Review: Defiance by Cherise Sinclair

December 18, 2018 by · Leave a Comment

DEFIANCE
Series: Masters of the Shadowlands
Genre: BDSM, Romantic Suspense
Author: Cherise Sinclair
Release Date: December 4, 2018

Z’s day begins with sadness
A phone call from a dying friend leaves psychologist Zachary Grayson determined to fulfill the old survivalist’s request–a send-off that will comfort his grieving sons.

And then turns deadly
The death threat is only the beginning…because the letter isn’t a hoax. Z walks out of his office into a barrage of bullets. He can take being shot at, but when the second shot splinters the empty child-seat in his car, he’s shaken to the core. The horror of what would have happened if his little girl had been there spurs him to action.

Master Z is a Dom, a husband, a father—every instinct drives him to protect those under his care. When the police can’t catch his stalker, he must take matters into his own hands.

He must keep danger far from those he loves.
Secrecy and distance is the key. The funeral in Alaska is the perfect location, especially since Z won’t be alone. The survivalist’s sons have grown into men with lethal skills. With their help, he can trap the shooter and keep his family safe.

As long as his impetuous and all-too-observant wife, Jessica, doesn’t discover he’s using himself as bait.

AMAZON

Mako had been a master of war, but he’d known love was the strongest force in the universe.

Defiance was essentially a transition novella that introduces four brand new characters that will launch a new series from the queen of BDSM. It really had the perfect combination of things; a visit to one of my favorite Shadowlands couples, Master Z and his kitten, a cameo by one of my favorite sadists, deVries, and a suspenseful plot that introduces 4 intriguing new characters in a brand new series. It doesn’t get any better than that!

When Master Z receives a call from a dear friend to let him know that he’s dying, he doesn’t expect that his death would be as sudden as a car accident. Then when a stalker threatens his life, an escape to the wilderness of Alaska for Mako’s funeral seems like a great opportunity to take the threat as far away from his beloved family as he can.

The story introduces the reader to Mako’s four foster sons; raised as survivalist and each with their own story of pain that hooks you immediately and reels you right in. With Gabe’s story being the first in the series, you get a much longer peek inside his head in this book. And I’m already chomping at the bit to get my hands on his story.

The novella was perfectly paced, with plenty of romance, action, and suspense. I loved getting another visit with Master Z and Jessica. I also couldn’t get enough of the four foster brothers. I can already tell that series is going to be amazing. Fans of Sinclair will not want to miss this book!

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New Release & Review: All Of Me by @aljacksonauthor

December 3, 2018 by ·

ALL OF ME
SERIES: Confessions of the Heart #2
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Author: AL Jackson
Release Date: December 3rd, 2018

⋆Sexy Attorney
⋆Forbidden Romance
⋆The one woman who will make him question everything

People call me callous. Arrogant. Ruthless.

I call myself tenacious.

One of the most powerful attorneys in Charleston, I don’t let anyone or anything stand in my way.

Until a chance encounter changes everything.

One glance.

One touch.

One night.

It only leaves me wanting more.

But Grace is off limits. Most people would even say forbidden.

Everyone knows an attorney can’t sleep with his client.

Too bad I already did.

And even with the threat of losing everything, I don’t know if I can stop myself from having her again…

All of Me – a Confessions of the Heart forbidden, stand-alone romance

With you . . . for once in my life . . . I wish that I could be someone else. Someone better. That I could be worth it.”

A powerful, beautifully written and emotionally gripping story, All of Me was everything I expected and so SO much more!

Ever since he first appeared across the pages of More Of You, I’ve been absolutely captivated by Ian’s intensity. There’s just something something about him that sucks you right into his dark vortex. This is a man with dark secrets and a painful past. His history helped paint his present and mold him into the powerful and determined, do-anything-to-succeed man he is today. Nothing will ever stand in his way, especially a woman or love.

The second I’d seen him, I’d known the man could wreck me with the barest brush of his hand. And oh, had he done a whole lot more than let those fingertips caress my cheek.

If there’s one thing that AL Jackson can do like no one else, it’s suck readers in with her prologues. And the one in this book? SHIVERS. I’m talking full body shivers here, people. I was desperately turning the pages well into the night.

A chance meeting changes everything for Ian when he runs into a mysterious beauty at a work gala. Unable to get her out of his mind, he pursues her with a single minded intent. But he’s not the only one with dark rooted secrets, and Grace has some of her own. Secrets that just may cost both of them everything.

