One night, no strings, and no expectations.
Except, that one night was never going to be enough.
Neither one of us expected it or even asked for it.
And I never expected the man that called me a āgood girlā to become my new boss. ā
Room Service is a standalone spicy romance novel from the author of Wrecking Ball, Lindsey Powell.
Renegade Hearts (Rebels of Sandland Book 1) by Nikki J Summers
Description
They are the boys your mother always warned you about. Theyāre every parentās worst nightmare. Arrogant, cocky and self-assured.
They used the town of Sandland like it was their own personal playground. They didnāt follow the rules. They made their own. Most girls were drawn to them like a moth to a flame, but Emily Winters wasnāt like most girls.
A politicianās daughter. A good girl with morals and principles. She represented everything they despised. The only problem was she lived her life in a perfectly orchestrated smokescreen; and where thereās smoke, thereās usually fire.
They wanted to expose her for what she was; a pretty little liar hiding the ugliest truths.
But when the truth comes out and lies are exposed, who will be the one to eventually crash and burn?
Renegade Hearts is a New Adult Romance from Nikki J Summers, suitable for readers 18 years+. Please read the trigger warnings.
Publication Date 28/7/2020
Renegade Hearts (Rebels of Sandland Book 1) by Nikki J Summers
My Review
Boy meets girlā¦.
Both canāt stand one anotherā¦.
Enemies become loversā¦..
The same trope ā¦.
BUTā¦.. the way itās deliveredā¦.. OH LORD!!!
Itās full of betrayal/mystery and angst, oh and donāt forget the off the chart chemistry.
It is a slow burn, but thatās ok, we need time to get our heads around the mind games Ryan tries use with Emily, to determine if Daveās as dirty as her father is!!
Iāve read this author before (her Soldiers of anarchy series, which is totally AMAZING) and technically this series should be read before that one (only because youāll know who gets their happy ever after)
So Iām aware of the āRenaissance Menā as Iād met them in the soldiers of anarchy series. Iād been curious about the team from Sandland they had come off as real a$$holes, but maybe thatās the perspective of the characters from the previous books?š
Ryan is the rebel your mother warned you about, rough, tough and smug. Illegal fights and secret parties are his way of making money. But scratch under the surface and youāll find a boy who loves his father (his mother died) and will defend both family and close friends to the death.
Emily is the complete opposite, the world sees her as a good girl, devoted daughter to a politician father and a socialite mother. But Emily is sick of the false facade her family present to the world, to her parents Emily is just a face to parade in front of the press and their affluent friends! Itās a lonely life, made only bearable because of her brother, but sadly he died, so Emily is alone, thank goodness for her friends. Emily wants to change her life, but not sure how to go about it.
The list of supporting characters were a fascinating bunch of people. Emilyās gang of two (Liv and Effy) who were just great characters (especially Liv) and Ryanās gang which consisted of Brandon (not a huge fan of that guy) Zak and Finn began to grow on me.
I was not a fan of Emilyās parents!!
But I loved Ryanās dad (and his older brother Connor)
Their story will have your head and heart in a warā¦. Head saying let this dude go and move on, too much baggage. And the heart wanting to hang in there and it will all work itself out. Itās a push and pull, a war of words, of one up man ship
There are triggers warning, so please read them if youāre not sure.
So can Ryan let go of his anger, and thirst for revenge? Can Emily step out from her families shadow and become her own person? Will the betrayal that Emily feels when sheās exposed to the truth about their relationship be gotten over?
I loved this book and Iāll be hot footing it over to read the next bad boy (Brandon and Harper) In their story Tortured Souls.
Fight Like A Girl A Romance Charity Anthology to Benefit Breast Cancer Research A Multi Author Romance Anthology
BLURB
From sizzle to spice, we’ve got all your romance needs covered! Dive into some amazing romance stories while supporting a very important cause! Included are 25 short stories of various romance genres including: contemporary romance, dark romance, romantic suspense, and rom-com. Grab this limited time collection before itās gone forever!
FIGHT LIKE A GIRL is a romance anthology to benefit Breast Cancer Research in the US and Canada. This collection of short romance stories cannot be read anywhere else. 100% of the royalties will be split equally and donated to the US Breast Cancer Research Foundation & the Canadian Cancer Society-CIBC Run for the Cure, both charitable organizations dedicated to funding breast cancer research.
The Stolen Throne (Dominions Book 2) by Abigail Owen
Description
My twin sister is the true queen of Aryd. She survives, hiding and clinging to life in the desert, while I reign as the false queen alongside the monstrous King Eidolon. Thereās only one escape from this gilded prison: Reven. My Shadowraith. My heart. Only the shadows that he struggles to control are growing more sinister, more powerful.
Itās just a matter of time before they turn on himā¦and on me.
Even escape doesn’t mean true freedom, though, when we’re still on the run from Eidolonās unstoppable armies. And when we discover thereās a traitor among us, I have no choiceā¦I must become the queen I was never meant to be.
Because as one evil hunts me, the other loves me more than himself.
And my fate lies with both.
The Dominions series is best enjoyed in order. Reading Order: Book #1 The Liarās Crown Book #2 The Stolen Throne
Publication Date 2/5/2023
The Stolen Throne (Dominions Book 2) by Abigail Owen
My Review
The second book in this series has us starting where the last book left us hangingā¦..
Meren is still pretending to be her twin sister Tabra, and her life is still in peril, trying to evade the evil clutches of King Eidolon. (Who is still trying to find the power source he needs to rule supreme, heās killed off almost all of Meren and Tabraās bloodline!)
Our shadowwraith (Reven) who is totally into Meren and needs to save Meren again. But as he fights to both save the girl and stay away from her, itās becoming a real emotional battle.
Meren in the mean time is having to deal with the emotional upheaval that comes with loving Reven, (shadowwraith) evading King Eidolon, dodging a marriage proposal, and finding out who the traitors are in her camp! (And one of those traitors will have you shouting NO, at the book!)
You can always rely on this author to grab you by the throat and not let go till the last page! Her descriptions of this world and all those who live here are flawless, you can easily put yourself in this world and into the shoes of all the characters.
We read with bated breath as the characters swing into action time and again to save Meren from Eiodolon, read as her sister Tabra has her own worries to deal with, and hold out hope that Reven can control the shadows that are slowly consuming him and are trying to take control! And letās not forget they are all trying to free this realm from the evil clutches of King Eiodolon! Itās a fast paced read that doesnāt take its foot off the gas until the (cliffhanger ending?)
And when finally Reven can no longer stay away from Meren, itās all systems go on the āIām done with staying away from youā vibes š
An absolutely amazing read. I couldnāt put it down, and I canāt wait to see where book three takes us. Itās full of adventure, twists/turns and betrayal that you wonāt see coming. And finding a few new friends/allies that are needed in this quest of good triumphing over evil (and it goes either way in this book!)
So if you enjoy an adventure that will tug on your emotions, then I highly recommend this book.
Big Book BOSS (A Hot Billionaire Office Romantic Comedy) Such A Boss #1 By Jessika Klide
BLURB:
In this Hot Billionaire RomCom, a drunken bar hook-up comes back to bite when Samaera answers a horrific job ad written to attract a male personal assistant, and āSamā is hired sight unseen to the Big Book Boss of Precious Kitty (Females, not felines!) Publishing House.
Meeting him was a total fluke.
Doing him was a BIG mistake.
Or was it?
He was a beefcake at the bar watching the Yankees game with a bro.
Needing liquor courage for the karaoke contest, Samaera inserted herself.
Tipsy from the drinks and drunk on the win, Dixie Doodle does something stupid.
But ā¦ #BestSexEver.
Ten days later, she answers a horrifically worded ad.
Clearly intended to attract a male Personal Assistant to a billionaire mogul.
No woman would want to work for a Boss (dick).
But desperate and fearless, āSamā applies.
Immediately, she is offered the position.
The catch, she has ten minutes to arrive.
Rushing by the outgoing PA, she crashes into Boss Dick’s office.
On her knees, she hears, āYouāre not a man. Get out!ā
But Samaera is a fighter, not a quitter, and threatens a sexist lawsuit.
To which an all too familiar voice from the bar answers:
āThen grab a condom for your heart, honey. Iām going to fāk your feelings.ā
Then Bastian realizes who was hired, and he proceeds to rewrite her job duties.
Her feelings are not the only thing he intends to f–k.
Her mantra becomes, āDo a good job. Donāt do himāagain.ā
But his demand that she be with him 24/7 could prove to be too much.
If only his body wasnāt chiseled and his lips werenāt sculpted.
And she didnāt already know how BIG Book Boss is!
Join Samaera and Sebastian for a hot whirlwind billionaire romantic comedy full of steamy scenes in this opposites-attract, grumpy-sunshine new release by #4 Amazon Chart Author Jessika Klide.
Pets of Park Avenue (Paws in the City Book 2) by Stefanie London
Description
“One of the year’s most delightful rom-coms.”āNew York Times bestselling author Julia London on The Dachshund Wears Prada
The perfect romcom for dog lovers! Pets of Park Avenue is the story of a self-confessed hot mess who learns that life is more fun when things don’t go according to plan.
What do you do when The One is also the one who broke your heart?
Self-proclaimed hot mess Scout Myers is determined to prove sheās finally got her act together. Raised by grandparents who saw her as her wayward motherās wayward daughter, Scoutās used to being written off. So when the opportunity for a promotion arises at Paws in the City, the talent agency where she works, Scout is desperate to rise to the occasion. With shared custody of her little sister also on the line, Scout canāt afford a single mistakeā¦like suddenly needing a canine stand-in for an important photoshoot. Luckily (or not) she knows the owner of the perfect pup replacement: the estranged husband she walked out on years ago.
On the surface, it appears Lane Hallidayās life has been blissfully drama free without Scout, but she suspects her handsome-as-ever not-quite-ex-husband doth protest too much. Working together even feels like old timesāexcept for all that lingering, unresolved tension. But Scoutās not sure sheās ready to confront the reasons she left Lane, and when their plans to finalize the divorce become very real, Scout starts to wonder whether second chances might be worth a little hot mess.
Paws in the City Series: Book 1 – The Dachshund Wears Prada
Book 2 – Pets of Park Avenue
Publication Date 6/12/2022
Pets of Park Avenue (Paws in the City Book 2) by Stefanie London
My Review
Scout needs to bag the big promotion, her reputation and her baby sister are relying are on her. She wants, no needs to prove to herself and everyone that sheās not a waste of space. She doesnāt want the same label her mother hadā¦..
She needs to do something and fastā¦..
Lane wants nothing to do with his estranged wife! She walked out and took her dramas with her. But his feelings never did really die out for his wife, can he really want to be drawn back into a life with drama, but also fun?
How she approaches Lane, will have you chuckling.
She needs a doggy stand-in and she knows who has a look a like, but getting his approval is going to prove difficult!
We find out that after a whirlwind romance and a quick wedding in Vegas, things quickly deteriorate and Scout walked away never looking back. But neither started divorce proceedings, so you have to wonder if they hoped to reunite some day?
If youāve read book one in the series, you would have already met Scout, but donāt worry if you didnāt, the book is a standalone story, (but after reading this book, youāll probably go back to read the first one š)
So how will she get him to agree to work together, when he really doesnāt want all that drama back in his life? Can she show him sheās changed?
The more time they spend together, the more they remember the good times, the fun times. But with the divorce finally within reach, can Lane walk away?
Itās not necessary to read book one before reading this one. But there are a few characters from the previous book that make an appearance.
It will have you smiling and crying throughout the book, the author knows how to bring out the best in a rom-com.
I did love the four legged star Twinkle, sheās such a cute dog, and her antics had me shaking my head. š
I highly recommend this book if you love second chance romance.
š¦
About the Author
Stefanie London is a USA Today Bestselling author of contemporary romance.
Her books have been called “genuinely entertaining and memorable” by Booklist, and her writing praised as “elegant, descriptive and delectable” by RT Magazine.
Originally from Australia, she now lives in Toronto with her very own hero and is doing her best to travel the world. She frequently indulges her passions for lipstick, good coffee, books and anything zombie related.
Stroking Pride: A Sons of Satan Novel by Crea Reitan
Description
Pride can kill youā¦ but stroking it is beautiful.
Iām one client away from making seven figures this year.
Just one.
Why am I suddenly surrounded by people with such a lack of pride?!
Deciding I need to step away and come at it with fresh eyes another day, I leave my office.
And step into death at the hands of a psychopath. It turns out this crazy man is a son of Satan and heās chosen me to be his queen. Without his queen, his circle of Hell is falling into ruin and chaos because he and his brothers have been cursed and itās up to a woman to save his ass. But really, this is what karma gives me to work with?! No wonder Pride is a shitstorm.
No. If Iām going to be queen, Iām going to do it with demons worth my time, and those responsible for my death – yes, it was apparently a group effort, a fucking bet they made between them – are just not cut out for the job.
The prideful circle of Hell is falling further into bedlam and it’s up to me to master its magic that my dear Price of Pride cannot touch. No sweat. I got this.
This is polyamorous story with content intended for audiences 18+ due to graphic scenes and situations. Stroking Pride is a novel in the multi-author shared world Sons of Satan. Be sure to read all seven books for a Hellish good time.
Publication Date 25/10/2022
Stroking Pride: A Sons of Satan Novel by Crea Reitan
My Review
Part of a series from multiple authors, this one is from Crea Reitan.
Another why choose themed story from this author.
This one has our FMC dying!
Then being pursued by a group of demons determined to make her theirs!
Being a good lawyer and making money does sound a little prideful. And when
If you thought you knew anything about Hell, Crea will make you see differently. This Circle belongs to Malak (and heās losing control of his magic, needs a mate to restore it, or heās going to lose his throne!
This book has a few funny moments. The way Annuka looks at life was definitely a different way and it did make her a little less likeable until I got to know her, but her reasons for her behaviour does make more sense the more you read.
And how does one react to being killed by one of the demons sheās suppose to be with? Well Annuka handles it pretty well, she certainly wonāt make it easy for the group of demons who want to make her theirs! Sheās a strong willed individual and wonāt be anyoneās doormat, itās going to be a partnership or nothing!
Malak and the group of demons that want to claim Annuka (well this is a why choose book š) are all different and bring something unique to this story. A little more interaction or thoughts from Malak might have been nice (but thatās my personal opinion)
So can Malak and his demons claim Annuka? Itās going to take a lot of persuasion (they get off on the wrong foot and continually get it wrong!) can they really all share one Queen without jealousy raising its ugly head?
You donāt need to read any of the other books in this series, you wonāt wonder where or who fits in the timeline.
I really enjoy Creaās work, she put lots of thought into each book, and there isnāt one book that copied another, all are unique. Plenty of action and drama.
Wicked Reign: A Monster Romance (Kingdom of Monsters Book 3) by Harper A. Brooks
Description
The darkness is closing in…
And Iām the only one who can stop it.
They say Iām the key. The Chosen One.
They say I have the power needed to restore Prince Airic to the throne and save the Dark Castle.
If only I knew how to use it.
My monsters are helping me learn, but itās their bodies that I crave the most. They are the spark that always sets me ablazeā¦ and my magic too. I just need to figure out how to harness our bond and tap into the power within. Somehow.
But time isnāt on our side. There are enemies everywhere, danger lurking around every shadowed corner, and a bloody war looming on the horizon.
Controlling the chaotic magic inside me is the only way to take back the kingdom and free its people from Malachiās wicked reign.
Otherwise, the darkness will devour everything.
And this world, along with the monsters I love, will be lost to me forever.
Wicked Reign is book 3 in the Kingdom of Monsters series. It’s a full length fantasy monster romance with some darker themes, lots of steam, and is a story where the heroine will end up with more than one love interest.
Publication Date 27/4/2023
Wicked Reign: A Monster Romance (Kingdom of Monsters Book 3) by Harper A. Brooks
My Review
Last book in this trilogy.
It also starts where the last book ends, so Iād advise reading book one and two before this one.
Wels/Airic and Stella are looking for Reis. (Youāll have to read the last book to find out why heās missing) with the help of an ally (who betrayed them first) they begin their search.
Stella finally gets all of her questions answered in this book, but not before they find Reis, try to Malachi and save Airicās realm! She needs to return to her world to find clues, but upon returning, her world no longer looks the same! It looks like to save both worlds Stella needs to solve the prophecy and quick!
We get to read from all the main characters points of view (which I personally like) We get to read Airic and Welsās sides, to witness them putting aside their differences and being there for one another, for Stella and to bringing home Reis.
Taking on Malachi is a daunting battle, but one they hope to achieve and survive if they all want to be together. Heās not going to be easy to defeat as he grows stronger with each day!
That was a great read. Lots of action and emotion through the book. I really liked how they thought only Stella is the saviour of all worlds, when in fact thatās not the case. It also took a while for Airic to accept both Reis and Wels in Stellaās life, and thatās a different view from all the other #whychoose stories Iāve read, usually the characters are either established in their group and someone comes along and joins them, or they all come together and accept one another straight away. There is also no m/m action, itās all about Stella š
Iām hoping we return to this world at some point, but as there wasnāt really anyone else we gathered along the way, itās highly unlikely.
Itās a great book and a great trilogy, Iād highly recommend it.
*on a personal note, I didnāt feel Airic/Reis/Wels were really monsters. One shifted, one gathered shadows to him, Iāve read other stories with actual monsters, and this one I felt wasnāt a true monster story.
Necessary Evil: A Monster Romance (Kingdom of Monsters Book 2) by Harper A. Brooks
A great evil waits for meā¦
And it wonāt stop until it swallows me whole.
Iāve been ripped from Dark Castle, thrown back into the mortal world where I donāt belong.
Here, they think Iām crazy. Theyāve locked me up and forced pills down my throat, telling me Iāve lost my mind.
And maybe I haveā¦
Iāve fallen for three monsters after all.
Prince Airic, Knight Reis, and shapeshifter Welsāthey are the sinister men of my nightmares and my deepest fantasies. I can still feel their touches, hear their voices in my head, but theyāre in danger.
I have to get back to them because if the shadows close in, I can lose everything.
The kingdom.
My monsters.
And ultimately, myself.
Necessary Evil is book 2 in the Kingdom of Monsters series. It’s a full length fantasy monster romance with some darker themes, lots of steam, and is a story where the heroine will end up with more than one love interest.
Publication Date 26/1/2023
Necessary Evil: A Monster Romance (Kingdom of Monsters Book 2) by Harper A. Brooks
My Review
We pick up right where we left off in book one. You could probably read book two without reading book one, but Iād feel youād be missing background information.
Poor Stella, one minute sheās sort of living her best life with three men/monsters. And the next, sheās being carted off to a mental institution because sheās screaming about going back to a dark castle and using portals!
Being back in the human realm is hard for Stella, watching her men battle Malachi and his dark forces (this is the guy who wants Stella and the Dark Castle and the realm for himself.) then being sucked into a portal without knowing if Airic/Reis/Wels are alive or dead!
But an ally helps Stella escape and she has a stone hidden in her home that will help Stella hopefully return to her the sides of her men.
Wels answers her her call for help. Unable to believe he has her back in his arms. Heās aware sheās been with both Airic and Reis the last time she was here, but heās not worried, in fact with the four of them, they should be able to finally banish Malachi from this realm forever.
Airic was gravelly injured in the last book, but by the time he and Stella are reunited heās up and as grumpy as ever! I tell ya, he gave me whiplash with his āI need you, but I canāt be with youā vibes, Iām hoping by book three heās pulled his head out of his a$$ and told Stella how he really feels about her.
Reis (my favourite character) is still the soft hearted one of the group, he takes the guilt about not defending his prince well enough, he feels guilty that he couldnāt stop Malachi from storming the castle and even feels guilty about the feelings he has for Stella! But he is determined to keep his prince alive and keep Stella alive long enough to banish the usurper Malachi.
The story is gathering momentum, the battle lines are being drawn up, can Stella figure out how to use her magic, or will she just be a power source for Airic/Reis and Wels to use to enhance their powers?
Alliances are being formed, but there is also beings in this realm who would sell them out in an instant, so they all need to be wary.
Most of the book is dedicated to the foursome trudging through forests and avoiding Malachiās army (there is a bounty on each head)
And Malachi? Well heās crowned himself the dark Prince of the realm, a power absolute! But if he can get his hands on Stellaā¦. Well his power will hold no bounds and heāll be able to conquer the world he truly desires!
And when Stella is injured, the three men in her life are at a loss. What do they do? Will they lose her?
Cruel Shadows: A Monster Romance (Kingdom of Monsters Book 1) by Harper A. Brooks
Description
Iām caught in the shadowsā¦
ā¦and the shadows want to play.
I thought Iād dreamed up the shadow realm and the place I called Dark Castle.
But itās very real. And heās still here.
My prince, my savior, my captorā¦
The monster in my bed.
But this time, heās not alone.
I must escape, but first, my prince and his shadow men want me to fulfill their demands.
All of them.
The longer I stay, the harder it is to resist their dark promises, their insatiable hunger. Because, while these monstersā smiles are cruel, their touches are the most delicious torture.
But they arenāt the only threat in this world. The darkness that wanted me before has found me again, and like my Shadow Prince, itās ready to claim me as its ownā¦forever.
Cruel Shadows is book 1 in the Kingdom of Monsters series. It’s a full length fantasy monster romance with some darker themes, lots of steam, and is a story where the heroine will end up with more than one love interest.
Publication Date 17/11/2022
Cruel Shadows: A Monster Romance (Kingdom of Monsters Book 1) by Harper A. Brooks
My Review
*trigger warnings are given, so I do advise you to read the warning before starting the book.
What Stella thinks is a dream world, is in fact a reality! As a child it was her favourite place to visit, a safe space where she could leave her worries at the door and play with the boy she met thereā¦..
But why has she started to dream about it again? Because her world is a lonely place, she needs a friend.
But the last time she dreamed of her castle, it had ended with her being told to leave that world and never return!
Airic has become darker and more sinister with time! He is both elated and terrified that Stella is back in his world and his life. But itās dangerous for her to be here, being human and being in this realm is forbidden, the consequences are lethal. But the more time he spends with his childhood friend, the harder it gets to send her homeā¦.
Wels is a shapeshifter with an agenda! He knows his prince/friend is hiding something, he just has to figure what, and how this will benefit him!
Reis is Airicās best friend and captain of his guard. A knight with a code of honour, but one look at Stella and Reis is contemplating disobeying his friend and prince to be with Stella!
The story does start out a little slow, but Iām happy gathering all the details about this new world, I donāt mind a slow pace at first, but I do want it to pick up speed as we get further in the storyline, and Iām happy to say it does.
I did like how Wels started out as a bit of a douche! Self cantered and pretty arrogant, but almost immediately he wanted to care and protect Stella, even if he didnāt know why!
Airic just needs to see Stella is there for him, but his fear of Stella getting found in his realm and getting hurt has him pushing her away far too many times!
And Reis is becoming Stellaās protector and knight and disobeying his prince more and more!
There is a fair amount of spice in this book (there is also more than one love interest for Stella š)
But itās M/F at the moment, there is only Stella with Iāve guy at a time. The jealousy they show to Stella when one of the others is around does make me wonder how this book will turn out!
And the twists and turns in this book will keep you wondering who to trust and who to stay clear of! The push/pull dynamic between Airic and Stella does get a little monotonous, either commit or leave her to choose either Wels or Reis!
And when sheās finally told why she was banished from this realm, how will Stella react?
Cliffhanger approachingā¦ā¦.
And itās a pretty good one, will will have you reaching for the next book in this trilogy.
Half-Moon Rising (The Community Series Book 5) by Tracy Tappan
The vivid intensity of A Discovery of Witches meets the small-town vibe of Virgin River in this paranormal romance about two strangers bound together forever.
Rejected by his own people in Transylvania, Old-World vampire Vasile LazÄr is given a chance to remake himself within a hidden community of VĆ¢rcolac. But he struggles to fit in with a modern culture and unfamiliar language, and heās nearly overcome by the awakening of a searing hunger for one special woman.
Cut off from the mating urge by his old masters, Vasile never had much interest in females. Now heāll push himself past every limit to earn the love of a softhearted Dragon woman.
Orphaned as a baby, idealistic lawyer Corky Disdale yearns for a family, but she always blows it by picking the wrong men. And now sheās doing it again. The towering, somber Vasile, although kind, meets all her criteria for a typical Man Mistake.
Then one night a gang of murderous witches tries to abduct Corky for a secret she unknowingly carries, and Vasile nearly dies protecting herā¦but his rash actions end up trapping Corky in her worst nightmare.
With any chance of happiness drifting farther out of reach, Vasile fights to connect with Corky, to prove his devotion even if he doesnāt have the words.
But will his unique style of caring be enough to give them a fresh start before old threats rip them apartā¦?
HALF-MOON RISING is a slow-burn romance full of passion, tears, laughter, and all your favorite characters from The Community Series.
Publication Date 30/3/2023
Half-Moon Rising (The Community Series Book 5) by Tracy Tappan
Publication Date 30/3/2023
My Review
Itās been a while since I read this series, and looking up the books, itās been a while since one was written, so I quickly ran through the previous books. Itās not really necessary to read in order, but some of the storylines will make better sense. And I promise you they are worth the time.
*There are triggers in these books that might upset a few people, so my advise is to read the warnings before heading inā¦..
Corky āCatherineā Disdale owes her life to Mary, her foster mother, who took her in and raised her with love and a strong sense of justice.
So when a big company comes knocking on her foster motherās door for her land, Corky takes up the gauntlet to defend her.
Sheās also on a high from receiving a job offer from a top law firm, so winning this case with have double the joyā¦ā¦
Vasile LazÄr, is an old world vampire, heās now trying to be a warrior in his new town of Å¢ÄrĆ¢nÄ. But trying to fit in is proving hard, the language barrier and customs of this new town is daunting, but heās determined to fit in and find a balance in his new life.
I have to admit the way the author wrote Vasile was a little strange at first, but once you get into his headspace, Vasileās language and thought process is easy to follow.
But things donāt go Corkyās wayā¦. Her boyfriend dumps her whilst defending her client, her new job vanishes, and it looks like the only home sheās ever known will be sold out from under her foster mother!! Can her day get any worse?
Not gonna lie, I soooooo wanted to š¤ his lights out!!! Man, was he an annoying a$$!
Vasile and Corky meet and for him itās instant attraction on his side, but Corky needs a little more convincing as he almost attacks her!
There is also another story going on with another new member in this town Reece! And donāt forget the enemy havenāt given up trying to acquire women for their own males!
Corky and Vasile slowly get to know one another, heās hoping itās a courting that will lead to his own female, sheās not going to commit (although sheās loving the new job/friends and town sheās relocated to.)
I now remember why I liked these books. A slow burn romance with a great storyline. Characters that hold your attention till the last page.
Plenty of twists and turns. We also get to meet a few new friends, and frown at the ending of the book. (Nothing bad, just leaving it open for the next book!)
HOUSE OF IGARASHI PART II. THE HAREM PROJECT by Crea Reitan
DESCRIPTION
There is beauty in a perfect storm ā even in its violent destruction.
