Review: Black Heart by Lynn Raye Harris

January 25, 2022 by · Leave a Comment

BLACK HEART
Series: Black’s Bandits #5
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Author: Lynn Raye Harris
Release Date: January 25, 2022

He’s untouchable. Unbreakable.
She plans to destroy him.

Former CIA agent Ian Black has done terrible deeds. Sacrificed his honor and reputation for God and country. He’s a fighter and a survivor. His mission is to rid the world of scumbags who prey on innocent people.

No price is too high, and no one crosses him. Not for long, anyway.

But then Natasha Oliver walks in, threatening to expose the one thing Ian thought dead and buried: his heart.

Natasha’s innocence was ripped away years ago when she was thrown into prison for crimes her parents committed. Now, as the assassin Calypso, she intends to hunt down those responsible for what happened to her.

Including Ian Black. Getting involved with him is madness, but she made a vow – and she will do whatever it takes to keep it.

Until she discovers that the line between hate and love often stands on a razor’s edge…

**Start reading the Black’s Bandits Series today and enjoy an action-packed, seriously romantic and steamy-good-fun military romantic suspense. Each book can be read as a standalone. No cliffhangers or cheating and a guaranteed happily-ever-after ending!

AMAZON  | NOOK | KOBO | GOOGLE PLAY

Ian Black was an addiction. A dark, dangerous addiction that would get her killed if she didn’t escape. Except she didn’t want to escape. She wanted to stay.

I have been waiting YEARS for this book. YEARS! The second Ian Black appeared on the pages of HOT as a secondary character, he completely stole the show. I was desperate for every morsel of information on this enigma of a man. And the second we meet Natasha in Black List, I knew I needed her story desperately. After all, does it get any better than a redemption book for a female baddy? I think not.

Now I highly recommend that you read this series in order. I’ve loved every spin off since Lynn’s HOT series. But to really understand the dynamics and complexities of this book, you really should read Black’s Bandits in order. Or at the very least have read Black List. This is the book where Natasha is first introduced as Jace’s sister who he thought was long dead, having been executed along with their parents. Now Natasha is known as Calypso, the deadly assassin for the Russian syndicate, and the woman that’s enemy number one for Ian’s team.

When her brother deflected, Natasha and their parents paid the price. While her parents were executed, she was thrown into a prison, soon to become a deadly trained assassin. But in this story, the layers finally peel, and you get to see what’s truly been driving her all this time, and my heart melted and broke for her at the same time. Her and Ian have had a connection that they finally fully give into. And while I’m not usually a fan of the couple getting together in the beginning of the book because it looses a bit of the tension, it quite worked here.

Now admittedly, because this was my most anticipated book in all of the series, I built it up a bit. So it may have been my expectations getting ahead of me here, but I did find myself wishing it had a bit more edginess, considering who both Natasha and Ian are. This read a bit harlequin-y for me, and while that’s not a bad thing, I had hoped for more. But that minor quibble aside, I still devoured this story and loved the super satisfying conclusion with its multiple epilogues. If you like romantic suspense with plenty of steam, you simply can’t go wrong with this series.

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Review: Getting Real by Emma Chase

January 24, 2022 by · Leave a Comment

GETTING REAL
Series: Getting Some #3
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Author: Emma Chase
Release Date: January 24, 2022

 

A sexy, hilarious, emotional, new romance from New York Times bestselling author Emma Chase.

Connor Daniels never thought he’d be starting over at dating square one. His career as a successful doctor, and his three boys, are everything to him. It’s not exactly a set-up conducive to a scorching love life—but he’s giving it a shot.

ER nurse Violet Robinson never intended for Connor to find out she’s had a crush on him forever. It was a dirty little secret only meant for her dirty dreams. Her heart trips every time he’s around—and so do her feet.

When Connor sees Violet coasting across the grocery store parking lot—and she falls on her face—he starts falling for the gorgeous, young nurse right back.

Dating can be tricky. And life can be beautiful and crazy and unpredictable. But when it gets real, you discover what matters most . . . and the one person you want loving you through it all.

AMAZON  | PAPERBACK | NOOK | iBOOKS | KOBO | GOOGLE

Sometimes life can be a straight-up asshole . . . but then it gets better. And that better can end up being more perfect than you ever dreamed.

I swear, this woman can write a grocery list, and I’ll happily read it with a goofy smile on my face. I’m not a reader that gravitates towards sweet and fluffy, unless Emma writes it. This woman can write the fluffiest book on the planet, and I’d love it to pieces. And considering I’ve loved the first two books in this series, is it any wonder that I adored this one?

I’ve been waiting for Connor’s book since meeting him as a secondary character in Getting Schooled. There’s just something about a male character in his 40s who has his sh*t together that just does it for a girl every now and then. And while I love me my alphaholes, Connor hit the spot just right. This divorced father of three was simply amazing. His divorce wasn’t great, but it didn’t turn him bitter. And I just loved the dynamic between him and his sons.

Violet was simply adorable. She’s an ER nurse who’s been working with Connor for two years, and been crushing on him hard just as long. I loved the way she pined for this man without reserve. Poor Connor and his awkward assumptions of what a woman in her 30s wants. And poor Violet in her thinking that Connor isn’t interested.

This was one of those lighthearted, low angst, feel good sort of reads that you devour in one sitting and leaves a huge smile on your face. There’s no crazy drama. And I especially loved the dynamic with Connor’s ex and the growth there. But more than anything, I just loved Violet and Connor together. I loved how sweet they were to each other, and the chemistry between them. I loved how Violet takes care of Connor and how he falls for her almost instantly. I just loved these two together. Their chemistry, their banter, their everything.

Did I read this in one sitting? I sure did. And that ending? Sheer perfection!

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Review: Sweet Mercy by Amelia Wilde

January 22, 2022 by · Leave a Comment

SWEET MERCY
Series: The Collector Trilogy #2
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Author: Amelia Wilde
Release Date: January 18, 2021

Daphne Morelli is trapped in a gilded cage.

She fought to escape her family, only to be caught by a billionaire. Possessive. Commanding. And determined to keep her.

Emerson LeBlanc wants to own the little painter.
She’s become more than his obsession.
She’s part of his collection now.

Except she’s more perceptive than he’d like.
Her artist’s eye sees the shadows in him.
She paints his pain on stretched canvas.

He’s determined to own her. She’s determined to escape.

In the end only one of them can truly be free.

AMAZON | iBOOKS | NOOK | KOBO | GOOGLE PLAY

I didn’t think a monster could be this beautiful.

Well, didn’t this take a kinky turn? *satisfied grin* I definitely didn’t see this coming, but dang if you’ll hear a peep of complaint from this girl.

After devouring the first book, I was left reeling after that jaw dropping cliffhanger. I couldn’t wait to get my hands on this book and the second it landed on my kindle, I dove right in. And then found myself treading water for a bit. What I’m saying is that it took me a hot minute to get into and I’m not certain why. I sort of muddled my way through the first 30% and was worried because it started to feel like I was disconnecting from the story and the characters. But then it took an interesting turn.

The second we began to learn more about Emerson, I was all in. This man was a full enigma in book one, and we finally get a peek into his dark soul in the second half of this one, and I was here for it. He’s such a complex character, and that really gets unraveled here. The more you learn, the more you understand. And while the reader gets to peel back the layers of the enigma that is Emerson, we also get to see the sexual awakening of Daphne. As the overly protected sister of Leo Morelli, Daphne is not exactly naive, but she isn’t experienced. She can’t possibly be too naive with a father like hers, but she’s always been overly coddled by her brother. This book really brings about her sexual awakening…with a bang. So while the first half of the book felt stretched out, and a touch repetitive, I devoured the second half.

Now this is where it also gets interesting because you’ll see there’s a divide. Some readers either really loved this while others hated it. I happen to fall in the former. There’s a particular scene that I didn’t find to be shock value, but a character developing scene for Emerson and Daphne both. It fit, but it wasn’t your mainstream romance, so if you’re expecting that, this book isn’t for you. I personally loved the hell out of it.