You’re going to ruin me, Angel Girl.”
“And you’re going to save me.”

Grace was the perfect balance to Ian’s intensity. She’s such a strong heroine yet has this vulnerability to her that you can’t help but fall in love with. She’s tenacious and protective when it comes to those that she loves. And she’s a woman that loves and loves hard. Even though she’s been through a hell of her own, she hasn’t lost any of her tenderness. The relationship between her and Ian develops over time. While their chemistry is instantaneous, they both fight what’s brewing between them until the flames just prove to be too much. I simply adore Jackson’s lyrical style to story telling. I think that’s what ultimately softened the dark edges of these two characters. Their story is not a light one, but the beautiful storytelling style helped lighten it. It was captivating and enrapturing.

I can’t wait for Mack to get his book next. Considering the books in this series just get better and better, I can’t wait to see what the next one will bring.


Don’t miss the awesome giveaway for the All of Me release! It’s a Fight for Me Bundle + More of You + $50 Amazon Gift Card!

I can’t wait for you to fall in love with Ian and Grace’s story the way I did! Enjoy!

xoxo ~

Amy

A.L. Jackson is the New York Times & USA Today Bestselling author of contemporary romance. She writes emotional, sexy, heart-filled stories about boys who usually like to be a little bit bad.
Her bestselling series include THE REGRET SERIES, CLOSER TO YOU, BLEEDING STARS, and FIGHT FOR ME novels. Grab A.L. Jackson’s latest novel, ALL OF ME, the second stand-alone novel in her brand-new CONFESSIONS OF THE HEART series.
If she’s not writing, you can find her hanging out by the pool with her family, sipping cocktails with her friends, or of course with her nose buried in a book.
Be sure not to miss new releases and sales from A.L. Jackson – Sign up to receive her newsletter http://smarturl.it/NewsFromALJackson or text “aljackson” to 33222 to receive short but sweet updates on all the important news.

Connect with A.L.

Facebook: http://smarturl.it/ALJacksonPage
Reader Group: http://smarturl.it/AmysAngelsRock
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Bookbub: http://smarturl.it/ALJacksonBookbub
Twitter: @aljacksonauthor
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· Filed Under: All Reviews, Contemporary Romance · Tagged With: ,

Review: Legacy Of Lies by Tara Leigh

November 27, 2018 by · Leave a Comment

LEGACY OF LIES
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Series: Legacy of Lies #1
Author: Tara Leigh
Release Date: October 15, 2018

Money. Status. Wealth. Power.
I believed I was entitled to all of it.
My legacy.

Jolie Chapman.
I thought I was entitled to her, too.
My love.

In a scandal that set our families against each other, I lost.
My legacy. My love.
Everything.

I was heir to a throne built on lies, my crown forged from corruption.
Stripped of everything I’d been raised to consider my birthright.
Including my princess—who wasn’t mine, after all.

I’ve spent the past decade rebuilding my life, on my own terms.
Money. Status. Wealth. Power.
They’ve been earned.
Now I’ve returned to Manhattan for redemption, too.

Jolie wasn’t supposed to be here.
… And I wasn’t supposed to care.

Screw me once, shame on you. Screw me twice—
Who am I kidding? I don’t believe in second chances anymore.

AMAZON

I was heir to a throne built on lies, my crown forged from corruption. Stripped of everything I’d been raised to consider my birthright. Including my princess—who wasn’t mine after all.

If you follow my reviews, you know that second chance romance is my catnip. Something in that sweet sweet angst of lovers reunited after years apart just speaks to me. I gobble it right up. So of course the blurb to this book reeled me in like a moth to a flame.

Admittedly, after finishing the prequel novella to this story, I was left slightly underwhelmed. I was a little nervous that the lack of feeling I had with that story would follow me into this one. Well I’m happy to report that I couldn’t have been more wrong.

She was a deposed Park Avenue Princess who discovered that her tiara had been made of paste and plastic. Just as my crown had been nothing but a con.

It’s been ten years since Jolie and Tripp were ripped out of their fairytale lives and away from each other by a scandal that rocked both of their families. A lie that that not only shattered the foundation of everything they knew, but imploded what they were to each other. And while it may have been ten years and they both went on with their lives, their past still molded them into who they are today. Neither has forgotten or gotten over the other, but the lies between them are simply too devastating to forgive.

