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625 reviews
Empire of Lies by J.L. Beck
4.0
Empire of Lies is the 2nd book of the Torrio Empire series, which picks up right where the cliffhanger from book 1, Empire of Lust, ended, so readers must read this series in order. Empire of Lies is jam-packed with so much intensity, twists and turns, and drama that I had to take a step back and breathe.
Bianca finds herself reeling from the craziness and challenges she faces after her decisions from the first book. I loved, loved, loved Callum in this book. His character development was so much more, and it was everything. J.L. Beck did a phenomenal job portraying Callum's hurt and turmoil and opening up his heart - tearing down his walls as he realized just how much Bianca means to him.
And, of course - we get the dreaded cliffhanger ending - which gutted me more than the first book. J.L. Beck knows what she's doing to her readers, and it's pure evil, but I love it. It needs to be June now because I can't wait to see how this trilogy ends. I am also eager to see the story between Tatum and Romero unfold.
Bianca finds herself reeling from the craziness and challenges she faces after her decisions from the first book. I loved, loved, loved Callum in this book. His character development was so much more, and it was everything. J.L. Beck did a phenomenal job portraying Callum's hurt and turmoil and opening up his heart - tearing down his walls as he realized just how much Bianca means to him.
And, of course - we get the dreaded cliffhanger ending - which gutted me more than the first book. J.L. Beck knows what she's doing to her readers, and it's pure evil, but I love it. It needs to be June now because I can't wait to see how this trilogy ends. I am also eager to see the story between Tatum and Romero unfold.
Beyond the Thistles by Samantha Young
4.0
Beyond the Thistles by Samantha Young is a story of redemption, love, triumph, and survival. The story follows Sloane, a single mother from California who escapes to Scotland after a violent encounter with her ex. She works as a housekeeper at one of Scotland's regent resorts (members-only club) for the wealthy and Hollywood's famous. Due to the nature of the resort's services, high-end security and personal bodyguards are assigned to protect guests and unwanted personnel such as the paparazzi.
Sloane finds herself immediately attracted to one of the top security guards, Walker. He's tall, dark, and broody - the typically quiet and reserved observer with a tragic past. After an incident, Walker is assigned to protect Sloane and her daughter, Callie, until the person threatening Sloane is dealt with.
The first half of the story is excellent. The slow burn between Sloane and Walker was so fiery hot, filled with passion and unrequited feelings, and I found myself begging them to admit their feelings for one another. Sparks fly between the two as the instant connection erupts into a heated frenzy of excitement and lust. Danger lurked around dark corners, and there were moments with a few plot twists, but they were very predictable. The story kept me wanting to read more, but the middle and end were lackluster compared to the first 50% of the book.
I still want to read the next book of the series, which would feature a new couple! If you're a fan of contemporary romance with hints of suspense, you will enjoy this one!
Sloane finds herself immediately attracted to one of the top security guards, Walker. He's tall, dark, and broody - the typically quiet and reserved observer with a tragic past. After an incident, Walker is assigned to protect Sloane and her daughter, Callie, until the person threatening Sloane is dealt with.
The first half of the story is excellent. The slow burn between Sloane and Walker was so fiery hot, filled with passion and unrequited feelings, and I found myself begging them to admit their feelings for one another. Sparks fly between the two as the instant connection erupts into a heated frenzy of excitement and lust. Danger lurked around dark corners, and there were moments with a few plot twists, but they were very predictable. The story kept me wanting to read more, but the middle and end were lackluster compared to the first 50% of the book.
I still want to read the next book of the series, which would feature a new couple! If you're a fan of contemporary romance with hints of suspense, you will enjoy this one!
Enemies with Benefits by Roxie Noir
5.0
A true enemies to lovers romance.
Five Stars!
Enemies with Benefits was a amazing read. You are activated from the first page to very last. Great characters, a bit of a mystery and back and forth banter that will have you chuckling.
Violet and Eli have hated each other their whole lives. These two had a rivalry like no one else. Always trying to outdo one another all the way up to graduation. Now 10 years later they end up working at the same place. Years of frustration, years of jabs and years of competition has these two back at each other’s throats again.
