#DGRFave & Review: The Lovely Return by Carian Cole

December 6, 2023 by · Leave a Comment

THE LOVELY RETURN
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Author: Carian Cole
Release Date: November 29, 2023

What if death doesn’t do you part?

They say be careful what you wish for. But on December 5, Alex Fox makes a wish in the midst of a devastating tragedy. Little does he know that his wish will come true.

Six years after that fateful day, a little girl wanders into Alex’s studio. With her quirky personality, endless questions, and adorable smile, Penny Rose becomes an enchanting yet bittersweet distraction.

Penny Rose is an odd girl—at least, that’s what her parents say. Penny herself doesn’t feel particularly odd; she simply feels misplaced. As if somehow, in some way, she is living in the wrong place… in the wrong life.

As the years pass, Alex and Penny develop a friendship. But it becomes harder and harder for them to ignore their undeniable chemistry, no matter how off limits it is. Alex believes he’ll never find love again, let alone fall for a girl half his age. But Penny is everything he could ever want or need. Not only is she caring, witty, and beautiful, but she accepts the past that haunts him.

Penny couldn’t be happier. She’s been head over heels for sexy, brooding artist Alex Fox for as far back as she can remember. But when her childhood dreams and visions start resurfacing again—dreams of a life with Alex way before they ever met—she starts to think they’re not dreams at all.

They’re memories.

Penny’s revelation to Alex threatens to tear them apart, making them question the impossible and unbelievable. Can love truly transcend time and death, giving them a second chance at their happily ever after? Or is Penny battling a broken mind that has led her down a path of heartbreaking delusion?

AMAZON

 

The heart is a compass, and for some reason, mine keeps leading me here.

I just finished and I’m in a haze. Loss for words. And I don’t think any words can do this book justice because this was one of the most beautiful, captivating, heart wrenchingly poignant, deeply romantic books I have ever read. It’s so different from what I usually gravitate to but being a huge Carian Cole fan, I added this to my TBR long before it had a blurb. And truth be told, I never did bother reading the blurb because I didn’t care, knowing I’d read her grocery list if Carian wrote it.

I never thought I’d want another woman again. I never thought I’d be falling in love with another woman again.

As much as I love an age gap romance, I was skeptical. Can I really buy into a romance when Alex first meets Penny when she’s six? But oh wow did I. The beautiful emotional pull these words had on me. This is a book for the true romantic because this book is the perfect story of undying love. A love that survives everything, even death.

It’s over 500 pages and yet I read it in a day, desperately grasping to the pages, with my heart in a vice, and tears in my eyes. It was just so beautiful. I’ve read reincarnation books before, and I sort of expected similar vibes here, but it was so much more. It was an emotional, captivating slow burn full of heart wrenching moments and moments of pure bliss. Penny and Alex’s love story is unlike anything I have ever read, and that’s saying something.

I don’t want to give too much away, but I will say this. This is a story of a one of a kind love that doesn’t die. Alex is a man who is impossible not to fall hard for. You love with him, you grieve with him, you heal with him. And Penny is the one who breathes life back into him. The story spans years and the pacing is impeccably crafted. Cole masterfully takes you through each milestone in the life of Penny and Alex. You experience everything right along with them; the pain, the confusion, the stolen glances, the forbidden love. It was beautiful. The development of their relationship is also impeccably written. It’s organic and raw and real and I fell so hard for them both.

I’m not usually a crier, but I cried tears of joy and pain as I finished. This is a story that will be rooted in my heart for years to come and simply unforgettable. These characters will be staying with me, their love will be staying with me, and this book is going straight to my top favorites list. It was worth every second of the wait and I cannot recommend it enough.

Carian Cole has a passion for the bad boys, those covered in tattoos, sexy smirks, ripped jeans, fast cars, motorcycles, and of course, the sweet girls who try to tame them and win their hearts.

Born and raised a Jersey girl, Carian now resides in beautiful New Hampshire with her husband and their multitude of furry pets. She spends most of her time writing, reading, and vacuuming.