Jolie and I had inherited a legacy of lies. Tonight, it would go up in flames.

This book brought all of the feels that I had hoped for and more. I loved Tripp’s intensity and the way he couldn’t help but want the woman he thought no longer wanted him. Their connection was instant when they were just kids, and it’s no less potent now. But now they also have to wade through all the pain that continues to follow them. Along with the romance that flames between them once again, there’s also a mystery of just what happened back then that drives the story forward. There’s plenty of plot twists and sizzle to keep readers at the edge of their seats from beginning to finish.

This woman was going to annihilate me. Again. And I was going to let her.

I enjoyed this book thoroughly! Tara Leigh has a new fan in this reader, and I can’t wait for more from her!

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Review: Irish Crown by Nashoda Rose

November 27, 2018 by ·

IRISH CROWN
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Author: Nashoda Rose
Release Date: November 26, 2018

From the New York Times & USA Today bestselling author Nashoda Rose, comes a new, sexy standalone romance novel.

It was one night together.

I wasn’t supposed to see him again.
I never thought I would.

And then, the six foot three cement graffiti wall of badass strides back into my life, and does it full force.
Now he’s protecting me from his past and I’m protecting myself against the heated chaos he erupts in my body. It doesn’t help that he can do playful and sweet, when he’s not doing bossy.

But the overly confident, playboy Deaglan Kane is danger, has no boundaries, and is totally off limits.

And I know behind his walls there’s a man with a dark and damaged past.
A man more dangerous. A man who may be the greatest threat of all.

The Irish Crown.

AMAZON

I looked up at Deaglan and I finally stepped off the cliff. I had no idea where it led, or when I’d land, but right now it was in the arms of Deaglan Kane.

To say that I’ve been mildly impatient to get my grabby little hands on this book would be a HUGE understatement. For those that have read Kept From You , then you’ll recall Kite’s mysterious and sexy cousin, Deaglan. And for those that haven’t, not to worry, because this is easily enjoyed as a standalone.

Hatred blurred survival. Survival crushed morals. Morals suffocated under revenge.

If sexy and brooding uber alphas are your thing, you NEED to meet Deaglan Kane. The man is pure tatted temptation. A mystery wrapped in an enigma and all of that in one deliciously sinful package that you can’t help but lust after.

Written in Nashoda’s signature style of sexy and gritty, Irish Crown sucked me in from the very first chapter.

Eva is a good girl. She’s not the type the type that goes home with a sexy stranger that gives her the best night of her life. She’s also not the kind of girl that knows how to deal with that same man giving her the brush off the next morning and all but kicking her out. But she is the type of girl that knows how to persevere and maintain her pride. So when that same mystery man that rocked her world shows up at the hospital she works at, demanding to protect her after learning she was attacked as she left his place… Well…she’s not sure how to deal with that either.

I absolutely loved Eva. She’s strength and vulnerability wrapped in a sassy package that gave as good as she got. And even though she didn’t make Deaglan work for it as much as I would have liked, I can’t quite blame her for it either. Deaglan certainly makes one impression and no ovary in a 100 mi radius can fight his appeal.

As for Deaglan…GAH. Just GAH! I couldn’t get enough of him. His past is a darkly shrouded mystery and with each layer that peeled away, I fell harder and harder for him. I loved seeing his protective and possessive side come out with Eva when he was determined to stay away from her. I loved watching him fall harder and harder for the woman that he never expected.

For those that have read Nashoda’s other books, you’ll definitely appreciate the numerous cameos here. There’s also some new faces that make an appearance that you’ll be desperate for more on. One silent enigma, Vic, to name just one.

The book loosely ties in with Nashoda’s Unyielding series, which this reader really appreciated. I loved getting more Kai, Deck, and the rest of the VUR team.

If you’re looking for a read that has a sizzling romance, page turning suspense, and some high octane action mixed in, then you really can’t go wrong with this one. I can’t wait for Vic’s book next!

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

Review: Mouth To Mouth by Tessa Bailey

November 23, 2018 by ·

MOUTH TO MOUTH
Series: Beach Kingdom #1
Genre: New Adult, Contemporary Romance
Author: Tessa Bailey
Release Date: November 12, 2018

A man with a prison record has no place around a fresh faced college student.

Tell that to Rory Prince.

He should stay the hell away from Olive Cunningham.

There’s one small problem, though. She won’t stop almost getting killed—and with this too-smart, too-sweet girl holding his heart in her hands, Rory is powerless to do anything but keep saving her.

