Review: Brutal Reign by Monica Kayne

September 12, 2025 by · Leave a Comment

BRUTAL REIGN
Series: Bratva Kings #3
Genre: Dark, Mafia Romance
Author: Monica Kayne
Release Date: September 12, 2025

Hope King was supposed to die by my hand. Instead, she became my obsession.

For five years, I’ve hunted the Triad princess. The daughter of my enemy. The woman who haunts my every waking moment.

When I find her on her wedding day, I don’t eliminate her like I was ordered to—I marry her instead.

She thinks I’m the monster who destroyed her world, and she’s right. But she also shattered mine—carving a void in my soul that only she can fill.

Now she’s trapped in my compound, in my bed, in my life. She can fight me all she wants, even plan her escape. But Hope is mine now, and I’m never letting her go.

Brutal Reign is a dark mafia romance that includes forced marriage, accidental pregnancy, and a secret child. It has no cheating, no cliffhangers, and a guaranteed happily-ever-after. Can be read as a complete standalone.

AMAZON 

“You can run from me, angel moy. I love to chase. But when I catch you, and I will, I won’t let you go.”

Oh but I am loving this series. Monica has quickly become of my favorite dark mafia romance authors and this book hit every spot, even those I didn’t know I had.

Hope and Pavel’s story was deliciously addictive. A Triad princess and the Bratva king? Yes please!
Pavel’s syndicate and the Triad ran by Hope’s father have been at war, until everything comes to a deadly end one night. When the syndicate realizes that the woman who managed to escape was the daughter of the now dead triad leader, Pavel is sent in to eliminate the threat. But when he comes face to face with Hope, he knows he can’t kill her, so he lets her go. Only to come crashing back into her life on her wedding day to the next Triad leader and marry her instead, whether she wants it or not.

The story was such a thrill ride of a story. It had non stop action and I loved the dynamic between Hope and Pavel so much. The way that he’s so ruthless and deadly but will burn the world down for her? Swoon. And while she hasn’t yet come to terms with her reality, you see her feelings for the brutal man who’s fiercely protective of her bleed through every passing day.

And the mouth on this man? Lord have mercy. The dirty talk was definitely hitting. I also loved Hope’s tenacity. She wasn’t brash or impulsive, but quietly thoughtful. I appreciated that she wasn’t the cliche FMC in a forced marriage that runs into danger at the slightest inconvenience. I loved her balance of vulnerability and understated strength.

If you’re looking for a dark and sexy mafia romance with great characters and an addictive story, look no further!

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#DGRFave & Review: Fair Trade by Millie Perez

August 14, 2025 by · Leave a Comment

FAIR TRADE
Series: New York Monarchs #2
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Author: Millie Perez
Release Date: August 14, 2025

Nicholas Stonehaven is the devil.

The man was supposed to remain a stranger. A fond memory of a night I’ll never forget. Instead, I’m mortified to learn that my dirty little secret is now the new owner of the New York Monarchs, making him my boss. I tell myself I can handle this new development. I didn’t become the first female general manager in Major League Baseball without knowing how to handle a curveball. I make trades and close deals better than any other GM in the league. But when the arrogant billionaire offers me a contract I can’t refuse, it seems like I’ve earned myself another fancy, although temporary wife.

Luisa Álvarez is heaven sent.

When she’s not calling me Lucifer, that is. I can be a lot to handle. Hell, I use that to my advantage in the boardroom. But my experience as the CEO of a media enterprise did me no good when I inherited a professional baseball team from my estranged grandfather. I would have sold it off immediately, but even from six feet under, the old man held something over my head, and I couldn’t let it slip through my fingers. That’s how I found myself married to my Angel. She may be hung up on the fact that we made a deal and signed on the dotted line. But there is nothing fake about the way I feel for her or how she comes alive under my touch. We agreed to a fair trade, but now it’s time to renegotiate. Because when it comes to my wife, I never vowed to play fair.

AMAZON

I may be the devil, Luisa, but I am your devil. And don’t you forget it.”

I need you to stop everything that you’re doing right now and read this book immediately. EXPEDITIOUSLY! I’m so serious. This book is about to become my entire personality for the next several weeks and I need everyone to experience the greatness that was Luisa and Nick.

What’s your poison, Stonehaven?”
“Trust me, Luisa. If I had a poison, it would be you.”

