Review: Hard To Lose by K. Bromberg

March 30, 2021 by · Leave a Comment

HARD TO LOSE
Series: Play Hard #4
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Author: K. Bromberg
Release Date: March 30,  2021

New York Times bestselling author, K. Bromberg, brings you a romance about love, forgiveness, and living every day to the fullest.

I know finding and signing a military vet to the agency is a long shot–but it’ll be good press just letting him try out. That’s what I tell my family, rather than admit I can’t get the letter he wrote us five years ago out of my head.

But what I tell the bartender in his hometown is a lie. I know veterans protect each other. So I pretend to be a graduate student.

Sparks. Flame. Fire. I accidentally got in too deep.

I didn’t expect to develop feelings for Gunner Camden.

And there’s no way I can admit to my lies now, not without destroying what we share. So I’ll keep faking it.

***

There are two versions of me: before, and after deployment.

Back then I was a screwup kid. I’d lie, cheat, and steal my way out of everything. My only love was baseball.

After I started fighting, I found out there had been another path for me. One that involved my dream. But by then I had seen too much.

The old me was dead, so I put my dreams to rest, too.

Then Chase Kinkade walks into my bar and reminds me that life is meant to live. No regrets.

Fresh. Happy. Hopeful. I can start to see a new dream, with her.

But sometimes things are too good to be true… and dishonesty is the one thing I can’t forgive.

Are you ready to fall for the Kincade sisters and then men who love them in K. Bromberg’s sexy, contemporary, sports romance series? These books can all be read as standalones, but you’ll enjoy reading them as a series!

Hard to Handle (Hunter & Dekker’s story – hockey romance)
Hard to Hold (Rush & Lennox”s story – soccer romance)
Hard to Score (Drew & Brexton’s story – football romance)
Hard to Lose (Gunner & Chase’s story – baseball romance)
Hard to Love (Finn & Stevie’s story)

AMAZON

She’s heaven. She’s hell. She’s the temptation I can’t resist and the torture I willingly put myself through, so I can watch her come undone before I get mine.

swoony sigh
Now y’all, I don’t typically go for those cinnamon roll heroes, but man did this one hit the spot for me. Every now and then a girl just needs a hero that’s sweet, supportive, kind, who is just too good to be true. And Gunner was all of those things and more.

Now I’ve been waiting a long time for Chase’s book. I just knew that watching this tough as nails sports agent that owns her sexuality and doesn’t have time for relationship fall and fall hard would be the most satisfying thing. And you know what? It really was. I actually thought for a while that her story would leave her with Finn, but I was super happy that Finn’s story is going to be told in the next book. And I’ve digressed. Back to Chase.

Chase is all about her job and her family company and she’ll do anything to end up on the top. So when she finds a long lost letter sent from a soldier to her father years ago, she’s determined to find him for PR Story gold. An upcoming baseball pitcher star giving it all up for the military just screams a good story. Too bad she has no idea where to find him.

Gunner long ago gave up on his dream of becoming a professional athlete. He’s settled in his quiet life as a bar owner/bartender, until a beautiful woman walks into his bar and tilts his world on it’s axis/ Chase has no idea that Gunner is the man that she’s looking for. And Gunner has no idea that Chase is the daughter of the sports agent that he sent a letter to all those years ago.

Now I’m not usually a fan of insta anything, but let me tell you, it just worked here. Chase and Gunner’s fall was quick and potent. They never saw the other coming and even though they know it can’t be permanent, they can’t keep away from each other.

Hard To Lose was a beautiful and touching story of love when you least expect it. It’s a story of life’s losses and second chances. It’s not perfectly wrapped up in a bow, but it’s satisfyingly real. And I simply adored it. I loved the way Chase fought for Gunner as much as he fought for her. I love a story with a strong female character, and Chase was one if I ever saw one. This was a story that from anyone else, I’d say was too sweet for me. But from K Bromberg, it just hit every single stop. If you’re looking for a swoon, small town love story with a tortured but oh so sweet military hero and an imperfectly perfect hero, look no further.

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Review: Vicious Little Snakes by Trilina Pucci

March 27, 2021 by · Leave a Comment

VICIOUS LITTLE SNAKES
Series: Hillcrest Prep #2
Genre: New Adult Romance
Author: Trilina Pucci
Release Date: March 25,  2021

Caroline Whitmore is cunning, inconsiderate, and ruthless.