Homeschooled from a young age, Olive is now out on her own and discovering the world, one milkshake flavor at a time.

Until recently, she has experienced life through books.

She’s walked in a million sets of shoes while flipping pages—enough to know that Rory gives her once-in-a-lifetime feelings.

If only he would stop trying to protect her…from himself.

AMAZON

He was so fucking deep in love with her, he was never going to reach the bottom. The rest of his life would consist of sinking, down, down, down, further into love with this girl. Olive. His Olive. 

Two things that are typically a lady-boner killer for me in books:
1. Insta-love
2. Virginal, sweet and innocent heroine

Two things that this books had:
1. Insta-love
2. Virginal, sweet and innocent heroine

I’m pretty sure that only Tessa Bailey is capable of throwing that at me and making me love it. I’m questioning my entire existence right now because of how much I loved it. Not that I’m going to be binging on insta-anything immediately after. But, if Tessa Bailey writes it? You best believe I’ll be reading it.

Mouth to Mouth is a New Adult romance that’s a deliciously fast paced read. It’s your steryotypical bad boy falling for the good girl trope, but with a Tessa Bailey twist on it. What does that mean? It means that while the heroine is most definitely a good girl, she’s also quirky, spunky, and witty. And the bad boy? A dirty talking god. What else do you expect?

Olive and Rory come from two entirely different worlds. A home schooled book worm that’s out in the real world for the first time on her own meets a bad boy from the wrong side of the tracks with a prison record under his belt doesn’t exactly make sense on paper. But when Rory saves the beauty with her nose stuck in her book from getting hit by a car, both their worlds get tilted on their axis. Olive is sweet and innocent. A college student out on her own for the first time ever. Rory is no good for her, but he also can’t keep away from her. He’s drawn into her orbit. And when he saves her life for the second time, all bets are off.

This was such a fun and sexy romance full of Tessa’s signature dirty talk and hot as sin scenes. It also have two incredibly endearing characters that you can’t help but fall for. Both Olive and Rory have their own demons of self worth that they’re fighting, but you root for the the entire way.

It also sets the scene for the other Prince brothers and man oh man does it sound delicious. Especially the MM one. I can’t wait!

If you enjoy a sweet and sexy light-hearted romance, this one is not to be missed!

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

Excerpt & Review: Control by K. Bromberg

November 21, 2018 by · 1 Comment

CONTROL
Series: Everyday Heroes #3.5
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Author: K. Bromberg
Release Date: November 13, 2018

“Sometimes love happens unexpectedly…”

From New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author K Bromberg, comes CONTROL, a new novella in her Everyday Heroes Series, brought to you by 1,001 Dark Nights! Be sure to grab your copy today!

From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author K. Bromberg comes a new story in her Everyday Heroes series…

Control is something Desi Whitman abhors. Why live life in black and white perfection when you can messily color outside the lines?

But when she comes face to face with SWAT officer Reznor Mayne, he’s about to show her just how good control can feel.

Every 1001 Dark Nights novella is a standalone story. For new readers, it’s an introduction to an author’s world. And for fans, it’s a bonus book in the author’s series. We hope you’ll enjoy each one as much as we do.

AMAZON

 

“That ego of yours is going to be sore tomorrow.”“Why’s that?” he asks.

“It’s working out right now, flexing its muscles and doing some heavy lifting.” It’s pretty damn hard to be sarcastic when the man still touching you is making you want to lean in and kiss those sexy lips of his and prove just how right he is.

And just how wrong you are.

A sheepish smile paints his lips. “Ah, but you like the muscles.”

I like a whole lot more than the muscles.

“Mmm.” It’s all I trust myself to say.

He leans in closer. I can feel his breath feather over my lips and the look in his eyes—one that says his interest is as strong as mine: hungry and aroused as hell—is enough to make every part of me want to step forward and into him.

But I don’t.

I want to.

But I also want to slow down whatever the hell this is.

“Hey, Desi,” he murmurs as he leans in close enough that both of our eyes flicker down to the other’s lips as we breathe the same air.

“Hmm?”

“You look gorgeous in that color.”

Oh sh*t.

I just swooned.

First flutters.

Now swooning.

Both are things I never do.

“Thank you.” My voice is barely audible when I finally swallow around the lump of desire clouding in my throat.

“For?” he asks, the rumble of his voice a seduction all in itself.