Iāve always been a part of the world of monsters. Storms thrive on the energy of other storms. In many ways, all monsters are perfect storms.
Thatās why theyāre hunted.
Content with a life of work and friends, I somehow find myself falling for the eleven gorgeous storms of House Igarashi. Settling in with them is natural, as if Iāve always been missing these pieces and suddenly I can take a breath of fresh hair.
And then the Division of Silence threatens to take it all away.
My name is Hadley. I am a lightning storm. If I lose even a single one of my men, Iām going to bring this world to its knees with blinding fury from the sky.
This is a polyamorous story with content not intended for those under 18 years of age due to graphic scenes and situations.
Publication Date 6/4/2023
HOUSE OF IGARASHI PART II. THE HAREM PROJECT by Crea Reitan
My Review
Itās the continuation from book one, so youāll definitely need to ready that one before diving into this oneā¦..
Itās still told in the Bronte and Hadley points of view, but itās not all about them, itās a story involving all of the harem.
Hadley is settling down to living her life with her houseful of āhusbandsā although sheās still sad that sheās lost her friends who didnāt understand her decision to move in with 11 men!! But sheās making new friends with the help of Bronte. She just needs a job!
Bronte is getting use to asking for what he wants and not what he thinks everyone else needs. The love that keeps the household together is shown through Bronte. But after the attack, Bronte has so many doubts and fears, heās not sure if he will ever get past them!!!
The book starts off with a huge bang!! And Iām sure there were tears and snot bubbles (including mine!!) and from there on itās a rollercoaster of a ride!! The organisation that whatās them eliminated have stepped up their campaign, no one that is in a harem is safe!
So what do the groups decide? After long discussions and debates, they want to go on the offence, take the fight to the organisation. Bronte wants revenge, but he doesnāt know how to go about it, he also just wants to hide and keep his family safe. Hadley feels the same, but her power wants revenge. Her husbands want to keep Hadley and Bronte safe, they donāt know who will be nextā¦..
The duet has become my favourite in this series. The emotions will have you on the edge of your seat, the twists and turns come in thick and fast.
And we catch up with previous harems which I love. The banter and connections will have you smiling.
I donāt want to give too much away about the ending, but it wasnāt what I was expecting.
If I wanted to deal with a man just like my uptight dad, I wouldāve told my parents what my brewery plans were. Only I didnāt tell anyone. I waited for my trust fund to deliver once I turned twenty-five, and I bought the old train foundry Iāve been eyeing for years. Then McCoy Cunningham shows up.
Iām told heās the best. Heās older than me and knows both side of the businessāthe restoration and the brewing. But all Iāve gotten from him are scowls and dismissive grunts. McCoy might think heās the expert, he might look at me like I should be in diapers with pigtails, but heās wrong if he thinks he can bulldoze me.
All it takes is one look. One time I catch him eyeing me with something other than disdain. One conversation where weāre geeking out over yeast strains and hops. And one kiss that leads to more.
But I promised myself Iād never settle for a guarded man who thinks he knows everything, especially one who wonāt put me before business. And after what McCoy’s been through, he’s all about work. No personal entanglements. I don’t want to be left with a broken heart and flat beer once this brewery is finished.
Make Me Exhale is a standalone novel in the Oil Barrons series.
Publication Date 4/4/2023
Make Me Exhale (Oil Barrons Book 5) by Marie Johnston
My Review
Book five in the Oil Barrons series, and we see McCoy and Isla take the leads in this book.
Itās not necessary to read any of the previous books, as each book stands on its own.
Isla Baron can finally fulfil her dream of owning a brewery. She waited, planned and dreamed of this moment for years. She plans to make it work by putting on events at her little brewery, itās going to work, it has to!
Sheās kept her plans to herself, not telling her family what she intends to do with her inheritance (I get the impression the family do a lot for Isla, they donāt give her enough credit!)
McCoy swore heās never getting involved again after a nasty divorce! itās work all day long. Older and definitely a little more wary of women, McCoy sees Isla as a flighty young thing who knows nothing about the business she wants to set up!
Itās suppose to be project manager and client relationship, but Isla feels like sheās being bossed about by said project manager and her family! Her dream is set back time after time with delays and she takes it out on family and friends!
Sheās too young. Heās too grumpyā¦.. So you know that once they admit their feelings itās going to explode all over the page š but you do have to wonder if itās ever going to happen!
And even when they do admit their feelings for one another, McCoy keeps her at arms length! Not really letting her in! Isla feels frustrated! Does she give him more time, or is it time to walk away?
I have to admit, this is probably my favourite of the series. I really liked this couple. Isla was very sure of herself, she knew what she wanted to do, and how to go about it. I did think her family and friends could have had a bit more faith in her (they jumped in too quick with opinions and help, instead of letting Isla figure it out for herself) and even grumpy McCoy was a great character. After a messy divorce he was a work/work/work kind of guy. So to see him fall for little miss sunshine was fun to read.
So if you like grumpy/sunshine tropes, age gap tropes, then this is the book for you.
A highly recommended read from one of my favourite small town romance authors.
The Scandalous Ladies of London: The Countess by Sophie Jordan
Description
New York Times bestselling author Sophie Jordan kicks off her amazing new high concept series, The Scandalous Ladies of London, which chronicles the lives of a group of affluent ladies reigning over glittering, Regency-era London, vying for position in the hierarchy of the ton. They are the young wives, widows, and daughters of Londonās wealthiest families. The drama is big, the money runs deep, and the shade is real. Life is different in the ton.
āMy husband is a good manā¦ just ask all the women he has bedded.ā
As skilled as Tru is at playing the high-stakes games of the ton, she never expects to meet her matchāuntil Jasper Thorne begins to court her daughter. Jasper needs a titled bride, but when he meets Tru, all his carefully laid plans go up in smoke. The attraction between Tru and Jasper is undeniableā¦and unacceptable. To indulge in an affair with her daughterās suitor would be ruinous. If it becomes public, sheāll never survive the scandal. Especially as it becomes clear that he wants more than one nightā¦he wants the impossible. He wants forever.
A sizzling story of scandalous ladies, irresistible temptation, and the dangersāand joysāof being true to yourself.
Publication Date 28/3/2023
The Scandalous Ladies of London: The Countess by Sophie Jordan
Jasper is a widower and in need of a āmotherā to his children! A lady of the society would see his daughter being accepted and then wooed by the right kind of gentleman, so he sets his sights on the lovely young lady Deliaā¦.
Tru and Jasper meet at a seance and the again in the garden, there is a small spark of interest, but sheās a married woman and older (not much) than him!
But to accept Jasperās offer would be scandalous! Her reputation would be ruined! And it would break her daughters heart! No! She must resist, but Jasper is determined to have his forever with Tru!
This is the first book of a new series and new author for me. Iām excited to read the next book.
Itās really well written and thought out. The characters are great, Gertrude is my favourite character. Sheās in a loveless marriage, she turns a blind eye to her husbands numerous affairs, but makes a stand when her husband intends to āsellā his daughter to the highest bidder! She shows her compassion for her friends, and her love for her children.
And Jasper at first didnāt rate very high in my estimation (trying to seduced a married woman!) but heās heart wants what it wants, and his determination to win Tru, finally won me over.
If your not a big fan of adultererās, then you might be a little disappointed with the main female character, although in her defence she does resist for most of the book.
Itās not high on spice, but itās full of drama, a few twists, and a little angst.
But it is a great story, with really likeable characters.
š¦
About the Author
Sophie Jordan grew up in the Texas hill country where she wove fantasies of dragons, warriors, and princesses. A former high school English teacher, sheās the New York Times, USA Today, and international bestselling author of more than thirty novels. She now lives in Houston with her family. When sheās not writing, she spends her time overloading on caffeine (lattes preferred), talking plotlines with anyone who will listen (including her kids), and cramming her DVR with anything that has a happily ever after.
Make Me Exhale (Oil Barrons Book 5) by Marie Johnston
HOUSE OF IGARASHI PART II. THE HAREM PROJECT by Crea Reitan
KINGDOM OF MONSTERS 1-3 by Harper A Brooks
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Itās also my sonās birthday this month. It would have been my mumās birthday too. And a couple of friends also have their birthday this month, so itās a month of celebration š and not forgetting Easter š£ And hereās hoping the weather in the UK starts to warm upš¤
Alice Takes Back Wonderland 2: Alice and the Ice Queen by David D. Hammons
Description
Alice has returned, and Wonderland is covered in snow.
An icy wind pulls Alice and Peter Pan back into Wonderland through a mirror-like portal, trapping Peter in a frozen palace.
After Snow White informs Alice that all of Wonderland is in danger, Alice joins forces with Don Quixote, Hanno of Carthage, Long the Dragon, Snegurochka, and many more legends both new and old to save Peter Pan before Wonderland is lost.
Publication Date 25/11/2022
Alice Takes Back Wonderland 2: Alice and the Ice Queen by David D. Hammons
My Review
This is the second book in the series, Iād recommend you read book one before opening book two.
Alice and Peter are together in the real world, living their best lives. Growing up together, life seems too god to be trueā¦..
This one I felt a little older than the first book.
Itās a great read, throughly engaging and plenty of action and adventure. Iāll have to admit I did like the first on a little more. But itās still a great read.
I did find Alice a little hard going in places, she canāt commit, she wonāt look forward to either a future or even tomorrow. When Peter asks her about what she wants to do, she becomes frustrated, and when Snow White asks her to become Queen of Wonderland to unite the realm, Alice doesnāt really want to do it. I understand that for years she was told what to think and feel.
After Peter is sucked back into Wonderland, Alice has no choice but to rescue Peter.
But how can she rescue him when sheās not sure where she is? It looks like Wonderland, but itās covered in snowā¦..
Meeting Don Quixote, they set about trying to figure out in which direction they need to go to free Peter Pan. Along the way, Alice explains why Wonderland might be different from when she left it. Don tells her what happened after they left.
We catch up with Snow White, who tells her that the Ice Queen now controls Wonderland, but itās worse than that, NeverLand and Grimm are also in danger, it looks like Alice is going to have to battle a new foe! Her friends want her to be queen! Sheās not cut out to lead, she o it wants to rescue Peter ad go home.
We catch up with a few characters from the previous book, we also meet new adversaries and allies in this book.
I love Snow White and her dwarves, they have a few lines that will have you chuckling.
Battles come thick and fast, a few twists and turns will keep you reading this book well past your bedtime.
After ten years of being told she can’t tell the difference between real life and a fairy tale, Alice finally stops believing in Wonderland. Only when the White Rabbit kicks her down the rabbit hole does Alice realize that the magical land she visited as a child is real.
But the Ace of Spades has taken over Wonderland, and is systematically dismantling all that makes it wonderful.
Alice must help the Mad Hatter and all those fighting to keep Wonderland as mad as it’s ever been.
To do this, Alice journeys across the stars to unite an army.
She discovers that fairy tales are real in the magical world beyond the rabbit hole, but they are not the fairy tales she knows.
Alice must overcome the trials of these old stories if she wants to unite the lands against Ace.
With the help of Peter Pan, Pinocchio, Snow White, and heroes old and new, Alice may have the strength to take back Wonderland.
Publication Date 18/3/2019
Alice Takes Back Wonderland by David D. Hammons
My Review
As most of you probably know the story of Alice, you know if the takeā¦..
A young girl who falls into a strange world filled with magical beings.
But in this authors version, Alice is a young girl with a different story to tell, this is what happens after………
When she returned real world she was diagnosed with ADHD and Schizophrenia. She was then forced to believe that the Cheshire Cat, Mad Hatter and all the other characters she met were all just figments of her imagination. So Alice finally believed them and let wonderland fall into just a memory.
But ten years later the white rabbit reappears and leads Alice back to Wonderlandā¦ā¦ But all is not how she remembers it!!
The Cheshire Cat is dead and the Ace of Spades is now in charge. (And heās a tyrant!) Nothing is as Alice remembers it to be. This world resembles the world she just left, it looks far too ānormalā!
The Ace of Spades has decided that the magic/wonder that made this realm special is to be removed. Madness is now forbidden!
Alice has her work cut out for her, itās going to take a huge plan to restore this realm back to the Wonderland Alice remembers and loves.
Alice Takes Back Wonderland is not just a retelling of the Lewis Carrols story. Itās a lot more, we see the characters from the original book play their part in trying to overthrow the Ace of Spades.
Bye we also see other characters from fairytales, like Peter Pan, Pinocchio and Snow White.
It is aimed for a YA reader, but I found it deeply interesting and I couldnāt put it down.
š¦
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
David D. Hammons once snuck into a castle. It wasnāt a terribly good castle. In fact it was quite old and broken, but it had a shut door David wasnāt supposed to go through. Yet through it he went. He climbed an ancient wall he shouldnāt have climbed, wandered across borders without using the approved path, and was handed a silver trophy for a contest he wasnāt allowed to enter. From his time growing up in the Missouri Ozarks to his travels abroad, he couldnāt help going places and doing things he probably shouldnāt. Perhaps more of those doors needed ‘Keep Out’ signs, or if they did have signs they should have been locked, and if they had been locked they shouldnāt have hidden such amazing things that made going through them so worthwhile. David currently lives in Springfield, Missouri, where he teaches Marketing, studies History, and, alongside his wonderful wife, makes a valiant attempt at passing through the doorway of writing.
Smoulder: Anita Blake 29 (Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter, Novels) by Laurell K. Hamilton
Description
‘Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter, goes up against an ancient evil set on destroying all she holds dear in the new book in the Sunday Times and New York Times bestselling series.
My name is Anita Blake and I’m no stranger to killing monsters. But this time, it’s personal…
The wedding of the century is almost here. My wedding – to Jean-Claude, the new vampire king of America. But not everyone wishes us well. Humans think I’m on the side of the monsters. And the vampires fear their king is under the spell of the most powerful necromancer in a thousand years – me.
When the St. Louis police summon me to a brutal murder scene linked a nationwide slaughter of vampires and humans, I know there is more than just a killer to catch. An ancient evil has arrived in town, hell bent on destroying everything – and everyone – I love.
Even I cannot face this alone. Jean-Claude and I must embrace our triumvirate to save both vampires and humans, and to prove that love conquers all.
Publication Date 21/3/2023
Smoulder: Anita Blake 29 (Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter, Novels) by Laurell K. Hamilton
Edward stood in front of the half circle of mirrors getting fitted for the wedding clothes he’d be wearing as best man in my wedding. I’d been his best man/person less than a year ago, so turnabout was fair play. He was even hating the clothes almost as much as I hated the formal-length dress that his bride had forced me to wear at the last moment when I thought I’d get away with a tux like the men. Now it was his turn to think he’d get to wear a tux and find out he was half right. Since I was marrying someone who either designed or helped design most of his own clothes, Jean-Claude had ideas for spicing up the traditional boring clothes that most modern men wore. Normally his fashion sense wouldn’t have bothered Edward, who had a very traditional style, but now as he glared at himself in the mirror he was bothered, very bothered.
“You have got to be kidding me,” he said. His blue eyes were already starting to turn pale like winter skies, which usually meant he was about to kill something, or that he wanted to kill something.
Peter, his very grown-up son, and I sat in little chairs that were usually reserved for mothers of the bride, or other members of the female side of the wedding, because men didn’t have to come to the designer wedding couture side-ever. Edward was my bestest friend, but I grinned at him, because I was enjoying the men getting outfitted in something they hated so much more than any normal tux.
“You look great,” I said, smiling, and that at least was true, unlike me in every bridesmaid dress I’d ever been forced to wear.
He looked to Peter for a different opinion. “This is ridiculous.” He spread his arms out to his sides so that Peter could get the full effect of the black leather and cloth tailcoat with its high, stiff collar that framed about half of Edward’s head. His blond hair looked brighter yellow than I’d ever seen it, maybe it was the black leather framing it? Or maybe it was his desert tan, which wasn’t tanned by most standards, but it was the most color I’d ever seen on Edward’s skin.
“Except for the collar, the jacket looks great on you, and the collar isn’t bad, it’s just”-Peter made a waffling motion with his hand-“it’s odd, like it shouldn’t be there, but I really like the leather over the shoulders, and the scalloped leather over the forearm looks like a leather bracer from armor. It’s really cool, Ted.” Peter’s desert tan was a lot darker than Edward’s; technically they were stepson and stepfather, but for them it wasn’t about genetics, it was about love.
Edward’s glare softened a little and turned back to the mirrors. He took a visible deep breath and let it out slowly as if he were counting to ten. He pulled on the edges of the jacket as if it needed to be settled in place, but it fit him perfectly; the little bump of the tails on the coat actually drew the eyes to his ass, and since we had never ever been anything but friends I didn’t usually notice Edward’s body like that. I’d thought of tailcoats as old-fashioned until I saw the first of our wedding party in them and realized that they actually accentuated everyone’s booty a lot more than modern jackets did.
“Why do I hate this so much, besides the stand-up collar?” he asked.
“Maybe it’s just so different from your usual cowboy-U.S. Marshal aesthetic?” Peter suggested.
I looked at Edward, and finally said, “It’s the most fitted thing I’ve seen you in since you slimmed down for your wedding. You look slender, more . . . delicate almost, and in all the years we’ve been friends, delicate has never been a word I used for you.”
He nodded at himself in the mirror. “That’s what it is, I look smaller even to me.”
“You’re in the fiercest shape I’ve ever seen you in, unless you’ve put on weight since I saw you at the pool during the wedding trip. You’re all muscle. Hell, Ed”-and I had to stop and force myself to say, “Ted, I didn’t even know you had a six-pack under there until that weekend.”
“I hadn’t. Not since I was in the military twenty years ago, so never since you’ve known me.”
“All the moms and most of the daughters at martial arts class think I have the hottest dad and that includes the male instructors.” Peter said it with a touch of pride, unlike some twenty-year-old sons who would have felt competitive with their fathers. Of course, Edward had never been competitive with Peter either.
“High praise, I take it, since I haven’t seen your instructors,” I said.
Peter grinned. “Yep.”
“Since you’re one of the instructors now, very high praise,” Edward said, and he smiled at his son with a pride that I never thought I’d ever see in his eyes for anyone. When we first met, Edward and I had both been so alone, and neither of us had ever expected that to change. Now here we were, both of us happier than I’d ever seen us. Sometimes life was good.
Peter looked embarrassed but pleased.
“Why didn’t you tell me you’d made instructor, Peter? Congratulations.”
“It’s just part-time.”
“But you’re still in college, so part-time is all you can really do,” I said.
“There’s really not a lot of money in owning a good martial arts school, and instructors make less. You have to be a belt factory or offer kickboxing as a fitness class or something sell-out like that to earn enough money to pay full-time staff, full-time wages,” Peter said.
“You talked to Bill like I suggested,” Edward said.
“Bill owns the school,” Peter explained to me, “and yes, I talked to him. I’d need another job that paid better if I wanted to be full-time at the dojo.” He made quote marks with his fingers when he said full-time.
“How’s the double major going?” I asked.
“I’m really enjoying Preternatural Primates this semester. I never knew how many species of trolls there were, and did you hear new DNA testing split the Yeti into three species instead of just the two?”
“Really? I hadn’t heard about that.”
“I can send you the link to the article our prof shared with us.”
“Please,” I said.
“But now I want to see some of the trolls we have in this country in person.”
“I’ve seen the Lesser Smoky Mountain Trolls.” I almost added that I knew someone who had their doctorate on the trolls, but the person in question was my ex, Richard Zeeman, and the last time Peter had seen him, someone we both knew had died. Today was a good day; we didn’t need to rake up horrible memories and ruin it.
“Really, when?”
“They’re indigenous to the area of Tennessee where one of my mentors lives. I don’t remember if I’ve talked to you about Marianne.”
“The witch who helped you learn to control your magic, right?”
“Yeah, I guess I did talk about her.”
He shook his head. “Nathaniel told me after the trip when he went with you and Micah to try and learn how the magical energy worked between the three of you.”
I knew that Nathaniel talked to Peter even more than I did, and Marianne was out of the broom closet as a witch, so I guess it was okay that Nathaniel shared. Besides . . . I looked at his eager face so happy in college, learning new things that he’d call up to share, and realized that I trusted Peter. He knew how to keep secret whatever needed kept.
“Your face went all serious, Anita, what are you thinking about?” he asked.
I smiled. “My first thought was that what Nathaniel had shared could get Marianne in trouble, and then I realized that I trusted you. Trusted your judgment, trusted you to keep secret what needs keeping.”
He smiled at me like I’d said something wonderful; maybe I had, but it was one of the best smiles I’d seen on his face since he got to watch his parents walk down the aisle together. “Thanks, Anita, that means a lot.”
“You’ve earned it, Peter.”
“He’s starting to like his biology classes better than his criminal justice ones,” Edward said, still tugging at the perfectly tailored coat.
“Are you still fast-tracked for preternatural law enforcement, or did the trolls lure you to the biology side?”
“I still want to be a preternatural marshal like you and Ted, but I failed my blood test for lycanthropy so they’re letting me stay in the program, but they aren’t sure about my future in it.”
“I’m sorry, Peter, really,” I said, and patted his arm.
“It’s not your fault, Anita.”
“You got hurt protecting me.”
“If I hadn’t been there the weretiger would have killed you. I don’t regret what I did, and you shouldn’t either.”
I looked at that calm, wise face, and thought, When did he get so grown-up? “I’ll do my best to be all healthy and therapy-evolved, but I am sorry that you popping hot on the test is keeping you out of the military and law enforcement.”
“I don’t shift, and my test is undetermined just like Ted’s.”
“And it’s my fault both times.”
“I’m still a marshal, and that you and I got to keep our badges sets a good precedent for Peter to get into law enforcement.”
“True, but if it’s my blood getting all up in your wounds when we were both cut up by wereanimals, why don’t both of you show full-blown Therianthropy at least on the test? I mean I don’t change form either, but my test always comes back listing every type of Therianthropy I have inside me.”
“The doctors don’t know,” Ted said.
“They were interested in the fact that both Ted and I test the same because we were father and son and they thought they had a theory, until they found out we’re not genetically related.”
“I went in with Peter last time so the doctors could talk to us together.”
“And draw more blood,” Peter said.
Edward nodded. “And draw more blood.”
“Dr. Lillian wants to draw more blood tomorrow from both of you and from me so she can compare it. Sorry.”
“No, we came here to figure out what’s happening to us,” Edward said, then tugged on the jacket as if it didn’t fit right, but I’d never seen him in a piece of clothing that fit him better and that included the tux he’d worn for his own wedding.
“And to try on beautiful wedding clothes,” I said, smiling.
The seamstress rejoined us then; she had the pants that were supposed to go with the jacket instead of the temporary ones that she’d forced Edward into so she could see how the jacket fit. The pants were black leather.
“You are so going to owe me for this,” Edward said.
“One, I’ve seen you wear leather for undercover work before. Two, I wore a formal-length dress on a beach with bedazzled flip-flops for your wedding.”
“That was not this bad,” he said, motioning at the pants that the patient woman was holding up for him.
“I tried on dresses that were so low that I flashed an entire bridal store when I tripped over the hem.”
He grinned, then shook his head. “Okay, that’s fair.”
“If I said I’m sorry I missed you trying on dresses, would you be mad?” Peter asked.
“Yes,” I said firmly.
He and Edward both laughed. I tried to hold out, but I finally gave in, and we laughed until Edward had to go into the changing room and get into the freshly hemmed leather pants.
My Review
Smolder by Laurell K. Hamilton is the twenty-ninth book in the series with our Preternatural U.S. Marshal and vampire hunter Anita Blake.
Itās not necessary to read them all (itās a pretty long series) but it does help a little. But saying that Iāve not read them all, Iāve only read her recent ones, and I managed to keep abreast of who is who and what is what š
Anita Blake is preparing for her wedding to the vampire king of America Jean-Claude. (Theyāve been an item/couple for many years, and youāll see their relationship in most of the books)
So the story starts with Anitaās best friend U.S. Marshall Ted Forrester. Whilst he is admiring himself in his best man clothing, Anita gets a phone call from the local police.
They think the Sunshine Murderer has hit again.
But, thatās not the only thing going on in St. Louis. An ancient being has arrived to challenge Jean-Claude for his vampire crown. And itās not looking good for Jean-Claude! He might be the most powerful vampire around, but heās still no match for the newcomer! Will he lose his crown?
Then you have both humans and vampires thinking neither one should be with the other! Humans think Anita will take the vampireās side over theirs, and the vampires think Anita will eventually turn their king against them!
Although Iāve not read all the books in this series, the ones Iāve read have given me the impression Anita has become a pretty powerful entity, she has many powers at her fingertips, and this book sees her utilising most of themā¦..
So, what with keeping her vampire partner alive and on his thrown, sheās keeping humans happy, the vampires are needing constant reassurance sheās not out for his powers, sheās also trying to work out who the Sunshine murder is and can she catch them this time? Anita did seem to be juggling quite a few emotional balls in the air as well! Did she need to be? I didnāt think so! But thatās just me š¤·š»āāļø
There are a few spicy moments š but they donāt slow us down too much (nothing as distracting when the MCās getting carried away with page after page š)
I keep meaning to go to the beginning of this series, Iād love to read how far sheās come, and Iād like to know when Anita and Jean-Claude first met.
Iām also getting the feeling this was a set up for the next book! A few of the threads that could have been sorted werenāt! And I did feel the ending a little vague!
But I did enjoy the book immensely, the author can definitely weave a tale, twenty nine books in and the character still had plenty to give.
Will Anita and Jean-Claude get married or will the the Sunshine murderer take precedence? Will the vampires and humans get their wishes?
Iām definitely recommending this book if your a fan of the author, and Iām suggesting if you have the time, go to the start of the series and work your way through.
House of Igarashi: part 1 (The Harem Project) by Crea Reitan
Description
There is beauty in a perfect storm ā even in its violent destruction.
Iāve always been a part of the world of monsters. Storms thrive on the energy of other storms. In many ways, all monsters are perfect storms.
Thatās why theyāre hunted.
Content with a life of work and friends, I somehow find myself falling for the eleven gorgeous storms of House Igarashi. Settling in with them is natural, as if Iāve always been missing these pieces and suddenly I can take a breath of fresh hair.
And then the Division of Silence threatens to take it all away.
My name is Hadley. I am a lightning storm. If I lose even a single one of my men, Iām going to bring this world to its knees with blinding fury from the sky.
This is a polyamorous story with content not intended for those under 18 years of age due to graphic scenes and situations.
Publication Date 16/3/2023
House of Igarashi: part 1 (The Harem Project) by Crea Reitan
My Review
This is the 4th book in The Harem Project series, and it sees the house of Igarashi longing for their last partner to complete their family.
Most of the book revolves around Hadley and Bronte, we do get to see the others in this house, but mainly itās those two we focus on.
Hadley is a great character, sheās feisty, sheās not shy in making sure she gets what she wants.
Bronte loves his job, helping families find their missing pieces. But as another family finds the last piece to their puzzle, it makes a point to Bronte, it just points out that they are missing a āwifeā! Heās beginning to resent the other families their happiness! Heās convinced that the next person to walk through that door will be the one for them!
