Review: Here With Me by Samantha Young

May 11, 2021 by · Leave a Comment

HERE WITH ME
Series: Adair Family #1
Genre: Romantic Suspense, Contemporary Romance
Author: Samantha Young
Release Date: May 11, 2021

Settled in the tranquil remoteness of the Scottish Highlands, Ardnoch Estate caters to the rich and famous. It is as unattainable and as mysterious as its owner –ex-Hollywood leading man Lachlan Adair–and it’s poised on the edge of a dark scandal.

After narrowly escaping death, police officer Robyn Penhaligon leaves behind her life in Boston in search of some answers. Starting with Mac Galbraith, the Scottish father who abandoned her to pursue his career in private security. To re-connect with Mac, Robyn will finally meet a man she’s long resented. Lachlan Adair. Hostility instantly brews between Robyn and Lachlan. She thinks the head of the Adair family is high-handed and self-important. And finding closure with Mac is proving more difficult than she ever imagined. Robyn would sooner leave Ardnoch, but when she discovers Mac is embroiled in a threat against the Adairs and the exclusive members of the estate, she finds she’s not yet ready to give up on her father.

Determined to ensure Mac’s safety, Robyn investigates the disturbing crimes at Ardnoch, forcing her and Lachlan to spend time together. Soon it becomes clear a searing attraction exists beneath their animosity, and temptation leads them down a perilous path.
While they discover they are connected by something far more addictive than passion, Lachlan cannot let go of his grip on a painful past: a past that will destroy his future … if the insidious presence of an enemy lurking in the shadows of Ardnoch doesn’t do the job first.

AMAZON | iBOOKS | NOOK | KOBO

She’d lit up under his hands. He tasted her fire on his tongue and, goddamn, it ignited something inside him.

I was immediately sucked into this story from the very first chapter. A fiery, tough as nails former Boston cop meet broody and reclusive former Hollywood star? Sign me right up!

If there’s one thing that I love when Samantha writes, it’s an enemies to lovers romance. There’s just something so sizzling ingrained into the chemistry of her characters that I’ll never get enough of.

Robyn was a heroine that I loved from the very first page. Hard not to love a fierce heroine that isn’t afraid to speak her mind. After a nigh on the job nearly costs her her life, she finds herself looking for answers. And for her, a log of her unanswered questions lie with her estranged Scottish father; a man who left her when she was just a little girl for an illustrious career protecting a Hollywood star.

Robyn finds herself in the remote Scottish Highlands, at Ardnoch Estate, going head to head with the reclusive owner, Lachlan and also in the center of an escalating stalker case.

If you love a good romantic suspense, this one brought the mystery and action in spades. Between the escalating hate lust going on with Robyn and Lachlan, and the whodunit mystery of the stalker case, I found myself incapable of putting the book down. The romance is a slow burn, a bit tamer on the steam but no less satisfying. What kept me absolutely riveted to the pages were all of the secondary characters, particularly the Adairs. I can already tell that I’m going to be hooked on this series because the set up for each of them is utterly delicious.

I love a good suspense when I can’t see the ending coming and this one definitely caught me unaware. I never saw any of it coming and it heightened the enjoyment that much more.

Lachlan definitely took his sweet time to extricate his head from his nether region, but man did I love to hate his broody, a-holish side. I particularly loved to see Robyn constantly put him in his place. I’m so excited to have another series to obsess over from one of my favorites. Hopefully we get Mac’s story next.

Samantha is the New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of over forty books, several of which have been nominated for Goodreads Choice Awards. She writes adult contemporary and paranormal romance, YA urban fantasy and YA contemporary fiction. Her books have been published in 28 languages in 30 countries. She resides in Scotland.

For more information visit http://authorsamanthayoung.com

Connect with Samantha

Facebook | Website | Instagram | Pinterest | Amazon | Goodreads | Bookbub | Pinterest | Book+Main

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Review: The Hate of Loving You by Maya Hughes

May 6, 2021 by · Leave a Comment

THE HATE OF LOVING YOU
Series: Falling #23
Genre: Contemporary, New Adult Romance
Author: Maya Hughes
Release Date: May 6,  2021

Six years ago, in the dead of night, I woke up to a cold bed and an even colder future without her.