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Review: Among The Heather by Samantha Young

December 5, 2023 by · Leave a Comment

AMONG THE HEATHER
Series: The Highlands Series #2
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Author: Samantha Young 
Release Date: December 5, 2023

He’s a disgraced actor. She’s the daughter of Hollywood royalty. Both are hiding in the Scottish Highlands, but despite their antagonistic attraction, they can’t seem to hide from each other…

North Hunter has worked hard to step out of the shadows of his orphaned upbringing into the limelight of Hollywood. He never imagined a dark moment from his childhood returning to destroy everything he’d built. Devastated, he finds comfort in the isolation of an exclusive members-only club in the Scottish Highlands, even if the club comes with a prickly estate manager who sets his blood on fire.

As the eldest daughter of a Hollywood legend, Aria Howard has learned the hard way that people will use her to get to her father. When her last relationship ended badly, Aria fled to Scotland. Running Ardnoch Estate provides distance from a life that has never fit comfortably. But when defamed Scottish actor North Hunter disrupts her sanctuary, Aria is on the defense. The cocky actor is the last thing she needs, and despite their searing attraction, Aria is determined to dislike him.

But one night of drunken forced proximity with North leads Aria to share insecurities seeded by her horrible ex. When North offers to prove her ex wrong by taking Aria to his bed for a no-strings distraction, they begin an affair neither expected. However, their fiery liaison leads to a deep emotional connection that unsettles them both, and North will have to break down more than Aria’s trust issues if they’re ever to have a future together. He’ll need to protect her from a past that just doesn’t want to stay buried… or lose something far more essential to his existence than his career.

AMAZON

As much as I’d love to explore something real with Aria, she couldn’t handle that. So I’d give her whatever little piece of me she would take. Now I just had to convince her that an unforgettable night in my bed was exactly what she needed.

What is it about Sam’s writing that just hits each and every single time. She’s such a comfort read for me and there’s just something about her Adair Family and now spinoff, The Highlands that just feels like home.

I needed another hit of whatever drug North Hunter was, and until I got it, I knew I wouldn’t be able to think of anything else.

Among The Heather is book two in The Highlands series but you can easily enjoy it as a standalone. Although I highly recommend the series and you’d enjoy it even more reading in order.

Aria is the estate manager of Ardnoch Estate who escaped to Scotland to be something other than the daughter of Hollywood royalty, her famous director father. She’s spent her entire career proving that she’s not a nepotism baby and her success with Ardnoch is testament of it. She’s also a woman who spent her entire life being used for her father’s connection and that led to some deep rooted scars of insecurity, especially with men. So when the incredibly handsome Hollywood star, North, arrives at the estate, she’s determined to avoid his hot looks.

But North is so much more than Aria thinks and he’s determined to prove it to her. First of all, I love that North wasn’t a stereotypical Hollywood playboy. This man is a serial monogamist who wants a relationship. Aria doesn’t trust that he may want her not only because of her experience but also because of the deep rooted insecurities that they planted about her body.

I loved the way they went from antagonism to friendship to something so much more. And I also loved the way that North fought for her and fought to show her how incredible she really is. Aria was a wonderful heroine and it was easy to connect with her, even while I did find her insecurities to be a touch much at times. The added layer of suspense made this into an absolute page turner. And the romance was sizzling.

I love this series so much. Now after the sneak peek we get into Theo, I’m practically salivating for the next book.

Samantha Young is a New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author. She’s been nominated for several Goodreads Choice Awards. Samantha writes adult contemporary and paranormal romance, YA urban fantasy and YA contemporary fiction and is currently published in 31 countries.

She resides in Scotland.

 

Connect with Samantha

Website: http://authorsamanthayoung.com

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Bookbub: http://bit.ly/2D241eO

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Verve: https://www.ververomance.com/app/authorsamanthayoung

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#DGRFave & Review: Back Into It by Eve Dangerfield

December 5, 2023 by · Leave a Comment

BACK INTO IT
Series: Playing For Love #4
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Author: Eve Dangerfield
Release Date: December 5, 2023

A scorching hot, age gap, friends-to-lovers, boy obsessed, unrequited love story by critically acclaimed romance author, Eve Dangerfield.

Cheryl Karalis-Walker doesn’t have time to fall in love. After twelve-hour days marketing pineapple-print leggings and caring for her terminally ill mother, all she wants to do is relax, get white wine tipsy, and flirt with someone else’s dad.

Patrick Normal isn’t a dad. He isn’t even close to being someone’s dad. He’s a funny, kind-hearted football player with the body of a Greek god. He knows he isn’t the older, sophisticated man that Cheryl usually dates, but he’s loved her since he first laid eyes on her. How could he not? She’s the hottest girl in the world and gets him like no other. They’re perfect for each other. Everyone knows it – that is everyone but Cheryl. 