Getting to know the group of men in the Igarashi family, just seems so right, so natural. Hadley feels like sheās known them forever. Could it really be that easy? Not if the Division of Silence have anything to with it!
You donāt need to read this series in order, Iāve read one or two of these books out of order and it really doesnāt make a difference.
It does end on a cliffhanger, which is unusual for this author, but being a family of 12! I suppose it takes a little longer to tell this story. It itās a cliffhanger ending that will have you wanting the next book NOW!
Another great book from one of my favourite authors. I loved Bronte and Hadley, I would have liked more page space with the other characters in the book, so Iām hoping book two will give them some pages.
My Limerick Lad: A St. Patrick’s Day Bad Boy Curvy Woman Instalove Romance (Kiss Him, He’s Irish! Book 4) by Maddy King āļø
Description
Book 4 in the KISS HIM, HE’S IRISH! multi-author series!
Declan I came to Boston from Limerick when I was a lad, and grew up in my parents’ pub-style restaurant. When the economy took a hit, my father became indebted to a notorious loan shark to keep the lights on and the doors open. To pay the loan back, I fight. Every weekend. Lucky for me, I’m the reigning champion of underground smokers, but the money all goes to the greedy loan shark…otherwise, I’m afraid he’ll hurt my Da.
One night, I spot a gorgeous, curvy woman I can’t keep my eyes off of. She doesn’t belong in a place like this.
Then I realize she’s there to watch her brother fight…me.
I’m drawn to this woman in a way I’ve never experienced before, and I can’t hurt her brother, because it would devastate her. But now, I’ve just lost the loan shark a lot of money…and my family is in the crosshairs.
It’s St. Patrick’s Day, and it’s time to celebrate! Join our curvy heroines as they meet some sexy Irishmen, and with a little luck from the Irish, find true love. KISS HIM, HE’S IRISH! is a series of short, sweet, and steamy standalone instalove romances. No cliffhangers. No cheating. HEA guaranteed!
Publication Date 15/3/2021
My Limerick Lad: A St. Patrick’s Day Bad Boy Curvy Woman Instalove Romance (Kiss Him, He’s Irish! Book 4) by Maddy King āļø
My Review
Declan has almost paid his fatherās debt off. The pub heās known all his life was in trouble, so his dad took out a loan with the wrong people. And Declan needed to help pay the loan off quicker than his parents were doing, the interest was mounting up!!
Illegal fighting is what Declan does best, If he can get the next two fights won, then itās one step closer to finishing the debt off.
Olivia loves her brother, but when she finds out heās going boxing to help pay his mothers bills, Olivia is going to kill him herself, heās not a boxer! She needs to do something quickā¦.
After a fateful meeting with the boxer who is suppose to fight her brother, the two say goodbye, but neither can forget that meetingā¦.
And when the opportunity arises to thank Declan again, Olivia jumps at the chance. Sparks fly and neither of them want to be apart. But there is someone out to ruin their happiness! Can they figure out what to do before their happiness is extinguished forever?
Itās a short story that is part of a āKiss Him, He’s Irish!ā Series, there are multiple authors in this series. Iāve only read this one so far.
Itās a fun read. An instant love story that is ideal for today.
Itās only 8 chapters (and an epilogue) long, and can be easily read in a few hours.
Patrick’s Day is officially observed on March 17 each year, though celebrations may not be limited to this date. The significance of March 17 is that it’s said to be the date of St. Patrick’s death in the late 5th century (circa A.D. 493).
St. Patrick’s Day is the feast day of St. Patrick, a patron saint of Ireland. Originally celebrated with religious feasts and services, St. Patrick’s Day became a secular celebration of Irish culture when it reached the United States alongside Irish immigrants.
Wishing all those celebrate this day, a happy. St. Patrick’s Day āļø
House of the Devil (The Hellish Ones Book 2) by Crea Reitan
DESCRIPTION
The lines between good and evil have blurred.
After our eight year old son accidentally wrote a letter to Satan instead of Santa last Christmas, our lives turned pretty hellish quite quickly. The pasts of my husbands and I caught up and suddenly, we find ourselves relocating to Hell to live in the House of the Devil.
Hereās what you need to know:
Satan enjoys tampering with biology. When he adds his blood to someone elseās, he refers to them as one of the Hellish Ones. The results are never what you expect and eventually, their household becomes hunted for termination by angels.
The ghost that has haunted one of my husbands for years has suddenly become somewhat corporeal, leaving us with a whole lot of questions.
And at least one angel has been involved with child trafficking but not as a hero – as an abuser.
When the angels unintentionally reveal more secrets, weāre quick to realize that thereās something bigger going on and it matters which side of good and bad youāve aligned yourself with. The problem is deciding which truly has the evil intent.
This is a polyamorous story with content not suitable for those under 18 years of age due to graphic content.
Publication Date 15/12/2022
House of the Devil (The Hellish Ones Book 2) by Crea Reitan
My Review
You definitely need to read the first book before reading this one, as book one sets the scene, and book two continues with the story.
Seren and her family now live in Hell, courtesy of Satanā¦ā¦ itās taken a lot of adjustment for Seren and her men (yup, more than one) Satan likes to pop in whenever and wherever he likes!! And the past of each character came home to roost (see thatās why you need to read book one) this puts a strain on their relationship. We read about how Seren and her family combat each problem, we watch as a few bumps in the road almost end this relationship.
I did like the family unit is already established and that they have a child. Itās not a new relationship, and itās good to read that itās still a work in progress, itās not all sunshine and roses.
I love their son, heās such a character. And all the animals that live in Hell. The author certainly let her imagination run wild with a few of those creatures. š
There are a few surprises that caught me out, and I did have a few OMG momentsā¦..
The angels were a great addition, as they donāt behave like angels are suppose to! Through in a few ghostsā¦.. and weāve got mayhem aplenty.
Iām hoping we get another story in this series. A few questions that need answering. And Iām sure Satan hasnāt finished with this cute family.
A highly recommend read, but Iād definitely pick up book one first.
Ruthless: A Paranormal Romance (Immortal Enemies Book 2) by Gena Showalter
Description
Don’t miss the second book in New York Times bestselling author Gena Showalter’s captivating and unforgettable Immortal Enemies seriesā¦
Forbidden. Powerful. Ruthless.
Micah the Unwilling, fae King of the Forgotten, can tame even the most violent of beasts. Forged on the battlefield, this iron-willed warrior considers his soldiers his family, and he will stop at nothing to reclaim their dispossessed land. Gearing for war with a sadistic enemy, he is disciplined and focusedāuntil a feral beauty he encountered long ago wanders into his camp.
Viori de Aoibheall wields a terrifying ability to sing monsters to life. Having spent her childhood in a forest, raising herself and her frightening creationsāthe only friends sheās ever knownāsheās ill prepared for the scarred royal and his fearsome brutality. Not to mention the ferocity of their connection and the carnality of his touch. But the real problem? Her brother is Micahās greatest foe. And though the sensual king makes her burn, she must stop him, whatever the cost.
Immortal Enemies
Book 1: Heartless Book 2: Ruthless
Publication Date 9/8/2022
Ruthless: A Paranormal Romance (Immortal Enemies Book 2) by Gena Showalter
My Review
What can I say about this book that wonāt give anything away?
I loved the characters, the plot, the chemistry, the whole darn book.
We have met both characters in the previous book (itās not necessary to read, but it does give you a little background, and itās another great book by the author)
We met Viori in Heartless , sheās Kaysar’s long lost sister, and I was delighted when I found out she was to be the heroin of Ruthlessā¦.
Even in the first book I just knew Viori would get her own book, and sheād be independent and feisty, and she is exactly how I imagined her to beā¦..
(Quick recap, her brother left her hidden whilst he helped another, but he was taken)
Viori raised herself, it was a scary and dangerous time, so thatās why she depends on no one but herself. She has an ability that makes her pretty special, but Viori doesnāt see it as special, she sees the monsters as friends (they looked after her when she was growing up)
Micah the Unwilling, Fae King of the Forgotten is a chimera. Heās feared by all and trusted by no one. But he would do anything for the men who fight at his side.
If youāve read the first book then youāll not really be a fan of Micah (I wasnāt) by Gena has a way of turning things and seeing the other side of the coin, making Micah the hero and not the villain.
If have you admit I wasnāt a huge fan of Viori nor Micah at first, but racing through the pages will have you bouncing from hero to villain several times before settling down.
The action is constant and very visual (I could see the scenes play out in all of its techno coloured glory (or should I say gory!)
I loved the inner dialogue the characters have, it gives me insight to them.
So how will her brother Kaysar react when he sees his missing sister (š¤«)
How will Micah move past his hatred for Kaysar and Cookie? (š¤«)
And how can they be together when her brother and her love are bitter enemies?
I canāt wait for the next book ā¦..
š¦
About the Author
Gena Showalter is the New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of over seventy books, including the acclaimed Lords of the Underworld series, the Gods of War series, the White Rabbit Chronicles, and the Forest of Good and Evil series. She writes sizzling paranormal romance, heartwarming contemporary romance, and unputdownable young adult novels, and lives in Oklahoma City with her family and menagerie of dogs. Visit her at GenaShowalter.com.
The Shadow of Theron (Age of Shadows Book 1) by Kathryn Troy
Description
The powers of old are fading. A new Age is dawning.
Holy relics are all that remain of Theron’s sacred legend.
Now those relics, the enchanted weapons forged by the Three-Faced Goddess to help Theron defeat the wicked Sorcerer Argoss, are disappearing.
Lysandro knows the village magistrate Marek is responsible, and he searches for proof disguised as the masked protector the Shadow of Theron.
But when Marek wounds him with an accursed sword that shouldn’t exist, Lysandro must find a way to stop Marek from gaining any more artifacts created by the Goddess or her nemesis.
The arrival of the beautiful newcomer Seraphine, with secrets of her own, only escalates their rivalry.
As the feud between Lysandro and Marek throws Lighura into chaos, a pair of priestesses seeks to recover the relics and return them to safekeeping. But the stones warn that Argoss is returning, and they must race to retrieve Theron’s most powerful weapon.
While they risk their lives for a legend, only one thing is certain. The three temples to the Goddess have been keeping secrets: not just from the faithful, but from each other.
Publication Date 28/2/2023
The Shadow of Theron (Age of Shadows Book 1) by Kathryn Troy
My Review
Another magical read for me. And I loved it. Although a little slow and confusing in the beginning, itās worth continuing as itās a really good read.
Written really well, plenty of descriptions and feelings put into this book.
A little Zorro in places, he fights for justice wearing a mask, Lysandro wants answers and thinks Marek knows the answers to his questions.
Seraphine becomes entangled in the twoās world, sheās not a pushover by any means. Sheās not impressed with Marek (who really is a nasty person) but with Lysandro thatās a whole different story, how she didnāt guess Lysandro wasnāt Theron Iāll never know (but look at the weak guise superman/Clark Kent used!) and her reaction when she finally knows the truth was a little overboard.
Both Lysandro and Marek make a play for Seraphine, but itās Lysandro that wins her heart, but itās not an easy task, it might be love at first sight for Lysandro, but it took a little time to convince her š
There are triggers in this book, itās a dark fantasy with a splash of romance. There is mentioning a of rape (not the MFC) there is a hanging scene, and scenes of torture! But the violence is kept to a minimum, and for those who donāt like bad language, thatās hardly used.
Can Lysandro find the missing relics that will help him overcome evil? Can he convince Sera to give them a chance, and if she does, then will they be able to stay together? Will he ever find the mystical items to help him beat the evil Sorcerer?
I really enjoyed the book. So Iād recommend this one to those who enjoy action and adventure with a little romance.
š¦
Meet the Author
I’m an historian by day, a novelist and baker by night. I like to write what I read – fantasy, romantic fantasy, gothic fiction, historical fiction, mystery, paranormal, horror, and weird fiction. In nonfiction, my research interests include Spiritualism, the history of the North American Indian, and issues of race, class, and gender in the West as well as the gothic/weird/occult traditions from around the globe in all cultural outlets (literature, film, folklore, etc.)
When I’m not writing or reading or teaching, I’m either playing a video game, or a board game, or watching a horror movie, making croissants, or adding some new weird creepy cool thing to my art collection. I love to travel and learn new languages, and… oh! Have fun with my adoring hubby and kids, of course.
From International Bestselling author Sana Khatri comes a love story about honest mistakes, blurred memories, and admirable perseverance.
Carina: He was made of dreams, and made of meadows. He looked so sweet, and yet he hurt so deep. Just like a touch can say a thousand words, so can the unwavering storm in his blazing eyes. When my hope began to waver under the weight of his persistent hesitance, I couldn’t resist, and so, I lost. He was made of dreams, and made of meadows. He looked so sweet, and yet he hurt so deep.
Myles: She was made of roses, and made of silence. She felt like bliss, and a little bit of snow. Just like a kiss can say a thousand words, so can the scorching fire in her glimmering eyes. When my words began to waver under the weight of growing desires, I couldn’t hold back, and so, I caved. She was made of roses, and made of silence. She felt like bliss, and a little bit of snow.
Publication Date 10/5/2022
When Words Waver by Sana Khatri
My Review
Insta-love/slow burn/medium steam romance. With a couple of characters your going to fall in love with.
Our two leads are Myles and Carina, when they meet it is instant attraction and interest in one other like neither of them have felt before. Itās not to be ignored or is it?
Myles is a construction worker. Heās been asked to do a job that will possibly change his life!
But at the moment standing outside in the cold, heās not seeing the bigger picture!
he has been asked to do a job for an elderly man and his granddaughter. He hates that heās standing out in the cold while his brother is nice and toasty in the van but it will be a thing thatāll change his life from that day on whether thatās for the good or bad we will have to wait and see.. he is handsome, incredibly sweet and charming. Totally determined to get what he wants, be a better man (even though he is a pretty great one already) and earn the respect from the man he wants it most right now, though he will not give up the one thing he wants to make him happy – thatās not an opinion.
Will one mistake take away what he hasnāt yet had the chance to call his? Can he earn her trust?
Carina is beautiful inside and out! She has known the pain of a tragic loss and with that chose how she lives her life, nothing holds her back and the choices she made empower her not defeat her. Some may not understand but it was right for her and thatās all that matters. She canāt take her eyes off myles when they first meet, tells her bestie about the hottie and her mind canāt help but wonder to him.
Will she put herself out there to give him a chance? Open up to hurt?
This book has so many funny moments throughout, I loved the secondary characters and the parts they played. It has moments of sadness, hurt and loss. Moments of unbelievable cuteness, slight steam and just adorable.
I absolutely love this author and her style of writing. Sheās already a one click buy for meš
So what are you waiting for? Grab yourself a copy and enjoy.
When Words Waver (The Collectors Edition) by Sana Khatri
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MEET THE AUTHOR
Sana Khatri is an International Bestselling author, an IT (Information Technology) graduate, a bunny momma, and a makeup junkie. She resides with her aunts, mother, and her younger brother in Mumbai, India. Because her dad is the one who initially motivated her to keep writing, she makes sure to ask him for book-related opinions and suggestions whenever she needs them. She is an unwavering reader, dreamer, and believer, and prefers to have a speck of reality in her fictitious stories.
Knot My Problem (Knot Yours Omegaverse Book 3) by Sinclair Kelly
Description
Secrets are my life.
But after so many years of living one lie after another, do I even really know who I am without them?
When work explodesāquite literallyāin my face, Iām forced into hiding until the smoke clears. Now Iām living in a small town, with the one man who has the power to break down my carefully constructed identity. Ten years ago he walked away without so much as a goodbye and broke my fragile, barely legal heart. Looking back on it, there were so many obstacles in our way, but I wouldāve been willing to risk his honor and integrity to have what I so desperately wantedāconsequences be damnedāif he hadnāt taken the choice out of my hands. Now here we are, older and wiser, or so Iād like to think. Could this time be different?
Except now heās got a pack to consider and I have a very persistent Beta who refuses to give me any sort of space. For a woman used to handling things on her own, itās all a little too much, too fast. Add in the threat thatās looming closer every day, and things are about to get messy.
If thereās one thing I need from the overprotective men in my life, itās their trust. Yet they always underestimate me. Itās cool. Iām used to taking care of things on my own. This girl has everything under control. And when it comes to the men I love, I will do whatever is necessary to protect them.
What they choose to do nextā¦well, itās knot my problem.
For Trigger Warnings, please visit my website. Knot My Problem is book three in the Knot Yours Omegaverse, a series of fast-burn reverse harem romance standalones. This book includes MMFMMM. Each book in the series ends in an HEA.
Publication Date 31/1/2023
Knot My Problem (Knot Yours Omegaverse Book 3) by Sinclair Kelly
My Review
Youāll need tissues and a bar of chocolate the size of your head!!
There are definitely triggers you need to be aware of (and it starts with a hard hitting subject within the first few sentences!) itās a rollercoaster of emotions and feelings.
This has to be my favourite in the series. I loved Reece, she was amazing. A strong independent female, who could hold her own, and even when sheād been knocked down, she still wouldnāt give up.
I also wanted to kick the chiefās a$$! He was sooooo stubborn. Heād known Reece for years, in fact heās her daddyās best friend. But he never looked at her until one night she threw herself at him!! He then avoided her for the next ten years!!! But now sheās on his town, he has to think long and hard at where he wants to take their relationship nowā¦..
And there are plenty of men to choose from in this town, and luckily she doesnāt have to choose
My favourite character had to be Burke, he was just so shy and adorable. But when his omega is in trouble, he definitely turns into an alpha!
Itās not necessary to read in order, they happily stand on their own. But, if you read out of order, youāll spoil a few surprises. It does tie up a few things, and it also gives a possible happy ever after to Jaxon (heās appeared in the previous books) heās not affiliated to any pack, but heās totally into Reece, so if he wants to be in her life, heāll have to be accepted into Chiefās pack (which could prove tricky)
š itās an Omegaverse story, so there are Alphasā, betas and omegas, galore, including the two previous stories (and we get some interaction from them too)
And when the trouble finds Reece will she run, or will she let the pack look after her? An old job wants her back, and wonāt let anyone (including Reece) get in his way!! And let me tell you heās not a nice guy!
I loved the ending in this book. It ties it up and the series really nicely.
Knot a Chance (Knot Yours Omegaverse Book 2) by Sinclair Kelly
Description
Time heals all woundsā¦
Yeah, I call bullshit. My grief still bleeds out each and every day no matter how much time passes.
Iāve managed to make a new life for myself by helping my bestie run TheOmegasGuideāour viral social media account. We support freedom of choice for all designations.
Though Iām starting to wonder if having a choice is really all that great. Lockeās up my ass more than usual, acting weird, andā¦is my hulking Beta friend flirting? Iād be lying if I said I didnāt secretly hope heād ignore that whole friend-zone thing. Then thereās Cohenāthe commanding, broody Alpha who wants nothing to do with me, but that I canāt stop thinking about. Of course, I canāt forget Bastianāthe sexy stranger I ran intoāliterally. With his big, warm, mouthwateringly gorgeous body and haunted brown eyes, Iād love the chance to get to know him better.
The intensity of our chemistry is explosive, but theyāre not a pack, and Iām not looking for another foreverā¦.right? No. It hurts too much and goes against everything I believe now.
No relationships. No commitments. This Omega needs to rediscover just who she is and canāt fall into anything serious.
Nope. Knot a chance.
For Trigger Warnings, please visit my website. Knot A Chance is book two in the Knot Yours Omegaverse, a series of fast-burn reverse harem romance standalones. Each book will end in an HEA and lead into the next book with a new reluctant omega and her own possessive, purring alphas.
Publication Date 28/9/2022
Knot a Chance (Knot Yours Omegaverse Book 2) by Sinclair Kelly
My Review
Secrets/heartache and a second chance at a HEA.
This book is the second in the series itās not necessary to read book one before diving into this one, but it will give you a little more insight into Arden and the men who love herā¦..
Arden barely survived the loss of her pack/family a few years ago, there is no way she will ever smile or move on, she canāt/wonāt open herself up ever again, it hurt too much last time!!
But life has a way of giving Arden a second chance at happiness, if sheās willing to grab itā¦.
Locke/Cohen/Bastian are all totally different from one another, but each character adds something unique to this story.
Locke has been in love with Arden for years. But heās firmly in the friend zone (something he wishes he wasnāt so firmly stuck in) a Beta with such a big heart, there is nothing he wonāt do for Ardenā¦.
Cohen works non stop, for him there is nothing else that gives him the buzz. A pack isnāt something he ever wants (well lately his minding is swinging back and forth) ā¦..
Bastian is a silent sentinel, a guardian, a protector, and he does it from the shadows. But Bastian carries a secret, that if Arden was ever to find outā¦ā¦
Locke I absolutely loved, he is a teddy bear, ready with foot rubs and chocolate. But rile him up and he turns from a mild mannered Beta into a beast!
Cohen is Crewās brother (Crew is mated to Bexley, from book one) and with a copās job, he knows any minute he could be hurt in the line of duty so heās not looking to settle down EVER! But he has a soft side few rarely get to see.
Now Bastianā¦. When I found out his secret, I wasnāt sure he was good enough for Arden, but as you read his side you canāt help but root for him, you hold onto the hope he gets the girl and a packā¦ā¦
Arden is a great character, strong, resilient and the one person you would want on your side. Her backstory with definitely have you grabbing the tissues, you understand her plight, you just want to hug her. You also want her to find happiness againā¦..
Arden is finally convinced to have a little fun without commitment and certainly without Knots and Alphas involved. But Knots have a way of forcing issues (especially when itās just Alphas that have them!) Thatās why you need a mixture in a pack, Alphas protect, Betas keep the peace and the Omega is the Center of their world. (Omegas go into heat and it takes the knot of an alpha to satisfy her) š
Loved this book. It brings all the emotions to the surface, and when they bubble up be prepared for a torrent of tears and steam š„µ
Will Arden be able to finally move on from the loss of her previous pack/family? Will Locke ever admit his feelings for Arden and pursue his happiness? Will Cohen realize there is more to life than work? And can Bastian come out of the shadows and tell Arden who he is and admit his feelings? (That bit had me going for the tissues š¤§)
The angst comes in the form of denial on all sides, itās not instant lust like the last book, but there is enough romance to keep me turning the pages.
Highly recommend this book and the previous book (āI think knotā)
The third book sounds really interesting, and I canāt wait to read it. Reece sounds like a character who Iām going to love getting to know.
I Think Knot (Knot Yours Omegaverse Book 1) by Sinclair Kelly.
Description
No. Nope. Knot going to happen.
I may be an omega, but Iāve got dreams and goals of my own, and none of them include shacking up with a pack of raging alphas just because biology says I have to. Sure, that time will come and Iāll welcome it with open arms, but for now, Iām doing me.
Iāve managed to make a name for myself on the PackChat App, unintentionally starting a movement that has earned me millions of followers, along with plenty of enemies. Namely, a rival group known as RideAnAlpha. They drive me crazy with their constant lewd and rude comments, and, admittedly, their thirst traps showing off their hot bodies and abs for days. What? Iām in self-isolation, not dead, after all. Theyāre the bane of my existence, but Iām a pro at being oblivious.
As my birthday looms, my bestie convinces me to attend a major influencer conference where my rivals and I are keynote speakers. Iām determined to prove the real Bexley Carter is not the evil omega they portray me as. Iāll get in, get out, and stay just long enough to figuratively give them the finger…or maybe literally, time will tell. No thoughts of claiming or bonds or heats since, you know, they hate me and all. I should be safe, right?
Becauseā¦I think knot!
For Trigger Warnings, please visit my website. I Think Knot is book one in the Knot Yours Omegaverse, a series of fast-burn reverse harem romance standalones. This book includes MMFMMM. Each book will end in an HEA and lead into the next book with a new reluctant omega and her own possessive, purring alphas.
Publication Date 16/3/2022
I Think Knot (Knot Yours Omegaverse Book 1) by Sinclair Kelly.
My Review
Bexley is a strong and independent omega, she likes her life just the way it is. Sheās not going to fall for a pack of Abholes (the alphas in question have Abs and they are a bunch of A$$holes!)
Axton/Hawke/Crew/Shaw/Camden are a pack of alphas and beta, and are a looking for an Omega to complete their pack, but they definitely donāt need an Omega like Bexley to complete their pack, sheās ruining their chances of finding their partner online.
But they are having way too much fun tormenting their nemesis onlineā¦.
But when they meet in person, all bets are off! Can they convince this Omega they only want to love and cherish her? Can Bexley lose her misconceived notions about the pack and grab her happy ever after?
Meeting at āThe Alpha to Omega Influencer Conferenceā to put both their views across will finally put the alpha pack and Bexley face to faceā¦..
Will it be a war of words, or will both sides be struck dumb?
Really well written, it will grab hold of your heart and wonāt let goā¦ā¦
I loved Bexley, her point of view was like a breath of fresh air, she didnāt need a pack to complete her life, she has her best friends (Arden/Locke/Jaxon) and doesnāt need to be smothered and ruled by a bunch of men!!
I liked Camden and Axton (twins) both have different personalities, both bring different dynamics to the pack.
I wasnāt sure about Crew at first, he was the last person I fell I love with, but once he showed his teddy bear side I was all for him š
Itās not an āinstant lustā read, but the attraction between Camden and Bexley certainly made me chuckle.
The dynamics in the pack are already established (well except for the unrequited love between two of the MMC (male main characters) so how will Bexley fit it? (Pretty well actually š) sheās the missing piece in their puzzle.
But Bexley has a #1Bexleyfan who is going to make sure sheās protected from the āRide an Alphaā pack, they are meant to be together!!
āWhy chooseā is fast becoming one of my favourite tropes/genres to read.
Omegaverse can be a little tricky to traverse, some books are shifters, but a lot of the ones Iām reading are just plain humans in a world where family units are made up of more than two people in a relationship.
Itās definitely a series Iām going to be keep reading.
This is the first in a new series, and by an author Iāve not read before.
But itās a thumbs up from me. And I canāt wait to read book two ā Knot a Chanceā as itās got a character I fell in love with from this book.
Hidden Comrade (Project Morpheus Book 2) by Jillian David
Description
Pele Tuitamaās Morpheus Squad mission infiltrating a Smoky Mountain children’s camp is FUBAR. He might be a virally-enhanced military experiment, but augmented abilities wonāt help him protect Reagan McNeill, the most unsecure-able target imaginable. Sweet Reaganās kisses and the possibility of a future he should never consider, distracts his laser focus. If Pele canāt keep Reagan safe from an evil adversary bent on revenge against the entire McNeill family, then Reagan will die.
After a nasty breakup, Reagan doesnāt trust any manāor herself. Enter handsome Pele, the worldās worst camp counselor. She doesnāt believe his story or his motives. When overly-protective Pele draws her close and then rejects her, Reagan is finished with games. Then the truth she learns rips open recently-healed emotional wounds.
In order to escape through the mountains, Pele must share his deadliest secret. To have a chance at their future, they must reveal their demons and pray for acceptance … and survival.
