Review: Wicked Ends by Mila Kane

August 20, 2025 by · Leave a Comment

WICKED ENDS
Series: Hellions of Hade Harbor Book 4
Author: Mila Kane
Genre: Dark Romance, New Adult Romance
Release Date: August 20, 2025

My class… His rules.
Hade Harbor was supposed to be my clean slate–a quiet, hockey-obsessed Maine town where I could disappear.
Then I walked into my first lecture and saw him.
The bartender from last night.
The one I should’ve never touched.
Marcus Bailey isn’t just another college jock–he’s an Ice God.
Goalie for the Hellions. Arrogant. Vicious. Addicted to winning.
And now? He’s set his sights on me.
He’s not interested in boundaries. Not when he could break them.
Not when he could break me.
He could have me fired. Exposed. Ruined.
And he knows it.
Every rule I make, he shatters.
Every line I draw, he crosses.
Because Marcus doesn’t want obedience. He wants obsession.
And I’m exactly what he craves.
But my past isn’t finished with me.
It’s dangerous, it’s catching up, and when it hits–I won’t be the only one destroyed.

AMAZON

Call me Marcus, Professor… like you did the night we met, or better still…” He leaned in and ran his nose up the side of my cheek, breathing in the smell of my skin. “Scream it.”

I just knew Marcus would be my favorite in this series so far, and UGH, I was so right. I loved his feral obsessive and possessive self.

What? What do you want?” I rushed out.
He smiled, and there was something dark and wicked in it. “Nothing too strenuous… just you, whenever and however I want you.”

I love a forbidden trope, and a student/teacher one always hits the spot. There is also the small age gap with Aria being 25 to Marcus’s 20. Though from the very beginning, it’s very clear who the power belongs to in this dynamic and it very much is NOT Aria.

Aria comes to Hade Harbor in the hopes of a chance and an adjust professor job gives her just that; a chance to start over. But one night throws a heck of a wrench in her plans when she becomes the obsession of a man she thought she’d never see again. The sexy bartender from what was meant to be a quiet way to celebrate her 25th bday is a student in her new class and the goalie of the Hellions hockey team.

I was immediately intrigued by Marcus because of his ties to the MC and his brother being at the helm. I also really hope we get his brother’s book soon because NEED. But I digress. Marcus’s childhood had been everything but idyllic with his father now in jail and his brother at the helm of a dangerous MC. I am so curious about the story of the MC because just being on the periphery of it was gritty enough. But I digress again.

Marcus is immediately obsessed with Aria, especially since she’s determined to run from him at every turn. Aria is clearly hiding a dark secret and with every layer that gets peeled back from that, the more I was glued to the pages. Admittedly Aria’s moral compass was a bit too much at times with her feeling like she was taking advantage of Marcus where it was clear as day who was running circles around who. But I also just gobbled up their dynamic so it didn’t bother me much.

I devoured this book in one sitting and this may just be my favorite installment in this series yet! I can’t wait for the next book especially with the preview we get. That trope?! ARE YOU KIDDING ME? I need it. But if you’re looking for a deliciously dark hockey romance with an obsessed MMC with a dirty mouth, look no further!

 

I’m obsessed with cats, coffee, and anti-heroes just the right side of insane.

I write dark and dirty romance with the alpha-holes of your most filthy nightmares.

While I like my heroes obsessed and powerful, I like my heroines smart and independent. My headstrong, capable women will bring their own personal demons to their knees, and capture their hearts at the same time.

I only write SAFE stories, there is never a place for another woman in my heroes sights, once he’s caught the scent of the heroine, and there will always be, no matter how dark and twisted the story might be… a HEA guarantee xx

 

Connect with Mila

Website | https://www.milakane.com/

Amazon | https://amzn.to/44E1nt6

Facebook | www.facebook.com/MilaKanewrites

Facebook Group | https://bit.ly/3NOGG6C

Instagram | www.instagram.com/milakanebooks/

TikTok | www.tiktok.com/@milakanebooks

Pinterest | www.pinterest.co.uk/MilaKaneWrites/

 


 

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Review: Night’s Fall by Kristen Ashley

August 16, 2025 by · Leave a Comment

NIGHT’S FALL
Series: The Four Realms #1
Genre: Fantasy Romance
Author: Kristen Ashley
Release Date: August 1, 2025

 

The Four Realms are experiencing an unprecedented period of peacе…

At thirteen years old, it became known Prince Aleksei Knightstar of Night’s Fall was the True Heir. The next king, the fiercest warrior, the mightiest beast in all the realm.