I would’ve followed her anywhere and she left.

I thought I’d moved on and left all she meant to me behind. But a first love is never easy to forget. Even harder when I once felt our love is inevitable–inescapable. And I’ve been proven right once again.

One night brings us back together and derails our lives. We’re sent on a collision course with a future apart and even scarier–a future together. I’m back basking in the warm glow of her gaze and burning with the unquenchable fire of her touch.

We’ve walked this path before and our shattered hearts have been pieced back together. As easy as it would be to run again, I can’t stop wanting her.

This is our final chance to have what we’ve always wanted–each other. Or it’ll be our ruin.

The final book in the 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

We’d both made our choices. It was only fair we lived with them, no matter how much we hoped we could take it all back. There was no erasing the past.

What an emotional ride this trilogy has been. Dare I say, it’s one of my favorite stories from Maya Hughes to date? Because man, this is just not a story I’d be forgetting any time soon. Bay and Dare are simply unforgettable.

The overwhelming feeling of our past collided with my present, making it hard to breathe. But I needed him to hear it, needed him to know I still thought about him.

Their story was beautiful, tragic, and oh so epic. Spanning years and plenty of heartbreak, it was both infuriating and heart warming. And yes, I guess that combination was possible. what I’m trying to tell you here is that I felt all of the things. ALL OF THEM. And all of them hurt.

This book takes place six years after the events of The Sin of Kissing You. Bay is now a famous musician with plenty of loyalty fans. But she’s also the woman that never got over the loss of the love she left behind. A chance encounter brings her and Dare together again, but this time they’re both different.

My heart broke for Dare throughout the entire trilogy. I wanted to hate Bay for her decision in book two, but I also understood it. The woman put him through the wringer, and I get it. He definitely had to work for it, but a part of me wished she’d taken it easier on him. This book really went a long way into humanizing and endearing her. You felt her heartache. You felt her pain and you definitely felt her love for him. Dare may be a little older, but he still has the heart of gold. This really put their situations in reverse of book two, and I appreciated it. It was a nice little twist that went a long way into setting things right. Dare is no longer the tortured boy who’s angry at the world. He’s a man who knows what he wants and he’s not afraid of it. Bay really had to work for him here, but he gave it all back. Their connection is just something so heart warming that I couldn’t get enough of it.

It was an epic, unforgettable, and entirely satisfying confusion to an amazing trilogy. If you’re looking for a beautifully written second chance romance with plenty of feels and imperfectly perfect characters, look no further.

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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#DGRFave & Review: Reparation of Sin by Natasha Knight & A Zavarelli

April 20, 2021 by · Leave a Comment

REPARATION OF SIN
Series: The Society Trilogy #2
Genre: Dark Romance
Author: Natasha Knight & A. Zavarelli
Release Date: April 20,  2021

My husband hates me. But he’s also the only man who can save me.

Taken by a stranger, Santiago is my only hope.

Except that I don’t know if he’s dead or alive.

And for as cruel as he can be, the thought he might be gone is unbearable.

But he has nine lives, my monster.
He’s not finished with me yet.

And soon I’m back at The Manor.
Locked in my room.
At his mercy.

I know I am despised.
I know I have become the face of his vengeance.

But there’s something else too. Something between us. It’s a dark and gnarled thing. And it has its claws around my heart.

AMAZON | iBOOKS | NOOK | KOBO

 

Requiem of the Soul #1

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PREORDER #2 & #3 TODAY!

Resurrection of the Heart #3– Releasing May 18th

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It’s not my right to claim this yet, and it may not be healthy, but she’s mine. I didn’t see that for too long, I didn’t value that the way I should have, but she is God damned mine.

When I tell you that I INHALED this book the second it landed on my kindle…

I’m talking the sort of obsessed that keeps you hidden in a dark bathroom with a locked door so the kids don’t interrupt your reading. I’m talking the sort of obsessed that leaves you with honest to gawd shakes when you’re done because you’re that desperate for your next fix. I CANNOT DEAL RIGHT NOW. THIS TRILOGY.