Publication Date 20/1/2023
Hidden Comrade (Project Morpheus Book 2) by Jillian David
My Review
This is the second book in the Morpheus Squad series, and I would suggest that before reading this one you read book one.
Reading the first one although not absolutely necessary, will give you a better understanding of this book.
Iād read the first book (which is great by the way) I did wonder where the next book would take usā¦.. and let me tell you itās a bumpy ride!
Reagan is Kiera’s older sister. (Sheās the main female character from the first book) And as a whole the family have suffered terribly (what with the loss of their mother and the death of their brother, which was explained in book one.)
Reagan has also had to deal with her abusive ex-fiance. Sheād been with him for two years, sheās struggled to find herself, but slowly sheās getting there. But still has moments of self doubt.
Pele’s job/assignment is to protect Reagan.
Itās not going to easy as she works outdoors in the mountains at an educational camp for children. In the short space of time, heās set up cameras to keep an eye on her.
But plans wonāt go correctly if the subject is Reagan!
Reagan doesnāt trust the new camp councillor, he just doesnāt fit in! But he is easy on the eye. š nether the less, sheās not interested in a new relationship, she just wants to concentrate on helping the kids.
The back and forwards between Pele and Reagan will have you laughing one minute then wanting to shake either character in the next.
Although a slow burn romance, it doesnāt lack for action/betrayal and mystery. Pele does try my patience, itās a push and pull with him, he wants her, but he doesnāt think he deserves her.
And when they finally decide to try at a relationship, a secret comes along and blows Reaganās shaky confidence. Can they really move forward and leave the past behind?
Iād have to say I liked the first book more than this one. But I canāt wait to read the next book.
Magic is old. Steam is progressive. And the world is falling into waste.
Hopefully I leave a positive mark when Iām gone. I spend my days building wonders and use every bit I can while trying to control my runoff. Iām just one person, but I donāt want to contribute to the cause of killing our world. Despite the global pollution crisis, my life is simple, peaceful, and happy.
And then itās turned into an epic journey as Iām sent on a mission of hope to collaborate on reinventing the steam engine in an effort to slow the destruction of the only planet we have. With little time to prepare, Iām sent across the country to a convention promising to be filled with the most brilliant minds.
On my way, I gather some new companions, nearly drown in a magical storm summoned by monstrous sea creatures, and rediscover a lost race of dangerous abominations that had been thought extinct. Only then do I make it to the remote island thinktank.
But it looks like maybe my troubles are just beginning.
***
This is a polyamorous story with content not suitable for those under 18 years of age due to graphic scenes and situations.
A Tale of Steam & Cinders by Crea Reitan
Publication Date 2/2/2023
My Review
I didnāt think Iād like this story, I havenāt read steampunk in a while (it wasnāt really my thing at the time!) but as Iāve read a lot of the authors work, I thought Iād give it a goā¦.
Amandine wants to make a difference in her world. Itās a world run on steam (but the pollution this generates is killing the planet) she lives a happy but simple life. Being sent on a mission to reinvent the steam engine to pump out less toxic waste is the challenge. But the real challenge is getting to the convention is an adventure in itself!
I throughly enjoyed reading this book. Itās totally different from what the author usually produces. Yes, itās steamier than her usual work and there might be a few moments that might have some readers putting the book down! But if you check the warnings first, I promise you a fun filled ride.
The characters are slightly different from her usual characters. (Most of her other stories live in an Omegaverse)
This is a why choose story (the female main character will have more than one partner)
And most of the male characters in this book are already established as couples, so you have to wonder how Ama will fit in!
And everyone has a point of view that we get to read.
I did like Amandine, sheās a strong and inventive character, she doesnāt shy away from danger, nor does she shy away from going after what she wants š
My favourite characters had to be Sevyn and Ledger, they were always looking out and caring for the group.
I also enjoyed meeting characters that will become family to Ama.
There is laughter, there is plenty of spice. I really liked the twists that would catch you unawares.
And donāt forget the double crossing and greed that comes with most good adventure stories.
Well written, but there are a few places that the story gets a little bogged down, but overall a pretty good paced story.
I recommend this book if your a lover of multiple partners. A reader who likes steam, or even a reader who likes an adventure to her love story. There is something there for everyone
š¦
If you would like to stay up to date on this series, join her Facebook group to get teasers and information first!
A Season Of Flirtation (Mills & Boon Historical) (Least Likely to Wed, Book 1) by Julia Justiss
Description
Her lessons in flirtationā¦
Could work too well!
When Lady Laura Pomeroy offers to give her friend lessons on surviving the Season, she doesnāt expect her friendās brother to join!
Banker Miles Rochdale is dubious of the aristocracy and clearly thinks Laura is shallow and silly. Frustratingly, mathematical genius Laura finds herself attracted to him, and will enjoy challenging his assumptions! But, as a Marquessās daughter, thereās no point impressing Miles because sheāll never be allowed to marry tradeā¦
Publication Date 19/1/2023
A Season Of Flirtation (Mills & Boon Historical) (Least Likely to Wed, Book 1) by Julia Justiss
My Review
The first book in a new series, from an author that I really like. She captures historical romance really well.
A slow burn or sweet romance (not much if any spicy moments) that will have you wishing for gowns and afternoon teas š
Lady Laura knows exactly how to behave in society, becoming a lady had been a minefield, if it hadnāt been for her two best friends. Laura would have failed miserably, so she wants to help anyone entering the āton society.
Miles Rochdale isnāt liking the idea of a socialite educating his naive sister in the ways of flirting and ensnaring a suitor and a marriage proposal. Itās bringing back bad memories of when he was targeted and dumped by a socialite, so he has the notion of interacting with Lady Laura to judge her character.
But the more they spend time together, the more they come to realise they have so much in commonā¦..
Miles has to accept that Laura only wants the best for his sister. And Laura has to put down her mathematical equations sometimes and interact with more than just her best friends.
I really like Laura, she was such a sensitive and sensible character. Sheās also a math nerd, so that makes her socially awkward.
Miles is an overprotective big brother, which is a big plus in my book.
And Susanna (Milesā sister) is such a cute character, sheās an innocent in a bad world and needs protecting. But the more I read of her, the more I think sheās trying to matchmake between her brother and her new friend.
And we get to meet her best friends, who support and advise her along the way. (And Iām hoping they each get a book)
So can they buck the rules and be together, or will society break this unconventional couple up? A lady canāt marry beneath her station, can she? And what happens when Laura finds out Miles is promised to someone else?
If you love sweet romances then this book is a must for you.
And I canāt wait to read the next one in this series.
š¦
About the Author
Long before embarking on romantic adventures of her own, Julia Justiss read about them, transporting herself to such favourite venues as ancient Egypt, World War II submarine patrols, the Old South and, of course, Regency England. Soon she was keeping notebooks for jotting down story ideas. When not writing or traveling, she enjoys watching movies, reading and puttering about in the garden trying to kill off more weeds than flowers.
There are beings in this world that are the embodiment of fear itself – we call them Terrors.
Already an outcast shunned beyond the edge of town, Iām regularly ridiculed for my ungainly appearance. In this time of darkness, I simply do what is necessary to surviveālike inviting in strangers who come knocking.
Which is what happened with The Unwantedāa Terror so cruel that if you turn him away, he will rip out your eyes before eating your heart.
My act of kindness has entrenched me into an even darker world of monsters like no other. Itās made all the more terrifying because I donāt understand the language the Terrors speak.
As the Order of Ipsom launches a campaign to end the Terrors, the world turns medieval as fear grips the land. Fires burn the forests, screams fill the air, all while the Guardians try to kill the unkillable.
But Iām not immortal. And I might just become collateral damage.
Publication Date 23/2/2023
Terror by Crea Reitan
My Review
Is there nothing this author canāt turn her pen too? Steampunk/Omegaverse/Reverse Harem/
her stories are all different (a lot of authors just swap names and churn another book out!) and they just drawn you in.
My heart just broke reading Voeās hard life. Being horrifically injured and disfigured as a child (a bakery accident) Voe has had nothing but contempt and hatred thrown at her, all she is good for is ridicule and derision! Her trek to the local village is nothing short of an ordeal for Voeā¦ā¦
Unwanted has known nothing but justice, well his type of justice. Turn him away at your peril, no one has ever invited him into their homes. His punishment is not for the squeamish nor the faint hearted (triggers are given) and heās expecting the same from the owner of the isolated cottageā¦..
Our āmonsterā is a Terror (Terrors are monsters that roam the night) each monster has an ability that they use to punish the corrupt. They arenāt men that turn into monsters, they are monsters, more limbs and appendages than you can count.
So when Voe invited the Terror into her home, sheās not sure what to expect. So she feeds him and tries to communicate with him. The food is eaten, but the language barrier is a problem.
She also doesnāt expect kindness and understanding from the Terror, he sees her scars and finds her beautiful anyway.
And when they give into the chemistry that is between them, both are shocked! Want (shoe fir Unwanted) needs to show off this wondrous creature with his pack of Terrorāsā¦.
As Loop/Warp and a host of Terrors meet Voe, they are struck at how age can be with a Terror, they too want Voe! And suddenly sheās being shared by the Terrors! (Sheās writes about multiple partners, so why should this book be any different š)
The fact Voe and the Unwanted donāt really understand one another was a little frustrating, I had hoped a mind link would occur and they could understand one another.
I liked how Unwanted saw Voe as a copy of himself (he sews pieces of flesh onto his own body) sheās scarred, heās scarred, heās fascinated with her, sheās still terrified of him, but he does look at her with disgust.
But the Order of Ipsom want the Terrors gone, they are a religious order that bring their own form of justice to the villages. They want the villagers to rise up and kill the Terrors. But itās not going to be an easy feat!
The Guardian is a type of law enforcer, they also uphold the laws brought in by the Order of Ipsom.
So how can one woman save these creatures? She has no powers, and she tries to save both the villagers and the Terrors. But neither really understand her nor do they want to stray from their paths.
Itās another great story from this author , I couldnāt put it down.
So if your a fan of gothic horror with a little romance thrown in for good measure this is a book youāll enjoy.
And for fans of the author, you wonāt be disappointed.
Another highly recommended book from this author.
š¦
Meet the authorā¦.
If you would like to stay up to date on this series, join the authors Facebook group to get teasers and information first!
How bad can a blind date with a vampire really be? The last thing Ryan Harding needs is his brother setting him up on dates with random women. Yes, heās been avoiding relationships and burying himself in work, but come on, a blind date? Surely things arenāt that desperate. Stillā¦the cute blonde at the bar is pretty amazing. Kind of sexy as hell. Why did he think a blind date was so bad again?
Grace Stanhope has no interest in dating mortals, but she owes her best friend one hell of a favor. A blind date with a human canāt be all that bad right? She might even have a nice timeā¦but oh god is he three of her most favorite things? Tall, dark, AND handsome!?!
Before the night is through, sparks fly, spells are cast, and this blind date just might have a bite to itā¦
Publication Date 12/2/2023
Vampire Valentine by Lauren Smith
My Review
Grace is a 160 year old vampire, who is about to go on a blind date with a human!
Reading that, I wasnāt expecting much of a story. Itās a Valentine story, yawn!!
But get past the first chapter and something happens that will have you inhaling the book until itās done. Itās only 133 pages (9 chapters) long, so it wonāt take long. But nothing is missing, nothing is skipped, and you wonāt feel cheated (youāll only want it to last a little longer š)
Grace and Ryan are a great couple, once we get past the cheese that Valentineās seems to bring out in people, youāll enjoy the interaction and chemistry between the two characters.
Grace has loved and lost lovers before, so sheās hesitant to let love in againā¦.
Ryan lives to work, he throws himself into his job (?) he doesnāt want or need that special someone in his life, and he certainly doesnāt need his brother fixing group in a blind date thank you very much. Although when he spots his date at the bar, heās not so certain š
Meeting up for a blind date on Valentineās Day could have had disastrous consequences, but the couple hit it off.
But someone wants to split the new couple up! Who and why?
Iāve read a few of the authorās historical books (loved them) Iāve read and loved her contemporary romances, but as Iām a PNR (paranormal romance) reader, and
I love her PNR works.
So can a vampire and a workaholic really make a go of it? Or will Grace have cold feet? Does she really want to see another lover grow old and die? And can Ryan leave his laptop alone for long enough to embrace a little fun and romance?
This Valentineās Day, when a cupid accidentally shoots himself with his own arrow, he falls for a siren whose only job is to lure men to their deaths.
Charismatic and irresistibly fun, Chance Eroson is a cupid who gets a kick from pairing odd couples and being right about them. Used to getting his way, the only person who shuts him down is the siren who has ruined more than one of his pairings before they started. But his bigger problem is he wants her. Heās always wanted her.
Elodie Sirenian uses her power for good, only hunting evil men. But after so long, and so many horrible people, her cynicism has settled deep inside. She can turn on the charm when she doesnāt mean it, and they fall for it. Every single one. Every single time.
Except Chance. Heās the only personāman or godāwho has ever challenged her.
But a cupidās magic is temporary. Thereās no way a true love match is possible. Not this time.
Hit by the Cupid Stick by Abigail Owen
Publication Date 1/2/2022
My Review
Hit by the Cupid Stick is part of the Brimstone Inc series, itās not necessary to read the others in this series (Iāve only read two books in this series before this one)
Chance is a Cupid, not a cute little angel with wings and a bow (a huge misconception his race have to contend with!) but a strapping god that wears suits and a smile that makes women go weak at the knees.
Elodie was born and raised a siren. Luring men to their deaths is not just a job for her, it also feeds the monster that lives within her. Except Ellie (Elodie) only uses her gifts for catching evil men, those that prey on others, those men Ellie is happy to kill. Using her gifts on a daily basis has made her jaded, love is for foolsā¦.
Both have feelings for one another, theyāve known each other for a long time, a little flirting here and there, but mainly staying away from one anotherās business. Chance thinks Ellie is amazing, but sheās not going to look at someone who is in the love business! And Ellie tries not to think of Chance if she can help it. Why would he look at someone who kills?
This couple shouldnāt have worked. But it did, and it works really well. Opposites might attract, but when you throw in an accidental arrow finding a wrong target, then you can be assured chaos will soon ensueā¦.
Itās funny, itās cheesy, and so sweet it may leave you with toothache. š A little angst, but it only adds to this books charm.
I have to admit, I love reading Abigail Owenās books. Her Infernos Rising and Fireās Edge series are two of my favourite series to read again and again.
She mixed magic with supernatural and just a sprinkling of mythology and another (although short) story is born.
There are characters that have been in previous books (which was lovely catching up with) who pop in and try to help this couple as they navigate the choppy waters of love. Elodie thinks the love arrow will wear off soon, Chance knows betterā¦..
Can he convince his Siren to give them a chance? His previous matches might have been odd couples, but theyāve worked. So it stands to reason that theyāve got a pretty good chance, right?
If your a fan of this author, grab it. If you love Paranormal Romance then grab it. And if your a fan of themed (Valentines Day) romances, then this one will have you smiling most of the way through it.
Saving Valentine’s Day : A Small Town Firefighter Romance (Eden Mountain Firefighters) by Jenna Gunn
Description
Sheās put off by his bad boy reputation. Heās amused by her take charge attitude. When a blizzard delivers them the quirkiest Valentineās Day ever, will flakes be the only things falling?
Nolene- ā„
Worst day ever. I got ditched by my date. Then I really hit rock bottom.
Spending Valentine’s night in my car, alone in a whiteout, was so not on my to do list.
Neither was losing my head over the townās heartthrob firefighter. Thanks, Cupid!
But when the snow melts, Iāll go back to my normal boring life and he will probably be the one that got awayā¦ got away with my heart.
Martin-ā„
What kind of crazy woman drives in a blizzard?
Apparently a cute, sassy one with daggers in her pretty eyes.
I took the Valentine shift at the fire department because dating isnāt high on my priority list. And somehow I end up on the weirdest Valentineās date known to man.
But Iām not in the market for love. Iāve got a ranch and a firefighting job filling my days and nights.
If only Cupid hadnāt struck and left me to wonder what it would be like to fill that ranch house full of loveā¦
Saving Valentineās Day, a Novella set in 1975, is full of quirky twists, sizzling heat, and a surprise chance at love for Edenās heartthrob firefighter and the town’s sassy, determined hairdresser.
If youāve read the Eden Mountain Firefighters youāll recognize these two as the adorable parents of the five Strong brothers. This book can be read as a standalone or as the introduction to the Eden Mountain Firefighters Series. Youāll find no cheating or cliffhangers in any of my books.
Curl up and enjoy the ride as this couple braves the Valentine’s date they never saw coming.
Saving Valentine’s Day : A Small Town Firefighter Romance (Eden Mountain Firefighters) by Jenna Gunn
Publication Date 27/1/2022
My Review
This book takes you back to the beginning of the āEden Mountain Firefightersā series.
Itās the parents story, so you call it a prequel.
Iāve not read the previous books, but after reading this one, Iām definitely adding the series to my list š
Nolene is Edenās hairdresser, a fun but feisty young woman. She thinks her day canāt get any worse, being dumped by her boyfriend on Valentines Day is nothing short of humiliating and annoying. But being caught in a blizzard and her car almost being run off the road just tops this bad day off!
Being rescued by a hunky fireman would have been nice, if only it wasnāt him!
Martin works as a firefighter for the same town. A rancher by day, his nights are filled with one night stands or firefighting. He doesnāt need or want a permanent relationship, but when he ābumpsā into Nolene in a blizzard, he may just have to rethink his ideas!
Spending time together at the ranch, this couple fight their feelings for one another, Martin doesnāt want to settle down yet, and Nolene has heard about this rancherās reputation, there is no way she wants to be just another notch on his belt!
It was great reading about the past couple, it might not be set in modern times (70ās) but the steam level certainly is š
Itās really well written, and you canāt help but hope Martin sorts his act out and doesnāt mess up the relationship, and you definitely get the feel for this town.
So can this couple make a go of this fragile new relationship? Or will they both go their separate ways once the snow has melted and they can return to the town of Eden and their own lives?
Is this widower cowboy prepared for the feelings stirred up by this much-younger feisty maid running from the law?
When 40-year-old cowboy Dusty returns to his ranch in small-town Clear Creek County, he is shocked to find 19-year-old, beautiful black servant Lovely Jo hiding in his stables. She explains how she ran off after finding the master of her household, dead. She swears sheās innocent, but needing money to save his ranch, Dusty tries to take her to the Sheriff to claim the bounty for her return.
Lovely Jo aināt the smartest weed in the field but sheās an excellent judge of character and she knows that despite his grouchiness, drinking, and gambling, Dusty is a trustworthy man and there is no one else in town sheād rather run to.
Desperate with her life on the line, Lovely Jo promises Dusty the one thing she has in her possession if heād help her escape town: her virtue. But she never intended to give him her heart.
About Stacy Deanne
Born and raised in Houston, Texas, Stacy-Deanne (Dee-Anne) is an award-winning author of romantic suspense, contemporary romance, thrillers, and women’s fiction books featuring BWWM pairings. Her books have been bestsellers in stores worldwide including Amazon, Apple, and Barnes and Noble. Her work has been praised and reviewed in USA Today numerously. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree and is a 2011 and 2012 African-American Literary Award Nominee. She also is a winner of the Swirl Award (an award dedicated to authors of multicultural/interracial works).
Itās Valentineās Day this monthā¦.. So Iām going to see if I can read a book with the Valentines Day theme for most of the month!!! Thatās a lot of love ā¤ļø š
From International Bestselling author Sana Khatri comes a love story about honest mistakes, blurred memories, and admirable perseverance.
Carina: He was made of dreams, and made of meadows. He looked so sweet, and yet he hurt so deep. Just like a touch can say a thousand words, so can the unwavering storm in his blazing eyes. When my hope began to waver under the weight of his persistent hesitance, I couldn’t resist, and so, I lost. He was made of dreams, and made of meadows. He looked so sweet, and yet he hurt so deep.
Myles: She was made of roses, and made of silence. She felt like bliss, and a little bit of snow. Just like a kiss can say a thousand words, so can the scorching fire in her glimmering eyes. When my words began to waver under the weight of growing desires, I couldn’t hold back, and so, I caved. She was made of roses, and made of silence. She felt like bliss, and a little bit of snow.
Publication Date 10/5/2022
When Words Waver by Sana Khatri
My Review
Insta-love/slow burn/medium steam romance. With a couple of characters your going to fall in love with.
Our two leads are Myles and Carina, when they meet it is instant attraction and interest in one other like neither of them have felt before. Itās not to be ignored or is it?
Myles is a construction worker. Heās been asked to do a job that will possibly change his life!
But at the moment standing outside in the cold, heās not seeing the bigger picture!
he has been asked to do a job for an elderly man and his granddaughter. He hates that heās standing out in the cold while his brother is nice and toasty in the van but it will be a thing thatāll change his life from that day on whether thatās for the good or bad we will have to wait and see.. he is handsome, incredibly sweet and charming. Totally determined to get what he wants, be a better man (even though he is a pretty great one already) and earn the respect from the man he wants it most right now, though he will not give up the one thing he wants to make him happy – thatās not an opinion.
Will one mistake take away what he hasnāt yet had the chance to call his? Can he earn her trust?
Carina is beautiful inside and out! She has known the pain of a tragic loss and with that chose how she lives her life, nothing holds her back and the choices she made empower her not defeat her. Some may not understand but it was right for her and thatās all that matters. She canāt take her eyes off myles when they first meet, tells her bestie about the hottie and her mind canāt help but wonder to him.
Will she put herself out there to give him a chance? Open up to hurt?
This book has so many funny moments throughout, I loved the secondary characters and the parts they played. It has moments of sadness, hurt and loss. Moments of unbelievable cuteness, slight steam and just adorable.
I absolutely love this author and her style of writing. Sheās already a one click buy for meš
So what are you waiting for? Grab yourself a copy and enjoy.
Lost with a Scot (The League of Rogues Book 17) by Lauren smith
Description
Brooding, intense, passionateā¦ These are the three things Anna knows about the mysterious man who rescues her when she washes up on the shores after Scotland after surviving a shipwreck. With no memory of who she is except her name, she must rely on this darkly handsome Scot, Aiden Kincade as she searches for answers about her past. The more time she spends with Aiden, the more his heated looks, and fiery kisses ignite desires she never knew she had. But she fears that finding out who she is will only tear her and Aiden apart.
The last thing Aiden Kincade expects is to find a beautiful woman half-drowned while he rides along the beach. But the moment he takes her into his arms, he realizes that this is the woman he has dreamed about for years, the woman who had been prophesied to bring about his death should he dare to love her. And yet denying his love for her is as impossible as drawing his next breath.
Itās clear from the moment they meet, that fate has brought them together. But as Annaās past begins to surface, and a terrible danger looms over her, Aiden fears that he might lose everything and everyone he holds dear unless he can find a way to defy destiny.
Publication Date 19/11/2022
Lost with a Scot (The League of Rogues Book 17) by Lauren smith
My Review
Iāve read a few of these books by the author. No need to read in order as they can be read alone, although there are a few characters from previous books that make an appearance.
Great attention to detail, the Scottish words take a little getting use to, but once I managed to sort it out, it didnāt stop me flying through this book.
Aiden and Annaās story had me smiling, crying and wishing it was longer.
Aiden finding Anna on the shore after a storm, being shocked at recognising her face from his dreams, and then finding out Anna doesnāt recognise him, nor does she know who she is!
Anna has a past that could kill her and anyone close to her, but she doesnāt know that (yet) but she is attracted to her rescuer, it wonāt hurt to stay with him until her memory comes back, will it?
A friendship soon strikes up, and I get the feeling Aiden would like it to be more. And then it doesnāt take long for Anna to wish for the same.
I had to smile at Aidenās love of animals, there is one particular scene with a hedgehog š¦ that will have you chuckling. š
And when Annaās memory returns will it mean the end of Anna and Aiden? People are looking for Anna, who? And what do they want with her?
Can they fight these feelings? Or will they be torn apart by duty?
And what about the warning Aiden received as a ladā¦.. will Anna be the death of him?
Another great story by this author. Full of adventure, passion and a little mystery thrown in for good measure.
Ancient Desire (Forgotten Brotherhood Book 5) by N. J. Walters
Description
Nothing was supposed to wake half dragon, half human Lucius from his Deep Sleep. Nothing. And yet something, or rather someone has. The unexpectedly attractive human not only touched him. She kissed him. Now Lucius is awake, and more powerful than he has ever been in his 4,000 years of existence. And once he finds out who led her to his cave, heāll deal with his 300 years of hungerā¦
College professor Raine Carson spent her life obsessed with myths and legends. And now sheās woken one up. Only, Lucius is nothing like anything sheās ever seen or read about in her history books. Because this man is part sexy badass and part terrifyingā¦monster. Yet she wants him with a hunger like nothing sheās ever felt before.
Lucius used to be part of the Forgotten Brotherhoodāa ruthless group of paranormal assassins. Now heās unsure if his former Brothers are their alliesā¦or enemies. All he knows is that someone is hunting him, and Raine is just as tangled up in this mess as he is. And heāll protect herāeven if it means unleashing his Dragon and all of its power.
Each book in the Forgotten Brotherhood series is STANDALONE: * Fury Unleashed * Arctic Bite * Burning Ash * Bjorn Cursed * Ancient Desire
Publication Date 15/8/2022
Ancient Desire (Forgotten Brotherhood Book 5) by N. J. Walters
My Review
Iāve read most of these books in this series. This one is now my favourite (sorry Maccus)
I was triggered into remembering that the author had done another series mentioning Drakon (not dragon) so I popped onto Amazon and found another series sheād written (Blood of the Drakon Series) and I remember reading a few of those (added the rest to my TBR š)
If your looking for fated mates/overprotective mate/? then look no further, this book has it all.
No necessary to read the previous books in the series, they all stand on their own, but I canāt guarantee you wonāt want to read the rest of them, after reading Luciusš
Last of the Drakonās (or so he thought) Lucius had been in a Deep Sleep for a long time. Drakon can sleep until they become stone ?
Drakon are a hybrid, a Dragon for a father and a human mother, it takes less effort to become human for the Drakon than it did for their fatherās.
I really liked Raine character, her nervous chatter had me smiling, her inner monologue had me chuckling. Her fierce independent streak had me cheering (so many give up their spine when they find their mate)
Raine is the reason why Lucius is awake! Being buried alone in the same cave
We get to catch up with the brotherhood (a band of supernatural beings who are the last line of defence, they are the ones you call when
The only niggle I have (and itās a tiny one) I really would have liked a scene where Lucius finally reconnects with the Brotherhood (Pizza and Beer as Raine explains in the book)
Is this the last book in the series? I hope not š¤
But when a possible storyline appears before your very eyes, you have to hope š (or maybe a spin off series)
The Dragon’s Pledge (Jade Dragon Shifter Brothers Book 1) by Marie Johnston
Description
Ronan
The next time my brother says āHey, Iāve got an idea,ā I need to run, not walk away. I might be from a dragon shifter ruling family, but Iām not demanding a female mate with me. Yet taking my time and winning her over is going nowhere. So far, Iāve punched my card as the older neighbor whoās way too nosy about the young female next door. Then I hear about what sheās got planned. And Iām faced with giving her what she needs and letting her walk away, even at the cost of the useless beating organ in my chest.
