mags_louise's reviews
3722 reviews

His Temptation by Nicole Baker

emotional funny hopeful medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

His Temptation is my first introduction to author  Nicole Baker, and I can say with confidence that it won’t be my last. As this story grips you from the outset and keeps you turning the pages long into the night.

As at just twenty-one, Kylie has taken on the demanding role of guardian for her younger brother, Ben, working relentlessly to support him despite their financial struggles. 
But her fortunes shift dramatically when she overhears a conversation about a personal assistant position for Lincoln Monroe, the billionaire CEO of Nova Sky Airlines. And with her determination and unique perspective—she’s not interested in sleeping with the boss—Kylie successfully lands the job, even without prior experience.

Yet, working for Lincoln Monroe is anything but simple. He’s demanding, grumpy, and often rude, but there’s no denying he’s incredibly attractive. Only his challenging demeanour heightens the tension between them.

But as they spend more time together, Lincoln starts to see Kylie’s capabilities, and undeniable chemistry sparks to life. However, Kylie is determined to maintain her professionalism and is uncertain about Lincoln's true feelings.

My thanks to The Author Agency. All thoughts expressed are jy own. ☺️

However, the dynamics shift during a weekend work trip to Los Angeles. But when Lincoln learns she's a virgin he insists that. he won’t sleep with her, but as emotions intensify, he alters his stance. 

And with spicy moments, relatable characters, trust issues and just the right amount of emotion, this book is not just entertaining; it’s a must-read that I would confidently recommend to all.

Break the Barrier by J.S. Wood

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

This is my first introduction to Three Rivers, and it absolutely delivers an entertaining read. As this friends-to-lovers romance is packed with heat and emotion.

When Thea needs to ensure her four sisters' safety and keep her troubled past at bay, she turns to Logan and surprises him with a marriage proposal and a secret agreement. 

That he willingly accepts. 

As Thea is the one woman who is never far from his mind. However, she has built an impenetrable wall around her heart and it will take all of Logan's strength and patience to break it down.

But fortunately, he has the support of his teenage daughter Luella (Lue) and his family, and he is up for the challenge and ready to hand over his hat!! 😉

And with spice, a swoon-worthy cowboy, family feels, a touch of danger and a fast-paced storyline. This is a cowboy romance, that I can wholeheartedly recommend.

My thanks to The Author Agency. All thoughts expressed are my own. ☺️

Defensive Zone by Jodi Oliver

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

 Defensive Zone tells the story of best friends Zach and Carter, who have been inseparable since the age of six. However, Zach realised at ten years old that he was in love with Carter. But by the time he reaches thirty, he knows something has to change, especially when Carter starts dating someone and tells Zach he thinks she might be "the one."

So, feeling overwhelmed, Zach decides to leave Denver and return to Chicago to lick his wounds and begin healing. Meanwhile, Carter is confused and hurt, particularly as Zach becomes more distant. And as the football season progresses, the only thing keeping Carter going is the thought of seeing Zach again. However, Zach starts making excuses to stay away.

But once Carter's season is over, he heads to Chicago in search of his best friend. Unfortunately, Zach isn't exactly thrilled to see him, and some hard truths are revealed. This forces Carter to open his eyes to the man standing in front of him, making him realise that he, too, is in love with his best friend.

And with lovable main characters, plenty of emotion, spicy moments, and a found hockey family that brings plenty of smiles and humour. This is a story I couldn’t help but devour, and I would happily recommend it to all.

 

Blue's Boss by Candice Blake

emotional funny medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

Blues Boss is my first introduction to author Candice Black, and I had a great time with it!  The two main characters are likeable, and there are some fun, spicy moments throughout.

But one thing I noticed, was that the characters could have used a bit more depth. For example, Hunter’s first encounter with a guy felt a little quick—I wish we could have explored his feelings more instead of him just jumping into pursuing Blue without any hesitation.

Yet, that being said, it was a super easy read! 

And there wasn’t much drama. The characters fell for each other pretty quickly. Even with a few bumps along the way, everything worked out nicely in the end and overall, it was a light and enjoyable story that left me smiling!

Devilish by Ella Frank, Brooke Blaine

adventurous dark emotional funny mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

The Kings of Park Avenue are back, and this time, it's Lucien Vale who takes centre stage in an exhilarating story that I couldn’t put down!

As from the moment Lucien lays eyes on the younger Kai, sparks fly. When Kai finds himself at Lucien's exclusive sex club. Where a  troubling encounter leaves him shaken and alone, but Lucien is there to step in and protect him. And once he learns about the difficulties Kai faces at home, he insists on bringing him back to his place—where safety and freedom await.

But Kai’s past has left him wary of men and their intentions. However, Lucien is determined to prove himself, showing patience and kindness that slowly breaks down Kai's defences.

 As they spend time together, Lucien introduces him to the thrilling world of a D/s relationship. And it's not long before Kai starts to realise he has so much to offer, and Lucien is ready to treat him like a king.

And with unforgettable characters whose connection crackles with intensity. Not to mention a little danger and an enticing blend of spice and emotion. This was a devilishly delightful read that kept me hooked from start to finish, and I’m eager to discover who will be unmasked next!

