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

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

Review: Back in the Saddle by Kristen Ashley

December 3, 2024 by · Leave a Comment

BACK IN THE SADDLE
Series: Avenging Angels #2
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Author: Kristen Ashley
Release Date: December 3, 2024

Jessie Wylde is on a secret mission. She’s trying to find her brother. She hasn’t told her friends; this is about family.

She doesn’t think it’s dangerous.

Eric Turner disagrees.

Eric is a member of the Nightingale Investigations and Security team. Therefore, Eric knows what he’s talking about.

Eric isn’t only badass, he’s also a seriously gorgeous guy, and Jessie has a huge crush on him. She doesn’t think he knows she exists…until now.

Eric steps in, and so do Jessie’s besties, the Avenging Angels. Soon, the Angels and the Hottie Squad are on the case to find Jessie’s missing sibling.

There’s more happening when it comes to Eric, though. Jessie’s so worried about her brother, she’s not paying attention. Eric sets about changing that, and just like all the Hot Bunch before him, when he finds his one, he doesn’t mess around.

However, something is afoot in Phoenix. And as the Angels uncover the sinister workings behind people going missing, and Eric and Jessie unpack their emotional baggage, the Angels dive deeper into the dark underbelly of the city…

Finding heroes, more hot guys, lots of hijinks…and heart.

AMAZON 

Kristen’s Rock Chicks was one of my favorite series. Reading it is like putting on a pair of fuzzy socks and cuddling up with comfy blanked for the night. It’s the ultimate comfort read. And I didn’t think anything could ever top it for me. So when the first book in Avenging Angels came out, I didn’t immediately read it because I was terrified that the spinoff would just not hit the same. But I simply couldn’t hold off anymore and had to read book two. And now I am seriously kicking my own butt for not reading this series sooner. Because I AM IN LOVE!!

This series has absolutely all the feels of the original Rock Chicks but with new and amazing characters while also giving cameos by series favorites. And having Mace and Stella featured in this one? OBSESSED.

I immediately fell in love with the FMC, Jessie. who is desperately searching for her brother who fell off the radar. And of course there is a new brand of Hot Bunch, this time with the older and absolutely delectable, Eric, previous FBI now turned PI, who is obsessed with keeping her safe. Jessie is perfectly ignorant of him feeling her, of course, which made it that much more fun to see the realization slowly dawn on her.

I loved Eric’s understated intensity and the way he just casually courted Jessie without her being non the wiser. Which was also pretty entertaining considering the man was throwing some serious vibes her way.

Everything about this story just hit the spot, the suspense, the slow burn romance, the suspense. Admittedly, I did have a moment where I wanted to drop kick Jessie’s brother, but he did redeem himself for the most part. But I also loved their sibling journey in this story.

I can’t believe I slept on this series for so long and definitely won’t be missing the next installment because I am desperate for that story!

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

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…

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

Review: The Predator by JL Beck

November 11, 2024 by · Leave a Comment

THE PREDATOR
Author: J.L. Beck
Series: Oakmount Elite #4
Genre: Dark Romance, New Adult
Release Date: November 11, 2024

What is a predator without his prey?

Elyse Silver was never mine to keep.

The day I saved her life, I ensured we would forever be enemies.

Hating her was easy.

Bullying her, as simple as breathing.

Stopping myself from falling for her… I had no idea how impossible that would become.

The harder I fought, the deeper I fell.

Love and happiness have never been part of my plan, but letting Elyse go isn’t an option, either.

Unfortunately, the truth always finds a way of revealing itself, and by the time she realizes who the real predator is, it’ll be too late for her to escape the trap I’ve put her in.

**This is NOT a standalone and must be read AFTER The Prey. This is a dark romance novel that contains numerous triggers.**

AMAZON

I’ve escaped one monster, only to be captured by another.

After the jaw dropping cliffhanger in The Prey, I have been absolutely rabid for the conclusion of Sebastian and Ely’s story. And this was worth every minute of what felt like an agonizing wait.

Shatter for me so I can piece you back together again.”

I love that we go to see deeper into Sebastian’s head and dark soul in the very beginning. Torturously, the book doesn’t begin in Ely’s POV as you would except, but the minutes before the ending of The Prey and in Sebastian’s. It’s the perfect way to set the scene and I was hooked from page one. I have absolutely loathed Tanya from book one, and the more you learn about her disturbing relationship with Sebastian, the more murderous the hate turns.

Elyse really came into her own. While Sebastian takes control of everything in her life in book one, she finally gets the reins back..well, within reason of course. But I do love me a girl who can stand up for and save herself.

When Sebastian comes for her, he’s determined to keep her and best way to do that? Force her to marry him, of course. Just par of the course for our Sebby here, so can’t be too surprised. But boy did I love his spiral down the ‘my wife’ path.