Despite that, I can’t recall a day when I haven’t thought about her at least once. On paper, we’re a perfect match—Only on paper.

In real life, we’re a disaster.
She hates me. Hates the way I dress—everything I say.
My basic existence.

But what I hate is more complicated.
Because I’m a moth to a gorgeous, petite, brunette flame.

I hate that I still remember what she wore the day we sat together in sixth grade.

And that I would move mountains for her smile.

I hate every guy that gets too close.
And that one of them gets to stay.

I hate that I want her so bad that I used my best friend to make her jealous.

But most of all, I hate that Caroline Whitmore is the one that got away.

AMAZON

How is it that I can love you and hate you with the same heart?” 

Oh. My. GAWD.

First of all, how have I not discovered this series sooner? Like seriously. What rock have I been living under that I haven’t read Filthy Little Pretties yet? WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME? But also, I completely did myself a disservice by reading book two before book one, because clearly there’s a legacy element in the story. So don’t be a Lana, read book one first. Because if you don’t, you’ll spend a good chunk of the first 40% looking like this
Seriously. I was confusion. All of the confusion. But it did click at the end. But I digress. Can we talk about this book now? Because GAH.

Remember Kathryn Merteuil from Cruel Intentions? Well imagine someone giving her a soul, a backstory, and making her a redeemable villain. Because Caroline Whitmore was basically a mashup of Katrhyn meet Blair Waldorf and I was SO HERE FOR IT. She was the ultimate misunderstood bad guy, or girl if you will. And my heart just bled for her and all of her jagged pieces.

When I tell you that this story is crack, I mean it’s CRACK. The tension, the angst, all of the teenage drama, the slow burn relationship. ALL OF IT. It was so freaking delicious, I wanted to lick my fingers when I was done turning the last page. But I didn’t. Because, well, germs, and also COVID. But I seriously thought about it. But I digress again.

Liam and Caroline’s story was full of heart, drama, and did I mention the drama? I have to say, if we didn’t spend time in Caroline’s head, it would be easy to hate here. Because the girl is a vicious little beoch. And gosh, but I loved that about her. She’s the ultimate hurt them before they hurt you sort of vicious. She lashes out to hide the pain no one sees her go through.

Liam hasn’t forgiven her for a stunt she pulled in book 1, and their friendship never recovered that blow. He spends his time secretly pining for her while hating her with the same breath. She spends her time wishing things were different but knowing they can’t be. Together they’re absolutely toxic and I loved every minute of it.

My one and only quibble is what I mentioned above. I did walk into the book thinking it would a standalone in a series, but it didn’t quite start that way. There was a lot of carry over from the previous book and events mentioned off the pages that took place in book one. This was a bit confusing to wrap my mind around and I wish we got a little flashback to that in this book. Now don’t start coming for me, because I fully admit it’s my bad and already grabbed book one to rectify this. But I also know myself and know even if I read it when it released, my puny brain would forget it, so the refresher would have been good. But I digress again.

If you’re looking for the ultimate angsty read with all of the teenage prep school rich kid drama you can handle, look no further. Welcome to your new addiction!

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#DGRFave & Review:Requiem of the Soul by Natasha Knight & A. Zavarelli

March 24, 2021 by · Leave a Comment

REQUIEM OF THE SOUL
Series: The Society Trilogy #1
Genre: Dark Romance
Author: Natasha Knight & A. Zavarelli
Release Date: March 23,  2021

A Brand New Arranged Marriage Dark Romance Series by A. Zavarelli and Natasha Knight.

I was born with noble blood in my veins.

Heir to a powerful dynasty.

Wealth. Power. Aristocracy.

Temptations too dangerous to resist.

Until someone tried to steal it all.

Scarred and broken, I emerged from the flames.

Now I’ve returned to take what’s mine.

Revenge.

The first item on my agenda?
Make Ivy Moreno my wife.

Second?
Bend her until she breaks.

AMAZON

I’m your worst fucking nightmare, wife of mine. It’s about time you realized it.”

Tell me a book completely owned you without telling me a book completely owned you.
When two of your favorite authors come together to write a trilogy, you just know you’re in for something good. But when I tell you that nothing prepared me for this story, I mean NOTHING prepared me for this story. It. Was. EVERYTHING.