And that ending? I can’t wait to see how it all concludes!
Amelia Wilde is a USA TODAY bestselling author of dangerous contemporary romance and loves it a little too much. She lives in Michigan with her husband and daughters. She spends most of her time typing furiously on an iPad and appreciating the natural splendor of her home state from where she likes it best: inside.

Connect with Amelia

Website: https://awilderomance.com

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14671616.Amelia_Wilde

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Amelia-Wilde/e/B01C38CNJ2

Facebook: facebook.com/awilderomance

Instagram: https://instagram.com/awilderomance

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ameliawildeauthoress?

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/amelia-wilde

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Review: The Words by Ashley Jade

January 20, 2022 by · Leave a Comment

THE WORDS
Author: Ashley Jade
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: January 20, 2022

From USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author Ashley Jade comes an edgy, enemies-to-lovers standalone romance about mistakes, forgiveness, and second chances.

He was the talented bad boy everyone wanted.
I was the irrelevant geek everyone hated.

He was the sun…drawing all of us in.
I was a black hole…taking up space.

He was destined to be a star.
I was destined to remain an insignificant no one.

Until he made me believe I was special…

And then he destroyed me.

I never thought I’d see Phoenix Walker again after he broke my heart, but fate had other plans.

One tour. Eight weeks. Forty shows.

Countless opportunities to make him pay.

The world thought he was a God…
But I knew the truth.

AMAZON

Once upon a time, Phoenix Walker made me believe I was special. Then he destroyed me.

Lennon Michael is my biggest craving and my biggest regret.

For the blur of hours it took me to devour this book, it owned every part of me. This is by far, hands down, my favorite Ashley Jade book to date. I am absolutely ruined. RUINED.

When I tell you I binge read this in one sitting, I mean I stayed up until 4 am reading it. And as I write this review bleary eyed and coffee high the next day, I have zero regrets. Because this book was simply EPIC.

As a reader, I love broken, tortured and imperfect characters, and this story delivered this in spades. My heart bled for these characters and their pain.

When Lennon and Phoenix first meet, they’re in high school. Phoenix is the bad boy from the wrong side of the tracks, and Lennon is the girl with the seemingly perfect life…but who’s constantly bullied for her weight. Theirs is an unlikely friendship that forms when Lennon agrees to tutor Phoenix, that grows into something so much more as they get to know each other. Until the day when he completely shatters her heart.

Four years later, Phoenix is a famous rockstar who’s quickly spiraling out of control in drugs, women, and partying. Desperate to keep him out of the tabloids and on the straight and narrow, his manager reaches out to the one woman that’s not going to fall for his charm. She’s also the one woman that wants nothing to do with him.

Phoenix took everything, and her heart from her. Now given the chance at a huge pay day to play babysitter and to get revenge, Lennon agrees to go on tour with him and his band for 8 weeks.

When I tell you that both of these characters are damaged, I really mean it. There were times where I wanted to scream to the ceiling and shake both of them. They’re as far from perfect as they come, and their decisions show it. I wanted to hate both of them for some of the stupid things that they did. But they’re also authentic, multilayered, and so well developed, that you simply can’t help but fall further under their spell. Phoenix and his tortured soul, and Lennon and her hidden insecurities and broken heart.

Their road to a HEA is full of pain, heart ache, betrayal, mistakes, and angst. And when I say angst, I mean ANGST. If you want faultless characters who don’t make their share of stupid mistakes, this book isn’t for you. I love how the author wasn’t afraid to go there with this story and her characters. Yes, they’re damaged, but I loved them and their imperfections. I loved the tension with Phoenix and Lennon almost as much as I loved the incendiary chemistry when they finally give into the inevitable. And the grovel and grand gesture at the end? OUT OF THIS WORLD GOOD.