But being her best friend means years of unrequited lust and friendzone jokes. Somewhere Patrick would willingly stay, rather than risk losing her. After all, men come and go, but friends are forever. Right…?

Just as he’s losing hope of ever moving from ‘best friend’ to ‘love interest’, a wild party leaves Cheryl naked in his bed, confessing she’s scared to ruin their friendship… but she loves it when he takes charge. 

So, it’s on. No more games, no more tiptoeing around the tension between them. Cheryl wants him in control and loves that side of him? These two best friends are done f***ing around. It’s time to find out. What will it take for Cheryl to realize that the man who has always been her constant is the one she has been waiting her whole life for? 

Back Into It is a standalone, contemporary romance novel, and book four in the interconnected Playing for Love series. 

AMAZON

We’re done fucking around, KitKat. It’s time to find out.”
“I… What do you mean?”
He smiled, and that was different too. “I mean I’m into you, KitKat. And since you got pissed and tried to fuck me last night, I’m gonna call it and say you’re into me too. So, let’s get together.”

OH.
MY.
GOD.

I think I may have just met one of my favorite fictional men ever. Like I thought I had an obsession with Ty from Act Your Age but nothing and I mean NOTHING compares to the level of obsession I now have with Patrick Normal. I will be running a petition to change his last name because there is nothing normal about him. NOTHING. The man was a perfect dichotomy. He’s a total golden retriever who is a simp for his best friend that he has been crushing on for as long as they’ve been friends. But when this man is all in? He’s a dirty talking, controlling, bossy BEAST in between the sheets. But in between that, he’s completely obsessed with his woman. I cannot. I just cannot deal. My ovaries will never be the same. EVER.

It’s ironic because I rarely gravitate toward third person POV or cinnamon roll heroes who give off golden retriever vibes. But I swear to god, I think I just found my new religion with this man.

I’m obsessed with you,” he said, loud enough to shock her. “I don’t want to go to the fucking movies. I want to fuck you and be your boyfriend and fucking marry you one day.”

Now let’s talk about the book, shall we?

First of all, I loved the way it’s written with small flashbacks to the day Cheryl and Patrick first meet and the small snippets into their actual feelings with every flash back. I also love the spin on the usual playboy hero with a woman who’s sex positive and is a relationship phobe. Cheryl is 32 and has had a tough lot in life. She’s got daddy issues for days, and she owns this with her taste for the older men. Her new best friend is a pro AFL player, 23, and completely obsessed with her. I love me a reverse age gap and I was absolutely rabid for this one.

The chemistry between these two was incendiary.

If he sounded sweet and awed that would be one thing, but he sounded so… presumptuous. She pulled back. “Who are you?” “Your fucking boyfriend,” he snarled. “You gonna admit you’re feeling it? Or are you humping up against me for some best friend reason?”

Cheryl runs and Patrick chases and I loved their push and pull. I loved the way they love each other as friends. And I love how they each fill in a gap for the other. These were such multi faceted, multi layered characters and I couldn’t get enough of them. I loved both their growth as the story progresses. I love their friend squad. I loved absolutely everything about this book. EVERYTHING. I simply cannot recommend it enough.

If you’re looking for a friends to lovers romance where the guy is secretly pining for his best friend, that’s full of just the right amount of incendiary spice, and a perfect punch of feels, look no further. Do yourself a favor and read this!!!!

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Review: Redfang Royal by Lola Rock

December 1, 2023 by · Leave a Comment

REDFANG ROYAL
Series: Reverse Harem Omegaverse #3
Genre: Omegaverse, Why Choose
Author: Lola Rock
Release Date: December 1, 2023

Every day, I lie and pretend I’m not a threat. I swallow insults and avoid the electric fence, crossing fingers I can fake my way to freedom before I snap and end up permanently caged.

Borrowing my sister’s identity is my last chance at escape.

But Serafina Redfang isn’t just a cartel heiress. She’s the reason I can never mate the pack of my childhood dreams.

Su Jin, Bishop, Dutch, and Reese already belong to her.

Now I have to pretend to be theirs. To smile, hide my scars, and let them close before I let them go forever.

I’m not really Redfang royalty.

I might not even be a real omega.