She slaps her palm down on top of the desk. “You’re an asshole.”
“Your darling asshole husband. Now be a good girl and say you’re my wife. Then I’ll let you come.”

There’s a lot that happens in this book and I loved the way that JL Beck gives a satisfying conclusion to every plot point. Nothing is glossed over and no detail forgotten. While it did take me a bit longer to read than book one, my weird reading mood these days may have had something to do with it. And ultimately, I loved this conclusion. But the set up for Lee’s book? Pretty sure I won’t have rest until I have it in my hands!

JL. Beck writes steamy romance that’s unapologetic, meaning it makes no apologies for the way it rips you open and makes you crave more. Her heroes are alphas who take what they want, and she pairs them with heroines that bring them to their knees.

She loves writing about darkness, passion, suspense, and of course, steam. Leaving her readers gasping and asking what the hell just happened is only one of her many tricks.

Her books range from morally grey to dark and spicy but always end with a happily ever after. She loves to write across numerous tropes, but her favorite is enemies to lovers.

She started her writing career in the summer of 2014 and hasn’t stopped since. She lives in Wisconsin and is a mom to two, a wife, and likes to act as a literary agent part-time.

Visit her website for more info:
www.beckromancebooks.com

Connect with JL Beck:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJLBeck/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorjlbeck/
Tiktok https://www.tiktok.com/@authorjlbeck
Amazon: http://amzn.to/2srbge9
Bookbub: http://bit.ly/2tOVZl8

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8425041.J_L_Beck
Unapologetic Romance Book Club FB Group: http://bit.ly/2sWljZG

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

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.

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

Review: Brutal Game by Jo Brenner

October 10, 2024 by · Leave a Comment

BRUTAL GAME
Series: Kings of Reina University #1
Author: Jo Brenner
Genre: Dark, New Adult Romance
Release Date: October 10, 2024

I tried to get revenge against his team, and now he’s making me pay…

In public, Jack Feldman is king on hockey star, golden god, brother to a billionaire, admired and wanted by everyone.
In private, he’s my ruthless tormentor bent on destroying body, mind, and soul.

When he catches me trying to get justice against his team, he threatens to ruin everything I care about unless I give him whatever he wants.

But what Jack wants is me.

He’s obsessive, possessive, and determined to wreck me.
And as he drags me down to the depths of his depravity, he brings out a part of me that wants to be wrecked by him.

He’s made it clear he owns me and will never let me go. When I fight back, he fights harder. He’s playing a dark and twisted game, but I can’t let him win.

Or his dark obsession will destroy us both.

Brutal Game contains several dark themes that some readers may be sensitive to. For more information, please visit the author’s website at jobrenner dot com.

AMAZON

She’d stolen something from me, something I couldn’t entirely describe. My control? My equilibrium? Something worse? Maybe we were even now, since I was stealing her, but it didn’t matter. She’d pay. Forever, if I had a say.

Now if you know me, you know I love me a good bully romance. When that also happens to combine hockey and morally gray MMCs, stick a fork in me. I’m done.

Admittedly, I haven’t read anything by Jo Brenner yet. But when I saw the blurb to this book, I just knew this would be my first book from her. And having read it, I can tell you that it definitely won’t be my last. What a twisty and spicy number this was!

Aviva is a woman on a mission. She’s a recent transfer to Reina university with one goal in mind, revenge for her brother who was once a rising college hockey star. But when Aviva goes searching for answers and evidence, she lands smack dab in the middle of the crosshairs of the hockey team’s golden boy; Jack Feldman.

Jack won’t let anyone stand in his way of making it to the NFL. And a girl after his team and coach just won’t do. So what’s a guy to do? Blackmail her into being you sex slave, obvie. But all kidding aside, this man was all sorts of unhinged and deranged. So obmiouly I fell immediately head over heels. If you like your fictional men obsessed, you’re going to love Jack. The man will stop at nothing to get Aviva, even if he has to manipulate her into him. And manipulate her he does. But she’s also his willing victim.

I loved Aviva’s fiery temper and backbone almost as I loved watching Jack try to bend her to his will. The chemistry between them was incendiary. I was immediately hooked on this story and these characters. I was also so intrigued by Jack’s best friends and teammates. There are some cameos from characters from previous books (related to Jack) that I will also be checking out immediately.

This was such a fun read and going right up there with my S Massery obsession. If you like mean MMCs with a degradation kink and FMCs that give as good as they get and don’t just take anything lying down (pun intended), you’ll definitely want to check this one out! I can’t wait for more in this series!


Meet Jo Brenner:
A lover of dogs, mountain adventures, and HGTV, Jo Brenner writes romances that are little
bit twisted, a lotta bit sexy—and always have an HEA.

