Review: Moonlit Thorns by P. Rayne

February 29, 2024 by · Leave a Comment

MOONLIT THORNS
Series: Midnight Manor #1
Author: P. Rayne
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: February 29, 2024

No one knows what happens up at Midnight Manor.

The home of the Voss brothers sits like a sentinel looking down on our small town, remaining a mystery. The four brooding billionaires rarely leave the confines of the iron gates, fueling rumors that have existed for decades.

When my father dies, all the security I’ve known is ripped away, forcing me to come face to face with the eldest brother, Asher Voss. His outward beauty is just as I’d heard—it belies a predatory nature, irresistibly drawing me in.

A bargain is made, and I have no choice but to live in the shadowy confines of his gothic manor to save my family. As time passes, it becomes harder and harder to deny our attraction.

Asher Voss might be too old for me, and he’s definitely cursed by his own demons, but an inferno of passion between us threatens to either consume or destroy us both.

MOONLIT THORNS is a dark contemporary romance Beauty and the Beast retelling.

AMAZON

…she’s a motherfucking flame, and I’m the moth who doesn’t care if my wings get burned.

A modern day Beauty and the Beast retelling with a broody hero, some D/s, gothic vibes, and an exclusive sex club? Sign me up immediately!

Am I fully obsessed with the Voss brothers after finishing this book? You bet, I am. But before I gush about the broody brothers who live in the dark manor with a dark history shrouded in secrets and murder, let me talk about this book. Moonlit Thorns is the story of Asher Voss and Annabelle; an age gap romance with some D/s, good girl meets tortured bad boy vibe. In true Beauty and the Beast fashion, Asher is a dark and broody man who doesn’t let anyone close besides his brothers. After the sudden death of her father, Annabelle is still picking up the pieces of her life and trying to keep her family in one piece. So when a notice shows up on her door that her family is about to lose their home, she’s desperate. So desperate, that she agrees to a deal with the devil. The devil being Asher Voss, the man who her father owes a debt to that he never repaid before his death. And the deal? Work for him for a year. Whatever he says, whenever he says it.

I loved that the story mirrored many elements of the fairy tale, including characters, scenarios, and vibes. I loved Annabelle’s mix of innocence and resilience. She’s 22 to Asher’s 36 but she’s no naive girl. She is drawn to Asher’s broodiness like a flame. But I don’t blame her. I love the mean ones myself and Asher was so hot and cold, I didn’t know if I wanted to kill him or hump him. Mostly both at the same time.

And while I loved Asher, I’m already dying to get my hands on Kol’s book. And after that set up at the end of this book, I’m absolutely ravenous for it. 

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Review: Where We Belong by Ashley Munoz

February 23, 2024 by · Leave a Comment

WHERE WE BELONG
Series: Stone Riders MC #2
Author: Ashley Munoz
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: February 23, 2024

An Enemies to Lovers Romance

They call him the Wolf.

His club, his brothers, and even my best friend Callie.

I didn’t really care what they called him, not when the only name I had ever called him was, coward.

Because three months ago he snuck under my resilient heart, like the thief he is, and stole it.

Then he broke it.

Going home wasn’t an option, not when I promised Callie I’d stay. She swore I’d eventually feel like I belonged in this small town.

The club ensured I had a job, and a place to live which reluctantly earned my loyalty.

Until I discovered their little caveat.

The apartment technically belonged to the new president.

I was welcome to stay…as long as I understood it meant sharing.

And my new roommate?

The very man who turned avoidance into an Olympic sport.

AMAZON

What do you want from me, Killian?” His glare softened the smallest bit before hardening again. “I want you to stop being a complication. You’re a flicker in my peripheral vision, a glare, a goddamn floater that corrective lenses would fix. I want to erase you.”
Killian stepped closer. “But… I also want to wrap your soul around mine, feel the beat of your heart in my neck as I breathe, and carry you with me everywhere I go, all at the same fucking time.”

It’s been a hot minute since I read a book by Ashley and I have no idea why. But I know that I’ll be binging on her backlist immediately. Especially since I did myself a bit of a disservice by reading this book first. There is a lot of overflow from the first book in this series. And while it’s still an easy standalone read, you can clearly tell it would be an even better one if you read in order. So don’t be like me and read Where We Started first.

Now if you know me, then you know that I like my heroes mean…and I mean MEAN. Like I need him to hurt all the feelings before he makes everything right, ok? And Killian. This man was the perfect combination of mean and a heart of gold. You don’t know if you want to hug him or punch him but I absolutely fell in love with him.

You don’t care.” He stepped closer, so close my back was pinned to the truck. “I care about every eye that lands on you. Every breath that’s inhaled your scent. Every smile given to you, every hand that’s ever touched you. I care, Daisy. Too fucking much if we’re being honest.”

Killian always knew he can have only one love and focus, his club. Laura is a distraction he doesn’t need and he doesn’t shy away from reminding her of the fact. But Laura also doesn’t shy away from giving as good as she gets. The chemistry between these two was everything. I couldn’t get enough of them.

I craved his destruction, the devastation I knew he promised. I had some sick and twisted desire to hurt.

I loved their antagonism and back and forth almost as much as I loved when they gave into the inevitable. I spent my time equally wanting to throttle Killian and wanting to hump his leg. The man is sex personified but there are so many layers to him that makes him own all your attention. Every time you peel back a layer, he gets further and further under your skin and I loved having him there.

Laura was a great heroine and the perfect balance to Killian’s intensity. There was just enough grit to this MC romance that made it for one delicious page turner without getting too dark and I enjoyed every page of it. I’m hooked on this series and already salivating for the next book.

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Review: The Wallflower by JL Beck

February 16, 2024 by · Leave a Comment

THE WALLFLOWER
Series: Oakmount Elite Book 1
Author: JL Beck
Genre: Dark, New Adult Romance
Release Date: February 16, 2024

She needs me, because she needs money. 

I don’t need her. Just her complete submission…

Maybell Jacobs is the Wallflower: quiet, shy, socially awkward and hell-bent on hiding even from herself, that is until a chance encounter takes place between us.

Instantly she hates me and for good reason. I’m a walking-red-flag. Filthy rich jock, short tempered, and violent.

I can have anyone and anything I want.. except her.

Little does she know her disgust, anger, and hate for me fuels my obsession to own her, completely in every single way. 

Maybell resists, predictably… but her fight only makes her more desirable and I have plans that will lead her right into my lap and never want to leave. 

When she joins the sinful tradition put on by the elite of the town, the Hunt, I’m shocked. The pretty little thing has no idea how much danger she’s in if she decides to become my prey.

Sweet, innocent, and fragile like a flower. I’ll have to be careful or risk breaking her. 

Because I’m the ultimate predator and when I play there are no rules. 

I don’t chase. I capture.

And I like to own my bait.

★ Tropes include: secret society, college, touch her and die, CNC & chasing bait fantasy ★

AMAZON

I want you to scream for me because of me. I want you gasping for breath. I want you crying, your eyes shimmering with tears. I want you running, doing everything you can to escape me, while knowing deep down inside you’ll never get away. I want all of it. So I’ll give you one more chance to get away.”

Well then, clearly I have been sleeping on JL Beck, because this hit all sorts of spots for me. ALL THE SPOTS.
Enemies to lovers? CHECK
Bully/alphahole vibes? CHECK
DubCon/CNC? CHECK
Primal Play? CHECK
Bad Boy/Good Girl? CHECK
Obsessive hero and touch her and die vibes? CHECK CHECK AND CHECK

If your hate tastes this good, I can’t imagine what your desire tastes like.”

I live for a dark secret society read almost as much as I live for a good alpha hole and this was pure book crack. Drew is a bad boy that I loved to hate. Part of the elite, of course this is a guy who has broody and tortured down to a science. Every year, he and his friends host something called The Hunt. And yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like. But it’s been a while since a woman truly gave Drew the chase he craves. A woman who doesn’t just pretend to run from him. The man is depraved with a capital D and I loved him for it.

Maybel (Bel) is the quintessential good girl. A scholarship student, she’s used to being unseen and blending in. In a school of the rich and elite, she’s the wallflower…until she unwittingly catches the attention of Drew. And now he’ll stop at nothing to have her, even if she doesn’t want anything to do with him.

Drew isn’t the person he plays or the mask he slips on. He’s unhinged, sinister, and dark. He’s hiding in plain sight, afraid of what the world will think of him if they see the monster beneath the beautiful exterior.

Their relationship is one of antagonistic push and pull. Bel runs and Drew chases. But somewhere along the road, the lines begin to blur and someone that Bel couldn’t stand, she soon unwillingly gets feelings for. But Drew’s family and history is a dark one and Bel lands in the middle of something she can barely comprehend.

This was a twisty, deliciously dirty story. I loved the chemistry between Drew and Bel. I craved every morsel of information about these two. And while we only graze the surface in this one, I think we’re in store for a great deal more with the next one. I’m fully hooked on the series and as much as I’m dying for the conclusion, I also can’t wait for the rest of the guys to get their story. Especially Sebastian. That boy will likely put Drew to shame with his depraravity. I just know it. And that ending? JAW DROPPING!

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Review: The Wrath by Gena Showalter

February 6, 2024 by · Leave a Comment

THE WRATH
Series: Rise of the Warlords #4
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Author: Gena Showalter
Release Date: February 6,  2024

New York Times bestselling author  Gena Showalter  returns with a new book in the tantalizing  Rise of the Warlords  series, featuring a brutal Hell king and the irresistible beauty who upends his world. 

For centuries, Rathbone the Only, King of Agonies, has existed for one recovering the enchanted bones of his slain wife to bring her back to life. He’s never been closer to success. But a new enemy has risen. A band of deadly war gods who have thirty days to destroy her or suffer the consequences. With time running out, Rathbone hires a maddening harpy-oracle, unaware she has an agenda of her own.

Neeka the Unwanted is a fierce warrior on a stop Rathbone  and  the gods. She’s seen the future if either is victorious, and it’s horrifying. She’ll do whatever proves necessary to forge a new path, even seduce the ruthless royal from his purpose. What she can’t predict? How the intense male will shatter her hard-won defenses along the way. 

As Rathbone battles unexpected betrayals, cunning foes and the wild temptress he craves with every fiber of his being, he knows he must hold on to a cold dream or embrace a new flame.

Rise of the Warlords

Book 1: The Warlord
Book 2: The Immortal
Book 3: The Phantom
Book 4: The Wrath

AMAZON

You are a very, very dangerous female. But worth every wound.”

I swear, this series just gets better and better with each new installment. And this one is my favorite in the series so far. The King of Agonies delivered HARD and with a tatted surprise. Yes. Exactly the kind you’re thinking. Mmm hmm. But I digress.

As a self professed Gena Showalter addict, and having read her entire backlist, I still get giddy with each new release she has. And The Wrath was certainly no exception. There’s just something about this world of warlords and gods that just does it for me. And while this is a standalone in a series, you definitely want to read it in order for maximum enjoyment.

One of my favorite things about Showalters books is her witty banter and fiery sassy heroines. And boy oh boy did I love Neeka. Neeka the Unwanted is a harpy oracle and bestie of Harpy general Taliyah from The Warlord. So when Neeka seemingly turns side to work with the enemy, she has a dang good reason for it. And the reason also happens to be tall, dark, tatted and oh so dangerous.

Rathbone, King of Agonies is a god. No, like literally. And look, my obsession with this book may not have something to do with him also being Hades’s nephew. And I swear to you if I was rabid for Hades’s book before, I’m near feral for it now. But I digress again.

Rathbone is on a mission to recover the enchanted bones of his slain wife to bring her back to life. But his plan has a small complication. Because The Astra have a new mission, and it’s to revive his dead wife only so they can kill her. And the Astra assigned to the mission is none other than Azar, The Memory Keeper. A love triangle? Not quite.

When a vision puts Neeka in the center of Rathbone’s mission, they form an unwilling alliance but to different ends. Because while Rathbone thinks she’ll help him to revive his wife, Neeka’s vision foreshadows something much darker. And she’s determined to stop it.

When I tell you the chemistry between these two is instant and fiery, I mean I couldn’t get enough of them. And the slow burn romance only added to the nail biting wait of when they’ll finally give in. And oh my GAWD. I was turning the pages with eager glee, completely enraptured in this world and this story. The banter between Rath and Neeka was everything. And I lived for every new nickname Neeka came up with for the god. The tension, the action, the chemistry, all of it flawlessly weaved together to make one simply unputdownable read. And now here I sit, both happy because I loved it so much, but also completely devastated knowing I have to wait for the next book after the tease we get at the end. GAWD. What am I even going to do with myself until the next installment?! *cries in fan girlish anticipation*

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Review: Reign by Cassandra Robbins

January 13, 2024 by · Leave a Comment

REIGN
Series: Rock God #2
Genre: RockstarRomance
Author: Cassandra Robbins
Release Date: January 4, 2024

What happens when two legends collide?

From USA Today bestselling author Cassandra Robbins comes her latest sinfully hot rockstar romance. A scorching, enemies to lovers, deliciously addictive stand-alone about rock ‘n’ roll royalty and burning obsessions.

They call him a legend.
One of the greatest guitarists of our time.
The mighty Ace of Spades brought in to produce my album and save the day.

Not only is he covered in tattoos. He’s gorgeous, talented, and infuriatingly arrogant, even demanding I trust him.
Trust him?
I. Hate. Him.

I’m a former child star turned rock princess, caught up in all kinds of bad press and scandal. I need to stay focused on my music, and career. Not get distracted by his filthy mouth and piercing eyes.

If only our chemistry wasn’t off the charts, or the fact that I can barely breathe when he’s near.

Time is ticking. Sooner than later, the chaos and mayhem of our lives will take over.

Everything becomes messy.

And tricky.

Rockstars don’t get happily ever afters…or do we?

AMAZON 

I get off on women adoring me. It’s addictive. Not my fault I was born with a large cock, impressive talent, and the need to reign. It wouldn’t be fair not to share myself with the world.

A deliciously smutty rockstar romance that hit the spot just right.

Marshall Adams is a beautiful addiction; and tonight, I submit.

Courtney Falcon is the lead singer of the famous band, Broken Vixens. Living down the betrayal of her best friend and bandmate sleeping with her boyfriend was one thing. But the latest scandal leaves her spiraling and in need to finally branch out with a solo career.

Marshall “Ammo” Adams is the infamous batboy guitarist of the Stuffed Muffins. He’s also the music genius that is Courtney’s hope of a successful solo career. There’s just one problem, the arrogant womanizer is too good looking for his own good. And he enrages Courtney with his mere presence.

First of all, if you’ve read Power and Ignite then you will especially appreciate the crossover of a few characters in this book. I for one especially appreciated the closer I didn’t know I needed to Power. But I digress.

If you love the enemies to lovers vibe, age gap, and sizzling chemistry, this book will definitely hit the spot. Ammo and Courtney were incendiary together. And I’m nothing if not a fan of hate sex and these two are explosive with this. There’s a bit of a suspense layer with Courtney’s stalker which added a page turning element. Admittedly I wished we had a bit more character development to Ammo and his appeal was slightly overshadowed with plentiful sex scenes. But at the same time, I read the book in one sitting, so clearly it didn’t bother me too much. I just couldn’t help but wish I knew more about the enigma that is Ammo.

I loved the two of them together and that ending was perfection. All in all, highly recommend for any rockstar romance fans.

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Review: Anger by Lily White

December 19, 2023 by · Leave a Comment

ANGER
Genre: Contemporary Romance Romance
Series: Antihero Inferno #5
Author: Lily White
Release Date: December 13, 2023

Fifth Circle
Anger
Also Known as Damon Cross

There is darkness that surrounds this man.
One fueled by his past and ignited by his present
He knows what its mean to lose, but he never stops fighting

He wears his heart on his sleeve
But exists within nightmares
He is shrouded in the name that the Inferno gave him

Angry.
Feral.
Wild and Careless
Damon is an unpredictable storm without rhyme or reason.

He needs something from me that I’m unwilling to give.
And he keeps coming back, always worse than before.
I see in him what I have in me.
When apart, we barely hang on to our feigned smiles.
But when together, we’re explosive.

I’m not sure I can endure this man’s games.
There’s no telling if his storm will consume me.
We’re hopelessly addicted to that which harms us.

I knew better than to allow Damon in my life.
But now that he’s here, and now that he has me…

…I’m not sure there will ever be an escape.

Nine Ruthless Men. Nine Unrepentant Sinners. Nine Irresistible Manipulators.

 AMAZON

In the Series (Kindle Unlimited)

Treachery (Book 1) – FREE APRIL 26-30, 2023

Series Links (Kindle Unlimited):

Fraud (Book 2)

Violence (Book 3)

Heresy (Book 4)

It’s unreal how easily she can call to my demons. It makes her unlike any woman I’ve ever known. I can’t stand that about her.

Finally. FINALLY we have Damon’s story. I have been impatiently waiting for his story since the preview into his connection with Amelie (Blue) in Heresy.

Now if you’re planning on reading this as a standalone, stop. This series reads very much like a saga and while each couple have their own book, the story arc builds and continues throughout the series. So this is a series that you definitely want to read in order so that you can enjoy it to the fullest.

Now let’s talk about my man, Anger, shall we. I fell hard and fast for the enigmatic twins, Ezra and Damon. Their past shrouded in a dark and turbulent secret, they each harbor their own demons from their childhood. Damon, like Ezra, wears his scars externally, but the internal ones run even deeper. At one point thinking himself in love with Emily, he finally understands that she was never really for him. A fateful visit to a club to blow off steam, lands Blue in his radar.

Amelie, or as Damon calls her, Blue, is a beautiful cage dancer who doesn’t let any man close. A grifter, who spent her entire running for her mother’s invisible demons, she’s never called one place home. She drifts from one hustle to the next. Uses her looks to get what she needs from men, without the expense of her body. I absolutely loved her fierceness and the way she stands up to Damon. She doesn’t give him an inch and fights him every step of the way. She also sees through the mask that he wears, much to his discontent, which is unnerving. Their chemistry was absolutely incendiary.

For every answer we get in this story, it left me with 5 more questions. And the preview into the next book? OH MY GOD. I need it desperately. A mysterious female hacker? Yes please and thank you.

As for this book, it was everything I had hoped for and so much more. It was worth every minute of the wait. I loved Damon and Amelie so much. They each have their scars from childhood and I love how they helped the other heal. They’re the perfect balance to each other. I also love how each FMC in this series is sass personified.

Lily White is a romance writer who likes to dabble on the taboo side of eroticism. She is most known for her Masters Series, Target This, Wishing Well, and Asylum. In addition to dark romance Lily writes contemporary romance, taboo romance, and psychological thrillers. Lily enjoys stretching her writing muscles by continuing to challenge herself with each book she publishes.

Social Media Links:

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Review: Ice Bet by SJ Sylvis

November 9, 2023 by · Leave a Comment

ICE BET
Series: Bexley U #2
Author: SJ Sylvis
Genre: New Adult, Sports Romance
Release Date: November 9, 2023

She’s the coach’s daughter and his rival’s newest target.

Aasher Matthews is everything I detest. Arrogant jock: check. Coy smirk: check. Too hot for his own good: check. To make matters worse, he plays hockey. Unfortunately for him, my father is his coach. Fortunately for me, I’m deemed untouchable.

The only common ground I have with hockey players is our love of the ice, so staying away from them will be easy-peasy.

Until I overhear their bet—who can get Coach’s daughter in their bed first?

I’m ready to bring the entire Bexley U hockey team to their knees. Instead of fleeing, I flirt. Instead of hiding, I run just so they’ll chase me. Luring my father’s players into a trap has a certain appeal to it.

Except, Aasher isn’t fooled by my feigned temptation. He has too much riding on a perfect season and has plans to join the NHL after winning the Frozen Four.

So he proposes our own bet.

If he wins, I stay away from his teammates and stop messing with their heads.
If I win, he tells my father—his beloved coach—about his teammates’ dirty plans for me.

But the more Aasher crosses the lines we’ve carved into the ice, the more I find myself letting him. The only problem is, someone else is in on our gamble, and they aren’t willing to concede.

Ice Bet is a spicy coach’s daughter college sports romance. It is a complete stand-alone. The other books in the series do not need to be read in order, but you will see glimpses of future characters in each book.

AMAZON

You’re mine, and I’m done pretending that you’re not.”

I’m a sucker for a hockey romance and the blurb to this one totally hooked me. This was my first SJ Sylvis book and it definitely will not be my last. I fell hard and fast for her writing and characters. And this story? Deliciously addictive.

I’m not trying to win the bet, Ry. I just know kissing you won’t fuck with my head like it will theirs. So if you want a hockey player, I’m the only one you can have.”
It totally fucked with my head.

Aasher has his eye on the goal, literally. He has everything riding on his successful hockey career in college to make it to the NfL. And he has zero chances left after what happened in his previous school. So when his coach asks him to look after his daughter who is moving on campus and keep her away from the horny hockey players, he unwillingly says yes. What he doesn’t expect is the daughter to be the ice queen who challenges him at every turn.

Riley is dealing with her own damage. Once a promising figure skater, she can’t seem to so much as bring herself to be on the ice again. And when she overhears her father’s l=players make an ice bet to get into her pants? She’s planning on putting them through hell. Even when Aasher is running interference at every turn. He may not be in on the bet, but he’s not her friend either. Until it changes, and he becomes something else entirely.

When his hand crept up my back and his fingers tangled in my hair, keeping my face pressed against his body, I felt something I never expected. Safe. And how ironic was it that I felt safe in the arms of a stupid, arrogant, over-protective hockey player that I refused to trust.

This was a delicious slow burn with the satisfactory moment when he finally goes “f*ck it” and I may or may not have squealed like a teenage girl when he finally says it. And the aftermath? MAMA. So good.

Eyes on me.”
He knew I was back. He knew I was remembering where we were and why he was touching me. I nodded shakily.
“Open your legs.” Our eyes met, and my stomach hollowed. Aasher pushed the inner part of my knee, releasing himself from the vise grip I had on him.
“Good girl,” he whispered. “Now I’m going to need you to come for me.”

I loved the push and pull dynamic between them. I loved how he was there for Riley and helped her get back on the ice. I love how he stood up to her ex and I loved the way that Riley gave as good as she got herself.

My only quibble is the on the page sex scenes Aasher had with another girl. I am not a reader that gets bothered by the MC being a f*ck boy or being with other women before the heroine. I just don’t particularly enjoy the detailed accounts of it because it just doesn’t feel necessary to the story. Like it didn’t add anything. It didn’t take away from it either, but it just felt unnecessary to me.

Luckily this was just a small blip in what was a highly enjoyable read and it didn’t phase me too much. Because once Aasher was all in with Riley, he was ALL in. The second their relationship takes a turn, he had eyes only for her.

This was such a fun, steamy, and satisfying read. I need to immediately read the first in this series and I already can’t wait for the next one. Highly recommend for any fans of steamy hockey romance!

 

S.J. Sylvis is an Amazon top 50 and USA Today bestselling author who is best known for her angsty new adult romances. She currently resides in Arizona with her husband, two small kiddos, and dog.

She is obsessed with coffee, becomes easily attached to fictional characters, and spends most of her evenings buried in a book! 

 

Connect with SJ

Website | https://www.sjsylvis.com/

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Review: The Tithing by Natasha Knight & A Zavarelli

September 19, 2023 by · Leave a Comment

THE TITHING
Series: The Sacrifice Duet #1
Genre: Dark Romance/Secret Society
Author: Natasha Knight & A Zavarelli
Release Date: September 18, 2023

An ancient curse. Two families bound. A forbidden love.

When the Wildbloods presented their daughters to me on the night of the Tithing, they knew what was to come for the chosen girl.

The crescent moon that marked Willow made her mine. I had no choice but to take her.

Destiny determined our fates long before we were born, laying our roles out for us.

A Sacrifice would be made. A Tithe paid. Only then would our families be free, at least until the next payment came due.

I would have done my duty as Penitent. I tried.

But no one counted on the lion falling in love with the lamb.

And loving Willow could cost me everything.

KOBO | IBOOKS | B&N | GOOGLE PLAY

The Tithing will only be available on these platforms until 9/20 and then will be moved to KU on 9/21

AMAZON 

He’s a beautiful terror, this man. It’s undeniable at the moment. I hate him, but even I can admit this is a sight to behold.

What a ride this book was. Admittedly, it took me a hot second to get into. It had a very spooky, gothic feel to it, which I wasn’t prepared for but enjoyed immensely. But because of that, it did take me about 15% to get into the story. But once I did? I was completely incapable of putting it down for even a second.

If you’ve read the rest of the IVI series, this one had a significantly different feel to it. Yes. it has all the dark secret society vibes, but it was also more. The Wildbloods and the Delacroix have a history that spans centuries. It’s a history riddled in pain and sacrifice and a history that’s led to a sacrifice bound by an ancient curse. That curse is what leads Willow to be the next Tithing. To agree to an arranged marriage with a man who she only knows will bring her nothing but pain. Her witch ancestor set a curse in motion that has led to unimaginable sacrifices by their blood lines.

Azrael has no love lost to his family name or his cold hearted grandmother. But to protect his siblings, he’ll do what needs to be done and marry the Wildblood. What he doesn’t foresee it to be so thoroughly drawn into her orbit and fall under her spell. Willow may be young and innocent, but she’s no pushover. And the more she pushes Azrael, the more he needs to push back. And the push and pull between them was utterly delicious.

Of course the cliffhanger is painfully jaw dropping but luckily there’s not a long wait for book two. So I’ll just be slowly rocking myself in a corner until it releases, thank you very much.

About A. Zavarelli:

A. Zavarelli is a USA Today and Amazon bestselling author of dark and contemporary romance.

When she’s not putting her characters through hell, she can usually be found watching bizarre and twisted documentaries in the name of research.

She currently lives in the Northwest with her lumberjack and an entire brood of fur babies.

Connect w/A. Zavarelli: 

Facebook | Facebook Group | Instagram | Twitter | Mailing List | Website | Goodreads | Amazon | Bookbub

About Natasha Knight:

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.

Connect w/Natasha: 

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

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Review: Unfortunately Yours by Tessa Bailey

June 6, 2023 by · Leave a Comment

UNFORTUNATELY YOURS
Series: Vine Mess #2
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Author: Tessa Bailey
Release Date: June 6, 2023

A down-on-her-luck Napa heiress suggests a mutually beneficial marriage of convenience to a man she can’t stand… only to discover there’s a fine line between love and hate.

After losing her job and her fiancé in one fell swoop, Natalie Vos returned home to lick her wounds. A few months later, she’s sufficiently drowned her sorrows in cabernet and she’s ready to get back on her feet. She just needs her trust fund to finance her new business venture. Unfortunately, the terms require she marry before she can have the money. And well, dumped, remember? But Natalie is desperate enough to propose to a man who makes her want to kill him–and kiss him, in equal measure.

August Cates may own a vineyard, but he doesn’t know jack about making wine. He’s determined to do his late best friend proud, no matter what it takes. Except his tasting room is empty, his wine is disgusting (seriously, he once saw someone gag), and his buddy’s legacy is circling the drain. No bank will give him the loan he needs to turn the business around… and then the gorgeous, feisty heiress knocks on his door. Natalie has haunted his dreams since the moment they met, but their sizzling chemistry immediately morphed into simmering insults.

Now, a quickie marriage could help them both. A sham wedding, a few weeks living under the same roof, and then they can go their separate ways–assuming they make it out alive. How hard could it be? There’s just one thing they didn’t account for: their unfortunate, unbearable, undeniable attraction.

AMAZON 

He could still remember the moment the expression in those eyes had gone from take-me-to-bed-daddy to please-drink-poison. Witch.

When I tell you that I’m obsessed with August, I mean I worship the pages this man graces with his delicious presence.

Full disclosure, I was not a fan of book one Secretly Yours. It was cute, but not my cuppa. It was missing a little something to fully enrapture me. But this book? This book grabbed me by the heart and my ovaries and owned me from cover to cover.

What do they expect us to do here?”
August considered the curved and extended sides of the swivel chair that were obviously meant to block them from view. “Some groping at the very least.”
Please tell me that my nipples aren’t tingling. “Grope me and live to regret it.”
“Fine.” He sighed, running a hand down his tie. “You can grope me.”

August and Natalie have lust at first sight, until Natalie insults his wine and suddenly their lust turns to hate with a strong undercurrent of lust. And this girl? Couldn’t get enough of their chemistry. They give as good as they take, but none better than August.

August is a retired SEAL who is trying to fulfill the wish of his best friend who he lost during his last deployment. The problem is that he knows nothing about wine or wine making.

Natalie is the black sheep of her family. She ran away from the winery to New York to make it work, until one bad investment for her client cost her billions and a failed engagement later she’s back in the winery she grew up in to lick her wounds. But it still doesn’t fully feel like home. She’s desperate for another chance but only needs the capital. The only issue is that her trust fund comes iwht an archaic clause of needing to be married. So what’s a girl to do? Ask her mortal enemy who needs capital to turn his wine business around for a mutually beneficial arrangement; marriage in name only.

But August isn’t interested in anything halfway. He’s wanted Natalie since the moment he first saw her and he’s determined to make it work beyond just an arrangement.

It’s five o’clock in the morning, give or take a few minutes.”
He sauntered toward her across the lawn, guilt kicking around in his stomach over the phone call he’d just taken. “This is when I get up.”
“Oh.” Another yawn, bigger this time. “In that case, I want a divorce.”
“Sorry, I won’t sign.”
Her smile was sweet and sleepy. “Arsenic poisoning it is.”

I couldn’t get enough of the chemistry these two had. August is absolutely obsessed with his fake wife and I loved his adorable caveman ways. This man is the ultimate cinnamon role with a possessive and obsessive streak a mile long and I loved every part of him.

You need to give me twenty minutes to flip my tire when we get home.”
Puzzlement knit her forehead together. “Huh?”
“The leftover adrenaline, Natalie. I need to work some of it off first or . . .” He pointed at the apex of her very smooth, very spreadable thighs. “I’m going to offend the queen.”
She did a double take. Squinted one eye. “Wait, so I’m the princess and my vagina is the queen?”
“And I’m her loyal subject. Yes.”

When I tell you I devoured this book in one sitting, I mean it. I had a goofy smile on my face from cover to cover. It hit every spot and even those I didn’t know I had. I loved the to pieces and can’t recommend it enough if you’re looking for a sexy, feel good romance with two characters that you’ll fall head over heels for.

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#DGRFave & Review: A Ship of Bones and Teeth by Karina Halle

May 25, 2023 by · Leave a Comment

A SHIP OF BONES AND TEETH
Genre: Fantasy Romance
Author: Karina Halle
Release Date: May 25, 2023

A STANDALONE gothic dark fantasy pirate romance re-telling of The Little Mermaid from the New York Times Bestselling Author of River of Shadows and Blood Orange .

Princess Maren is a woman with a secret.
 
When she was just 16-years old, she sold her soul to the sea witch Edonia, giving up a life underwater in exchange for the love of Prince Aerik on land. But after a decade of abuse and misery inflicted by the cruel prince, Maren wants nothing more than to leave him and her royal role behind and find Edonia to reverse the spell.
 
An opportunity for escape presents itself when the prince and princess are traveling overseas and are taken hostage by a band of notorious pirates, led by the fearsome Captain Ramsay “Bones” Battista.
 
Maren has heard the sordid stories about the infamous pirate–not only is his ship supposedly haunted and crewed by the damned, but that no prisoners ever survive. Fortunately for Maren, she learns that the captain also has a score to settle with the sea witch. With any luck, Maren may be able to get her old life back, even if it’s being held in the captain’s wicked hands.
 
But Ramsay gets more than he bargained for when he learns who–and what –Maren is, and that her appetite for revenge, freedom, and bloodlust rivals his.
 
Meanwhile Maren finds herself falling for the pirate’s dark nature, even as she discovers that Ramsay has a secret more deadly than her own.

When it comes to the high seas, not all monsters lurk beneath the surface.

Content Though this is a fantasy, it is also a dark romance with potential triggers. A full list can be found inside the book or on the pinned cover reveal post on IG (authorhalle)
 

AMAZON 

“You are a stunning abyss of a creature,” I tell her. “One that I could spend eons swimming in and never get to the bottom of.”

I’m going to make a bold statement right now. But this book? Hands down my favorite read of 2023 so far! Holy book crack, batman! This was a page turner that I never wanted to end.

I have been salivating for this book ever since Karina announced it. I mean, Pirates of the Caribbean meets Little Mermaid? Yes please and thank you. And did this meet my high expectations? Heck no! It blew them out of the water. I am shooketh. SHOOKETH I tell you.

Maren is a syren (mermaid) who dreams of a different life. When she sees a prince on the shore, she dreams of a life among humans. And when a witch offers her the chance, she’s not prepared for the soul crushing decision she makes. Because her prince turns out to be nothing more than a monster. And her salvation just might be at the hands of a ruthless pirate who takes her and her husband captive.
You’re a monster!” she says to me, struggling against me, but I quickly pull her arms up over her head, securing them with the rope that I’ve already attached to my waist. Can’t be too careful now.
“A monster?” I repeat, pressing my body against hers until she can’t even move an inch. “Tell me more, darling. I always fancy a compliment.”

Captain Ramsay “Bones” Battista is everything my bookish dreams are made of. He’s a touch ruthless, revenge seeking pirate who happens to have a dirty mouth of a sailor (ha! see what I did there) and a possessive and protective streak that runs deep, even for his captured princess.

This story was a non stop, action packed ride that honestly unraveled like a movie reel behind my eyes. The world building, the characters, the romance, it was everything. Pirates, kraken, sirens, sea witches, and so much more filled the pages. I was so obsessed and I still can’t stop thinking about it. If you’re looking for something unique, unforgettable, and completely unputdownable, look no further.

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