But if the guys keep bulldozing my lies, you’re about to meet the real me.

I’m Marisol Redfang, and I’m done hiding my claws.

 AMAZON 

I’ve never really owned a thing. Sometimes, I don’t even think I’m real. I’m lies on lies on lies.

The chokehold that this world has on me. Oh My GOD. Nothing can describe the level of obsession I had with the Pack Darling duet. And I was feral for this book ever since we get a small glimpse of Marisol in the first two books. So obviously my expectations were higher than the ceiling for this book.

I liked the fact that this book had a much different vibe then Pack Darling. It had the delicious slow burn and a fierce heroine, yes. But it wasn’t the gritty and emotional powerhouse that Pack Darling was. It had a splash of comedy and a lighter tone while still having some grit to it.

Marisol came out of the same academy as Lilah, but then landed in an even bigger hell called SAS. Her history and background is a mysterious one and leaves you desperate to peel back the layers of who Marisol really is and what she hides. When Sol gets forced on a mission that lands her in the sights of her childhood crushes, she doesn’t know how to deal. They have no idea who she is but it doesn’t take them long to put the pieces together. But Sol’s secrets are dark and dangerous, and while her mates are desperate for her and she is for them, her secrets prevent her from having what she desperately craves.

As with pack darling, we get 4 alphas with Jin, Dutch, Bishop, and Reese. Now admittedly, it took me a while to really connect with the characters. Sol was an instant click. The woman is a whole vibe. But the men felt a touch two dimensional, particularly Dutch. It feels like his entire personality was about being horny. I had a hard time buying his being an alpha, because his vibes were barely even beta. It was a strange one. He was such an adorable puppy dog of a man, but I wanted his alpha vibes. The rest of the men were fascinating, but I couldn’t help but feel they were missing a bit of development to really make me connect and understand them. I loved their obsession with Sol, but I wanted more layers to them. Bishop in particular.

All that aside, the story itself packed a punch. There was plenty of action, suspense, and a cameo from my favorite Wyverin pack. The romance was a slow burn and when they finally come together, it was absolutely incendiary. I loved Sol’s fierce and protective nature. She isn’t someone who needs saving. If anything, she takes protecting her men violently serious. I loved her bloodthirsty vibes. I’m also incredibly curious about a secondary character who we get introduced to, Serafina. I really hope we get her book next because I’m so hooked already.

If you’re looking for an omegaverse with plenty of feels, laughs, MM action, a fierce heroine and lots of action, definitely check this out. I can’t wait to see what Lola writes next!

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Review: Delightful Sins by Lola King

November 30, 2023 by · Leave a Comment

DELIGHTFUL SINS
Series: North Shore Stories #3
Genre: Dark Romance, MFM
Author: Lola King
Release Date: November 30, 2023

 

She betrayed them and ran away. They want their revenge.

In a town where all that matters is loyalty to your gang, I’ve been labeled a traitor.

I ran away from the North Shore the day I knew I wasn’t safe there anymore. I left behind the people I thought were my family, my friends, my crew: the Kings.

Mainly, I turned my back on the two men who once meant everything to me.

I might have known Elliot and Ethan since we were children, but I betrayed the brothers in more ways than one. Or at least I would rather them believe that than know why they should truly want me dead.

I should have known no one escapes the Kings. The most powerful gang on the North Shore never planned on letting me go.

It doesn’t matter that I ran as far as I could, they found me now, and they’re taking me back to a town that holds my darkest secrets and most haunting memories. Where everyone hates me, where people who were once my allies are now my enemies.

A place where they can do anything they want with me.

I’m stuck with a master manipulator and his antisocial brother.
With two men who only want one thing: to make me hurt.

Elliot and Ethan are not letting me go.

At least not until I’ve paid for my sins.

Delightful Sins is the third book in the North Shore Stories. It can be read as a standalone.
This book is a dark romance and contains scenes and subject matters some readers may find triggering. Please, read the content warning inside the book.

AMAZON 

“Now give it to me.” He senses my confusion. I know he does because I feel his smile against my ear. “Consent. To play with you however I want. Even when you’re in states where you can’t fight back. Even when you’re sleeping. You wanted the deal, and it comes with all of that. So say it.”

Well now, hello Lola King and where have you been all my life? On a forever hunt of dark romance with morally gray characters, deranged and possessive anti heroes, and a chapter just for the trigger warnings, I stumbled on the blurb for this book. Instantly intrigued, this easily became my first read from Lola King and I can definitely assure you that now it will not be my last.

