hookedbythatbook's reviews
3166 reviews

Dark Heart by Donna Grant

4.0

Nothing is as it seems and loyalties are tested in this thrilling second chance romance driven by revenge. 

The beginning was phenomenal. My heart was in my throat for most of the time, especially when we were in Jai’s head where his thoughts were dominated by pain and vengeance. It was obvious that there was a colossal misunderstanding somewhere, but it was difficult to see how Arya and Jai would find their way to forgiveness. 

We encountered some old friends from previous books and were introduced to a few new intriguing characters. Dain was a mystery that begged to be resolved. The rest of the book was our heroes doing their best to be brave and, well, heroic. Despite some slow parts where Arya was wandering through the fort, the action overall was fast and furious, and I became very invested in who these “masters” were. Jai and Arya deserved their second-chance happy ending and I was pleased for them. 

I can highly recommend this entire universe of books if you like shifters, fae, elves, magic, thrilling action, and steamy romance. Even though this forms part of Donna Grant’s Dark World, this series works well on its own, though you do need to read the books in the series in order. 

Thank you to the author for providing me with a copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

I'll Be Waiting by Kelley Armstrong

4.0

The story started out really strong. I was completely pulled in by Nicola's grief and the way she coped with her Cystic Fibrosis. There were plenty of conflicting feelings between her almost desperate desire to make contact with Anton and her absolute disdain for the charlatans that purport that they can facilitate that contact. The meetings with those mediums were riveting and I also enjoyed the way the author set up the entire encounter at the beach house. The rest, I have to admit, was not quite my cup of tea. If this was a movie, I would definitely not watch it. Personally, I did not like the possession arc, but I could still appreciate the clever story-telling that brought it all together. This was a viscerally disturbing tale of grief and vengeance. 

Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.  

The Striker by Ana Huang

4.0

The "secretly dating my brother's rival" trope rarely goes in a good direction, and this one went down the same expected "touch my sister and die" route. Not a huge fan, just once can the brother be more mature? But Asher and Vincent had only animosity between them, so this wasn't all that surprising and of course, it ends well for everyone. I loved Asher and Scarlett together. They built trust and openness and helped each other to view their shortcomings in a different light. The chemistry was off the charts. I can recommend this book and any of Ana Huang's other books if you like steamy romance with real, flawed characters and plenty of growth. 

The Beast Takes a Bride by Julie Anne Long

5.0

Magnus and Alexandra seemed like an odd pairing. They weren't in love when they got married and then Magnus's pride got the better of him and they spent many years apart. A second chance was not something either one of them anticipated or expected, so the developing attraction and romance between them was especially enchanting. I loved the "grand gesture" at the end that was understated, but very powerful. I can highly recommend this series if you like steamy historical romance and recurring characters. It's not necessary to read them in order, but I think it will be better if you did.

The Slowest Burn by Sarah Chamberlain

4.0

This one got off to a rocky start, with the two MCs stubbornly clinging to their own fears and pain and it was difficult to see how they will get past this to work together. But once they did, I really enjoyed the two of them together. There was so much heartache in this and I thought the slow romance development suited their situations and their personalities. 

Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Apprentice to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer

4.0

This series is pure fun. There were so many laugh-out-loud moments, smaller chuckles, and lots of smiles. Evie took charge this time and the Villain could only stand in awe. I loved how Evie reveled in her new-found "bad guy" status. She lost a lot of her naivety,  but none of her sparkling personality. I enjoyed the witty writing style and the suspenseful plot, but I was feeling a tad frustrated with Evie and the Villain and their "this can't go anywhere" feelings for each other. It is definitely best to read these books in order.

Mr. Notorious and the Nefarious November by Shana Galen

4.0

Munro Notley must put his best foot forward in this entertaining second chance romance. 

As always, I enjoyed the author’s writing style, with plenty of witty banter and well-developed characters (even for a novella). I really liked Munro. His feelings for Beatrice were very clear from the start, as were his reasons for leaving. And this time, Beatrice threw him just enough crumbs to keep him from running again. He was funny and honest and very determined to win Beatrice back. 

Beatrice was a little less likable. Her “tests” for Munro felt slightly vindictive at times and she was definitely expecting him to fail. Part of me felt that Munro deserved better. Beatrice’s motivation was to see if she could trust him again after her dismal marriage experience, but Munro was also burned by the whole situation.

All that being said, this was a delightful story with plenty of deliciously charged moments between Munro and Beatrice. I can highly recommend this if you like steamy historical romance. It’s hard to believe we’re almost at the end of this charming series.

Thank you to the author for providing me with a copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This is Why We Lied by Karin Slaughter

5.0

That was quite the dysfunctional family situation that Will and Sara found themselves in. And it is on point for the two of them to stumble onto a body while they're on their honeymoon. I loved Will and Sara together, Faith remained one of my favourite characters, and the suspects were this mysterious eclectic mix of tortured souls. Nothing was quite as it seemed. The action and intrigue flowed fast right from the start and I couldn't put it down. 

Only Cold Depths by Jennifer Estep

5.0

The bond between Kyrion and Vesper is stretched to its limits while they are trying to find a safe place to hide. Is there anyone they can trust? 

Kyrion and Vesper, their plight for sanctuary, and their indomitable spirit had me hooked and I just couldn’t put this book down. I was there for every longing look, intimate touch, and the intense feelings that their bond evoked. These characters delivered everything expected from them and more. Zane was a somewhat predictable but still delightful surprise. 

The insidious ways the villains got into Vesper and Kryion’s heads were just so diabolical and frustrating. Vesper’s fears were very real and Esmina exploited that to the extreme. Their bond waxed and waned realistically with their insecurities. I loved the forays into Vesper’s dream world that was used so effectively to describe her state of mind and any revelations Vesper or Kyrion had to deal with the situation. 

A fast-moving plot and breath-taking action will have you at the edge of your seat. I can highly recommend this series ff you like steamy space operas with magical elements and plenty of suspense. It is best to read these books in order. 

Thank you to the author for providing me with a copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

A Werewolf's Guide To Seducing a Vampire by Sarah Hawley

4.0

My first thought was that I really enjoyed the author's witty and conversational writing style. It made the book so much fun to read. Ben was such a cute, neurotic guy, he was absolutely adorable. I loved how Eleanora adjusted to modern times, Ben, and her new surroundings. Her explorative performances were hilarious and confusing and disturbing. Ben was so careful to treat Eleanora with deference and she absolutely blossomed under his care. This is a fun series if you like werewolves, demons, witches, and so on with a sweet romance. It's not necessary to read them in order, but it'll help to keep the recurring characters straight.