I liked the premise for this book and was seriously intrigued by Elder. My sticking point was Tasmin. I wanted to connect with her more and try as I m I liked the premise for this book and was seriously intrigued by Elder. My sticking point was Tasmin. I wanted to connect with her more and try as I might, it wouldn't come. I still enjoy Pepper's writing and love dark romances. I'll def read more of this author but not sure if I'm going to continue this series.
Thanks Sweets for reading along. As always, it's a zillion times better with you to chat with. xoxo
----------- Before Reading:
BR with my sweets, Maida! And she's gonna be poppin' her Pepper cherry!
I must say here and now, Logan and Tate are my favourite MM couple. I can't get enough of these two. This was the conclusion of 4.5 Tate & Logan STARS
I must say here and now, Logan and Tate are my favourite MM couple. I can't get enough of these two. This was the conclusion of this unforgettable couple.
Loved the growth and depth of these two. Especially the vulnerability of Logan and Tate's acceptance of himself and his relationship. This was emotional but also off the charts scorching!! I didn't even bother with panties. I'd learned my lesson from the last two books!
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And of course, reading this with Maida was the cherry on top of this sublime deliciousness! Thanks sweets! xoxo
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----------- We're at it again! My sweets, Maida and I are going in for the final book on Logan and Tate!
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...more
Before this series, I’d only read one book by Jewel E. Ann and FLOVED it – Undeniably You. When I saw One was coming out but it was rec5 ADORING STARS
Before this series, I’d only read one book by Jewel E. Ann and FLOVED it – Undeniably You. When I saw One was coming out but it was recommended to read this series first, I made it my mission to do so. Damn, I’m beyond glad that I did. Forget the story, it’s brilliantly done but I’m not going to talk about it. You NEED to experience it first-hand.
As for the characters and the emotions, this series was wrought with light and dark, good and evil, the capacity to survive and love, and the complexity of the human psyche.
There were so many things going on in this series, so many characters to adore and a few to loathe, which made for an intensely rich, emotionally packed read.
"In a life filled with monsters, their love was a survivor."
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The heroine, Jessica/Jillian, and secondary character, Ryn, were different in so many ways but the same in the most important. While both faced the ugliness and brutality of life, they're both survivors. Yes, they had their own weaknesses and their own coping mechanisms but IMO, they both rose above it all.
And the men…Luke, Jude/Jackson and AJ…with each of them, I adored them all for all very different reasons. That’s what I loved about this story. Jewel gave me three heroes to fawn over and fall for. Where Luke was adoration and morality, Jackson was ruthless love and never ending loyalty and AJ was broken love and strength of spirit.
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"Love is reckless because true emotions are immune to logic. The most beautiful love stories are often the most tragic.”
I highly recommend this series. You won’t regret meeting the Jack and Jill twins and going on their journey! I’m thrilled I had my girl, Maida, to rant, squee and cry with!
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BEFORE READING
BR with my babe, Maida, with the finale of this fantastic series!
Thank you, Maida for the BR. So glad to have you to rant and cry with. MUAH! -------------5 Heartbreaking STARS
Full review to come with the final book.
Thank you, Maida for the BR. So glad to have you to rant and cry with. MUAH! ------------------- BEFORE READING Our Day adventure continues! BR with my babe, Maida!
I'm a huge Callie Hart and always will be because she gave me Zeth Mayfair from the Blood & Roses Series Book One: Deviant & Fracture series. This was an emotionally intense read. Two broken souls who get a second chance but have an ocean of secrets and unsaid things between them. There were a few things that happened that were a bit out there but this is fiction after all and it certainly moved things along. The writing was great and lots of feels and angst.
This was BR with the ever-sweet Anna! Thanks darling. xo...more
I had so much fun reading this with Maida. Let's just start by saying that I (sorry forgot to share) we LOVED Brody. Ser4 "Brody, Brody, Brody!" STARS
I had so much fun reading this with Maida. Let's just start by saying that I (sorry forgot to share) we LOVED Brody. Seriously, what's not to love about a sexy-as-f*ck athlete with the swagger, attitude and charm to boot!
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There's a locker room scene early on in the book that was just priceless! Boy, what this girl would have done to be there!
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Delilah Maddox, professional sportscaster and Brody Easton, famed quarterback, had a lot of chemistry and their humour and banter was really enjoyable. Both gave as good as they got.
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And the secondary characters were fantastic and really added to the story! I just loved Marlene, Indie and Grouper. Heck even little Grouper who had a small part had my attention and let's not forget the security guard, HI!
Both Delilah and Brody have past issues with significant loss that help them bond but also leave them with some mighty hurdles to overcome. Some of these issues are definitely in the past but some...not so much. These two developed not only a scorching hot connection but also an endearing friendship. For the most part, this book had all the feels I like in a book. I smiled, smirked, swooned and sighed with satisfaction.
"You said liquor and all I heard was 'lick her'." [image] "You have a dirty mouth." "This dirty mouth wants to do dirty things to you."
So this would have definitely been 4.5 stars if not for one little detail, well maybe not so little because it seriously ticked me off.
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Without giving too much away, there's an addition of a third POV halfway into the book and I really didn't see the point.
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I felt we lost some of Brody's POV, which I think would have been WAY MORE interesting and also, if felt like this added unnecessary angst and ambiguity. Okay, I'll stop now, I got most of my rant out with Maida, poor girl!
Overall, this was an enjoyable read and I'm hoping Ms. Keeland gives us more stories with some of the secondary characters. For instance, Indie (just loved that girl) and the other players, like maybe Colin (the douchebag!)? If you like sports romances, a sassy heroine, sexy jock, laughter, hot sex and a little angst, you should read this!
------------------------------ BR with my girl, Maida!
This was an utterly delicious tease by Bethany-Kris! More Filthy Marcellos, OMG, awesome!!!
In this really quick and engaging novella, a4 LEGACY STARS
This was an utterly delicious tease by Bethany-Kris! More Filthy Marcellos, OMG, awesome!!!
In this really quick and engaging novella, a prequel to the Marcellos Legacy series, we get a sneak peek into the lives of the children of Lucian, Dante and Gio. With the children now all grown up and the brothers looking towards retirement, we get a promise of more of the Marcellos with full stories on Johnathan, Andino, Catherine and Lucia.
"Something feels different. Things are beginning to happen."
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Nick Sebring's story starts off with a bang and Nick walks down a path of vengeance to right a wrong that truly can never been undo4.5 "Believe" STARS
Nick Sebring's story starts off with a bang and Nick walks down a path of vengeance to right a wrong that truly can never been undone. Olivia Shade, youngest daughter to Vincent Shade (one time kingpin of the Denver underworld and now crazy washed up mad man), is very much a pawn in Nick's plan.
What Nick didn't count on was falling for the "cool customer" that is Olivia Shade. She's not what she appears. While she may live in the dark world of drugs, guns and violence, she's a prisoner with no way of getting out. She tried that once when she was young and foolish and paid an unforgettable price to always remind her that she's owned by her father (and her sister): by the House of Shade.
“I live in dark. Dawn never comes for me. There will be no new day where I wake up complete. Happy. Loved. There is no other side to make my way to. There is no believe. It just isn’t for me.”
This was a lot edgier than some of other KA books, still not as dark as other anti-hero stories, but it worked and it worked well. I also think part of this edge was because Olivia wasn't as accessible as her other heroines. Olivia's a hard nut to crack but I adored her. Despite her horribly bleak situation, she's strong, good and is coping as best she can with the horrible hand she's been dealt. Watching Nick tear down her walls and take up residence in her heart and soul was a beautiful, sexy and moving thing.
And Nick Sebring *sigh*, never thought I'd come around to this man but KA worked her magic. While fully reformed (I hated this man in Knight), he does pay the ultimate price for his dastardly ways and I couldn't help but fall for him.
This moved at a fast paced and while I knew where most of the plot was going, I didn't care, I was that invested and engrossed in the story of Nick and Olivia. With this being the final book in this series, it was a like a true reunion of the these unfinished heroes with cameos from all. And a sweet treat from KA towards the end! This was a great way to end a really goood series! --------------------- Before reading:
This was an amazing beginning/end to this series!!! Thank you Bethany Kris for giving us Antony's story. I read Filthy Marcel4.5 FILTHY MARCELLO STARS
This was an amazing beginning/end to this series!!! Thank you Bethany Kris for giving us Antony's story. I read Filthy Marcellos: Lucian, Filthy Marcellos: Giovanni and Filthy Marcellos: Dante first and then this one. I think reading this book first or last works however, for me, finishing with this book was really sweet because it had me reliving some fantastic and tender moments from each of the Principes' stories.
This is Antony Marcello's story and how he comes into La Cosa Nostra, "this thing of ours" and eventually becomes the Don.
This is also very much Cecelia's story. She is Antony's better half, his one and only. I loved Cecelia in her sons' stories but adored her in this book! I knew she was formidable but seeing her strength, stubbornness and an unwavering love was fantastic!
Antony honours and is governed by la famiglia, driven to get his button and become a made man. His aspirations for the mafioso go no further although he does aspire to be all powerful in New York.
Watching their relationship grow and navigate the demands of La Cosa Nostra is endearing, trying and precious. Cecelia is a remarkable woman! It makes the stark contrast between Cecelia and her younger sister, Kate (the viper) all the more apparent. And for me, it made we want to give Kate what she so deserved.
Throughout this story, we also see the power, violence and the smarts of Antony Marcello. He's a man of few words but when he speaks, you know he means business.
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This was a wonderful read. If the Mafia is your thing and you're into powerful men with strong, sexy women at their sides, you should read this series!
“I swear my breath, blood, and being to Cosa Nostra, la famiglia – our thing.”
The second book in the Filthy Marcellos series is Gi4.5 Tesoro STARS
“I swear my breath, blood, and being to Cosa Nostra, la famiglia – our thing.”
The second book in the Filthy Marcellos series is Giovanni Marcello’s story. He’s the youngest Mafia Prince; the troubled one, the black sheep. He is lawless and reckless. It’s his way or no way.
Gio is searching for something, chasing something that has him using all the vices available to someone with no boundaries and a limitless supply of cash.
Gio meets Kim, a beautiful mystery woman, at his oldest brother’s wedding. They have a memorable one night stand...
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and their paths don’t cross until months later when fate deals them a dangerous blow.
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Gio and Kim’s story is a slow simmer. Theirs is a forbidden attraction that betrays La Cosa Nostra...
“Nothing says I love you like spilled blood.”
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...and could end in more than just broken hearts.
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Their attraction is real and volatile. They take stupid risks and tempt fate countless times.
“You do that to me, too, Kim. Get me high. Stupid. Reckless. You make me think I’m going crazy.” [image] “Loving you is going to kill me, Gio.”
Gio and Kim are intense and this is an emotional journey for both. When with Kim, Gio no longer is seeking anything; he's at peace and for Kim, Gio is the one person who wants nothing from her but to make her happy.
Gio is completely different from Lucian, in the first book and that is what I liked the most about it. Yes, they are both La Cosa Nostra. Each of them has the power, the danger, and the ruthlessness that the Mafioso have ingrain in them yet their souls are unique and so are their loves.
There's lot of tradition and knowledge of the Mafia in these stories and their way is very much the silent storyteller as this love and the danger it brings unfolds.
“Respect danced hand in hand with fear.” [image] “Quiet men were dangerous men. Below their surface, a volatile rage simmered, waiting to flare. A hard coldness saturated them...violence and viciousness were their drugs of choice.”
I'm really looking forward to the third and final book about Dante. Both books have hinted at Dante's situation and the ending of this book shares with us some of Dante's fears and just how big those pressures are upon him.
This was a BR with my mafia sisters, their reviews:
This was a BR with Snow, Sasha and Shanny! It was my first Bethany-Kris read and it was loads of fun! I love getting down4 FILTHY La Cosa Nostra STARS
This was a BR with Snow, Sasha and Shanny! It was my first Bethany-Kris read and it was loads of fun! I love getting down and dirty with the mob! And Lucian Marcello was all that and more!
The Marcellos from Antony, the Boss, to his three sons, Lucian, Dante and Giovanni – “They didn’t need to spill a drop of blood to make a point. Magnetic. Intelligent. Bold.” Lucian Marcello is the eldest of the three and also adopted. The son of the Don's deceased best friend.
Lucian is cold and ruthless but also has a tenderness that we only see when he's with Jordyn Reese. Jordyn's born to a young, loose woman whose ambition in life is to have a good time. Jordyn's mother ODs when she's thirteen and she's taken in by the MC, the Sons of Hell.
When Lucian and Jordyn cross paths, it's combustible. These two don't understand it but can't deny it either. So their story begins as they navigate the threats and danger within both their lives while trying to explore and discover their attraction and affection for each other. While Lucian gives Jordyn safety, his protection and love. Jordyn helps Lucian wrestle with his childhood demons and also find peace and love.
“Never before had Jordyn wanted to feel like she was owned by a man. That everything she was, her body, heart, soul, and mind, was only his. Lucian did that to her - for her.”
“Jesus, Lucian.” “Again,” he demanded, grinding harder into her sex, his fingers grabbing tightly to her hips. “My name in your mouth just like that, sweetheart. Like you adore and love me, only me. Like I’m all you need and want.” Jordyn whimpered low, “You are.”
This was a fast read filled with action, murder, hot sex and a really sweet and refreshing love story. While Jordyn had her moments (okay, only 2) where I seriously questioned her thinking, she and Lucian were mature and their relationship development was real with no over the top drama.
Now I need me some more Marcello...Gio's story here I come!
This was my first read from Stylo Fantome and I went in with trepidation...I'm not a fan of books about cheating. It doesn't m4.5 "Come find me" STARS
This was my first read from Stylo Fantome and I went in with trepidation...I'm not a fan of books about cheating. It doesn't mean I won't read the book but it usually counts as a negative when going in. I have to say, that there were so many positives about this book that the negative simply didn't count.
"I made a conscious decision to cheat on my husband. I can't say that it went well. It certainly didn't go according to plan. If I could do it over, I would have done things differently."
Yes, this is a highly sexual and sizzling story with unrelenting passion and turmoil between Mischa and her lover, Tal. My emotions were all over the place with butterflies, giggles, tears, worry and dread.
It's not hard to understand why Mischa has an affair with Tal. He's irresistible. Tal's sexy, confident, arrogant, dirty-talker, funny and pushes Mischa outside of her comfort zone in the best way possible.
Despite Mischa's bad decisions, I liked her. I didn't always agree with her but, I could relate and at times, sympathize.
“I was drunk on him. High on him. I wanted to swallow him down, inhale him, inject him. I wanted him to live under my skin and change my DNA. I wanted to live in his air and breathe his passion.”
I highly recommend this book. It's not what you'd expect. It's beautifully written with flawed yet likable characters and a multi-faceted story that will take your emotions on ride. My advice would be to sit back, hang on and enjoy!
“This is our canvas. Let’s paint it how we want it.”
I must admit I didn't plan on reading this book. I've only read one other5 "One date, Elle.” STARS
“This is our canvas. Let’s paint it how we want it.”
I must admit I didn't plan on reading this book. I've only read one other book by this author and for me, while the writing style was good, the story was meh. I did plan on giving the author another try with her Darkness series but my Slut Sistas were doing a BR and I couldn't resist. I'm truly glad that I read this book!!
I had so many feels for this story and immediately loved both Estelle and Oliver.
This story is all about how you can't plan life or love. It happens and you're either ready to accept the chance with open arms or fight it because the timing or circumstance isn't ideal. Well, let's face it, life isn't perfect or planned or ideal, it's messy and complicated and beautiful even with its flaws. And that's what Ms. Contreras reminds us with this moving, heart wrenching love story.
“A storm of lust rises inside me, and my heart continues to trip over itself as his lips descend on me over and over.”
This is a spinoff of Callie Hart's AWESOME The Blood & Roses Series Box Set. I'm a HUGE fan of Ms. Hart and Zeth Mayfair is just ALL that!!
Thi4 STARS
This is a spinoff of Callie Hart's AWESOME The Blood & Roses Series Box Set. I'm a HUGE fan of Ms. Hart and Zeth Mayfair is just ALL that!!
This is like a prequel to the B&R series and can be read before or after that series. Either way, it really compliments the B&R series as it gives you more history and depth into some of main characters.
This is the story of Rebel, the president of the Widow Makers MC and Alexis (Sophia) Romera. No surprise as Callie had me from the beginning. It starts off right at the part most fans of B&R will want: Alexis' abduction. One of the biggest burning questions from that series was why was she taken, what happened to her and how did she wind up with Rebel. Also, why she's called Sophia? All of this is answered.
This was a great beginning to this series and the whole captive/captor focus was done well. While there's attraction and sexual tension between Sophia and Rebel, the pace was just right with a slow burn between them, which I thought really worked well. I was able to connect with Sophia and also understand why and how things unfolded. This was dark and dirty with some action, danger and some well placed heat.
If you're looking for some serious sexy times, you won't get that but like I said before, I think this worked really well. And not to worry, Ms. Hart doesn't disappoint with the mounting sexual chemistry and when these two finally get it on...HOT!!