An intriguing start about a disgraced heiress who saves a convicted murderer and how they find in each other acceptance, peace, and possibly 3.5 Stars
An intriguing start about a disgraced heiress who saves a convicted murderer and how they find in each other acceptance, peace, and possibly redemption.
I really liked the theme of this where there’s always two sides to a story and of course, this applies the most to main characters Freya and Neneo.
Toss in an ex-fiance and other family members with possibly dubious intentions, and I look forward to the next installment to find out more!
Thank you to the author and Kodansha Comics via NetGalley for a copy in exchange for an honest review...more
I’m going to agree with everyone else who loved this.
Realistic. Hardcore. Compelling.
This is where a cop story is done right, when you want pla4 Stars
I’m going to agree with everyone else who loved this.
Realistic. Hardcore. Compelling.
This is where a cop story is done right, when you want plausible and it’s delivered.
Take one jaded detective who’s always been on the right side of justice, one who has been met with corruption and roadblocks over and over and goes about taking down a criminal drug ring that goes all the way to the top by any way possible. If that means brushing against, and sometimes stepping over the line to justify the means, then so be it.
Drop in a newly promoted rookie to be his partner, one who’s been not so secretly tasked to “spy” on him by Internal Affairs, and you’ve got quite the sticky situation.
Not surprisingly, these two don’t hit it off at all, but when things get dangerous and more informants end up dead, the pressure to bring down the bad guys reaches a breaking point and they can’t afford to not trust each other.
No eye rolling here. I applaud the gritty seriousness of not only their working relationship but each of these men have their own personal problems that present plenty of other challenges to their complicated dynamic. Add some really well done UST and smexy, a very nice age gap, and a delicious enemies to lovers set up, and this was oh so satisfying especially when these two give into their unwanted but too hard to resist desires. Mmmmmmm.
Narrated by Michael Ferraiuolo, this fact should only make you want to read this more!! Go now! Don’t wait! I for one, look forward to what’s next in store for these guys!!...more
Apparently, I was in just the pitch perfect mood because this seriously was so much fun! I missed Finn and Marcus and didn’t even know it. I 4.5 Stars
Apparently, I was in just the pitch perfect mood because this seriously was so much fun! I missed Finn and Marcus and didn’t even know it. I loved that this book really focused on their dynamic, their internal motivations, and further honed their personalities to great entertaining delight.
Don’t get me wrong. Winters can obvioulsy provide the super silly and ridiculous, but she can also intermix that with a good amount of scary intense horror as well as bring heavy hits of impactful feels.
I do believe that it takes a talented author to swing so broadly between the tropes and the tone of this series and do it consistently and engagingly. I’m duly impressed and have a new appreciation for her stories!
Starting where the first book left off, this delves more into the burgeoning, and mostly forbidden, relationship between Kiram and Javier. Thes4 Stars
Starting where the first book left off, this delves more into the burgeoning, and mostly forbidden, relationship between Kiram and Javier. These two must learn to work and trust the other to overcome the terrible curse affecting Javier and his family.
Overall, a very satisfying conclusion that had several twists and betrayals, along with a great fight against the enemy at the end. Though this frustratingly ended quite abruptly, Hale is a master at the complexity that involves her protagonists plight and fight for a happy ending, and what matters most is she doesn’t fail her readers here. Enjoy!...more
I’ve yet to be disappointed with any of Hale’s works, and this was no different.
This contains quite a heady mix of complex world building, comp4 Stars
I’ve yet to be disappointed with any of Hale’s works, and this was no different.
This contains quite a heady mix of complex world building, complete with two opposing cultures, religious fervor dealing with one’s salvation, and a magical bent, all with warring political machinations and betrayal against the backdrop of a school academy and young men on the brink of maturity and real life consequences.
Javier is cursed. He’s also cavalier, charismatic, and skilled in smarts, weapons, and fighting. He’s not only magical but his social standing is immense, making him fearsome and compelling all at the same time. Though he’s arrogant, he’s loyal and protective towards those he loves. Javier wants better for himself and his family, but the curse runs through his bloodline and there’s no way out.