Brighton
Mate Ronan Jade, they said. Itāll be a good match, they said. The older shifter is a walking poster of smoldering, hardworking male. He swings a hammer all day and at nightā¦ Well, that thought dominates my mind more than Iād like. The problem is that heās a great match. Superb. And Iām an inexperienced female trying to rule my clan. Itād be too easy to let him in. To let him take over. To allow him to dominate. So I try to find another mate instead. Only Ronan finds me first.
Publication Date 22/8/2022
The Dragon’s Pledge (Jade Dragon Shifter Brothers Book 1) by Marie Johnston
My Review
This is a spin off from the Silver Dragon Shifter Brothers Series, a three book series.
Brighton weāve meet in the previous series, itās not necessary to read that series, but youāll get a little more background. (But this book does supply a few moments from Brightonās life?)
Sheās the youngest ever ruler of her clan, sheās also the first female to rule. But not everyone agreed with the decision and sheās has to fight to keep her leadership. (Thatās how we met her, the dragons in her clan were turning rogue and injured a Silver clan member)
Ronan is brother to both Lachlan and Venus (Lachlan is the clan leader, Venus mated Penn from the Silver clan)
We met him briefly in the previous series, we donāt know too much about him, but i got the impression he wasnāt too impressed with Brighton and her clan.
But after the Silver clan step in to help Brighton, and the Jade clan offer their support in rebuilding Brightonās town.
Itās in a sorry state, neglected and falling apart, Ronan is there as both potential mate and contractor.
Itās not love at first sight, itās not even a like! But when an alliance is needed to help Brighton keep her clan, Ronan is drafted in!
The fireworks between these two characters just light the pages up. They bicker and banter until a moment has them rethinking they could just make this arrangement work. But someone still wants Brightonās leadership!
I love these stories, short with plenty of action, angst and storyline to make you wish they were longer.
Brighton although inexperienced and young, her determination to make her family proud is strong (she lost her parents and older sister in an accident, which we find out wasnāt an accident!)
So can Ronan and Brighton put their differences aside and build this clan back up? Can they find a truce and maybe go from there?
But they say all good things must come to an end, and in this case, it was no different.
He ruined me. Broke me to the point of no return, or so I thought.
They say time is a healer, and I guess thatās true.
And now, Iām a different person than I was back then. Stronger. My heart a little harder to break.
That is until he walks back into my life again, in the most unimaginable way possible.
Another chance encounter, and the shock of my life.
Because I never knew that one day I would come face to face with him again.
My ex.
My ruin.
My downfall.
My boyfriendās father.
Publication Date 30/11/2022
Too much, Not enough by Lindsey Powell
My Review
Picked this book up this morning, I now have a book hangover! I need a Caleb š
Love this authors work.
Itās a stand alone book, so no cliffhanger, but with plenty of twists and turns, that will keep you glued to the pagesā¦.
Three years ago, a chance encounter has Caleb and Cameron meeting, and exploring one another for four fantastic weeksā¦.. Then the age gap that didnāt worry Cameron, had Caleb claiming otherwiseā¦. Cue tears and heartache (both of them as it happens)
But with time Cameron is in a better place, so when a young man asks her out for a date, Cameron accepts. Itās going great, there is a great connection, sparks, the whole thing. About to take it to the next level ā¦ā¦ Dad appears wanting to speak to his sonā¦.. well you have to have guessed who the daddy is?! Yup!! Caleb š
But before Cameron can break it off with Danny, and itās not to get back with daddy, itās to save her heart all over again, Danny blurts put his undying love (and a hot encounter on the kitchen worktop) whatās a girl to do now???
There is angst, a dark twist and hot encounters. The author can pull out all types of emotions without even tryingā¦..
I wanted to hate Caleb for breaking her heart.
I wanted to shout out ābehind youā on several occasions.
And I sobbed like a baby on a fair few pages.
I donāt want to spoil your enjoyment, but if youāre looking for an age gap romance with angst and hot encountersā¦.. grab this one ā¦.
Enjoy š
š¦
About the author
Lindsey lives in South West, England, with her partner and two children. She works within a family run business, and she began her writing career in 2013. She finds the time to write in-between working and raising a family.
Lindsey’s love of reading inspired her to create her own book series. Her favourite book genre is romance, but her interests span over several genre’s including mystery, suspense and crime.
You can find Lindsey on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and Goodreads.
My husband had me convinced that we were ridding the world of those monsters. The horrors that prey on the innocent. The darkness that shouldnāt exist.
But then I saw that the true monster was my husband, and I ran.
I was brought to a safe house called The Harem Project. Here I found it in the five men of the House of Wyn. Five men who werenāt men at all. They threw a wrench in my contract but for some reason, I still agreed.
Iām finally learning to be happy. Learning the truth of whatās living in the open if I were only to properly look. Learning the truth about ORKA and the kind of man my ex-husband is. Learning that sometimes it takes five men to make you whole.
As it turned out, I didnāt run far enough. My ex found me and he wasnāt about to let me live. Now Iām in a cage with the promise of death looming over me.
My name is Jennings.
Iām human.
And Iām praying to whatever is out there that my new husbands can find me before my ex feeds me to something ORKA has been torturing for years. I hear it screaming down the hall and I swear, I can already feel it sucking on my soul.
This is a polyamorous story with content not suitable for those under 18 years of age due to graphic scenes and situations.
Publication Date 24/11/2022
House of Wyn (The Harem Project) by Crea Reitan
My Review
The house of Wyn is a continuation in the Harem series, Iāve not read the previous two but I donāt think I missed anything.
Jennings works with ORKA (an organisation which deals with monsters!)
She never thought sheād meet let alone work with monsters (although she deals with dead ones!) But her life revolves around her work now, she married the man who rescued her one night, and now itās all she knows. But slowly Jennings discovers things around her that have her unsettledā¦..
Things come to a head when her husband tells her that they torture the monsters to learn more about their kind!
Unable to comprehend all that goes on at work, Jennings needs to get out! And needs to escape her work environment and her husband!
The house of Wyn is full of monsters, so Jennings does wonder if sheās left the frying pan and jumped onto the fire! Surely itās not safe being around them? But the more Jennings interacts with the men of Wyn, the more sheās drawn to themā¦. All of them!
Lieke/Loyal/Meir/Ansel/Liev are the house of Wyn, theyāve been together for a while, but always searching for the last one to complete their family. And when Lieke first meets her, heās struck by how he feels about, how protective he feels for the human female whoās come looking for sanctuary. But heās going to have to go slow, he feels sheās scared and will need time to adjust.
Once they realise that Jennings is the one for them, nothing is going to keep them from claiming her.
But love isnāt always easy, so when her husband comes looking for her, sheās going to have be strong, and her new husbands will have a fight on their hands to keep herā¦..
Iām definitely interested in popping back to visit book one and two in the series.
A read Iād highly recommend. This author is becoming a favourite of mine, her works are just full of crazy/likeable/unstable characters. Her worlds are full of #whychoose themes. The men/monsters/demons arenāt always nice, but the ones that are, well they are just so protective and dominant š
š¦
If you would like to stay up to date on this series, join my Facebook group to get teasers and information first!
Make Me Dream (Oil Barrons Book 4) by Marie Johnston
Description
Being ghosted by my best friend’s brother was easier to get over than the pink positive sign I got six weeks later.
With our ten-year age difference, I didnāt think I was more to Stetson Barron than his little sisterās quirky best friend, the one with store-bought hair color and thrifted clothing. Until one hot summer night at his cousinās wedding when I climbed him like a water tower.
And then he didnāt talk to me for weeks afterward.
A pink plus sign and a panic attack later, the trailer house I share with my mom burns down. Stetson shows up at the ER like a country knight on a diesel-powered steed, arranges a place for my mom to stay, and takes me home with him.
The weeks of radio silence after our hookup have left me wary. Being with Stetson should be a fantasy come to life, but Iām waiting for my prince to ride away. I’m not the type of woman his parents want him to be with, and they’d rather pretend there’s no baby than welcome me to the family. My mom was in the same situation once, and Iāve learned her lessonāalone is better than abandoned.
When Stetson is forced to choose between his new family unit and old family expectations, will he prove to be the man of my dreams? Or am I in for a heart-breaking wake-up call?
Publication Date 6/12/2022
Make Me Dream (Oil Barrons Book 4) by Marie Johnston
My Review
This book can be read without reading the previous books (thatās what Iāve done) I donāt think it makes a lot of difference (but apparently this couple gets together in the last book)
Unexpected pregnancy/age gap romance/small town romance/forbidden romance (best friends brother)
Iād heard about Stetson in a previous series (?) and to be honest I wasnāt too enamoured with, heād seemed like a self centred type of guy! And as I began to read this book, my opinion of him wasnāt too high! (His mother dictates all of his actions!) But give it a chanceā¦.. it turns out to be a really good read.
The Barron family are treated like royalty in their home town, and that gives Stetson the appearance of a spoiled rich kid! But underneath the facade is a man who wants to be seen and loved for who and not what he is! Itās easier to give into family notions and pressures than buck the trendā¦ā¦
Lyric isnāt from the right side of the tracks, she might (just) be good enough for Stetsonās little sister to be friends with, but dating/marriage, no, definitely not good enough!
But an unexpected problem has occurred from their hot night togetherā¦.. an unexpected pregnancy!!
How will Stetson react when Lyric finally plucks up the courage to tell him?
I grew to like the couple as I read the book. Theyāve both had a hard time pulling away from their families. Lyric has a carefree attitude to life which is the complete opposite of Stetson, he really was a jerk sometimes, and you just wanted to shake some sense into him..
So can this couple overcome their own insecurities, his families interference and the townās expectations? Or will it all be just too much for them?
Iām going to go back and read this series and there is a few things that apparently roll through this series š¤ I love the authorās paranormal series, but her contemporary books are becoming a one click.
In Like Flynn (Pirates of King’s Landing Book 2) by Lauren Smith
Description
A Royal Navy Officerās Guide to Seducing a Pirate Lass:
ā¢ Go undercover as a fellow pirate
ā¢ Steal kisses whenever possible
ā¢ Do not fall in love, no matter how tempting your pirate lass is
Brianna Holland has always been free. Her entire life sheās never known the bars of any cage until sheās captured in Port Royal trying to help a fellow pirate escape. Suddenly facing the hangmanās noose unless she betrays her fatherās location to the Royal Navy, she clings to the hope that a new prisoner in her cell brings. The roguish and seductive Nicholas Flynn is charming and irresistible and soon the pair make a clever escape from the prison. Once on board her ship and safely at sea, Brianna soon learns that there are other dangers than storms and naval frigates prowling the waters. This time, her heart and her fatherās life might be at risk.
Royal Navy Lieutenant Nicholas Flynn has a problem. Heās been assigned to gain the confidence of a pirate prisoner in Port Royal in order to learn the whereabouts of the notorious pirate king Thomas Buck. But when he meets the man heās supposed to win the trust of and eventually betray, he is stunned to discover itās no man, but a woman named Brianna, who he is to befriend and betray. Not only that, but he learns that she is Thomas Buckās daughter. Knowing Brianna will face torture at the hands of a cruel military captain if she doesnāt talk, Flynn helps her escape. If Flynn finds a way to lead the Royal Navy to Briannaās father, heāll lose the only woman whoās ever stolen his heart.
Other Books in the Series:
Book 1: No Rest for the Wicked
Book 2: In Like Flynn
Book 3: Devil of the High Seas
Publication Date 19/7/2022
In Like Flynn (Pirates of King’s Landing Book 2) by Lauren Smith
My Review
Book two in this series, and although Iāve not read the previous book, it doesnāt make a difference. But saying that I may go back and read that one as i throughly enjoyed this book.
An historical romance set on the high seas. A story of betrayal and romance. And a story with plenty of action and adventure.
Brianna loves to feel the wind in her hair and the splashing of the waves on her face. A free spirit, a beloved daughter and member of her fatherās crew. Sheās had to earn that respect, sheās had to be the best, all the while never losing sight of who she is. Dressed as a man every time she leaves the ship is a chore, but one sheās always mindful of as people could recognise her and use her against her father.
Flynn is honour bound to see that the pirate Thomas Buck is brought to justice. Heās given the chance when told to befriend a member of the pirates crew, that is until he realises the crew member is a woman! He now faces a dilemma, save the girl and lose his career, or leave her to rot in prison!
So will they set sail for happiness, or will someone scupper their chances and sink their love boat?
This is a fun read, plenty of fast paced action. Throw in some spicy moments and banter from Brianna and the hours just flew by as I immersed myself in their tale. Itās beautifully written, nothing is left out, you can imagine the waves, smell the cell Brianna is kept in, and feel the love she has for both her father and Flynn, you feel the conflict that this situation put Flynn in. And it will you have you rooting for the pirates (not all pirates are bad guys) š“āā ļø
There is a few twists along the way. And a moment in the prologue that will pan out in a way neither Flynn nor Brianna expected š
The story did remind me a little of the film āCutthroat Islandā a female pirate and a rogue who sought to betray her š
I highly recommended read from an author Iām adding to my list.
“I think you will find it worth your time to listen to my proposition.” “What is it?” I scowl. “Marry me. Of course, itās only an arrangement ā¦”
Sebastian ‘grumphole’ Sovrano is ruthless, arrogant, and fixated on me. The first time we meet at a bar I dump my drink all over him. He’s grumpy, high-handed, full of himself, and… So very appealing. No way can I act on the attraction that sizzles between us, right? But I need to get custody of my daughter, And he promises to help me. Provided I pose as his wife. Only problem? I can’t resist his mean smirk, his wickedness that appeals to the darkness inside of me. But when he discovers my secret, the tables are turned. Now my fake husband is also my worst enemy…
A single mother who’ll do anything for her child’s happiness confronts the big bad mafia prince and teaches him the meaning of love in this stand alone, enemies to lovers to enemies, hate-filled romance, with an HEA.
Mafia Vows: Dark Mafia Romance by L. Steele
Publication Date 21/4/2022
My Review
As with most of this authors books, you can always rely on the MC to be an arrogant alphahole (yes thatās a word the author uses a lot)
And Sebastian is definitely one of those, but as with her other characters heās had a side few ever seeā¦..
The arranged marriage series has different couples, but should really be read in order to appreciate the ongoing story that run ms in the background.,
One of my favourite tropes āenemies to loversā the hate these display for one another has you hiding behind your kindle, but when that turns into passion!!! š„µ youād better have a fire blanket to put out those flames š„
This book runs alongside her ābillionaire seriesā and weāve had plenty of hints at Seb, through those books and the previous āarranged marriageā series, but nothing with prepare yourself for Sebastian!
Elsa is just a great foil for our alphahole, sheās determined, resourceful and isnāt shy when telling him how she feels about.
A single mother with a daughter (who steals the show and my heart) she would do anything for. Elsa is trying to give her daughter a better life. A survivor of domestic abuse, Elsa wants more out of life, and boy does she get it with Sebastian!!
An arrangement is made to secure Elsaās daughter from falling into her exās hands (he wants sole custody) Sebastian will marry Elsa. But with the arrange series, there is always a catchā¦..
I have to admit I liked this book, itās been a while since I connected with the characters and the storyline, I like my smut (but even I need a story to follow) but when you start skipping pages, then thatās when I have issues.
I didnāt skip a single page, I did devour this book in one sitting.
So can Sebastian really become a father/husband material? Or will his possessive nature drive the woman heās falling for away? And can Elsa be brave enough to ask for what she really wants?
Tyrant (The Villetti Chronicles Book 1) by Sarah Bailey
Description
What would you do if you killed someone?
Normal people wouldnāt go running to the prodigal son of a mafia kingpin for help. Iām not exactly normal.
The daughter of a gang leader embroiled in a turf war. One that has me caught in the crossfire. When you have nowhere else to turn, who better to protect you than someone your own father will never suspect.
Zayn Villetti isnāt a man I should make a deal with. Especially not one involving becoming his little pet. He demands I obey him in all things. I’ve never been one to submit.
I have a feeling the man I’ve known most of my life will be my downfall. With his obligations to his family and my presence throwing his world into disarray. My question isā¦ will I be his?
A dark age-gap romance set in Sarah Bailey’s Dark Universe. This is a standalone in an interconnected series.
This is a DARK romance and therefore comes with a content warning. Please see the author’s website for full details.
Publication Date 25/3/2022
Tyrant (The Villetti Chronicles Book 1) by Sarah Bailey
My Review
When Sarah writes a book, Iām first in line for a copy.
Her strong women characters never shy away from the tasks they need to do, and the men are just perfect book boyfriends š
Zayn is a mafia prince, and with that comes a heap of responsibility (owner of a sex club?)
Arianna the daughter of a mobster
Zayn and Arianna have known each other for a while, so when Arianna gets into a spot of bother, she turns to the one person who she knows will help without question. What she doesnāt bank on is the terms of his help!
With this book like most of the others that the author has written we get a build up of the woman in the book, they arenāt weak and simpering flowers, most are strong individuals, the men in the books are protectors (alphas) but they value and nurture the women in their life.
The chemistry just burnt my kindle to ash! But itās more than that, I felt a connection with both the characters and with each other. The spicy scenes are hot and heavy, the kinks are out in full force (so Iād check the warnings first)
I love the authors previous series and really like her work, so I eagerly downloaded this one.
So it might not be the fairytale ending some people might have been hoping for, but itās a HFN (happy for now)
Knot Interested (Knotty & Sweet Omegaverse) by Crea Reitan
Description
I moved to Howling Cove to get out from under the oppressive thumbs of the alphas that run the city I grew up in. Although Howling Cove only has a population of 11,000, I thought I should be able to blend right in as any other basic beta might. I find an apartment with a quirky ghost that overlooks the cove the town was named for and a job at a souvenir shop that hypes up the haunting lore of the cove to tourists.
Just as Iām finally feeling the freedom and peace I so desperately sought, I somehow catch the eye of the alpha pack. And although I think I can get away without much trouble and return to my anonymity, it’s their omega that stops me in my tracks when he gives me those big brown eyes and insists that I join their pack.
As Iām struggling to deny him, something is wrong at the cove. Something thatās ending in visitors coming out looking like theyāve been petrified, like vegetables, like something has broken their minds. Nobody can figure out whatās happening – but I think the ghost I live with might have some answers.
*This is a polyamorous story with content not suitable for those under 18 years of age due to graphic content.
Publication Date 12/1/2023
My Review
Knot Interested (Knotty & Sweet Omegaverse) by Crea Reitan
The book is set in the Omegaverse, and my understanding of that universe is itās a normal world, but itās made up of Alphaās, Betaās and Omegaās. The Alphas are the dominants, the Betaās can be sort of dominant and the Omega is the weakest of the bunch, the Omegaās are prized above all others and need care and attention.
But Katiya doesnāt belong to a city that cherish their Omegaās, they are tools or pawns to use and abuse, even Betaās donāt fair that well. So Katiya needs to escape from that worldā¦..
Moving to Howling Cove seems like a dream, itās a great place to live, and with a job she loves, Katiya begins to breath again, but sheās aware Alphas live in the community, itās only a matter of time before sheās made to live in a pack (and thatās her worst fear!)
I liked that the omega wasnāt the FMC it made it different to most other omegaverse books. Itās also great that the pack is already established and not looking for another member.
The pack consists of males, and they are happy with the dynamic. The Center of their world is their Omega Gideon. There isnāt much they wonāt do to keep him happy, so when the alphas notice Katiya, it will take patience and Gideon to convince her that not all Alphaās are nasty!
I like that there is a mystery within the Cove as well as the love aspect. People are claiming to see a monster that prowls the caves that surround Howling. And when people turn up injured, the pack will need the whole community to pull together to solve the mystery.
Luckily the ghost that Katiya lives with has some answers! (Oh did I forget to mention there is a ghost that talks to Katiya) š
Itās a great story, and Iāve read a few Omegaverse stories by different authors, this has to be my favourite so far. Written really well, itās told from the characterās points of view (not always my favourite way of telling stories) and although itās told from their points of view, you donāt get muddled up (I think it helps that each chapter is given to a specific character)
So if you like read about the Omegaverse, Iād highly recommend you grab this and give it a try.
Genre | Tropes: Contemporary Romance | New Adult Romance | College Romance | Friends-to-lovers | Childhood sweethearts
Blurb:
To the outside world, Samantha “Sammy” Eastwood is just your ordinary girl. Grade A student, aspiring journalist, and an introvert who’d much prefer to stay home reading than have a night out partying. However, Sammy has a secret not a soul can ever know about – she’s the founder of Love, Anonymous, an anonymous love letter page for her peers on campus are obsessed with.
And it all started because of him. Byron Ashford, her former childhood best friend. Law student by day, PT by night. The player who unknowingly broke her heart.
When Sammy ghosted Byron a year ago, it had almost broken him. No text, no note – nothing to explain what had gone wrong. Crossing paths again in the most unlikely of places, Byron becomes determined to win back his best friend, no matter what it takes. He’ll pose as her project partner and write some sappy romance story. He’ll fake date her roommate just for a chance to see her face. Hell, he’ll even give up pursuing other women, if she agrees to his proposal.
Their new arrangement seems to satisfy them both…until it doesn’t.
Will their relationship survive when the secrets and revelations of Love, Anonymous come to light? Will Byron forgive Sammy for running away when he discovers the reason she left? Can a simple love letter bring these two soulmates back together?
I will admit, Iāve not been active on this blog for a whileā¦..
My job has increased in hours, so by the time I get home, showered and eaten, Iām almost ready for bed!
But I hope to be a little more active on here. I have been reading, but not as usual amount. I have still been listing on Amazon/Goodreads and Bookbub.
So you can check out my reviews on the links belowā¦..
Sold to the Demon Prince (Sins of the Blood War Book 1) by Lauren Crowne
Sold to the Demon Prince (Sins of the Blood War Book 1)by Lauren Crowne
Sold to the Demon Prince (Sins of the Blood War Book 1) by Lauren Crowne
Description
The demon prince is arrogant, dangerous, and hot as sin. He is also my new owner.
As a fae slave, I knew that one day I’d be sold at auction, but I never expected to be purchased by royalty, much less by the demon prince himself.
Rumors say that Prince Leo is a cruel master who murders his fae when they no longer entertain him. They say he’s just like every other species that harvest the magic in our fae blood.
But I know the truth.
There’s more to the demon prince than what the world sees. He has plans, big plans, and if I agree to help him, it could mean freedom for me and every other enslaved fae.
When the day comes that I’m given the chance for freedom, will I take it, even it means leaving Prince Leo forever? Or can I admit that the demon prince who owned my body might own my heart as well?
All books in the Sins of the Blood War series contain spicy tension, deliciously steamy scenes, characters who talk (and curse) like adults, and occasional moments of violence. Leo’s a prince who can do whatever he wants, after all, and in this book, what he wants is her.
Publication Date 1/11/2022
My Review
Lauren Crowne is a new author to me, and after reading this book Iām hooked.
Sins of the Blood War is a new series, with demons/fae and supernaturals all living with humans.
Vera is a fae slave whose blood is a valuable commodity, itās used for recreational drug use by demons/humans and all of the supernatural world.
Fae are nothing but cattle, to be brought and used, they have no freedom unless their owners give it.
But Vera is loose, out on the big wide world, she wants to taste freedom and fun before she is soldā¦ā¦.
Prince Leo doesnāt like being a royal, heād rather invent and be on his own. He hates the auctions he is forced to attend but he needs the fae that are being soldā¦..
The couple first meet by accident, but Vera runs away before Leo can discover what she actually is.
Second meeting she is bound and gagged and Leo recognises her!! She lied!! Sheās fae not humanā¦..
It sets off at a good pace, but it does slow down and finds it hard to regain the pace, but once it does itās a sprint to the finish line.
The chemistry and banter between Leo and Vera bounces all over the place, and heās going to ignore his feelings for this intriguing little fairyā¦..
Vera is not impressed with Leo, heās a brute and a bully, his reputation has her scared. She knows itās only going to be a matter of time before her new master kills and harvests her blood!
Love where this story is going, I did have a little inkling as to where the story was heading, but it still surprised me along the way. I liked the fact the demons had tails (so many donāt have wings/tails) and wings that stayed out.
And Vera is hiding her own secret too, I did like how she wouldnāt stop giving up, she was going to escape if she could.
And Leo might be a rough/gruff demon, but he was a sweetie underneath š
Can Leo persuade Vera to help him in his experiments? Can he really be trusted with his promises?
Ends on a cliffhanger, so Iām hoping itās not long before the next book.
The Last Huntress: Mirror Realm Series (Book I) by Lenore Borja
The Last Huntress: Mirror Realm Series (Book I) by Lenore Borja
DESCRIPTION
Alice Daniels has a problem.
Her reflection keeps misbehaving when she looks in the mirrorāand the longer she ignores it, the harder it tries to get her attention.
On her eighteenth birthday, she learns why: she is a huntress, someone gifted with the power to enter mirrors and the magical world that exists beyond. But with this power comes immense responsibility, for in the Mirror Realm lurks an evil that has infected the human race for centuries: demons. It is up to her and her three huntress sistersāwith the help of one handsome and overbearing protectorāto hunt and banish this evil one demon at a time, thereby keeping the chaos in check.
But when an ancient god pays Alice a visit that turns deadly, it is clear the Mirror Realm is more than it seems, and she soon finds herself in a race against time to save the lifeāand soulāof the one man the gods are determined to never let her have.
The Last Huntress is a story of redemption and sacrifice, the bonds of true sisterhood, and the impossible, sometimes frightening, things weāll do for love.
Publication Date 1/11/2022
My Review
Reading the blurb Iām thinking itās a retelling of Alice through the looking glass. But itās not, there are a few similarities, but maybe that was just me.
Alice can control mirrors!
Fancy a change of scenery, walk through a mirror. But itās not that simple as we find out in the book.
Alice has never trusted a mirror, her reflection canāt be trusted, it looks back at her distorted or even oddly sometimes!
But all that becomes apparent when she discovers her hidden power (or curse!) she can move into a different world/realm just by walking through a mirror, there is also the fact you can leap incredibly high, or even fly in this realm.
But itās not all sunshine and rainbows. There is a dark force that wants the mirror realm for its self, and it will do anything to achieve this.
I really enjoyed the story. Loved the interaction with her sisters, I enjoyed the banter and almost instant attraction between her and her guardian/protector.
Itās a little confusing at times, and we are just meant to accept all the things thrown at Alice, the lack of information in some instances (the bond between sisters needed a little more information)
I donāt want to give too much away as it is a good story, a few little hiccups wonāt really take away from this book.
There are a few twists I didnāt see coming. There are also moments in the book I wanted to shout at the characters (and the author) and there are times in the story I just wanted to scoop Alice up and give her a big cuddle.