Let’s talk about the trope candy here for a second, because we got: one night stand, enemies to lovers, hate lust, pining (all of the male pining), marriage of convenience, office romance (GM/Team Owner), and an absolute ball buster, fiery and take charge FMC that I loved almost as much as the MMC did

Oh, and Luisa? Please be careful when you call for the devil.” His tone is laced with amusement and warning all at once. “Because he just might show up.”

Luisa has fought tooth and nail for her career. As the first female GM not only does she have to deal with doubts and judgment because she’s young but also being a woman. She doesn’t shy from putting men in their place and I loved her take charge attitude.

Now let’s talk about Nick. After the death of his grandfather, Nick finds himself the new owner of a baseball team. As a self made billionaire, he’s a success in his own right, but he takes on the challenge. And Luisa is in for a shock of a lifetime when her fiery one night stand that she never expected to see again is now her new boss. And let me tell you, the sparks fly. OH BUT DO THEY FLY.

These two give as good as they get, and while Nick is pining, Luisa is fighting the attraction left right and center.

My flying heel barely misses Nick as he ducks. “Woman, are you mad? What the hell was that for?”
“I didn’t have a chancleta nearby, so a flying Louboutin will have to do.”

I’m not going to ruin the book for you by telling you anything else, but I will tell you that I had a big goofy smile on my face from cover to cover. It had everything; incredible banter, sizzling chemistry, fast paced story, great characters, male pining, and did I mention the pining? BECAUSE OMG THE PINING.

Lucifer,” I warn. He doesn’t stop until he rounds my desk and pins my ass to it. “Angel,” he all but growls.


It was one of those light hearted reads that just hit the spot so right and I can’t stop thinking about. I cannot recommend it enough for anyone looking for a book that has a little bit of everything; humor, chemistry, tension, emotion, and an MMC with an English accent and a FILTHY mouth. Le swoon.

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Review: A Wreck You Make Me by Saffron A. Kent

August 8, 2025 by · Leave a Comment

A WRECK YOU MAKE ME
Series: Bad Boys of Bardstown #3
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Author: Saffron A. Kent
Release Date: August 8, 2025

I have been in love with Shepard Thorne since I was twelve.

He’s my best friend’s hot older brother, and I am the weird redhead who low-key follows him everywhere. He’s soccer’s bad boy, and I am stuck in a dead end job, serving drinks at the local strip club.

Our paths aren’t meant to cross.

Until one day I catch him getting a lap dance at the club and jealousy makes me ruin his fun.

Now he’s made it his mission to make my life hell and no matter what I do, there is no escape.

Everywhere I turn, there he is, waiting for his payback.

He threatens to kiss me one second, and choke me the next.

He promises to bring me to my knees and make me beg.

What started as a little harmless prank turns into a twisted game of blackmail that’s toxic but oh-so-good.

But it has to end.

Because I have a secret…

That ties me to my tormentor in an irrevocable way, and if he ever finds out, it will wreck everything I now crave.

Even his revenge.

 

Note: This is a STANDALONE set in the world of Bardstown

AMAZON

Why does it feel like I’m…”
Intensity swirls in his eyes as he whispers, “You’re what?”
“I’m more yours than I am mine. That you own me.”

Did I finish this book or did it finish me?

If you’re like me and like your fictional men extra toxic walking red flags, you’re going to gobble this right up!

That fuckface was your date.”
“He’s not a fuckface,” I protest. “His name is⁠—”
“You say his name,” he growls, his voice low and threatening, “and I’ll hunt him down and make him forget yours.”

Did I do things back*asswards yet again and read this book first before the rest of the series? Yes, yes I did. And I had no problems jumping right into the deep end and getting immediately sucked into the story.

Now when I tell you that these two were absolutely toxic together, I mean there were TOXIC together. I don’t know who I wanted to hit more at certain times; Shepard or Jupiter. Well, it was probably Shepard, because the man was the definition of hot and cold, but I digress.

Jupiter has been in love with Shepard since the moment she was old enough to recognize the feeling. I loved Jupiter so much. Here was a girl that had all the odds stacked against her; a family from hell and no emotional support. And yet she works multiple jobs so she can give her sick sister a better life. She’s also spent years carrying a secret that ties her to Shepard and his family.

Shepard was always the man she could never have. He’s a famous professional soccer player, older, and at one point; engaged. He also doesn’t mince words when he tells her that he wants nothing to do with her. But while Jupiter is wholly obsessed with Shepard, she doesn’t know that he is stalkingly obsessed with her right back. It the most toxic of ways.