You want to scream his name?” he grunts. “You’ll be crying mine.”

This is a dark MFM romance with a fierce heroine and two highly deranged anti hero step brothers.

Two years ago, Jade ran from Silver Falls and The Kings, leaving behind her past and taking her secrets with her. Or so she thought. Because two years later, the two men she thought she left in her rearview are back to collect, and they’ll take her penance in her body, degradation, and possession.

Elliot Pearson scares me. Because he has eyes that resemble an angel and reflect the needs of the devil. Because his hair is the same color as the sun, but what’s inside his head is darker than the night.

Now admittedly, because I haven’t yet read the first 2 books in this series, it took me a minute to wrap my head around all the secondary characters and the intricacies of the two gangs; Kings and North Shore Crew. Each character was more deranged and unhinged than the next and I was instantly hooked. There is nothing better than a well written, unhinged anti hero, and Lola King has a winning formula in this book. Elliot and Ethan were on another level.

My beautiful Ethan. Life never loved him, so he loves nothing in return.

Jade is no innocent. This is a woman who had to fight all her life. She gives as good as she takes, and boy is she forced to take it. When you run from a gang who thinks you stole something of theirs, there is no where to hide. Jade is not above using her body to survive, and there was something so endearing about her mix of vulnerability with fierce survivor. Once she loved Ethan and Elliot and they shattered her. Now they’ve dragged her back and give her a choice; their protection for her body and consent.

I’m sorry my love is selfish and destructive, but it’s real. You can hardly blame a man for his obsession when his obsession is you.”

This was a dark and gritty page turner full of suspense and multilayered characters. At times the kinks between them were almost too much, but it fit the story. Having said that, I did feel that the story could have been a bit shorter and still lost nothing in the process so it took me a bit longer to read. However, it was also all encompassing snd highly addictive. I’ll now be going back to read Lola’s entire backlist and most definitely the first two books in this series.

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Review: Lawless by Tracy Lorraine

November 16, 2023 by · Leave a Comment

LAWLESS
Series: Harrow Creek Hawks #3
Genre: Why Choose, Dark, Captive Romance
Author: Tracy Lorraine
Release Date: November 16, 2023

An all-new and addictive dark, why-choose, captive romance from the USA Today & Wall Street Journal bestselling author, Tracy Lorraine.

I found peace in the last place I expected, but it was a mirage built on lies and unfulfilled promises.

I thought we somehow managed to find a way to co-exist in their little lair, but as usual I was wrong.

The second I felt settled, a corrupt Hawk turns up and flips everything I’ve come to know—and dare to trust— on its head.

Without a choice, I’m dragged out into the night by the man I vowed to obey— Maverick Murray.

Taken away from the protection of the man I loved to hate— Reid Harris.

Torn from the arms of the man who’s been my savior throughout this whole ordeal— Julian Dempsey.

They all had their reasons for needing me alive, but it was JD, the loyal best friend to the ruthless leader who taught me all about playing with fire.

The cocky playboy who likes to think himself a joker.

Just one smile from him and everything seems easier.

One touch and the rest of the world falls away.

The last thing I want to do is hurt him.

But I can’t forget that he’s a part of all this.

JD hurt me, even if it was with pleasure.

I never made a secret of where my loyalties lie.

And I have no choice but to leave him and Reid behind, as I clutch my husband’s hand, trusting that he knows best.

But what’s best for me, is the worst thing for JD. Because without me… his darkness just might pull him under.


Dear Reader,
Lawless is book three of four in the Harrow Creek Hawks series. It is a dark why-choose romance, meaning our leading lady has several love interests and never has to choose to find her HEA. These three a-hole alphas are certainly no heroes; their morals are questionable at best. If you’re looking for a good guy, then you’re in the wrong place. Enter at your own discretion.

AMAZON 

Three dangerously possessive men and one unbreakable woman.

Well then. Here I am, eating my words from my review of book two. Clearly I should have known that Tracy was lulling us into a false sense of security to then have the impact of book three land like a two by four to the head. WOWZA. My mind is still reeling.