I also fell incredibly hard for all of the secondary characters, and already salivating for both Memphis and Storm’s books. This was honestly one of my favorite rockstar romances I’ve read in a long, long while, and I cannot recommend it enough. Just be prepared for a book full of messy emotions, unforgivable betrayals, and a once in a lifetime love. I’m absolutely obsessed!!

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Review: The Plight Before Christmas by Kate Stewart

January 17, 2022 by · Leave a Comment

THE PLIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS
Author: Kate Stewart
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: December 19, 2021

Clark Griswold was onto something, at least with his annual holiday meltdown. And since the last three weeks of my life have been riddled with humbug—another breakup, a broken toe, an office promotion I deserved and didn’t get—I’m not at all in the mood to celebrate nor have the happ, happ, happiest Christmas EVER.

When Mom insisted that we all gather at my Grandparent’s ancient cabin for an old school family Christmas, I fully intended to get into the holiday spirit with the help of the three wise men, Johnnie Walker, Jack Daniels, and Jim Beam. But those boys did absolutely nothing to offset the shock or temper the sting of seeing my EX on our doorstep the first day of our holiday soiree.

Apparently, Santa missed the memo, and this elf is pissed.

Stuck for a week with the man who obliterated my heart nearly two decades ago, I did the only thing I could do and put on my game face, thankful for the home advantage.

I knew better than to drink that last cup of eggnog.

I knew better than to get tongue tangled beneath the mistletoe with the only man to ever break my heart.

I knew better than to sleep with Satan’s wingman on the eve of the Lord’s birthday.

I could blame the nog. I could blame the deceitful light blue eyes, thick, angelic hair, and panty evaporating smirk…but mostly, I blame Eli because he always knew exactly which of my buttons to push.

I foolishly thought a family Christmas filled with nostalgia was going to turn my inner Scrooge around, but this year’s festivities went up in flames. Leave it to the ghost of my Christmas past to be the one to light the match.

Fa la la la la, la FML.

AMAZON

What are you missing? I think it’s me, and I think I’m missing you, and I think we’ve been missing each other for a long fucking time.” .

Oh.
My.
WORDS.

This book. Is Kate Stewart even capable of writing a book that doesn’t completely own your world as you’re reading it? This was the second chance romance to beat all second chance romance. And it came with a hilarious family, banter, and forced proximity goodness. If you’re looking for THE holiday romance, this is it. THIS IS IT.

You can pretend all you want that I haven’t been inside you, but I refuse to.” .

After losing the promotion that she rightfully deserved to a man, Whitney finds herself in her feels. She recently broke up with her boyfriend because she wasn’t feeling it, much like she hasn’t felt most of her relationships. And her car barely makes it to her parent’s house for Christmas. What else can possibly go wrong? Well, how about her college ex boyfriend showing up as her brother’s plus one? The same college boyfriend who was the love of her life and shattered her heart, and she’s never quite moved on from. The same college boyfriend who never stopped thinking about her either.

Throat burning, I unravel before her. She’s mine. She has to be because my heart is hers and always has been. It’s never been so clear. I loved her then, soul-deep. I love her now, perpetually..

I loved the way that this story combines a slow burn second chance romance with the quirky family antics and dynamics. I fell so hard for this family and their individual plights. I was equally rooting for Whitney’s siblings as I was for Whitney. The banter, the laughs, their love for each other was simply heart warming and laugh till you pee yourself inducing.

The romance was very much a slow burn, and I mean slooooooow burn. And rightfully so considering the history these two had. But man, I loved watching Eli fight for her. I loved him prove to her the man that he is now. And when all the details come out, it’s heart wrenching. But if ever there was a man with a reason, this man is it. I loved him so hard.

Have you lost your mind?” I toss over my shoulder.
“Yes. And it’s your pussy’s fault. Now go.” “I am not dusting, Eli.” “Please, don’t argue with me right now,” he whimpers. “I don’t want your Dad to know that while he was worshiping his lord and savior, I was defiling his daughter. Please just…dust.”.

And for those who have read other books of Kate (and I won’t spoil and say which ones), you will SERIOUSLY appreciate a certain cameo in this book. I think I may have screamed out loud when they were revealed. GAH. SO good.