Is there a HEA (happy ever after) in this book I hear you ask? Wellā¦.. nope!! Not telling you, but I will say that I wasnāt expecting it to go down the way it did š¤«
The mirror realm is fascinating. Itās full of wonderful and sometimes scary characters. The demons are the characters your going to be booing,
Itās touted as a YA (young adult) read, and itās said itās aimed at them.
Itās a book filled with adventure/mystery and a splash of magic. And donāt forget the romance š
Iām hoping this isnāt the last we see of the mirror realm.
The Joker: A New Adult, Enemies to Lovers, Vigilante, Standalone Romance (The Soldiers of Anarchy Book 3) by Nikki J Summers
The Joker: A New Adult, Enemies to Lovers, Vigilante, Standalone Romance (The Soldiers of Anarchy Book 3) by Nikki J Summers
Description
Do you want to know a secret?
Iām a little crazy.
Want to know another?
All the best people are.
Iām the guy that smiles as I plan your downfall.
Laughs as you cry in pain.
Tells a joke as I read you your last rites.
And howls as I send you to the hell you deserve.
Iām the good guy, wrapped up in a warped, depraved package of sin. A saviour, destined for the depths of hell.
My life is perfect.
My friends are psychotic.
Everything is how I like itā¦ uncomplicated chaos.
Until her.
She thought she could destroy me. Ruin me in the worst way. Thing is, I love a challenge, and the only one getting destroyed in this twisted little game is herā¦ in the best way.
They call me The Joker, because I always have the last laugh. And Iām about to show the world the greatest trick of all. No one messes with a King and lives to tell the tale.
The Joker is an Enemies to Lovers, New Adult, Standalone Romance from Nikki J Summers.
This story takes place in the Soldiers of Anarchy world, and although reading The Psycho and The Reaper will help to understand some of the characters, itās not essential to the enjoyment of this story.
There are scenes of a violent and sexual nature in this story, therefore it is intended for readers of 18+ years. Please take note of the trigger warnings listed in Coltonās letter at the start of this book.
Publication Date 27/10/2022
My Review
Wow!! Another amazing book from Nikki. Her soldiers of anarchy series is fast becoming a firm favourite of mine.
Colton is the joker of this pack, a clown with a vicious sense of humour. But loyal to the men he calls brothers. There is nothing he wonāt or hasnāt done for them.
Like the rest of the soldiers he has had a troubled past, this has shaped him into the psycho/joker he is today. And we get to come along for the rideā¦. The book is in three parts, triggers warning and tissues are advised.
His counterpart is a wildcard herself. Not a typical person (but totally suited to Colton) a painter with a passionate side that comes out in her work. She also is on a mission, to destroy Colton and the things he did to her family!!
When they meet itās an explosion for Colton. He never thought he would find the other part of his heart! He is slightly annoyed and baffled as to why this woman isnāt flinging herself at his feet.
Shelley feels revulsion and hate, so no, itās not going to be easy getting past all the hate she has for him (but a conversation she has in the book is a turning point)
Itās a slow burn romance, but when they finally come together, Colton will do everything in his power to prove to Shelly that they are meant to be together.
We have a few issues that the pair need to address, we have drama that unfolds with each page.
We also have a few moments where Iād loved to have high-fived our FMC.
Be prepared for heart jerking moments and with enough spicy enough to set fire to the pages! (Room filled with mirrors was definitely an eye opener š and the Halloween scene where he hopes his Shelly will dress as his opposite, and when she turns up in something totally unexpected, was the highlight of the book itās hilariousš)
We also have a betrayal within the rank of the soldiers!! Totally didnāt see that coming! And how itās played out will have you guessing who it is for a little while, that is until you put the puzzle together.
And the ending!!!! That was a bumpy ride until climactic endingā¦..
The dark voices arenāt real, they say. They tell me itās all in my head. But the monsters want to play, you see. So theyāll come for me in my bed. ~
Iām still haunted by the monsters of my past.
And they remember me, tooā¦
All I want is to feel normal. But the pills that numb the pain end up stripping me of who I am until Iām left feeling hollow.
When I stop taking them, I can see clearly again, and after so much darkness and tragedy, Iāve found myself.
Then come the voicesā¦
Monsters.
Three of them.
Dark shadowy things that I thought only dwelled in my nightmaresātheyāre real. And theyāve been waiting for me to come home.
They want to open my mind to things I can hardly imagine, in my life and in the bedroom. But Iām scared. Iāve been running from my fears for years, and now these monsters want to claim me as theirs.
They promise me protection from a far more dangerous threat, an evil that tried to take my life before and wants to finish the job.
Am I losing my mind?
Can this really be happening?
I have a bad feeling that no matter what I do, Iām going to be devoured in the end.**Monstrous is an ultra steamy paranormal romance novella. This standalone is meant for those who like to embrace the things that go bump in the night instead of running from them.**
Monstrous by Harper A. Brooks
Publication Date 30/1/2022
My Review
A short but really good story.
Marianna āMariā has hit a wall! Well that wall has her surrounded and she canāt find a way over it!
Ten years ago she lost the love of her life! Ripped away from her, murdered! Sheās never really recovered from losing him. But she needs to take back her life, and throwing away her medication seems like the way forward. But once the nights draw in, things seem to appear and make her wonder if coming off her medication was the right thing to doā¦.
Her dream takes her away from her reality, the dreams about the three faceless men who command her body seem so lifelike, they whisper to her, they entice her, they beg her to call to themā¦..
So is this reality? Is it a product of her coming off her medication? Itās not all fun and orgasms though! They frighten her with their demands, and they may appear to look human, but looking closer Mari discover their true identities. They are monsters!
Fear, Hopelessness and Darkness have been protecting Mari for a long time, and by some miracle they are able to finally be with her. They are going to give her protection and pleasure, but she belongs to them, and they will go to any lengths to secure her and her promise to be with them forever!!
I liked the premise of this book. It takes you on a sensual journey. They are quite a few naughty scenes. Some of it felt a little too much, and if it was a little longer then the scenes wouldnāt have seemed so many.
So if you like chill with your dark romance pick this one up.
Not All Himbos Wear Capes: A Superhero/Villain MM Romance (Villainous Things Book 1) by C. Rochelle
Not All Himbos Wear Capes: A Superhero/Villain MM Romance (Villainous Things Book 1) by C. Rochelle
Description
Xander
Big City is supposedly the place where dreams come true. As someone just trying to live my life, I can tell you, itās more like a recurring nightmare where dreams get c*ckblocked at every turn.
Especially if youāre a supervillain like me.
The irony is that I have zero powers, despite coming from purebred villain stock, but try telling that to Big Cityās beloved hero, Captain Masculine.
This himbo is ruining my research, and if his firepower doesnāt kill me, the sight of him in Lycra surely will. Luckilyāor unluckily, in my opinionāmy bestie just signed me up for the Bangers dating app and found my perfect match.
If this isnāt the start of my villain arc, I donāt know what is.
Butch
Itās hard feeling like I have to wear a mask every dayāthat the only value I bring to the table is the sparkling image others have created for me.
Such is the life of being Captain Masculine, Big Cityās greatest superhero. This is the existence I was destined for, and I will gladly defend this city against every threat to its people.
Except Doctor Antihero.
Iāve seen countless villains come and go, but something about Antihero intrigues me more than the usual hero-villain encounters should.
Itās because of him that I impulsively signed up for a dating app, hoping a meaningless fling with a local normie will help get my head back in the game. The truth is, what I really want is someone who sees meāthe man behind the mask.
But thatās a luxury no superhero can afford. —
Not All Himbos Wear Capes is an MM romance between a superhero and a villain. Our men find other men in tight supersuits incredibly attractive. Sometimes, they keep these supersuits on while engaging in explicit extracurricular activities with each other (and sometimes they even use bad words!). This is not your kidās superhero book. This is Sin City and The Boys having a love child with extra spicy Spideypool and is meant for 18+ adults who can handle such things.
The Villainous Things series contains standalone books (each with HEAs) that feature interconnected characters and an overarching plot.
—
CONTENT & TROPES:
ā¢ MM romance
ā¢ Dual POV
ā¢ Superheroes/villains
ā¢ Grumpy/sunshine
ā¢ Star-crossed lovers + fated mates
ā¢ Lovers-to-enemies-to-lovers (yup)
ā¢ Hurt/comfort + found family
ā¢ MM romance (in case you missed that part)
ā¢ Plus suspenseful plot + save-the-world epicness for pizazz
POTENTIAL TRIGGERS:
ā¢ Sweary dialogue
ā¢ Naughty irreverent humor
ā¢ Extremely morally gray characters with moments of psychotic ideation
ā¢ Extra spicy extracurricular activities (see inside book and c-rochelle.com for specifics)
ā¢ Minor gore in villain lair and during hero/villain battle scenes
ā¢ Controlling + neglectful parents with some physical (superpowered) abuse
ā¢ Lack of autonomy + indentured servitude
ā¢ Restraints (not the fun kind)
ā¢ Detailed descriptions of humansā negative effects on coastal wildlife (specifically with pollution and including a seagull autopsy with details of the contents of its stomach)
ā¢
*FULL LIST OF Content & TWs can be found in the front of the book and at c-rochelle.com*
Publication Date 30/10/2022
My Review
I will admit, I was waiting for the female protagonist to make her entrance (This author is all for giving her FMC a strong kicka$$ personality) then I realised itās a M/M (male on male) story. (Again the author has no problems making a romantic connection between two men)
Xander is a Master Criminal, well his pedigree says so, but how can you be when all your schemes are thwarted by that incredibly smexy Captain Masculine!!!
Butch the effervescent Superhero, criminals donāt stand a chanceā¦. But what about the shy little sub that only wants a master to care and claim him (sniff)
Ok, is it just me, but I instantly saw Batman and Superman (Ben Affleck and Henry Cavill) those hot and heavy looks Batman kept giving Superman? No? Just me then ā¦..
And then the hilarious/dramatic/suspenseful story takes offā¦.
Buckle up people itās a fast paced action and adventure ride.
It has angst, it has passion and naughty moments a plenty. It also has two lonely people looking for a connection, to find that special someone.
Can Xander and Butch really date one another without coming clean and exposing their alter egoās? Can they really live a lie? And what happens when they find out who they are really dating?
I love this authors work, she mixes in the fun and the frustrating. The shy and the saucy. The dramas and the dominating š triggers are in there, so please read the warning before exploring this new world.
His Reluctant Cowboy: A Gay Cowboy Romance (Woods Ranch Book 2) by A.M. Arthur
His Reluctant Cowboy: A Gay Cowboy Romance (Woods Ranch Book 2) by A.M. Arthur
Description
From acclaimed author A.M. Arthur comes a tender, sexy new novel in the Woods Ranch series.
He thought his cowboy days were behind him. But lifeāand loveāhad other plans.
Michael Pearce left the small-town life of Weston and cattle ranching for the hustle of Austin, and never looked backāuntil his father suffers a stroke and requires in-home care.
Josiah Sheridan became a certified nursing assistant after seeing how wonderful his single mother’s in-home aides were before she died. He wants to help people, and he does his best with the work he can find in small-town Weston, Texas. He also lives a complicated life with his loverāto the rest of the world, theyāre just roommates. Behind closed doors, their life isā¦strained.
Meeting Michael, a kind and openly gayānot to mention much olderāman, gives Josiah a glimpse into a brighter, happier world. He loves Michaelās self-confidence and plethora of life stories. But it will take patience, planning, and more courage than Josiah thinks he has to finally break free from his old life and find real love with Michael.
Woods Ranch
Book 1: His Fresh Start Cowboy Book 2: His Reluctant Cowboy
Publication Date 25/10/2022
My Review
A slow burn m/m story that i through enjoyed. Read it in one day as i couldnāt put it down.
Michael comes home after twenty years of being estranged with his father. The death of his mother was was the final straw in Michaelās decision to leave home. Being a gay man in a small town was nothing but trouble, fighting bullies in school to not being happy in himself had Michael constantly at war with himself. But heās home to look after his father and to also reevaluate his life. Being divorced and broke is bad enough, but Michael also misses his dog (which his husband got custody of!) But heās going to put his misery on hold for a while and look after his father (who has had a stroke) Michael didnāt think heād ever be back home again, but he doesnāt intend to be there foreverā¦.
Josiah Is a young man with a troubled past. His parents were killed in a hit and run, heās lived on the streets for more years than he cares to remember, heās lived and lost people heās cared about. But Josiah is also living in a new and dangerous relationship, like vine with a man who could explode with a violent temper at any given moment has Josiah living in constant dread!
Josiah And Michael meet when Josiah applied to become Michaelās fathers caregiver (Josiah is a nurse who works for himself rather than in a hospital) both feel a little tug of interest, but Michael is nursing a broken heart and Josiah is too scared to leave his āloverā. This is going to be a employer/employee relationship only.
Both men are struggling with past baggage, Michael has a fear of commitment as the last man he loved threw him away (after taking his money and his invention) Josiah is just scared of letting anyone in, itās easier to barter his body for board and lodgings.
Watching these two find themselves and each other was so sweet. Walls needed to come down, trust needed to be earned and they needed to forgive others and themselves.
But once they do find each other itās not easy. The employee/employer status hangs between them. Past hurts need addressing and sorting. There is also trust as past lives come knocking on Michaelās door. Can Josiah trust his heart to another man? And will Michael want to live in this small town again?
This is book two in the series, Iāve not read book Iāve but itās a book Iāve added to my TBR list.
š¦
About the Author
A.M. Arthur was born and raised in the same kind of small town she likes to write about, a stone’s throw from both the ocean and generational farmland. She’s been writing stories in her head since she was a child and scribbling them down nearly as long. When not exorcising the voices in her head, A.M. can be found in the kitchen experimenting with food and trying not to poison herself or others.
House of Curses (Royal Houses Book 3) by K. A. Linde
House of Curses (Royal Houses Book 3) by K. A. Linde
Description
USA Today bestselling author K.A. Linde returns to the Royal Houses series with House of Curses: the story of Kerrigan Argon, a half-Fae, half-human as she seeks her place in an unforgiving world filled with magic, mayhem, and romance. Perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas, Holly Black, and V.E. Schwab.
Against all odds, Kerrigan Argon passed her dragon training. Sheās now an official member of the Society. Everything should be well. But somehow, nothing is.
Her dark prince, Fordham Ollivier, has disappeared in hopes to beak his curse.
An unwanted wedding looms in her future.
And the council election draws ever nearer. An election that sheās been unceremoniously nominated for.
If all of that wasnāt enough, the Red Masks, an anti-half Fae, anti-human terrorist organization, are gaining ground. All because they have a spy inside the mountain, inside the Society itself.
Someone is leading these monsters.
And Kerrigan is determined to stop them at all costs.
Publication Date 18/10/2022
My Review
This is the third book in the series, and the series definitely needs to be read in order. We do get a little background from the previous books, but itās more to refresh the memory. And it doesnāt get too bogged down with the past books.
Kerrigan has made it!
Against all the odds stacked against her, sheās now a dragon rider. But not without loss and sacrifice made by Kerrigan, and just when she thought things couldnāt get any worse, now she has to marry the enemy!
Her friends although loyal are few and far between. Ford is missing (her one true love left saying it was safer for her!)
The red masks are still a problem for Kerrigan (itās an organisation filled with beings who hate half breeds) they are hooking followers and power, they are becoming a force to be reckoned with!
Kerrigan has grown in power, sheās a force to be feared, but her fears for her friends and Ford have her not tapping into her potential power.
Her marriage should have been a happy time, but sheās not marrying Ford! The council have decreed she marry an enemy! Something has to be done. Who can she turn to?
Iām really enjoying this book as itās low on steam (just one dream moment) but filled to the brim with action.
The story is largely told by Kerrigan, but we get little snippets from the villains in this story and a few other characters in the book. Iām not a huge fan as it slows the book down, but in some cases it does lend to the story.
We have turns/twists and more betrayal for poor Kerrigan to deal with!
How will she survive the next battle?
We will have to wait a whole year for the next book to find outā¦.
A highly recommended book/series.
š¦
*Arc supplied by The Reading Cafe
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
K.A. Linde is the USA Today bestselling author of more than twenty other novels. She grew up as a military brat and attended the University of Georgia where she obtained a Masterās in political science. She works full-time as an author and loves binge-watching Supernatural, Star Wars, traveling, and dance.
She currently lives in Lubbock, Texas, with her husband and two super-adorable puppies.
Visit her online at Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @authorkalinde.
Join her newsletter at www.kalinde.com/subscribe for exclusive content, free books, and giveaways every month.
The billion heirs. They inherit it all. Brothers who’ve never met and are content to keep it that way. A will dictates otherwise. A new family legacy will be formed. Or destroyed.
Scarred by Vanessa Vale & Helen Hardt is now live!
He’s inherited billions, but he must leave his home and family to claim it. She’s no longer a captive, yet will she ever be free?
Austin Bridger is struggling to keep his seaplane business afloat and help his ailing mother. When his father, who never acknowledged his existence, dies, he leaves his billions to Austin and his two half brothers. The catch? To receive the inheritance, they must all live on his father’s Montana ranch for a year. To Austin, the money’s tainted, but because he desperately needs every dime, he has no choice but to leave Seattle.
Carly Vance was a student in veterinary school when her dream was shattered. Abducted from a diner in her small town, she was held captive on a South Pacific island for three years. Now she’s home, but her scars run deep. Trying to reclaim her life, she bravely takes a job in Bridger Ranch’s stables. Despite Carlyās painful past and Austinās responsibilities, sparks fly when they cross paths. But Bridger Ranch holds secretsāsecrets that may threaten their happinessā¦and their lives.
Download today on Amazon, Apple Books, Audible, Barnes & Noble, Google Play, Kobo!
A USA Today bestseller, Vanessa Vale writes tempting romance with unapologetic bad boys who donāt just fall in love, they fall hard. Her 75+ books have sold over one million copies. She lives in the American West where she’s always finding inspiration for her next story. While sheās not as skilled at social media as her kids, she loves to interact with readers.
#1 New York Times, #1 USA Today, and #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling author Helen Hardt’s passion for the written word began with the books her mother read to her at bedtime. She wrote her first story at age six and hasn’t stopped since. In addition to being an award winning author of contemporary and historical romance and erotica, she’s a mother, an attorney, a black belt in Taekwondo, a grammar geek, an appreciator of fine red wine, and a lover of Ben and Jerry’s ice cream. She writes from her home in Colorado, where she lives with her family.
Seth Taylor is used to living life as a lone wolf, going where duty calls him. After leaving the marines, he goes to the small town where the year before he made no promises to the beautiful cafe owner after spending one hot night together. Now heās determined to make those promises to herāif sheāll let him.
When Seth Taylor rolls into Harmony, Texas, a second chance with Camila Hartman isnāt even on the table. Her crystal-clear blue eyes bore ice daggers into him at first sight. One small gesture from Seth cracks her frigid exterior, resulting in cycles of vulnerability and fiery outbursts which confuse and incite a yearning within him.
Cami wasnāt ready for her world to be turned upside down once again by a man who does as he pleases. His Greek godlike physique, warm eyes, and sweet promises twist her brain, tease her body, and tantalize her heart. Unable to control her desire to know how real that unforgettable night was, Cami exposes her insecurities to the only man who ever haunted her dreams.
Will Seth maintain patience with the volatile Cami and prove heās moving in the same direction as she is? Or will she let fear win over love, trust, and promises?
From USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR Xavier Neal comes the next book in the action-packed, laugh-out-loud, paranormal romance series you don’t want to miss…
You hate Mondays?
Try finding out that the mother you thought was dead is actually alive, being attacked by elves – who are definitely not Santa’s friendly little helpers – and discovering that you’re not nearly as human as you believed you were.
Yeah.
All before five o’clock.
Oh, and just in case all that wasn’t enough to have me reaching for a bottle of wine rather than a glass, it turns out I’m also mated to an ancient dragon.
An ancient dragon who just so happens to be my boss.
Argh.
Any chance this is just one giant cos-play convention I don’t remember registering for?
No?
Well, it’d be irresponsible for me to not at least ask if that were a possibility.
About the Author:
Xavier Neal is a best-selling romance author who enjoys hopping from sub genre to sub genre like a game of Hopscotch she can’t resist.
In between writing, she loves to read (everything from romance to self improvement books), watch movies (old and new), eat too much Tex-Mex (her Chuy’s t-shirt collection is out of control), and watch AHL hockey games LIVE (preferably against the glass whenever possible).
She currently resides happily in Texas with her bearded husband “Lumberjackā and their two fur babies.
The Proposal, an all-new steamy enemies-to-lovers fake-marriage standalone romance from bestselling author L. Steele is coming November 8th, and we have the first look at the gorgeous cover!
Wedding Planner meets Fifty Shades of Grey
I never should have agreed to become his…
Liam Kincaid. Super grumpy. Super grouchy. Super tall, dark …hottie. Whoās engagement I was responsible for breaking up. It was all a big mistake… honest. Only he doesnāt see it that way. He now has twenty-four hours to get married and claim his inheritance. And he insists I pay for my error, …by posing as his fake wife for thirty days. Itās not like I have a choice. If I donāt agree heāll destroy my wedding-planning business. Besides itās only until he convinces his mother that heās settled down, he says. We only have to pretend to like each other. Reassure his family and friends that we are in love. Only catch? We canāt stand the sight of each other. Every time we are in the same space we almost come to blows. But what happens when the chemistry between us detonates?
L. Steele loves to write romance novels featuring dangerous men and feisty women. She enjoys trading trivia with her filmmaker husband, watching lots and lots of movies, and walking nature trails. She lives with her family in London.
Some shadows protect youā¦others will kill you in this dazzling new fantasy series from award-winning author Abigail Owen.
Everything about my life is a lie. As a hidden twin princess, born second, I have only one purposeāto sacrifice my life for my sister if death comes for her. Iāve been living under the guise of a poor, obscure girl of no standing, slipping into the palace and into the role of the true princess when danger is present.
Now the queen is dead and the ageless King Eidolon has sent my sister a giftāan eerily familiar giftāand a proposal to wed. I donāt trust him, so I do what I was born to do and secretly take her place on the eve of the coronation. Which is why, when a figure made of shadow kidnaps the new queen, he gets me by mistake.
As I try to escape, all the lies start to unravel. And not just my lies. The Shadowraith who took me has secrets of his own. He struggles to contain the shadows he wieldsāother faces, identities that threaten my very life.
Winter is at the walls. Darkness is looming. And the only way to save my sister and our dominion is to kill Eidolonā¦and the Shadowraith who has stolen my heart.
Publication Date 30/8/2022
My Review
*There are a few triggers, so read the warnings before buying.*
As soon as I see this author has a new book, Iām there.
The cover is gorgeous (Iām thinking I might need a paperback for my shelves) š
This author knows how to write paranormal romance (please look at her Inferno Rising/Fireās Edge series)
Balancing the plot and romance is always tricky. Writing for a YA (Young Adult) audience when a lot of your books arenāt YA takes skill.
So enough about the author, letās get down to the bookā¦..
Meren is a twin (the younger one) and as tradition states her life is to be in the shadows, sheās there to protect her sibling (if danger arises Meren is expected to sacrifice herself!) so her confidence in herself is nonexistent, she chafes at her role in life, but there isnāt anything she can do about itā¦.
But Meren does escape the Ivory tower sheās locked away in (to Meren itās more like a dungeon.) She wanders the streets at night whilst wearing different disguises.
Plot is skilfully layered with twists/turns and OMG momentsā¦. As you read the book, things become clearer and a few things make sense.
The descriptions in this book place you right in the moment, you can smell the streets that Meren visits, you can see the grandeur of the palace, and you witness King Eidolonās sickness/madness.
King Eidolon is after Merenās sister Tabra, so she does the job she was born to do, she stands in her place, and becomes King Eidolonās bride! (I wouldnāt trust this guy an inch) But before the wedding takes place, Meren is kidnapped!!
Reven is a complex character, essentially good, but his secret makes him reluctant to be actually good?! His character has plenty of conflicting emotions and motivations. And he certainly gets more than he bargained for when he kidnaps the wrong princess!!
And then we have Cain š¤ and in the worldās I read why canāt she have both š?
The characters have a hard time trusting one another as they travel through this story. Kidnappers are usually nice people, so when does the kidnapper become protector? (Youāll need to read the bookš)
Can Meren save her sister from the clutches of Eidolon? Can she figure out what Eidolon really wants? Can she be the hero in this story? And can I get the next book please.
I wouldnāt say itās a cliffhanger ending, but it does leave us and the characters wondering where this will take us nextā¦..
Simply Mine by Laura Pavlov is coming October 20th!
Sheās looking for Mr. Right. I can offer her Mr. Right Now. Thatās my specialty.
Heās my best friendās older brother. He was also my teenage crush and completely out of reach. But we had our secretsāmoments that nobody knew about. Iād tucked them away in a safe place, and thatās where Iād planned to keep them. Heād moved to the city, and Iād moved on. But now he was back in Honey Mountain for a few weeks. And heād found endless reasons to spend time with me. What started out as rekindling our friendship turned into a different kind ofā¦ stroking the fire. No pun intended. It was temporary. Just another secret that weād keep between us. Ledger Dane came with an expiration date. Heād always been one foot out the door. Why would this time be any different?
Wolf Protector (Moon Kissed Book 3) by Harper A. Brooks
Wolf Protector (Moon Kissed Book 3) by Harper A. Brooks
DESCRIPTION
In this world of magic and secrets, nothing is as it seems.
Edmund, the vicious ex-alpha and Reidās father, is back from the dead. And now, heās set on expanding his tyrannical reign beyond the packās territory of Buson, Maine.
Even more shocking is that Edmund has brought a new friend with him: Carmen, Tashaās sister and the one person sheās dedicated her life to bringing home. But the young witch doesnāt want to be saved. In fact, Carmen and Edmund have been working together to take out the Redcliff Pack and put their bloody plans into motion.
To save their future, Tasha and Reid must fully embrace their mate-bond and Tashaās witch powers, while battling their pasts head on.
With claws, teeth, and magic.
Love, betrayal, and magic fill the pages of the final book of the Moon Kissed Series! Read the epic conclusion to Tasha and Reidās story today!
Wolf Protector is book three of the Moon Kissed Series.
Publication Date 29/9/2022
My Review
So book three starts where book two ended, so itās important to read the two previous books before starting this one.
Itās all go from the first page!
Betrayal on both sides for our main characters, they arenāt sure who to trustā¦..
Lost siblings, resurrected fathers and the witches are still against the shifters!!
Reid doesnāt know wether he can trust his senses or his father
Tasha was going for a sibling reunion. Well she got one, but it wasnāt the reunion she was expecting! Tasha has spent years looking for her sister, blaming the Redcliff for her disappearance, plotting her revenge. And now, it seems it was all for nothingā¦.. Her sister didnāt want to be found, she had an agenda, and it didnāt include her sister!
So it looks like the only one they can trust is one another. Working together to unite the pack under Reid (although daddy dearest is trying to cause upheaval) is proving a challengeā¦..