She will be mine to do with as I please. Mine to take. Touch. Torment.

I devoured this book in one sitting and was left rocking myself in a corner while nursing the book hangover to beat all book hangovers. GAH. I still just can’t, but I’ll try to get my sh*t together long enough to write this review.

A secret society of secrets, duty and power. A revenge years in the making. An arranged marriage between a ruthless man and the beautiful woman stuck in the crosshairs of his deadly plans. Sound intriguing? IT WAS EVERYTHING!

Santiago and his sister are the last remaining in their family line. He’s spent years waiting for his revenge, and now Ivy will become collateral damage in his plan. I don’t even know how to describe the feelings this story brought out in me. There’s just this aura of darkness with a doze of spine tingling danger that hooked me from the first page and kept me riveted until the last one.

Santiago is the ultimate tortured and brooding hero. Or an anti-hero, if you will. Because the man is the furthest thing from decent. He’s set on his revenge at any cost, and his new bride is the ultimate collateral damage. Her family cost him everything and he will make them pay, starting with her.

Ivy was an incredible heroine. She’s strong, fierce, but also with just the right amount of vulnerability that just makes you connect with her from the second she appears on her page.

This book had everything; incredible chemistry, a dark undercurrent of mystery, a dangerous revenge, and romance brewing in spite of everything being stacked against it. And then that cliffhanger? I honestly don’t even know what to do with myself until the next book. But what I do know, is this is easily one of my favorite books from both of these authors and I DIED for it. DIED FOR IT I TELLS YA!

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Review: Mafia Bride by CD Reiss

March 17, 2021 by · Leave a Comment

MAFIA BRIDE
Series: The DiLustro Arrangement #1
Genre: Dark, Mafia Romance
Author: CD Reiss
Release Date: March 16,  2021

 

An epic mafia romance trilogy that sets a new bar for just how dark a hero can get, from NY Times Bestselling author CD Reiss.

 

Some girls dream of marrying a prince, but I never imagined I’d be sold to a king.

Santino DiLustro.

The king.
The monster.
The keeper of secrets.

When he forced me to marry him, I cried for love I’d never know.

When he locked me away, I cried for the freedom I lost forever.

Every other tear I’ve shed is for my soul, because I’m falling for the devil himself.

AMAZON

I’m a prisoner of a man too beautiful for human eyes and more evil than I can comprehend.

This was the book that I never even realized I was waiting for CD Reiss to write. My obsession with all things CD began with her Songs of Submission series waaaay back. And while I’ve loved all of her books since, they haven’t quite given me the tingles of SoS variety. Until this one. THIS ONE. GAH. This is how you write a mafia romance. You know those traditional mafia romances with the virgin heroine that’s essentially sold to her husband? The books that I don’t typically care for because well…virgin heroine. I am happily eating my words when it comes to this story. Because this story? SO STINKING GOOD.


He is a predator. I am his prey. I am his property, and he is my master.

This story was utterly delicious. Violetta Moretti is a 19 year college student that suddenly finds her life turned completely upside down. Having lost her family at a young age, she’s lived the last few with her aunt and uncle in America. But suddenly finds herself thrust into her Italian roots and the bride of the mafia king, Santino DiLustro, whose mere name sends fear shivering down men’s spines.

A debt that’s to be paid.

A marriage that she never wanted.

A husband that’s determined to own her and her submission.

And a deliciously twisted story full of mystery and secrets.

The story was a bit of a slow start, and I found myself skimming through a few details. But then when it took off, it really took off. I was hooked. Completely captivated. Santino is the ultimate alpha hero. He’s magnetic. Domineering. Uber protective. And has sexual chemistry basically oozing from his every pore. GOD but I loved this man.

Violette for being a young and somewhat sheltered heroine was FIERCE. I loved this woman and her spine. She was spitting fire the entire time and never backed down. You seriously gotta love a female like that.

As for the rest? It was one of the most delicious slow burns I’ve ever read. And when that cliffhanger hits you? MOTHER OF ALL SANITY! I’ll go crazy waiting until the next book.

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Review: The Art of Falling For You by Maya Hughes

March 11, 2021 by · Leave a Comment

THE ART OF FALLING FOR YOU
Series: Falling #1
Genre: Contemporary, New Adult Romance
Author: Maya Hughes
Release Date: March 11,  2021

 

“Are you stalking me?”
“We live right next door to each other, New Girl.”

