Search Results for: pretty face

Review: Power by Cassandra Robbins

November 4, 2022 by · Leave a Comment

POWER
Genre: Forbidden Age Gap, Contemporary Romance
Author: Cassandra Robbins
Release Date: November 4, 2022

From USA Today bestselling author Cassandra Robbins comes her most forbidden romance to date. An explosive age-gap, complete stand-alone love story about infamous attorney Jett Powers and the woman who brings him to his knees.

Jett Powers is brilliant, nasty, and forbidden.

He takes what he wants, has no regrets, and makes no excuses.

Not to mention he’s tall, dark, and irresistible.

From our first secret encounter, I’m addicted.

He’s the last man that should be making my stomach flip, and heart pound.

Unfortunately, my mind and body are not in sync.

Because Mr. Powers is not mine.

He can’t be.

He’s my mother’s fiancé.

AMAZON

Look, you’re my mom’s fiancé. I should never—”
“That’s right, Raven. I am your mother’s fiancé. Who was just inside you.”

Well then, wasn’t this just the most deliciously kinky little romp of a book.

If you’re looking for something quick, dirty, with spice oozing from every page, but yet with just enough plot thrown in, look no further. Daddy Powers is here and nasty is an understatement for the shock and awe factor this man brings. He’s dirty charisma personified. How does a character make you feel both dirty and swoony at the same time? I don’t know but I want more of it.

This is a forbidden romance with a delicious age gap. Jett Powers is a man engaged, though theirs is not a relationship based in love. More like power, ambition, and sex with zero emotion. He’s made peace with the fact that the only love of his life is his successful law career. But then his fiancé’s 18 year old daughter comes for a visit, and let’s just say that things get interesting.

The spice starts almost immediately and the story is riddled with it. Not that you’ll hear me complaining. That sh*t was hot. I think my one and only quibble is I wanted the burn of the forbidden angst. That’s my favorite part of a forbidden romance, the we want to but we can’t feels. The angsty burn. This story didn’t really have it. These two pretty much jump straight into the deep end without much thought. Not that I’m complaining. Because, again, that sh*t was hot. But you get me.

And though I felt there was more sex than plot at times, that’s not to say there wasn’t plot. There was just enough thrown in, actually. There was still great character development and the romance development was delicious. I loved watching the notorious Mr Powers fall for Raven. But my favorite part? The epic grovel at the end. MY GOD. I lived for that grovel. The man messed up big time and he wasn’t afraid to crawl for his woman. GAH. So good.

If you’re looking for a spicy forbidden romance with a delicious dirty talker and an even more delicious grovel, look no further.

Cassandra Robbins is a USA Today, Amazon Top 100, KDP All-star and International bestselling author. She threatened to write a romance novel for years. Robbins finally let the voices take over with her debut novel, The Entitled. She’s a self-proclaimed hopeless romantic driven to create obsessive, angst-filled characters who have to fight for their happily ever after. Cassandra resides in Los Angeles with her hot husband, two beautiful children, and a fluffy Samoyed, Stanley. Her family and friends are her lifeline but writing is her passion.

Connect w/Cassandra: 

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

Leave a Comment · Filed Under: All Reviews, Dirty Talkers, Erotic Rom · Tagged With: , ,

Review: Promises We Meant to Keep by Monica Murphy

September 23, 2022 by · Leave a Comment

PROMISES WE MEANT TO KEEP
Author: Monica Murphy
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: September 22, 2022

Spencer Donato.

My brother’s best friend.

My dirty little secret.

We fell for each other at Lancaster Prep. Sneaking around. Not wanting anyone to find out. He was my first love, my protector, my knight in shining armor. We were made for each other, and I truly believed he was my forever.

But then I did the unthinkable, and betrayed him in the worst possible way. I thought I lost him for good…

Until I saw him at my brother’s wedding. Now he’s older. Crueler. Unbearably handsome. We’re drawn to each other still, but will Spencer be there for me when I need him the most? Or did I ruin us once again?

AMAZON

I have been in love with you for so long, I don’t know how to stop. I will do whatever it takes to make this work.

Sylvie was a character I equally loved and hated in Things I Wanted to Say, But Never Did. She was such a complex character who I couldn’t wait to peel back the layers in her own book. So I have been eagerly anticipating her story.

He was my respite. A way for me to forget. Until I made myself forget him.