Do you know the last time I can tell you when I liked book two in the trilogy almost more than book one? Never. It’s pretty much never happened. But where book one was spell binding, this was a dose of electricity straight down my spine. I LOVED IT is what I’m trying to tell you here. LIKE dying for the next book loved.

Now if you follow my reviews, you already know I love mean heroes. If they’re extra tortured and mercurial, even better. And Santiago is the definition of a tortured alphahole. The man is beyond broken and all things damaged. His pain is rooted with the type of betrayal you can’t recover from. So when faced with the betrayal of his own wife? Not even the devil himself can keep his vengeance at bay. There were times in this book where I wanted to throw him off a tall cliff. Honest to god, the man took things way too far and almost to the point of no return when it came to his wife. And yet, I couldn’t help but still root for him. How does that even happen?!

Ivy is the type of heroine by bookish dreams are made of. She’s a fighter with a sharp wit and a spine of steel. She doesn’t back down easily and even though she’s been through hell and back, she doesn’t stop fighting. This book almost brings her to her breaking point, and it was devastating to watch that point be brought by here husband. But man was it unputdownable.

Lies, betrayal, murder, a secret society with archaic rules…this story had it all. It was spine tinglingly delicious and addictive to the point where I binge read it in one sitting. To say that I’m dying for the conclusion is a mild understatement here!

About A. Zavarelli:

A. Zavarelli is a USA Today and Amazon bestselling author of dark and contemporary romance.

When she’s not putting her characters through hell, she can usually be found watching bizarre and twisted documentaries in the name of research.

She currently lives in the Northwest with her lumberjack and an entire brood of fur babies.

Connect w/A. Zavarelli: 

Facebook | Facebook Group | Instagram | Twitter | Mailing List | Website | Goodreads |Amazon | Bookbub

About Natasha Knight:

Natasha Knight is the USA Today Bestselling author of Romantic Suspense and Dark Romance Novels. She has sold over half a million books and is translated into six languages. She currently lives in The Netherlands with her husband and two daughters and when she’s not writing, she’s walking in the woods listening to a book, sitting in a corner reading or off exploring the world as often as she can get away.

Connect w/Natasha: 

Website: | Facebook | Facebook Group | Twitter  | Instagram | Pinterest |  Goodreads | Bookbub | Amazon |  NL Signup 

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Review: Falling Out Of Hate With You by Lauren Rowe

April 16, 2021 by · Leave a Comment


FALLING OUT OF HATE WITH YOU
Series: The Hate-Love Duet #1
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Author: Lauren Rowe
Release Date: April 15,  2021

I’ve tried to like Adrian Savage, the mercurial frontman for Fugitive Summer, while serving as his band’s opening act on tour.

We’re stuck together for three months, after all.

And I’m well aware I’m lucky to be here.

But it’s proved impossible.

He’s far too rude and dismissive a guy to get along with.

And way too good at getting under my skin. In fact, at this point, I think it’s fair to say I downright hate his guts.

Global thirst trap that he is, though, I’m finding it extremely difficult not to want to jump Savage’s bones, despite how much he infuriates me. I hate myself for it. But my body is going rogue on me. It doesn’t matter, though. I’m determined to resist him.

In fact, what I’ve decided is that, as long as I’m here and stuck with him, I’m not only going to give Savage the sound tongue lashing nobody else around here has the balls to deliver, I’m going to bring that bad boy to his knees.

AMAZON


We’ll have smoking-hot hate sex in every position, in every city, for the rest of the tour. And when the tour is over, we will be, too.”

I don’t always read rockstar romance, but when I do, you best believe it’s enemies to lovers. This trope is my catnip. And there’s just something extra delicious about a famous rockstar being thrown into the mix.

Adrian Savage is the front man of Fugitive Summer with a reputation to rival any rock star. Which is to say he’s no exactly known for being a choir boy. Pun intended. But I digress. Adrian also has a thing for a god challenge, and nothing is more appealing than a female that’s completely forbidden to him.