Bay Bishop aka The New Girl is my new neighbor. Glasses, stage crew black clothes and a knack for fading into the background.

She’s probably the only one who rolls her eyes when I walk past instead of cheering on my last touchdown play. But before I can shove her into the recesses of my mind filed under “Not my problem” she lands herself smack dab in the middle of my dreams.

I catch her singing with a voice unlike any I’ve heard before that taps into feelings I shouldn’t have for the girl who avoids me at all costs. I need to know why she hates me.

With three months until graduation, the final play is on. Only it’s not for more points. It’s for Bay.

Unlike my success on the field, this win is anything but assured. But I can’t stop myself from taking the risk.

There’s no flashing scoreboard.
There’s no cheering crowd.
There’s only her and me.

The countdown clock is ticking. The only thing scarier about finding my first love will be losing her.

The Art of Falling for You is the first book in the new Fulton U universe sports romance, Falling trilogy.

AMAZON

CHECK OUT THE FULTON U SERIES

#1 The Perfect First | #2 The Second We Met | #3 The Third Best Thing | #4 The Fourth Time Charm

Read for Free with Kindle Unlimited

 

He was chiseled, in an ‘I’ll sweet talk you with bloody knuckles’ kind of way. He was the epitome of the boy from the other side of the tracks, only instead of a motorcycle, he drove a muscle car.

I’m obsessed! I’m absolutely blown away! This story owned me from beginning to finish and is one of my favorite Maya Hughes books to date. When I tell you that this is going up there with my favorite NA romances, I mean the last time I was this obsessed, was when I was reading the Tristan and Danika trilogy.

She was absolute trouble. Who’d have known my late-night bike riding, guitar playing, stage crew maven neighbor could be so dangerous to my sanity? But here I was, and I wouldn’t change a thing.

Now look, when I learned this was a trilogy, I was hesitant to pick it up. I have the worst ADD when it comes to trilogies. But the second I started this book, I knew I’d be desperately awaiting each installment because the story OWNED me.

The way that Maya decided to write this angsty second chance romance is absolutely brilliant. We get a glimpse into Bay’s present, only to be thrown right into the past four years ago and watch as she falls for the boy next door. All the while knowing that their slow burn romance is meant to blow apart in the most painful of ways. But I’ll get to that in a second.

He’d demolished me. I’d been so worried about fixing him, but I should’ve been preparing to fix myself when he shattered me. Cruel. Violent. Vicious.

Bay and Dare are neighbors, but there’s no love lost between them at first. While Dare is utterly captivated by the girl next door, Bay can’t seem to give him the time time of day. If you’re a fan of the good girl meets tortured boy trope, prepare yourself for one addicting read.

While Bay is the social outcast of their high school, Dare is the golden boy tight end with a tragic story that he struggles to hide from everyone. This is the ultimate opposites attract story, and the most delicious slow burn. Bay is just looking to survive her final year of high school and the last thing she wants is the spotlight from the attention of the football team’s golden boy. Dare can’t seem to stop chasing her, and eventually the attraction between them blooms into a friendship that ultimately becomes a love that neither expected or was prepared for.

The feels! OH MY GOD THE FEELS of this book. The sweet, delicious angst. The emotion. I lived for it. Watching them fall for each other, all the while knowing what looms ahead was the sweetest sort of torture. It was like you knew that train wreck was coming, and you knew it would demolish you, but you couldn’t look away. And oh my god did it demolish me. But nothing and I mean ABSOLUTELY NOTHING could have prepared me for the last lines of this book.

If I thought I was obsessed with this story before, the last line OWNED ME. I won’t spoiler it for you, and I highly recommend you avoid reading too many reviews and just go into this book absolutely blind. TRUST ME.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to rock myself in a dark corner while I wait for book two. Because GAH. JUST GAH.

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 | Instagram | Facebook | Bookbub 

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Review: Strong, Silent Cowboy by Lora Leigh & Veronica Chadwick

March 10, 2021 by ·


STRONG, SILENT COWBOY
Series: Moving Violations #2
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Author: Lora Leigh & Veronica Chadwick
Release Date: March 9, 2021

He Will Do Anything…

Sallie Hamblen had three incredibly hot, sexy nights with Jacob Donovan, an undercover CIA agent, before he disappeared, leaving her broken hearted and forever yearning for the man she lost. Years later, Jacob doesn’t know that the beauty he’s about to seduce in a small town bar is the woman he held in his arms all those years ago… and that she’s on the run from her past.