The Fall rejoiced at having the first True Heir in over a century.

But Aleksei is private, no nonsense, and worried about why The Fall, in a time of peace, would need a True Heir.

Laura Makepeace is a talented costume designer and everywoman who’s recovering from a recent random and traumatic attack where she lost something vital. She barely has it in her to put on a pretty frock and go drinking with her girlfriends.

She certainly isn’t prepared to be summoned to the True Heir’s table in the VIP section of a club.

The prince is not a male easily put off, not to mention, like every other female in the Four Realms, Laura has been crushing on him since she first saw him.

Thus, Laura finds herself suddenly being courted by Prince Aleksei and thrown into a whirl of public and press attention, royal family dysfunction…

And a plot that threatens lives and the peace of the Four Realms.

AMAZON

She made flight a dance. He made it a sentry.

When one of your favorite authors announces a surprise release, you jump in glee. And when said book is a romantasy? You shake with anticipation. KA’s Fantasyland series and The Three series were some of my favorites. So when KA gives you dragons, you immediately devour this book.

I am definitely intrigued by this new world of hers, though I’m also still slightly confused by it. This was like Fourth Wing meets Meet The Jetsons; a combination of fantasy and futuristic sci-fi. And while I loved the fantasy element, I could have done without the sci-fi, mainly because it took me a minute to wrap my mind across all the different terminology and world building, which to be honest, felt chaotic at times because of that combo. Additionally, some of the dialogue terms that were used were strange. It was like listening to my 13 year speak. Slang like “this is so mega”= this is awesome, and “farg”=Fuck. Am I nitpicking, maybe a little. But I couldn’t help how I felt.

The characters were unique and I was instantly connected to Laura and Aleksei. I loved Laura’s quiet intensity and backbone. She’s thrust into the royal world from her obscurity and deals with it like the princess she was meant to be. I love the fated mates trope, so I enjoyed the way these two come together. Would I have loved a bit more angst between them, sure. But I can’t complain because there was also plenty happening that angst in their relationship would have been too much.

Aleksei does have two moments where I wanted to throat punch him. And although Laura handled it with class and didn’t let him get away with it, I would have still loved a small splash of a grovel from him.

There are a lot of different beings in this world; dragons, shifters, demons, fae, trolls. And the set up for the next books in this series are absolutely delicious; ESPECIALLY the rejected mate trope. OMG I die for that. But I just know that KA will tease with that until the last book. GAH.

While I did struggle with parts of this book, I enjoyed it for the most part and it hooked me enough to be anticipating the next books in this series so it’s definitely one I’d recommend for all my fellow KA fans!

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Review: The Reluctant Siren by Lexi Blake

August 15, 2025 by · Leave a Comment

THE RELUCTANT SIREN
Series: Texas Sirens: Legacy #2
Genre: Erotic Romance, Suspense
Author: Lexi Blake
Release Date: July 29,  2025

Harlow Dawson went through something terrible while working a case in Los Angeles. She fell in love. To be fair, the love part wasn’t so bad, but the betrayal left her devastated and in police custody. She returned home to decide how to move forward. One thing was for certain. Her life wouldn’t include Jensen Wiley. Two years later she’s back on her feet, working with her best friend, and building her business. She’s been falling for a new guy at The Hideout. Niall Griffen makes her feel safe. Until she learns his secret at the worst possible time.

Jensen Wiley has spent years working his way up in the criminal organization that took his brother’s life. The only thing that ever threatened to break his need for revenge was meeting Harlow Dawson. She became his partner until he realized she was being drawn into the darkest part of the organization. He had very little time to get her out and didn’t think she would go quietly. He knows his betrayal saved her life, but he hasn’t stopped loving her. Now they’re in the same city and he needs someone watching over her. He means to keep his distance until she walks right into the middle of his mission.