Kiram is a foreigner, highly sheltered being from a prominent family. His race has been persecuted and deemed lesser, but his genius gets him a rare coveted spot in the Sagrada Academy. Circumstance puts him and Javier as roommates as they are outcasts for different reasons, and Kiram slowly realizes that Javier is a pawn in a sinister conspiracy that could enslave everyone.
Overall, this was not only a complex suspenseful mystery, but also a burgeoning love story between two people who are divided by class as well as foundational beliefs. I was never once bored as Hale knows how to expertly create an intricate alternate universe, knows how to do an exquisite slow burn. I look forward to the conclusion as to how she will make things right between “cursed” Javier and the idealistic Kiram. These two young men from different backgrounds will have to find a way to work together to defeat not only inherent prejudice and societal rules but the corrupt royalty and religious leaders of the highest hierarchy. Not an easy feat for sure, but I’m confident Hale will deliver with the ultimate satisfying win!...more
This is basically John Wick, turned supernatural being, who fights evil and is lambasted by a cute mute that quickly develops a crush and bos3.5 Stars
This is basically John Wick, turned supernatural being, who fights evil and is lambasted by a cute mute that quickly develops a crush and bossily inserts himself into the assassin’s life with little fanfare. Lust is instant, moving into together soon follows, and a pending wedding is a forgone conclusion.
Cheeky, ridiculous, peppered with silly humor that made me chuckle a few times. To say the least, this was over the top entertaining bloody violent fun. You’ve been warned - go forth and enjoy! ...more
If you love the friends to lovers trope and want to revisit past characters in this series, then grab this easy breezy freebie on Prolific Work3 Stars
If you love the friends to lovers trope and want to revisit past characters in this series, then grab this easy breezy freebie on Prolific Works.
I read it for a challenge, and it was an enjoyable 130 pages with no angst and all feel good. I wasn’t lost either with other characters from previous books popping in, but those who are purists will surely like seeing everyone basking in their happy ending as well!
Easton always does a perfect mix of feel good vibes and just enough emotional heft to make you (or in this instance, me) cry. This was no diff4 Stars!
Easton always does a perfect mix of feel good vibes and just enough emotional heft to make you (or in this instance, me) cry. This was no different.
Greg is struggling with the loss of his son who died in combat earlier in the year, and he is barely making it through the holiday season as he mans their family run Christmas tree farm. When Greg picks up a stranger hitchhiking into the coming storm, he sets off a series of events that he would never anticipate.
Robbie is wounded and recovering from his recent stint in the military. Discharged and with really no where to go, it’s pure luck that Greg offers him a holiday job to get him through to the end of the year. Of course, these two connect in their loneliness and end up giving each other all the things the holidays can possibly bring - hope, happiness, and renewal.
Again, Easton is an expert at hurt comfort with both happy and sad tears, and for those of you who have read Hansen’s Point of Contact, this had all the vibes but imbued with Christmas goodness. Overall, a holiday story that doesn’t shy away from tragic life challenges and will ultimately warm you from the inside out!...more
Though the shortest in the series thus far and grounded a bit more in reality, this was no less fun, funn4.5 Hearts - Team Review with Fantasy Living
Though the shortest in the series thus far and grounded a bit more in reality, this was no less fun, funny, sexy with some extra kid cuteness and a big oomph of feels that really nailed this as my favorite so far!
Take new roomie Chet of the nerdy Script Club who is the bestest kind of people pleaser. He loves to help out just because he’s that sort of person. When the other guys bring to his notice that single dad Sam called for some assistance with his son who’s all things science, Chet puts on his neighborly hat and goes over there to see what he can do. What he finds is that Sam is physically hampered by a hurt shoulder and while he’s on medical leave from being a professional football referee, Sam wants to make the most of his time off as he’s usually away for work this time of the year. There’s just one little snag - Sam pretty much hates the holidays. This philosophy lights a fire under Chet, who doesn't hesitate to bring some holiday cheer to Sam’s life and has a fullproof plan and plenty of to-do lists to brighten and loosen things up!
So, if you’re in the mood for an age gap romance featuring a well intentioned NASA scientist and a slightly gruff grumpy dad who only wants the best for his kid, then come on over! As Chet brings it with all the wintery goodness, Sam soon realizes that disengaging and leaving the fun stuff to others is only inhibiting him from truly enjoying what life has to offer, including love! This light romantic comedy brought tears to my eyes, and if one can make this cold heart feel, then it’s pretty much an automatic winner!