This has to be my favourite book of the series. The link between Reid and Tasha is growing stronger, and so is their trust in one another. (Better late than never)
Really well written and attention to detail was spot on.
Great characters, heroes youāll be cheering on and villains youāll be booing at and throwing popcorn!
Itās a fast paced action and adventure story with a big helping of steam š„µ
The twists you donāt see coming, the turns that will have your head in a spin!
Sad to see this adventure come to an end, to be honest the ending did take me by surprise!
The Dragon’s Bond (Jade Dragon Shifter Brothers Book 2) by Marie Johnston
The Dragon’s Bond (Jade Dragon Shifter Brothers Book 2) by Marie Johnston
Descriptionā¦..
Lachlan
I was supposed to be a brutal and ruthless ruler of my dragon shifter clan, but Iāve defied the odds to become a calm male who thinks before he acts. I rule my small town fairly, without the bloodshed. The only time I acted with the same selfishness of my parents was when I selected my mate. And for the last four years, Iāve worried I ruined her life. I want to do better, but I donāt know how, and if I donāt figure it out, sheāll be gone.
Indy
I know Lachlan didnāt grow up like me. He didnāt have a loving, supportive, and completely smothering family to dote on him. But when he announced he wanted me to be his, I was elated. I had high hopes. And then we justā¦existed together. A female dragon shifter is rarely short of pride, but if Lachlan doesnāt talk to me, I canāt picture a second chance for us. And when someone tries to kills me, I worry we wonāt be able to try.
Publication Date 18/9/2022
My Review
Iām loving this series and meeting more family members. We started off with the Silver Clan, which lead us to the Jade Clan and then the Garnet Clan, and also the Peridot Clan. (So Iām hoping another series of books will spring out from them) š
Indy has had enough of being the leaders mate! She tired of being ignored and not being included in the running of the clan! Itās time to make changes ā¦..
Lachlan is the leader of the Jade Clan, heās been their leader since his parents died in a fire.
Lachlan is hiding a secret, and heās terrified someone will eventually find out!!
We get to meet Levi which will take us to meet a new Clan (although we met them briefly in this book, and itās not another dragon Clan!)
You donāt need to read the previous book, it stands well enough in its own. But reading the previous book does give a little insight into Lachlan and his thoughtsā¦..
Lachlan and Indy have been mated for a few years!
Lachlan needed to mate for leadership reasons!
Indy did as she was asked! Although she was both relieved (her former boyfriend was beginning to give off creep vibes!) and surprised (Lachlan could have had his pick of mates)
But with a vast chasm between them how will they ever overcome it? Do they want too?
It has a little angst, passion and secrets. It also has a little danger for both the main characters.
Lachlan finds it hard to express his feelings for his mate, he truly loves her, but I get the impression heās never really told her! And Indy is full of self doubt when it comes to her mate! Heās never at home and heās always with other women (her family and town like to tell get often!)
Both characters needed their heads banged together. Both have feelings for one another, and both canāt express themā¦..
If you love a second chance romance with dragons and a bossy mate, Iād recommend this one in a heartbeat. Itās shortish, and with all of her books you want just a little more š characters are great, settings are detailed enough for you to imagine yourself there.
Like two trains never crossing paths, they would have gone on without any shred of their lives coinciding. Until a late-night encounter brings them crashing into each other’s lives.
Cole, a small-time New York gun trafficker who has been unlucky for the better part of his life knows better than to dream of a better life. Jaded, exhausted and down on his luck, he struggles to deal with the reality of his choices.
Amidst dodging the keen attention of the authorities, and evading the sly notice of his crafty companions, he certainly has no patience to indulge a spoilt busy-body reporter with peas for brain and a hankering for danger. He thinks she’s crazy and wants nothing to do with her even if her smile takes his breath away and her presence soothes his wounds.
Samantha, on the other hand, is not letting go. She is a shark who has smelt blood and is honing in for the kill or the caresses.
But one thing is certain; Cole is a puzzle she is determined to unravel. As the web of dark schemes and mysterious ploys thicken around them, passion flares to life, and so do other threats. These two are utterly defenseless against the attacks or the kisses.
Will they survive the imminent explosion that draws ever nearer or will these two finally get a chance to go after their fairytale romance?
Publication date 15/8/2022
My Review
This is a Romantic/Murder/Suspense story.
The hero isnāt really a hero?! A gun trafficker whose moral compass swings from one end to the other. Life choices brought him to where he is nowā¦..
Samantha needs to show her editor sheās more than just a fluff reporter, she can deal with hard hitting topicsā¦..
So putting these two together shouldnāt have happened, but Sam smells a story and wonāt let it go, but she needs to be careful as other people have Cole in their sights, and she could be collateral damage!!
The attraction that Cole and Sam have for one another is pretty obvious (even though she distracted him no end!) theyāre banter and connection is really easy to follow. There are a couple of lighthearted moments that will have you smiling. There is also that feeling that Cole could be more, there are a few surprises along the wayā¦..
Storyline is well thought out and executed really well. Maybe a little more action and suspense (but thatās just me) and a little predictable in places.
But once I picked the book up, I found it really hard to put down.
Attention to detail is a key for me, and this new author paid attention to details.
So will Cole be able to put his past behind him? Or is that easier said than done? Can Sam bring an exclusive story to her editor without endangering both Cole and herself? And can they really have a HEA?
Iād recommend this book for anyone who likes their romance with a spot of mystery thrown in for good measure.
Corrupt Fire (The Angel Fire Book 5) by Marie Johnston
Corrupt Fire (The Angel Fire Book 5) by Marie Johnston
Description
One minute the angel Tosca is a respected enforcer having a drink with someone she considers an ally. The next minute she wakes up beside a dead body, red-handed and blackballed.
Now enforcers she used to call friends are calling her a murderer. When they dredge up the past sheās so carefully buried, sheāll only look guiltier. Her only hope for clearing her name is escaping to Earthāand seeking refuge in the one place she vowed never to set foot in again.
One minute the angel Bronx is a frustrated warrior railing at the corruption that keeps him from doing his job. The next minute heās got free rein to hunt the bane of his existence.
The cute but infuriating enforcer has been questioning his every move and tattling to her crooked senator friends. But now that Tosca is on the run, thereās nowhere on Earth he wonāt followāeven if it takes him smack into a nest of forgotten angels and unchecked demons who will do anything to stay that way.
Except once he finds Tosca, he doesnāt know what to do with her. His gut tells him sheās innocent, but heāll have to gain her trust to learn who framed her and why. Yet Tosca has no intention of letting any male dictate her fate again, even one who stars nightly in her dreams. Together they could root out the corruption bedeviling their realmābut divided they will fall prey to a determined enemy adept at killing enforcers and warriors alike.
Publication Date 12/7/2022
My Review
Book five in this series, and itās becoming a firm favourite.
I really like the authors work and style of writing (she writes both paranormal and contemporary romance)
We jump straight into a murder and Tosca is the only suspect! Covered in the dead manās blood itās looking like she did it, only sheās certain that she couldnāt haveā¦ā¦
Tosca is an angel enforcer, upholding the laws of her kind.
There is a past to Tosca she doesnāt want anyone to find out about (if you want to know what it is, youāll have to read the bookš) it definitely shaped her into the Angel she is today.
Bronx is confused. One minute the senate is telling him heās doing his job wrong, and then the next they are telling him to use any means to track and apprehend the murderer, but when Bronx finds out who heās suppose to be bringing in, heās first surprised to shocked. But his feelings arenāt going to sway him in his duty.
But the longer he spends around Tosca, the harder Bronx thinks she is guilty. He had a job to do, he needs to bring her in and for Tosca to answer for her crimes.
Itās a fast paced story that doesnāt stop until the end (and it sets up the next story) As always itās well thought out and brilliantly written. We donāt get too bogged down with useless information.
I really liked the characters of Tosca and Bronx, both have a past theyād rather forget, and both are doing their best to be better angels.
These books are loosely connected, but can easily be read without reading any of the other books in this series.
Corruption is rife in the angel realm and the price our characters that have had to pay for their happiness has been rather steep, and this one is no exception.
So how will Tosca clear her name? Can Bronx help her, or will he be another in a long line to let her down?
One Night…Was all it took to make Danielle’s dream come crashing down around her. Danielle Johnson not only is she fighting something that has left her scared and preparing for the worst, but now she is dealing with being forgotten. All she wanted was One Night, but the morning after was what broke her heart. Can Danielle’s One Night with Jacob be enough for her, or will she need to forgive and forget to move forward?
The Johnson Sisterās grew up in a small Jersey town. Even though each are their own, they forever have each otherās backs. Through thick and thin, family always comes first.
One Night (Book 1 in The Johnson Sisters Trilogy) by Elaine Marie.
About Elaine Marie
A Jersey girl at heart! I love to write, read and spend time with my husband and children. I love to watch Football & Hockey-and read in my spare time.
Caught in Darkness (Night Shadows Series Book 1) by Rose Wulf
Caught in Darkness (Night Shadows Series Book 1) by Rose Wulf
Description
Veronica Wyndham had no idea that vampires were real, let alone that her new favorite customerāTall Dark and Handsomeājust so happened to be one. And she never imagined sheād overhear a robbery plan with murderous potential while eating lunch in the park. Making those kinds of enemies just wasnāt a good way to spend a day.
Seth Hunter knew he should have been grateful for Veronicaās unintentional help in exposing the traitors, but all he could worry about was how much danger sheād just landed in. Instinct had him taking it upon himself to keep a protective eye on her, but even then he had to keep his distance. If she found out the truth about the world around her, she would surely get Caught in Darkness.
READING ORDER:
Book 1 – Caught in Darkness
Book 2 – Found in Flames
Book 3 – Stayed for Alpha
Book 4 – Lost in Magic
Book 5 – Bonded by Blood
Book 6 – Staked by Desire
Publication Date 15/4/2014
My Review
First book in a new series and new author for me (six books in the series so far) to get stuck into….
it did remind me of older books about vampires (their secret world and staying away from the humans) then when I saw the date of publication it made better sense.
Veronica works in a coffee shop. Sheās just swapped her nights for day shifts, meeting a tall handsome stranger has made her decision to swap worth it, but he grabs his coffee and goes! But looking at him is worth the cold shoulder.
Veronica gives me the impression she knows where her life is heading, well thatās until you meet her mother, she gets railroaded into meeting men her mother thinks Veronica should settle down with! She could have done with a bit more of a backbone where her mother was concerned!
Seth is a vampire, heās been asked to root out a traitor.
By accident he finds out one of their own is a traitor, what does he do? And how can he inform the vampire that he works for who the culprit is?
I liked Seth, very much a gentleman. Although a ruthless killer when required, he treats Veronica with the respect she doesnāt get anywhere else!
I enjoyed the book.
I found it introduces us nicely into Sethās world. Good plot, great outline, and I connected with the characters.
Relatively fast paced book, a few moments that catch you out, but a safe plot in which you can predict where the story goes.
Iām definitely going to be reading the next one in the series.
š¦
Found in Flames (Night Shadows Series Book 2) by Rose Wulf
Found in Flames (Night Shadows Series Book 2) by Rose Wulf
Description
All his life Luka Craige has been haunted by the one that killed his family. Finally, having chased him across the country to the edge of vampire territory, Luka has his chance at vengeanceābut not before his Beta is killed and Luka finds himself protecting a woman he doesnāt know. A woman who arouses him like never before. Could he possibly exact his revenge and find his mate?
A burning body was the last thing Joella Harp expected to find when she rounded the corner. Let alone a body with a man standing over it. After that her droll life becomes a whirlwind of werewolves, wild sex, and deadly fire. Someone wants her dead, she can barely think past her mouthwatering rescuer, and in no time she realizes this adventure could be more than a fantastical memory…if sheās brave enough.
READING ORDER:
Book 1 – Caught in Darkness
Book 2 – Found in Flames
Book 3 – Stayed for Alpha
Book 4 – Lost in Magic
Book 5 – Bonded by Blood
Book 6 – Staked by Desire
Publication Date 30/11/2015
My Review
Book two of a six book series and this one is slightly different from the first bookā¦..
This one takes on revenge as itās topic.
Luka is a werewolf, his pack is small but loyal. But even they have their limits.
Finally being able to exact revenge on the killer of his family is almost within reach, heās not going to stop at the border where the ruling first family of powerful vampires live, heās going to kill the witch that took his family and had him exiled (long story)
He doesnāt bargain meeting a human who is about to turn his world upside downā¦..
Things that go bump in the night isnāt usually anything Joella has ever worried about. But seeing a figure’s hand shoot fire and incinerate someone isnāt something you see every day. Nor has she ever been a target for the same type of death, luckily a stranger saves her from been burnt to a crisp, only now she wondering if sheās swapped one nightmare for another, being kidnapped wasnāt something Joella had expected!
I liked both Luka and Joella, both are strong willed characters that know what they want. Luka wants revenge for the death of his old family and the death of his beta. Joella wants a job that pays well and isnāt harassed by her boss!
The chemistry is a slowish burn, Luka isnāt looking for love or a mate, and neither is Joella, but it catches them by surprise anyway.
Another reasonably paced book that has action/romance and suspense. Can Luka catch and finally exact revenge on the witch that killed his family? Can he protect the human that is fast becoming pretty important to him? And when this is all over can Luka convince Joella to stay and live with the pack?
š¦
Stayed for Alpha (Night Shadows Series Book 3) by Rose Wulf
Stayed for Alpha (Night Shadows Series Book 3) by Rose Wulf
Description
Adam Jefferies is a young Alpha taking a big risk. He wants to set down roots in Californiaāa state largely claimed by the oldest and most powerful vampires. He’s going to have to earn his place the hard way.
Whitney King is a Rogue wolf with a single purpose in life: get revenge for the pack that took her in so many years ago. The pack that was slaughtered by a dangerous vampire. She’s tracked that vampire to California and she’s prepared to risk her life to end him. But she’s not prepared to find something worth living for…
When Adam takes Whitney in she says it’s temporary. He knows it won’t be, but he’ll have to show her why if he wants her to stay.
Publication Date 1/6/2016
READING ORDER:
Book 1 – Caught in Darkness
Book 2 – Found in Flames
Book 3 – Stayed for Alpha
Book 4 – Lost in Magic
Book 5 – Bonded by Blood
Book 6 – Staked by Desire
My Review
Book three in this series sees Whitney and Adam being reunited after losing touch many years ago, they were both young when she left the pack, and now Adam knows who she is he wants her to join his pack.
I liked this one the best so far, friends to lovers feel about the book. Whitney being given a chance at joining a pack after being a lone wolf for so long. She not afraid of death, she wants to end the vampire that took her adopted pack from her. Meeting Adam just gives her a taste of the pack life sheās been longing for.
Adam comes across at first like a cocky young pup who is trying to claim a piece of land for himself and his pack, but settling down in a territory already owned by a powerful vampire coven isnāt probably the smartest thing to do, and with his attitude you have to wonder if heās going to fail and get his pack killed.
They come to an understanding about Whitney joining the pack, she thinks she wonāt be here too long, but Adam sees her living with his pack for a very long time.
We have the suspense in the form of a dangerous vampire who is the one Whitney wants to kill. The build up is ok, a little anticlimactic in places, but still entertaining enough for me to continue.
š¦
Lost in Magic (Night Shadows Series Book 4) by Rose Wulf
Lost in Magic (Night Shadows Series Book 4) by Rose Wulf
Description
Nearly a year after losing her best friends to vampires, Allison Drake knows itās time for a change. And a nice cruise to the Bahamas sounds like just the ticket. She meets a sexy man on day one and knows itāll be the vacation of a lifetime. But sheās not prepared for passengers to start disappearing under mysterious circumstances, or the implications that follow.
Mick Darringer is on the cruise not for the destination, but for the distraction. He needs to lay low and he knows the Council would never think to look for an earth witch on a cruise. It wasnāt part of his plan to meet a beautiful woman, but heās not about to walk away. Ali captivates him from the moment he lays eyes on her.
But itās not long before they learn that this cruise has problems. Problems in the form of vampires.
READING ORDER:
Book 1 – Caught in Darkness
Book 2 – Found in Flames
Book 3 – Stayed for Alpha
Book 4 – Lost in Magic
Book 5 – Bonded by Blood
Book 6 – Staked by Desire
Publication Date 25/9/2016
My Review
Book four has a murder/mystery feel to this one. Working out who is killing the passengers on Allisonās cruise!
Losing a friend and gaining knowledge of a world she knew nothing about made her realise life is too short. So she decides itās time for a break, a holiday is just the thing she needsā¦.
Mick is a witch (now that did throw me as most witches are female and men are wizards or warlocks) and in this series most witches arenāt nice! Trying to stay away from
This one wasnāt my favourite, but I still enjoyed the story.
Mick had decided that he needed to get away from his normal life, he is questioning what he knows and how itās affecting him!
Meeting Allison makes him want to be a better witch.
But there is someone aboard their boat that will threaten both the main characters.
I liked how Mick questioned his life and how he wanted to change.
And Allison although a bit of a wimp in the beginning did find her backbone in the end.
š¦
Bonded by Blood (Night Shadows Series Book 5) by Rose Wulf
Bonded by Blood (Night Shadows Series Book 5) by Rose Wulf
Description
Brianna Wheeler was the last-born Original vampire. Countless centuries of life, and disappointment, turned her into something of a recluse. She never expected to meet a man like Joseph Pearce.
Joseph had been aware of the supernatural community since he was a child. He lived in the heart of vampire territory as an adult. He never expected to befriend the beautiful and reclusive Vampire Princess herself, let alone to become someone she confided in when their community fell prey to a vampire serial killer.
His new bond with Brianna became something he was unspeakably grateful for when the supernatural worldās most wanted vampire, Tobias Wilson, showed up on his doorstep ā¦ vowing to kill him.
With bodies started showing up around Sacramento with their throats ripped open, it’s a terrible time to fall in love. But after Joe reawakened Briannaās desire for love, could she afford to turn her back on what might be her last chance?
READING ORDER:
Book 1 – Caught in Darkness
Book 2 – Found in Flames
Book 3 – Stayed for Alpha
Book 4 – Lost in Magic
Book 5 – Bonded by Blood
Book 6 – Staked by Desire
Publication Date 30/8/2020
My Review
Book five was definitely my favourite in the series. It moves at a decent pace and I really liked Brianna.
Brianna has been dead for centuries (literally!) Her and her mother are the only original vampires in existence, so they are the vampire royalty (they are called the first family)
Joseph (Joe) has the means to have a good life, plenty of money and a few good friends. Heās been aware of the supernatural world from a young age, and a close call with a rogue vampire almost ended his life!
Awakening feelings that have been dead since human men have played with her emotions through the centuries. Joe brings her heart and emotions back to life.
Have to admit I wasnāt a fan of Briannaās mother, she saw humans as cattle (or blood slaves as she called them!)
I did like Brianna though, a little cold in the beginning but after hearing snippets of her past you understand why sheās aloof and withdrawn.
The book moves at a good pace, we donāt get bogged down with too much info.
Joe is being targeted by a vampire that wants to kill himā¦.
So can Brianna save the man sheās falling for? Or will happiness be snatched away from her again?
Itās great that we get to catch up with characters from the previous books. You donāt need to read the others before reading this one, but as they are pretty good it only adds extra info as you read.
š¦
Staked by Desire (Night Shadows Series Book 6) by Rose Wulf
Staked by Desire (Night Shadows Series Book 6) by Rose Wulf
Description
As the adoptive daughter of the Vampire Princess, Kendall Wheeler was raised in the sheltered world of dangerous, elite vampires. After the terrifying battle in Sacramento, Kendall realized she could no longer sit idly by while the rest of her family was in danger. So she ran off to reconvene with the shockingly capable Slayer who had been called in to eliminate a pair of serial-killer vampire brothers, eager to help him complete his task.
Adrian Colt preferred to work alone, but something about Kendallās impassioned plea compelled him to let her join him on the hunt for the surviving Wilson brother. He realized quickly this decision was more dangerous than it should have beenāKendall Wheeler was everything heād dreamed of in a partner. Except that a life partner is the last thing heās ever wanted.
The hunt takes them from California to Colorado, where their target finally stops running. But Colorado has its own dangers, and without their usual allies, survival is not guaranteed.
READING ORDER:
Book 1 – Caught in Darkness
Book 2 – Found in Flames
Book 3 – Stayed for Alpha
Book 4 – Lost in Magic
Book 5 – Bonded by Blood
Book 6 – Staked by Desire
Publication Date 27/5/2022
My Review
Kendall appeared in the last book, so it might be an idea to read the previous book, but itās not compulsory.
Kendall is a great character, doted and spoiled by the vampire first family (a little like royalty) but she canāt sit by and watch her family battle their enemies and not join in. (Without giving too much away, another original vampire wanted the status that the first family had, and went to war with them for it!)
Kendall might have acted childish previously, but she definitely grew up in this book.
Adrian is a great character, a hunter/slayer of rogue vampires. He helped in the last book, and so Kendall was hoping for more help this time.
They are both attracted to one another, but Adrian isnāt looking for anyone to spend eternity with. But the more time that they spend together the harder it is for Adrian to walk away.
As they team up to chase old enemies across the country, passion is soon on both their minds. But they are going to need to keep their wits about them as things take a turn that couple spell their own demise!
Heavier on the steam than some of the other books, itās also a faster paced book, it could have done with maybe a few more chapters as it did seem a little rushed in parts.
I liked the bond Brianna (her adoptive mother) and Kendall had, I also liked how Kendall got around Trista (Briannaās mother and Kendallās adoptive grandmother) Trista isnāt your usual warm and cute grandma, sheās an original vampire and looks upon anyone who isnāt an original vampire beneath her!
There are light hearted moments, there are also a couple of fight scenes that are well thought out.
Throughly enjoyed this book and the series. Iām hoping for a few more books. It was great to see old allies (characters from previous books) and meet new enemies.
Iād happily recommend this book and in fact the whole series.
Hellfire & Pride (From Hell Book 1) by Nadine Nightingale
Hellfire & Pride (From Hell Book 1) by Nadine Nightingale
Description
These days it’s hard enough to be a witch, but being born a hellfire witch? That’s something else entirely and no one knows that better than Melissani. Half witch, half demon she’s one of the most powerful creatures in existence. The fire in her soul could kill Lucifer himself. Shame that thanks to her mother said soul now belongs to Leviathan, Crown Prince of Hell.
Once upon a time the two had a thing. Yes, she fell for the demon prince who bought her soul, and despite her better judgment she trusted the bastard. But, of course, he had to mess it up. A broken heart, shattered dreams and, to cap it all off, a missing sister dragged to hell.
Well, what is it they say? Hell has no fury like a hellfire witch betrayed. So buckle up little prince. Hellfire is coming for you.
Publication Date 27/7/2022
My Review
With a blurb that grabbed my attention, I couldnāt wait to startā¦..
Melissani is not your usual witch, sheās a pretty powerful one (a combination of demon and witch) and when I first started reading about her, I wasnāt too keen, she gave off bad guy vibes. But the further you go into the book, the more Mel changes (and youāll see why she changes.)
Leviathan is a snarky and sarcastic character, and his comments in this book had me chuckling. His internal dialogue had me rolling my eyes more than once. Charismatic and a way with him thatās different from other authors depictions. He comes across as
These two just brought the story to life. The banter/chemistry the characters had just made me read the book in almost one sitting. Both Mel and Lev had previously known (dated) one another, and it didnāt end well, so can they make a go of it this time round? I didnāt think so, as she wanted Lev dead! And again without giving too much away itās to do with her meddling mother.
I really liked Leviathanās siblings (especially Berith and Verin) I chuckled at the Prince of Hell conducting his business via zoom calls š
Another new author that Iād not read before and Iām adding her to my reading list. Really well written, the story comes to life with descriptions and witty one liners. Characters are added that complement not detract from the storyline. Plenty of action and drama, and donāt forget the cliffhanger.
Cliffhanger? Yes there is, and itās one I sort of saw coming, but not who or why.
So if you like a witch who starts off with vengeance in her and ends up being a pretty nice person at the end. Then this book (and hopefully the next book) is one Iād recommend.
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*arc supplied by The Reading Cafe
Meet the Authorā¦ā¦
Nadine aka Dini is a traveler at heart. She considers the world her home and practically lives out of her suitcases. When sheās not glaring at a blank page or abusing her poor keyboard, she spends her time reading, watching movies (preferably horror), pretends to work out, and hangs out with friends and family. Poor girl also suffers from a serious Marvel superhero addiction. So, if you run into her at night, wearing black, know sheās secretly dreaming of being the infamous Black Widow.
Her love for writing started in the sixth grade where she annoyed her classmates with a short story featuring Sailor Moon characters, a cemetery, and creepy ghosts. Yes, sheās always been addicted to the dark side. Nadine writes paranormal romance. Her debut novel āKarmaā the first book in her paranormal romance series Drag.Me.To.Hell. is published by the Wild Rose Press.
What do you see when you look into the windows of Hell?
Iāve always been a bit of a thrill seeker – questioned the unknown and the impossible. I want answers to everything! So when a new organization pops up in an old abandoned elderly facility promising that they can allow you to see into the pits of Hell, Iām first on the list to sign up. When my time finally comes and Iām offered a weekās long stay at Hell View Manor, I jump at the chance.
Iām enthralled with what I see. Fascinated by the torture, the screaming souls, and the demons administering the eternal punishments. Although weāre told the windows are a one way glass, I start to doubt that they are when a man being tortured begins to stare straight at me through the window. And then he starts talking to me. Heās telling me he doesnāt belong there. He was framed. Innocent. And he begs me to help.
As I begin to poke around, it feels as if there are eyes on me wherever I go. Iām being watched – stalked. And then Iām pretty sure I accidentally break one of Hellās windows and itās no longer a one way view but a doorway in. Now I wonder if Iām going to get sucked into Hell. If Iāll be able to escape Hell View Manor. Or if I even want to leave.
Thatās when I meet the president of the company and I swear, Iām looking at the Devil himself.
This is a polyamorous story with content not suitable for those under 18 years of age due to graphic content.
What do you get when you add a house that isnāt a house, but a prison that punishes souls by demons, and a character thatās fascinated with the house?
You have a story that you canāt put down.
I loved this book, a fast paced action story that had characters youāll love. Really well thought out and written. Itās an original idea and has the potential to be a series.
When Itani receives a ticket to go view the house, to say sheās excited is an understatement. Itās a day sheās been looking forward to for a while. Sheās a ghost hunter, she has all the equipment and knows how to use it.
But will reality match her imagination?
The story happens over a week. So itās a little fast in some places, in fact a few more chapters to grow the characters a little more wouldnāt have hurt the book in the slightest. I know there is a lot to pack into a week, but in places it did feel rushed, and some characters got more pages than others.
I liked how the visitors were summed up and we were given background on them all, and the reasons why they were sent the invitation.
It sets the scenes pretty well, you can almost imagine the house with itās one way mirrors and rules to keep the visitors safe. The tension as Itani interacts with both the other visitors and later the occupants of the placeā¦.
Itās a RH (reverse harem) read so be aware itās got lots of spice and in parts itās an instant love thing.