Spencer is Sylvie’s brother’s best friend and her most sacred secret. He was her everything when they were at Lancaster Prep, but then she broke them in the most irrevocable way. Years later she’s a different Sylvie but with more scars, and her scars run deep. When she sees Spencer again he’s not the same boy that allowed her to toy with him in her hot and cold persona back in the day.

I think this is the part that I wanted a little more angst in. There’s nothing I love more than the angst of second chance romance, and considering the history and betrayal between these two, I was eagerly anticipating some angst…which never came. They worked past their differences pretty quick. And I think my masochistic heart yearned for something more here.

I absolutely adored Spencer. And as much as I was back and forth with Sylvie in her brother’s book, being in her head really endeared me to her here. She’s such a broken, tortured soul. You couldn’t help but love her.

The ending felt a little rushed, but was ultimately satisfying. And while the story wasn’t fully what I had hoped for, it still hit the spot.

 

Monica Murphy is a New York Times, USA Today, and international bestselling romance author. Her books have been translated in almost a dozen languages and have sold over two million copies worldwide. Both a traditionally published and independently published author, she writes young adult, new adult and contemporary romance.

A native Californian, she lives on fourteen acres in the middle of nowhere with her husband, son, their goofy dog, and three cats. When she’s not writing, she’s thinking about writing. Or reading. Or binge watching something.

 

Connect with Monica

Website | Goodreads  | Amazon | Facebook | Facebook Group | Instagram | Twitter | Bookbub | Pinterest | Verve Romance | Tik Tok 

 


 

Leave a Comment · Filed Under: All Reviews, Contemporary Romance · Tagged With: , ,

Review: Be With Me by Samantha Young

July 12, 2022 by · Leave a Comment

BE WITH ME
Series: The Adair Family #4
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Author: Samantha Young 
Release Date: July 12, 2022

It was the friends-with-benefits proposition he never saw coming…

While Arran Adair might have followed the call of wanderlust in his younger years, it isn’t the reason he stayed away from Ardnoch. Home now, desperate to put the sins of his past behind him, and rebuild his life in the Scottish Highlands, Arran could never have predicted Eredine Willows. The Ardnoch Estate Pilates instructor is a complicated mystery and one Arran can’t help but want to solve.

Eredine has spent the last eight years hiding in Scotland and building walls between her and the people she cares about. Arran is the first Adair who doesn’t treat her as if she’s fragile and demands a genuine friendship. Yet, the attraction sizzling between them is undeniable. So when she realizes she trusts him, Eredine surprises them both by offering Arran one night of no-strings passion.

Arran knows one night will inevitably lead to a desire for more and he’s willing to stay by Eredine’s side for as long as it takes to convince her there’s something real between them. However, just when Arran thinks they might build a future together, Eredine’s past returns to stalk her. And Arran won’t just have to battle her demons to keep them together. He’ll need to battle his own.

AMAZON | IBOOKS | NOOK | KOBO

For so long, I was not the guy people trusted. I needed to be that guy for her.”

I’ve been loving the Adair series since book one. And the second the mysterious and shy Eredine appeared on the pages as a secondary character, I was immediately intrigued.

This was a sweet and spicy friends to lovers romance with a mystery subplot. I’ve been waiting four books to find out about Erendine’s past, and I have to say, I never saw it coming quite this way.

Admittedly, the book felt slower than the others in the series. I found myself skimming through parts, and disengaged in others. I couldn’t put my finger on exactly why, until I saw another reviewer say that while these two worked as secondary characters, as main characters they weren’t as captivating. This pretty much summarized my thoughts exactly. While I loved both Arran and Erendine in the previous books, they lacked a little something to shine as main characters. So much so, that even the suspense plot running parallel to their romance felt a touch lackluster and anticlimactic.

Having said that, I still read this from beginning to finish. And while I didn’t fall in love with it like the others in the series, I still liked it. I loved getting more of this unique family and seeing some of my favorites appear on the pages. Plus the set up for Brogan’s book was utterly delicious. So while this book didn’t blow me away, it was still an enjoyable read to spend a summer evening with. Now I’m eagerly anticipating the next installment in this series with Brodan’s book.

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

She resides in Scotland.

 

Connect with Samantha

Website: http://authorsamanthayoung.com

Goodreads:  http://bit.ly/2FWgYdn

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2H47kEP

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorSamanthaYoung/

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1520019958258238/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorsamanthayoung/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuthorSamYoung

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

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/samyoungauthor/

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

Leave a Comment · Filed Under: All Reviews, Contemporary Romance · Tagged With: ,

Review: King of Spades by Alta Hensley

April 5, 2022 by · Leave a Comment

KING OF SPADES
Series: trilogy
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Author: Alta Hensley
Release Date: April 5, 2022

Nick Hudson has a dangerous reputation.