But what they don’t realize is while they may hate each other, there is a slow burn of attraction between them. With the years of hating they both don’t realize that their hate may be more than that, that these two could have a love like no other.
Their back and forth banter is so entertaining and watching these two fall is heartwarming. This was an excellent read. A new to be author and one I will be following.
Highly recommended.
Merged review:
A true enemies to lovers romance.
Five Stars!
Enemies with Benefits was a amazing read. You are activated from the first page to very last. Great characters, a bit of a mystery and back and forth banter that will have you chuckling.
Violet and Eli have hated each other their whole lives. These two had a rivalry like no one else. Always trying to outdo one another all the way up to graduation. Now 10 years later they end up working at the same place. Years of frustration, years of jabs and years of competition has these two back at each other’s throats again.
But what they don’t realize is while they may hate each other, there is a slow burn of attraction between them. With the years of hating they both don’t realize that their hate may be more than that, that these two could have a love like no other.
Their back and forth banter is so entertaining and watching these two fall is heartwarming. This was an excellent read. A new to be author and one I will be following.
Highly recommended.
Five Stars!
Enemies with Benefits was a amazing read. You are activated from the first page to very last. Great characters, a bit of a mystery and back and forth banter that will have you chuckling.
Violet and Eli have hated each other their whole lives. These two had a rivalry like no one else. Always trying to outdo one another all the way up to graduation. Now 10 years later they end up working at the same place. Years of frustration, years of jabs and years of competition has these two back at each other’s throats again.
But what they don’t realize is while they may hate each other, there is a slow burn of attraction between them. With the years of hating they both don’t realize that their hate may be more than that, that these two could have a love like no other.
Their back and forth banter is so entertaining and watching these two fall is heartwarming. This was an excellent read. A new to be author and one I will be following.
Highly recommended.
Merged review:
A true enemies to lovers romance.
Five Stars!
Enemies with Benefits was a amazing read. You are activated from the first page to very last. Great characters, a bit of a mystery and back and forth banter that will have you chuckling.
Violet and Eli have hated each other their whole lives. These two had a rivalry like no one else. Always trying to outdo one another all the way up to graduation. Now 10 years later they end up working at the same place. Years of frustration, years of jabs and years of competition has these two back at each other’s throats again.
But what they don’t realize is while they may hate each other, there is a slow burn of attraction between them. With the years of hating they both don’t realize that their hate may be more than that, that these two could have a love like no other.
Their back and forth banter is so entertaining and watching these two fall is heartwarming. This was an excellent read. A new to be author and one I will be following.
Highly recommended.
The Issue with Bad Boy Roommates by Piper Rayne
3.0
I wish I could have loved this book, but I couldn't connect for some reason. This is my first read from Piper Rayne, and I've heard great things about their stories, so I decided to read this one in hopes I would be a new fan.
The story is not bad. It's a great story. It revolves around Brinley, a widow, dealing with the aftermath of her husband's death. She's on the hunt for a new roommate since her old one tied the knot and is moving out. I liked her character - she was smart, independent, and just trying to make ends meet without her husband. In walks Van, a stranger visiting the small town for a brief time while on leave from the Coast Guard. Here is my dilemma: Van is not a bad boy. In fact - he is caring, generous, thoughtful, loving, and sensitive. Yes - the man is brooding and covered in tats, but that is it. To me - he is far from a bad boy, and it threw me off. I enjoyed the nice plot twist, but the ending was still predictable, especially with the third-act separation.
Thank you, Valentine PR and Piper Rayne, for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The story is not bad. It's a great story. It revolves around Brinley, a widow, dealing with the aftermath of her husband's death. She's on the hunt for a new roommate since her old one tied the knot and is moving out. I liked her character - she was smart, independent, and just trying to make ends meet without her husband. In walks Van, a stranger visiting the small town for a brief time while on leave from the Coast Guard. Here is my dilemma: Van is not a bad boy. In fact - he is caring, generous, thoughtful, loving, and sensitive. Yes - the man is brooding and covered in tats, but that is it. To me - he is far from a bad boy, and it threw me off. I enjoyed the nice plot twist, but the ending was still predictable, especially with the third-act separation.
Thank you, Valentine PR and Piper Rayne, for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The Road of Bones by Demi Winters
5.0
This is one of the best debut novels I have read in a long time. Demi Winters built a world that sucked me right in from the first chapter. The Road of Bones is an adventure filled with strong Viking warriors, badass female fighters, a strong heroine, smoldering and sexy Vikings, magic, extreme violence, and twists and turns that I didn't see coming.
Due to the nature of the context and world-building, the author provided a world map, a pronunciation list, and a glossary. I don't know how many times I flipped back to that glossary, but it made all the difference. Thank you, Demi, for including these resources!
After the sudden death of Silla's father, she finds herself on the run, for unknown reasons to her - fleeing from the Queen's henchman. The only haven is a small house in the town of Kopa, which is a month's long journey through the treacherous forest and violent-ridden Road of Bones. Silla knows she has no way to survive this journey and has to decide to stow away with a group of Viking mercenaries. She knew the trip would be dangerous, but what she didn't expect was to experience a whole new adventure with some new friends.
It's hard to go into details without spoiling, but I would have finished it in one sitting if this book weren't over 600 pages. Silla finds herself caught up in the middle of epic battles, honing new fighting skills and even a little romance with a handsome warrior. I just loved Silla's character development throughout the story. She was weak and naive but soon blossomed into a strong warrior, determined to survive and fight past all the violence, grief, and turmoil she faced. The Viking mercenaries were indeed the best thing about this story. I loved their dynamic, comradery, family trust, and sacrifice for one another. Silla's interactions with Jones and Rey were so entertaining. I enjoyed her banter with Rey, igniting an unspoken attraction, but it was Jonas that stole my heart. The last 20% of the book had me in shock, tearing up, gasping for air, and practically pulling my jaw off the floor as the story ended--leading into book 2.
If you're a fan of ACOTAR, Fourth Wing, and other romantasy adventures, I promise you will love this book!! I am eagerly waiting for Book 2!
Due to the nature of the context and world-building, the author provided a world map, a pronunciation list, and a glossary. I don't know how many times I flipped back to that glossary, but it made all the difference. Thank you, Demi, for including these resources!
After the sudden death of Silla's father, she finds herself on the run, for unknown reasons to her - fleeing from the Queen's henchman. The only haven is a small house in the town of Kopa, which is a month's long journey through the treacherous forest and violent-ridden Road of Bones. Silla knows she has no way to survive this journey and has to decide to stow away with a group of Viking mercenaries. She knew the trip would be dangerous, but what she didn't expect was to experience a whole new adventure with some new friends.
It's hard to go into details without spoiling, but I would have finished it in one sitting if this book weren't over 600 pages. Silla finds herself caught up in the middle of epic battles, honing new fighting skills and even a little romance with a handsome warrior. I just loved Silla's character development throughout the story. She was weak and naive but soon blossomed into a strong warrior, determined to survive and fight past all the violence, grief, and turmoil she faced. The Viking mercenaries were indeed the best thing about this story. I loved their dynamic, comradery, family trust, and sacrifice for one another. Silla's interactions with Jones and Rey were so entertaining. I enjoyed her banter with Rey, igniting an unspoken attraction, but it was Jonas that stole my heart. The last 20% of the book had me in shock, tearing up, gasping for air, and practically pulling my jaw off the floor as the story ended--leading into book 2.
If you're a fan of ACOTAR, Fourth Wing, and other romantasy adventures, I promise you will love this book!! I am eagerly waiting for Book 2!
Knot So Lucky by Trilina Pucci
4.0
Knot So Lucky is a fun, exciting, hilarious story between two strangers, ignited by their sexual chemistry, a bit of alcohol, and the mother of all dares. Eleanor and Crew find themselves married after only knowing each other for one day. Their 'wedding' night together was fueled with passion and even a guest appearance by two of Crew's best friends. Crew and Eleanor find themselves linked to one another for 30 days after the attempt to annul their nuptials goes south. They know the marriage wouldn't last..the end is near, so what's next on the agenda? Have fun and get lucky.
I loved the banter between Crew and Eleanor. Eleanor is truly a remarkable woman, and frankly, she is hilarious. Her words had me literally laughing out loud many times throughout this read. Crew is so hot and smoldering. He is Daddy, and he knows it. I also felt a connection with TJ and Nate, the frequent 'collaborators'...if you catch my drift ;)
You will love this book if you're a fan of fun, SPICY-as-all-hell romance with moments of tenderness and love. Highly recommend!
I loved the banter between Crew and Eleanor. Eleanor is truly a remarkable woman, and frankly, she is hilarious. Her words had me literally laughing out loud many times throughout this read. Crew is so hot and smoldering. He is Daddy, and he knows it. I also felt a connection with TJ and Nate, the frequent 'collaborators'...if you catch my drift ;)
You will love this book if you're a fan of fun, SPICY-as-all-hell romance with moments of tenderness and love. Highly recommend!
The Freedom in Captivity by M.L. Philpitt
4.0
If you're a fan of fairytale retellings, I PROMISE you will love this series. Each book keeps the reader entranced as the story unfolds, enveloping us in a world of the mafia. This is the 4th book of the Fractured Ever Afters series and revolves around Rozelyn 'Rapunzel" and Flynn.
The characters are first introduced in previous books of the series, but since these are interconnected standalone, it's not necessary to read them. It's just a perk. Roz is a tough, strong-willed woman with a hard exterior who will stop at nothing to get what she wants. But after a tragic incident and dangerous attack on one of the daughters of the Corsetti family, Roz finds herself captured. But her captor is not just another goon for the Corsetti's...it's Flynn, her forbidden love from the past. Now they find themselves on opposite sides of the mafia war, their families sworn enemies, ready to strike at a moment's notice.
The heat level in this book was SPICY as the passion between the two enemies burned off every page. There was so much hatred between them, but deep down, they cared deeply for one another. There were times when Flynn mistreated Roz in ways that caused me to want to strangle him, but I understand why. He was heartbroken after she left him all those years ago.
The story was filled with intensity, action, suspense, darkness, and spice. Overall, I highly recommend this series and would gladly re-read the entire series again.
The characters are first introduced in previous books of the series, but since these are interconnected standalone, it's not necessary to read them. It's just a perk. Roz is a tough, strong-willed woman with a hard exterior who will stop at nothing to get what she wants. But after a tragic incident and dangerous attack on one of the daughters of the Corsetti family, Roz finds herself captured. But her captor is not just another goon for the Corsetti's...it's Flynn, her forbidden love from the past. Now they find themselves on opposite sides of the mafia war, their families sworn enemies, ready to strike at a moment's notice.
The heat level in this book was SPICY as the passion between the two enemies burned off every page. There was so much hatred between them, but deep down, they cared deeply for one another. There were times when Flynn mistreated Roz in ways that caused me to want to strangle him, but I understand why. He was heartbroken after she left him all those years ago.
The story was filled with intensity, action, suspense, darkness, and spice. Overall, I highly recommend this series and would gladly re-read the entire series again.
A Life in Bloom by Anna E. Collins
4.0
This is my first read from Anna E. Collins, and I liked this one. This book is definitely out of my comfort zone as it's leaning toward the side of women's fiction, and I typically read strictly romance books. The story unfolds as Kristin learns her mother is dying and agrees to go on an adventure with her, completing the items on her bucket list. Throw in a surprise pregnancy, leading to a breakup, and Kristin finds herself mixed with emotions and insecurity.
This is an emotional story between a mother and daughter with limited time to repair their broken relationship. I found myself reeling from the banter between the two and bits of heartache, especially with the thought of unhappiness, the unknown, and having to spend life with struggles. Nonetheless, it was a lovely story full of redemption, forgiveness, and unexpected love.
This is an emotional story between a mother and daughter with limited time to repair their broken relationship. I found myself reeling from the banter between the two and bits of heartache, especially with the thought of unhappiness, the unknown, and having to spend life with struggles. Nonetheless, it was a lovely story full of redemption, forgiveness, and unexpected love.
Beauty in Chaos by Nacole Stayton
5.0
"One brother is fire. The other is ice. I can't decide which one is going to burn me first."
I did not expect this book to be so damn good. From the very first chapter, I knew I would love this book. The story follows Rory, a 17-year-old orphan growing up in the foster care system who finds herself, yet again, being transferred to a new foster home. This time, it's in the suburbs of Kentucky, away from the dangers of the inner city and its inhabitants. The life she was forced to endure was harsh, cruel, dangerous, and full of despair.
During a chance encounter, she bumps into the small town's bad boy, Crew. The two immediately spit words at one another, not realizing they would be each other's neighbors for the foreseeable future. Rory knew she had to stay away from Crew - that instant attraction only leads to heartache. But it wasn't until she met Crew's brother, Trice, that it shook her entire core—two brothers - both drop-dead gorgeous in their own way - both vying for her affection.
This book was an emotional roller coaster. There were highs and lows and points when tears were threatening to stream down my face. I caught myself holding my breath at times due to the intensity of the scenes playing in my head as each page unfolded. I had butterflies, imagining the two Jordan brothers competing for Rory's attention. Boy, did they work hard for it.
You will love this book if you enjoy reading YA Romance with a coming-of-age platform and throw in the love triangle for some much-needed drama.
***Heed trigger warnings as there are references to child abuse, loss of a child, underage drinking, death, etc.**
Merged review:
"One brother is fire. The other is ice. I can't decide which one is going to burn me first."
I did not expect this book to be so damn good. From the very first chapter, I knew I would love this book. The story follows Rory, a 17-year-old orphan growing up in the foster care system who finds herself, yet again, being transferred to a new foster home. This time, it's in the suburbs of Kentucky, away from the dangers of the inner city and its inhabitants. The life she was forced to endure was harsh, cruel, dangerous, and full of despair.
During a chance encounter, she bumps into the small town's bad boy, Crew. The two immediately spit words at one another, not realizing they would be each other's neighbors for the foreseeable future. Rory knew she had to stay away from Crew - that instant attraction only leads to heartache. But it wasn't until she met Crew's brother, Trice, that it shook her entire core—two brothers - both drop-dead gorgeous in their own way - both vying for her affection.
This book was an emotional roller coaster. There were highs and lows and points when tears were threatening to stream down my face. I caught myself holding my breath at times due to the intensity of the scenes playing in my head as each page unfolded. I had butterflies, imagining the two Jordan brothers competing for Rory's attention. Boy, did they work hard for it.
You will love this book if you enjoy reading YA Romance with a coming-of-age platform and throw in the love triangle for some much-needed drama.
***Heed trigger warnings as there are references to child abuse, loss of a child, underage drinking, death, etc.**
I did not expect this book to be so damn good. From the very first chapter, I knew I would love this book. The story follows Rory, a 17-year-old orphan growing up in the foster care system who finds herself, yet again, being transferred to a new foster home. This time, it's in the suburbs of Kentucky, away from the dangers of the inner city and its inhabitants. The life she was forced to endure was harsh, cruel, dangerous, and full of despair.
During a chance encounter, she bumps into the small town's bad boy, Crew. The two immediately spit words at one another, not realizing they would be each other's neighbors for the foreseeable future. Rory knew she had to stay away from Crew - that instant attraction only leads to heartache. But it wasn't until she met Crew's brother, Trice, that it shook her entire core—two brothers - both drop-dead gorgeous in their own way - both vying for her affection.
This book was an emotional roller coaster. There were highs and lows and points when tears were threatening to stream down my face. I caught myself holding my breath at times due to the intensity of the scenes playing in my head as each page unfolded. I had butterflies, imagining the two Jordan brothers competing for Rory's attention. Boy, did they work hard for it.
You will love this book if you enjoy reading YA Romance with a coming-of-age platform and throw in the love triangle for some much-needed drama.
***Heed trigger warnings as there are references to child abuse, loss of a child, underage drinking, death, etc.**
Merged review:
"One brother is fire. The other is ice. I can't decide which one is going to burn me first."
I did not expect this book to be so damn good. From the very first chapter, I knew I would love this book. The story follows Rory, a 17-year-old orphan growing up in the foster care system who finds herself, yet again, being transferred to a new foster home. This time, it's in the suburbs of Kentucky, away from the dangers of the inner city and its inhabitants. The life she was forced to endure was harsh, cruel, dangerous, and full of despair.
During a chance encounter, she bumps into the small town's bad boy, Crew. The two immediately spit words at one another, not realizing they would be each other's neighbors for the foreseeable future. Rory knew she had to stay away from Crew - that instant attraction only leads to heartache. But it wasn't until she met Crew's brother, Trice, that it shook her entire core—two brothers - both drop-dead gorgeous in their own way - both vying for her affection.
This book was an emotional roller coaster. There were highs and lows and points when tears were threatening to stream down my face. I caught myself holding my breath at times due to the intensity of the scenes playing in my head as each page unfolded. I had butterflies, imagining the two Jordan brothers competing for Rory's attention. Boy, did they work hard for it.
You will love this book if you enjoy reading YA Romance with a coming-of-age platform and throw in the love triangle for some much-needed drama.
***Heed trigger warnings as there are references to child abuse, loss of a child, underage drinking, death, etc.**
The Hate Date by Kaylene Winter
4.0
For my first read from Kaylene Winter, I was pleasantly surprised! I finished this book in just about 5 hours as I was hooked!! Readers are first introduced to Clover (I love this name, BTW), a newly divorced woman trying to turn her life around after her husband cheated on her with her best friend. Surprising to her, it turns out her husband was involved in a Ponzi scheme, leaving his company up for grabs while the Feds froze his assets. In walks, Joar.
OMG, Joar - this man is pure SEX. He is the billionaire executive swooping in to take over the company, but he thinks Clover is also scheming. So he sets his sights on her to catch her and get the millions that he believes she stole from investors. One problem- she has triggered the urge, the want, the need for him to be near her and do all kinds of bad things to her. Unexpectedly, the two find themselves alone in a stalled elevator, unable to resist the sexual tension. Let me say - this elevator scene was HAWT!
When things seem to be leading in the right direction, Clover finds out that Joar was lying to her about his true intentions, and she tells him to kick rocks. I LOVED Clover - she is a fierce FMC who knows her value, her worth. She will never put a man over her own dreams, and I appreciate her independence. "I'm strong. I know my value. My worth."
Joar will stop at nothing to win her back, knowing that Clover is the one for him, and the inception of "The Hate Date" emerges. My heart ached for him, and I'll admit that I would have gladly taken her place if she didn't want him. "Clover Callahan is it for me. The one. Eventually, she's going to be my woman."
The actual Hate Date concept is so freaking clever! I loved this idea and even told my husband about it and how we should try it.
Also, the steam in this book is SPICY! By the time I hit 40%, there were several chapters of steamy scenes, and I was all for it. You will love this book if you're a fan of enemies to lovers, strong FMCs, handsome billionaires, and an original concept!
OMG, Joar - this man is pure SEX. He is the billionaire executive swooping in to take over the company, but he thinks Clover is also scheming. So he sets his sights on her to catch her and get the millions that he believes she stole from investors. One problem- she has triggered the urge, the want, the need for him to be near her and do all kinds of bad things to her. Unexpectedly, the two find themselves alone in a stalled elevator, unable to resist the sexual tension. Let me say - this elevator scene was HAWT!
When things seem to be leading in the right direction, Clover finds out that Joar was lying to her about his true intentions, and she tells him to kick rocks. I LOVED Clover - she is a fierce FMC who knows her value, her worth. She will never put a man over her own dreams, and I appreciate her independence. "I'm strong. I know my value. My worth."
Joar will stop at nothing to win her back, knowing that Clover is the one for him, and the inception of "The Hate Date" emerges. My heart ached for him, and I'll admit that I would have gladly taken her place if she didn't want him. "Clover Callahan is it for me. The one. Eventually, she's going to be my woman."
The actual Hate Date concept is so freaking clever! I loved this idea and even told my husband about it and how we should try it.
Also, the steam in this book is SPICY! By the time I hit 40%, there were several chapters of steamy scenes, and I was all for it. You will love this book if you're a fan of enemies to lovers, strong FMCs, handsome billionaires, and an original concept!