 

To Keep Her Safe…

Former CIA agent turned cowboy, Jacob Donovan wants nothing more than a simple life. Just the ranch and occasionally someone warm and sweet in his bed. Until Sallie comes back into his life and all of a sudden he wants to be in her bed every night…all night. When he discovers that her life is in danger, he swears he’ll protect her.

 

Even when secrets are revealed that threaten everything between them, he will lay everything on the line to keep her in his arms.

AMAZON

This man was dangerous, and she knew it. Something about him warned her that he rarely played, but when he did, he played to win.

Lora Leigh books have been a guilty pleasure for years and will always be what I reach for when I want a super sultry story with an uber alpha.

This is book two in the series, but easily enjoyed as a standalone. I didn’t love book 1, but I did enjoy this one quite a bit.

I won’t spend too much time on the plot, because you can really gather most what you need from the blurb. Years ago, Sallie gave her virginity to a man that owned her, body and soul. They spent an unforgettable night between the sheets, only for him to disappear from her life. Sallie is also running for her life from a dangerous enemy while struggling to figure out why they’re after her. Hiding in the small town, she comes face to face with the man that stole her heart all those years ago. The problem? He doesn’t remember her.

Now if you’re looking for a super hot story, look no further. If there’s one thing that Leigh can write is one hot sexy scene. I also live for her uber alphas, and a CIA agent turned small town sheriff and with a filthy mouth is right up my alley. Sallie took me a bit to warm up to. She’s a bit hot and cold. She won’t give her heart away, but she can’t turn him down when he kisses her. She wants him, she can’t have him. She can’t put him in danger by sharing her secret, but she continues to sleep with him.

Ultimately, where the story dwindled a bit for me were on the details. Or really, the consistency of them. The years were jumbled and jumped all over the place. Three nights spent together or one night spent together. She spent 2 years on the run or 3 years on the run. It’s been 6 years or 3 years. I mean, it was all over the place and made me wonder if the published version will have this fixed.

There’s also some details that are left unanswered at the end that left me hanging. I had hoped the epilogue may touch on them, but ultimately, they were just left mostly unresolved.

All that aside, I did still enjoy this. The added suspense element kept me turning the pages, and the chemistry between Sallie and Jacob kept me invested. If you’re looking for a super steamy, suspenseful read, this one may do the trick.

· Filed Under: All Reviews, Contemporary Romance · Tagged With: ,

Review: Private Property by Skye Warren

March 9, 2021 by ·

PRIVATE PROPERTY
Series: Rochester Trilogy #1
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Author: Skye Warren
Release Date: March 9, 2021

Private Property by Skye Warren is now live!

 

When I signed up for the nanny agency, I didn’t expect a remote mansion on a windswept isle.

Or a brooding billionaire who resents his new role.

 

His brother’s death means he’s now in charge of a moody seven year old girl.

She’s lashing out at the world, but I can handle her.

I have to.

I need the money to finish my college degree.

 

 

As long as I can avoid the boss who alternately mocks me and coaxes me to reveal my darkest secrets.


AMAZON | iBOOKS | NOOK | KOBO | GOOGLE PLAY

It isn’t right for a man so hard to look almost beautiful.

Every single time I tell myself I’m done with trilogies, Skye Warren makes a liar out of me. And you know what? I’m not sorry. Well, actually, I am slightly sorry. Because that cliffhanger was PAINFUL. Like what in the ever loving sanity?! How am I supposed to be patient after that? But I digress.

I am a sucker for dark, broody, and mysterious heroes. And Beau Rochester is all of those things and more. A brooding and reclusive billionaire playboy that I was dying to get more details on but who remained elusive until the very last page.

Jane Mendoza arrives to the gloomy town in Maine for a year long nanny contract. But nothing prepares her for the man of the manor or the broken little girl he has become the guardian for after the tragic death of her parents. Jane is the sweet and innocent to Beau’s hard and jaded. A product of the foster system, she’s seen the worst of humanity in her young years, but still managed to hold onto this endearing air of innocence. She doesn’t hesitate to stand up to Beau and his mercurial mood swings, even if at times she did give in too easily to the sexual chemistry between them.

