So very KA-like. I enjoyed this book. I wish the angst had been a little more drawn out. I’m not a huge fan of the way this author skips the romantic So very KA-like. I enjoyed this book. I wish the angst had been a little more drawn out. I’m not a huge fan of the way this author skips the romantic buildup and writes intimate scenes from the middle or after-the-fact. Still enjoyed it!...more
I absolutely loved this book. It was fast-paced, entertaining, hot, and it even had angst! The characters were emotionally mature too, which was a nicI absolutely loved this book. It was fast-paced, entertaining, hot, and it even had angst! The characters were emotionally mature too, which was a nice change from some of the NA books I’ve read recently. Loved the angsty setup of the H torturing the h and then the forced proximity. I’m also one of those odd readers out who LOVES the dead wife trope. I want to binge the whole series now.
Merged review:
I absolutely loved this book. It was fast-paced, entertaining, hot, and it even had angst! The characters were emotionally mature too, which was a nice change from some of the NA books I’ve read recently. Loved the angsty setup of the H torturing the h and then the forced proximity. I’m also one of those odd readers out who LOVES the dead wife trope. I want to binge the whole series now....more
I enjoyed this book. The title didn’t make a ton of sense, given the storyline. I loved Priest! Larimar was very impulsive and conniving, but she was I enjoyed this book. The title didn’t make a ton of sense, given the storyline. I loved Priest! Larimar was very impulsive and conniving, but she was great too. Some aspects of the storyline frustrated me and I thought the characters fell for each other rather quickly. Overall it was a great story....more
**spoiler alert** Let me preface these complaints by saying Alden is my favorite romance author currently. Her books are getting better and better. Th**spoiler alert** Let me preface these complaints by saying Alden is my favorite romance author currently. Her books are getting better and better. This book is VERY MUCH worth a read as this author’s storytelling is so talented.
This was hot, soapy fun. I couldn’t stop drawing comparisons to the Yellowstone TV series. Fletcher was a more sinister John Dutton. Of course Milo waThis was hot, soapy fun. I couldn’t stop drawing comparisons to the Yellowstone TV series. Fletcher was a more sinister John Dutton. Of course Milo was Rip. Indie was Beth except less psycho and not a daddy’s girl. I had a hard time suspending disbelief at many of the OTT aspects of the plot, but this book was unputdownable....more
I was excited to read this book to get a glimpse of Bastien and Chloe again. I didn’t feel the intense chemistry between Peter and Genevieve that BastI was excited to read this book to get a glimpse of Bastien and Chloe again. I didn’t feel the intense chemistry between Peter and Genevieve that Bastian and Chloe had. I hate how abruptly these books end. I need an epilogue!
NOTES FROM
Cold as Ice
Anne Stuart
May 5, 2024 She could see him well enough to know what a worthless piece of shit he actually was, and for the first time he could see defeat in the narrow shoulders beneath his white T-shirt. May 5, 2024 Bastien had been weak enough to fall in love— she sincerely doubted that Peter Jensen was even capable of such a liability. May 5, 2024 Don’t waste your time on me, Ms. Spenser. I’m an expert in all kinds of weapons, including sex. I have no emotions—I can fuck as efficiently as I can kill, and neither mean a thing to me.” May 5, 2024 You can’t wash me away, Genny,” he said in a soft voice, closing his eyes. “You’ll never be able to, no matter how hard you try. May 5, 2024 “I know this will come as a shock to you, but I don’t find someone spewing their guts out to be a particular turn-on. I certainly didn’t rescue you for the sex, which, while pleasant enough, was nothing special. I assure you I can do better without half trying.” May 5, 2024 You aren’t in love with me,” he said flatly. “You’re much too smart for that. You know the difference between great sex and true love. Though maybe I’m wrong—you didn’t even know where your clitoris was.” May 5, 2024 The man she loved was sending her to her death. All Excerpts From
Stuart, Anne. “Cold as Ice.” Harlequin (UK) Limited, 2006. Apple Books. This material may be protected by copyright....more
This book was riveting. It took a long time to read, but it was worth the sleepless nights. Smith’s writing voice is so unique. The Jotans were reallyThis book was riveting. It took a long time to read, but it was worth the sleepless nights. Smith’s writing voice is so unique. The Jotans were really something. ...more
3.5 smutty stars. There was so much I loved about this book and so much I hated. First of all, both of the MC’s were absolutely terrible people. Once 3.5 smutty stars. There was so much I loved about this book and so much I hated. First of all, both of the MC’s were absolutely terrible people. Once I got past that, many elements of the plot were far-fetched to the point I had to suspend disbelief. The h was TSTL way more than not.
What did I like? There is one scene that will stick with me. I don’t want to spoil it, but it was hot and it helped me reconcile my angst a great bit after the BMU was clarified. Though Knox never truly grovels properly to Sunny....more
* How did the book make you feel?: I had the privilege of reading an ARC of this book. I was so engrossed in this story and my heart *** Book Q & A***
* How did the book make you feel?: I had the privilege of reading an ARC of this book. I was so engrossed in this story and my heart hurt for the characters.
* How do you feel about how the story was told?: Bartel’s descriptive writing and imagery is a pleasure to read. I loved the different settings as it felt like I was on a journey along with the characters. As always the military lingo and action scenes are heart-stopping!
* What did you think about the main characters?: Kilo, Kilo, Kilo! My heart broke for him! Blake Carr as the cover model really hit the description of Kilo on the head, too. Anneliese was one tough, complicated cookie. I simultaneously admired her and was exasperated with her. Both of the characters have serious obstacles to overcome which I think Bartel handled in a realistic and tasteful way. Those issues don’t just magically disappear, and that’s real life.
* Which parts of the book stood out to you?: The chemistry between the MC’s was off the charts hot, hot, hot! *fans self*
* What themes/tropes did you detect in the story?: Navy Seal hero, kidnapping, successful artist, BDSM, dealing with a disability
* What did you think about the ending?: Chef’s kiss as only Bartel can write! I can’t wait for Ghost’s story. Also the dedication to her son at the end made me sob as I clutched my own baby. I can’t imagine and I admire Bartel so much for continuing writing and gifting us with her words. I’ve followed Bartel a long time and her books get better and better.
* What is your impression of the author?: Her prose and author voice are unique and a pleasure to write. Her plots keep me hooked. I love the way she writes action scenes and her heroes are alpha and irresistible!
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Possible Triggers and Safety: H and h pushing away, murder, domestic abuse on page, kidnapping
**spoiler alert** I enjoyed this, but there wasn’t suitable grovel and I never felt Declan truly redeemed himself. Love the world building and the lov**spoiler alert** I enjoyed this, but there wasn’t suitable grovel and I never felt Declan truly redeemed himself. Love the world building and the lovable secondary characters....more
* How did the book make you feel?: I had the privilege of being gifted an ARC of this book. Somber is an understate**spoiler alert** *** Book Q & A***
* How did the book make you feel?: I had the privilege of being gifted an ARC of this book. Somber is an understatement! Wow. Heed the author’s warning: this is NOT a romance! It is, however, a twisted love story.
* How do you feel about how the story was told?: I enjoyed the setting: the dark underbelly of Montreal. There are some truly depraved characters and deeds, but the author’s voice is very compelling.
* What did you think about the main characters?: I rooted for Laura and Kayne. There was so much unnecessary hurt. Laura was idealistic, impulsive, and immature. I liked Kayne’s brutal honesty. He always told Laura exactly who he was and she refused to believe him.
* Which parts of the book stood out to you?: I was honestly astonished at Laura’s ignorance and naivety. Throughout the book she was always so slow to recognize the obvious machinations around her.
* What themes/tropes did you detect in the story?: Beauty and the Beast retelling, no HEA, captive and captor, infidelity, good turns evil, dysfunctional love
* What did you think about the ending?: The book becomes darker and darker with each page turn. You want to look away, but you can’t. It ends on a very somber cliffhanger. I’m not sure I can stomach Laura’s predictable character arc. She’s now evolving into the Evil Queen.
* What is your impression of the author?: L.C. Moon’s prose and author voice are excellent. The book, though dark and somber, captivated and frustrated me. Very talented author! Would love to read a book of hers with a redemption arc or happily ever after!
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Possible Triggers and Safety: H and h pushing away, murder, infidelity, drug abuse, kidnapping, questionable consent
**spoiler alert** This book was a disappointment and so boring. I didn’t get the revenge plot at all. What happened to Emmaline that constituted suffe**spoiler alert** This book was a disappointment and so boring. I didn’t get the revenge plot at all. What happened to Emmaline that constituted suffering? Why did she act like her life was so terrible because of her parents’ drama? There was little character development. Why was she so immature, annoying and TSTL? I loved Phoenix’s and Zach’s story.
Also the ending where Ian is cut off? What? So out of character for the Kings. Did they learn nothing? Of all people, Zach should be all about forgiveness! Phoenix is apparently a doormat when it comes to her own son. Disappointing!...more
This is my second attempt at trying to muddle through this book and I’m not sure I’ll finish. I love Twisted Hate and King of Wrath. You can’t win theThis is my second attempt at trying to muddle through this book and I’m not sure I’ll finish. I love Twisted Hate and King of Wrath. You can’t win them all! I’m still trying to persevere… I’m at 51%.
She’s just so superficial and boring and Christian is just so one-dimensional and boring. She has no personality other than her anxiety, crystals and being superficial.
Edit: finally finished it. It dragged on and on. I despised it but I wanted to know the mystery of Magda. I was so disappointed.
Serious question: does anyone actually get off by having their clit pinched? All of Huang’s heroines seem to… ...more
I started this book last night because another one I was reading was borrrrrrrring. I liked the dark subject matter and intrigue in this story. I haveI started this book last night because another one I was reading was borrrrrrrring. I liked the dark subject matter and intrigue in this story. I have to read Jericho St. John’s story now. ...more