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hawaiirican808's reviews
374 reviews
Ruining Me by A.E. Nalle
5.0
A.E Nalle and this series. Absolutely no words.
Ruining Me quite literally ruined me (in an absolutely GOOD way)..
It was a delicious MC romance that was intense, a rollercoaster of a read filled with so many plot twists, angst, and the right amount of spice. Declan and Sofee have a taboo/forbidden type of love but when they get together, their chemistry quite literally BURNED the whole book down. Declan had me in a chokehold with how downright filthy he got with her. I'm a huge LOVER of the dirty talk and he did not disappoint at all!!!! It was definitely more plot/action driven and was written at a great paste that really kept my attention from beginning to end. Everything about this book was a 5-star. The banter, storyline, chemistry, and plot twist had my JAW ON THE FLOOR AND READY TO THROW MY KINDLE. Only A.E Nalle can victimize me in this way when it comes to MC romances. The absolute book slump I'll be in for this trope will be brutal. Also, this is going to go on my indie author shelf so I can continue to read it a million more times in physical form. If you want to read one of the most WILD books of your life, pick up this book and the rest of her backlist. SHE NEVER DISAPPOINTS.
Ruining Me quite literally ruined me (in an absolutely GOOD way)..
It was a delicious MC romance that was intense, a rollercoaster of a read filled with so many plot twists, angst, and the right amount of spice. Declan and Sofee have a taboo/forbidden type of love but when they get together, their chemistry quite literally BURNED the whole book down. Declan had me in a chokehold with how downright filthy he got with her. I'm a huge LOVER of the dirty talk and he did not disappoint at all!!!! It was definitely more plot/action driven and was written at a great paste that really kept my attention from beginning to end. Everything about this book was a 5-star. The banter, storyline, chemistry, and plot twist had my JAW ON THE FLOOR AND READY TO THROW MY KINDLE. Only A.E Nalle can victimize me in this way when it comes to MC romances. The absolute book slump I'll be in for this trope will be brutal. Also, this is going to go on my indie author shelf so I can continue to read it a million more times in physical form. If you want to read one of the most WILD books of your life, pick up this book and the rest of her backlist. SHE NEVER DISAPPOINTS.
Winterthorne's shards by
5.0
I have been a fan of Emily since "The Guileful Rose" was released last year and was so excited to see that she written "Winterthorne's Shards" which was the continuation of book 1 and Amaria's story.
I reread book 1 before jumping into Winterthorne's Shards as a refresher and ready to bring the review!
I preferred "Winterthorne's Shards" over "The Guileful Rose". While both books are INCREDIBLE, I loved the perspective that Emily took with book 2 to include all the politics and overall intensity of the storyline. From the ending of book 1, you can tell that things will be a bit intense in Winterthorne and Amaria has gone through a lot to get to where she is now. The overall world-building while everything is being rebuilt around her was a 5/5. Amaria is extremely intelligent and has such great drive in this book that I really liked (YES for a strong female leader). Emily really paid attention to the smaller details that are often overlooked, introducing new characters, new allies that at one point I gave up trying to map out what will be coming next. While she continued to build a beautifully intricate storyline that will suck you in, you will forget all that you thought was about to come your way. I don't pick up a ton of fantasy books often anymore, but where there is an Emily Almanza book, you will find me! I can't wait to dive into more of her amazing books again soon.
I reread book 1 before jumping into Winterthorne's Shards as a refresher and ready to bring the review!
I preferred "Winterthorne's Shards" over "The Guileful Rose". While both books are INCREDIBLE, I loved the perspective that Emily took with book 2 to include all the politics and overall intensity of the storyline. From the ending of book 1, you can tell that things will be a bit intense in Winterthorne and Amaria has gone through a lot to get to where she is now. The overall world-building while everything is being rebuilt around her was a 5/5. Amaria is extremely intelligent and has such great drive in this book that I really liked (YES for a strong female leader). Emily really paid attention to the smaller details that are often overlooked, introducing new characters, new allies that at one point I gave up trying to map out what will be coming next. While she continued to build a beautifully intricate storyline that will suck you in, you will forget all that you thought was about to come your way. I don't pick up a ton of fantasy books often anymore, but where there is an Emily Almanza book, you will find me! I can't wait to dive into more of her amazing books again soon.
Salvation by Aquila Thorne
5.0
Book 2 of the "Changing of the Guards" series after "Savior", Aquila gives us "Salvation".
I really enjoyed Savior and was excited to see that Salvation was ready to continue the series. I've enjoyed Aquila's writing style when it comes to this delicious mafia-themed romance series. I loved the twist with having Kat be a female lead and the possibility of a female mafia leader. The storyline moved at a good pace, it wasn't too slow and wasn't too fast which made for a great read. She captivated my attention from the very first page, with so many plot twists, action scenes, chemistry, tension and so much more! With all that was packed in, the book didn't feel too busy and was laid out perfectly! Kat and Rory's connection has to be one of my favorites so far, complete opposites with insane chemistry! I can not wait to see where Aquila takes the rest of this series.
I really enjoyed Savior and was excited to see that Salvation was ready to continue the series. I've enjoyed Aquila's writing style when it comes to this delicious mafia-themed romance series. I loved the twist with having Kat be a female lead and the possibility of a female mafia leader. The storyline moved at a good pace, it wasn't too slow and wasn't too fast which made for a great read. She captivated my attention from the very first page, with so many plot twists, action scenes, chemistry, tension and so much more! With all that was packed in, the book didn't feel too busy and was laid out perfectly! Kat and Rory's connection has to be one of my favorites so far, complete opposites with insane chemistry! I can not wait to see where Aquila takes the rest of this series.
Matteo by T. Priceton
5.0
T Priceton's debut novel "Matteo" has gone into my "Top 10 ARC reads of 2024" and was one mafia romance that absolutely blew my whole damn mind.
I devour mafia romances religiously and one thing that truly stands out for me is the author's writing style. Her writing captivated me from the very first page, submersing me completely into Matteo & Luxtyn's toxic but HOT romance! I loved that they were complete opposites and that she made Luxtyn into this fierce, independent and no BS demeanor of a FMC and that kept Matteo on his toes! I loved to see the softer side to him when he's with her, it's great to see mafia men show a sign of vulnerability in this troupe. The plot was perfectly written, lots of plot twists to keep me on the edge of my seat ready to throw my kindle or have my jaw drop the floor. The spice in this was WHEWWWW. Easy 5 chilis for me! Matteo knows what he's doing with possessive alpha self and he does it WELL.
The character development from beginning to end was solid, T does an amazing job with world building and incorporating the little details that gets left out. I literally felt like I was in the book itself reading through page after page. It also had some of the best banter I've read in a while (great chemistry between these 2!). This debut novel was one that I binged and immediately ordered the paperback of on release day for my indie author trophy shelf. I can not WAIT to see where she takes this series because this debut was OUT of this world! I volunteer as tribute to ARC the series and will continue to go absolutely feral for you!
I devour mafia romances religiously and one thing that truly stands out for me is the author's writing style. Her writing captivated me from the very first page, submersing me completely into Matteo & Luxtyn's toxic but HOT romance! I loved that they were complete opposites and that she made Luxtyn into this fierce, independent and no BS demeanor of a FMC and that kept Matteo on his toes! I loved to see the softer side to him when he's with her, it's great to see mafia men show a sign of vulnerability in this troupe. The plot was perfectly written, lots of plot twists to keep me on the edge of my seat ready to throw my kindle or have my jaw drop the floor. The spice in this was WHEWWWW. Easy 5 chilis for me! Matteo knows what he's doing with possessive alpha self and he does it WELL.
The character development from beginning to end was solid, T does an amazing job with world building and incorporating the little details that gets left out. I literally felt like I was in the book itself reading through page after page. It also had some of the best banter I've read in a while (great chemistry between these 2!). This debut novel was one that I binged and immediately ordered the paperback of on release day for my indie author trophy shelf. I can not WAIT to see where she takes this series because this debut was OUT of this world! I volunteer as tribute to ARC the series and will continue to go absolutely feral for you!
Dallas by N.N. Britt
5.0
AND just when I thought “Dallas” couldn’t top “Isaac”, N N Britt started it off with a BANG continuing the story right where she dropped that jaw-dropping cliffhanger.
The ending of this duet was exactly what I needed for closure and she tied up everything perfectly. The guys showed a sense of vulnerability that was beautiful to see especially knowing how everything played out until this moment happened. The angst, the sense of betrayal and trying to navigate what potentially could be their new norm, if Isaac could ever trust Dallas again! It was page gripping, intense and so much suspense after each page. A true masterpiece to see if love can conquer all, when everything is stacked against you. The character growth, the storyline, the love between Isaac and Dallas, the raw emotions. Everything was a 5 star read about this book. By far one of the best duets I’ve read this year. Highly recommend!
The ending of this duet was exactly what I needed for closure and she tied up everything perfectly. The guys showed a sense of vulnerability that was beautiful to see especially knowing how everything played out until this moment happened. The angst, the sense of betrayal and trying to navigate what potentially could be their new norm, if Isaac could ever trust Dallas again! It was page gripping, intense and so much suspense after each page. A true masterpiece to see if love can conquer all, when everything is stacked against you. The character growth, the storyline, the love between Isaac and Dallas, the raw emotions. Everything was a 5 star read about this book. By far one of the best duets I’ve read this year. Highly recommend!
Whispers of Deception: Marriage of Convenience Dark Romance by K.T. Maddan
5.0
I will start this review by saying I have loved K.T. Maddan's books. So much so that I will always try to read new releases to the "Whispers of Cedarbrook" series. The fact that the marriage of convenience troupe was thrown into this was an immediate YES for me.
K.T. has a gift for encapturing the readers into her stories through beautifully thought-out quotes, a storyline with captivating characters, the right amount of spice, and a good amount of plot twists. When I read a book, writing style is one of the major things that stands out for me. K.T. has one of my favorite writing styles/abilities as an indie author. She held my attention from beginning to end as she told Lila and Ethan's love story! I loved the mafia princess/ ex-bodyguard dynamic in the story and the way she put so many intricate details into the storyline: some things I never thought of. It was one of the more "darker" books of the series but well WORTH it! They say save the best for last and SHE DID THAT. If I annotated my books, most of the book would be highlighted because so many quotes stood out to me, scenes made me feel things deeply, I can not say enough about her writing style and what it does for me when I read her stories. This book will definitely be on my personal shelf in no time! SO GOOD and 5/5 recommending!
K.T. has a gift for encapturing the readers into her stories through beautifully thought-out quotes, a storyline with captivating characters, the right amount of spice, and a good amount of plot twists. When I read a book, writing style is one of the major things that stands out for me. K.T. has one of my favorite writing styles/abilities as an indie author. She held my attention from beginning to end as she told Lila and Ethan's love story! I loved the mafia princess/ ex-bodyguard dynamic in the story and the way she put so many intricate details into the storyline: some things I never thought of. It was one of the more "darker" books of the series but well WORTH it! They say save the best for last and SHE DID THAT. If I annotated my books, most of the book would be highlighted because so many quotes stood out to me, scenes made me feel things deeply, I can not say enough about her writing style and what it does for me when I read her stories. This book will definitely be on my personal shelf in no time! SO GOOD and 5/5 recommending!
Terms of Obsession by H.N. DeFore
5.0
Haley and her books will always do it for me everytime.
"Terms of Obsession" was another spicy read with a great storyline, hilarious banter and I loved the chemistry between Callie and Nate so much. Their character growth/development was great from page 1 to the very end. I love how Haley wrote their story to really showcase that push and pull between them, especially when it came to the BDSM scenes and I loved that Nate really took care of her in such an amazing protective way that you don't normally see in BDSM themed books. The spice was a 5, the storyline a 5 and I'm easily loving this series by Haley!
"Terms of Obsession" was another spicy read with a great storyline, hilarious banter and I loved the chemistry between Callie and Nate so much. Their character growth/development was great from page 1 to the very end. I love how Haley wrote their story to really showcase that push and pull between them, especially when it came to the BDSM scenes and I loved that Nate really took care of her in such an amazing protective way that you don't normally see in BDSM themed books. The spice was a 5, the storyline a 5 and I'm easily loving this series by Haley!
Someone Like You by Lyla Dane
4.0
This was Lyla's debut novel and it was SO GOOD.
I love to indulge in an M/M romance here and there and "Someone Like You" was one of my favorite MM reads this month. Lyla did an incredible job with writing trauma, healing and showing PTSD in a raw form. Isaac and Brody's chemistry was spot on from the beginning and I loved how Lyla paid attention to the little details in their own individual stories as well as in their relationship too. I enjoyed seeing how they overcame their trauma together. They found comfort in one another and that made it a million times easier for them to open up to one another to show growth. It was a pretty quick read for me and one I really enjoyed reading this month. Can't wait to see what Lyla writes next!
I love to indulge in an M/M romance here and there and "Someone Like You" was one of my favorite MM reads this month. Lyla did an incredible job with writing trauma, healing and showing PTSD in a raw form. Isaac and Brody's chemistry was spot on from the beginning and I loved how Lyla paid attention to the little details in their own individual stories as well as in their relationship too. I enjoyed seeing how they overcame their trauma together. They found comfort in one another and that made it a million times easier for them to open up to one another to show growth. It was a pretty quick read for me and one I really enjoyed reading this month. Can't wait to see what Lyla writes next!
Picture Perfect by Freesia Woodley
4.0
This is my second book by Freesia and she never disappoints when it comes to MM romances that will give you ALL the feels.
Finn, Lance and Memphis made the perfect threesome. Finn gave me golden retriever vibes from beginning to end. It was nice to see Lance and Memphis treat him so well and stand up for him when he had a hard time standing up for himself. I loved that Finn didn't allow his disability to hinder him, even though he hard time adjusting to life without his arm for a bit. A relatively quick read that will break your heart while falling in love with 3 of the sweetest guys!
Finn, Lance and Memphis made the perfect threesome. Finn gave me golden retriever vibes from beginning to end. It was nice to see Lance and Memphis treat him so well and stand up for him when he had a hard time standing up for himself. I loved that Finn didn't allow his disability to hinder him, even though he hard time adjusting to life without his arm for a bit. A relatively quick read that will break your heart while falling in love with 3 of the sweetest guys!
Used by Shannon Elliot
5.0
Book 2 to "The Playground Club Series"!
I loved "Bound" and was excited to see "Used" was added to the series. Shannon does an incredible job with her storylines and navigating all sides of the "Playground in a beautiful and organic way!
I fell in love with both Elsie and Marshall in this story. Elsie is a very independent woman who isn't looking to fall in love, but a chance meeting with Marshall leads us down an emotional rollercoaster of a read as they both open up and grow individually with one another. While there is spice in it, I really enjoyed the emotional pull of the book more, as it really entwined both Elsie's and Marshall's story nicely. I hope Shannon continues the series!
I loved "Bound" and was excited to see "Used" was added to the series. Shannon does an incredible job with her storylines and navigating all sides of the "Playground in a beautiful and organic way!
I fell in love with both Elsie and Marshall in this story. Elsie is a very independent woman who isn't looking to fall in love, but a chance meeting with Marshall leads us down an emotional rollercoaster of a read as they both open up and grow individually with one another. While there is spice in it, I really enjoyed the emotional pull of the book more, as it really entwined both Elsie's and Marshall's story nicely. I hope Shannon continues the series!