This book was pure perfection. It brought everything; the feels, the laughs, the holiday spirit, and the once in a life time romance. I simply adored it.

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Review: The Grump Who Stole Summer by Ella Fields

January 16, 2022 by · Leave a Comment

THE GRUMP WHO STOLE SUMMER
Author: Ella Fields
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: January 7, 2022

USA Today bestselling author, Ella Fields, returns to contemporary romance with an all-new angsty enemies to lovers standalone.

I never meant to hurt her.
Okay, so that might be a lie. The truth is, I just… panicked.

My soul died when I was fourteen, and there was no reviving it. But when the one person who’d tried made headlines, got dumped by her Ivy League college, and was forced to work in my bookstore, I began to wonder if I needed it when my heart beat faster at just the sight of her.

I began to wonder if I’d been wrong to push her away three years ago, and if she was as I’d hoped and feared—different. If maybe, she could truly accept a guy like me.
All of me. Every vile, cruel, tattered piece.

First, I had to find out a few things.
Would she still smile and laugh when I said something acidic?
Would she still melt beneath the pads of my inexperienced fingers?
Did she still want me as much as I wanted her?
And finally, could she ever forgive an undeserving prick like me?
Something told me I’d regret not finding out.

Told in dual POV, The Grump Who Stole Summer is a full-length standalone, enemies to lovers second chance romance. It contains some sensitive subject matter.

AMAZON

Did I hurt you?”
“No, but you have ruined me.” He kissed under my jaw. “The score is finally even.”

When I think of angst, Ella Fields immediately comes to mind. The woman has ruined me when it comes to her particular brand of angst. And like the masochist that I am when it comes to her books, I eagerly scream “hurt me” every time she releases a book. I have no shame in my game. She writes an asshole like no other. *dreamy sigh*

Now this one was a bit different and not quite what I expected. It was an enemies to lovers with a twist, but not as rip your hair out angsty as Ella’s usual. The story itself took me a bit to get into. The characters, while unique, didn’t click with me right away. Though they certainly did grow on me.

Smith is a not just a grump, he’s a recluse. He hates everything and everyone, and barely manages to keep his book store afloat because he can’t be bothered to smile or be polite to a customer.

Alice is a bit of spoiled princess, though not all is at it seems with her. After going a bit too wild in college and getting caught with her boobs out on display in a paparazzi shot, well, suffice it to say her business mogul mother is non too pleased. Her punishment? A volunteering gig at a local book store. What Alice doesn’t realize until she gets there, is that the reclusive grumpy owner and her have a history, and it’s not the kind she wants to think about again. Once upon a time, he broke her heart.

These characters, though they come off a bit…strange at first, are incredibly multi layered. Not all is at it seems, and with each new chapter, I found myself growing deeper under their spell. Though the pacing of the book was a bit slower for me, I can’t complain too much, because the end more than made up for it. I loved the flashbacks of Smith and Alice interwoven into their present. Smith is still the broken, tortured, and grumpy asshole he was when Alice first met him. But still waters definitely run deep with this man, and when the truth finally gets revealed? DAMN.

I loved that Alice’s parents weren’t the stereotypical rich a-holes. They loved her and I loved seeing her mother’s conniving sweet side come out at the end. The twisty ending definitely made the book for me, though. Right out of a soap opera drama, but damn was it delicious.

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Review: Beautiful Nightmare by Giana Darling

January 15, 2022 by · Leave a Comment

BEAUTIFUL NIGHTMARE
Series: Dark Dream Duet #2
Author: Giana Darling
Genre: Contemporary, Dark Romance
Release Date: January 13, 2022

Bianca has finally found her rightful place amid the powerful Constantines.

 

But all is not what it seems in this glittering new world.

 

And Tiernan Morelli refuses to give her up…

 

 


BEAUTIFUL NIGHTMARE is the final book in the Dark Dream duet by USA Today bestselling author Giana Darling.

AMAZON

He was this contradiction only my heart could decipher. A lovely monster. A beautiful nightmare.


The level of anticipation that I had for this book was EXTREME. When I tell you I devoured book one…I mean I was OBSESSED. I love a good revenge plot, but when you add an age gap and a guardian/ward trope to it? Stick a fork in me. I’m done.

So after the jaw dropping cliffhanger in Dangerous Temptation, I was practically rabid to get my hands on the conclusion. So the second this book dropped on my kindle, I was on it.

The story takes place immediately where book one left off; Bianca reeling after learning of Tiernan’s betrayal and lies, and Tiernan dealing with finally cutting ties from his sadistic father. Bianca finds herself suspiciously accepted by the Constantines. She may be 17, but she’s not naive that there are clearly ulterior motives at play.

Admittedly, Tiernan’s about face with Bianca seemed sudden on the one hand. But this is really because a lot of their development happened in book one. I think if I read these back to back, it wouldn’t have even registered for me. Though I will say that the romance here took a bit of a backseat to the twists and suspense. I would have loved a bit more relationship development aside from the obvious sexual one, but I can’t complain, because the steam was incendiary.

While this book didn’t keep me as riveted as the first one, it was still a one sitting read that I devoured. Between the jaw dropping twists, the suspense, and the reunion of the Morelli brothers, it was still very much a page turner. I’m simply obsessed with this world. Hopefully we get Carter’s book next.

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Review: Kiss And Tell by Maya Hughes

January 6, 2022 by · Leave a Comment

KISS AND TELL
Series: STFU #1
Author: Maya Hughes
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: January 6, 2022

“Wouldn’t most guys love a no strings attached hook up?

“Maybe, but most guys don’t deserve you. I want to be one who does. And I want to be all tangled up in your strings.”

Newly arrived on campus, I knew two things. 1) No one could know my dad was the president of the university and 2) football players were bad news.My run in, the literal kind with my neighbor cranked up the heat and sparks flew.

A new college campus. A secret bound to explode in my face. And a football player neighbor who is bad news in the best of ways.

Reid Riddick was hotness personified, so of course I literally ran into with him–well, more like he plowed into me.

I didn’t know he was a football player when I started falling and now I can’t stop. A stolen kiss later and my heart races whenever he looks at me from across the quad.

But my secret would spell disaster for him.

I’m the daughter of the college president. The college president who’s been feuding with his football coach for years. Their bitter campus war leaves us teetering on the edges of a divide we can’t see a way across.

Resisting him is more than I can handle. He’s risking it all for me. His team standing. His football season. His pro future.

Throw in a campus gossip site. My out of control new friends. His way too hot roommates. College traditions. A secret campus bar and the only guy who’s ever made me feel like he can’t live without me. And I have one last secret.

Our star-crossed love is my first and I want him to be mine.

Kiss and Tell is the first book in the new St Francis University sports romance series.

AMAZON

COMING SOON IN STFU SERIES

ADD BOOK 2  – THE KISS LIST – COMING SOON

GOODREADS https://bit.ly/thekisslist

My feelings weren’t unrequited, they weren’t being driven deep down because he had his eyes set on my best friend or a spot at the vineyard or me being his new tutor to pass biology or chemistry. Working beside him was like a beautifully wrapped present that had been shoved in my Christmas stocking, but I didn’t get to open it.

Kiss and Tell launches the brand new Fulton U spin-off, and I am so here for it. Generally, I’m the sort of reader that likes her New Adult romance with plenty of drama, and manwhore/alphahole/badboy. What? As Christina Grey once said, my tastes are very…singular.
So imagine my pleasant surprise when I ended up falling for the cinnamon role that was Reid. How deliciously unexpected.

Reid has lived, breathed, and bled football since he was 14. All he wants is to hit the pros. But it has nothing to do with fame and women. The more you get to learn about him and his father, the more you fall for him. He trains hard and doesn’t let any distractions, like women deter him. Besides, his coach is dang near certifiable and kicked off one of his teammates for not breaking up with his girlfriend. Simply because the girlfriend was the daughter of someone who the coach didn’t like. So yeah, suffice it to say it’s enough to put some fear into you. So what happens when you fall for the girl of the university president and a man his coach hates with a passion? Well, definitely some complications.

Leona is a recent transfer. After some recent life events, she made the decision to leave her mom’s home in Australia to come be with her dad. She’s also not entirely keen on anyone knowing who her dad is because she doesn’t want any attention. She wants to be treated like everyone else, and so she moves in on campus.

Leona and Reid have an adorable meet cute when they bump into each other and her legos spill out of her moving box. There’s immediate sparks, but they’re both insecure for various reasons. Leona, because she’s not used to being the girl being noticed. And Reid, well because he’s told himself he can’t be distracted by a relationship.

This was definitely a slow burn, with plenty of character development. There’s a heavy undercurrent of chemistry that makes it almost painful until that first kiss. I loved how sweet Reid was with Leona. He’s not a player and he doesn’t play any mind games. When he makes a decision, that’s it. And he doesn’t bother trying to deny his feelings, which was incredibly refreshing. Leona was incredibly relatable and I absolutely loved her friendship with her roommates.

The new characters that are introduced, particularly Kennedy and Cole, immediately hooked me too. I loved getting to know this new gang of friends. Can’t wait for the next book!

 

Maya Hughes, that’s me!, can often be found sneaking in another chapter while hiding in the bathroom from her kids! 🙂 I’m a romance writer who loves taking inspiration from everyday life, namely my husband and biggest fan. Inspiration also strikes when I hear a song, meet someone new or daydream while at soccer practice.

I love writing stories that capture the possibilities of the paths less travelled and enjoy experiencing life through my characters’ eyes.

I’m the mom of three little ones, the wife to an amazing husband and also work full time. Some of my favorite things are cupcakes, cinnamon rolls, white wine, laughing until I can’t breathe, traveling with my family and Jeff Goldblum. 

AUTHOR LINKS 

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/mayahughes

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayahugheswrites

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mayahugheswrites

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/maya-hughes

 



 

 

#STFU #mayahughes #reidandleona #STFUseries #kissandtell #secretlovers

 

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Review: Hooked by Emily McIntire

December 28, 2021 by · Leave a Comment

HOOKED
Series: Never After #1
Genre: Dark Romance
Author: Emily McIntire
Release Date: September 7, 2021

 

He wants revenge, but he wants her more.

Once Upon A Time, there was a little boy.
His belly full of laughter, his life full of joy.
Until one day, something changed; stripped his innocence away.
The hole inside making space for the devil to come and play.
His dreams gone forever, he grew up way too fast.
An endless night of crocodiles, and watches made of glass.
He grew into a villain, the taste of vengeance on his tongue.
Craving to make his enemies pay for the misdeeds they had done.
Instead he found a darling girl, and refused to let her go.
For what better way to make the man pay, than to steal his little shadow.

*Hooked is a full-length, complete standalone and the first in The Never After Series: A collection of fractured fairy tales where the villains get the happy ever after. This is a DARK Contemporary romance (not fantasy) featuring mature themes and content that may not be suitable for all audiences. Reader discretion is advised.*

 

AMAZON

 

Some men are born into this world with purpose; other men are mutilated into it.

I love a good fairy tale retelling with a twist, and this one definitely delivered. I love the direction the author took this one with a twist on the classic and read this in one sitting.

You want to watch the world burn?”
“Let me guess, you’ll set it on fire?” I ask.
He chuckles, the sound vibrating through me and settling into my bones. “No, darling. I’ll hand you the match, and stand at your back, watching you become queen of the ashes.”

Hook was a character I knew I’d love straight off the bat. The perfect tortured anti-hero that you love to hate and hate to love. This is a man who has waited years to exact revenge on the man who took everything from him. And the sweet and innocent daughter of said enemy who walks herself right into his hands is the perfect way to do it. Though he doesn’t expect the chemistry between them.

Wendy is the daughter of the infamous business man Peter Michaels. She’s also completely naive to the man her father really is. When her friend invites her to the Jolly Roger for the chance to spot the gorgeous and enigmatic Hook, the last thing she expects is to snag his attention.

Now being an avid dark romance reader, I have to say this book missed a few opportunities to really delve into the true dark elements where it just grazed the surface…like Hook’s past. But there were still plenty of dark elements to satisfy. What I wished we did have is a bit more of a backbone for Wendy. As much as I love the praise kink, Wendy was just too much of a pushover at times. The things she lets Hook get away with, along with her “friends” was frustrating. But the chemistry between them was satisfying enough for me not to dwell too much on that part. The twist and reveal at the end was one I saw coming really early on as well. But again, it didn’t take away from my overall enjoyment of the story.

Ultimately, I seriously enjoyed this book. I’m definitely hooked on this author now (see what I did there?) and can’t wait for the next installment in this world.

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Review: Protect Me Not by Natasha Anders

December 27, 2021 by · Leave a Comment

PROTECT ME NOT
Series: (Un) Professionally Yours #2
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Author: Natasha Anders
Release Date: October 6, 2021

Some temptations are just not worth the complication.

Victoria Hollingsworth does not need a surly, uncommunicative bodyguard cramping her style, following her everywhere, and intimidating any would-be male callers. She’s a florist for goodness sake, not a princess or a pop star. Having a massive, mysterious bodyguard always hovering is an inconvenience. And yet… there he is, Tyler Chambers, her unwanted protector, ultra-serious, no-nonsense, and off-the-charts hot. Vicki doesn’t want, or need, him as a bodyguard. Yet, disturbingly, he may be everything she wants, and needs, in a man.

Ty hates his current long-term assignment. It’s mind-numbingly tedious. Vicki Hollingsworth is a pain in the butt who talks too much, laughs a lot, and frequently tests his patience. And her life isn’t exactly filled with intrigue and action. Ty is ready for this job to be over. He has a couple of months left before reassignment. So close to being out of here he can taste it. The last thing he needs is to suddenly find his cute-as-a-button charge irresistibly attractive. She’s not his type. Wholesome, adorable, and sweet, Vicki is the kind of woman who needs long-term commitment. And all Ty has to offer is a few short weeks of far-from-wholesome pleasure.

How much chaos can one little florist introduce into his regimented life? Ty is about to find out.

 

AMAZON

 

Some temptations were just not worth the complication.


I love me a good bodyguard romance, and while this one took me a minute to really get into, once I did, I couldn’t put it down.

Now usually, I love my bodyguard romance with a touch more suspense. Ty had been assigned to Vicki by her overprotective brother after one break in in her flower shop. Being a top notch professional in the field, Ty isn’t exactly thrilled at what he considers babysitting duty. And Vicki is just as thrilled at having a constant baby sitter. Suffice it to say they have a bit of a rough start when Vicki purposely antagonizes Ty in the beginning. You’d think that Ty’s sudden waking up 15 months into his charge to realize that he’s attracted to Vicki would be somewhat hard to believe, but it just fit.

Natasha Anders writes very character driven stories, and this one was no different. Admittedly it took me about 20% to really get into this story, but once I did, I couldn’t put it down. I loved Vicki’s sweetness and pure heart in comparison’s to Ty’s brokenness. After heartbreaking losses, Ty has put up walls around his heart. PTSD and loss will do that to a man. And he feels the only thing he has to offer is a short lived physical relationship with Vicki until his job is officially over and they both move on. He struggles with his attraction to her, but when this slow urn finally explodes, YOWZA! As much as Ty hot and cold, I want you but can’t give you anything back and forth drove me nuts, I still loved him. There are so many layers to this man, that you can’t help but fall for him with each layer you peel back. Vicki’s sweet nature was the perfect balance, and I loved that she wasn’t too much of a push over.

Ty goes from cold to hot to back to cold, and I couldn’t get enough. It was a slow burn romance full of heart and emotion, and a well deserved HEA that put a huge smile on my face.

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