He chases her down, he pushes her away only to pull her right back. The push and pull between these two was absolutely deranged. And to be honest, if it wasn’t what he would do for Jupiter without saying anything, I may have judged him more harshly for his words. But while he’s mean and ruthless in words, he takes care of her in ways that no one ever has.

Just so you know, you’re a toxic snake.” He hums. “Yeah, but when I bite it hurts so fucking good you can’t help but want more.”

But man oh man were these two absolutely toxic together. Their constant push and pull was almost unbearable at times but I also couldn’t get enough of it. I know, right? My feelings went through a rollercoaster of love and hate reading this book. I devoured it. Totally devoured it in one delicious sitting.

This was the kind of toxic my bookish dreams were made out of and now I need to immediately read the rest of the series.

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Review: Loving The Reaper by Lola King

April 22, 2025 by · Leave a Comment

LOVING THE REAPER
Series: Silver Falls University #2
Genre: Dark Romance
Author: Lola King
Release Date: April 22, 2025

An angsty, best-friends-to-lovers, dark romance from best-selling author, Lola King

He waited years for her to choose him. His patience has run out.
Welcome back to Silver Falls University. There is a murderer among us.

I’ve been best friends with Wren Hunter for sixteen years. The boy who chased me in our schoolyard, kissed my scraped knees, and always swore to protect me grew into the god of Silver Falls University: admired by his peers, desired by every woman on campus, and feared by anyone who gets in his way.
Wren knows me better than anyone. He sees through every wall I build. He can handle my fire and my stubbornness. Sometimes I believe he can even tame it. This is why I thought we would never cross the line between friendship and more, no matter how many times we teetered on the edge of it.
I was wrong.
The mask he wore around me is gone, and what’s underneath is dangerous, unrelenting, obsessive.
Wren doesn’t just want me—he decided I’m his.

And in his world, no one says no.

There’s a secret society behind him, powerful enough to cover up anything—or anyone—standing in their way. Now, I’m trapped in his game, bound to a man I don’t recognize, in a world where nothing is what it seems.

Bodies are piling up.
Trust is a luxury.
And Wren Hunter might be the one thing that destroys me.

Loving The Reaper is a dark romance intended for readers over 18 only. Please, read the trigger warnings in the book.
This is the second book in a series of 3 interconnected standalones.

AMAZON 

Penelope Peach Sanderson-Menacci. One of my best friends with a stupid nickname that reduces her to a part of her body. A name that caught on since high school and that I, of course, use without shame. Because calling her my love, baby, queen of my life, doesn’t exactly scream friends since elementary school, does it?

I have a confession to make. Wren and Penelope (Peach) were my least anticipated couple in the Silver Falls University. I. Know. Judge away. But in my defense, I was afraid that Penelope would be too brash for my taste as a main character. And also, friends to lovers is a trope I like, but I much prefer enemies to lovers. Well, who would be surprised that Lola King made me eat my words? No one. No one would be surprised. But also, when this is the friends to lovers vibe? I’m sat.

He inhales, and I barely catch the words he breathes out. “Fuck it.” His hand in my hair pulls me to him, and his lips press against mine with the strength of a hurricane. And it’s on a path to destroy everything. My sanity first. My anger. My reflex to push him away. It’s all gone as I melt into him and let him take over my mind.

Wren and Peach have been best friends since childhood, but Wren has always known he wants more. But where he pushes, Peach pulls. Peach knows that it would never work between them, because her independence is the core of who she is, and Wren would demand nothing short of total domination over her. So they dance this push and pull until circumstances are finally in Wren’s favor and he is more than happy to take it with all his force.

Where Peach annoyed me as a secondary character, I absolutely fell in love with her in this book. Being in her head, understanding what makes her tick and why she is the way she is was one of the most satisfying reading experiences. There are so many layers to her character, and as Lola peels back one layer after another, things begin to fall into place. But when we get one answer, another question comes into the story. And prepare yourself for one mindf*ck of a read because the twists in this book were jaw dropping.

Do you even need me to tell you that the chemistry between Wren and Peach were out of this word? Because my GOD. This man was giving dominance and adoration HARD.

Wren…” I moan. “That’s it, Trouble. Call my name when you come. And get fucking used to it.”

When Wren decides that the gloves are finally off, they were OFF. He was this delicious dichotomy of domineering a-hole and adoring best friend and I couldn’t get enough of his toxicity. And don’t get me wrong, the man was definitely toxic, and I loved every single one of his red flags (of which he had plenty)

Why are you always sending so much love my way, Wren Hunter?”
“Because keeping all that love to myself would be inhuman.”

The story was a thrill ride full of twists and turns, dark secret society, murder and family secrets. GOD but it was delicious. The romance was effortlessly woven in to give it that sizzle and a splash of angst made it entirely unputdownable.

Be prepared to pull an all-nighter with this one and to rock yourself in the corner when you finish because you’ll be that much more desperate for the next hit of this addictive series.

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Review: Bourbon & Secrets by Victoria Wilder

December 8, 2024 by · Leave a Comment

BOURBON & SECRETS
Series: The Bourbon Boys #2
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Author: Victoria Wilder
Release Date: December 6, 2024

In Fiasco, Kentucky, there is one rule: never fall for a Foxx brother.

Any woman who did, ended up dead. It wasn’t just a rumor. It was my reality. I buried my wife along with too many secrets surrounding the night she died.

Now, I’m a single dad with two priorities above everything else: raising my two girls and making great bourbon.

But when Faye Calloway returns after I ran her out of my small town—looking like a fantasy on stage and nothing like the cop she was trained to be—I know for a fact that she’s hiding more secrets than the one she blackmailed me to keep.

While everyone is focused on the teasingly beautiful burlesque dancer, I’m distracted by the woman with a hidden agenda. The smart-mouth, who says what she wants. And the instigator, who prefers a very specific way to drink her bourbon.

But as secrets begin to unravel, I realize she’s fiercely protective of the ones she loves. When she puts herself in danger to right the past, the rules stop mattering.

Only two things have the power to keep my family from falling apart and losing the woman I love—bourbon and secrets.

Romantic Suspense
Single dad
Small town
Secrets & Blackmail
Hate-to-love
Returning home
Found Family
Bourbon “Tasting”

AMAZON 

I started falling in love with Faye Calloway on the edge of a cornfield, on a stage, over a bottle of bourbon, and every time she’s been in my arms since.

Did I add this book for the cover aline? Absolutely I did. The intriguing blurb was just the cherry on top. Did I also do things in my usual back @sswards way and read book 2 in the series before reading book one? I did indeed and I have no regrets! But also, I will immediately be reading the first book. But I digress…

You sound so pretty when you’re pissed off and moaning for me.”

As a lover of small-town romance, suspense, dirty talking MMCs, kickass FMCs, single dad and hate to love tropes, boy did this book hit the spot for me. And it hit it so hard!

The second Lincoln and Faye appear on the pages together, I was instantly sucked in! And when Faye comes back to the town she grew up in and no longer welcome in for a secret job, I was completely enraptured. This woman was so fascinating with her sass and strength. She was impossible not to love. And even though there was no love lost between her and Lina, he couldn’t stay out of her orbit for too long either. No matter how he tried to fight it.

Oh my god,” I moan. He smiles up at me. “Yeah, Peach, I can be that for you too.”

The suspenseful plot and the mystery that unravels in parallel to the romance was perfectly paced. And the romance was perfectly sprinkled in so you get a great dose of both story and spice. And let me just tell y’all, the spice was SPICING.

Don’t you fucking stop, Foxx. I want to hear you moan like a man.”

Did I mention that I absolutely loved Faye?

I really enjoyed this story and especially the secondary characters of Linc’s daughters. The family dynamics are fascinating and the story managed to also take me by surprise in parts, which rarely happens to me these days.

I’m definitely hooked hard on this series now and can’t wait for Ace’s book next. These Foxx boys are so addictive!

Connect with Victoria Wilder:
https://beacons.ai/authorvictoriawilder

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Review: Hotter ‘N Hell by Abbi Glines

November 29, 2024 by · Leave a Comment

HOTTER ‘N HELL
Series: Mississippi Smoke #2
Author: Abbi Gaines
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance
Release Date: November 29, 2024

Saylor
Was it a sin to hate the dead?

It was something I had pondered many times over the past ten months. Although it wasn’t why I required medication to sleep at night. I wasn’t truly concerned about the level of darkness that resided in my soul. It was the images of the night I had watched a bullet take down the boy I had loved most of my life. Seeing the life leave his body, the way his eyes had gone void. It haunted me. Even now that I knew he’d betrayed me. That what I thought had been real had all been a lie. Crosby Cash had been in love, alright, just not with me.