The story is told in dual POVs with more time spent in Jane’s head, though I’m hoping that will change in book two because I’m dying to know more about Beau. There’s a dark mystery that slowly unravels about Beau’s family history, but just as you think you know, Skye hits you with a cliffhanger to beat all cliffhangers. I’m pretty sure I sat there in a numb stupor for a solid five minutes, attempting to go to the next page, before finally accepting that there WAS NO MORE. GAH. But I digress again.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to stare longingly at Goodreads, hoping that the second book will magically appear with a release date immediately. *deep sigh*

Skye Warren is the New York Times bestselling author of dangerous romance such as the Endgame trilogy. Her books have been featured in Jezebel, Buzzfeed, USA Today Happily Ever After, Glamour, and Elle Magazine. She makes her home in Texas with her loving family, sweet dogs, and evil cat.

Connect with Skye

Website |Goodreads | Amazon | Facebook | Facebook Group | Instagram | Twitter | Bookbub | Pinterest

· Filed Under: All Reviews, Contemporary Romance · Tagged With: , ,

Review: Dotted Lines by Devney Perry

March 2, 2021 by · Leave a Comment

DOTTED LINES
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Series: Runaway #5
Author: Devney Perry
Release Date: March 2, 2021

Clara Saint-James is completing a journey started by an old friend. She’ll return a Cadillac to California, a place she’s avoided for more than a decade. But it’s time for closure and to put old ghosts to rest. And it’s time to find out if the feelings she’s cherished for the boy from her past are just fanciful memories—or if there’s a chance they are real.

Timing was never on her side, especially when it came to Karson Avery. The two of them lived in a junkyard as runaway teens, and though she wanted more than his friendship, he always belonged to another—until that one night when he was hers.

When Clara finds Karson living in a small, coastal town, she’s not surprised the beautiful boy from her past grew into a stunning man. His smile is as captivating as ever. His eyes have the same roguish glint. But timing is still working against her.

Clara must decide how far she’s willing to go to battle for Karson’s heart. Or if it’s time to let him go and surrender to the dotted lines that have always kept them apart.

 AMAZON | iBOOKS | NOOK | KOBO

The boy I’d loved before his life had gone one direction and mine had gone the other. And between us streaked those dotted lines.

It was such a bittersweet thing to read this book. I fell so hard for this series and as much as I was anticipating Karson’s story, I hated to see it come to an end.

She made me feel like I could move mountains. Like I could swim across the ocean and back.
She was . . . she was my Clara.
Maybe that was why it had been so easy to fall for her, even when I’d known I shouldn’t. Twelve years ago. Today. Here I was, still hanging on her every step. Clinging to every word. Every smile.

Now I’m not usually a reader that loves sweet romance, but something about this one just grabbed me. Maybe it was the emotional punch of the second chance romance? Maybe it was the innocent love that formed between two teens that have been through hell and found safe haven in one another. Whatever it was, it just worked. And I devoured it.

It’s finally Clara’s turn with the Cadillac in this book and her journey takes her back to Karson, the boy that she once shared a tent in a junk yard with. Clara loved Karson as a young girl but she never thought he’d return her feelings. I loved getting a glimpse into young Karson and Clara and watching their sweet friendship bloom to something more.

Older Clara hasn’t changed much. She’s a little wiser, and now with an adorable son. But one thing that hasn’t changed, was her feelings for Karson. But their reunion doesn’t go as she planned and timing has never been on their side. It seems like their reunion still isn’t the right time.

There’s so much emotion that’s packed into this book. I especially loved the deeper insight into Lou through the memorabilia and notes. I cried like a baby at one part in particular. Karson is not my typical alphahole. He’s sweet and caring, and he loves DEEP. He’s just a genuinely nice guy that never stopped loving Clara but their timing just never seemed right. I loved their slow burn journey to a HEA. And that epilogue? OMG it was perfection!

Devney is a USA Today bestselling author who lives in Washington with her husband and two sons. Born and raised in Montana, she loves writing books set in her treasured home state. After working in the technology industry for nearly a decade, she abandoned conference calls and project schedules to enjoy a slower pace at home with her family. Writing one book, let alone many, was not something she ever expected to do. But now that she’s discovered her true passion for writing romance, she has no plans to ever stop.