That’s what I need if I’m going to survive.

Desperation makes me seek out a ruthlessly powerful billionaire.

I need protection.

He demands my virtue as payment.

I’m falling into a world of luxury and sin.

With every twist and turn, I need more.

Except this is not a man to love.

This is a man to fear.

His obsession grows. So does the threat, until I’m trapped in a world of depravity. I’ll need more than Nick’s strength to survive. I’m going to need his heart.

AMAZON |  iBOOKS | NOOK | KOBO | GOOGLE PLAY

 

There isn’t a part of him that isn’t absolute perfection. He’s raw, he’s edgy, he’s dark, and his madness is everything I’ve ever wanted.

When I tell you I will never get tired of the craziness that is the Morelli/Constantine drama, I mean I will never get tired of it. Give it all to me!

And with a brand new cross over trilogy from Alta Hensley, we now meet the bastard daughter of Bryant Morelli and she’s no blushing ingenue for the virgin she is. I immediately loved this woman. I mean the second she appears on the pages, stewing in her jealousy, sneaking into a party she has no business in with her cousin Sasha Morelli. The rest of the Morelli brood know nothing about her. And Lyriope is the epitome of the family black sheep. Her parents risky decisions and irresponsible nature leave her on the receiving end of a debt to the Russians that she has no hope of ever repaying and they want blood.

The only hope she has is a man whose reputation precedes him, Nick Hudson. But Nick doesn’t do anyone favors, and his protection comes with a price…her body and her virginity. And while it sounds cliche, it just worked here, people. Maybe it was Lyriope’s fiery nature to Nick’s blatant and dangerous sexuality. I don’t know and I don’t care, I gobbled it right up.

The way I see it is,” I say as I close the distance between us, so close I can smell the sweetness of the bourbon on her breath. “You either have a gun in your mouth by the end of tonight or my cock. I don’t want to see your pretty little face blown off. But I do want to see those lips around my dick. So, choose wisely.”
… Most women would be scared at the honesty and the reality I painted of their mortality. But Lyriope shows me she is not most women.
“I’ll choose the gun,” she purrs as she darts out her tongue and licks my lips in one long and sensual swipe.

I’ll be honest, at times, I was wondering how this story can stretch over three books. But by the end, I was convinced, even while I cursed that cliffhanger to hell and back.

I loved the nods towards Alice in Wonderland and Nick’s mad hatter vibes. I loved the banter, the danger, and the sizzling chemistry. I also loved Nick’s obsession because you know I love the crazy possessive types.

A delicious start to what’s sure to be a fantastic trilogy!

 

Alta Hensley is a USA TODAY bestselling author of hot, dark and dirty romance. She is also an Amazon Top 100 bestselling author. Being a multi-published author in the romance genre, Alta is known for her dark, gritty alpha heroes, sometimes sweet love stories, hot eroticism, and engaging tales of the constant struggle between dominance and submission.

She lives in a log cabin in the woods with her husband, two daughters, and an Australian Shepherd. When she isn’t battling the bats, and watching the deer, she is writing about villains who always get their love story and happily ever after.

Connect with Alta

Website: www.altahensley.com

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Alta-Hensley/e/B004G5A6LI

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AltaHensleyAuthor/

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/altashotdarkdirtyroom

Instagram: https://instagram.com/altahensley

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AltaHensley

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@altahensley

Bookbub:  https://www.bookbub.com/authors/alta-hensley

 

Leave a Comment · Filed Under: All Reviews, Contemporary Romance · Tagged With: ,

Review: Falls Boys by Penelope Douglas

March 21, 2022 by · Leave a Comment

FALLS BOYS
Series: Hellbent #1
Genre: New Adult Romance
Author: Penelope Douglas
Release Date: March 21, 2022

The HELLBENT Series—a spin-off to the Fall Away series—is coming!

“The kids are growing up—different from their parents but the same in so many ways…”

ARO
Hawken Trent. So polite. So sweet. Such an upstanding young man.
A virgin, too, I hear. He never gets naughty with a girl. Probably because Jesus told him not to. And now here he is, trying to be the hero by protecting another girl from me.

He calls me a bully. Irrational. Unreasonable. A criminal. He can call me anything he wants, I’ve heard worse.

And he can try to stand between me and my money, but he’s never had to fight for food. That rich, clean, school boy doesn’t have what it takes.