“For fixing my sprinklers.”

“And?”

“And for the compliment.”

His tongue darts out to wet his lips. “No need to thank me.”

Time feels like it slows as we stand like this in the afternoon sunlight on my patio—me in a bright yellow sundress and him in mud-soaked jeans. The birds chirp above. My heart pounds in my ears. My nipples harden in anticipation.

Jesus, just kiss me already, will you?

“Desi?”

“Yeah?”

Just as I get my synapses to fire and lean in and take the initiative myself, he takes a step back and says, “I need to take a shower.”

I draw in a shaky breath as his eyes remain on mine and their corners crease with his smile.

“It’s a good look for you though.” Nice recovery, Des. At least outwardly it is, because inside I’m kind of a wreck with more want than I care to admit to.

“I don’t need to have mud on me to get dirty.”

He winks, gives me one last once-over with eyes that relay every single thing they want to do to me, before he turns on his heel and heads in the direction of his house.

 

Control (Everyday Heroes #3.5; 1001 Dark Nights, #92)Control by K. Bromberg
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4 STARS


There was no softness, no tenderness—just stripped-down necessity in that first kiss.


I’ve loved sassy and quirky Desi ever since we first met her as the bff in Cuffed. And I couldn’t wait to meet the man that will shake up her world.

Demi doesn’t believe in forever. At least not with a man. Dogs? Absolutely! As the owner of Doggy Style, she loves her furry companions. But she hasn’t had much luck with men. They lie, they cheat, and what’s the point of forever when you can have the now? Her bestie may be happily settled down, but that’s not in her cards. When a home invasion leaves her seeking self defense classes, she stumbles on a man that won’t take anything less than everything she has to give.

Reznor is a SWAT commander that’s recovering in Desi’s small town after a job went terribly wrong. A change of pace is what he needs and teaching women self defense is the perfect escape. He doesn’t expect the mouthy beauty that steals all of his attention. And he certainly doesn’t expect to work so hard for her to take a chance on them. But that’s exactly what he does.

I loved Rez and Desi together. I loved the way that Rez pursues her with a singleminded intent. I love how Desi really makes him work for it. Their chemistry is absolutely incendiary and I couldn’t get enough of them. I did with for slightly more background on Desi to truly understand and connect with her fear of commitment. However, for a short novella, this was still entirely satisfying. It was fun, sexy, and quick paced. I devoured it in one sitting. A fantastic addition to a great series!

New York Times bestselling author K. Bromberg writes contemporary 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 and hate to love.

She’s a mixture of most of her female characters: sassy, intelligent, stubborn, reserved, outgoing, driven, emotional, strong, and wears her heart on her sleeve. All of which she displays daily with her husband and three children where they live in Southern California.

On a whim, K. Bromberg decided to try her hand at this writing thing. Since then she has written The Driven Series (Driven, Fueled, Crashed, Raced, Aced), the standalone Driven Novels (Slow Burn, Sweet Ache, Hard Beat, and Down Shift), and a novella (UnRaveled).

 Website | Facebook | Twitter

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#DGRFave & Review: Heartbreak Warfare by Heather M. Orgeron & Kate Stewart

November 19, 2018 by · Leave a Comment

HEARTBREAK WARFARE
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Author: Heather M. Orgeron & Kate Stewart
Release Date:

Briggs,

Remember when we parted ways in Germany? It was the day I broke your heart. What you didn’t know was that I was breaking mine too.

I thought they’d be enough–my husband and my son. That I’d get home and everything would go back to the way it was . . .

Before the war.
Before the ambush.
Before you.

But, no matter how hard I try, I can’t erase the trauma we shared. I can’t seem to forget the way my heart beat in time with yours.

The truth is I’m lost without you.

I thought the nightmare was over when they pulled us from that hole in the ground, but nothing could have prepared me for the war I’d face at home.
I know it’s selfish of me to ask, but, please, I have to see you one last time. . .

All my love,
Scottie

AMAZON

She’s handed my heart back to me, and I’m unsure of how I’ll handle its new broken rhythm. 

Oh.
My.
Heart.

It hurts. It hurts so good. This book WRECKED me. It absolutely wrecked me. It owned me, shattered me, and put me back together. It was one of the best books I read this year. PERIOD.

There are only two things in life I’m sure of: my love of this country and my love for you, only one can I do anything about.

I love a story that can take me out of my comfort zone and make me feel. And Heartbreak Warfare is certainly a book that will make you feel. It’s a gut-wrenching, rip-your-heart-out, cry like a baby, unforgettable story that owned me from beginning to finish.

As a reader, I don’t like love triangles. I don’t enjoy fabricated angst and drama for the sake of drama. I hate rooting for the guy that turns out not to get the girl in the end. I just don’t do it. It makes me ragey. But in the case of this book? Man. I’m speechless. It totally worked here.

Katy Scott is leaving her beloved family to be deployed. As an army medic, she’s seen it all. But nothing prepares her for what she’s about to experience. While on tour she meets Briggs, an infantry soldier that doesn’t seem to take much seriously. The connection between them is immediate, but Katy loves her husband and will never betray him. And then the unspeakable happens…

I don’t want to give too much away about this story, but I will tell you that it’s not for the faint of heart. What Katy and Briggs go through du is absolutely devastating. The authors spare no detail and you can’t help but experience the earth shattering losses along with them. It was GUT WRENCHING to
read.

Katy comes back a different woman. Her adjustment to life as a civilian is full of darkness and pain. I think what made this book as compelling as it was, was the fact that you get all three POVs; Katy’s, Brigg’s, and her husband Gavin. Kate doesn’t set out to fall in love with another man. But her experience also changes her and the only one that truly knows and understands what she went through is Briggs.

This is not a story that’s black and white. It’s rooted in the gray area of pain and loss. Katy’s character was such a powerfully written one. This is a woman that’s been through hell and it’s changed her. You understand her. You can’t help but experience all of her pain along with her. It connects you with her on a whole different level. I love the fact that no one is villainized. Both Briggs and Gavin are amazing. AMAZING. And I think that’s what made this story as difficult to read and incredible as it was. You want to root for both of them, but you ultimately know where Katy’s heart will lead. And it makes sense. It really REALLY does.

There is nothing gentle about his kiss. This is passion, doused in kerosene and set on fire. It’s a declaration of war, and I’m nowhere near ready for the feel of it, but I take it all as he hungrily sweeps my mouth with his tongue. 


I respect the hell out of these authors for handling certain subject matters the way that they did without shying away from giving the reader the gritty details. And while it was absolutely devastating to read at times, it was also incredibly powerful.

I feel like I’ve been through the wringer after finishing this book, but it was an experience unlike any other. An intensely emotional, one of a kind sort of read that I recommend EVERYONE needs to experience. I’m blown away, gutted, and simply captivated by this story. It will own my heart for a long time because I just don’t see myself forgetting even one little detail any time soon.

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Review: Bloodstained Beauty by Ella Fields

November 8, 2018 by · Leave a Comment

BLOODSTAINED BEAUTY
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Author: Ella Fields
Release Date: November 6, 2018

Fresh out of college and headed straight for my dream job, I didn’t think things could get any better.
Then I met my dream man.

In an instant, my happy ever after had begun.
The life I’d stumbled into was beautiful, and the man I loved was perfect.
But perfection comes at a cost, and I’d slumbered through all the alarms.

Then I met my nightmare.
The man whose bright eyes held untamed darkness.
The man who disarmed me with his peculiar behavior.
The man whose cold, merciless hands shook me awake.
In an instant, questions started to dismantle my happy ever after.

But whoever said the truth would set you free was wrong.
It wasn’t going to repair the cracks in my naive heart.
It wasn’t going to caress my face with comforting hands and reassure me it was all just a dream.
No, the truth shoved me down a rabbit hole, and I landed in the lair of a real-life monster.

AMAZON

Fairy tales, those perfect happy endings, were indeed for suckers. Suckers who could very well wind up dead.

I’m going to keep it real with you all here and admit that I didn’t even bother to read the blurb before adding this book for two very simple reasons:
1. It’s Ella Fields. She writes it, I read it.
2. That cover. Don’t you judge me either! Tell me you didn’t want to lick it when you saw it. TELL ME!

But I digress as usual.

This book? Nothing like what I expected. It was like a dark and gritty take on Beauty and The Beast. It sucked me in with the prologue and kept me riveted to the pages until the end. I was on the edge of my seat with every twist and turn. You only thing you know what’s happening when the author takes a sudden u-turn and everything you thought you knew is left in ashes.

Benevolent tenderness oozed from his heart even as blood and violence tainted his soul.

