I was not expecting how this book would hit me. I will admit to not always reaching for a romance with a heroine who is 18 years old these days. I feeI was not expecting how this book would hit me. I will admit to not always reaching for a romance with a heroine who is 18 years old these days. I feel more and more disconnected from that time of life, and it's no surprise as I get older that I'm looking for a mature kind of lead.
But there was something about Sarah, and maybe it was that I grew up in a town much like hers. That had me connecting with her more than I expected. She has big dreams but doesn't even know how to go after them yet. She's not being actively repressed by her loved ones but she's also not being given the chance to thrive. I feel like that is honestly more relatable than being in an actively abusive home. Sometimes life is just mediocre. Her home, her boyfriend, her plans for college. They are just.. there.
Her secret desire to play guitar and sing is only encouraged by one person. And that's Isaac, her boyfriend's edgy, tattooed, older brother. He cuts right through the hum drum life she's living and dares her to ask for more. They banter and flirt and things get a little bit hotter before they should but.. I just wanted her to reach for him.
I liked that Isaac was just the right amount of naughty. He's been in the military and now he works the family farm. There's rumors about trouble he's gotten a girl into before but he also really SEES her when no one else does. He ropes calves in a rodeo and gives up smoking so he can kiss her. He pushes her boundaries but he's also willing to wait. He had my belly swooping and I swooned every time he said, "You know why." *sighs*
This book was definitely a "coming of age" type of romance. Though it does have a forbidden nature Isaac and Sarah just seem right together. I loved them.
Sarah is also a PK (Preacher's Kid), and that will put some people off. Yes, God is mentioned and questioned and railed against. But I also didn't feel like Christianity was badmouthed or discredited. Sarah is going through the natural questioning of her faith and deciding if she really needs to live the way her parents tell her. That's something all young people do. But just keep that in mind if you are either sensitive to religion being mentioned at all, where in a good way or bad. It is very central to this town.
I really did like this book, even if it isn't my personal fave. It still kept me turning the page and I teared up more than one. I will be reading book 2 about Sarah's Sister.
4 stars 2.5 on the spice scale
CW: Sudden Loss, grief, Religious trauma, cheating, mention of abortion (past, not of an MC)
*Thank you to Valentine PR and the author for an ARC of this title.*...more
A lovely slow burn in a small town. A New Adult romance with a dash of coming into your own.
A tattooed best friend of her brother and some forced proxA lovely slow burn in a small town. A New Adult romance with a dash of coming into your own.
A tattooed best friend of her brother and some forced proximity in the work place. He's flirty and cheeky and surprisingly kind.
What could be better?
I'm personally not completely sold on the type of 3rd Act it had. I felt like it almost leaned into a Women's Fiction moment and I don't love that. There was some.. not quite coming of age, but that bit about New Adult life where you're still finding yourself.
I loved Liam so much. His care taking instincts are very strong and I just wanted a big hug from him. Maybe more than that, but you get me meaning.
I liked the characters and the town and I will be back for more! I'm very intrigued by what's happening for some of the others.
4 stars 2 on the spice scale
CW: attempted SA, grief, drug use, chronic migraines
*Thank you to the author for an ARC of this title*...more
This story was an interesting mix of things. Zoe and Max keep getting thrown together because of the people they are connected with and related to. ThThis story was an interesting mix of things. Zoe and Max keep getting thrown together because of the people they are connected with and related to. They start as Frenemies and become friends and then Friends with Benefits.
When Zoe breaks up with her idiot boyfriend, she's in a bit of limbo. Max steps in as an unexpected friend who helps her get out of her comfort zone. Before they know it they are secret friends with benefits and the feelings are growing really fast and everything culminates at a destination wedding where their teasing and fooling around lead to a full on explosion of a One Night Stand.
And that one night leads to a life changing situation. Which I'm sure you can guess by the cover.
This book had a lot of potential for me and there were things I really enjoyed. I loved all the small gestures Max did to show he cared and we were just waiting for Zoe to notice. I loved the community around them and the quirky friends we got to meet. Their chemistry was there for sure and the sex scenes were very hot!
However, a few things that irritated me and kept this from being the home run it could have been.
First, this is literally billed as an Accidental Pregnancy, it's on the dang cover. We see about 10% of the pregnancy in this book.
The amount of time they kept their friendship from the friends and family was irritating.
And finally, this was another case of a heroine dumping HUGE news onto a hero and when he doesn't react correctly within 2 minutes she's ready to annex him from his kid's life. This book didn't NEED a grovel if the heroine let him breathe for more than 10 minutes.
Narrated by Christian Fox & Vanessa Edwin who elevated this story for me and kept me listening. Their narration was charming. I loved the duet style during their text messages though it was dual narration the rest of the time.
3.5 Stars 3.5 on the spice scale
Content: Dietary Restrictions, Pregnancy
*Thank you to Must Love Audio and the author for an ALC of this title.*...more
I haven't been this moved by a BDSM focused book in ages. It hit all the things I love and I cried multiple times. I loI loved this. Every single page.
I haven't been this moved by a BDSM focused book in ages. It hit all the things I love and I cried multiple times. I love these two broken people with my whole heart.
I was immediately hooked on both of these characters. Gerard Sovereign was a mountain of a man, both in stature and in presence. He is a man who commands respect and deference. He oozes control and sex appeal. Keira Garrison is an obedient and cloistered wife of his rival. From the first moment they meet, the connection is electric. For her, it's frightening and can't mean anything good. For him, it's the beginning of his final revenge. He'll destroy his for and take the spoils of war.
This book was hot as hell, there is no doubt and it has all the kinky situations you could ask for. BUT, I feel like that description doesn't do justice to the way my heart was aching for them both. I don't want to belittle the deep connection I felt to them or how romantic I actually found this to be.
Gerard and Keira have burrowed deeply into my heart so quickly. I'll remember their quiet moments of connection as much as the erotic scenes. There is just something special about watching their trust build and their love grow.
She might feel like she has no choice and Gerard HAS manipulated events to make it appear that way. But watching her discover that her submission means she can have everything her heart has longed for.. they can both be winners. After life dealt them both shitty hands, these two orphans can find a home together.
I have always said that "BDSM used for healing" is one of my favorite things to read. That is true. Yet, I feel like it's not something I see too often anymore. Many authors throw a "spank and a good girl" into their books for the fun of it. And hey, it CAN be super fun to read. Yet that's not BDSM just because she calls him "sir", there's something more that I crave. This book did that for me. Because once you see a couple that NEEDS intimacy this way... it's hard to not see other versions as a pale comparison.
I have never heard of Raya Morris Edwards before, but she certainly has my attention now. I highly recommend this book to lovers of Dark and Erotic Romance. Fans of Godwin and Simone may also find enjoyment here. There are many triggers, so check out the author's site for a full list, but I also didn't find this to be "too dark", though I know that's subjective. But a lot of the focus is on their relationship and their interactions are not abusive or coercive beyond Gerard "urging" fate to put them together.
6 stars (A new favorite for sure!) 5 on the spice scale
CW and TW are on author's website. There are a lot....more
No one puts a smile on my face quite like a book from Melanie Moreland. Her alpha heroes are absolute cinnamon rolls and I just want to eat them all uNo one puts a smile on my face quite like a book from Melanie Moreland. Her alpha heroes are absolute cinnamon rolls and I just want to eat them all up.
Even when writing an Office Romance with a boss and a secretary, which can be a tough power imbalance to manage. This was sweet, funny, sexy, and just a delight.
I loved Maggie and Alex together. She was charming right from the start. He was so grumpy but with a heart of gold. She wins him over with her competence and great cooking skills. He sweeps her off her feet with praise and treats her like a princess. And he adopts a cute kitten with her. Yes, that's a big help.
If you are looking for low angst, great steam, with a dash of hidden relationship, this is the perfect recipe for you.
This book also has: Opposites attract grumpy sunshine oopsie baby latex allergy frenemies to lovers
This was a little too low angst for me and I did get a little bit draggy with it near the end. And the hero doesn't believe he can love but wants to marry her ASAP?
But I think many will love it despite my small hang ups. I hope the author gives us more books in the "Favorite" series very soon.
4 stars 3 on the spice scale
CW: toxic parent, parent with dementia, death of a parent, surprise pregnancy
*Thank you to Melanie Moreland and Waterhouse Press for the gifted book.*...more
I had no idea what to expect from this book. I have read quite a few books by LJ Shen and each one has hit me differently over the years. I was very iI had no idea what to expect from this book. I have read quite a few books by LJ Shen and each one has hit me differently over the years. I was very intrigued by this one and it was such a ride. Nothing like I expected.