HAWKE
I surprised her. You should’ve seen her face.

Just because I don’t have a record, honey, doesn’t mean I’m clean. It just means I’m better at not getting caught.

That is until I realize I might’ve actually gone too far this time.

She’s there. I’m there. The scene of the crime.

It’s dark. The police show up.

We have no choice. We run. Down High Street, into Quinn’s bake shop, and I pull her through the entrance to the old speakeasy that everyone forgot was here decades ago.

The door locks, the cops circle the building, never knowing we’re right here, and I’m hidden in plain sight, indefinitely, with someone’s who’s awful.

Mean. Rough. Dirty.

A thief. A delinquent.

Until one night, lost in all of these rooms together, I don’t see any of those things anymore.

She’s smart. Daring. Soft.

Hot…

Everything’s changing. It’s this place. It does something to people.

We have a silly urban legend in Shelburne Falls about mirrors. They’re a gateway.

Don’t lean back into them.

But we came through front first.

I don’t care what the county records say. This was never a speakeasy.

It’s Carnival Tower.

*FALLS BOYS is a standalone New Adult romance suitable for readers 18+. Reading the Falls Away series first is helpful but not necessary.

AMAZON 

My name is Aro Marquez,” she says. I meet her eyes. “Aro Teresa Marquez,” she tells me. “And you may not remember me years from now, and maybe no one will think of me and no one will want to, but I was fucking here.”

Penelope Douglas starts this series off with a bang, and I am so here for it!

I fell so hard for this world back when Bully first came out. And when I read The Next Flame, I was pretty much rabid for this spin off. Funny enough, I don’t usually enjoy the next generation thing. There’s a very select few authors I’d change my tune for, and Douglas is one of them. I was salivating for this series and these characters, dying to see that the apple didn’t fall far from the tree.

This book really switched up the usual formula, and was so different from what I’m used to with Douglas books. Why? Well, we get the quintessential good boy meets bad girl, and the vibes were FIRE.

Hawke is Jaxon’s son Falling Away but he’s not your stereotypical 18 year old male. He’s a good guy, a guy with a plan for his future, and a virgin. It was so refreshing to read about a guy who has his own hangups with sex and not shy to open up about it.

Yeah, everyone assumes,” he fires back. “Why can a woman be picky, but a man’s sexuality is questioned if he’s not diving into every short skirt like an animal who can’t control himself?”

Aro and Hawke’s story is full of chaos. Aro hasn’t had had easy a day in her life, forced to do whatever she needs to survive and take care of her foster siblings, she’s stuck in a life she fears she’ll never escape from. Then chance and circumstance lands her into Hawke’s fancy world, and everything gets turned on its axis.

…you’ve taken over my head, and I haven’t thought about anything else since. You’ve either had me pissed off or naked, so I’ve been distracted.”

Hawke spends the majority of the story trying to save Aro from one thing after another, and I loved his savior complex. While we get just enough development for Hawke to make him endearing, at times he did feel like a secondary character to Aro, and I’m not even complaining about it. Aro was just a complex, multilayered character, and I couldn’t get enough of her. My heart hurt for everything she’s been through. She never stops fighting for every piece of goodness she can get. And I loved the way that Hawke began to thaw her hard pieces.

I want to crawl inside of you sometimes,” I whisper. “Sometimes I want you to be all that I can see and hear. So that nothing exists in the world to me but the feel of you.”

There’s so much that happens in this book, some of it without full closure or answers. So of course I’m already rabid in my need for the next book. There’s just a taste given for Dylan, and damn, I’m so desperate for her book that I can’t deal.

This was the start of what’s sure to be another addicting New Adult series from one of my absolutely favorite authors. It was a character driven story full of emotion and a splash of heat. A tale of two opposites who crash each other’s worlds and make it shine brighter.

Penelope Douglas is a New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author. Her books have been translated into fifteen languages and include The Fall Away Series, The Devil’s Night Series, and the stand-alones, Misconduct, Punk 57, Birthday Girl, and Credence. Please look for Tryst Six Venom and Motel, as well as the Hellbent series, coming next!

She lives in Las Vegas with her husband and their daughter.

     
AUTHOR LINKS
 
Website: http://natasha-knight.com
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/natasha-knight
Amazon: http://amzn.to/2kg2fRX
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/natashaknightauthor
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1752075498339742
Newsletter: http://natasha-knight.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natashaknightromance

Leave a Comment · Filed Under: All Reviews, New Adult · Tagged With: ,

Review: Twisted Obsession by Dani Rene

November 11, 2021 by ·
TWISTED OBSESSION
Series: An Underworld Kings Series Standalone
Author: Dani René
Genre: Mafia Romance
Release Date: November 11, 2021
Obsession.
It’s a sickness she brought upon me.