Connect with Jo Brenner:
https://authorjobrenner.carrd.co

 




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

Review: Bull Rush by Maggie Rawdon

September 27, 2024 by · Leave a Comment

BULL RUSH
Genre: Dark Western Romance
Author: Maggie Rawdon
Release Date: September 27, 2024

Still married.
Those words change everything.

Now my should-be ex-husband, Ramsey Stockton, the former pro football star turned felon and hero who left this town—and me—behind years ago, is at my door offering me a deal with the devil.

If I let him stay and play his wife again for ninety days, he’ll give me a quiet divorce and his family ranch—the one my inn is on. When I scoff at the idea, he offers a million-dollar bonus to help my business float through this rough patch, but only if I’m his.

Then he’ll walk away, and I can walk down the aisle with my fiancé. Or I can say no and watch everything I’ve worked so hard for fall apart.

There’s only one answer I can afford to give him. But he knows everything about me—every hurt, every secret, and every single weakness I have, including him.

While Ramsey might want me, his brothers want him back in the family business. If there’s one universal truth in this town, it’s that Stockton men stop at nothing to get what they want.

AMAZON 

You remembered,” she says, and it’s quiet, so quiet I read the words on her lips more than I hear them over the music and the roar of the bar. I smile slowly, half afraid to do anything to mess this moment up. “Sugar, when it comes to you, I remember every single thing. Like you were branded on my soul.”

Well now, this is going to be a roller coaster of a series if this book is anything to go by. Because, what a ride! This was full of twists and turns and so much dirty talk that set my loins ablaze. Did I just age myself by typing that? I think I may have, but I digress.

The second I read the blurb to this book, I knew I had to have it, and it definitely delivered on that blurb and then some. I love a second chance romance and when that second chances is with your ex spouse that you thought you were divorced from? Color me all over it.

Hazel has finally moved on from her ex husband. It’s been years since Ramsey left to pursue his football career and left her his family’s inn. Hazel is engaged and happy, but then gets the shock of a lifetime. Turns out her divorce never went through. And her ex husband is back in town after he’s paroled from prison and making her a deal. He’ll give her the money she needs to fix the inn and grant her the divorce if she gives him 90 days as his wife. Now, the second Hazel’s fiancé agreed, I fully wrote him off. Bye Felicia! But I digress again.

Admittedly, Hazel took me a minute to warm up to. I knew there was definitely more than Just Ramsey and his family history that led to their falling out. But at times she came off as childish and petty. The way she chooses to punish him just rubbed me wrong even if I loved Ramsey’s reactions to her little rebellions. Luckily she did mature throughout the course of the book and definitely grew on me. But Ramsey? Ramsey definitely stole the show. This man was absolute fire with a dirty mouth to boot.

There’s some mystery about his family legacy and his siblings that develops throughout the book that I can’t wait to learn more about in the next ones. There’s some grittier and darker elements of suspense as well, which I definitely enjoyed. I wouldn’t call it dark, but it wasn’t light either.

I loved seeing these two find their way back to each other against all odds. And I also definitely need to go back and read Mine to Gain because there’s definitely an appearance by Ramsey in that book that I want to know more about.

This was a fun page turner with plenty of spice and sizzle. But the set up for the next book? SALIVATING.

 

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

Review: Wicked Dreams by S Massery

September 19, 2024 by · Leave a Comment

WICKED DREAMS
Series: Fallen Royals #1
Genre: Bully Romance
Author: S. Massery
Release Date: September 19, 2024

He once swore he’d marry me—but now he’s desperate for my ruin.

Caleb Asher has everything he could ever want. He’s rich, hotter than sin, captain of the hockey team and king of the school.

My return to Emery-Rose Elite derails him.
I am the walking reminder of everything that went wrong in his childhood and mine.

While I long to be invisible, to slip through school unnoticed, he forced the opposite.
He wants my fear, my fight, my pain, all out in the open.

The more I resist, the worse his obsession becomes. He won’t stop until even my dreams are filled with him.

But even royalty have their weaknesses, and Caleb? He’s just been reintroduced to his.
Me.


Author note: this book was previously published, and has since undergone major edits and changes while remaining true to the original story.

AMAZON 

How can he destroy me and make me feel better at the same time? We’re fucked up.

Having had read the original version, I was so excited to see S Massery announce that she will be releasing a revamped version of this story. And oh boy, it hit just as well the second time around, if not better.

Now if you don’t like bully romance, this is not for you, my friend. But if you’re a self professed bully romance addict, you will gobble this one right up. And while I prefer college bully romance, if S Massery writes it, I’ll read it. So a high school bully romance it was.

Also, fair warning, if you don’t like deranged MMCs who hate the heroine as much as he wants her and you especially don’t like teenage drama, this is definitely not for you. But me? Finger licking good. But I digress.

This was a wild ride of a story. We have Margo, who finds herself back in the town she grew up in after a new foster family takes her in. But to say that she’s excited about being back is certainly a stretch. The town comes with memories of everything she lost; her family and her reputation being a few. And the boy who was once her best friend wants to make her pay for something that she doesn’t understand or remember.

She really is like a lost lamb, standing waiting for a predator to devour her. Me. I’m her biggest predator.

Caleb is the king of the campus. He and his best friends rule the school. And I love that Massery switched him from Lacrosse to hockey star in this version. Caleb is determined to make Margo pay for everything she cost him. We just have no idea what it is, and seems like Margo doesn’t either. But Margo doesn’t take any of it sitting down, even when no one but her new friend Riley seem to be on her side. I loved her backbone and tenacity.

The story is crazy and I loved every deranged page of it. The more the layers get peeled back, the more questions I had. And thet cliffhanger? Thank goodness the wait for the next book isn’t long because I need it! 

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

Review: Taking What’s Mine by Siobhan Davis

September 12, 2024 by · Leave a Comment

TAKING WHAT’S MINE
Genre: Dark Mafia Romance
Author: Siobhan Davis
Release Date: September 10, 2024

A brand-new interconnected stand-alone dark mafia romance from USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author Siobhan Davis.

The moment I lay eyes on Valentina Ferraro, I know I have to have her.

There’s just one teeny problem—her husband.

So, I do what any red-blooded, possessed made man would do and I proposition him.

Five million dollars for one weekend with his beautiful young wife.

He agrees, like I knew he would, because he needs the money and he wants his secrets kept hidden from Don D’Onofrio.

Valentina is livid, but I like my women stubborn and fiery and the more she resists, the more I crave her.

One taste of those lush lips is all it takes to seal my fate.

I’m not giving her back.

I don’t care about the existing bad blood between New York and Florida or how this will start a war.

Men have gone into battle for less.

Valentina is the first woman I have wanted to keep, and no other man is ever touching her again.

She is going nowhere, consequences be damned.

I am taking what’s mine.

This is a dark romance and some scenes may be triggering. A full content warning list is available on the author’s website.

AMAZON 

I am usually not an insta anything girly, but this book went and proved me wrong. Because it just hit the spot for me so right, despite some of the things that I would normally nitpick on.

Now for an avid dark romance and mafia reader, I will say that while this had some dark subject matter and undertones, it fell in the more gray category for me because a lot of the darker details are just referenced or take place off the pages. But also, considering the somewhat softer start of insta chemistry and lust, this definitely has darkness to it.

This was not my first book by the author, but it was my first in this world. However, I had no issues diving head first into the story and quickly wrapping my head around all the different side characters. Though I’m super intrigued and will definitely go back to read some of the secondary character couples referenced here.

This was Fiero’s story, and if you like unhinged, OTT possessive and jealous alpha males, this one is IT. The man lays his eyes on Valentina, and not even her husband will prevent him getting what he wants. Her. This man was determined to have her, so what’s a little blackmail along with millions of dollars to get what he wants? And Valentina’s fiery anger won’t determine him either.

Valentina is not exactly in a happy marriage. Her husband was an abusive POS who I was immediately rooting against. She’s a beautiful young woman whose life unfortunately took a dark turn when she caught the eye of the wrong man, and she’s still paying the price these years later. In an arranged marriage, the last thing she wants is to be sold to the handsome mafioso, even though she’s not ignorant to the instant chemistry between them.

Fiero will stop at nothing to get her and I loved the way he pursued her with a single minded intent. But I particularly loved the way he also fought for her. Now this book definitely takes a very dark turn the more you learn about Valentina, and my heart broke for everything she’s been through. But man oh man how I appreciated the way that the author ended it. I won’t go into details, but I love when a process can rescue herself and Valentina is a fierce survivor. I loved the way she also fought for herself.

This was a deliciously dirty and spicy read with plenty of sizzle to go along with the dark.

Siobhan Davis™ is a USA Today, Wall Street Journal, and Amazon Top 5 bestselling romance author. Siobhan writes emotionally intense stories with swoon-worthy romance, complex characters, and tons of unexpected plot twists and turns that will have you flipping the pages beyond bedtime! She has sold over 2 million books, and her titles are translated into several languages.

Prior to becoming a full-time writer, Siobhan forged a successful corporate career in human resource management.

She lives in the Garden County of Ireland with her husband and two sons.

Join the author’s mailing list to receive a free e-book plus tons of bonus content. Refer to the official author website.

Connect with Siobhan Davis:

https://linktr.ee/siobhandavisauthor 

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

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.

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

%d bloggers like this: