Book Reviews: 3.5 stars

Review: The Dom Who Came In From The Cold by Lexi Blake

February 21, 2023 by Lana · Leave a Comment

THE DOM WHO CAME IN FROM THE COLD
Series: Masters and Mercenaries: Reloaded Book 5
Genre: Romantic Suspense, BDSM
Author: Lexi Blake
Release Date: February 21, 2023

Kyle Hawthorne once believed his future would be a job in the private sector—a simple, normal life. Fate had other plans and he wound up in the military. Some newly discovered talents caught the eye of the CIA, and in no time he was working with a covert team. He found himself in a relationship with fellow operative, Julia—until she turned out to be the enemy. When her betrayal was uncovered, things got bloody and Kyle returned home broken, searching for a chance to walk the road not taken.

MaeBe Vaughan has never been interested in normal. Her happy place is a dark corner of the Internet, where she disrupts all the bad guys. She has a great circle of friends and a full life. She doesn’t need a man. Until Kyle Hawthorne walked into her life. He’s all wrong for her. Surly. Damaged. His uncle is her boss. But she couldn’t help getting close to him. When his past threatened her safety, Kyle walked out without saying good-bye.

Kyle will do anything to keep MaeBe safe. He faked his death, hid in the middle of nowhere, and watched over her from afar. But when Julia resurfaces, he knows that to protect MaeBe, he’ll have to get close. So close that if they manage to survive, he will never let her go.

You are not an itch I want to scratch, MaeBe Vaughn,” Kyle said, his eyes solemn on her. “You’re a blanket I want to pull around me because I think you might be able to keep me warm for the rest of my life.”

I have spent years waiting for this book. YEARS. Kyle has been a predominant secondary character for far too long and I couldn’t wait to finally get my hands on his book. Particularly after the way No Time to Lie.

And while this book is technically a standalone with a new couple, I highly recommend you read the series in order because the story arc for this couple begins early in the series and you really need to understand all the nuances between them through the year to really appreciate this book. It does cover most of the basics, but glosses over some that have been covered in previous books (like the pining. GOD but I loved the pining)

People in love discuss their problems. Dumbasses fake their deaths.

Kyle has been in love with MaeBe from the moment he saw her. He may have fought their connection but his fall was inevitable, no matter what his inner demons said. But when Kyle’s psycho double agent ex comes back from the dead, he knows he’ll do anything to protect MaeBe, even fake his own death. Though his “death” is honestly like the worst kept secret and everyone pretty much knows he’s on a mission to catch Julia, including MaeBe.

When circumstances allow him to reveal himself to MaeBe, she’s no longer the woman he left behind. Her edges are sharper, and she’s also not afraid to drop him on his ass. And she does.

I really liked parts of this story, but admittedly, parts of it did drag a bit for me. The suspense plot sort of overrode the romance for me. I would have loved to read more about these falling for each other to appreciate their reunion even more. But on the flip side, I loved the progression of their relationship. I loved the way Kyle cares for Mae and the way he finally proves it with his unwavering trust. I loved watching Mae grow into a field agent in her own right. And while this wasn’t my favorite book in the series, it still hit the spot just right.

Leave a Comment · Filed Under: All Reviews, BDSM, Romantic Suspense · Tagged With: BDSM, Book Reviews: 3.5 stars, Lexi Blake

Review: Good Girl Fail by Roni Loren

January 17, 2023 by Lana · Leave a Comment

GOOD GIRL FAIL
Author: Roni Loren
Genre: Erotic, MMF Romance
Release Date: January 17, 2023

From the New York Times bestselling author of the Loving on the Edge and the Say Anything series comes a new steamy standalone MMF romance that proves good girls can have fun too…especially when she’s their good girl.

O’Neal Lory has been taught that one mistake can undo an entire life of right decisions. That it doesn’t matter if a person has been good ninety-nine percent of the time. One misstep, one snap judgment, can derail everything. So, she’s taken a lot of right steps on the straight and narrow path. Eighteen years of them, in fact. Perfect grades. No rules broken. And definitely no boys.

Until she kisses him.

