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bookjournalboss's reviews
39 reviews
Ruthless Rival by L.J. Shen
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
The Prince from a Cruel Summer by Anya J Cosgrove
Their chemistry was intense and irresistible but the relationship was forbidden. They were fire and ice, royalty and common fae. Bound by responsibility and by an unwanted arranged marriage to another. Theirs was a love for the ages but with a drastic fallout that tore them apart.
A century later with money and fame in the New World, when Beth receives the invitation to sing at his wedding she can't resist the chance to find closure. Even after all that time she can't forget the love she's continued to hold for Aidan. She can't help but wonder if he has forgotten her or if he still feels something for her.
I don't want to spoil their journey for you, but oh what a journey it is. Love and longing, heartbreak and betrayal, secrets and lies, danger and intensity. A love that the heart can't forget no mater what stands in their way. I loved the combination of experiencing their past and present times and how their story connects to others we've already met in the series. This was a rollercoaster of emotions. I think Beth and Aidan have officially beat out Damian and Nell as my favorite couple of the series so far. I can't wait for the next book.
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Because of the marriage plans Beth's father has arranged for her, she now has the opportunity to attend the Royal Academy. All she has to do is make it through the deadly labyrinth trials in one piece before the timer runs out. She never expected to be captivated by the beautiful fae male running the last trial. And she never imagined he would turn out to the be none other than the Summer Court Prince - Aidan Summers.
Their chemistry was intense and irresistible but the relationship was forbidden. They were fire and ice, royalty and common fae. Bound by responsibility and by an unwanted arranged marriage to another. Theirs was a love for the ages but with a drastic fallout that tore them apart.
A century later with money and fame in the New World, when Beth receives the invitation to sing at his wedding she can't resist the chance to find closure. Even after all that time she can't forget the love she's continued to hold for Aidan. She can't help but wonder if he has forgotten her or if he still feels something for her.
I don't want to spoil their journey for you, but oh what a journey it is. Love and longing, heartbreak and betrayal, secrets and lies, danger and intensity. A love that the heart can't forget no mater what stands in their way. I loved the combination of experiencing their past and present times and how their story connects to others we've already met in the series. This was a rollercoaster of emotions. I think Beth and Aidan have officially beat out Damian and Nell as my favorite couple of the series so far. I can't wait for the next book.
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The Broker by Nikki Sloane
Book six is not normally where I would start a series, but that's what happened with this one. When I got the chance to jump right in with this book and realized the series is full of standalone stories, I didn't hesitate. And I certainly wasn't disappointed. This book pulled me in from the very first page. And what a first page it was!
Noah has moved back to Nashville from New York in his 30s to change up his career path and be closer to his family. Charlotte is trying to find her footing after a series of bad decisions that found her living with her parents again in her early 20s and paying back a debt she owes them. They're both in two very different places in their lives but somehow find themselves at the same bar one night. A fun meet-cute moment leads to a steamy night but with some boundaries in place.
It's only after that they realize his new career path means he's now working with her father. And her debt to be paid back means she's helping clear her father's office building after hours. When her father ropes her into a cleaning job for Noah at his new house, things get complicated.
Over time they find out they share some of the same nontraditional interests. And Noah opens her eyes to a whole new world of experiences and people. They have to keep their relationship secret or risk his job and her relationship with her father. They have to decide what they both really want and what they're willing to risk to have it.
I absolutely loved this book. I've had this series on my list for a bit but obviously I just barely dove into what all it was about. So I was very pleasantly surprised. I can't wait to go back and read all the books that came before this one now. And I'll be checking out others from Nikki as well. So good! The chemistry, spice, emotional connections, and more, just great.
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adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
One Night Stand to Moreβ¦
Book six is not normally where I would start a series, but that's what happened with this one. When I got the chance to jump right in with this book and realized the series is full of standalone stories, I didn't hesitate. And I certainly wasn't disappointed. This book pulled me in from the very first page. And what a first page it was!
Noah has moved back to Nashville from New York in his 30s to change up his career path and be closer to his family. Charlotte is trying to find her footing after a series of bad decisions that found her living with her parents again in her early 20s and paying back a debt she owes them. They're both in two very different places in their lives but somehow find themselves at the same bar one night. A fun meet-cute moment leads to a steamy night but with some boundaries in place.