Connect with Devney

Website | Goodreads | Amazon | Facebook |  Facebook Group |  Instagram | Twitter | Bookbub | Pinterest

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Review: Ruthless Creatures by J.T. Geissinger

February 19, 2021 by · Leave a Comment

RUTHLESS CREATURES
Series: Queens & Monsters #1
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance, Suspense
Author: J.T. Geissinger
Release Date: February 19, 2021

An explosive new novel of love, lies, and obsession from bestselling author J.T. Geissinger

Five years ago, my fiancé disappeared. Left me with a wedding dress I’d never wear. Left me with the kind of scars that can’t be healed. The man I built my future on vanished like a ghost. All that remained were my broken heart and unanswered questions.

Until a mysterious stranger arrives in town.

Tall, dark, and dangerous, Kage is as full of secrets as he is sex appeal. Though I know he’s hiding something, I’m drawn to him like a moth to flame.

The intensity of our connection is addictive, unlike anything I’ve ever felt before. Heat crackles between us with every look, desire flares into passion, and I fall hard, helpless to resist.

But when I discover how he’s tied to the darkness in my past, I learn what happens when you fly recklessly into fire:

You get burned.

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People say time heals all wounds, but those people are assholes. Wounds like mine don’t heal. I’ve just learned to control the bleeding.

I have an obsession with JT Geissinger’s words. The woman has created some of my absolute favorite alphas and some of my favorite heroines. She’s the queen of banter and uber alphas. And I love me some uber alphas.

Ruthless Creatures is the start of her brand new Queens & Monsters series and I was so here for it. Mafia bad boys meet their match with fierce heroines? Yes please and thank you!

Let’s start with what I loved. Nat and Sloane. I am a sucker for a sassy and fiercely loyal BFF dynamic, and these two had it in spades. I couldn’t get enough of them.

He said that?”
“Verbatim.”
“Holy shit.”
“That was pretty much my reaction, too.”
Sloane pauses. “And you didn’t throw yourself to your knees, rip open his zipper, and latch onto him like a sucker fish?”
Rolling my eyes, I sigh. “And they say romance is dead.”

I lived for glimpses of Sloane in all her sassy, maneater glory. I love a female that owns her sexuality and is not one to settle. I can’t wait to meet the man to bring her to her knees. But I digress.

Nat met the love of her life, only for him to disappear on their wedding day. Five years later, she’s still moving on from the loss. The worst of it is the not knowing what happened to him and whether he’s alive or dead.

She’s been living in limbo all these years, keeping her heart in check, and not able to commit to any man. Until a mysterious stranger with an aura of danger changes everything.

Kage was absolutely DELICIOUS. When I tell you that the man has presence, I mean he has PRESENSE. He practically oozes sexuality and badass. But he’s also hiding something dark and dangerous with Nat in the front and center of it. He tries to deny their chemistry for as long as he can (which wasn’t that long) until his need for her turns desperate. Now I’m not one for the insta-love vibe, but it actually worked for me here.

What kept this from being a five star were a few things. One, while the sex was hot, there was just too much of it. I found myself skimming sex scenes, and when I admit to doing this, you know it’s a lot. This was a lot more erotic than what I’m used to from JT’s other books. And don’t get me wrong, I’m a girl that loves a good sex scene. But when it begins to detract from the plot, it’s too much. I wanted more character development. I wanted more meat to the story. I felt like the focus was on the sexy times rather than the seriously intriguing plot. There’s so much to unpack here with the rival mafia families, and I would have loved to spend more time with that. As it was, I found the primary focus to be on the sex. The other, because the focus was primarily on the plot, the characters were more forgettable then what I’m used to from this author as well. I won’t find myself going back for a re-read of this one.

Now that’s not to say I didn’t enjoy it, because I really did. I finished it in one sitting. Did I love it? No. But I did like it quite a bit. I’m complete hooked on the series, and the set up for the next book? I’m drooling.

If you’re looking for a super spicy book with a bad boy, mafia, suspense, and the hottest dirty talk, you need to check this one out.


J.T. Geissinger is a bestselling author of emotionally charged romance and women’s fiction. Ranging from funny, feisty rom coms to intense, edgy suspense, her books have sold more than one million copies and been translated into several languages.