This story truly breaks the mold to the typical romance formula. It’s nothing like I expected and it owned me from beginning to finish. I’m used to the fact that Ella Fields will always bring me out of my comfort zone as a reader, and she definitely didn’t disappoint here.

While I’d love to tell you exactly what this book is about, I’d be doing you a disservice. You need to experience this story blind. And that’s exactly what you’ll do; you’ll experience it. That blurb is vague and for good reason. That’s precisely how my review will be, too.

Jemima is a heroine that’s unique in her own right. She’s a little naive and a tender heart. She hasn’t really experienced heartbreak, deceit, or betrayal in her young age. But then a chance encounter tilts her entire world on it’s axis. You know the pivotal moment that comes with her choices, because you experience it with the prologue. But instead of putting you at ease because you know what’s coming, it does the exact opposite. The story lulls you into a false sense of security, as you wait for that other shoe to drop. You think you know how and when it happens, but you really don’t.

As for the other main character, or the anti-hero really? I’m not going to tell you much. But what I will say is that he’s one of the most magnetic and intense characters and you know next to nothing about him for the majority of the story. I was salivating for just the tiniest hint into the back void that is him. And this man is dark. There’s not much gray there, trust me.

Bloodstained Beauty was one deliciously gritty read. If you’re looking for a read that’s as unique as it is riveting, this is a must read!

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Review: Beautiful Sinner by Sophie Jordan

November 3, 2018 by · Leave a Comment

BEAUTIFUL LAWMAN
Series: Devil’s Rock #5
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Author: Sophie Jordan
Release Date: October 30, 2018

Locked in with the town bad boy . . .

Most women would be scared, but Gabriella’s only worried about resisting Cruz Walsh, who’s even hotter than he was back in high school. Cruz was wrongly accused of the high-profile crime for which he was imprisoned; Gabriella’s desperate for the scoop that will get her career off the ground and get her out of Sweet Hill, where everyone still remembers her as “Flabby Gabby.” Being stuck in a supply closet with Cruz is the perfect opportunity to land an interview. What Bri doesn’t count on is Cruz taking “up-close and personal” to a whole new level.

If there’s a silver lining to the hell Cruz went through, it’s that losing his freedom put everything in perspective. Maybe starting over someplace new would be easier, but after years locked up, Cruz values his family—and his true friends—more than ever. So he’s back home, facing the gossip, dodging reporters . . . and face-to-face with Gabriella Rossi. They’ve both changed: Bri wants a story and Cruz just wants her. Another thing he’s learned? Don’t let a good thing slip away.

AMAZON | iBOOKS

Remembering him was easy. Forgetting less so.

I’ve been dying for Cruz’s book ever since I read Beautiful Lawman. There’s just something so deliciously angsty about a man that spends years in prison for a crime he didn’t come back only to come back to the small town in which he’s always been the boy from the wrong side of the tracks. Then the heroine is the cousin of the woman he was accused of murdering. Sign. Me. Up.

Admittedly Gabriella took a while for me to warm up to. She’s not my particular cuppa when it comes to heroines. She has deep rooted insecurities that date back to her high school years that even as an adult she hasn’t been able to kick. She allows everyone to walk all over her, ranging from her sister, to her a-hole ex and current boss, to the random mean girls from her high school days that still act like they’re sixteen. This wore on me at times.

But then somewhere around halfway through the book things took a turn for the better. Gabriella began to grow a spine and truly come into her own. She began to see her own appeal and not seek validation in any compliment thrown her way by Cruz.

Now Cruz.
*pervy sigh*
This man made the book for me.

So you have to realize that I’m going to ruin you for any other man. When we fuck, Rossi, it’s going to feel like the thing you need most in your life. Forget about food and water. Me. Between your legs. You’re going to need it like air to survive.

He was a sinful combination of intense, broody, and vulnerable. I absolutely adored him. My heart broke for what he endured to spare his sister and what he continues to endure in the small minded town he lives in. I loved his singleminded intent when it came to Gabriella. I also really enjoyed their connection that dates back to high school and a certain mysterious encounter.


He was the dream she never forgot.

The romance between them was a slow burn and perfectly paced. I really enjoyed watching Gabriella finally grow into a woman that can stand up for herself. And I especially loved the way she stood up for Cruz even when others didn’t. There was something almost childishly innocent about her, and yet it worked for me.