Laila Fitzgerald is a rising star in the music industry of her own accord. She happens to have a thing for the a-holes. And Savage? Well he just happens to check every box for her. And it’s all sultry looks and come hither glances when they first see each other at a party, until Savage finds out his best friend and band mate has a thing for her, and Laila finds out she’s the opening act for Fugitive Summer and Savage is less than thrilled with this. Then it’s all sharp barbs and insults with a heavy undercurrent of sexual tension.

Now I’m all for the back and forth and the angsty feels, but I’m not a huge fan of the entire premise of the book relying on one misunderstanding that one solid conversation could prevent. So I’ll admit I was entirely frustrated with the two of them and their continued back and forth of misunderstanding that can be fixed with a simple conversation they both stubbornly and immaturely refuse to have. On the other hand, it was oddly entertaining. I’m not sure how I feel about it honestly. I’m conflicted. I liked it and then it frustrated me?

But I digress again. I loved the hate lust and the slow burn. I was frustrated by the constant miscommunication. But then I also couldn’t stop reading it. So consider me hooked here. I’m already salivating for the next book. These two clash hard and come together even hotter. So I’m dying to see how they get past all of the craziness that happened in book one.

Lauren Rowe is the USA Today and international #1 best-selling author of the Reed Rivers Trilogy, Smitten, The Morgan Brothers, The Club Trilogy, select Misadventures, and more.

Lauren’s books are full of feels, humor, heat, and heart. Besides writing novels, Lauren sings in a party/wedding band in her hometown of San Diego, is an audio book narrator, and award-winning songwriter, which is why she’s able to bring original music to some of her rockstar-themed books. She is thrilled to connect with readers all over the world.

Connect w/ Lauren: 

Website | Facebook | Facebook Group | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads | Amazon | Bookbub | NL Signup

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Review: The Sin of Kissing you by Maya Hughes

April 8, 2021 by · Leave a Comment

THE SIN OF KISSING YOU
Series: Falling #2
Genre: Contemporary, New Adult Romance
Author: Maya Hughes
Release Date: April 8,  2021

 

I don’t deserve her forgiveness, but I can’t stop fighting for it.

Bay ran from me four years ago and I can’t blame her.

I broke her heart and my own with one split second mistake.

Now we’re thrown together for four weeks.

Training camp after the draft is the final step to cement my pro football careers, but after seeing her again, she’s the only future I want.

If I were a better guy, I’d walk away and let her live her life.

Maybe I haven’t learned my lesson yet because I can’t stop thinking about her.

And I won’t stop until she knows how much I still love her.

The sins of my past are hard to run from, but I’ll battle every single one, if it means one more chance with her.

The Sin of Kissing You is the second 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

 

A beat, and then another. I was so close to her. So in love with her still, even though I had no right to think I had a place in her heart after what I’d done.

My god. This trilogy. This story. I don’t even know where to begin. How do I even attempt to review this book without spoilers?

For me, it’s so important to see great plotting when I’m investing myself in a trilogy. What I mean by that, is that the story warrants three books. It’s not full of filler and drama for the sake of drama. There’s something driving the plot. And in the case of this trilogy, it’s all of those things and more.

Where The Art of Falling For You tells the story of how Story and Dare meet, fall in love, and ultimately have a heartbreaking end of their relationship in high school. This book reunites them 5 years later. Where Bay is still filled with heartache and hurt, Dare is filled with undeniable love and regret. He’s ready to crawl on his knees to earn Bay’s forgiveness, even at the cost of his dream career.

Dare is what I would call the imperfectly perfect man. He loves Bay so much and has sacrificed and been through so much, that you can’t help but love him. But you also see his inner demons that he still can’t beat. Demons that haunt him at every turn and the remnants of his fiery anger getting the best of him no matter how much he tries to turn a different page.

Their reunion is anything but smooth, but it was also heart achingly sweet and emotional. No matter how much anger Bay has, her love for Dare never really went anywhere. She finds herself at a crossroads with her life and her career and Dare pulling her in a different direction.

While I wasn’t as glued to the pages of this book as I was in the first one, I was still beyond invested in the story. And that ending?!!! To say that I’m dying for book three may be a HUGE understatement. I need the conclusion like YESTERDAY!!!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: 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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