Auden Blake knows he shouldn’t touch his little sister’s best friend, knows that innocent girls like her should stay far, far away from him and his roommate Lennox—especially when she could reveal their behind-closed-doors activities to his family. But when sheltered O’Neal goes rogue, ditching her scholarship to a conservative all-girls college and showing up at Bennette State—his school—instead, it’s going to take everything Auden has to keep his and Lennox’s hands off the curious good girl whose teach me vibes could unravel them both.

Good Girl Fail is a full-length standalone MMF romance with lots of steam, two heroes who like to share and get a little bossy, and a good girl heroine who’s about to break every rule that’s ever been placed upon her.

AMAZON

I would’ve happily taught you anything you wanted to know too.” He gave her a full smile, a wicked gleam in his eyes. “Feel free to reach out later if you want. You can get your bachelor’s degree with Auden. When you’re ready for your master’s, come and find me.”

I have spent years waiting for Roni to get back to her erotic romance/BDSM roots. I first discovered and fell in love with her writing with her Loving On The Edge series. So when she announced this book, I was giddy with fangirl excitement. A New Adult MMF poly romance? Yes, please and thank you!

It’s funny because third person POV used to be all I read back in the day. Now I struggle to read anything outside of first person. I can’t help but wish this was written in first person POV because I would have loved it that much more. But while it took me a minute to get used to the third, it never detracted from the story.

O’Neal Lory is the definition of sheltered. She grew up in a deeply religious household with two very strict grandparents who didn’t allow her to do much of anything. And generally, this sort of naiveté is not my cuppa when it comes to my MFCs, there was something so endearing about O’Neal that I couldn’t help but like her. Was she super sheltered, yes. But she also recognized that and rebelled against her strict upbringing in a smart way. She made the difficult decision to follow her own path and attend the university of her choice that her mother had attended, against her grandparents’ wishes, causing them to essentially disown her.

O’Neal has been crushing on her best friend’s older brother for as long as she’s been aware of boys. But even though they shared one fiery kiss, Auden knows he’s not for her. She’s too sweet and naive for him. But when O’Neal ends up at his university, the chemistry between them is too much to deny. But the Auden that he is at home, is not the same man he is at school. Auden hides his sexual cravings from his small town, so no one but his best friend and roommate knows about his dominance and desire to share.

When O’Neal all but dares him to teach her, he’s up for the challenge. And so is his sinfully sexy best friend, Lennox.

This story was fiery hot, and I loved the dynamic between Auden and Lennox. I loved their bond and friendship, but especially their chemistry. I loved the way O’Neal added to their dynamic and her innocence wrapped in passion. This is a girl that doesn’t live by her past and doesn’t shy away from her desires. I loved that about her.

My one quibble with this book is the story arc of O’Neal’s mother. There’s so much attention given to this and quite a lot centered around it, yet it ultimately felt highly anticlimactic and unresolved. The romance was amazing, and I loved these three together, but I also couldn’t help but feel something was missing. Maybe a longer epilogue? Maybe another book? I can’t quite place my finger on it, but something was missing to make this a solid 4 for me.

I can’t help but hope this will be the start of a new series because I want more of this world from this author.

Leave a Comment · Filed Under: All Reviews, Erotic Rom, New Adult · Tagged With: Book Reviews: 3.5 stars, menage, MMF, Roni Loren

Review: The Bad Guy by Celia Aaron

December 26, 2022 by Lana · Leave a Comment

THE BAD GUY
Author: Celia Aaron
Genre: Dark Romance
Release Date: May 21, 2017

My name is Sebastian Lindstrom, and I’m the villain of this story.

Camille was a damsel, one who already had her white knight.

She was caught in a world of lies that glittered like truth, secrets painted to seem harmless.

I could’ve left her there. I didn’t.

I never abandon the things I want, never lose sight of their shine, and Camille outshined all others.

She was my breath of spring, an apple ripe for poisoning.

After all, every fairy tale has a villain, someone waiting in the wings to rip it all down.

A scoundrel who will set the world on fire if that means he gets what he wants. That’s me.

I’m the bad guy.

AMAZON

I’d do anything for you. Except let you go.”

I’m too lazy to write a full review for this one but I’ll try a quick sum up.