I liked the idea of a little mystery thrown into the story, itās not just a group of supernaturals getting the girl.
I liked the premise of humans being sent an invite because they could be on the cusp of falling/walking down the wrong path, and a visit to the manor may/may not put them back on the right path.
The idea of twins being there for each other until the right woman comes along to reunite them appealed to me (one is a demon, one is a ghost)
Itās a relatively quick read, but it might also be the fact itās such a good book that I couldnāt put it down until I had read the whole thing!
The Left-Hand Man (Project Blue Book 2) by Carol T. Luna
The Left-Hand Man (Project Blue Book 2) by Carol T. Luna
Description
Escaping a monster. Killing a king. Ao thought he was free.
Two months after the Spades’ raid, Ao and the Legionnaires discover a plot that could destroy the Legion: an alliance between Talus and Harena, two of the most powerful nations in the world. The accord is all but official. Regicide is their only option.
But when a betrayal frames Ao as the killer and turns Harena against the Legion, Ao must ally with the Spades once more. Together, they must wrest the capitol from Talus’ control. Fail, and not only will his friends fall, but an entire nation will too. Worse, a familiar horror has finally caught up to him.
Ao escaped nothing at all.
Publication Date 18/7/2022
My Review
Do you need to read book 1 before book 2? I did and it made a lot of sense, so itās personal preference, but Iād say itās probably better if you read the first book before grabbing book 2ā¦ā¦
I loved all the info the author supplied at the front of the book including a quick rundown of book 1. The characters names and a quick description helped jog my memory from the first book.
Ao is being framed again for a crime he hasnāt committed. Is this the act of the warring faction to spread disharmony? Is it keep everyone guessing as to their intentions? I donāt want to give anything away as I want you to experience the thrilling ride for yourself.
There is a lot of fighting, and plenty of action. In fact Iād say there are some of the best fight scenes Iāve read in a while. There is also moments when I had to close the book and think about what I had just readā¦..
Great characters that will draw you in and keep you there until youāve read the final page. The development from book one to two is a slow process, but they definitely grow and mature before your very eyesā¦..
You do have to concentrate on this book, itās more apocalyptic than romantic, more adventure than romance, and itās almost a YA or NA in its approach, but saying that itās still a great read.
The story itself keeps unfolding, keeps giving you snippets and moments of clarity, but can you solve who did it? Why did they do it? And will there be more deaths?
And the ending? Well thatās just going to make you wonder whatās going on and probably pick the book up again to read what you probably missed the first time around!! (I did š)
Make You Mine by Laura Pavlov is coming August 25th!
Make You Mine by Laura Pavlov is coming August 25th!
A sexy firefighter. A much younger Nanny. The heat between them could burn down a small country. He doesn’t believe in forever. And she won’t settle for anything less.
Jace King is a smoking hot firefighter, a single dad and my new boss.
He’s also the most beautiful man I’ve ever laid eyes on.
It’s totally fine to secretly crush on the guy you Nanny for, right?
Did I mention that he’s also a decade older than me, works with my dad
and he’s a close family friend?
If you looked up OFF LIMITS in the dictionary, you’d find an eight by ten photo of my sexy boss.
But something happens every time we’re in a room together.
A Lick of Magic (Satan’s Touch Academy Book 1) by Crea Reitan
A Lick of Magic (Satan’s Touch Academy Book 1) by Crea Reitan
Description
Sacred Tongue Academy. Or as the students call it, Satanās Touch Academy.
Five best friends, a small coven of witches, embark on their culminating project for their graduate degreeāto start and successfully run their own business. Their shopās name? A Lick of Magic. And what are they selling? Why, only magically enhanced sex toys, of course.
E, Dev, Sin, Indie, and Crea have been thick as thieves since they met, and as the year starts with the launch of their shop, they expect it to go as any other. But it quickly becomes apparent this is not the smooth sailing final two years they all planned as theyāre sucked into the schoolās hidden secret society. Especially when they meet a group of sexy as Hell men that theyāre sure cannot be human. Not being human isnāt a big deal, of course – not in their world. But why are they pretending to be?
In a school known for its dark corners, growls in the dark, noises behind closed doors, and a death or two each year, the girls now have to add āstaying off the radar of the society thatās proving to be anything than what it appearsā to their agendas.
Five book series. Each will be following one of the five witches as they create their magical sex toys and the hilarity that comes with it, struggle to run a successful business and still keep their grades up, and you know – survive the claws of the secret society. All while falling into steamy relationships that they had not planned on.
Publication Date 21/7/2022
My Review
A high school story (reverse harem) which seems to be in thing for writers to do at the moment.
Itās a five book series with the stories focusing around five friends and each book will be following one female as she finds love in the high school she attends.
E, Dev, Sin, Indie, and Crea have known each other for a long time, their plan to make money and finish their education is the only thing on their minds at the moment. Young witches learning their trade at the same time as their schooling might prove a bit of a challenge, but together they intend to succeed in both magic and academia. But itās not as easy at that (well there wouldnāt be much of a story otherwise)
And then add a group of young supernaturals males passing themselves off as human!
I giggled and laughed through most of the book. Magically enhanced sā¬x toys!! But itās an idea I havenāt read about before so I was intrigued as to where the author would take this book (and the series) and the author used the idea really well.
We focus on Crea in this book, but there are POV (points of view) from the other girls and the males that interact within the book. And in some parts of the book that does become a little hectic! We also have background and plot to fill in.
Strange things are happening at the school, and a lot of the time itās not really mentioned, but it does upset the group of girls and they intend to find out whatās going on a d how they can put a stop to itā¦..
Iāve read this author a few times and your always guaranteed a thrilling ride.
Cliffhanger? A little one, but itās more of follow on rather than a huge cliffhanger. And I felt it was a HFN (happy first now) rather that a HEA (happy ever after)
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*arc supplied by The Reading Cafe
This is a polyamorous story with content not suitable for those under 18 years of age due to graphic scenes.
If you would like to stay up to date on this series, join my Facebook group to get teasers and information first!
When Sparks Fly (Rendezvous Falls Book 5) by Jo McNally
When Sparks Fly (Rendezvous Falls Book 5) by Jo McNally
Description
Between her business, her recent divorce and her teenage daughter who needs her right now, Zoey Hartford has her hands full. Thank goodness she has her best friend, Mike McKinnon, to keep her laughing. Zoey and Mike have gone through everything togetherāfrom chemistry class to heartbreak. They would never risk their friendshipā¦until one unexpected but sizzling night changes everything.
Mike is torn. Funny, down-to-earth Zoey in her flannel shirts and messy ponytail always seems so in controlā¦until she melts into his arms. But he wonāt come between Zoey and her daughter. They’ll just keep it casual. No drama. No feelings. No messiness. What could go wrong?
But the meddling, matchmaking book club wonāt be denied. They may not have set them up, but they recognize a perfect match when they see one. And theyāre determined to help Zoey see whatās been right in front of her for so longā¦
In Lost in Love, single mom Andrea will do anything to make the fall festival a successā¦even ask the town bad boy for his help.
Rendezvous Falls
Book 1: Slow Dancing at Sunrise Book 2: Stealing Kisses in the Snow Book 3: Barefoot on a Starlit Night Book 4: Love Blooms
Book 5: When Sparks Fly
Publication Date 9/8/2022
My Review
A friends to lovers story set in the town of Rendezvous Falls.
Zoey is a busy woman. Running a business, surviving a divorce and taking care of her daughter, so Zoey doesnāt have time for anything else! Thank goodness her best friend is there to keep her sane! She honestly wouldnāt be able to cope without Mike.
Mike lost his wife (she died) so he immersed himself in his job, but always had time for Zoey and her daughter.
Best friends since children, theyāve helped one another through thick and thin. But what happens to a friendship when a one night stand threatens all they hold dear?
They decide to try a friends with benefits relationship. Can that really work? Can they keep emotions out of the equation? Will this strengthen or ruin their friendship? Both think they can handle the emotions that this new side of their friendship brings, but when doubts
There are quiet a few funny moments, I loved the book club they did make me smile. Zoeyās daughter was a great character, bringing to this book insights that only a teenager can bring.
I really liked both Mike and Zoey, theyāve been friends for such a long time, could they cross that line and become more? The texts they send to one another did have me smiling and chuckling. His twin sister Mary is a great character, she had a sense of humour that would make us friends in the real world.
There is also a side story (maybe should have been a novella?) it was cute, but it did distract me from the main story a little (just my opinion.)
So if you like your romance small town full of great moments, then this is definitely the book for you. No need to read the previous books as this story stands on its own. Iād read book 3 in this series and really enjoyed it.
There is a bonus story that was a nice surprise at the end of the book (Andrea and Zayne which is also a quick but fun read.)
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*arc supplied by The Reading Cafe
About the Author
Jo McNally lives in upstate New York with 100 pounds of dog and 200 pounds of husband – her slice of the bed is very small. When she’s not writing or reading romance novels (or clinging to the edge of the bed…), she can often be found on the back porch sipping wine with friends, listening to an eclectic playlist. If the weather is perfect, she might join her husband on the golf course, where she always feels far more competitive than her actual skill-level would suggest.
Ryan’s Temptation (Arresting Onyx Book 2.5) by Amber Daulton
Ryan’s Temptation (Arresting Onyx Book 2.5) by Amber Daulton
Description
Wrong place, wrong time. Now sheās running for her life.
Beautician Chanel Leroc can wield a pair of scissors like nobodyās business. After she witnesses a murder and lands on a serial killerās hit list, she has to figure out how to protect herselfāand fast. The killer tracks her down, but her sexy new neighbor, Dr. Ryan Naylor, drives the brute off.
The police dump the pair in a witness protection program, which doesnāt last long. Either the killer has a connection to the police, or heās far more intelligent than they realize. All Chanel wants to do is get back to her safe life and get to know her neighbor better. Instead, she and Ryan hit the road and try to survive on their own.
How will they stay alive and keep their blooming romance intact with the killer hot on their trail?
— Book 2.5 in the sexy romantic suspense series, Arresting Onyx.
Publication Date 9/8/2022
My Review
Ryan’s Temptation is by another new author Iāve not read before, itās a short story, but what it lacks in chapters it more than makes up for in drama and suspense. It’s part of the Arresting Onyx series. Which Iāve not read, but Iām adding to my TBR list. Itās not necessary to read the previous books to enjoy this one.
Chanel was only trying to help rescue a woman she thought was being attacked. Instead sheās on the run from a killer who now knows what she looks likeā¦..
Sheās a great character, a beautician with a sense of right and wrong.
Ryan is a Doctor, he comes to the rescue of Chanel his neighbour when sheās attacked in her home, he scares off the assailant
I liked Ryan, heās a strong character that isnāt afraid to help someone, his attraction to Chanel did have me chuckling, that man was smitten almost immediately.
Both making statements to the police, they think itās only a matter of time before heās caught. But when they are told to go into witness protection for their safety, both Ryan and Chanel agree on the conditions they go together.
Being in witness protection has Ryan and Chanel relying on one another, friendship turns into romanceā¦.
But the killer is onto them, is it someone on their case feeding information to the killer? Or is he really a mastermind that has worked out where they went?
Going on the run together is their only option, they need to stay one step ahead himā¦..
It’s a really good book.
It’s well written with a great plot and great characters. We start with an intense moment, and the story just races you along.
I was drawn into their world and couldnāt put it down. I finished it in a couple of hours.
I really liked the suspense and the drama, the killer is methodical and your drawn into trying to figure out if itās an inside job or a clever killer.
The chemistry between Ryan and Chanel is wild. They bicker and banter, they are passionate about their jobs and one another, and the author captures it all brilliantly.
Can Ryan and Chanel make a go of it once the killer is caught. Or will the adrenaline/passion finally wear off once they are home and living their normal lives?
Iād recommend this book if you like drama/action/suspense and a big helping of romance.
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*arc supplied by The Reading Cafe
Meet the author
Amber Daulton is the author of the romantic-suspense series Arresting Onyx and several standalone novellas. Her books are published through Daulton Publishing, The Wild Rose Press, and Books to Go Now, and are available in ebook, print on demand, audio, and foreign language formats.
She lives in North Carolina with her husband and demanding cats. Feel free to visit her at https://amberdaulton.com/.
Wolf Tamer (Moon Kissed Book 2) by Harper A. Brooks
Wolf Tamer (Moon Kissed Book 2) by Harper A. Brooks
Description
Love is only a distraction, a weakness.
Tasha failed.
Her damn feelings got in the way of doing her job, and now, her coven has marked her for death. To stay alive, she has no choice but to turn to the very person she was meant to kill. Reid.
To make things worse, her witch magic is returning and itās interfering with her invisibility, something she desperately needs to find out what happened to her sister.
Hiding Tasha among his pack has Reid questioning his hatred for her kind, while pretending to be her mate has him questioning his own sanity. What happens when fake feelings morph into something more? Something real and dangerous?
Theyāre so close to finding out the secrets behind the Redcliff Pack and the Buson witchesāso closeābut the truth will not only be painfulā¦
Itāll end up changing everything.
Get swept up in all the action and romance with Wolf Tamer, the second book in the Moon Kissed Series by Harper A. Brooks!
Publication Date 28/7/2022
My Review
Book one definitely needs to be read before opening up book two.
And book two starts where book one endedā¦..
Tasha And Reid are still fighting their attraction for one another. They are still trying to work out who is trying to kill them, and where Tashaās sister isā¦..
Returning to Reid was never the plan, but pretending to uphold the plan and kill Reid should buy Tasha some time.
Told in both the main characters points of view, we watch as Reid fights for both his life and the leadership of his packā¦..
We hold our breath as it looks like Tasha will face death at the hands of her witch community.
The double dealings will make your head spin and the action scenes leave you breathless.
The book starts at a furious pace, and it doesnāt let up, brilliantly written it draws you in with the chemistry between Tasha and Reid, the mystery as you try to solve who is behind trying to take out Reid and kill Tasha.
Witches sent Tasha to kill Reid, but after learning more about Reid and the coven, Tasha is so confused about her feelings to Reid and her duty to the family that took her in.
Reid should hate Tasha, he use to hate witches, still does in fact, but his pact needs their magic to stay hidden from the human world. His family donāt trust her, and his pack hate her, so if he wants to make her his mate then thatās some big bridges to mend.
We also have a few secrets that are beginning to be revealed, are a few witches working with members of Reidās pack? And if so, why?
And the endingā¦..
What a cliffhanger that was. Iām hoping we donāt have to wait to find out what happens next.
Fallen Comrade (Project Morpheus Book 1) by Jillian David
Description
Ex-Green Beret Jake Zimmermanās Georgia mountain seclusion is shattered when the one woman he should never have left, pregnant Kiera McNeill, shows up on his doorstep. Her life is in danger, thanks to a botched Morpheus Squad mission. If the nature of her baby is discovered, evil forces will stop at nothing to capture Kiera. When Kiera learns of Jakeās top-secret Morpheus Virus running through his veins, she realizes that her protector is the deadlier threat.
Kiera knows the secrets of Fallen Comrades, a billion-dollar ācharityā which siphons donations away from wounded veterans and into the pockets of power-hungry CFO Beau Lequire. Now her sadistic ex-boss, Lequire, wants revenge. Her only chance of escape rests in the lethal hands of the man who once rejected her: Jake. All she needs to do is suppress her feelings for Jake long enough to destroy Fallen Comrades, stay alive, and save her baby.
Publication Date 26/7/2022
Fallen Comrade (Project Morpheus Book 1) by Jillian David
My Review
Jake is a runner, not in the literal sense, but whenever anything gets difficult he runs away from it. His marriage ended with a miscarriage, instead of trying to help his wife through a difficult time, he ranā¦..
Soldiers enhanced with a drug (they also need to take another shot regularly to keep the violent urges at bay!) to aid in their fight against the enemy. It seemed like a good idea at the time, but Jake has a terrible time keeping control, heās volatile and dangerous to be around.
Kiera and Jake have been friends for years, Jake and her brother ? were friends in school, then they joined the forces together.
Kiera and Jake were an item in high school, and when she thought she was pregnant (but later found out she wasnāt) Jake panicked, he couldāve help but be relieved when Kiera told him she wasnāt. Again Jake uses the excuse heās not good enough and leaves Kiera!
Meeting up ten years later at her brotherās funeral, Kiera and Jake seek comfort from one another.
But again Jake panicked and ranā¦..
Kieraās pregnant and needs help. But the only person she can turn to might not want to help her, in fact he could be more dangerous than the person sheās running from! But she doesnāt really have much choice, does she?
And the first meeting between Kiera and Jake doesnāt really go to plan! Heās all for trying to offload her onto someone else! Then he notices the baby bump!
There are other characters in this book which are part of Jakeās team (and Iām hoping will get stories) š which give both camaraderie and a few light moments.
I loved this book, it did remind me of another authors work (Christine Feehan her Ghostwalker series) where soldiers are enhanced to become super soldiers, but any similarities end there.
Itās a fast paced action and adventure book. A really good plot with scope for more books.
We have evil in the shape of Beau Lequire and the company he uses to hide his nefarious activities behind!
I have to admit I wasnāt a big fan of Jake at first, his self pity and ability to just walk away from problems did grate a little, but getting to know the character through the book did have me softening up to him.
Kiera is just great. Strong, resourceful and clever. Her only weaknessā¦. Jake! How she forgave him so quickly did annoy me just a little, but you forgive the ones you love.
Iāve read this author a while back (Hell to Pay Series) and loved that series immensely, so when I found out she was publishing a new book, i made a note of the date. And Iām glad I did.
If your keen on romance with a big hit of action/suspense/adventure, then I can assure you this book is the one youāll want to read.
In Like Flynn (Pirates of King’s Landing Book 2) by Lauren Smith
Description
A Royal Navy Officerās Guide to Seducing a Pirate Lass:
ā¢ Go undercover as a fellow pirate
ā¢ Steal kisses whenever possible
ā¢ Do not fall in love, no matter how tempting your pirate lass is
Brianna Holland has always been free. Her entire life sheās never known the bars of any cage until sheās captured in Port Royal trying to help a fellow pirate escape. Suddenly facing the hangmanās noose unless she betrays her fatherās location to the Royal Navy, she clings to the hope that a new prisoner in her cell brings. The roguish and seductive Nicholas Flynn is charming and irresistible and soon the pair make a clever escape from the prison. Once on board her ship and safely at sea, Brianna soon learns that there are other dangers than storms and naval frigates prowling the waters. This time, her heart and her fatherās life might be at risk.
Royal Navy Lieutenant Nicholas Flynn has a problem. Heās been assigned to gain the confidence of a pirate prisoner in Port Royal in order to learn the whereabouts of the notorious pirate king Thomas Buck. But when he meets the man heās supposed to win the trust of and eventually betray, he is stunned to discover itās no man, but a woman named Brianna, who he is to befriend and betray. Not only that, but he learns that she is Thomas Buckās daughter. Knowing Brianna will face torture at the hands of a cruel military captain if she doesnāt talk, Flynn helps her escape. If Flynn finds a way to lead the Royal Navy to Briannaās father, heāll lose the only woman whoās ever stolen his heart.
Other Books in the Series:
Book 1: No Rest for the Wicked
Book 2: In Like Flynn
Book 3: Devil of the High Seas
Publication Date 19/7/2022
In Like Flynn (Pirates of King’s Landing Book 2) by Lauren Smith
My Review
Book two in this series, and although Iāve not read the previous book, it doesnāt make a difference. But saying that I may go back and read that one as i throughly enjoyed this book.
An historical romance set on the high seas. A story of betrayal and romance. And a story with plenty of action and adventure.
Brianna loves to feel the wind in her hair and the splashing of the waves on her face. A free spirit, a beloved daughter and member of her fatherās crew. Sheās had to earn that respect, sheās had to be the best, all the while never losing sight of who she is. Dressed as a man every time she leaves the ship is a chore, but one sheās always mindful of as people could recognise her and use her against her father.
Flynn is honour bound to see that the pirate Thomas Buck is brought to justice. Heās given the chance when told to befriend a member of the pirates crew, that is until he realises the crew member is a woman! He now faces a dilemma, save the girl and lose his career, or leave her to rot in prison!
So will they set sail for happiness, or will someone scupper their chances and sink their love boat?
This is a fun read, plenty of fast paced action. Throw in some spicy moments and banter from Brianna and the hours just flew by as I immersed myself in their tale. Itās beautifully written, nothing is left out, you can imagine the waves, smell the cell Brianna is kept in, and feel the love she has for both her father and Flynn, you feel the conflict that this situation put Flynn in. And it will you have you rooting for the pirates (not all pirates are bad guys) š“āā ļø
There is a few twists along the way. And a moment in the prologue that will pan out in a way neither Flynn nor Brianna expected š
The story did remind me a little of the film āCutthroat Islandā a female pirate and a rogue who sought to betray her š
I highly recommended read from an author Iām adding to my list.
I finally am who I always were meant to be. Do I miss my family? Yes. Do I miss my priest? Unbearably so, but at least they are all safe. Or so I thought.
When life gives you lemons, ask for tequila. Only life gives me him. Again. Jonah.
Now that I have him back Iāll do whatever it takes to make sure heās happy. I know heāll always put me first, but what he doesnāt realize isā¦ For him Iād sacrifice my life.
Warning: This is an M/M romance where a man of God has to decide what matters more: love or his beliefs. It contains mature situations, violence, and slurs. THIS IS NOT A BOOK ABOUT RELIGION, and thereās definitely some sinning going on. Be aware.
Sacrifice my Life (Sacrificial Duet Book 2) By Kamisa Cole
Author Bio:
Kamisa Cole is a German native who discovered her love for MM through her soulmate and has obsessed over the genre so much, she eventually decided to plan her own book. Besides writing, she loves fall and winter, cuddling up with hot chocolate or a pumpkin spice latte, and anything that smells like vanilla or cinnamon. For the most part she dreams of writing when doing her day job in an office. She imagines she has control of her characters, but for the mostly they rule the kingdom of stolen glances and denied feelings while sheās just along for the ride.
If you wanna know more about her, “nd her on her social media or email her at kamisacole@gmail.com.
Will the 4th of July fireworks light the way to love for Summer and Ace when they find themselves thrown together in Friday Harbor this summer?
Seattle marketing specialist Summer Connelly welcomes the assignment to supervise the construction of a company float for the annual 4th of July parade in Friday Harbor, WA. Not only will it be a chance to prove her leadership skills to her boss, but an opportunity for a much-needed escape, especially since she hasnāt taken any time off since her divorce was finalized over a year ago.
Ace Lockhart is tired. He works himself to the bone at his Portland contracting company, but something in his life feels off. When doctors tell him his elderly father has taken a turn for the worse, he heads to Friday Harbor to be with the old man, simply because no one else in the family will even speak to him after what he did.
As fate would have it, Summerās plans for the parade go up in smoke before any fireworks are even set off. Can Ace be the ticket to light at the end of the tunnel? Will their days together prior to the big show lead to fireworks in more ways than one?
Fireworks in Friday Harbor A Summer Vacation Romance #6 By Annee Jones
A Touch of Fire: A Steamy Small Town Romance (The Sisters in Sirens Series Book 2 by Kathryn K. Murphy
Description
Megan White shouldāve died twenty-five years ago.
Now she appears to have it allāa solid career, a trendy apartmentābut she feels like a fraud. A firefighter, Megan has an edge she doesnāt deserve. She doesnāt burn. Torn between her duty and her dreams, Megan is about to escape to the life she always wanted when a handsome soldier marches into her life.
After his dad barely escapes a house fire, Troy Chapman is forced to return home from the army. He finds the life he left behind buried in ashes with a beautiful red-haired firefighter at the center of it all.
Troy has six weeks to set everything straight before he returns to base, but time at home isnāt easy. Haunted by painful childhood memories, he is now fighting to reclaim the little peace he had before Iraq. A dedicated soldier, Troy is committed to returning to the army, but something about Megan makes him want to put down roots in the very place heās been trying to escape for years.
Megan and Troy burn for each other, but time is ticking until they must go back to their separate lives. With a new danger on the horizon, Megan and Troy must decide what they really want before they lose their chance at loveāand possibly their lives.
A steamy contemporary romance, A Touch of Fire is the second book in the Sisters in Sirens series. If you like strong women with secret superpowers and the men who love them, youāll love Kathryn K. Murphyās newest page-turning romance. Get your copy today!
Publication Date 19/6/2022
A Touch of Fire: A Steamy Small Town Romance (The Sisters in Sirens Series Book 2 by Kathryn K. Murphy
My Review
Second book in this series. And itās being added as a favourite series to read again. I loved it, couldnāt put it down until it was finished. Ordinary women with powers they have to hide.
Megan is fireproof, there is no better way to describe it. Sheās never been able to get burnt, so being a firefighter seemed the obvious choice of career.
Sheās also a lover of animals, she has cats and birds, and a turtle. In fact she gets on better with animals that with people. Thatās probably why she offers a temporary home to the dog she rescued from the fire she attended. (Canāt keep pets in hospitals)
I liked Megan, a kind hearted soul who only wants to help.
Laura is the paramedic with healing hands (Laura/Carter are MCās in book one A Touch of Healing) Laura and Megan became friends after Megan discovered Lauraās secret, they are now secret sisters (sworn to keep one anotherās secret safe from the world) she gave a boost to the old man who suffered in the fire.
Troy is a bit of an enigma at first. We meet him at his work of place with is the army, heās informed by phone that his father had suffered a heart attack after a fire.
Heās being asked to visit and arrange care for his father. Reading between the lines I get the feeling heās seeing a therapist for the loss of family members.
Troy seems like a nice nice, but can he actually help his father and give him the care he needs?
When Megan and Troy meet for the first time, Troy is mesmerised by the mysterious woman. He wants to know more about her, but before he can talk to her, sheās offā¦..
They soon bond over the love of Troyās father. They become close, but Troy is hiding something. And that will come back and test the bond Megan and Troy have for one anotherā¦..
They want to be together, with him about to return to barracks can they really form a lasting relationship?
Itās not necessary to read the previous book as it stands on its own quiet happily, but yet there is a mystery that needs solving!
Danny made the mistake of crossing the wrong witch. Now he’s a warty amphibian. At least until he learns his lesson.
When my witch ex turned me into a frog, I was pissed. But it didnāt take long for me to realize how good I got it. Life as a magic frog is figata, baby. Close to perfecto. But it has its downfalls. One formerly very big downfall to be exact. Now the King of Atlantis is granting wishes to anyone who can help him find a lost mermaid fairy princess. A magic wish is just what I need to live the perfect magic froggy life. All I got to do is find her. If I was a mermaid and wanted to go missing, Iād go somewhere no one would expect to find me. Like the sky. No one would think to look there for a fish. But Iām a frog. How would I get to the sky? This oneās a corundum, but Iām going to figure it out. I thought I had it good before, but now that I know the impossible is possible, I got a plan. A big one. If you know what I mean.
Join Danny on his magical quest in this laugh-out-loud Frog Prince retelling Paranormal Women’s Fiction fans don’t want to miss.