Again, sooooo easy breezy sweet and steamy, this latest installment still delivered the laughs, the grins, and major gooey feels, all with that wonderful Christmas vibe that is the extra sprinkles on top of an already inevitable happy ending! Enjoy!
Thank you to the author for a copy in exchange for an honest review
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Starting immediately after Rare Vigilance ends, our heroes Cristian and Atlas are on the run for their lives determined to find some answers3.5 Hearts
Starting immediately after Rare Vigilance ends, our heroes Cristian and Atlas are on the run for their lives determined to find some answers about strange monstrous attacks that have made their way across the ocean to the United States. As they wend themselves throughout Cristian’s birthplace of Romania, the very place that still haunts Atlas’s nightmares from his military past, these two really truly need to get their shit together if they’re going to survive another day.
This time the story is told from Cristian’s POV, lending more insight to the enigmatic character who has seen and suffered much, who has maybe skirted/avoided his responsibilities a lot, but is now ready to do anything to help save himself, his lover, and his father’s empire. As other reviewers have said, this is more steeped in the mystery, trying to find who is hunting fellow vampires, investigating a friend’s mysterious disappearance, and avoiding the brutal machinations of a clan that won’t take no for an answer, all the while landing smack dab in the middle of a decades in the making power grab.
To say the least, this was atmospheric and dark, heavy with paranoia, as Grant further expands on the paranormal world she has created. There’s a very complex plot being woven here that is not quite finished, and the reader is lured by the growing bond between Cristian and Atlas (along with my utter disbelief that bodyguard Atlas’s only weapon is a small silver sword) amongst a compelling setup where enemies are a dime a dozen, true allies are a rarity if at all, and betrayal around every corner should always be expected.
Overall, an intense read with a very appreciated organic plausible growing romance. Some questions were answered, but be forewarned that this ends abruptly on one hell of a cliffhanger! The next book to come will indeed be a very long wait!
Thank you to the author for a copy in exchange for an honest review
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I like this quirky contemporary series, and this was a nice little visit seeing Dan and Trevor engaged and Sean and Robin thriving. What’s a 3.5 Stars
I like this quirky contemporary series, and this was a nice little visit seeing Dan and Trevor engaged and Sean and Robin thriving. What’s a little adventure in an escape room to break the ice between 4 strangers with the potential to become great friends??
Mark is basically an investigator, and he wants to help his friends Clem from An Unseen Attraction 3.5 Stars
An apt ending to this historical trilogy!!
Mark is basically an investigator, and he wants to help his friends Clem from An Unseen Attraction and Nathaniel from An Unnatural Vice as dead bodies steadily keep piling up. It’s all connected to a wanted, but unknown, person. What’s at stake is a missing earl and his inheritance, and there’s somebody who doesn’t want the truth to come out.
As Mark discovers that the enigmatic femme acrobat Pen is the one he’s seeking, Pen makes it crystal clear he wants to live his carefree life without out the millions of rules and constraints it would mean to claim his birthright. However, hiding who he is only puts him in more danger.
This had some different sexual identity themes to it which brought a new conflict that’s not often seen in historicals. As Mark and company get closer and closer to narrowing down the suspects, one wonders how Pen will ever reconcile keeping true to himself and fulfilling his obligations should they prevail.
The romantic progression was too fast for my liking, but I loved the propriety and the upper vs lower class dynamics with a great shout out to supportive and fiesty sister Greta! Overall, a satisfying conclusion to this 3 book story arc where comeuppance is delivered, and everyone gets their happy ending!...more
Top notch sci-fi, plenty of high stakes action, and a race against time to save one man on the brink 4 Stars
The second installment did not disappoint!
Top notch sci-fi, plenty of high stakes action, and a race against time to save one man on the brink of death from serving his government who has all but abandoned him.
Be reassured that this is not only a space adventure full of battling human and alien cultures/agendas, but at its core, the epic love between Felix and Zander remains front and center.