After two very long books of edging the reader with everything that is Reid Harris, we finally, FINALLY, get the full impact of him here. And I am OBSESSED. When it comes to Why Choose romance, I will always have a favorite. But for the life of me, I couldn’t pick one here because I’m equally obsessed with all three of these guys. Maverick and his unwavering love and fierce protectiveness, my broken boy JD, and the dangerously alluring and mysterious Reid. I cannot get enough of these men. And with each new layer that Tracy peels back for these characters, the more obsessed I become.

Alana is just as amazing as she always was. She loves fiercely and doesn’t shy away from taking and demanding what she wants. This woman is a survivor through and through. She didn’t let her dark past dictate who she is and she embraced her broken pieces. This installment peeled back another layer of her past and brought the 4 closer to answers. But then everything gets turned on it’s head and left me sitting at the edge of my seat, biting my cuticles to nothing, as I waited for the other shoe to drop. And just when I thought we get s lull, bam! Cliffhanger. I’m not sure I’ll survive the wait for book 4 at this rate. I really won’t. But I may just have to re-read this one to tide me over.

If you’re looking for a sizzling RH with amazing, multi-layered characters, and plenty of darkness, grit, and suspense, look no further!

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Review: Princes of Ash by Angel Lawson & Samantha Rue

November 14, 2023 by · Leave a Comment

PRINCES OF ASH
Series: Royals of Forsyth University #8
Genre: Dark Romance
Author: Angel Lawson & Samantha Rue
Release Date: November 10,  2023

“To create is to reign.”

The phrase uttered by the Princes of Forsyth is no longer a motto, but a harsh truth: I’m carrying the East End heir.

My pregnancy announcement wasn’t the only bomb dropped at the Princes’ annual Valentine’s Day party. I’d revealed to the entire world that Rufus Ashby is an abusive man who rules his sons with a sadistic bent, terrorizing them into becoming the best soldiers a father can create.

Turns out, I’m not the only one fighting for survival in this house of horrors.

Whitaker – He’s beautiful and broken, and though my betrayal of him may be my biggest regret, he makes it difficult to feel guilty.

Pace – The same paranoia which makes him viciously cling to the things he loves also drives him to lock them away.

Lex – His brilliance is matched only by his loyalty, but there’s two sides to the man who wanders into my room at night.

It’s not just the Palace that’s haunted by evil men; it’s the very soil the structure is built on. I’ll soon come to find the traumatic bonds that link my Princes to one another are more than mere shackles.

If I want the Monarchs to succeed, if I want this baby to have a chance, if I want to survive…

I have no choice but to break the ties of the Ashby brothers the same way I destroy the Palace.

Brick by brick.

Princes of Ash is book 8 in the contemporary, dark, reverse harem, traumatic romance, Royals of Forsyth U series by best-selling authors, Angel Lawson and Samantha Rue. Please read the foreword for all content warnings and details.

AMAZON 

“This must be why men have testicles. They need somewhere to store all the fucking audacity.”

The absolute chokehold that this series has on me. GOD. Every single time I think to myself that it can’t possibly get better, these two authors go and release the next one and I am putty. PUTTEH. I thought I loved book one in this trilogy, but this one simply blew me away.

How these authors can continue to create some of the most unhinged, dark, and borderline irredeemable characters and then turn around and make you fall head over ovaries for them is beyond me. But here we are again. Because while I thought I loved the Lords and the Dukes, the Princes are EVERYTHING. When I hated them with a passion in the first book, this one humanized them. It gave a much needed peek into their humanity and vulnerability. We get to see them come back from hating Verity for her betrayal and their unwilling and inevitable fall for her.

Verity, like all of the royal women, is a fighter. This woman goes through hell for her goals, and doesn’t back down. I loved every single page of this book and devoured it in one binge read. Luckily, the authors took pity on us with a slightly more tolerable cliffhanger that doesn’t make the wait for the next book as painful. But GAH. I’m so obsessed.

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Review: Dreadful by Greer Rivers

November 12, 2023 by · Leave a Comment

DREADFUL
Series: Tattered Curtains #3
Author: Greer Rivers
Genre: Dark Romance
Release Date: October 19, 2023

? ????, ??????, ???????? ????????? ?? ??????? ???? ???? ? ?????? ????? ??? ? ????? ???? ?????.

????? ??????? ?? ?????… ????? ???? ?? ????????.

Fifteen years ago, a girl sacrificed her life for mine. I’ve wanted only justice ever since.

Then Talia entered the stage.