There was the typical anti-hero man, who is almost too cruel at the start. When you don't understand him or you can't see where is hurt and anger comes from. It's almost hard to watch some of the interactions between Row and Cal. Their interactions were sharp and painful to witness.
As it becomes clear that Row is constantly lashing out to keep himself from falling more deeply in love with her... I started to see his heart. He may have convinced himself that he's killed his feelings but spend more that an hour with him and you'll see the truth.
As for Cal, she was also hard to feel for her at times. She gets so badly in her own way yet I found her so endearing at the same times. As her past unfolded in the story, my heart bled for her. She and Row deserve it other and I wanted that SO MUCH, they just needed to get out of their own way.
I also want to caution that this book is darker than it may appear. I know LJ Shen IS known for her Dark Romance, but just because this is being published with a pink and purple cover and through a publisher... well, still check the TWs because I was gutted by a few things.
The connection is palpable between these two and if you can push past their exteriors, I think you will care for these characters as much as I did.
There were a few things that bothered me, though they are hard to articulate here, but that is why it's not quite a 5 star for me, but I do still recommend this.
4 stars 3 on the spice scale
CW: Child Abuse, bullying, sexual harassment, child exploitation, violence against teenagers, cyber bullying, mention of overdose, androphobia, attempted murder, domestic abuse (some of these are combined when they happen)
*Thank you to Bloom Books and the author for an ARC of this title.*...more
I loved diving back into the Astoria Royals series.
This third entry to the series has a really unique set up. Beginning with Riordan running into a gI loved diving back into the Astoria Royals series.
This third entry to the series has a really unique set up. Beginning with Riordan running into a ghost from his past who is now an undercover FBI agent trying to get dirt on a Bratva boss. He is shocked to meet Priscilla again, who was raised as a part of the Irish mob until a horrible attack on her at age seventeen. The attack shook them both and ruined the chance they had back then, to be together.
Now, all these years later they are faced with their past mistakes and a dangerous game of lies and a mission for revenge. Riordan doesn't ever want to lose her again, but she might not want to even give him that chance.
I loved how these two sparked off of each other. There was a lot of painful history to re-examine for them, but it was crucial to them having a second chance. It was very engaging and I was sucked right along with the story.
A little bit of a downside for me was how "physically minded" these two were for the first half of this book. I know he first sees her again when she's playing as a sub to the Bratva guy, but geez louise... he thought about mashing her potatoes on almost every damn page for a while there. That kinda stuff just feels off when we have such important things to deal with.
However, I still love the compelling stories this author writes and I will continue my way through these as the audio books release. That is my favorite way to consume these. This was narrated in duet style by Lexi Evans & Logan Anare, with guest performances by Troy Duran and Tyler Griffin. This author doesn't skimp on the talent for sure.
4 stars 3 on the spice scale
CW: rape, SA, pregnancy from rape, violence
*Thank you to the Author Agency and the Author for an ALC of this title.*...more
This might be my favorite book from this author! I had such a good time with Elara and Tynan. I was drawn into their love story so quickly. And sweet This might be my favorite book from this author! I had such a good time with Elara and Tynan. I was drawn into their love story so quickly. And sweet Brody! This broken little boy had my heart right away.
I felt so badly for Elara as her history unfolded. What a terrifying trauma she survived. I understood why she was so afraid that Tynan would blow her cover, just like he blows right into her life and turns everything upside down.
Tynan, ah Tynan, another son that Pat is trying to browbeat into getting married and giving him grandchildren. I really want to smack that old man but he does cause a lot of good relationships to form with his pressure, so what do I know?
This was a forced marriage for Elara but I knew Tynan was going to lavish her with only good things. With pleasure, with clothes, and with attention. Plus, she becomes Brody's step-mom and that's a big plus for her.
The chemistry was crazy between these two and they were burning my Kindle up. There was nothing lacking in the bedroom, no doubt but what about their hearts? Well, Tynan has more room for love than he could ever imagine.
I highly recommend this one and it would work well as a standalone if you would insist upon it.
4.5 Stars 4 on the spice scale
TW: drug trafficking, SA, assault, and more.
*Thank you to the author for an ARC of this title.*...more
I jumped at the chance to read/listen to this book. Because, though I have only read one or two books by this author, I am an avid reader of survival I jumped at the chance to read/listen to this book. Because, though I have only read one or two books by this author, I am an avid reader of survival romance AND Mafia romance. So put them both together and I am in romance heaven!
Shae and Renzo are representing their families when they meet up to do some business. The Byrne & Giordano families currently have an alliance but they doesn't mean they trust each other. They have a grudging respect for each other but that's it.
Then they are betrayed and kidnapped and in a crashing plane. Quite the irritating turn of events. Luckily they find a remote hunting cabin, with a few supplies and a whole lot of alone time. That grudging respect quickly flares into more during the long, cold nights and the fight for survival.
Shae has fought for all the respect and status that she has in her family, so getting sucked in by an Alpha male like Renzo may be tempting but is nothing she could ever take seriously. He has his own family to run and she's not ready to be subservient to any one. She's a freaking badass and I completely understood how hard one her place is within a Mafia family.
Renzo has never been fascinated by someone the way he is with Shae, in fact, they wouldn't even be in this position if he hadn't been drawn to her and wanted another encounter. Now he has the perfect opportunity, albeit in a less than ideal situation, to melt her icy facade. He is up to the challenge.
I loved so many aspects to this book and everything in the wilderness was amazing. I liked the bi-rep with Shae and I thought it was a good twist to have her use her femininity as a weapon. She also a skilled fighter and quick as a whip. She is more than a match for Ren. They were on fire.
I did feel a bit of a weakness in the third act, once we get back to the real world. I was a bit fuzzy on some of the motivations and revenge of our villain. But this was a very solid book and I will add it to my recommendation repertoire.
Narrated by Kelsey Navarro Foster & Aiden Snow with great skill. They were both very compelling voices and I listened to this all in one sitting because they kept me moving through the story.
4 stars 3 on the spice scale
Sexy content: squirting, voyeurism, dominant male
*Thank you to Valentine PR and the author for an ALC of this title.* ...more
This was a new to me author and I feel like I jumped right into it with this one.
Kiara is just starting her joy as a bank teller when she sees somethThis was a new to me author and I feel like I jumped right into it with this one.
Kiara is just starting her joy as a bank teller when she sees something she shouldn't. This leads her to a choice between death or working for Milo Di Valo, a Mafia boss, as a translator. Her skills with languages is her only saving grace. She accompanies him on a trip to Europe while he gets some business done and does his bidding.
They fall in love through the forced proximity and even though this life is nothing she is prepared for. She decides she's willing to conform in order to stay by Milo's side. Eventually anyway.
I was really caught into this in the beginning. I like Kiara and her sassiness. She is fierce even when going toe to toe with this dangerous man. Their chemistry was amazing and I think many will love them together.
It was also a very sexy book, though the intimate scenes seemed pretty repetitive and the heroine used the exact same phase every time she came. It kinda got on my nerves, lols.
Milo was delicious thought and I can understand how he might strike her dumb in the moment. Haha!
I did feel like it drew out too long and I lost some interest from 60-90% of the book.
I would try another book from this author though.
4 stars 4 on the spice scale
CW: Violence, gore, and organized crime
*Thank you to Hambright PR and the author for an ARC of this title.*...more
It was so great to get back to these characters and I devoured this story. I was aching after the cliffhanger we were left with and I needed to know hIt was so great to get back to these characters and I devoured this story. I was aching after the cliffhanger we were left with and I needed to know how Willow was going to win over more of the Six. I'm very invested in how things are going to work out.
We had a bit of help from a certain gifted artifact, however, I felt like the use of it was kinda anti-climactic in practice. I was hoping for more of a reaction and a plan to get ourselves out of this. I am also now worried about how many books are going to be in this series as I don't feel like we made as much progress as I was hoping for... We switched to a new member of the Six to get their POV, since Fox is currently occupied and I did enjoy getting that perspective and watching him warm up more to his mate.
I'll also admit that there are too many damn characters in this story. I'm sorry, it's true. Not only do we have SEVEN entities in this RH but there was villains and friends and it was overwhelming. I think I need a cast of characters at the front or back. I don't know if that is in the final copy, since I read an ARC, but it should be.
Okay, well, what did I like? I still love Willow. I like watching her progress towards the badass she is meant to be. I like how she shows no fear when certain members of the Six try to push her around and intimidate her. I am looking forward to her facing off with certain characters in the future. I still love my sweet Varen, but I didn't get enough of him. I missed more of his bee-isms.
Anyway, the writing itself is very well done, as I expect of this author and when I am within the story, I couldn't wait to continue. I look forward to the next entry as soon as I can have it. I'm so curious about Styx's and Varen's POV particularly. I hope we get them soon.
Where can I find me a Jake Hayes? *sigh* Julia Wolf just writes me the best of the best.
I won't pretend to be anything other than a Stan for Julia WoWhere can I find me a Jake Hayes? *sigh* Julia Wolf just writes me the best of the best.
I won't pretend to be anything other than a Stan for Julia Wolf at this point. That being said, I have very high standards after PS You're Intolerable was my favorite read of 2023. So there are big shoes to fill.
I am happy to report that Jake and Clara live up to that standard for me. There's just something about their chemistry, their communication, their love for their children, and the hope of a new beginning that drew me to them so completely.
From the start, with their anonymous meet ups at a biker bar, I felt the passion simmering. That tingly, skin-tight feeling of awareness that makes goosebumps raise on my arm. Jake and Clara have that going on. The trouble hits when they come face to face outside of their hidden bubble. They have lives they normally ignore when they hit the blacktop and meet in hotel rooms and coming face to face with that... it forces them to decide if they want to try to keep it. But you can't fight a pull that intense.
They both have baggage and responsibilities. Clara feels like she's too old for him and too jaded. Jake thinks he doesn't have room for anything serious and he hasn't dated in years. Not to mention, they both are single parents to lovely daughters, which puts more hearts at risk than their own. Finding a way to mingle their lives in the midst of a possible business collaboration just might break them.
Something else I really want to touch on is the mutual respect that is so evident in their relationship. Which seems like it shouldn't need to be said, yet far too often I wonder if some characters in love really DO respect their partners. I find that to be evident in this quote from Jake:
"Clara Rossi was a revelation. No matter what happened between us, I promised myself I wouldn't become another reason for her to distrust men. I couldn't make any other promises, but she'd always have the truth from me. Always."
The amount of small gestures and loving care these two show for each other... it's hard to describe it. They spend time learning each other. They pay attention. Jake and Clara just *feel* like a real couple to me. I know people like this even if this is an exaggerated version of them.
Like when Clara says this:
"He made it impossible to hide any part of myself. Even the pieces I'd thought were shut off forever had been pried open. He had me. Fully. Completely. My trust, my heart, my thoughts--they were his."
or this from Jake:
"I love you, Clara. I'm not done with you. I'm pretty certain I never will be. If I haven't made it clear to you how completely in love with you I am, that's my fault. I love you down to the core of me. It came on slow and steady, like a summer rain shower, and before I knew it, I was drenched. My love for you goes so deep it's a part of me now. Even if I tried to carve myself hollow, I wouldn't be able to rid myself of it."
I could go on for days and days about these two, who am I kidding? I definitely will. This was a wonderful beginning to a new series. Do yourself a favor and don't miss out on this one.
6 Stars 3.5 on the spice scale
*Thank you to the author for an ARC of this title.*...more
This book was a jolt to the heart. I was drawn into the tale from the beginning, my heart breaking for the situation everyone was in. I wanted the besThis book was a jolt to the heart. I was drawn into the tale from the beginning, my heart breaking for the situation everyone was in. I wanted the best for these characters and watching them fumble through it for the sake of these children was gut-wrenching and beautiful.
My emotions are right at the surface the whole time and I felt the agony of loss and unanswered questions. I don't know what I would have done in that situation.
You may like this if you like: -Best Friend's Brother -Age Gap -Raising kids together -MMA Fighter -Bad Boy/Good Girl
Narrated by Vanessa Vasquez & Noah B Perez. They were both new to me narrators and they had me riveted. This audio book was definitely the way to consume this story.
4.5 stars 3 on the spice scale
*Thank you to Must Love Audio & the author for an ALC of this title.*
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