Consistently good stuff, and I expect nothing less from the next book!!...more
What I briefly want to say is that this is not a standalone book - it obviously being the 3rd in its series and basically a spinoff of Four K3.5 Stars
What I briefly want to say is that this is not a standalone book - it obviously being the 3rd in its series and basically a spinoff of Four Kings Security. So, if you’re daring enough to jump right in because of the extremely wonderful dog factor in this (I don't blame you), then be prepared for a humongous cast of characters that entails at least 6 couples and several other characters who will no doubt inevitably get their story told at some point in the future as well.
Overall, this continues to bring excellent friends and family dynamics, a bit of mystery and suspense, with a slightly less cheesy vibe this time around. Gio is the most upright, kind and generous billionaire ever, and when his life is threatened, Joker feels he has no choice but to take charge of Gio’s security despite his preconceived (and wrong) notions of the mysterious man who always puts everyone first. Joker tries to resist hard, but he’s just wasting his time when it comes to the charming Gio who won’t take no for an answer.
Pick up Love in Spades if you’re serious about starting the right way. Regardless of what you choose to do, I wish happy reading to you all!
A very very nice send off to Andreas and Darren who deserve all the happiness and more, for not only battling each other initially, but for def4 Stars
A very very nice send off to Andreas and Darren who deserve all the happiness and more, for not only battling each other initially, but for defeating bad guys, exposing corruption, facing family tragedy, and dealing with tough personal issues. They’ve come out the other side 100% better for it together! And yes, Andreas’s mom can go fuck herself! Good riddance.
Overall, a highly recommended law enforcement MM series that delivers on all the age gap, enemies to lovers, romantic suspense goodness you could want! Go forth and enjoy!...more
I will readily admit that I’m not a Hayes expert, and though I’ve had some wins with this author, I’ve not read her in years. When4 Surprising Hearts!
I will readily admit that I’m not a Hayes expert, and though I’ve had some wins with this author, I’ve not read her in years. When the chance to sit back and relax with an audio crossed my path, I said, why not?
Suffice it to say, I immensely enjoyed myself.
This starts off with typically happy go lucky Simon. He’s a pro football player on hiatus due to several concussions, uncharacteristically anxiously awaiting for a call to return to the game that just might not come. Simon’s reluctant backup plan is to finally finish getting his college degree, but he needs some help with his classes, and that’s where his brother’s best friend Topher comes in.
Topher needs money, and what better way to do that than to do what he does best, and that’s being smart. There’s just one snag. Jocks are his kryptonite, and Topher literally cannot function properly when around them. It doesn’t help that he’s had a crush on Simon for years either. The arrangement in theory might be perfect, but it’s SO not gonna work. However, Simon is desperate and suggests a nonsensical plan - they’ll role play so as to focus Topher’s mind off the obvious. What it does instead is set these two up for some ridiculous scenarios that do nothing but incite absurd witty banter and spur their libidos in the best way possible.
I’ve only listened to Alexander Cendese once, but he outdid himself here. He imbues Simon with a brash charming pushiness that means absolutely no harm. Simon’s seriously the friendliest, laid back guy ever. Nothing seems to phase him and though he’s a teeny tiny bit dim, he handles himself and Topher’s quirkiness with aplomb. In contrast, Cendese aptly portrays Topher with all his uptight fumbling clumsiness that endears you to his geeky stuttering as he spouts obtuse facts while being brazenly forward when it comes to all things sex. The juxtaposition between these two was fun, funny, and simply entertaining.
Let’s be frank. Regarding one’s expectations, just know this is obviously pure fiction in its utmost carefree form. Check your BS meter at the door, and come on in and get comfy! This is sweet, quite smexy, and with barely a smidge of angst, if you could really call it that. No in the closet anxiety, no lamenting anguish, no self sacrifice. If I’m gonna read a contemporary these days, and a sporty one at that, this is exactly how I like it and need it to be!
Overall, the narration only elevated this story with spot on comedic timing and gleefully increased the playful silly sexiness whenever these two were interacting. To say the least, I’ve never been so tickled by a Hayes book. I smiled, snorted, and laughed out loud.
Apparently, this is the beginning of a new series about Topher and his brainiac friends, and if they are as delightful as this first installment, then I’m definitely on board for more!
Thank you to the author for the audio in exchange for an honest review
My first read by MA Grant, and I’m confident it won’t be my last.
This starts out with ex-marine Atlas, who’s been traumatized by a mysteriou3.5 Stars!