I love a good stalker romance with a sexy psychopath. This one promised to deliver on both with the alluring psychopath and successful CEO, Sebastian. Camille is dating a man who works for Sebastian’s company, and when he lays eyes on her he becomes instantly obsessed. So much so that he stalks her incessantly, plots to run into her several times, and ultimately kidnaps her and forces her to stay with him until she falls for him. Sounds delicious, right? It somewhat was.

I think for someone who is just dipping their toe into this trope would probably enjoy it. But for a dark romance reader, this book just felt too mild for what it was if that makes sense. I found Camille to be dry. Having her boyfriend’s POV in the book really drove her naivety home for me. Sebastian was delicious. I loved him and his calculating obsessive ways. Perhaps this was letting my expectations get the best of me, but I just felt very underwhelmed with the story. It dragged in parts and was too tame in others. The ending felt cliche and anticlimactic with a splash of cheese.

Did I like it? Yes. Is it something I’d come back to or super memorable. Not really.

Leave a Comment · Filed Under: All Reviews, Dark · Tagged With: Book Reviews: 3.5 stars, Celia Aaron, stalker

Review: Dukes of Peril by Angel Lawson & Samantha Rue

November 14, 2022 by Lana · Leave a Comment

DUKES OF PERIL
Series: Royals of Fosyth University #6
Author: Angel Lawson & Samantha Rue
Genre: Dark Romance, Why Choose
Release Date: November 11, 2022

The ruin of obsession, the madness of love, and the peril of duty.

Remington Maddox broke my heart.

Simon Perilini bruised my body.

And Pretty Nick Bruin tried his hardest to steal my soul.

As we struggle to make amends, the four of us must face the real fights occurring in Forsyth: The battle against the legacies of our fathers, the conflict for a Kingdom that’s stronger than its King, and the wars we wage within ourselves.

My Dukes have become capable warriors, but Forsyth needs more than their fists. They need a leader. Who will rise to the challenge?

They plucked me from captivity, giving me a home and purpose, and now it’s my turn to fight for them. The fury of Forsyth will burn hot enough to melt my cage.

And my Dukes will forge a crown from it.

Dukes of Peril is book 6 n the contemporary, dark romance, Royals of Forsyth U series by best-selling authors, Angel Lawson and Samantha Rue.

Reading Order:

Lords of Pain

Lords of Wrath

Lords of Mercy

Dukes of Ruin

Dukes of Madness

Dukes of Peril

AMAZON

I’d kill for her, die for her, burn this whole fucking city to the ground for her.

When I tell you I have been dying a slow death waiting for the conclusion of the Dukes’ trilogy I’m not even slightly exaggerating. I loved The Lords, but The Dukes had me in a full chokehold. The irony, though, is while book three of The Lords was my favorite of the three, the Dukes of Peril I found to be the weakest installment. Did I still enjoy it? Abso-fucking-lutely. But did it have the chokehold on me that the first two books did? Not really.

But even after all these years, you still think the way I love you makes you a prisoner. When are you going to get it?” His jaw tightens, and he reaches up, tucking a lock of hair behind my ear. “You’re not shackled to me, Lavinia. I’m shackled to you.”

After the slow edging…erm…I mean burn, between Lavinia and Simon, I was really hoping for him being center stage in this book. But can’t help feeling slightly disappointed because I feel like he played a bit of second, or rather third fiddle.

The story was entertaining but felt anticlimactic in parts. There were parts of the book that felt dragged out and it almost had too much going on with Saul, Lavinia’s father, Remy’s father, and the Princes. I loved Nick and his crazy possessive jealousy. The man just continued to grow on me with each book. But dang, I needed more Sy in this book.

I enjoyed it, don’t get me wrong, but I still wished for more. However, the set up for the next trilogy at the end? Delicious. Bring on the Princes and their breeding kink please!