And I’m about to make her pay.

I shouldn’t bring her into my world. But it was my father’s wish, it was the ultimate revenge on our enemies.

A poised, pristine princess, too pure for this life. And me, I’m the dark prince forced to be a King too soon.

She dances gracefully, capturing my attention, before fighting me like a savage tigress. She’s fire, burning through my darkness, and I’m the ice that will bring her to her knees.
Right where I like her.

I will make her bow.

I will make her submit.
And when I do, she’ll be my Queen.

AMAZON

I’m nothing more than a contract. A twisted obsession for him to use to fulfill his ultimate goal—revenge for my father’s actions.

So, apparently I’ve been sleeping on Dani René. How is this the first book I read of hers? I have no idea but I need more. As we all know, I have a thing for mafia romance. And this being in the Underworld King series I’ve been devouring, I figured let’s take a chance on a new to me author. And now? I’m seriously kicking my own ass for not trying her sooner.

I know about the violence, the darkness, and the bullshit that comes with my contract. Your boss may be next in line, but I’m a princess within my Familia. I’ve been born and bred to rule, and if he can’t accept a queen by his side, then he should kill me now.”

Revenge. Arranged marriage. A dark and ruthless mafia boss. A fierce heroine. All of my very favorite things.

Enzo de Rossi is the Underboss, and the fixer of the family until his parents are brutally murdered and he becomes the boss. He’s a man set on revenge at all costs and obsessed with finding out who betrayed his family. Luna is the daughter of his enemy, promised to him in a contract with the hope of uniting the two feuding families. But when Enzo’s father is killed, he no longer cares about peace. Luna is simply a pawn in his world, and their marriage a means to an end.

She’s gotten to me. She’s burrowing under my skin. And I have no way of getting her out.

Luna may be young and with an air of innocence, but she’s not naive, and she’s not blind to the life she grew up in. She knows her future husband hates her and her family and there’s nothing to be done for it. She also can’t seem to fight her growing attraction and chemistry to the brutal man.

Now this being a dark mafia romance, there is definitely some pretty graphic violence. And truth be told, some of the scenes…I was uncomfy. Dani doesn’t spare any details. Enzo is oozing unleashed violence and when he does unleash it on his enemies, well, let’s just say it’s not pretty.

I loved the ying and yang between him and Luna. He’s determined to keep her at arm’s length and she’s determined to get under his skin. I loved how fierce this woman was. She doesn’t shy away from the violence and she isn’t afraid to stand up to this man whose mere name instill fear into men. I loved the slow burn. And when they finally give into the inevitable? GAH! I was in praise kink, dominant heaven.

If you’re looking for a super dark mafia romance with a ruthless anti hero and a fierce heroine, this one will definitely do it for you.

Dani is a USA Today Bestselling Author of dark and deviant romance with a seductive edge.

Originally from Cape Town, South Africa, she now lives in the UK with her better half who does all the cooking while she writes all the words.

When she’s not writing, she can be found binge-watching the latest TV series, or working on graphic design either for herself, or other indie authors.

She enjoys reading books about handsome villains and feisty heroines, mostly dark, always seductive, and sometimes depraved. She has a healthy addiction to tattoos, coffee, and ice cream.

You can find more information on her website, www.danirene.com, or find her on social media, Instagram and Facebook being her favorites. Along with her newsletter, which you can sign up for here – https://bit.ly/DaniVIPs

AUTHOR LINKS

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/dani-rene
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DaniReneAuthor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danireneauthor
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14541877.Dani_Ren
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Dani-René/e/B016JZ7NZO
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@authordanirene

· Filed Under: All Reviews, Dark · Tagged With: , ,

Review: Stolen- Dante’s Vow by Natasha Knight

September 30, 2021 by · Leave a Comment

STOLEN: DANTE’S VOW
Genre: Dark, Mafia Romance
Author: Natasha Knight
Release Date: September 30, 2021

Five years.
That’s how long it took me to find her.

Five years after my world shattered, leaving me a scarred and broken man.

By then, the girl I knew was gone. In her place stood a woman. One who looked like an angel. An impossible, beautiful angel.

I killed for her. Soaked my hands in the blood of those who hurt her and rescued her from hell.

