Review
Book Reviews, Dark Romance, Year of Reviews - 2021

Review – Dangerous Temptation by Giana Darling

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Dangerous Temptation; Dark Dream #1 
(#1 within a series)

Publication Date: October 26, 2021

Genre/Tropes: Taboo/Age Gap/Dark Romance

Author: Giana Darling

Review Rating: 5 Gold Stars

Review/Synopsis:

Review:

A taboo romance that also brought tears to my eyes!!

First of all, this is my first Giana Darling romance and WOW what a book to dive into. Secondly, I LOVE the entirety of the Morelli and Constantine worlds and Giana has made a fantastic contribution to the Midnight Dynasty.

Now, most taboo romance books I’ve read are sizzling hot with forbidden themes and dark undertones and of course taboo tropes. However, this is the first one that brought tears to my eyes multiple times. Seriously, over and over again I was wiping my eyes and then in the next chapter I was back diving into the darkness that was this story. Holy Smokes!! The highs and lows of this story was like nothing else!!

Tiernan is an evil Morelli, although he calls himself Tiernan McTiernan. Don’t worry, his name makes sense in the story. He is forbidden temptation, he is the dangling apple hanging from the tree in Eden. He has nefarious intentions and is up to no good. Yeah, he’s dark and delicious all wrapped up in a smoking hot package, but then he displays these sides of vulnerability and ugh….he’s even hotter. I am totally eating that apple all the way to the core. Does he have issues, of course he does, that’s why he has nefarious plans, but that’s also why I love this trope. A seriously bad guy that can be reformed, am I right?!

Bianca Belcante is sassy, young, and basically the matriarch for her household because her mother doesn’t look after her or her little brother, Brando. (BTW, he is the sweet, tear inducing, you are going to need tissues, adorableness in this story.) Bianca will do anything for her brother and this is how she ends up living under the roof of one Tiernan Morelli-I mean McTiernan, after her mother dies. Does Bianca also have issues…oh yeah, but this is also why she works well with Tiernan. They challenge one another and basically bring out the worst and the best in each other.

This is only the first part of their story and it ends on a cliffhanger…gah…I need more of their sinful story now!

Synopsis:

He arrives all dressed in black. Diamond cufflinks. A watch on his tanned wrist that cost more than we would ever see in a lifetime of work. He carries a single red rose for my mother.

Months later, Tiernan Morelli lays red roses on my mother’s grave. That same day, he tells me that he is my new guardian.

I should have known from the very start that he had more in common with the thorns than the rose. Now I know the truth: I’m a pawn in his dangerous game of revenge. I was too young and naive. Now it’s too late to save myself from his clutches.

I belong to him.

Dangerous Temptation by Giana Darling is releasing October 26, 2021!

Pre-order your copy today!

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3dRAudd

Apple Books: https://apple.co/3hwql83

Nook: https://bit.ly/2UwnxPb

Kobo: https://bit.ly/3hngAZB

Google Play: https://bit.ly/3jP7R44

Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3hZlH1k

Find more of my reviews on Amazon under Kayreader
on Goodreads under Kay Daniels Romance

At Bookbub under Kayreader
or you can follow me on Facebook at Kay Daniels Romance

Review
Book Reviews, Contemporary Romance, LGBTQA+, Year of Reviews - 2021

Review – Hostile Takeover by Lucy Lennox

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Hostile Takeover; Hostile Takeover #1 
(A standalone)

Publication Date: October 26, 2021

Genre/Tropes: Enemies to Roommates to Lovers/MM Romance

Author: Lucy Lennox

Review Rating: 5 Gold Stars

Review/Synopsis:

Review:

Exceptional, wonderful, and totally unexpected. I loved it!!

It was one incident that changed the trajectory of both of their lives forever. One brief moment in a literal closet that changed the outcome of their futures. Was it for the best? In that moment…neither of them would have said yes, but fifteen years later and they both have a different answer to that brief interlude.

Both Grey and Ellison noticed one another while attending Yale, but while Grey was living out of the closet, Ellison was purely a straight man, but found Grey Blackwood extremely attractive. Grey pushed every hetero boundary Ellison had about himself, but that didn’t shake him up as much as what happened after he accidentally ruined Grey’s life.

Fifteen years later and their lives finally cross paths, but Grey is a successful billionaire and Ellison is not the same party boy with a silver spoon in his mouth that he recalls, after spending time with the sassy guy he thought he knew, Grey begins to wonder if perhaps Ellison ever was.

Ellison is super likable and just down right adorbs. His puppy dog personality leaps off the page. I know I want to scratch and give him kisses everywhere, so I can see why Grey has to build super high walls to keep himself from doing so on a continual basis.

Grey has worked hard to become someone else. Someone that didn’t have to worry about paying for school, groceries, or the clothes on his back. He shot well beyond his dreams, but it didn’t mean he stopped working or taking down those who ever tried to stop him in the first place. Hostile takeovers are what he lives for and the York company, in particular, where Ellison York works is his next conquest, but Grey didn’t expect to become part of the takeover himself.

Perceptions about people and who they are, who they were, and what they will do for whom they care about makes this book gripping. These two guys, figuring out how to handle one another in their new skins, make this book extremely enjoyable. Their chemistry burns from the very beginning, but it’s how they figure out their fractured relationship, learning forgiveness, that keeps the pages turning.

I really, really enjoyed this book…WAY more than I ever anticipated. Ellison was a total joy and a complete surprise. For a kid that grew up in rich society he was totally different than I imagined and I loved his big heart and open views. While Grey was a bit more predictable, and not in a bad way, he had to become hard and closed off for his story to work. Their yin and yang was perfect and meshed well in every possible way.

These two were total fire together and the secondary characters spiced it up just enough to give everything the perfect flavor. Hostile takeover was an excellent read and I loved stepping into the intimacy of this world.

Synopsis:

It was supposed to be a prank. A silly frat boy dare.

One hot moment in a hidden storage closet. One kiss. No consequences.

But if you get that close to a man with fire in his eyes, you’re gonna get burned, and I was no exception. One taste of Grey Blackwood ruined me for life.

The way Grey sees it, I was the one who did the ruining. I humiliated him. Wrecked his life. Destroyed his future.

Doesn’t matter that he’s clawed his way back and then some. Doesn’t matter that he’s already top of the Wall Street food chain. The man’s ruthless. Heartless. And he likes his revenge served cold.

Now he’s taking down the companies owned by every frat boy who did him wrong. And when he comes for my family’s company, the quiet life I’ve built for myself far away from Manhattan comes crumbling down, too.

But when Grey’s standing in our boardroom, threatening a hostile takeover and demanding I negotiate on behalf of my family, I don’t see an enemy. I see the chance I’ve been waiting for.

The chance for another night in his arms, and hopefully a whole lot more.

Let the negotiations begin.

Hostile Takeover is a full-length, standalone novel.

Find more of my reviews on Amazon under Kayreader
on Goodreads under Kay Daniels Romance

At Bookbub under Kayreader
or you can follow me on Facebook at Kay Daniels Romance

Excerpt/Teaser Share, New Releases

Excerpt Reveal – Dangerous Temptation by Giana Darling

DANGEROUS TEMPTATION by Giana Darling

Release Date: October 26th

Genre/Tropes: billionaire/age gap/guardian-ward/dark romance

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58504358-dangerous-temptation

PREORDER IS AVAILABLE!!!

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3dRAudd

Amazon INTL: https://bit.ly/3hl1bJm

Barnes & Noble: https://bit.ly/2UwnxPb

Apple Books: https://apple.co/3hwql83

Kobo: https://bit.ly/3hngAZB

Google: https://bit.ly/3jP7R44

EXCERPT

“You misunderstand the nature of my guardianship over you,” he said, his voice soft and quiet, a direct contrast to the cruel tip of his scarred mouth and the hard words they formed. “I am not interested in coddling you, or tucking you in at night and wishing you sweet dreams. In fact, I am not interested in you at all beyond what you can do for me.” His fingers reached out to run lightly down my cheek before they grasped my chin in a powerful grip. “I am going to put considerable time and money into transforming you from this boring little thing into a woman worthy of the McTiernan household. I am going to send you to the best school, give you the best clothes, and teach you to be a lady and not this pathetic little girl. I am going to make your wildest dreams come true, Bianca. And in return? You are going to obey my rules.”

“What rules?” I whispered, embarrassed by my husky tone.

He was too close, that palpable power and ruthless energy emanating off his body like heat waves, buffeting me again and again until I felt light-headed. When I swayed slightly toward him, the hand tattooed with the rose clamped hard over my hip to steady me.

The bite of pain shouldn’t have sent tingles down my spine straight to my sex, but it did.

It did and I almost hissed with the pleasure of it.

“Oh, they’re simple even for a little girl like you to follow,” he promised, his eyes cold enough to burn my skin while his hands on my flesh felt like fire. “One. You do everything I say as soon as I say it without hesitation or attitude.”

I snorted, then winced as the fingers on my chin flexed tighter. “You’ve got to be kidding me. I think your name has confused you. You are not a lord and I am not your vassal.”

He bent closer until I could count every one of those thick black lashes, see the darker emerald ring of green around the pale irises. I held my breath, from fear or to block the assault of his sinful scent on my senses, I wasn’t entirely sure.

“For all intents and purposes, I own you. So, if I tell you to make me breakfast, you do it. If I command you to wear a certain dress to a specific ball, you do it.” His voice dropped deeper, a vibration I felt conducted through his hands on my body straight into my bloodstream. “If I order you to your knees, Bianca? You get on your knees, and you do it with a gracious smile.”

“You’re a fucking monster,” I hissed. “A perverted, fucked-up monster. If you’re hoping taking in two orphans will do something for your image, think again. There’s no hiding what you are, Tiernan. Not your thousand-dollar suits or your plastic smiles. Not even Brando and me.” I rolled to my tiptoes and snarled the next words. “You’re an unlovable man with a hollow heart.”

He ignored my outburst entirely, but for a tiny muscle that pulsed in the square-cut edge of his strong jaw. “Two.” The word landed like a whip strike, making me jump slightly in his hold. “You do not touch anything in this house outside of Brandon’s room or your own. This is a house, not a home, and you’d do well not to get too comfortable here. There are secrets in the walls and monsters in the attic that eat little girls like you for breakfast.”

“Brando’s seven, I can’t tell him not to be curious,” I argued. “Please, be reasonable.”

“I’ll be reasonable when you show me that you can follow the rules,” he promised. “In fact, why don’t we start right now?”

My heart stopped, snagged in his dangerous web, and then began to thrash.

“Give me your locket,” he ordered, already moving his hand from my chin to the silver chain.

I jerked away, but there was nowhere to go. Pressed up against the vanity by his great hulking body, I was effectively trapped. My hand darted to his wrist, fingers pressing deeply into his skin as I tried to wrench his grip loose.

“No,” I gritted between my clenched teeth as I struggled to stop him from taking the only material possession that was dear to me. “NO!”

He ignored me.

My nails tore through his skin, leaving bleeding welts in his hand and wrist the way the rose had once done to me.

Still, he pulled inexorably on the locket until with one tiny clink that sounded like a gunshot to my ears, the silver chain broke apart in his hands and came clean away from my neck.

When I lunged for it, he held it aloft, dangling easily out of my reach even when I jumped for it. I made another grab for it, but Tiernan’s free hand lashed out to grab my ponytail, yanking it back to keep me away.

Only when I was pinned, struggling helplessly, crying even though I hated myself for showing him how much the locket meant to me, did Tiernan lean close enough for his lips to whisper against my cheek.

“Let this be a lesson to you, little thing. If you will not give me what I want, I will take it from you.”

Blurb:

He arrives all dressed in black. Diamond cufflinks. A watch on his tanned wrist that cost more than we would ever see in a lifetime of work. He carries a single red rose for my mother.

Months later, Tiernan Morelli lays red roses on my mother’s grave. That same day, he tells me that he is my new guardian.

I should have known from the very start that he had more in common with the thorns than the rose. Now I know the truth: I’m a pawn in his dangerous game of revenge. I was too young and naive. Now it’s too late to save myself from his clutches.

I belong to him.

About the Author:

Giana Darling is a USA Today Bestselling Selling Canadian romance writer who specializes in the taboo and angsty side of love and romance. She currently lives in beautiful British Columbia where she spends time riding on the back of her man’s bike, baking pies, and reading snuggled up with her cat Persephone. She loves to hear from readers so please contact her at gianadarling@gmail.com if you have any questions or comments.

Connect with Giana:

Website: https://gianadarling.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gianadarling

FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/GianasDarlings

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Contemporary Romance, New Releases, Release Day/New Release, Year in Releases - 2021, Year of Reviews - 2021

New Release – Forcing You Away by Kennedy Fox

Forcing You Away

Archer & Everleigh, #1


Archer and Everleigh might be roommates, but there’s more bubbling under the surface. While Archer’s tired of forcing her away, he also doesn’t want to betray his best friend and Everleigh’s brother. Eventually, she breaks down his walls and can no longer deny what they both want. After the two admit their true feelings, trouble finds them. Archer refuses to let anyone or anything stand in the way of their happiness—regardless if he could lose it all—because Everleigh’s a risk worth taking.