Niall Griffen has worried about his best friend, Jensen, for years. When Jensen asks him to watch over the woman he loves, Niall reluctantly agrees. The trouble is he falls for her too. If nothing happens, he doesn’t feel there’s any reason to talk to his friend about their unrequited love triangle. But after one night together changes everything, Niall knows he needs a new plan to make sure no one gets their heart broken. The good news? Harlow comes from a family with an interesting dynamic. He just might be able to make this work for all of them.

Things begin to unravel when Jensen’s past comes back to haunt him and the man he’s been hunting threatens to turn the tables on him. Protecting Harlow is now the only priority and might just send them all right into the relationship they all need.

AMAZON

What do you want, Niall?”
“A chance to show you exactly how good I can be for you, Harlow Dawson.”

If you haven’t discovered the deliciously steamy small town series full of kooky residents and kinky f…romance, you’re seriously missing out. I loved Lexi’s Texas Sirens series and I’m absolutely loving the second gen spinoff with this series.

If you read Siren Unleashed and you loved the uber protective Chase and Ben, prepare for their firecracker of a daughter. And of course for Chase’s crazy brand of overprotectiveness.

This, like all in this series is a D/s, menage MFM romance and yes, it’s as good as it sounds.

Now if you know me then you know I love me a second chance romance. And I especially love when he grovels. And here we get not one but two completely obsessed with her alpha men. We have Jensen, the guy who broke her heart years ago and she never forgave. And we have the sweet and dominant Niall, who unbeknownst to Harlow has some secrets of why he’s there.

Sprinkle in some danger, action, the kookiness that only Ian Taggard and his company can bring, and you have yourself a sexy page turner. And did I mention the second chance?

Do you want a sincere apology?” He didn’t think so, but he needed to give her the option. If he could do this with tenderness, he would.
“Fuck you, Jensen, and fuck your apologies.”
Hate sex it was then.

Harlow was fierce and kickass. I loved how fiercely independent she was. I also loved the way she let the men soothe her harder edges. I love the balance the men brought. And you know I loved the spice!

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#DGRFave & Review: Fair Trade by Millie Perez

August 14, 2025 by · Leave a Comment

FAIR TRADE
Series: New York Monarchs #2
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Author: Millie Perez
Release Date: August 14, 2025

Nicholas Stonehaven is the devil.

The man was supposed to remain a stranger. A fond memory of a night I’ll never forget. Instead, I’m mortified to learn that my dirty little secret is now the new owner of the New York Monarchs, making him my boss. I tell myself I can handle this new development. I didn’t become the first female general manager in Major League Baseball without knowing how to handle a curveball. I make trades and close deals better than any other GM in the league. But when the arrogant billionaire offers me a contract I can’t refuse, it seems like I’ve earned myself another fancy, although temporary wife.

Luisa Álvarez is heaven sent.

When she’s not calling me Lucifer, that is. I can be a lot to handle. Hell, I use that to my advantage in the boardroom. But my experience as the CEO of a media enterprise did me no good when I inherited a professional baseball team from my estranged grandfather. I would have sold it off immediately, but even from six feet under, the old man held something over my head, and I couldn’t let it slip through my fingers. That’s how I found myself married to my Angel. She may be hung up on the fact that we made a deal and signed on the dotted line. But there is nothing fake about the way I feel for her or how she comes alive under my touch. We agreed to a fair trade, but now it’s time to renegotiate. Because when it comes to my wife, I never vowed to play fair.

AMAZON

I may be the devil, Luisa, but I am your devil. And don’t you forget it.”

I need you to stop everything that you’re doing right now and read this book immediately. EXPEDITIOUSLY! I’m so serious. This book is about to become my entire personality for the next several weeks and I need everyone to experience the greatness that was Luisa and Nick.

What’s your poison, Stonehaven?”
“Trust me, Luisa. If I had a poison, it would be you.”

Let’s talk about the trope candy here for a second, because we got: one night stand, enemies to lovers, hate lust, pining (all of the male pining), marriage of convenience, office romance (GM/Team Owner), and an absolute ball buster, fiery and take charge FMC that I loved almost as much as the MMC did

Oh, and Luisa? Please be careful when you call for the devil.” His tone is laced with amusement and warning all at once. “Because he just might show up.”

Luisa has fought tooth and nail for her career. As the first female GM not only does she have to deal with doubts and judgment because she’s young but also being a woman. She doesn’t shy from putting men in their place and I loved her take charge attitude.

Now let’s talk about Nick. After the death of his grandfather, Nick finds himself the new owner of a baseball team. As a self made billionaire, he’s a success in his own right, but he takes on the challenge. And Luisa is in for a shock of a lifetime when her fiery one night stand that she never expected to see again is now her new boss. And let me tell you, the sparks fly. OH BUT DO THEY FLY.

These two give as good as they get, and while Nick is pining, Luisa is fighting the attraction left right and center.

My flying heel barely misses Nick as he ducks. “Woman, are you mad? What the hell was that for?”
“I didn’t have a chancleta nearby, so a flying Louboutin will have to do.”

I’m not going to ruin the book for you by telling you anything else, but I will tell you that I had a big goofy smile on my face from cover to cover. It had everything; incredible banter, sizzling chemistry, fast paced story, great characters, male pining, and did I mention the pining? BECAUSE OMG THE PINING.

Lucifer,” I warn. He doesn’t stop until he rounds my desk and pins my ass to it. “Angel,” he all but growls.


It was one of those light hearted reads that just hit the spot so right and I can’t stop thinking about. I cannot recommend it enough for anyone looking for a book that has a little bit of everything; humor, chemistry, tension, emotion, and an MMC with an English accent and a FILTHY mouth. Le swoon.

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Review: A Wreck You Make Me by Saffron A. Kent

August 8, 2025 by · Leave a Comment

A WRECK YOU MAKE ME
Series: Bad Boys of Bardstown #3
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Author: Saffron A. Kent
Release Date: August 8, 2025

I have been in love with Shepard Thorne since I was twelve.

He’s my best friend’s hot older brother, and I am the weird redhead who low-key follows him everywhere. He’s soccer’s bad boy, and I am stuck in a dead end job, serving drinks at the local strip club.

Our paths aren’t meant to cross.

Until one day I catch him getting a lap dance at the club and jealousy makes me ruin his fun.

Now he’s made it his mission to make my life hell and no matter what I do, there is no escape.

Everywhere I turn, there he is, waiting for his payback.

He threatens to kiss me one second, and choke me the next.

He promises to bring me to my knees and make me beg.

What started as a little harmless prank turns into a twisted game of blackmail that’s toxic but oh-so-good.

But it has to end.

Because I have a secret…

That ties me to my tormentor in an irrevocable way, and if he ever finds out, it will wreck everything I now crave.

Even his revenge.

 

Note: This is a STANDALONE set in the world of Bardstown

AMAZON

Why does it feel like I’m…”
Intensity swirls in his eyes as he whispers, “You’re what?”
“I’m more yours than I am mine. That you own me.”

Did I finish this book or did it finish me?

If you’re like me and like your fictional men extra toxic walking red flags, you’re going to gobble this right up!

That fuckface was your date.”
“He’s not a fuckface,” I protest. “His name is⁠—”
“You say his name,” he growls, his voice low and threatening, “and I’ll hunt him down and make him forget yours.”

Did I do things back*asswards yet again and read this book first before the rest of the series? Yes, yes I did. And I had no problems jumping right into the deep end and getting immediately sucked into the story.

Now when I tell you that these two were absolutely toxic together, I mean there were TOXIC together. I don’t know who I wanted to hit more at certain times; Shepard or Jupiter. Well, it was probably Shepard, because the man was the definition of hot and cold, but I digress.

Jupiter has been in love with Shepard since the moment she was old enough to recognize the feeling. I loved Jupiter so much. Here was a girl that had all the odds stacked against her; a family from hell and no emotional support. And yet she works multiple jobs so she can give her sick sister a better life. She’s also spent years carrying a secret that ties her to Shepard and his family.

Shepard was always the man she could never have. He’s a famous professional soccer player, older, and at one point; engaged. He also doesn’t mince words when he tells her that he wants nothing to do with her. But while Jupiter is wholly obsessed with Shepard, she doesn’t know that he is stalkingly obsessed with her right back. It the most toxic of ways.

He chases her down, he pushes her away only to pull her right back. The push and pull between these two was absolutely deranged. And to be honest, if it wasn’t what he would do for Jupiter without saying anything, I may have judged him more harshly for his words. But while he’s mean and ruthless in words, he takes care of her in ways that no one ever has.

Just so you know, you’re a toxic snake.” He hums. “Yeah, but when I bite it hurts so fucking good you can’t help but want more.”

But man oh man were these two absolutely toxic together. Their constant push and pull was almost unbearable at times but I also couldn’t get enough of it. I know, right? My feelings went through a rollercoaster of love and hate reading this book. I devoured it. Totally devoured it in one delicious sitting.

This was the kind of toxic my bookish dreams were made out of and now I need to immediately read the rest of the series.

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Review: The Secrets We Bury by Lucy Smoke

August 1, 2025 by · Leave a Comment

THE SECRETS WE BURY
Series: Scorpion Kings #3
Genre: Dark, Why Choose Romance
Author: Lucy Smoke
Release Date: August 1, 2025

The deeper we dig, the darker the secrets.

Silverwood is filled with nothing but liars and deceivers.
I thought I could trust them. I thought I could have them.
Now, I know … none of it was ever truly mine to keep.

There is a thin line between love and obsession.
The Scorpion Kings have crossed it.
And I fear I’m not far behind.

*This is a Dark Enemies to Lovers WhyChoose Romance*

*Trigger If you are sensitive to content common in dark romance (content such as SA, graphic depictions of violence, murder, drug and/or alcohol abuse, physical abuse, mental and/or emotional abuse, traumatic events, unhealthy coping mechanisms, dubious consent etc.) then this book may not be for you. Please read responsibly.*

AMAZON

At five years old, I wanted to marry Juliet Donovan. At nearly nineteen, I’d slit the throat of anyone who thinks to take her away from me.

Where has Lucy Smoke been all my life and how am I only discovering her with this series? Because let me tell you, I am wholly obsessed. OBSESSED. If you love fierce, absolutely kick ass heroines, then you need to meet Juliet.

I can show you that all kings were meant to fall eventually, even the three of you.”

The Secrets We Bury starts immediately where The Demons We Hide ended and what a doozy of an ending that was. I couldn’t wait to see how that unravels. Especially on the cusp of what Juliette finally realizes about her pseudo “uncle”. But I won’t be spoiling anything for you here.

I loved watching her men fall harder and harder for her in each book. You have Lex, the lovesick puppy stalker. You have Gio the playboy. And then there’s my baby Nolan, the hard edged one

You make this choice and that’s it for you, Jules. We will own you.”
“Yeah?”
“Yeah.” He nods.
“Even with my demons?” I ask.
“Princess…” I close my eyes as his fingers graze my cheek. “I’ve been wanting to fuck your demons since the first day you set foot on Silverwood Public’s campus.”

The mystery of her dad’s innocence continues to unravel. There’s so much that happens in this book that I was glued to the pages from cover to cover. At a certain point, I feel like I was lulled into a false sense of security because I even started to feel it was getting predictable. Only for Lucy to hit me over the head with that ending and I no longer know which end is up.

All I know is that I desperately need the conclusion and I will not know peace until I do.

If you like dark, why choose romance with fierce heroines, a quick paced plot, and sizzling chemistry then you need this series on your TBR! 

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Review: The Kingpin’s Call Girl by Annika Martin

July 25, 2025 by · Leave a Comment

THE KINGPIN’S CALL GIRL
Series: Moonlit Ridge #2
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Author: Annika Martin
Release Date: July 25,2025

I’m not a call girl; I’m a college student—playing dress-up to find my sister.

One night. One assignment.

Get invited to the table. Memorize names. Get out.

Easy—until he walks in.

Luka Zogaj isn’t just powerful.

He’s lethal. Savage. Worshipped and feared like a god.

And when he sees me, he buys me.

Not for a night. For two weeks.

Now I’m living a double life—student by day, owned by a monster by night.

He doesn’t know I’m living a lie.

But every time he touches me, I forget who I am.

He’s the last man I should want.

And the only one who’s ever made me feel like this.

AMAZON

I just paid you for fourteen nights with a few grand extra thrown in. You’re mine, same as that jacket there. If you try to hide, I’ll find you. If you leave town, I’ll find you even faster. For the next two weeks, you are mine and mine alone.”

Oh Annika, you sure do know the way to a girl’s heart.

Now it’s been a minute since I read a book by this author, and I have no idea why. I forgot that Annika was THAT girl when it comes to writing some of the most delicious MMCs. If you didn’t know, just read Dark Mafia Prince and thank me after. But I digress.

The second Annika released the title to this book, I was immediate intrigued. But when I read the blurb, I absolutely had to have it. A dangerous criminal and the innocent college girl he buys thinking she’s a call girl? TAKE. MY. MONEY.

When I tell you that I devoured this book in one sitting, I mean I gobbled it right up.

Edie is desperately searching for her missing sister and manages to get herself into quite the pickle. The pickle being her being forced to pretend to be a call girl to try to gather information on some dangerous people. Get in and get out. Until she catches the eye of the most dangerous man in the room, Luka Zogaj. And oh Luka, the savage that he was.

You hate me, don’t you? I’m an awful man who takes whatever he wants without paying. A beast who hurts the good people of the world just because he can. And now you belong to me, and I’m gonna make you come again, and I’m gonna make you crave me, and there’s not a goddamned thing you can do about it.”

Now did I want to judge Edie for her naiveté at times? Sure! But then I remembered that she’s on her own, desperately searching for her sister, and my judgy braid would just shut off. I loved how she wasn’t afraid of Luka almost as much as I loved the way he got off on her scorn and sass.

Somewhere along the line, somebody messed with your head and left you high and dry. Probably your daddy…
I’m your daddy now,” he says, entering me slowly, stretching me over the sink and working me how he wants

This story had everything; the grit, the suspense, the chemistry and the sizzling romance. The villain was somewhat predictable, but I think it may have meant to be with plenty of hints thrown along the way.

It was one of those books that I devoured in one sitting and was thrilled to see would be a series, because I desperately need more. If you love a sexy and gritty mafia romance, you need this book in your life. Trust me on this now and thank me later, mkay?

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Review: Caught Up by Navessa Allen

July 24, 2025 by · Leave a Comment

CAUGHT UP
Series: Into Darkness #2
Genre: Dark Romance
Author: Navessa Allen
Release Date: June 10, 2025

I wanted this woman, and I was a man who always got what he wanted.

Nico ‘Junior’ Trocci knows Lauren Marchetti is off limits. She is sweetness and laughter, whereas Junior exists in a world of violence and depravity. Men like him don’t get to have women like her. It’s why he pushed her away back in high school and has kept his distance ever since.

But when Junior looks Lauren up online, he discovers the shy, bookish girl he remembers is gone. In her place is a strikingly beautiful woman whose social media is filled with scantily clad pictures of herself and a connection to a nearby play club. Junior’s innocent curiosity quickly turns into a dark obsession. But watching Lauren from a distance isn’t enough; he needs to make her his.

He’s ruthless; a walking red flag. Good thing red is my favorite color.

Lauren is intrigued by the mystery man who keeps showing up at her club, who tempts her white-hot desires. But as their flirty online messages stir up a deeper form of connection, Lauren worries she’s developing real feelings for this brooding stranger. As their combined desire ratchets up to a breaking point, who will seduce who? And will they survive the fall?

Caught Up is a fast-paced dark romance with a morally grey male lead. Some themes and scenes may be disturbing to readers. Please check the content warning at the beginning of the book.

AMAZON 

The power of Christ compels you,” I muttered, desperate to expel her from my body.
Junior’s lips twitched. “You trying to exorcise me, Lo?”
“I heard that’s what you’re supposed to do when the ghost of an ex shows up.”
He glanced down again, to where I was still arching into him. “Doesn’t look like it’s working.”

Did I like it? Sure. I just didn’t love it.

Lights Out was a top favorite of mine and I tried to manage my expectations for this book. I didn’t want to compare it to the first one and allow it to stand on its own. Which it did. I liked the story. I liked the characters. But it was also missing that special sauce that book one seemed to bring. I can’t quite put my finger on what it was exactly, but it just didn’t pull me in like the first book.

I enjoyed Lauren. I always love a sex positive FMC and I loved her sass and the way she made Junior work to get back into her good graces. I liked Junior too, but it wasn’t the intense obsession I had with Josh. Maybe I’m just a bit over the TikTok reference? We had masktok in book one and bikertok in this one. It’s cute, sure, but also couldn’t help feeling like the story just relied on that schtick too much. It worked for book one, but I suppose this one just felt like it needed more.

The humor was there and so was the steam, but again it just didn’t grab me as much as I’d hoped.

I do love a good second chance romance so the dynamic between Lauren and Junior was fun. I almost wish we got to see them a bit more in the past rather than seeing that unfold off the pages.

If you’re looking for a fun and steamy read, this one will fit the bill. And while I didn’t love it, I did still enjoy it and can’t wait for the next one.

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Review: Chasing Shelter by Catherine Cowles

July 22, 2025 by · Leave a Comment

CHASING SHELTER
Series: Sparrow Falls #5
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Author: Catherine Cowles
Release Date: July 22, 2025

I came here seeking sanctuary, I never meant to fall for the broody single dad next door.

I’ve spent my life hiding in plain sight, burying my past beneath layers of carefully constructed lies. Moving to Sparrow Falls was supposed to be a fresh start. A place to lay low. But when I end up living next door to the single dad who just happens to be one of my brother’s best friends, everything changes.

Trace Colson sees too much, asks too many questions, and his protectiveness is as infuriating as it is alluring.

And when danger comes calling, it’s Trace who stands between me and the darkness.

But being close to him is its own kind of risk. Because with every heated glance and every stolen touch, Trace tempts me to open my heart, to dream of a life I’d long since given up on. The only problem? Trace has his own demons, and when they collide with mine, the fallout could destroy us both.

Forever.

AMAZON 

You breaking the rules for me, Chief?”
“I knew you were going to be a bad influence.”

I’ve said it before and I will say it again, Catherine Cowles books are my happy place. PERIOD. And her MMCs are the blueprint. Because every time I think I meet my favorite, she goes ahead and introduces the next one and I’m swooning head over heels. And Trace? Oh the swoon was so real.

I lifted a hand to her face, my thumb tracking under her eye, the same one that had been bruised yet hidden beneath coats of makeup. “Who hurt you?”

After the events of Beautiful Exile, I was so excited for Linc’s sister to get her story. Her character growth and journey to finding herself and her strength was one of my favorite things about this book. Right after her sassy mouth and immediate connection with Trace’s adorable daughter, Keely.

Don’t worry, Chief, I won’t tell.”
“It’s Sheriff,” I ground out.

Is it really frenemies to lovers when the attraction is there but the stubborn man just refuses to admit it?

Trace is determined to avoid the much too tempting Ellie. Not only does he not have time for women when he’s busy with his job as sheriff and raising his daughter, but she’s also Linc’s sister. But then as fate would have it, Ellie becomes his neighbor and bis impossible to resist.

Can I tell you something?” I asked.
“Anything.”
“I like when you say fuck.”
A low chuckle sounded over the speaker. “Fuck, baby.”

Ellie is determined to find herself outside of her despicable father’s influence and her abusive ex fiancé’s hold. She wants to make a life for herself around what she wants, not what she’s told. But while the small town is a perfect place to start, not every person is welcoming her into the fold. Her father’s legacy is not a pretty one. And when danger starts to nip at her heels, Trace is determined to protect her. And oh Trace, the man you are.

You deserve to be in your power.” His mouth trailed lower, featherlight touches until he reached my lips. And there he stayed, speaking against them. “You deserve someone on their knees for you, not someone forcing you to yours.”

The romance was a delicious slow burn that I loved oh so much. Although there was a point where I thought that if they were going to be interrupted one more time, I may riot. But the burn was so worth it because when they do finally get together, it was deliciously satisfying.

As always, the suspense was a gripping layer that built on top of the romance and made this one unputdownable read. The ending did catch me a bit by surprise and I wasn’t sure how I felt about it for a minute there. But then I love when something manages to surprise me, so can’t complain there.

And did I mention Loli? Because this hilarious grandma is one of my all time favorite secondary characters, EVER.

Hey, what’s wrong with my place?” Cope pouted.
Sutton patted his chest. “You built that monster mansion in the middle of nowhere, Hotshot. It would take twenty officers to surround it.”
“I hope that doesn’t mean you’re insecure because you’re lacking in other departments,” Lolli said, arching a brow.
Cope’s jaw went slack and then his face screwed up like he was a little sick to his stomach. “Did my grandma just insult my dick size?”

I gobbled it up and can’t wait for more. If you haven’t read this series yet, you’re seriously missing out!

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Review: Red Ruin by Lola Rock

July 22, 2025 by · Leave a Comment

RED RUIN
Series: Savage Sentinels #1
Genre: Guideverse Romance
Author: Lola Rock
Release Date: July 22, 2025

Instead of sticking around to watch my suddenly EX fiancé adore the Guide he replaced me with, I do the totally sane, normal thing and run away to war.

The Sentinels battling monster hordes desperately need my power. I just want to find a place to belong as something other than a tool.

When I report for duty, ready to fight on my own terms, I find my new squad in shambles.

Its strongest warriors are so poisoned by their own magic, they’re not just insane—they’re barely hanging on to their humanity.

If I can’t tame the rampaging vampire and the one-horned devil, I won’t have to wait for my enemies to ruin me.

Vhex and Remy will grin with their fangs as they ruin what’s left of my soul.

♥ Medium
♥ High (spicy MFM scenes, no sword-crossing)
♥ NOT an omegaverse
♥ frequent cursing, monster combat, magic system entrenched with sexual healing & possessive-but-useless MLs who hate each other (forever). Check the author’s site for the full list of tags, tropes, and warnings

AMAZON

What’s your name, Sentinel?”
“I’m Vhex.” He shoots me a sharp, sweet smile- all razor blades in cotton candy. “You call me husband.”

Having loved Lola’s Omegaverse series, I was super excited for something new and different. I’ve never read Guideverse so I had no idea what to expect when I started this one. And frankly, I’m still not sure how to describe it. It was a fun and sexy romp but it also took me a minute to wrap my head around all the things.

Iris is a “guide” who is essentially like a healer. She gets assigned Sentinels, who are essentially warriors who lose their humanity when they fight and only a guide can heal them. Iris is unique in being an 80% match to all Sentinels, which also makes it difficult to find her imprint match. And after she gets rejected by her fiancé, she’s given up hope on imprinting altogether. She asks for a reassignment to escape her constant reminders of her ex, and lands in a middle of a war zone with her new squad. There she meets two completely feral Sentinels; the devilish Vhex, and the vampire Remy. Both are out of their mind feral and unhinged in every sense of the word. Obviously I loved them. Though I have to say that Vhex was extra special to me with his sweet and mushy ways of calling himself husband. Remy is out of his mind even more, to the point of memory loss and when he’s on a rampage would even forget Iris’s name.

Now I have to say if you like the insta lust vibes, you’d love this book. I don’t tend to favor that, so the instant connection and jump into spice wasn’t my favorite. I didn’t hate it, but I felt like the spice took over the world building and story. Like the first 60% of the book felt entirely focused on the spice. Whereas I wanted to better understand the world and magic system and get to know the characters more. I felt like I started to lose that a bit. It’s interesting since a lot of the healing is sexual, so it also felt cold and mechanical in parts. I’m not sure how to describe it really. It was very hot, yes. But because the characters haven’t developed their bond yet and the instant connection/chemistry, it felt more like duty than anything else.

The story itself took a bit for me to finish and felt a touch too long. But the second I hit the 70% mark, it really took off and I began to enjoy it a whole lot more.

While it took me a bit to get into, I was fully invested at the end and will definitely be continuing this story. If you like monster smut, guideverse, feral and unhinged MMCs, MFM action, and all the spice, then you definitely want to check this one out.

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