It's only after that they realize his new career path means he's now working with her father. And her debt to be paid back means she's helping clear her father's office building after hours. When her father ropes her into a cleaning job for Noah at his new house, things get complicated.
Over time they find out they share some of the same nontraditional interests. And Noah opens her eyes to a whole new world of experiences and people. They have to keep their relationship secret or risk his job and her relationship with her father. They have to decide what they both really want and what they're willing to risk to have it.
I absolutely loved this book. I've had this series on my list for a bit but obviously I just barely dove into what all it was about. So I was very pleasantly surprised. I can't wait to go back and read all the books that came before this one now. And I'll be checking out others from Nikki as well. So good! The chemistry, spice, emotional connections, and more, just great.
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Forever Filthy by Samantha Barrett
By the end of book one Vivian proved just how little they knew about her. In this second book, she is a year into her role as Lordess of the Haven Saints. She's working some devious boss babe magic to set things right, protect her family from a distance, and take down those who have wronged her and those who try to get in her way.
Ezekiel, Archer, and Hayze are tired of sitting back and waiting. And they are tired of being without Vivi. Some friendly schemes, angry words, and sultry looks later and there might just be some hope. But Vi is determined not to let anything stand in the way of her goals. Convincing her they all belong together will not be an easy mission.
So much happens in this journey from friends to enemies to lovers. Secrets, lies, betrayals, death, mayhem, surprises, twists, unexpected allies, and so much more. Great dark and twisted read. Some stuff I hoped for while other events I never saw coming. I can't wait to see how things go in the next book.
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
Vivian is not to be underestimated. Her twin brother and his three best friends have always done what they felt was best to keep Vivian in the dark about all the seedy business surrounding the secret society their families have been involved with. They wanted to protect her even when that meant lying to her, hiding things, and even leaving her behind. It was just assumed that she didn't know about any of it and was this delicate thing to be treated gently. Oh how wrong they were.
By the end of book one Vivian proved just how little they knew about her. In this second book, she is a year into her role as Lordess of the Haven Saints. She's working some devious boss babe magic to set things right, protect her family from a distance, and take down those who have wronged her and those who try to get in her way.
Ezekiel, Archer, and Hayze are tired of sitting back and waiting. And they are tired of being without Vivi. Some friendly schemes, angry words, and sultry looks later and there might just be some hope. But Vi is determined not to let anything stand in the way of her goals. Convincing her they all belong together will not be an easy mission.
So much happens in this journey from friends to enemies to lovers. Secrets, lies, betrayals, death, mayhem, surprises, twists, unexpected allies, and so much more. Great dark and twisted read. Some stuff I hoped for while other events I never saw coming. I can't wait to see how things go in the next book.
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You're Ours Now by Jaye Pratt, Samantha Barrett
Mellie is the type of college girl that loves love. And her three best friends - Storm, Zayne, and Julius - are they type of guys that all others are measured against. They are perfect and would be perfect for her... if only they saw her like she sees them.
She decides to take a chance on a new matchmaking show. The little bit of liquid courage before the interview leads to her letting things slip about her fantasies. The one involving masked men. When she shows up for the matchmaking date, she gets a surprise in the form of not one but three masked men. Her eye-opening experience makes her crave things she never could have imagined.
This is fun, primal, sexy spin on the best friends to lovers trope and it was so good. If you're looking for a quick and super spicy read for Valentine's then your search is over. This was actually my first Jaye Pratt book but I've read many from Samantha Barrett (huge fan). Now I want to go back and read all the previous standalone books in this Masked Men series. And I'm looking forward to the next one.
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adventurous
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
Masked Best Friends to Loversβ¦
Mellie is the type of college girl that loves love. And her three best friends - Storm, Zayne, and Julius - are they type of guys that all others are measured against. They are perfect and would be perfect for her... if only they saw her like she sees them.
She decides to take a chance on a new matchmaking show. The little bit of liquid courage before the interview leads to her letting things slip about her fantasies. The one involving masked men. When she shows up for the matchmaking date, she gets a surprise in the form of not one but three masked men. Her eye-opening experience makes her crave things she never could have imagined.
This is fun, primal, sexy spin on the best friends to lovers trope and it was so good. If you're looking for a quick and super spicy read for Valentine's then your search is over. This was actually my first Jaye Pratt book but I've read many from Samantha Barrett (huge fan). Now I want to go back and read all the previous standalone books in this Masked Men series. And I'm looking forward to the next one.
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Under An Endless Moon by A.L. Jackson
We all felt the chemistry between Otto and Raven in book one of this series. Since Otto is the best friend of Raven's brother and he's older than her, they both recognize that a relationship between them is forbidden territory. But they can really only lie to themselves for so long before they can no longer fight their feelings for each other.
After Raven walks in on a scene she never wanted to see involving her brother, she realizes it's time to find a place of her own. In the meantime Otto offers her refuge at his place, even if there's only one bedroom and this burly bear of a man is way to big for sleeping on the sofa.
Otto is tracking down his enemies in secret, keeping his revenge and justice from his band of brothers. But while he's stalking his prey, Raven finds herself in someone else's dangerous sights. Otto will do anything and everything to protect her. Even if that means he might have to go against her brother to finally claim her.
All the built-up tension, forced proximity, forbidden romance elements, fun banter, fierce protectiveness, and amazing chemistry makes for a great journey for these two. I loved them together so much. The history of their tragic pasts and everything they've been through together just adds to the strength of their bond. I can't wait for what's next in this world.
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emotional
funny
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
Forbidden but Meant-To-Be...
We all felt the chemistry between Otto and Raven in book one of this series. Since Otto is the best friend of Raven's brother and he's older than her, they both recognize that a relationship between them is forbidden territory. But they can really only lie to themselves for so long before they can no longer fight their feelings for each other.
After Raven walks in on a scene she never wanted to see involving her brother, she realizes it's time to find a place of her own. In the meantime Otto offers her refuge at his place, even if there's only one bedroom and this burly bear of a man is way to big for sleeping on the sofa.
Otto is tracking down his enemies in secret, keeping his revenge and justice from his band of brothers. But while he's stalking his prey, Raven finds herself in someone else's dangerous sights. Otto will do anything and everything to protect her. Even if that means he might have to go against her brother to finally claim her.
All the built-up tension, forced proximity, forbidden romance elements, fun banter, fierce protectiveness, and amazing chemistry makes for a great journey for these two. I loved them together so much. The history of their tragic pasts and everything they've been through together just adds to the strength of their bond. I can't wait for what's next in this world.
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Phantasma by Kaylie Smith
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Wicked Waters by Becca Steele
dark
emotional
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
Cruel Crypts by Becca Steele
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
Hope & Harmony by M. Robinson, Layla Reyne, Chelle Bliss, Jaine Diamond, Meredith Wild, Kat Mizera, Mari Carr, Rachel Van Dyken, Helen Hardt, Kaylene Winter, Stacey Marie Brown, Jillian Liota, Becca Steele, Julia Wolf
This collection was so fun to read. It was a combination of authors I've read before with some I hadn't. This felt like a great way to sample are variety of authors. Several of these stories had me wondering if they were a part of larger worlds and had me craving more. I'll definitely be doing some deep diving into new-to-me authors to read even more.
hopeful
relaxing
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
Fourteen different authors came together for this music themed romance anthology supporting MusiCares. You'll get to read short stories from Chelle Bliss, Stacey Marie Brown, Mari Carr, Jaine Diamond, Helen Hardt, Jillian Liota, Kat Mizera, Layla Reyne, M. Robinson, Becca Steele, Rachel Van Dyken, Meredith Wild, Kaylene Winter, and Julia Wolf. These stories cover a range of plots, character types, love interests, music interest, ages, and feelings.
This collection was so fun to read. It was a combination of authors I've read before with some I hadn't. This felt like a great way to sample are variety of authors. Several of these stories had me wondering if they were a part of larger worlds and had me craving more. I'll definitely be doing some deep diving into new-to-me authors to read even more.