Those closest to me, the ones who were supposed to love me, all accused me of being dramatic. Because that made sense. I just loved the panic attacks that robbed me of my ability to breathe. And the passing out from lack of oxygen was the best. Looking in the mirror and not recognizing the girl looking back at me was my favorite.

Perhaps that was the reason I sought solace in the last place anyone would think I’d go. We weren’t religious people. I’d been born into a family of organized crime. The day I walked into the catholic church seeking… forgiveness, closure, something…anything to find the girl I had once been, I hadn’t expected him. The man ordained by God to lead his people to salvation. Well, that man in the sky so many believed in made a grave mistake allowing a man who looked like Jude, or rather Father Jude, to wear that white collar.

I could lie and say I found what I was looking for standing in front of the altar, staring up at the crucifix, but even those with tarnished souls have their limits. I found something alright, but it wasn’t forgiveness. My answer wasn’t going to come from the one they called their Savior but the one they referred to as Father.

Jude

Temptation comes for all of us. I had thought I could overcome whatever Satan placed before me. This life had held little meaning for me after the day I lost the girl I loved. My first and only love. Too young, sweet, and beautiful for this world. But men are often fools. And I would soon learn just how weak I was – when a pair of bright blue eyes stood in my sanctuary staring back at me.
She was lost. Hurting. Seeking comfort.
She was the one temptation I never expected and would never regret.

Hotter N’ Hell features mature themes and content that may not be suitable for all audiences. Reader discretion is advised. TW include: religion, death of a loved one, mental health, sexual content, and some violence.

AMAZON

The hunger in his eyes went beyond lust. It was desperate, uncontrolled, and so intense that everywhere his gaze touched me, it felt like an electric current..


Truth be told, the way that Saylor was described in Tore Up, I wasn’t exactly sure about having her book and story. Interestingly enough, while Saylor herself didn’t feature in that book, you get a lot of secondhand impressions and the impression is one of a spoiled mafia princess. But when I saw the blurb to this book, I knew I would tolerate a spoiled mafia princess for a forbidden romance.

I love a forbidden romance, and it just doesn’t get more forbidden than a mafia princess and a priest. But let me just tell you, I loved how Abbi wrote her story and finding out that her not being featured as a character but only getting her story from others in the first book was very much on purpose. Because Saylor is definitely not at all what she seems. Yes, she’s a mafia princess, but she’s far from spoiled. She’s also a woman nursing a broken heart after losing her fiancé not only to death, but also to another woman. Once she only found out about after his death. And now she finds herself spiraling in anger and resentment, desperately seeking purpose and finding it inside the walls of a church.

Father Jude is not a man who is easily tempted. He’s dedicated himself to his church and his vows due to his own tragic past. But the more he gets to know Saylor, the harder it is to resist the growing chemistry between them.

This was a slow burn that was full of emotion, tension, and all the forbidden vibes. Though Jude does go from 0 to 60 in the span of one forbidden look, I didn’t mind it. Give me a dirty talker and I’ll forget all the improbabilities. Admittedly, while I love how protective Saylor’s friends and family are, I did hate them for what they pulled at the end. I just didn’t understand the extreme reaction. But I also loved seeing Jude’s strength and love of Saylor shine through in those moments.

If you’re looking for a quick and steamy forbidden romance that has all the feels, definitely give this one a shot…

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Review: Tore Up by Abbi Glines

October 23, 2024 by · Leave a Comment

TORE UP
Series: Mississippi Smoke #1
Author: Abbi Gaines
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: October 23, 2024

Calculating, cold, often without emotion was how I was described by those closest to me. I had thought perhaps there was truth to their depiction until this endless searing pain took the place in my chest where my heart used to be. Vengeance now ate away at my soul. The wrath I planned to unleash would make the demons in Hell appear mild.

At least, that was until…

The twisted crux came in the form of eyes bluer than the sky on a warm summer day, a slightly upturned nose with a scattering of freckles, a pink cupid bow mouth, and a smile that made a man’s knees weak.

The events that brought us here meant I should loathe her existence for eternity, yet my need for her grows with each passing day. She’s too young, she’s vulnerable and broken, but somehow, she’s not damaged. She was the cause of what had left me with this raging agony, and yet, the balm that eased my soul. Still, I can never forgive the destruction she caused me and those I love.

I had become a mockery of my revenge because holding her at night while she slept was the only thing keeping me sane. She’ll pay the price through my cruelty, never knowing that while she dreams, I find my solace.

My story begins with my worst nightmare.
And she’s the reason behind all of it.

AMAZON

There were only so many things I was willing to do when it came to her. Forgiving her was not one of them.

If you’ve read Abbi’s Smoke and Georgia Smoke series, then you will definitely love the Mississippi branch spinoff.

Abbi’s formula just always hits the spot for me. She writes some of the best toxic, walking red flags of alpha MMCs and I am so here for it. And while the super forgiving and at times overly innocent heroines would grate on me anywhere else, in her books it just works. Don’t ask me why or how. It just does, ok.

Those eyes of hers were a weapon. The damn sky on a clear day couldn’t even compete.

This is the Mississippi branch of the souther mafia so expect some cameos from past favorites as well as the introduction of plenty of new and intriguing characters. If you’re expecting a lot of mafia elements, it’s not really that. They’re more like morally corrupt, Yellowstone kind of ‘mafia’. Ya know? And this girl has no complaints.

Now the premise of this story is a HUGE spoiler, so I won’t tell you much but I will say that my jaw was on the floor on chapter one. And it takes a lot to catch your girl by surprise.

Our MMCs is the type of morally gray fictional man that I love. He’s ruthless, cold, unfeeling, and as homicidal as they come. The man is a walking red flag if there ever was one, so naturally I fell for him. Fictionally speaking of course. Halo is her name personified. This girl is innocent and sweetness all wrapped up into one eager to please FMC. And she was the perfect balance to the MMCs craziness.

She wasn’t mine, and I had no right to do this, but I couldn’t seem to stop it.

This is a forced proximity so it also had a slow burn element to it which I loved. It burned so good, even when there were moments that I wanted to c*ck punch our MMCs. But I digress.

This pull she had on me was owning me.

There is just something about Abbi’s books that are just pure book crack for me. I read them in one sitting and while there’s definitely a formula to them, it just always hits and hits the spot. It’s quick paced, spicy, with just the right amount of grit.

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Review: Brutal Bargain by Laurelin Paige

October 9, 2024 by · Leave a Comment

BRUTAL BARGAIN
Series: Brutal Billionaires #4
Author: Laurelin Paige
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: October 9, 2024

She needs a husband. He won’t let anyone else have her.

Ax Morgan has played many roles in my life: My brother’s best friend. The most notorious member of the Sebastian News Corp executive team. My enemy with benefits.

But my husband?

No thanks.

Our after hours scenes are simply a convenient way for me to blow off steam while I plot my exit from my toxic family’s company.

But when I need a groom so I can claim my inheritance, he presents me with a choice that’s more like blackmail—marry him, or he’ll sabotage me. So between the devil and the deep blue sea, I let the devil put a ring on it.

Turns out this is the role he plays best of all.

The worst part of pretending with Ax is how real it’s starting to feel.

Now my future is in his hands. And if he finds out what I’m planning, he’ll be the one with the impossible choice. Who loses everything—his best friend or his fake wife?

AMAZON

Whatever you think you have planned,” he continues, “whatever scheme you’re up to, this doesn’t end until I say it does, so let me make this clear right the fuck now: You’re mine.””

I have loved Laurelin’s Brutal Billinaires series since book on. But this book? Ax and Adly? Hands down my absolute favorite in the series and so deliciously addictive, I cannot recommend it enough.

Now while you may read it as a standalone, you would appreciate the dynamics of this family so much more if you read it in order. Adly is the only female Sebastian sibling and while she has the wealth, she dreams of a career that is her own and not in the shadow of her family and her fairly high handed father who believes women should focus on having a family. Desperately needing to find her path, she sets her eyes on a business with her siblings. The only problem is the cost of the business has gone up and the only way to get to more funds is to access her trust fund that only pays when she gets married. So what’s a girl to do? Shop for a fiancé of course.

Ax has been part of the executive team of Sebastian News Corp for years. He’s also best friends with the black sheep of the Sebastian family, but we’ll get to that later. Ax and Adly grew up together and have had years of a contentious relationship that finally comes to a head one night…and I mean BOOM. Suddenly, they find an escape from reality with each other in the form of role playing and these two play hard. Oh my god I loved their role playing.

…when Ax texts me with the start of a new scenario, I don’t ask questions. I just come. Literally and cliterally.”

And while they’re only hooking up, when Ax learns of Ally’s plans to find a husband on paper, he refuses for it to be anyone but him.

So basically, I should marry my bully so he can continue to bully me under the umbrella of the law.”
“I’m going to bully you either way, so why not make it legal? Though I prefer the term torment.”
“Terrorize is more accurate.”
In one fluid motion, he’s on his feet, his hands propped on the desk, leaning over with his face so close to mine that I can feel his breath on my lips. “Doesn’t matter what you call it, darling, as long as it gets you wet, and we both know that it does.””

When I tell you that I loved these two, I mean I was absolutely obsessed with them. Their chemistry, their banter, their role playing. Did I mention their role playing? I swear, Laurelin just reached into my head to pull out the pure fantasy that was Ax. He’s wholly obsessed, slightly mean but with a heart of gold, and when he falls, he falls so hard. I loved the way he fought for Adly as much as I loved the way that Adly fought him.

Why can’t you take everything I want to give like you take my cock? Is this the only form of attention you can accept?” “I don’t… I don’t know.” It’s truer than I want to admit. “Then I’ll tell you—you were made to be fucked like this. Fucked by me, Adly. And I alone know what you need. No one else. If I tell you you’re the fucking sun in the sky, then you’re the sun in the sky. If I tell you that you deserve more, then you take more. You take what I give. You understand yet?””

Brutal Bargain was pure romance perfection, full of heart, emotion, and enough chemistry to set your kindle on fire. Ax and Adly were incendiary together. I loved them so much! 

With millions of books sold worldwide, Laurelin Paige is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal and USA Today Bestselling Author. She is a sucker for a good romance and gets giddy anytime there’s kissing, much to the embarrassment of her three daughters. Her husband doesn’t seem to complain, however. 

When she isn’t reading or writing sexy stories, she’s probably singing, watching Killing Eve or Letterkenny, or dreaming of Michael Fassbender. She’s also a proud member of Mensa International though she doesn’t do anything with the organization except use it as material for her bio. 

She is represented by Rebecca Friedman.

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Review: Torrid by Abbi Glines

August 27, 2024 by · Leave a Comment

TORRID
Series: Judgement #2
Author: Abbi Gaines
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: August 27, 2024

“My Mama D used to say that mistakes happen, and cryin’ a bucket of tears over them is silly. Because wisdom is built from a pile of mistakes.”

Liberty

Thing is, my Mama D never had a one-night stand with an older man who never told her his last name and left behind a souvenir that was gonna be life changing – but I had.

My life had started as a fairytale, then morphed into a nightmare by the time I was ten years old. From the moment I’d been kicked out at eighteen, I had found a way to survive. Anything was better than the home I’d left behind. At some point, everyone gets a break, right? You would think so, but fate keeps tossing things at me, trying to see how much I can take.
Looks like it won because I’m stuck right back where I started. Living in my sister’s house, who hates me, with the clock ticking until I’m homeless again.

Liam

It was time I settled down. Found a woman I could grow old with because, let’s face it, I was so close to fifty I could reach out and touch it. The daughter I hadn’t got to raise was now in my life. Grown, married, with two little boys. I wanted to be someone she could be proud of and respect. I recently started dating a doctor, she was gorgeous, smart, and independent. It all looked good when you checked off the list. My daughter couldn’t wait to meet her. I wished like hell I felt something for her. A spark, a pull, anything at this point would do.

Then, one night, when I’m leaving her bedroom, I see a familiar face looking back at me from the other end of the hallway. The sexy bartender I should have left alone six weeks ago and couldn’t get out of my head shouldn’t be here. But she is. Which means she’s the doctor’s spoiled, selfish brat of a younger sister. This was not going to end well.

AMAZON

… if we all had our kryptonite, then Liam Walsh was mine.

As a self proclaimed lover of fictional red flags, you best believe this book hit the spot for me. Now if you’ve read ANY Abbi Glines book than you know she has a formula. She writes toxic, possessive, red flags uber males and the females that they dickmatize. It’s her thing, ok? And I for one, happen to find it finger licking good. And don’t you judge me for it either. It’s a bookish kink of mine and I will never get enough. The more toxic they are, the better. But I digress.

If you’ve read Abbi’s Smoke series, than you may already know daddy Liam, the 47 year MC prez and Madeline’s father from Fireball. Liberty is a thirty one year old bartender that he meets one night and after instant chemistry, they spend one unforgettable night together. Believing himself too old for her for it to be anything serious, Liam leaves the next morning, but fate has other plans for these two.

Liberty is the definition of a fighter. This poor woman has been through hell after losing her beloved father and being left with a stepmother and half sister who hate her guts. With the odds all stacked against her, she’s a hard worker but can’t seem to catch a break at any turn.

In a desperate act, she calls her half sister for help, who begrudgingly agrees. Only to soon realize that the sexy biker who walked away from her, is dating her older half sister and now looks at her like the dirt under his shoe.

Now look, did I want to cock punch Liam for over half of this book? Yes, yes I did. He was stubborn, hot headed, hypocritical, and OTT jealous. Did I also secretly love him for these things? Also yes. Did I want to shake Liberty for giving in too easy to Liam whenever he lowered his zipper and tell her to get her dickmatized self together? Yes, yes I did. But did I also understand her? Also yes. It was a vicious circle of feelings I tell you.

Much like most Abbi books, I devoured this in one sitting. It was a toxic hot mess of a book and I couldn’t read it fast enough.

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Review: The Prey by JL Beck

August 9, 2024 by · Leave a Comment

THE PREY
Author: J.L. Beck
Series: Oakmount Elite #3
Genre: Dark Romance, New Adult
Release Date: August 9, 2024

Filthy rich. Monstrous. Vile.

He calls me prey.

I call him a bully.

Sebastian Arturo isn’t just cruel, he’s downright terrifying.

With piercing green eyes, a body made for doing very bad things, and a charming demeanor, it’s no wonder everyone thinks the world of him… everyone except me.

When I wake up with pieces of my memory missing he’s the only one who can give me answers.

But he doesn’t give me answers, instead he tells me to stop asking questions, or else…

I heed his warning and do my best to avoid him but since he’s my boss and I live in his house that’s kinda difficult.

Then one night his hate for me reaches its breaking point… and the lines blur.

Hate twists into lustful obsession.

His cruel words become seductive praises.

One touch sparks a raging inferno of desire, and I find myself burned to ash beneath his fingertips.

Just when I think I’ll finally find happiness my memories return bringing with them a vicious truth.

Turns out the man I’m falling for isn’t who I thought he was… and escape isn”t an option.

He has me right where he wants, caught in a trap, just like prey.

** This is a standalone, however for better reading enjoyment please consider starting with The Wallflower before reading The Prey. Again this is a dark romance novel, but does contain a happily ever after. It also contains triggering material, and adult content. Please do not start reading till you check the trigger warning at the beginning of the book. **

AMAZON

Sebastian isn’t the gentleman the world thinks he is…

Well, Elyse, I definitely already knew that much. Sebastian was a deliciously intriguing secondary character in The Wallflower & The Wildflower. But as an MC, this man is in a league of his own and I worship at his alter.

Now I definitely liked Drew and Bel’s book, but I went absolutely FERAL for Sebastian. When I tell you that the first chapter grabs you by the throat, I mean brace yourself. Because holy moly! But I digress. I loved seeing Sebastian’s protective big brother side in The Wildflower, but seeing his dark and deranged side in his own book wa s an experience unparalleled.

We don’t quite know the full details of how, but Elyse ends up working as a maid for Sebastian to work off her father’s debt. Her past is shrouded in mystery as are the full circumstance of how she came to work for Sebastian. All you know is that he hates her as much as he wants her, and the more he wants her, the harder he pushes her away with his a-hole behavior. And this reader was here for every second of it.

Now Sebastian is one fascinating, multilayered character that I couldn’t get enough of. He may be an entitled a-hole to Elyse, but beneath the suits and the money is the dark soul of a man who went through hell himself. And while we only get snippets of what made him the way he is, you. just know that when the full history is revealed, it will hurt so good.

Sebastian fights his attraction to Elyse at every turn, until it becomes unbearable and her past comes knocking on his door. There is still a lot of unknown and I ended the book with more questions than answers, but I can tell you that I absolutely devoured this story.

Elyse is a perfect dichotomy of silent strength and vulnerability. Her circumstance puts her in an impossible position where she will never come out the victor, but she is no pushover, and I loved that about her. When we finally get more morsels about her past, I was absolutely rabid for more. But in true JL Beck fashion, she leaves on a cliffhanger so painful that I dang near cried when I finish. So off to stalk her for the next book I go and I have no regrets!

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