Forcing You Away is now available on all retailers!

 https://geni.us/ForcingYouAway

Order Your Copy Today:Amazon US | Amazon Worldwide | Apple iBooks
Kobo | Nook | Google Play|

Add to your Goodreads TBR List!

BLURB:

As I search for a fresh start, a friend convinces me to move to his small town. Considering I don’t have a place to live, his little sister offers me her spare room.

She’s every man’s dream—witty, down to earth, and gorgeous as hell—too bad she’s off-limits. Unspoken words and stolen glances have me eager to please her in all the forbidden ways. My broken past makes it hard to open up, however, she inspires me to face my demons and be the man she deserves.

I shouldn’t fantasize about my roommate, but it’s impossible when Everleigh’s sleeping next to me—her lips whispering my name.

Block 14th

Coming Oct & Nov 2021, but you can pre-order today!

★Book 1 → https://geni.us/ForcingYouAway

★Book 2 → https://geni.us/WantingYouClose

START THE SERIES TODAY

Meet Kennedy Fox

Brooke Cumberland and Lyra Parish are a duo of romance authors who teamed up under the USA Today pseudonym, Kennedy Fox. They share a love of Hallmark movies, overpriced coffee, and making TikToks. When they aren’t bonding over romantic comedies, they like to brainstorm new book ideas. One day in 2016, they decided to collaborate under a pseudonym and have some fun creating new characters that’ll make you blush and your heart melt. Happily ever afters guaranteed!

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View our full reading order here

Follow Kennedy Fox
Facebook | Instagram | Website | Email | Newsletter TikTok: @brookekfox @lyraparish @kennedyfoxbooks

May be an image of one or more people, book and text that says 'SHE'S EVERY MAN'S DREAM-WITTY, DREAM- DOWN TO EARTH GORGEOUS AS HELL-TOO BAD SHE'S OFF-LIMITS. FORCING WANTING YOU YOU AWAY CLOSE M KENNEDY FOX KENNEDY FOX ARCHER EVERLEIGH DUET PRE-ORDER NOW kobo'

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

 

Release Day/New Release, RomCom, Year in Releases - 2021, Year of Reviews - 2021

New Release – Sealed with a Kiss by Erin Nicholas

What’s a girl to do when her celebrity crush needs her to be his fake girlfriend?

Sealed With a Kiss, an all-new opposites attract romantic comedy from New York Times bestselling author Erin Nicholas is available now!

Keep her damned feelings to herself, of course.
Child TV star turned adult wallflower Naomi LeClaire has vowed never to return to the spotlight.
But when she’s stuck in a storm with Donovan Foster, the hot, charming, wild-life rescuing internet sensation, and she finally gives in and kisses him…and a few articles of clothing end up on the floor…suddenly her simple, quiet life is tossed upside down.

Especially after the paparazzi catches a heat-of-the-moment kiss. Now everyone assumes she’s his girlfriend and, when she realizes that’s the best way to keep Donovan out of trouble, Naomi agrees to play along. Even though it puts her center stage with her private life in very public view. Again.

They’re a whirlwind of opposites-attract chemistry the fans love, but they’ll surely blow over faster than a Gulf Coast hurricane. As long as they can keep straight what’s real and what’s just a once-in-a-lifetime fantasy.

Fall in love today!
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2VoGROU
Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/Sealedwith
Apple Books: https://apple.co/3xlywbX
Nook: https://bit.ly/3Ah94pB
Kobo: https://bit.ly/37locWH
Google Play: https://bit.ly/3ju1m4G

Add Sealed With a Kiss to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3jnH2lO

Start the series of standalones today!
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3e7KfDs
Apple Books: https://apple.co/3aaZ2Mm
Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/otterlyirresistible
Nook: https://bit.ly/3g5YgUF
Kobo: https://bit.ly/32eESMY
Google Play: https://bit.ly/3ablaWL

About Erin Nicholas

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Erin Nicholas has been writing romances almost as long as she’s been reading them. To date, she’s written over thirty sexy, contemporary novels that have been described as “toe-curling,” “enchanting,” “steamy,” and “fun.” She adores reluctant heroes, imperfect heroines, and happily ever afters.
Erin lives in the Midwest, where she enjoys spending time with her husband (who only wants to read the sex scenes in her books), her kids (who will never read the sex scenes in her books), and her family and friends (who claim to be “shocked” by the sex scenes in her books).

Connect with Erin
Website: http://bit.ly/2NkB2uF
Facebook: http://bit.ly/2tdTM8e
Twitter: http://bit.ly/2QLd1Pr
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Website: http://bit.ly/2FM3Doo
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