Leave a Comment · Filed Under: All Reviews, Why Choose · Tagged With: Angel Lawson, Book Reviews: 3.5 stars, dark, Reverse Harem, Samantha Rue

Review: Resisting Mr Granville by Sam Mariano

November 13, 2022 by Lana · Leave a Comment

Resisting Mr. Gainsville
A Blurred Lines Series Standalone
Author: Sam Mariano
Genre: Taboo/Forbidden Romance
Release Date: November 2, 2022

I found love where I wasn’t supposed to find it…

The night I met Mr. Granville, he was slipping out of my mother’s bedroom.
She was passed out drunk and I was on my own, but that was nothing new. It wasn’t even the first time one of her boyfriends looked at me for a little too long—just the first time I felt anything like interest in return.
My mother and I had never been close, but I knew I had to pretend not to notice his hot gaze lingering on me when he was supposed to be there to see her, had to resist the temptation to lap up all the attention he offered me.
Until the one night I didn’t.

After they broke up, I thought I’d never see Milo Granville again.
But my less-than-impressive grade in chemistry had me striking a deal with his brilliant son: he would help me bring up my grade, and I would pretend to be his girlfriend so he could get the attention of the girl he actually liked.
Pretending to date the youngest Granville has me spending a lot of time with the Granville men, and while he loves having me around again, seeing me with his son is not something Mr. Granville enjoys.
He seems determined to remind me of the night that changed everything between us…
As if I could ever forget.
Milo is devilishly handsome and too commanding for his own good, but I have to resist the attraction raging between us.
Too bad Mr. Granville is just as intent on tempting me at every turn.

AMAZON

I found love where I wasn’t supposed to find it…”

Well…that wasn’t at all what I was expecting. And I’m not sure if I mean that in a good way.

The blurb to this book is what hooked me. A forbidden age gap romance with a man who not only happens to be your mom’s ex, but also your friend’s father? Yes, please and thank you. I have never jumped on a book more quick. Heck, I’m pretty sure I left skid marks behind in my rush to get to it. But that’s not what this book was. Now how the heck do I review this without spoiling it? I’m going to do my damn best here.

First of all, I sat on my rating for days after finishing it. Did I like it? Yes. Did I love it? No. So here we sit with a middle of the road 3 star “I liked it but I won’t think of it again” rating. So let’s digest it.

The reason I love the forbidden trope is the feeling it gives. I love the tension of the ‘we want to but we can’t. That burn. The anticipation. The pit in your stomach feel when they finally give into the inevitable. However, this book didn’t have it. And the forbidden element of the romance had nothing to do with the age gap or the father thing. But I won’t spoil that for you. All I will say, is I’m still not sure how I feel about it. It reminded me of Cradence…but also didn’t feel right…or complete. Not story complete, but romance complete.

The romance between Milo and Kennedy was inevitable. Their chemistry instant, but also a slow burn. Milo wants her the minute he lays eyes on her. The fact that her mother is a total and complete piece of sh*t leaves you with no guilt about their “forbidden” relationship. The forbidden dynamic came completely out of left field, and while I didn’t dislike it, I didn’t love it either. It felt almost love triangle-y…and that’s not ultimately my jam. I felt a bit let down with the end and desperately hoping we get a book for a certain someone next. But I digress.

I think ultimately my issue is that what I thought I was getting was not what I got. I enjoyed it still, but it just didn’t fully hit the spot. Especially since I was going in with a set expectation from the blurb. Would I recommend it? Yes. It was still an enjoyable read that was a bit on the tamer side than what I’m used to from Mariano but still with a dose of an edgy grit.

Sam Mariano writes the books she wants to read. She loves edgy, twisty romantic reads with complicated characters you’re left thinking about long after you turn the last page. Her favorite thing about indie publishing is the ability to play by your own rules! If she isn’t reading one of the thousands of books on her to-read list, writing her next book, or playing with her adorable daughter… actually, that’s about all she has time for these days. Feel free to find her on Facebook or Instagram—she loves hearing from her readers!

AUTHOR LINKS

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/292083204528925
Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/_hSzL
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Sam__Mariano
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sammarianobooks
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7375051.Sam_Mariano
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/sam-mariano

Leave a Comment · Filed Under: All Reviews, Dirty Talkers · Tagged With: Book Reviews: 3.5 stars, Forbidden, Sam Mariano

Review: Ace of Diamonds by Alta Hensley

October 7, 2022 by Lana · Leave a Comment

ACE OF DIAMONDS
Series: Wonderland #3
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Author: Alta Hensley
Release Date: October 4, 2022

The winner takes all…

I had her. She was mine. They took her away.

Lyriope Morelli is the dream I’ve been chasing. My obsession isn’t gone, my hunger’s not satiated. I won’t rest until I find her and claim her again. I won’t rest until I’ve dragged her safely back to Wonderland.

Villains don’t get the happily ever after written for them in the story. And I’m the villain of this story–vicious and calculating, terrifying in my whims. Which is why, when it comes to my queen of hearts…

The game has just begun.

Welcome to the Midnight Dynasty… The warring Morelli and Constantine families have enough bad blood to fill an ocean, and their brand new stories will be told by your favorite dangerous romance authors.

WARNING: This book is intended for readers eighteen years old and over. It contains material that some readers could find disturbing. Enter at your own risk…

AMAZON

You may be used to dancing with the devil in your life, but you’ve never tangoed with a madman. The devil has nothing on me.

This is the fiery conclusion to the Wonderland trilogy. I’ve been absolutely dying to get my hands on this ever since the jaw dropping cliff hanger in Queen of Hearts. So of course I binge read the book in one sitting eager to see how it all comes together and ends.

Lyriope Morelli is desperate for her father’s acceptance. The bastard child of the Morelli family, all she’s ever wanted is to rightfully claim her name. So when everything falls apart and she’s forced to marry a stranger in a business deal for her father, she unwillingly accepts. She has no choice, no matter how desperately she wants to stay with Nick. Nick, meanwhile, will burn the world to the ground to get her back.

If I thought I couldn’t hate Bryant Morelli more, he proved me wrong in this book. I seriously wanted the man to get hit by a bus. Nick and Lyriope burn up the pages together, which was a needed distraction from wanting to bludgeon the eldest Morelli, but I digress.

Ultimately, while this was an entertaining read, I had a hard time staying in the story. I think this could have been a duet, and found parts of this book a bit stretched out. I also wanted a bit more of a satisfying wrap up to things like everything around Cora, which felt unfinished. I also think this was entirely my own puny brain working against me too. Because when I have to wait too long between books, I do ultimately forget most of what I read and what had me riveted to the story and eventually just lose interest. But it was still a fun read that packed a steamy punch.

Leave a Comment · Filed Under: All Reviews, Contemporary Romance · Tagged With: Alta Hensley, Book Reviews: 3.5 stars

Review: Wall by Cate C. Wells

October 6, 2022 by Lana · Leave a Comment

WALL
Series: Steel Bones Motorcycle Club #4.5
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Author: Cate C Wells
Release Date: June 30, 2020

What’s more dangerous than a second chance?

Wall

I want my wife back, but I lost the right to go after her one drunken night four years ago. She’s moved on, but I’m not going anywhere. I’m gonna be right here. And when she finally comes to me? I ain’t letting her go again.

Mona

John Wall wrecked my life, but I’ve put myself together again. I’m not the broken woman whose husband betrayed her. I can fight my own battles.

Then a favor for a friend backfires, and I run into more trouble than I can handle. I need backup, and John is still the biggest man I know. But he won’t help me for free. He wants something in return.

I thought I knew what tore us apart, but when I let John back in, I realize the past isn’t always how you remember. And second chances? They can heal you–or break you forever.

Wall is a 43,000-word novella set in the Steel Bones Motorcycle Club World. It takes place before the action of Charge and Nickel’s Story, and it can be read as a standalone. Wall is a second chance, redemption romance that deals with infidelity and pregnancy loss.

HEA guaranteed.

AMAZON

And so we’re clear. This ain’t me leaving.”
“It’s not?”
“Nope. ‘Cause I guess you don’t know this, but my heart’s right there.” He nods to where I sit on the bed. “Has been since I first laid eyes on you.”

Alright, so elephant in the room, this book is certainly not for everyone. But as a reader that loves a good redemption and the angst of cheating, I was all over it. Cheating in romance is hard to pull off. It has to be a reason where you can buy the redemption arc. And as ridiculous as it is for me to say, note I’m talking about fiction. So please don’t come at me with morality lectures, kay? But anyhoos.