She is the recipient of the Prism Award for Best First Book, the Golden Quill Award for Best Paranormal/Urban Fantasy, and is a two-time finalist for the RITA® Award from the Romance Writers of America®. She has also been a finalist in the Booksellers’ Best, National Readers’ Choice, and Daphne du Maurier Awards.

Her first novel was published in 2012. Since then she’s written eighteen more novels. When she’s not writing, she’s reading, drinking wine, surfing the internet, and daydreaming about all the things she’s going to be when she grows up. She lives near the beach in Los Angeles with her husband and deaf/demented rescue kitty, Ginger.

Connect with J.T. Geissinger

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Review: Hard to Score by K. Bromberg

February 16, 2021 by ·

HARD TO SCORE
Series: Play Hard #3
Genre: Contemporary, Sports Romance
Author: K. Bromberg
Release Date: February 16 2020

I’ve signed numerous players to my family’s agency—I assumed winning over my next client would be just as easy.

The last thing I expected was to run into the boy who took my first kiss and broke my heart: only now Drew Bowman is all grown up.

Sexy. Scandal-tainted. Second-string. The crush I never got over.

I tell myself work is the reason I can’t get him out of my head. I tell him his talent far outweighs his position, and I know I can help. I lie and lie, because admitting that I want a second chance at my first love is impossible.

Some lines cannot be crossed, and ours was drawn in the sand years ago.

***

I’m supposed to hate her.

I’ve been told so time and again for ten years – her father ruined our family, smeared my name before my career even began.

But that’s not what I’m feeling now.

Brexton Kincade just strode out of my memories and onto my field.

Driven. Determined. Grown up. The Capulet to my Montague.

Being with her would be an unforgivable sin against my father, but I can’t resist the pull between us. Even if it means hiding what we have. Even if it means confronting the secrets I’ve always feared were lies.

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He tastes of anger and longing, and every ounce of pent-up frustration I feel toward him I sense it back from him.

I’ve been devouring this series one book at a time and the addiction stays strong. There’s just something about the premise to this series that just does it for me. The sisterly bond, the female sports agents, each one dealing with their own internal struggles on their road to their HEA.

Now don’t let my rating detract from anything here, because this was all personal tastes at play. But I’ll get to that in a second.

Brexton and Drew practically grew up together. And while Brex had the biggest crush on Drew when they were teens, she never thought he saw her as anything more than a friend. The friend zone was hard. Years later, she’s sent on a mission to steal a starring QB from a sports agent they all love to hate, and stumbles upon the immensely talented backup QB that also happens to be her childhood crush.

Drew lives and breathes football. It’s his biggest love and all he’s ever wanted to do. but most of his adult life has been spent living in the shadow of his father’s major scandal. There’s some bad blood between Drew and Brex’s families, that adds a new layer of complexity to their renewed chemistry.

But enough about the summary, let’s talk about the book. If you’re a fan of sweet but emotional friends to lovers romance, you’ll love this. I’m a reader that prefers a little less sweet and a lot more turmoil and angst, so admittedly I did find myself a little bored in parts. There’s still turmoil, but it’s mostly internal with Drew working through his family secrets and scandal. There’s plenty of complex layers, emotion, and steam to keep you turning the pages. We also finally see a human side to Finn that I’ve been waiting to see for three books now and was so happy to get here. I can’t wait for the next installment!


New York Times Bestselling author K. Bromberg writes contemporary romance novels that contain a mixture of sweet, emotional, a whole lot of sexy, and a little bit of real. She likes to write strong heroines and damaged heroes who we love to hate but can’t help to love.

A mom of three, she plots her novels in between school runs and soccer practices, more often than not with her laptop in tow and her mind scattered in too many different directions.

Since publishing her first book on a whim in 2013, Kristy has sold over one and a half million copies of her books across eighteen different countries and has landed on the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestsellers lists over thirty times. Her Driven trilogy (Driven, Fueled, and Crashed) is currently being adapted for film by the streaming platform, Passionflix, with the first movie (Driven) out now.

With her imagination always in overdrive, she is currently scheming, plotting, and swooning over her latest hero. You can find out more about him or chat with Kristy on any of her social media accounts.

Connect with K. Bromberg:

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Subscribe to her newsletter: http://bit.ly/254MWtI

· Filed Under: All Reviews, Contemporary Romance · Tagged With: , , ,
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