My first read by MA Grant, and I’m confident it won’t be my last.
This starts out with ex-marine Atlas, who’s been traumatized by a mysterious attack that left him the sole survivor of his combat unit, struggling daily with PTSD. However, his sister owns and operates a successful private security agency, and there just so happens to be a lucrative contract that other employees have not meshed well with. This serendipitously adapts for Atlas’s personal/physical struggles that traditional protection jobs can’t typically accommodate.
What I appreciated was the slow burn between Atlas and his charge Christian. They barely tolerate each other, sometimes they oppose one another but ultimately, they learn that there’s more than meets the eye on both their parts, resulting in grudging respect and inevitably more. Secrets abound, politics and takeover machinations are constantly brewing, lives are in danger, and these two must learn to trust each other before it’s too late.
This had a good foundation to the paranormal world building, more I suspect will be further explored in the next book. This also brings a slight twist to standard lore which I enjoyed and want to know more of. Despite my absolute disbelief that Atlas never had a weapon on him (once he utilized a knife), I also suspect that will change in the sequel. Apparently, I need more dead bodies and gore than previously thought. Lol.
Again, a good start to what I hope will be an even better series. And that ending?? I loved it!...more
You know, my cynical heart was a bit apprehensive with a second go around with Winters because how could she keep up the snark and humAnother 4 Stars!
You know, my cynical heart was a bit apprehensive with a second go around with Winters because how could she keep up the snark and humor consistently? Well apparently, it just so happened that I was in the mood for her brand of silliness again, and I was continuously entertained with the absolutely ridiculous scenarios Finn and Marcus put themselves in as they further mesh their lives.
However, not all things are a barrel of laughs. There’s still the real threat of the vampire stalker that has been psychologically torturing Finn for years, always in the background, always making his presence known that he can end Finn in an instant should he decide to do so. There’s some impressive reveals here regarding Finn’s traumatizing past and the origin story of vampires in general. The life and death situations were intense, and I was legit scared and freaking out towards the end because seriously, I didn't know how Winters was going to pull a win for our heroes against such a seemingly undefeatable foe.
Never fear though. This is romantic comedy suspense at its best and it all ends happily, but I’m still a bit freaked out and shaken which is a testament to how Winters can veer on both ends of the spectrum, making you laugh at outrageously silly antics and then be in turmoil over the mortality of her characters.
I’m simply impressed and know that this type of writing isn’t for everyone. Again, I hope that the next story about Karsyn and Claude will keep my interest and keep me laughing just as much! ...more
I’ve said this before, and I’ll say it again, Jensen always excels at the conflicting emotions that a person can have about love and life, and 4 Stars
I’ve said this before, and I’ll say it again, Jensen always excels at the conflicting emotions that a person can have about love and life, and she doesn’t fail here.
I really liked Robin, warts and all. His debilitating anxiety was acutely felt. It’s not as if he wants to feel this way, it’s not as if he wants to stay in his house forever, and it’s not as if he wants to be alone for the rest of his life paralyzed by indecision and fear. However, one day Robin realizes he’s kinda sorta had enough. His almost connection with Dan from Let's Connect was just the sort of impetus for him to take stock of his life and finally notice that he’s been noticed by his friendly neighbor Seth.
There’s a bunch of fits and starts as Robin slowly makes progress because he really wants a partner, he wants to experience companionship and intimacy, to enjoy what life has to offer again. Sean is quite the patient, sexy guy, and how these two steadily get to really know each other was a poignant, painful, and funny experience.
I read this when it was offered as a freebie serial through the author’s newsletter. This time around though, this sequel provided for me more compelling and likeable characters, so much so that I shelled out the cash for the much anticipated epilogue in Seth’s voice. Needless to say, I wasn’t disappointed!...more
Loved the premise but too short of a story to really be appreciated.
I’m not into daddy kink, but if a lumberjack doctor vamp pushes your butto3 Stars
Loved the premise but too short of a story to really be appreciated.
I’m not into daddy kink, but if a lumberjack doctor vamp pushes your buttons, then by all means dive right in!
Lightning quick progression as a dying Timothy wholeheartedly embraces his situation with all the eager virgin submission you could want. Enjoy! ...more
* A Reader Obsessed *
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