I first discovered Cate with her PNR series and then her mafia Run Posy Run. This was my first MC read of hers and yes I know I read it out of order, but I had no issues diving right in. John (Wall) and Mona have been together since they were teens, but then life and tragedy happened and John made a decision that cost him his marriage and the love of his life. When he fessed up his one night mistake, Mona kicked him out. Now it’s been four years and neither have moved on. Wall protects her from afar while Mona has been in a state of limbo.

This was an entertaining read albeit a little fluffy for my taste. I wanted more grit considering the subject matter but it packed more sweet. I also can’t say I loved Mona. She didn’t annoy me but she wasn’t a memorable FMC either. So while it didn’t blow me away, I did read it in one sitting and plan on reading the rest of the series.

Leave a Comment · Filed Under: All Reviews, Contemporary Romance · Tagged With: Book Reviews: 3.5 stars, Cate C Wells, cheating, Second-chance-romance

Review: Promises We Meant to Keep by Monica Murphy

September 23, 2022 by Lana · 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

Leave a Comment · Filed Under: All Reviews, Contemporary Romance · Tagged With: Book Reviews: 3.5 stars, monica murphy, Second-chance-romance

Review: Blackmail by Amelia Wilde

August 2, 2022 by Lana · Leave a Comment

BLACKMAIL
Series: Controlling Interest #1
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Author: Amelia Wilde
Release Date: August 2, 2022

Bristol Anderson will do anything to protect her younger siblings.

Even if it means embezzling from the company where she’s a temp.

No one will find out.

And the wealthy owner of the investment firm will never notice.

Except Will Leblanc doesn’t miss a thing.

He could call the police, but he has more interesting plans for her.

In the copy room.

On the conference table.

Under his desk.

The coldhearted venture capitalist will make her pay back every last cent.

AMAZON | iBOOKS | KOBO | B&N | GOOGLE PLAY

Bristol Anderson is a beautiful young woman who made a terrible mistake and I’m barely human. I just want to fuck her. And hurt her. And destroy her.

The second the LeBlanc showed up as secondary characters on the pages of Dark Reign, I was immediately enthralled.

If you thought Emerson had baggage from their youth, Will puts him to shame with his brand of damage. This is a man with some serious demons, and I couldn’t wait to peel back the layers on this man. After all, it takes a special breed to blackmail his temporary assistant to sell her body when you find she embezzled $50k from your company.

Bristol Anderson is as down on her luck as she gets. With a con artist father who constantly lands them in some form of trouble, she’s forced to be the caretaker of her younger twin siblings. When her father’s latest scheme leaves his family vulnerable for payback, Bristol is forced to do something she’d never thought she would…steal. The last thing she expects is for her dangerously sexy rich boss to find out, and then demand she pays him back…but not with money.

I have to admit, I wasn’t thrilled to see this turn into a trilogy for a standalone. I find myself really burned out on trilogies that don’t have enough meat on the bones of the story to warrant being stretched out into 3 books. I’m curious how this would get enough steam to call for more than 2 books. Ultimately, I did like this, and binge read it in one sitting. I also couldn’t help wishing it was longer. But that’s my own personal bias at play.

If you like damaged heroes and down on their luck sassy heroines, this will hit the spot nicely.

Amelia Wilde is a USA TODAY bestselling author of dangerous contemporary romance and loves it a little too much. She lives in Michigan with her husband and daughters. She spends most of her time typing furiously on an iPad and appreciating the natural splendor of her home state from where she likes it best: inside.

Connect with Amelia

Website: https://awilderomance.com

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14671616.Amelia_Wilde

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Amelia-Wilde/e/B01C38CNJ2

Facebook: facebook.com/awilderomance

Instagram: https://instagram.com/awilderomance

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ameliawildeauthoress?

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/amelia-wilde

Leave a Comment · Filed Under: All Reviews, Contemporary Romance · Tagged With: Amelia Wilde, Book Reviews: 3.5 stars

Review: Be With Me by Samantha Young

July 12, 2022 by Lana · 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.

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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.