I would happily recommend Devilish to all!

My thanks to Foreword PR for my copy. All thoughts expressed are my own. ☺️ 

Can We Try? by Kaylee Ryan

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Can Kaylee Ryan delivers all the feels as she brings the delightful Everlasting Ink series to an end. With Lachlan and Maggie's story and what an endearing beautiful, heartfelt story it is.

As Lachlan and Maggie seeing all their friends find love, give into temptation and spend one unforgettable night together. 

And for Lachlan, that night stays with him, but he knows that Maggie is still healing from a past relationship. So, he stays in the friend zone, thinking it’s for the best.

However, things take a turn when Maggie reveals that she’s pregnant, and Lachlan couldn’t be happier. Yet, he fears that if he shares his feelings for her, she might think it’s only because of the baby and not because he genuinely cares for her.

So, determined to prove that he is the right man for her, Lachlan works on building their relationship from just co-parents to something lasting and special, and the story beautifully shows their journey together.

And filled with a supportive group of friends, moments of heartbreak, and just the right amount of spice, this was a story I couldn't put down and it's a wonderful conclusion to the Everlasting Ink series. I would highly recommend it to anyone!

My thanks to Greys Promos. All thoughts expressed are my own. ☺️
    

Body on the Shore by Diane M. Dickson

mysterious slow-paced

4.25

 Body on the Shore introduces readers to DI Jordan Carr who gets a shot at his first murder case when a body washes up on Crosby Beach. But with a hot potch team, little evidence, and a victim who was clearly determined to keep their identity hidden, Jordan has his work cut out.

Yet, he soon proves he's more than up to the task as the mystery unravels with surprising results.

And with red herrings, interesting characters. Not to mention an interesting setting. Body on the Shore is a police procedural that engages and entertains and I'm really keen to read more from DI Carr in the future.  

My thanks to The Book Folks for my copy of Body on the Shore. All thoughts expressed are my own. ☺️ 

Addicted to You by Kimberly Knight

challenging emotional funny hopeful medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Addicted Addicted to You tells the story of Silas, the drummer for the band Surrender, and his complicated relationship with Cash, who starts out as Silas's sister's boyfriend but quickly becomes everything to him.

After Silas suffers an overdose and spends a month in rehab, Cash agrees to be Silas's sober companion.

However, their road to a happy ever after is anything but straightforward. As both men believe they are straight, and Cash isn't sure if Silas is using him as a crutch, just like he did with drugs. Additionally, Cash is only staying for six weeks and then there's Silas's sister, Britt, who isn't the most likeable of characters.

But despite a few bumps along the way, Addicted to You offers a nice blend of steamy moments, relatable characters, and a touch of emotion. And it was a lovely read, though it didn't quite capture the same level of spice and intensity as earlier stories in the series.
  
My thanks to The Author Agency. All thoughts expressed are my own. ☺️

Lincoln by V.H. Nicolson

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

Lincoln is my first introduction to author VH Nicolson, but it certainly won't be my last as this romance blends fun, steam, and heartfelt emotions in the most delightful way. 

When the charming, dirty-talking Scottish billionaire hotelier Lincoln embarks on a six-week sabbatical in Los Angeles, he unexpectedly crosses paths with the vibrant Violet, and their connection is nothing short of electric! The instant chemistry they share is simply magical, though they both grapple with the impending expiration date of their time together. 

Yet, as feelings deepen, the more enjoyable the story becomes.
With richly explored backstories, we get to see the layers of these characters unfold. 

And let's talk about the fantastic duo: a vulnerable cinnamon roll hero and a strong independent heroine! Who both supported and challenged each other and delivered sizzling chemistry, too!

And with great family dynamics, heartfelt moments and almost perfect pacing. This was a really enjoyable spicy read. That I would happily recommend to others.  

My thanks to Boldwood Books. All thoughts expressed are my own. ☺️

The Devil's Code by Michael Wood

challenging dark mysterious tense

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Michael Wood delivers a clever and superbly plotted mystery. With the return of Dr Olivia Wood. 

Who after surviving a harrowing attack by a serial killer sent by her notorious father, Richard Button is back at work and navigating the challenges of her connection to Richard being public knowledge, especially with an ITV drama soon to air recounting her father's crimes.

But luckily for Olivia DI Linus Sutton has arrived in London from Newcastle seeking her expertise on a perplexing case.  

As Isaac McFadden is in prison for murder after being apprehended on the A1, where a dismembered body was found in his car.

However, his daughter has discovered troubling evidence in his home that suggests there could be more victims involved. This evidence takes the form of a coded notebook and a bag of chilling trophies.

And as the police find themselves grappling with the intricacies of the clues, the responsibility rests on Olivia to decipher the hidden meanings and provide insights that could lead to the truth. 

And as the plot thickens with red herrings and misdirection, the pacing and tension escalate. Leaving me utterly gripped and guessing until the very end. But that's nothing new when it comes to Michael Woods's books, and if you're yet to read this amazing author, do! You really won't be sorry.

My thanks to One More Chapter for the chance to read The Devils Code. All thoughts expressed are my own. ☺️