I’m the barber’s son. The Don’s nephew.
A prince without a throne and only revenge to fuel me.

She’s the bakers’ granddaughter. Sweet Tallie.
Their ?????. My ??????.

My desires have always stopped at vengeance. She’s made me want more. But my vendetta will destroy everything in my path, and I won’t risk bringing her into my world.

I never suspected she’d snake her way in on her own.

I craved a bite of her sugar and spice, but my little ?????? is fangs and venom.
Now all I want is to be bitten.

???????? ?? ? ????, ??????? ????? ????????? ?? ??????? ????, ??????, ??? ??????, ??? ?? ??????-??? ?????? ??? ? ???????? ?????????? ?? ??? ???????? ??????? ??????. ?????????? ???. ???? ????? ???? ???? ???????? ?? ?????? ????? ??? ??????’? ??????? ??? ??.

AMAZON

I’m the heroine in my story and the villain in everyone else’s.

Ummm, exsqueeze me, but where have I been? Clearly sleeping on the brilliance that is Greer Rivers obviously. Because this book? Total binge read.

I saw a few book friends reading this and the cover peaked my interest. Then I read the blurb and thought Medusa and Sweeny Todd? What an interesting mix. Then I grabbed it on KU, read the first page, and was instantly hooked! I am a SUCKER for a good revenge plot. And when you have a fierce FMC with a hit list? I am SO on it.

This is a dark mafia romance with two characters that I became OBSESSED with. We have Severino, a Don’s nephew who survived hell. But the only reason he’s alive is because a little girl paid with hers 15 years ago. And now he will stop at nothing by seeking revenge on those responsible.

Talia is hiding in plain sight. With a hit list of her own, she’s systematically making her way through that list with bloody precision. And she will not stop until everyone responsible for her past pay. Then Sever walks into her bakery. He has no idea who she is, but she does, yet not in the way you think. Look, I know I’m being vague, but trust me here. You want to know as little as possible here.

This gave me a touch of Mind*ck vibes, which I have been desperately seeking for MONTHS. But in its own very VERY unique ways. The pacing, the romance, the suspense, all of it was deliciously perfect. I binge read the first 85% of this book. I couldn’t get enough of it. I was desperately turning the pages just waiting for that other shoe to drop. AND OMG when it did! SO GOOD.

The ending was satisfying, but for some reason felt a bit fluffy. Don’t judge me. I’ve read some dark shit, okay? But all in all, this was an absolutely addictive dark mafia romance that I devoured in one sitting and will immediately be binging on Greer’s entire backlist, spank you very much.

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Review: Love Redesigned by Lauren Asher

November 11, 2023 by · Leave a Comment

LOVE REDESIGNED
Series: Lakefront Billionaires #1
Author: Lauren Asher
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: November 7, 2023

Julian
If I ever caught on fire, Dahlia Muñoz would fan the flames with a smile.
So, when she returns to Lake Wisteria, I fully intend to avoid the interior designer.
At least until my meddling mother exploits my savior complex.
The faster I help Dahlia find her creative spark, the sooner she will leave town.
But while I was busy getting rid of Dahlia, I overlooked one potential issue.
What happens if I want her to stay?

Dahlia
People say the devil has many faces, but I know only one.
Julian Lopez—my childhood rival and family frenemy.
I vow to steer clear of him while recovering from my broken engagement, but then the billionaire makes an irresistible offer.
Renovate a historic house together and triple our profits.
Our temporary truce becomes compromised as we face years’ worth of denied attraction and mixed emotions.
Giving into our desire is inevitable…but falling in love?
That isn’t part of the plan.

Love Redesigned is a steamy, small town romance about two family friends-turned-childhood rivals. It is the first book in the standalone Lakefront Billionaires series and has a happy ending.

AMAZON

Once upon a time, we were friends with a healthy competitive drive. Then puberty hit during middle school, and a new rivalry was formed, driven by hormones and immaturity. But now, we’re nothing but strangers.

I’m a sucker for a second chance romance with some rivals and enemies to lovers vibes. The blurb for this book immediately hooked me and I knew this would be my first Lauren Asher book.

All this time, I thought you hated me…”
“I never hated you, Dahlia. Not for a single second of a single day.”

It was also a refreshing twist to have the FMC be the one who’s down on love after having her heart broken.

Love Redesigned was a cute read full of swoony moments and a delicious slow burn. I loved the history between Julian and Dahlia almost as much as I loved their meddling moms. Dahlia and Julian grew up together. But then one fateful kiss in college changed everything. Dahlia left town and make a career for herself as a famous designer. While Julian stayed back and became successful in his own right on the developer side. Now Dahlia is back after a painful breakup with her fiancé, and all the long repressed feelings for Julian come roaring back when they decide to work together.

This was a sweet romance, that was almost a touch too sweet for my particular tastes. But my main quibble was it was entirely too long. There simply wasn’t enough meat to the story or tension to justify it being over 500 pages. It could have easily shaved off about 200 pages and not lost anything in the process. I couldn’t help but feel it was too stretched out and struggled to keep my attention. I found myself skimming heavily from 20%-80% of the book. All that said, it was still a cute and satisfying ending with no third act breakup. However, with the lack of tension throughout the book, I wouldn’t have minded the breakup.

It was an enjoyable albeit a bit of a forgettable read for me. I liked the characters and I loved the setting. It hooked me enough to continue with the series. It just didn’t grab me the way I had hoped it would.

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Review: Master of the Wilderness by Cherise Sinclair

November 10, 2023 by · Leave a Comment

MASTER OF THE WILDERNESS
Series: Mountain Masters & Dark Haven #7
Author: Cherise Sinclair
Genre: BDSM Romance
Release Date: November 7, 2023

Auto mechanic Erin Lockwood is not only newly divorced; she’s practically penniless.

When her emotionally-abusive ex flees the country to escape arrest for blackmailing other politicians, it’s actually a relief—a chance to reclaim her life. But retreating to the mountain house gifted by her mother, she’s met by hostility from the nearby town. The locals blame Erin for her ex’s corrupt actions that led to the construction of a private prison, drawing gangs, violence, and death.

Wilderness guide Wyatt Masterson lives by one Don’t Date Locals.
It’s a rule he’s followed effortlessly until Erin moves to town, and the city girl gets herself lost in the unforgiving woods. He doesn’t want to like the politician’s ex, but how can he resist the little mechanic’s chin-up attitude, her fortitude, and her unwavering honesty?

Erin finds Wyatt devastatingly attractive.
The big, rugged cowboy is tough and confident. An unshakable shelter. However, it’s too soon to get involved with anyone. Look what a mistake she made with her marriage. She needs time to heal and rediscover herself.

But time is the one thing they don’t have. Her ex’s crimes have born violent fruit, and no one in town is safe.

Master of the Wilderness is part of a series of interconnected, stand-alone, romantic suspense novels. The long, more-than-spicy romance has a protective hero, a stand-up heroine, and an endearing girl gang. Don’t you deserve a sigh-worthy, happy ending with no cliffhanger and no cheating?

AMAZON

Because I’m going to make you whimper… and I’ll enjoy it.”

Oh how I’ve missed Cherise’s Masters. It’s been a hot minute since I read her books and I can’t even tell you why. This author is the queen of BDSM. She’s able to combine, heat with heart and write heart wrenching stories full of thigh clenching spice. She’s one of my comfort reads.

This story had it all, romance, suspense, action, and all of the feels. Erin is healing from a divorce to her abusive ex who recently ran from the country and cleaned out her accounts. The only escape she has is her mother’s house but it’s in a town that unfortunately she’s infamous in due to her husband’s bribe taking to built a corrupt prison. This prison brought a crime wave to the small town that the people haven’t yet recovered from.

Wyatt is coming back from a volunteer mission in Africa. He’s a man who suffered horrible loss and doesn’t want to put himself on the line again. But there’s something about Erin that brings him peace and reels him right in.

Erin was this endearing combination of strong but vulnerable. She’s gone through so much in her life and she’s just looking for someone to really see her. She just doesn’t expect that someone to be the beautiful man in the cowboy hat and the soulful brown eyes. I loved these two togeher. I loved Wyatt’s quiet intensity. I loved how they didn’t fight their feelings for each other even with their pasts. I also loved the added suspense and action packed ending.

Admittedly though, this one just didn’t suck me in like the others in this series did. It was an enjoyable read, don’t get me wrong. But it also took me a few days to finish because I kept getting distracted.

Ultimately, it was still a great read that I would highly recommend to any readers who enjoy a well written, steamy BDSM with plenty of feels and a splash of action.

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