And while the romance was a slow burn, the story certainly wasn’t. I enjoyed the pacing and the way things unraveled even if I did find there to be a tad too much small town drama at times. Between the sister, the sister’s ex, the mean girls from high school, Gabriella’s self esteem issues, Cruz’s reputation, and everything with Gabriella’s boss, I couldn’t help but feel all of it wasn’t necessary. But it also didn’t bother me to take away from the story, so I can’t complain too much. Though I think the story would have still been solid enough with just half of those things.

Beautiful Sinner was a delicious slow burn romance of second chances and love against all odds. If you enjoy a good convict romance, this one will fit the bill quite nicely.

THE SERIES

ALL CHAINED UP | HELL BREAKS LOOSE | FURY ON FIRE | BEAUTIFUL LAWMAN

 

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Review: Royally Yours by Emma Chase

October 31, 2018 by · Leave a Comment

ROYALLY YOURS
Series: Royally #4
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Author: Emma Chase
Release Date: October 30, 2018

New York Times bestselling author Emma Chase returns with a sweet and sexy standalone in the Royally Series.

Princess Lenora Celeste Beatrice Arabella Pembrook had an unusual childhood. She was raised to be a Queen—the first Queen of Wessco.

It’s a big deal.

When she’s crowned at just nineteen, the beautiful young monarch is prepared to rule. She’s charming, clever, confident and cunning.

What she isn’t… is married.

It’s her advising council’s first priority. It’s what Parliament is demanding, and what her people want.

Lenora has no desire to tie herself to a man—particularly one who only wants her for her crown. But compromises must be made and royals must do their duty.

Even Queens. Especially them.

**

Years ago, Edward Langdon Richard Dorian Rourke, walked away from his title and country. Now he’s an adventurer—climbing mountains, exploring jungles, going wherever he wants, when he wants—until family devotion brings him home.

And a sacred promise keeps him there.

To Edward, the haughty, guarded little Queen is intriguing, infuriating…and utterly captivating. Wanting her just might drive him mad—or become his greatest adventure.

**

Within the cold, stone walls of the royal palace—mistrust threatens, wills clash, and an undeniable, passionate love will change the future of the monarchy forever.

Every dynasty has a beginning. Every legend starts with a story.

This is theirs.

AMAZON | iBOOKS | B&N 

Making a life with you will be my greatest adventure, Lenora.”


If you’re anything like me, then there’s been one character throughout this entire series that has absolutely captivated you. When I saw that Queen Lenora will be getting a book, I just about squealed in excited glee.

This book is a slight step away from the tone of the rest of the series. Yes, it’s a wonderfully swoony royal romance told in a way that only Emma Chase can write, but it’s also more. So much more. Royally Yours is Lenora’s story. It’s not just the story of how she fell in love. It’s the story of how she became queen. The life events that shaped her into the strong and independent woman that she is. It’s a story of her hidden vulnerabilities and devastating losses. It’s a story of how her duty became her greatest joy. And it’s a story of how life’s saddest moments also led her to her heart’s greatest joy. It’s also a story that begins in the 50’s.

While the book read super fast, I’ll admit it took a minute for me to get into. Unlike the others in this series, the romance doesn’t quite begin right away. But after sitting back and thinking on my rating, I don’t think it would have been right to write Lenora’s story any other way. The reader needed this background to connect with her. We needed to see the vivacious woman behind the icy exterior. Lenora’s story isn’t an easy one. It’s one that made me laugh and had me breaking down in tears. It was real. It wasn’t sugar coated. And it completely sucked me in.

The last thing the song queen wants, is to stand in the shadow of a man. But when her crown is at risk, she agrees to an arranged marriage.

Edward left his title behind to travel the world. An adventurer at heart, he never thought he’d find himself back in the place he couldn’t wait to leave behind. Lenora’s ice queen presence almost fools him at first, but then he gets a glimpse at the girl that she hides beneath the queen front, and he can’t help but fall.

The romance is easy, without any angst or added drama to take away from the heart of the book. While I wish there was slightly more development with the romance, as much as we had with Lenora’s backstory, it was still satisfying. You can’t help but feel 100% connected to this couple. There’s just something about them that simply draws you in without any added flare. I adore this series, and this book was the perfect icing on the cake. A must read for all Emma Chase fans.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Emma Chase is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the hot and hilarious Tangled series and The Legal Briefs series. Emma lives in New Jersey with her husband, two children and two naughty (but really cute) dogs. She has a long-standing love/hate relationship with caffeine.

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