But hell has a way of following you. Becoming a part of you. Maybe the only part you recognize.

I had every intention of bringing her home. Setting her free.
I swear I did.

But the men who kidnapped her all those years ago weren’t done with her yet. They’d stop at nothing to get her back. And I’d kill any man who tried to take her from me.

She calls me her avenging angel.
But I know the truth.
I’m no angel.

Because even as I tell myself I’m protecting her I know one thing for sure.

I am a monster, too. No better than them.
Because just like them, I’ll never let her go .

Author’s note: Stolen is Dante Grigori’s story and although a standalone, would be better enjoyed after reading With This Ring and I Thee Take.

AMAZON 

 

I’m here now, Mara. And I may not be the boy you remember, but I am the man you’ll come to know. The man who will destroy your demons.”

I feel like I’ve been waiting for this story forever! The second that Dante appeared in With This Ring, I was intrigued. And when the revelations in I Thee Take happened, well, let’s just say I was damn near salivating for this story. When I saw Natasha post a teaser about writing Dante’s book, I was pretty much rabid in my need to get my hands on it. So is it any surprise that the second it landed on my kindle, I devoured it in one sitting? I think not.

I can’t have her. So much has been stolen from her already. I won’t steal a love I don’t deserve.

I highly recommend that you read the To Have and To Hold duet prior to this book. There’s a lot of overarching story arc that really sets the stage for this story. And while you can technically still enjoy this as a standalone, some of the big nuances may be missed on you if you do.

We met Dante’s brother in that duet and we learn quite a bit about the brother’s family and history. We get to know their years long vendetta for the gruesome death of their family. But at the end of the duet we learn that the woman that they thought died all those years along with their family, may not have. Stolen actually takes place five years after I Thee Take.

Dante has been tirelessly searching for Mara, who has been barely surviving her captivity to a monster all of these years. Sold into sexual slavery, she made a deal with her owner five years ago to save Dante’s brother’s woman. And it cost her. The book starts off pretty much right away with her rescue and the aftereffects of what she’s been through.

I loved Mara. She’s a fighter and a survivor, no matter the hell she’s been through the past 15 years. She may have grew up with Dante the boy, but she doesn’t recognize the man, and their connection takes a while to reestablish. I loved watching this ruthless killer handle this woman like she’s made of spun glass. He was her fiercest protector, even if that protection was against himself.

I’m not sure why I thought this was a duet when it’s a standalone. But a part of me kept thinking that I would have loved this to be a bit longer. I would have liked to get a bit more fleshing out with things at the end. But as it was, I still devoured it and loved every page. The connection between Mara and Dante was years long in the making. There’s a deliciously complex secondary character who gets introduced and I’m already hoping we get his story next, because DAMN.

But if you’re looking for a gritty mafia romance read, look no further. Knight delivers as always with packing a story full of emotion, darkness, and steam.

 

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.

AUTHOR LINKS

Website: http://natasha-knight.com
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/natasha-knight
Amazon: http://amzn.to/2kg2fRX
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/natashaknightauthor
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1752075498339742
Newsletter: http://natasha-knight.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natashaknightromance

Leave a Comment · Filed Under: All Reviews, Dark · Tagged With: , ,

Review: What If You & Me by Roni Loren

July 12, 2021 by · Leave a Comment

WHAT IF YOU & ME
Series: Say Everything #2
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Author: Roni Loren
Release Date: July 6, 2021

The world can be a scary place. At least, that’s what Andi Lockley’s anxiety wants her to believe. It doesn’t help that she narrowly escaped a dangerous man years ago, or that every relationship since has been colored with that lingering fear. But things are better now―she’s channeling everything into her career as a horror novelist and true crime podcaster, and her next book may be the breakthrough she needs.

If only her grumpy new neighbor would stop stomping around at all hours of the night.

Former firefighter Hill Dawson can’t sleep. After losing part of his leg in a rescue gone wrong, he’s now stuck in limbo. He needs to figure out what he’s supposed to do with his life, and he can’t let himself get distracted by the pretty redhead next door. But when someone breaks into Andi’s place, Hill can’t stop himself from rushing in to play the hero. Soon, a tentative bond forms between the unlikely pair. But what starts out as a neighborly exchange quickly turns into the chance for so much more…if Andi can learn to put aside her fear and trust in herself―and love―again.

New York Times and USA Today bestseller Roni Loren blends heat and heart in this emotionally charged story.

AMAZON 

He listened. He hadn’t pushed or rushed her. He hadn’t cajoled. But more than that, he hadn’t made her feel wrong or broken for being the way she was. He’d simply been with her in that moment, meeting her where she was and seeming to enjoy what thye were doing as much as she did.”

When I read grumpy neighbor in the blurb to this, I had to read it. The grump/sunshine trope is catnip for me and I will never get enough of it.

Now my darling OCD reader friends, close your eyes for a second. Because I’m about to admit I didn’t read book one in this series. I said close your eyes and stop judging me. GOD! Where was I? Ah yes. This is shocking, considering I’ve read most of Roni’s backlist and I seriously have no idea how I missed book one in the Say Everything series. But I was so excited for this book after reading the blurb, I couldn’t wait to read book one first. So here we are. *grins unrepentantly*

If you’re looking for a swoony, emotional read with plenty of steam, look no further. This story seriously packed a punch of the feels. We have a heroine who’s a horror writer and a true crime podcaster. Quirky heroine lovers, you’ll want her for your bff. It’s impossible not to love Andi straight off the bat. Her dark and painful past is something you learn as the story progresses and I swear it made me love her all the more.

Andi is struggling to write her newest book, and her noisy neighbor stomping around in the apartment next door through all hours of the night doesn’t help. And can I just say I loved the way they meet? Because I didn’t know whether to laugh or swoon. But I digress again.

Hill is a former firefighter with a tortured past. Still reeling from the loss of his career from an injury that almost cost him his life, he broods in his apartment and avoids people. But when his sweet and beautiful new neighbor crashes into his apartment fearful that someone just broke into hers, he can’t quite avoid her.

This was a sweet, slow burn romance. I loved the friendship that Andi and Hill formed before the romance ever developed. The chemistry was always there but it took a bit to bubble to the surface. There’s also the added element of suspense which added another layer of interesting to the story.

While sweet romance isn’t typically my cuppa, this one did hit the spot. I loved Hill and Andi together. I loved that the author took such a heavy subject matter and managed to not weigh the story down with angst or drama. It was just two people dealing with the demons of their past and learning about themselves through each other. A truly satisfying, swoony romance with plenty of feels and a dash of suspense.

Leave a Comment · Filed Under: All Reviews, Contemporary Romance · Tagged With: ,

Review: Blame It on the Tequila by Fiona Cole

May 27, 2021 by · Leave a Comment

BLAME IT ON THE TEQUILA
Series: Blame It On The Alcohol #2
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Author: Fiona Cole
Release Date: May 27, 2020

The world loves him and his music, but I loved him first. 

It started on a dance floor after too much tequila and ended with looking into the handsome face I never thought I’d see again. In-person, at least.

I saw his face all the time on magazine covers.

To the world, he’s Parker Callahan- famous rockstar.

To me, he was the boy I loved, the stepbrother who left me behind to follow his dreams.

After our tequila-fueled encounter, he wants me back but that’s not a road I’m ready to walk down again. He broke my heart once, and even five years later, I’m not sure I could handle another blow.

When a once-in-a-lifetime offer comes my way, even my broken heart isn’t enough for me to be able to turn it down. I agree to join the band’s tour and help Parker write his next album–but this time I’m not falling in love.

This time I’ll walk away.

If there is one thing life has taught me, it’s that love never goes to plan–especially when Parker is involved. 

  Download today or read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited
AMAZON

I’d never had the all-consuming urge to go, go, go until we were one. I’d never had the urge to crawl inside someone and never come out. Until him

I’m a sucker for a second chance romance. Something about the feels and angst of it just does it for me. Add a rockstar into the mix, and I’m so sold!

This one had a bit of a mystery element to it that hooked me from the very first page. The story is told in alternating past and present, with the majority of the story taking place in the present.

Parker and Nova first met as teens. They had an immediate chemistry and pull that both of them tried desperately to avoid because they were step siblings. Their mutual love of music brought them together, but then seemed to ultimately tear them apart. Parker and Nova fell hard and fast, until they fell apart and everything changed.

Years later, Nova is still not quite over Parker, but she’s moved on and determined not to think about that part of her life again. But then a night of tequila and a bit of fate bring them into each other’s orbits again.

Parker is determined not to let Nova walk away this time, and Nova is just as determined to run from all of it. She’s pretty hell bent on avoiding Parker, until fate intervenes once more and puts them as close to each other as possible.

While I enjoyed the story, I didn’t love it as much as I did the first book. I think part of it stems from my frustration with Nova and her inability to tackle anything head on. She runs from any confrontation and while I understood it at the very end when the big part of the mystery gets revealed, it was no less frustrating. Ultimately, I can’t place my finger on exactly what it was or why, but it was just missing a little something for me. That spark just wasn’t there. I liked the couple and the romance, but I wasn’t riveted to the pages. Would I recommend it? Absolutely. It was a fun and engaging read. It just won’t be anything I’d come back to.

Fiona Cole is a military wife and a stay at home mom with degrees in biology and chemistry. As much as she loved science, she decided to postpone her career to stay at home with her two little girls, and immersed herself in the world of books until finally deciding to write her own.

 Connect with Fiona

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

Leave a Comment · Filed Under: All Reviews, Contemporary Romance · Tagged With: , ,

Review: The Warlord by Gena Showalter

April 25, 2021 by · Leave a Comment

THE WARLORD
Series: Rise of the Warlords #1
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Author: Gena Showalter
Release Date: April  20,  2021

New York Times bestselling author Gena Showalter begins a dark, sexy new series—Rise of the Warlords—with a fan-favorite character from her beloved Lords of the Underworld series, Taliyah Skyhawk. The ice maiden faces off with her greatest enemy, a villain brutal beyond imagining.

For centuries, Taliyah Skyhawk has prepared to become Harpy General, leader of the deadliest female army in existence. One of the requirements? Remain a virgin. But, for a chance to save her people, she must wed the fearless leader of the Astra Planeta, Alaroc Phaethon.

The time has come for Roc to sacrifice another virgin bride to his god. There has never been a woman alluring enough to tempt him from his path. No warrioress powerful enough to overcome his incredible strength. No enchantress desirable enough to make him burn beyond reason. Until now.

With the clock ticking, war between husband and wife ignites. Except Taliyah never expected the merciless king to challenge the future she once envisioned. She certainly never anticipated the thrill of their battles turning into games… The problem is, only one spouse can survive.

Love is a battlefield in Showalter’s The Warlord.

AMAZON

I’ve never been a hero. I’ve never wanted to be. I make a better villain.

Gena Showalter: announces new series
Me:

*giggles in giddy fangirl*

When I saw the new series announcement from Gena, I’m pretty sure I spent hours stalking any and all information on it. Then I spent months, and I mean MONTHS, stalking for the book. The level of anticipation was high, people!

The Warlord is a brand new book in Gena’s Rise of The Warlords series but it’s also an overarching series from her Lords of The Underworld. If you recall the harpy sisters from that The Darkest Surrender? We get Taliyah Skyhawk’s story in this one and man was it delicious.

If there’s one thing that I love about Gena’s books, it’s her fierce heroines. And Taya was all of those things and more. With a bloodline that’s a deadly secret, Taliyah grew up with one goal in life; becoming Harpy General. Leading a deadly army of female harpies is all she wants and she’ll sacrifice anything, including staying a virgin to do it. I know, right?! Plot twist.

Roc is the deadly leader of the Astra Planeta, a fierce army of ancient warriors feared in every realm. His task? To sacrifice a virgin bride to ensure his army receives a mystical blessing. If he fails, they’re cursed to utter defeat for 500 years. And Roc would do anything for his warriors.

First of all, the antagonism and hate lust between these two? *chefs kiss* SO GOOD. Roc is all broody, grumpy, and warlordy. And Taya is sassy, hilarious, and always game to press every button he has and a few he didn’t even know he has. And this reader? Gobbled it right up.

I should probably apologize for my tardiness, and I will, just as soon as I’m sorry. As your men are proving with their nineinch salutes, I’m totally worth the wait. Well, he’s giving me ten.” She winked at Silver. “Bravo, sir.”

As always the world building was enticing, vivid, and full of new characters I can’t wait to read more about. Including a cameo by my beloved Hades. Well not really a cameo, more of a mention. But I’ll take any morsel when it coms to this man. But I digress again.

I loved this book and this new slew of warrior characters. Move over lords, there’s new tortured and brooding warlords. And I’m not one to pick favorites here, but I’m saying I’m dying for the next book! If this one is anything to judge the series by, we’re in for one heck of a ride and I’m already braced for it.

If you’re looking for a steamy PNR with plenty of chemistry, banter, and all of the action with incredible characters that you won’t be able to get enough of, READ THIS.

Leave a Comment · Filed Under: All Reviews, PNR · Tagged With: , ,
Copyright © 2015 · Dirty Girl Romance

%d bloggers like this: