Review – Secrets and Lies by Brooke Blaine and Ella Frank

Secrets and Lies 
(A standalone)

Publication Date: November 29, 2021

Genre/Tropes: Age-Gap/Forbidden/MM Romance

Author: Ella Frank and Brooke Blaine

Review Rating: 5 Gold Stars

Review/Synopsis:

Review:

Ryder and Ash are hot, forbidden and their chemistry is off the charts!!!

From the very beginning the story is fantastic. Secrets and Lies is page turning, electric chemistry with taboo themes, but every page radiates a red hot  energy that burns right off the page!

Ryder and Ash meet at an art workshop and instantly hit it off. There is that instant spark, but also an insight into the personalities of these two men. Ryder at his core is tenacious, tenacious, tenacious. I have a daughter who is just like him, no filter and knows exactly what he wants, of course I loved that he knew there was nothing that was going to stop him from getting what he wanted and that was Ash.

Ash was drawn to Ryder from the moment he stepped into the workshop. Ash hasn’t felt that kind of spark, probably ever in his life. As much as he tries to deny it, he just can’t help the pull to the charismatic Ryder.

Neither could have guessed what would have happened the next day when Ryder started at a new school and Ash was standing at the head of the classroom.

Yes, the story is forbidden and should contain a ton of angst and it does, but Ryder’s lack of filter adds levity to most of the situations. Underlying every moment is the delicious sort of angst between them more than anything. It’s the…will they or won’t they…perfect forbidden kind of reading. Secrets and Lies is a one sit read, I know, I couldn’t put it down once I started.

Synopsis:

I wasn’t supposed to want him. The bronzed god lying by my pool in tight shorts that left little to the imagination. But I was only human, and with the temptation constantly within reach, it was only a matter of time before I could no longer resist.

It was wrong. I knew that.

He was my son’s best friend.

But even worse…I was his teacher.

Secrets & Lies is a standalone teacher-student MM romance from USA Today bestselling authors Brooke Blaine & Ella Frank

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Review – A Very Naughty MC Christmas Anthology

A Very Naughty MC Christmas 
(A Holiday Anthology)

Publication Date: November 30, 2021

Genre/Tropes: Holiday/Anthology/MC Romance

Author: L. Wilder, Jordan Marie, Sandy Alvarez, Crystal Daniels, K.L. Savage , Cassandra Robbins, Lilly Atlas, Serena Akeroyd, Verlene Landon, Teagan Brooks, India R. Adams

Review Rating: 5 Gold Stars

Review/Synopsis:

Review:

A Very Naughty MC Christmas brings brotherhood and the spirit of the holiday season all together in one spot.

Each unique story brings an established MC world to life for the holiday season. Each story is steamy hot and perfect just in time for the holidays.

Each author was new to me and these are the stories I’m reviewing:

Bear – by Teagan Brooks
I had a big, soft spot for the biker named Bear in this story. A man willing to help and look after someone purely because it’s the right thing to do melted my heart. Yes, the little three year old is hard to say no to and completely adorable to boot, but this story has it all, warmth, heart, smexy times and intrigue.

Elle’s Mischief – by K.L.Savage
This story is an entire family affair, but at the heart of the story is a young girl trying to grow faster than her parents would like. Elle finds out that actions have consequences, but being part of a MC also means you don’t let down one of your own, especially at Christmas. It’s a spicy and sweet story.

A Family Christmas – by Cassandra Robbins
Santa better check the fireplace before sliding down the chimney at this clubhouse because the families riding out of here are hot, hot, hot!!

This entire anthology is perfect for the MC lover.

Synopsis:

Tis the season for an MC Christmas.

10 steamy stories sure to make the naughty list this year.

Pre-order now for only 99c!
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2R0qeXQ
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/3fP7t1N
Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/2QVh92m
Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/3urS3FW
B&N: https://bit.ly/2R1WREA
Kobo: https://bit.ly/2RSGcn7
Apple Books: https://apple.co/2QVhz8W

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Review – Twisted Christmas Anthology

Twisted Christmas 
(A holiday anthology)

Publication Date: November 30, 2021

Genre/Tropes: Anthology/Forbidden/Taboo Romance

Author: Sara Cate, Q.B. Tyler, B. Celeste, Catharina Maura, Ivy Fox, Thandie, Amanda Richardson, Nyla K., Leigh Lennon, J.D. Hollyfield, A.R. Breck, Bellamy Roswell, S. Rena, B.L. Mute

Review Rating: 5 Gold Stars

Review/Synopsis:

Review:

12 brand new stories by 14 authors, all forbidden or taboo in nature, but seriously delicious and just in time for the holidays.

Whether you like age gap, guardian, step-siblings, or even a naughty priest there is a forbidden holiday story contained within this anthology.

These were just a few of the ones I delved into:

Unwrap Him – by Nyla K.
A MM/Guardian Age-Gap story. James has been the guardian of Jesse, the son of his best friends who died years ago, and he’s only ever wanted to protect and raise him right, but when Jesse makes a pass at James can he really cross that line?

Dirty Secrets – by Ivy Fox and Thandie
An ex-boyfriend’s dad/Age-Gap story. Nicole is headed to spend Christmas with her sister who recently married her ex…yikes. The night before Nicole decides to have one night of passion with a delicious dreamboat, the next morning she discovers that dreamboat is actually her ex’s father. What a tangled web to unwind this holiday season.

Through the River, Into the Woods – by Leigh Lennon
A MMF/Guardian/Age-Gap/Step-siblings story. This story has just about every taboo you could want, plus all the angst and emotion too. River and Kenzie are step-siblings and when they lose their parents they go to live with Isaiah and things really heat up after that.

If forbidden and taboo is your jam, this holiday collection is perfect!

Synopsis:

What better time of year to unwrap forbidden love than Christmas?

Step-brothers, teachers, priests, and guardians…the heart wants what it wants.

These 12 love stories aren’t just taboo, they’re deliciously twisted.

Your wildest fantasies delivered in this LIMITED EDITION collection.

Grab yours before it’s gone FOREVER!

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Review – First Kiss Before Frost by Jennifer Bernard

First Kiss Before Frost; Lost Harbor, Alaska #11 
(A standalone within a series)

Publication Date: November 23, 2021

Genre/Tropes: Small Town/Contemporary Romance

Author: Jennifer Bernard

Review Rating: 5 Gold Stars

Review/Synopsis:

Review:

Super cute, funny, and full of small town charm with a touch of mystery.

Lulu Spencer-Bennington is super quirky and totally owns her personality and oddities. It’s her adorable personality that Tristan Del Ray finds so charming when he finds Lulu stowed away on his ship. This couple had me laughing from the very beginning and the story was delightful from beginning to end.

Lulu escaped from an anchored cruise ship birthed in Lost Harbor and hid on Tristan’s ship for protection. Lulu’s quirky personality made Tristan laugh, something he hadn’t done in quite some time, which is one reason he felt protective of her, but that was just one reason in a very long list regarding Lulu.

Tristan was barely back to fishing after having brain surgery and he still was trying to get his footing on his life. Tristan is well liked and has always been personable, but after his surgery he feels…sometimes not like himself. Lulu makes him laugh and she actually needs his help and even though she may be a stranger he feels compelled to help her and purposeful for the first time since his injury.

First Kiss Before Frost is so much more than just two people falling in love, it’s a story about trusting yourself and finding your place even if you think you may be a little lost. Lulu and Tristan share laughter and trust in this adventure through Lust…I mean Lost Harbor and I was laughing through a lot of tears right along with them. It’s the perfect addition to one of my favorite small town series.

Synopsis:

A sexy standalone in the fan-favorite Lost Harbor, Alaska series

After a heartbreaking loss, Lulu Spencer-Bennington is on a mission to live her life to the fullest. Dancing her way around the world on a cruise ship is a great start. Hiding in a small Alaska town, staying off a criminal’s radar, probably wasn’t what her beloved mum had in mind. Fortunately, she’s stumbled across a sexy fisherman willing to help. So maybe he doesn’t quite know what he’s in for…but Lulu’s hoping to be out of town before he finds out.

Tristan Del Rey has always been a natural leader—but a recent fishing accident has sent his confidence reeling. He’s no hero, no matter what his fellow Lost Harbor fishermen think. Even so, he can’t turn away the funny, feisty dancer he finds on his boat. He’s determined to protect her no matter what it costs him. As for anything more personal, the best he can offer is some temporary fun. That doesn’t stop the luscious, long-legged Lulu from high-kicking him right in the heart.

Between a dangerous enemy, family drama and the fast-approaching winter, Tristan and Lulu may find their hearts’ desires where they least expect it…starting with a first kiss before frost.

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Review – Savage Hearts by JT Geissinger

Savage Hearts; Queens and Monsters #3 
(An interconnected standalone within a series)

Publication Date: November 19, 2021

Genre/Tropes: Romcom/Mafia Romance

Author: J.T. Geissinger

Review Rating: 5 Gold Stars

Review/Synopsis:

Review:

Dark and steamy while filled with laughter, this is totally my kink…yessssss! Savage Hearts is mafia romance with a humorous twist. It’s funny from beginning to end and filled with delicious men the entire way.

Oh my gosh Riley is funny. I snickered through so many chapters, okay, every chapter Riley appeared in, especially with her inner thoughts, but seriously, this is a mafia romance front and center, but I love how Geissinger weaves so much comedy through her stories. It’s truly my favorite thing.

Riley gets a call from her estranged sister, Sloane who is getting married to Declan O’Donnell (two characters front and center from her last book). These two sisters are snarky 1000% and while they are funny together, just wait until Riley gets her eyes set upon Malek Antonov. I don’t think this girl takes anything in her life seriously and I love her more for it.

Malek is an assassin for the Russian Bratva and he’s set his sights on taking out Declan. He gets a tad distracted by Riley and considering his job normally involves murder Mal ends up padding his resume with a few extra job skills by the time he’s back in Russia.

Every chapter in Savage Hearts is funny and this couple has a unique beginning for sure. I’d also say that even if the first books in this series haven’t been read there is enough information added to catch up without being lost.

Synopsis:

Savage (adjective):
1) Not domesticated; wild and untamed
2) A brutal or vicious person
3) Malek Antonov

When my older sister calls out of the blue to announce she’s getting married, it’s a shock. She’s not the settling-down kind, and we haven’t spoken in almost three years.

Even more of a shock? Sloane wants me to visit her and meet her new fiancé. Curious, I decide to take her up on the offer.

I should’ve known something was wrong when she wouldn’t tell me where I’d be going. I should’ve known things were odd when she sent a private jet to pick me up. But there’s no way in hell I could’ve ever guessed what would happen when I finally meet her fiancé.

Declan O’Donnell.
Head of the Irish Mob.
Target of a savage Bratva assassin who wants revenge for the murder of his brother.

Now, I’m thousands of miles from home, I’m smack in the middle of a mafia war, and I’ve got a Russian assassin who’s decided he likes the looks of me.

They say revenge is a dish best served cold.
They never met Malek Antonov.

Author’s Note
This book features Sloane’s little sister, Riley, and Malek, the Russian assassin who wants revenge on Declan for killing his brother, Mikhail, in Carnal Urges. They’re both new characters. There will be appearances from everyone in the two prior books, including Kage/Nat, Sloane/Declan, and your favorite side characters.

Diego’s fate remains undetermined. He’s in Savage Hearts as well, but I’m not sure if I’ll give him his own book or not.

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Review – Better With You by Brit Benson

Better With You; Better Love #2 
(A standalone within a series)

Publication Date: November 23, 2021

Genre/Tropes: Enemies to Lovers/New Adult Romance

Author: Brit Benson

Review Rating: 5 Gold Stars

Review/Synopsis:

Review:

Better With You is hot, emotional and thought provoking. A truly sensational read for a new author to me.

This book was an emotional rollercoaster. As I sat down and buckled in the book immediately took me on a ride that was fantastic. I experienced passion and anger, plus I was right there for all the shock and hurt while dying for the second chance between these two lovers and melting for all the romance. The descriptions of the baked goods was mouth watering and then the tears….do you know how hard it is to read while crying? The last several chapters had me weeping over and over again. Every moment was perfect and it is easy to say that I will be reading Brit Benson again.

Bailey and Riggs come from two different worlds and yet they share one fierce passion, baking. They also have several similar interests, but it’s baking that actually brings them together and also sort of pulls them apart.

Bailey doesn’t trust easily and when Riggs breaks that trust he has a mountain to climb, but when Bailey lets down her fortress of a forcefield she realizes that her mountain might be a molehill and she might end up losing the best thing she’s ever had.

This is the kind of story that will stick with you long after you’ve read it, but prepare with lots of tissues when you do.

Synopsis:

Riggs Stanton is a thief.

He’s also a liar, a jerk, and a playboy jock.
Sure, I might have thought we had a connection.
I might have thought he was worth breaking my “no dating” rule.
He might have even given me the best orgasm I’ve ever experienced to date.
But it was a farce.
A trick.
Another lie.
And I don’t make mistakes twice.

Now he says he needs me.
One week of my help and I never have to deal with him again.
For ten grand, I can suffer anything for seven days.
Even Riggs Stanton.

Except…

The more time I spend with him, the more I get to know him, the more I question myself.
What if what we shared before was real, and it’s everything else that’s fake?

**Better With You is the second interconnected standalone in the Better Love series by Brit Benson.

This enemies to lovers new adult romance is sassy, sexy, and has a guaranteed HEA.

It is not necessary to read Love You Better before enjoying Better With You, though this book will contain minor spoilers for book one.

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Review – The Ritual by Shantel Tessier

The Ritual 
(A standalone)

Publication Date: November 19, 2021

Genre/Tropes: Suspense/Dark/Secret Society/New Adult Romance

Author: Shantel Tessier

Review Rating: 5 Gold Stars

Review/Synopsis:

Review:

Dark, gritty, and oh so filthy. Shantel lifts the blindfold off of a moraless secret society and it’s sinfully delicious.

Ryat has known he would be a Lord his entire life. His father, his father’s father, and so forth have all been members of this secret society. Lords are important members of society, anything from senators to CEO’s and they are lawless within their world. Ryat loves the order, the rush, the power, the dominance of it all and he’s been a stellar member following every rule. Now it’s senior year and it’s time for his reward and her name is Blakely.

There are so many layers to this story, which Shantel is a master at revealing at the opportune time. Then she gives the appearance that nothing is what is seems until your mind is completely blown. This is what makes her storytelling brilliant! Her twisty plots intertwined with dark themes continually draw me back to her books. The Ritual is right up there as one that had me turning pages at all hours needing to figure out what was going to happen next. I loved it!

The Ritual is dark and totally pushes boundaries with how filthy it is, but everything is perfectly in line with these characters and fits within the bound of their kink. She does give warning in the beginning so heed them if they are too much for you, but it’s all part of the plot and fits the lives of the characters. Enjoy the darkness, I did.

Synopsis:

An all-new dark standalone romance from the USA Today & Wall Street Journal bestselling author, Shantel Tessier

THE CHOSEN ONE

I vow. You vow. We vow.

Barrington University is home of the Lords, a secret society that requires their blood in payment. They are above all—the most powerful men in the world. They devote their lives to violence in exchange for power. And during their senior year, they are offered a chosen one.

People think growing up with money is freeing, but I promise you, it’s not. My entire life has been planned out for me. I never got the chance to do what I wanted until Ryat Alexander Archer came along and gave me an option for a better life. He offered me what no one else ever had—freedom.

I chose to be his. He made me believe that anyway, but it was just another lie. A way that the Lords manipulate you into doing what they want.

After being sucked into the dark, twisted world of the Lords, I embraced my new role and allowed Ryat to parade me around like the trophy I was to him. But like all things, what started out as a game soon became a fight for survival. And the only way out was death.

Things to know about The Ritual
It is MF
TW (Please see the author’s note on the inside)
J/P OTT Hero
This is a 149K word dark romance and may contain triggers for some due to sexual situations, language, and violence.

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Review – Best Kept Secret by Skye Warren

Best Kept Secret; Rochester Trilogy #3 
(#3 within a trilogy)

Publication Date: November 16, 2021

Genre/Tropes: Trilogy/Intrigue/Age Gap/Contemporary Romance

Author: Skye Warren

Review Rating: 5 Gold Stars

Review/Synopsis:

Review:

The final book in the Rochester trilogy and it’s full of intrigue and passion.

Emily Rochester is back from the dead and what a tangled web she weaves. Is Emily there for the right reasons? While she says wants Jane’s help in getting her daughter, Paige, is she really there to complete her family by also getting Beau?

Jane has grown up with a life of disappointment. She won’t let Paige down in her time of need, but she also realizes that giving up Beau might be what everyone needs. Jane has grown so strong since the beginning of the trilogy. While she recognizes that she’s not the same girl, she’s also not ready to come between Paige and the best outcome for her future.

Who will Beau choose, his long lost, who he thought was dead love or the new girl who has swooped in and recently stolen his heart? Also….where has Emily been and why?

This trilogy needs to be read in order to make the most sense so please start from the beginning.

Synopsis:

The secrets haunting Beau Rochester come alive.

He doesn’t deserve happiness, but he holds it in his hands. A woman he loves. A child. The past threatens to rip them away. He risks losing them forever.

Jane Mendoza is determined to protect the people she loves from every threat–the mysterious arsonist, the corrupt police force. The darkest danger comes from a place she never expects.

She risks more than her newfound family. She risks her life.

Releasing November 16th! Reserve Your Copy TODAY!
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2LjvFxZ
Apple Books: http://apple.co/3hY7cu9
Nook: https://bit.ly/2MLRYgd
Kobo: https://bit.ly/3q5C6DD
Google Play: https://bit.ly/3sa19HE

The Rochester trilogy by Skye Warren needs to be read in order

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Review – Hunter’s Hope by Alyssa Day

Hunter’s Hope; Vampire Motorcycle Club #2 
(#2 within a series)

Publication Date: November 30, 2021

Genre/Tropes: MC/Paranormal Romance

Author: Alyssa Day

Review Rating: 5 Gold Stars

Review/Synopsis:

Review:

Full of paranormal beings, humor, and a love for animals.

Hunter Evans is an everyday hero. He was a firefighter until the night he died, only to be reborn as a vampire. Hunter never loses that instinct to want to save others. Even though he now thirsts for blood, he refuses to give in to hurting others to get it, even when that thirst wants to over take him. Hunter is sweet and adorably cute in learning to be a new vampire. He’s full of questions and while he’s grateful for another chance at life, he also struggles with the morality of it all. The person who helps him with it all isn’t another vampire, but a ghost whisperer named, Alice.

Alice Darlington originally mistakes Hunter for a ghost when she firsts meets him, given his recently dead status. She has a gift for talking to ghosts and animals, which is why her first job is running an animal shelter and she only takes appointments for handling ghost problems. So when Hunter comes back to see her…well it’s all very cute because it’s not an appointment day.

These two are adorable in their awkwardness. Hunter is not only figuring out how to be a new vampire, he’s also not had a ton of dating experience since he is the nice guy who always gets friendzoned. Alice is also in the same boat with zero dating experience, so to watch them figure it out together makes this romance extra fun.

On top of the paranormal aspect, there is the continuing mystery of who is trying to kill the paranormals and with that there is a demon sent to spy on them who ends up being both comic relief and a source of comfort.

I like that these books continue to build upon each one, so while I was disappointed that Alice’s powers were only scratched at the surface, I’m hoping they will be flushed out in later books, as Ryan’s powers have grown more since book one and we got a lot more of the werewolves in this book as well.

Synopsis:

Hunter Evans risked his life again and again as a firefighter until the night he died saving a child…only to be reborn as a vampire. Now the man who lived his life as the quintessential “nice guy” must find a way to conquer the deadly urges that threaten to turn him feral. When his own actions put a beautiful woman in danger, he vows to protect her…even from himself.

Alice Darlington has a secret of her own: she sees ghosts. She thought she’d done a good job of keeping it under wraps—until now. A terrible threat from her past is hunting her down in order to use her power for dark purposes. Now she’s on the run and doesn’t know who to trust or where to go.

When Hunter and Alice team up to battle the dangers coming at them from all sides, they’re forced to rely on each other. But Hunter doesn’t know how long he can keep the beast inside him away from the woman it craves…

The Vampire Motorcycle Club series is best enjoyed in order.
Reading Order:
Book #1 Bane’s Choice
Book #2 Hunter’s Hope

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Review – Wicked Trials by Elena Lawson

Wicked Trials; Boys of Briar Hall #2 
(#2 within a series)

Publication Date: November 19, 2021

Genre/Tropes: New Adult/Reverse Harem/Gang/Dark Romance

Author: Elena Lawson

Review Rating: 5 Gold Stars

Review/Synopsis:

Review:

Wicked Trials had my heart racing, my mind whirling, and my blood pumping the entire time.

This is book two and it begins right where Crooked Crows left off. This book never pauses. Not once. And it made me wonder how the four of them are still standing because my heart never stopped racing while I was reading it.

I hate phrasing it with, this is not your typical reverse harem, because yes, Ava Jane does have a relationship with each of the main characters making this very much a reverse harem, but it is different in how she forms those relationships and in the time she spends with each person. Rook, Grey and Corvus didn’t set out looking for a girl to share, it just sort of happened organically along the dark path they are all on.

While they are all attracted to Ava Jane, they are also all pulled to something different that lives within her too. It is truly what makes this book interesting, her individual relationships with each guy. They each get time with her, but aren’t possessive about it with each other. Ava Jane has such a strong pull to each one, as much as she tries to resist it, but it’s a pull that is unique and individual as they each are. I really like that about this story.

While the band of brothers between Rook, Grey, and Corvus, is strong their broken backgrounds are also what binds them to to Ava Jane. She is also what could ultimately destroy them. She may be currently going through the trials to become one of them, but it was never her ultimate goal. Ava Jane is a power of her own and each guy, as they spend more time with her, recognize the bada$$ that is Ava Jane. She is no damsel in distress waiting to be rescued, she will rescue herself and either kill anyone near her or perhaps save their sorry butt as well. It’s a toss up when she has her knives strapped to her.

We learn a lot more about Rook, Grey, and Corvus, their backstories along with some of the mystery surrounding what they currently do. This also means Ava Jane risks getting more attached to these three as well. Something she didn’t want to do when she agreed to taking down the organization. Ultimately, the big question becomes, will she make it out alive and with her heart still in tact?

Wicked Trials ends on a cliffhanger and I can hardly wait to find out what’s in store for everyone.

Synopsis:

This wasn’t supposed to happen. I was supposed to glide through senior year unnoticed and ride into the sunset on the back of my aunt’s inflated bank account. I was supposed to be in control.

Now they are.

The trials will last 60 days. They can happen anytime, anyplace, and anyone or anything is fair game. I won’t see them coming. I’ll need to be ready at all times. Prepared to fight, to steal, to save, and to kill at Diesel St. Crow’s command.

While I sit on standby, he’s ordered his sons to keep an eye on me, and they’ve become my own personal wardens.

Corvus, Rook, and Grey. Their watchful stares will make destroying them from the inside harder than I planned for.

But as truths are dragged out of the shadows and new dangers emerge, I may be forced to accept that they are more than armed roadblocks in my path. They might also be my only hope of survival.

Wicked Trials is a full-length dark enemies-to-lovers reverse harem romance, meaning the main character will have more than one love interest. It is book two in the Boys of Briar Hall series and should be read after Crooked Crows.

Warning: This is a dark gang romance. It contains foul language, explicit sexual content, graphic depictions of gang violence, dubcon, and jealous/possessive themes. Recommended for readers aged eighteen and up. Please read responsibly.

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Review – Wanting You Close by Kennedy Fox

Wanting You Close; Lawton Ridge #6, Archer & Everleigh #2 
(#2 within a duet, #6 within a series)

Publication Date: November 16, 2021

Genre/Tropes: Duet/Roommates to Lovers/Small Town Romance

Author: Kennedy Fox

Review Rating: 5 Gold Stars

Review/Synopsis:

Review:

A perfect blend of sweet and sassy mixed with good ol’ down and dirty. Wanting You Close was the perfect ending to the overall Lawton Ridge series while still allowing Archer and Everleigh time to have their moment in the spotlight.

From the very beginning Archer and Everleigh’s chemistry was off the charts making their love firey and bold. They’ve completed one another on every level which made them a total joy to read.

Even though both of these characters had a past that was creeping in and trying to steal their happiness, neither of them allowed it to snuff out their joy. I loved that they continued to live in the moment and took charge of their surroundings instead of cowering in fear.

Everleigh is the absolute best and I love her take charge attitude in all situations. Because of her personality she not only allowed for free dialogue, which in turn came open communication (whether it’s with her employees, friends, or in her love life) her frank personality in or out of the bedroom allows for a very healthy relationship. She is extremely likable and Everleigh is by far one of my favorite all time book heroines.

If I already didn’t want to move down to Lawton Ridge for Everleigh’s friendship, I’d want to move there for all the eye candy. Archer is not only super sweet and loving, but yummy to gawk at too. All these southern men are lucky in love and this series couldn’t have wrapped up any better.

This is the second half of a book duet and shouldn’t be read as a standalone. It picks up right after the first part. While each book duet in the series does stand on its own, I’d also say that as a reader and fan of the series it is more enjoyable to read them all together and in order since the characters do live in a small town and are all connected. That is, however, my personal opinion.

Synopsis:

Book 2 in the Archer & Everleigh duet
The final conclusion to the Archer & Everleigh duet and final book in the Lawton Ridge duet series!

Archer and Everleigh’s happily ever after is so close, they can taste it, but their pasts may be what comes between them. How will they overcome it?

I never imagined my new roommate would be the man I’d actually fall for. Though I don’t get close to the people I sleep with, he’s been my exception. Archer acts emotionally unavailable while he focuses on starting over, but our connection is too strong to ignore.

He’s rugged on the outside and sweet on the inside—the opposite of my usual type. I see the way his eyes gaze up and down my body, making it harder to keep my feelings in check. Knocking down his walls is no easy task, especially with my brother interfering, but I refuse to give up.

When lines are crossed and emotions bubble over, trouble finds us. We both have pasts that have leaked into our present—now I’m scared it’ll destroy the one secret we’ve been keeping.

WANTING YOU CLOSE is book 2 in the Archer & Everleigh duet and must be read in order.

These books are all read best in order, but you can read the duets as stand-alones too.

Tyler & Gemma duet
a second chance, best friend’s brother romance

Noah & Katie duet
a single mom, childhood friends to lovers romance

Archer & Everleigh duet
an opposites attract, brother’s best friend,
roommates to lovers romance

…with all the small town feels!

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Review – Pembroke Prep by Becker Gray

Pembroke Prep 
(A standalone collection)

Publication Date: November 16, 2021

Genre/Tropes: New Adult/Bully Romance

Author: Becker Gray

Review Rating: 5 Gold Stars

Review/Synopsis:

Review:

I love delicious bad boys and the girls who bring them to their knees.

Pembroke Prep contains three full length novels about prestigious, young adults navigating their last year of prep school. This collection contains Wicked Idol, Callous Prince, and Brutal Blueblood. Three stories about a band of brothers in the Hellfire Club and the girls who steal their hearts.

Wicked Idol is about Keaton Constantine, the youngest brother in the Constantine family. Keaton becomes obsessed with the new headmaster’s daughter, Iris and even though Keaton’s life has already been mapped out for him and he should leave Iris alone, he just can’t.

Callous Prince is a steamy, enemies-to-lovers, angsty story. Lennox Lincoln-Ward has never made Sloane’s life easy, but she isn’t a girl who stands back and takes his bullying either. Their tit for tat is basically foreplay, just don’t tell them that.

Brutal Blueblood really turns up the heat. Owen Montgomery is a buttoned up British boy that finally meets his intellectual match in Tanith. This is a story of poor girl vs. rich boy, and had the perfect mix of plot and chemistry to really set my kindle on fire.

These are the first three books in Pembroke Prep and there are more bad boys in the Hellfire Club to fall in love with.

Synopsis:

The rich boy with a powerful family…

The new girl with her head down…

A scorching hot bully romance!

PEMBROKE PREP contains 3 full-length novels. Walk the halls of the most exclusive prep school alongside the band of friends called the Hellfire Club.

Pre-order Now!

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3zIoMd3

Apple Books: https://apple.co/3CBD7tA

Nook: https://bit.ly/3hZeKOt

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

Google Play: https://bit.ly/3kwUbul

Add to your Goodreads TBR:  https://bit.ly/2VmGPY0

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Review – Ruined Hopes by L.A. Cotton

Ruined Hopes; A Rixon High Novel #3 
(A standalone within a series)

Publication Date: November 16, 2021

Genre/Tropes: Unrequited Love/New Adult/Enemies to Lovers/Sports Romance

Author: L.A. Cotton

Review Rating: 5 Gold Stars

Review/Synopsis:

Review:

Bring on the water works. Super angsty with a super slow burn romance burning the entire time. Ruined Hopes will test your drama limits while pulling on every heart string.

Ezra Bennet is a foster child that came to live with the Bennet family when he was eleven years old, but the damage to Ezra’s emotional and social skills were already damaged. However, Ashleigh Chase saw something in the lost boy and never once gave up on wanting to be his friend, until they were older and those feelings changed, at least on her side, into something more.

Ashleigh wakes up in a hospital with the last school year gone from her memory. The car accident she was in caused a TBI taking those memories and her entire world to shift and change. As she watches all of her friends leave for college she’s stuck repeating her senior year of high school along with the boy who also has changed over night. Ezra was never easy, but he has become almost cruel in pushing her away. Ashleigh’s life has already changed so much it truly breaks her heart to lose the one person she thought would always have a special place in her heart, but perhaps it’s time to finally give Ezra what he wants…freedom.

Ruined Hopes is a slow, slow burn. Trust me, the water works will fall when Ashleigh and Ezra get to the heart of the matter so don’t throw your book in the build up to get there. Their love is worth the struggle.

The family dynamics, the friendships, the entire struggle for everyone involved in both of their lives…it’s all gut wrenching and beautiful at the same time. It’s a wonderful addition to the overall series and lovers of the Rixon world will really enjoy it.

Synopsis:

Ashleigh Chase has always had big dreams.

But when she wakes up in hospital with no memory of how she got there, her bright future dissolves around her.

Ezra Bennet has always felt like the odd one out.

But this time, he really screwed up and he has no choice but to face the consequences.

Forced to retake their senior year, Ashleigh turns to Ezra only to find him cold and cruel and determined to keep her at arm’s length.

He’s the guy she always wanted.
She’s the girl who was never good enough for him.
But now there’s a secret between them, one that she’s determined to uncover.

She thinks she can save him. But she doesn’t realize yet…

He’s the one who ruined her.

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Review – Far From Bliss by Lexi Blake

Far From Bliss; Nights in Bliss, Colorado, #12 
(A standalone within a series)

Publication Date: November 16, 2021

Genre/Tropes: Small Town/Suspense/MFM/Romance

Author: Lexi Blake writing as Sophie Oak

Review Rating: 5 Gold Stars

Review/Synopsis:

Review:

All the love, family, fun, and smexy good times that continue to draw me back to Bliss and Lexi Blake books over and over again.

This is the first original Bliss book that Lexi has written in a few years and it was like putting on a cozy, warm sweater, eating comfort food, or reading your favorite book. Yes, it was absolutely perfect.

Lucy and Ty grew up together and naturally had a friendship bond, but neither had ever stepped out of the friendzone with one another until Ty comes to claim her, declaring his love for his clueless, but adorable girl-friend.

Lucy doesn’t exactly take the news well…Ty bumbles everything in his life and he’s sort of like a growing puppy dog who hasn’t grown into his big feet. He’s happy, sunshiny and just charges forward without thinking things through, except when he approaches Michael Novak about being their third in a potential relationship.

Ty also doesn’t miss much and he’s noticed the looks that both Lucy and Michael have been throwing each other over the past year and while that might have spurred Ty to throw his plan in action, he also realizes that he lives in the town of Bliss where throuples are more of the norm than not.

Michael is a broken man, living alone with only his rage keeping him warm. He may be the link to Lucy and Ty’s dysfunctional relationship, but he can’t promise anything permanent, he’s been burned in the worst way possible and he can never offer his heart again, especially when he doesn’t have one.

There are so many moments that made me chuckle and most of them involved Ty just being himself. The same is most certainly said regarding the other men of Bliss when they all get together because they are just clueless without their powerful women, but that is what I love about Lexi’s books, while they revolve around dominant men in the bedroom (which is hot), it’s always the women who have the power when it comes to the matters of the heart, home, and just plain getting things done.

I never fail to fall in love with how these throuples all connect in their own way and Lucy, Ty, and Michael were unique in their relationship, whether it was individually or all together. This was a great addition to the Bliss series.

Synopsis:

Shattered by the past

Michael Novak was a US Marshal with his whole life figured out. Right up until the woman he called partner betrayed him. He’s been hiding in Bliss, CO, trying to pull himself out of the darkness. The only bright light is Lucy Carson. Something about Trio’s favorite waitress calls to him, but he can’t trust his instincts anymore.

Yearning for the future

Lucy has loved Tyler since they were kids, but he never seemed to feel the same way. She worried she would never want a man the way she does Ty, and then Michael grumbled his way into her world. Beyond the broody exterior she sees a burning fire in his eyes, and she is drawn to that flame.

The time is finally right

Ty knows Lucy is the one for him, but Lucy wrote him off romantically long ago. If he could get her to see him in a different light, he knows she would realize that they’re perfect for each other. His obstacle is the town’s reclusive former lawman, Michael. But this is Bliss. A rival can turn into a partner for the right woman. And Lucy is definitely the right woman.

Ty approaches Michael with a plan to get Lucy between them. A bargain is made, and Lucy is their target. But Lucy is already in much more dangerous crosshairs. Murder has come to Bliss, and Lucy is at the center of the investigation.

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Review – Head Over Hooves by Erin Nicholas

Head Over Hooves; Boys of the Bayou Gone Wild #5 
(A standalone within a series)

Publication Date: November 16, 2021

Genre/Tropes: Holiday/Small Town Romance/Romantic Comedy

Author: Erin Nicholas

Review Rating: 5 Gold Stars

Review/Synopsis:

Review:

Sweet, funny and with the right splash of naughty sprinkled in for holiday perfection!

Erin, Erin, Erin…will I ever think of chocolate sauce, candy cane stockings, and a santa hat without blushing? Drew F-ing Ryan is the quenticental nice guy with a scrumptious naughty side and I’m adding him to my wish list this Christmas!!

Drew has finally found his perfect match (big, happy sigh from Oliver), but what does that mean when she lives in Louisiana and his life is in Iowa?

Drew Ryan is from the tiny town of Appleby, IA and he is known to everyone as the nice guy. The guy to lend a helping hand. The guy who repeatedly gets friendzoned, even by Ollie’s Piper (Okay, I’ll let that go).

Drew is visiting his friends in Louisiana with a couple of his reindeer for the Christmas petting zoo and what happens to catch his eye barely moments when he steps into town?  A gorgeous elf, in a body hugging dress with a head of green hair and a potty mouth to boot. Drew is intrigued more than he cares to admit, especially when they share a kiss barely moments after meeting Rory.

Rory is a bit of a hot mess, a magnet for a man like Drew who always finds himself lending a helping hand, but Rory is a woman who likes to take care of things herself. While Drew’s not there to find love, or add to his list of friendzoned ladies. He’s there for a vacation, deliver his reindeer, and perhaps have a hot fling. He doesn’t need to engage with a girl like Rory, but something definitely draws him back over and over again. Will she allow Drew to help or just scratch that holiday itch? Don’t start packing his bags quite yet, Ollie, LOL!

All of the Laundry family gather round for this adorable holiday treat, with the perfect naughty moments. Once again Erin Nicholas gave readers what we needed to connect with family and enjoy a bit of holiday magic.

Synopsis:

You know in movies where the big city girl lands in a small town for the holidays and falls for the hunky guy who saves Christmas?
This isn’t that story.
But this guy does look fantastic in flannel. And out of flannel…

Finding true love with his one-and-only soul mate? Drew Ryan’s given up on that.

But a hot holiday fling in Louisiana, far from his responsibilities and good guy image back home, is now on the top of his list for Santa.

So when he’s knocked on his ass—literally—by a Christmas elf who’s stealing a sleigh full of gifts and using his reindeer to commit the crime, he definitely doesn’t expect to fall head over heels.

This holiday couldn’t get any worse for Rory Robins.

First, her hair wasn’t supposed to turn green. It’s not even Christmas green.

And the elf costume wasn’t supposed to be two sizes too small.

And her con-man father wasn’t supposed to show up and go all real-life-Grinch on her beloved new hometown.

And she definitely wasn’t supposed to run into anyone while trying to fix the problem. Especially not the hunky guy who already seems too good to be true.

But he does have a way of making her “cocoa” even hotter and a whole lot sweeter…

Still, he lives in Iowa. The only good thing her father ever gave her was a healthy distrust of men who are never around. She’s not doing a long-distance thing.

This little fling is only going to last as long as the temporary color of her hair.

Only nothing seems to be fading. And she might be asking Santa for just one more thing…

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Review – Wicked Princess by Tracy Lorraine

Wicked Princess; Knight’s Ridge Empire #2 
(#2 within a series)

Publication Date: November 16, 2021

Genre/Tropes: Dark/Bully/Mafia/New Adult Romance

Author: Tracy Lorraine

Review Rating: 5 Gold Stars

Review/Synopsis:

Review:

Screaming!! Screaming!! I loved it all so I’m screaming!!

Wicked Princess is the middle book, but it was full of so much. Beginning right where Stella was stabbed and we are left with the big question of who would want to harm her? Sifting through every single person I was searching for clues. I need that answer and yet we are still hanging on a cliffhanger….let’s go back to the screaming part shall we….

While Seb and Stella have circled each other, taunting one another to the brink of harmful play, it isn’t until Seb finds her at the actual edge of death that something snaps in him and things drastically change. A realization that a life without her is no life at all, but Stella isn’t quite so easily swayed.

Stella has moved a lot in her life and she’s always adapted, but the lies and pain this time around just won’t go away. Trusting anyone is going to take time, especially Seb, the boy who purposely set out to hurt her. The one problem this time is he doesn’t seem to be giving up, but if she looks down deep, does she really want him to?

This book is juicy, filled with friends, emotions, and lots of growing pains. There is also more to come for both Seb and Stella and I’m so here for all of it.

Synopsis:

USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author Tracy Lorraine brings you the next installment of her new dark mafia, high school bully romance series.

My entire life has been a lie.

The one person I’ve trusted despite all his secrets has shattered my faith, and the men around me have proved just how unworthy they really are.

As my reality becomes clear, I discover that I’m right in the middle of something far more dangerous than I ever could have imagined.

I’ve always been a fighter. I’ve been trained that way.

But this time, all I can do is run.

Only, it isn’t that easy. Because there’s one person I’ve left behind who won’t allow me to.

But he’s going to get a shock, because he seems to have forgotten who he’s dealing with.

I’m Stella Doukas, mafia princess, and I will not bend for any man.

Even the one who’s stolen my heart.

Dear Readers,

Wicked Princess is the second book in Stella and Sebastian’s trilogy and the first couples story in my Knight’s Ridge Empire series. This book is a dark bully romance that contains mature content and demanding alphaholes that some readers may find disturbing. You have been warned.

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Review – Dark Reign by Amelia Wilde

Dark Reign; The Collector #1 
(#1 within a series)

Publication Date: November 9, 2021

Genre/Tropes: Suspense/Contemporary Romance

Author: Amelia Wilde

Review Rating: 5 Gold Stars

Review/Synopsis:

Review:

A suspenseful, slow burn with a bubbling, dark Morelli undertone.

I love the rich texture Amelia give her books and reading this series is like eating a gourmet meal. Tuck your napkin in your shirt and get ready to gorge on Daphne and Emerson.

This book, perhaps because Daphne is different than her siblings, running on the side of happy and innocent, would be different if you didn’t know better, but she is also a Morelli at heart. Her artwork spills out all of the darkness she tries to hide inside and Emerson LeBlanc is drawn to her the moment he meets her. That darkness Daphne leaves on the canvas, Emerson recognizes it and he desires it. However, he not only wants to collect her art, but the woman herself.

Emerson is elusive and dark and very stalkerish, especially when it comes to Daphne. He fits right in with the Constantines and Morellis in this elite world of billionaire men. He knows what he wants, but he is also patient and like a lion stalking his prey, he waits to make his move. Every move on the chess board only intrigues Daphne more. Even her brothers won’t be able to lock her up when The Collector comes to collect her.

Dark Reign ends on a cliffhanger and I can hardly wait to return to find out how their story ends.

Synopsis:

Wealthy. Reclusive. Dangerous. Emerson LeBlanc doesn’t enter society much. He only ventures out in pursuit of new art for his collection. It starts with a haunting painting. Then he meets the artist…

Innocent Daphne Morelli is more exquisite than anything he’s ever seen. He becomes obsessed with her. It doesn’t matter that she’s a living, breathing person with her own hopes and dreams.

​​​​​​​She’ll be the perfect addition to his collection.

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Review – Sinning Like Hell by Trilina Pucci

Sinning Like Hell; St. Simeon Prep #2 
(#2 within a duet)

Publication Date: November 4, 2021

Genre/Tropes: Duet/Mafia/Dark/New Adult/Star Crossed Lovers Romance

Author: Trilina Pucci

Review Rating: 5 Gold Stars

Review/Synopsis:

Review:

What an epic, sad, and tumultuous journey. A love story that is written in the stars between two lovers with a soul deep connection beyond explanation.

Of course I have to mention Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. This classic tale is most known for the tragic death of two star crossed lovers, but really it’s the entire story leading up to how these two fated lovers came to that scene that truly matters to true romantics. Romeo and Juliet’s love is beyond soul deep. It’s that kind of love that defies the odds and gripped them so hard, they felt physical pain being separated from one another. It’s like two souls finding one home and only in death would they part.

Sutton and Calder have this kind of love. It’s unexplainable, but to them it makes perfect sense. From the first time they meet something clicks into place. Even when they know the worlds they come from won’t accept them and they should let each other go, they physically can’t. It’s beautiful and Trilina captures it on paper unlike anything I’ve read before. Their journey was truly captivating.

Sinning Like Hell picks up where we left off with Just Like Heaven. Now we are at the point where Calder and Sutton have a huge uphill battle to face before they would be able to reach an HEA and its heartbreaking. I needed so many tissues.

Like Romeo and Juliet, Sutton and Calder are tortured to get back to one another. This story is emotional over and over again. Prepare for lots of tears and high, heart-pulling angst. My heart was pounding throughout the entire story and I loved the beauty wrapped up in the tragedy of this book.

Synopsis:

USA TODAY bestselling author, Trilina Pucci brings you the finale of Sutton and Calder’s heart wrenching love story.

We’ll never run away.
There won’t be stars or a blue sky filled with heaven staring down on us.
All we have is death and destruction.
A life sentence, forced to survive within the absence of our love.
Until five years later.

“Death isn’t waiting for Calder—it’s listening for his instruction.”

Sinning like Hell is the continuation of book one, Just like Heaven. Book one must be read to understand book two.

#𝗣𝗿𝗲-𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗼𝗱𝗮𝘆!

Amazon Universal link ➜ https://geni.us/slhduet

Amazon US ➜ https://bit.ly/SLH-US

Amazon UK ➜ https://bit.ly/SLH-UK

Amazon AU ➜ https://bit.ly/SLH-AU

Amazon CA ➜ https://bit.ly/SLH-CA

TBR ➜ https://geni.us/tbrslh

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Review – Misplaced Mistletoe by Isabel Jolie

Misplaced Mistletoe 
(A standalone novella)

Publication Date: November 8, 2021

Genre/Tropes: Novella/Second Chance/Holiday Romance

Author: Isabel Jolie

Review Rating: 5 Gold Stars

Review/Synopsis:

Review:

Reading this book was like watching an adorable holiday movie, full of charm with all the holiday mistletoe moments.

Nora and Ashton’s story moved back and forth between past and present from the first time they met at a holiday party to the present when they reconnect.

While their meet-cute is a sort of a drunken hookup where they first kissed under the mistletoe, there was a connection that neither one of them could deny. However, Nora was fresh in New York City and just beginning her job. She really didn’t have time to commit to a long term relationship, but neither did Ashton. He was attending med school and in deep in his surgical residency, but he didn’t exactly end their brief time together in the best way and now it’s eight years later and Nora is once again standing under the mistletoe.

Nora is steadfast in trying to keep Ashton in her past. She doesn’t want to repeat the mistakes she’s made before by letting Ashton in, but he’s relentless in his pursuit of her this time around. Knocking down her walls and forcing his way past of every obstacle she throws up. This time he’s ready for a relationship and he doesn’t want to lose her again, not for another eight years.

A great novella just in time for the holiday season.

Synopsis:

One secret kiss under the mistletoe can never lead to happily ever after…right?

Once upon a time, Nora shared the hottest kiss ever—followed by an equally steamy Christmas—with her boss’s super-sexy brother. Then he ghosted her. That was eight years ago. Now, she’s completely over it. And when he shows up at the annual holiday party, she will not let herself repeat past mistakes. This time, she’ll stay far away from the mistletoe…

Ashton doesn’t lose control. Ever. Well, except for that one time. His focus has always been on completing his residency and fellowship programs. But seeing the gorgeous redhead again makes him think that losing a little control, just once more, might be just what the doctor ordered…

Will the magic of the season—with an assist from a certain mischievous matchmaker—convince Nora and Ashton to take a second chance on love? It might just take a Christmas miracle…

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Review – Jingle Bell Beard by Julie Kriss

Jingle Bell Beard; Kringle Family Christmas #3 
(An interconnected standalone)

Publication Date: November 5, 2021

Genre/Tropes: Sports/Second Chance/Holiday Romance

Author: Julie Kriss

Review Rating: 5 Gold Stars

Review/Synopsis:

Review:

A super cute holiday book that will get you in the mood for the holiday season.

Matt Kringle comes from a family that runs a holiday family business and with a name like Kringle that’s perfect, but the business is currently in crisis. Jasmine was Matt’s high school girlfriend who dumped him seventeen years ago, but now is the PR guru hired to help out the Kringle family to get their business back in the black. Matt doesn’t necessarily care about the business, but he does care about Jasmine. So, since he’s currently benched with the NHL, it looks like he’s heading home for the holidays.

Matt returns home, all because Jasmine asked for his help, but truly it doesn’t take much everytime she asks for a favor. It may have been seventeen years, but Matt will do anything to get her back. He’s never forgotten her and he hopes she feels the same.

Light on drama and loaded with Christmas cheer, this family holiday book is excellent to begin the holiday season and interconnected with Matt’s siblings for the perfect Kringle trilogy, but also can be read as a complete standalone.

Synopsis:

My to do list:
Revive my crashed PR career.
Turn around the Kringle family business by Christmas.
Convince my ex-boyfriend, NHL legend Matt “the Mountain” Kringle, to help me, even though I broke his heart when we were seventeen.
Easy, right?

Matt is huge, he’s hot, and he’s the grumpiest player in the league. I’ll have to brave his bad attitude and his sexy beard if I want him to help bail out the family business and put my career back on track. I’ll also have to try to forget – again – what an amazing kisser he is.

None of it is going to be easy. Not when Matt’s arrival in town leads to the Airport Incident and the Candy Cane Scandal – talk about embarrassing. But as Matt and I navigate disaster after disaster together, I’ll have to get over the fact that I never got over him. And that love with Matt is a game I just might want to play.

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Review – Empire of Desire by Rina Kent

Empire of Desire; Empire #1 
(An interconnected standalone)

Publication Date: November 4, 2021

Genre/Tropes: Marriage of Convenience/Age-Gap/Workplace/Forbidden Romance

Author: Rina Kent

Review Rating: 5 Gold Stars

Review/Synopsis:

Review:

This may not be Kent’s normal dark romance, but it’s a well written, outstanding story that contains a lot of forbidden tropes.

Nate Weaver, my favorite lawyer, is here and everything I was hoping for. Nate  may not be the kind of man to openly show that he cares, just ask his nephew, but he is a ninja carer. What does that mean? He basically sneaks in undercover and without you knowing he takes of everything in your life and you never even have a chance to thank him for it. Especially don’t thank him, it makes him uncomfortable. I love how unattached he seems, it’s delightful.

Nate’s circle is small, he doesn’t like emotions, but he’s also really amazing. Like, will drive a person crazy kind of amazing, but once he’s under your skin he’s impossible to to kick out. Ask Gwen who’s been trying for years.

Gwendolyn Shaw is the daughter of Nate’s best friend, Kingston. A daughter that King had during his last year in high school and Nate has been there every step of the way. Nate never once saw Gwendolyn as anything other than King’s daughter, until she kissed him on her eighteenth birthday. That is when everything changed.

Gwen has been in love with Nate since she understood what that meant, outside of familial love. She has had a singular focus when it came to loving Nate, her favorite flavor in the world, which is vanilla, and loving her dad, which should be hard considering Nate is her dad’s best friend, but the heart wants what the heart wants.

Gwen never thought she’d get a chance with Nathaniel, considering he didn’t give her the time of day, but when everything in her life careens out of control, he’s there taking charge and suddenly her husband.

While this isn’t a dark romance, it also isn’t a happy-go-lucky romance either. It’s forbidden and sinful, while also being emotional (and remember Nate doesn’t like those). Rina really captures everything that is important in an age-gap romance that makes that soul deep connection burn and thrive, but also makes you cheer for the HEA. It’s delicious.

❛ He’s my dad’s best friend, my new boss, and my forbidden fantasy. ❜

Synopsis:

My forbidden husband.

I kissed my father’s best friend and it kind of didn’t go well.
Not only because he’s eighteen years older than me—but he also didn’t like it.
Not one bit.
In my defense, I didn’t mean to fall for him. It just happened.
Nathaniel Weaver is the most attractive man I’ve ever seen with enough charisma to blind the sun.
He’s bigger than the world, owns half of it and conquered the other half.
He was forbidden.
Wrong.
So I totally got over him. Or so I told myself.
Until we’re forced to get married.
Now I’m trapped.
But maybe he’s trapped too.
Because we’re both reaching for that forbidden fruit dangling between us.

Empire of Desire is a complete STANDALONE. No book should be read prior to this.
Note: This is NOT a dark romance.

EMPIRE OF DESIRE IS A COMPLETE STANDALONE!
Forbidden age gap, father’s best friend, marriage of convenience romance.

AMAZON US ➜ https://amzn.to/3qR7ac1
INTERNATIONAL ➜ https://smarturl.it/EODBuy
AUDIOBOOK ➜ TBA

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Review – King of Hearts by Ashley Munoz

King of Hearts; Rake Forge University #2 
(#2 within a series)

Publication Date: November 5, 2021

Genre/Tropes: Mafia/Enemies to Lovers/New Adult Romance

Author: Ashley Munoz

Review Rating: 5 Gold Stars

Review/Synopsis:

Review:

A slow burn, with a ton of tension between two frenemies in a race against time.

Juan and Taylor have known each other for the past several years. Juan is the best friend of Taylor’s sister and while Juan has an easy going personality around everyone else in his life, there is an instant friction that burns hotter than the sun when these two are in a room together.

Taylor knows she’s abrasive, direct, doesn’t make friends easily. Her upbringing didn’t allow her to get close to anyone so she instantly pushes people away. Juan is no different, even though she’s had a crush on him for years. She just knows better that to act on said crush since she’s already promised to killer on her twenty-first birthday.

While reading the first book in the Rake Forge series will definitely give you insight into Taylor and Juan’s characters and how Taylor ended up in her current condition, the plot itself is a standalone. Their romance is a slow burn, but these two burn bright with chemistry from the very beginning. They have enemies to lovers down pat and perfect the push and pull in a frustrating…JUST ADMIT YOU LOVE EACH OTHER ALREADY! LOL

Juan is pulled to Taylor in a way he doesn’t understand and yet he continually pushes her away to save his own heart. Taylor also can’t help how she feels, she’s been attracted to Juan for years, but the moment she remembers what’s in store for her as her birthday approaches she pushes him away. It’s a story that broke my heart over and over at their circumstances, hoping they would find an answer to their problem.

A great addition to the Rake Forge series with lots of passion, emotion, and character development.

Synopsis:

Reminders were for traitors.
My father used to whisper that in my ear when I was young, while the still smoking gun dangled at his side.
I understood the rules, and what was expected of me, even as my mother made the deal.
I had absolute freedom to do as I pleased, as long as I obeyed:
Return to his home at twenty-one, do not make him come looking…and do not jeopardize my impending union with Markos Marino.

Now, months away from my twenty-first birthday, and I’m not only running out of time and creative ways to avoid my upcoming marriage, but I also have a bit of a situation that I can’t exactly hide. It’s one to surely come with a reminder…because in this, I haven’t been loyal…and I most certainly haven’t followed the rules.

*This is Book 2 in the Rake Forge University Series*

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Review – His Hollow Heart by Rachel Leigh

His Hollow Heart; Fallen Kingdom #1 
(#1 within a series)

Publication Date: November 4, 2021

Genre/Tropes: Duet/Intrigue/Dark Romance

Author: Rachel Leigh

Review Rating: 5 Gold Stars

Review/Synopsis:

Review:

Super intrigued by the darkness this book brought that I couldn’t stop reading.

Two children spent four years in foster care together. Best friends, but separated when they were adopted into two different families. While that may seem like the beginning of a happy ending, it was actually the beginning of a nightmare.

Callum spent the last twelve years building his revenge against those who left him, wronged him, and hurt him. He is a man with a dark soul and a hollow heart. He’s cruel, lacks empathy, and his methods of revenge are a bit disturbing, but I was also fascinated at what his game plan was since so much of the man was shrouded in mystery. I had to keep turning the pages to find out what was going to happen, even though Callum himself wasn’t someone I ever wanted to come upon in the dark or even in the light.

Isabella left Cal’s side twelve years ago. While her life went quite a bit differently than his, she never forgot the boy who also had a huge impact on her as a young girl. She has no idea when they reunite years later that she will be kept prisoner in his castle, that’s right…a castle, that she will beg, plead, and cry to go home. Cal is not the boy she remembers, but every once in a while she catches glimpses of the boy she once knew. Is it enough to stay? Not the way he treats her, no. Bella steps into a world she doesn’t know or understand. There are unknown factors and Cal won’t tell her or open up. These mysteries kept me going, even when I agreed with Bella’s thoughts on leaving. 

I was completely intrigued by what should have disturbed me. Basically, what turned my stomach, I couldn’t tear my eyes off the pages and stop reading. I had to know more and I needed to know why. I was frustrated by everything just like Bella, trapped in the pages just like she was trapped in the castle.

This book contains scenes that may disturb some readers. Degradation, imprisonment, snakes…shudder…oh the snakes…and more dark topics. While it’s all important to character growth and the plot, it is a dark book for a reason.

His Hollow Heart is book one in a duet and I can’t even imagine what’s to come for Cal and Bella as their story unfolds.

 

Synopsis:

Bella
A pact made.
Two orphans who vowed to never part.

I was selfish.
For once, I had to be.
The last time I saw Callum he was standing at the dormer window as I sat in the back seat of the car.
His dark eyes foreign to me.
The hatred that radiated from his glare shot through me with more force than a silver bullet.
In a matter of minutes he had become a stranger.
No longer my best friend.
He was now a boy with a hollow heart who was headed down a dark path.
A path I knew I’d never cross again.
Or, so I thought.

Callum
We had a deal—always stay together.

The day Bella left, I vowed I would find her. And when I did, she would feel what I felt as I watched her pull away into a new life, with a new family.
Leaving me behind to endure a life that was wrapped inside the hands of a monster.

It’s been twelve years, but I’ve finally found her.
Now it’s time for her to bask in the darkness she’s created inside of me.

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Review – Puck Shy by Teagan Hunter

Puck Shy; Carolina Comets #1 
(A standalone within a series)

Publication Date: October 28, 2021

Genre/Tropes: Romantic Comedy/Sports Romance

Author: Teagan Hunter

Review Rating: 5 Gold Stars

Review/Synopsis:

Review:

Puck Shy was totally different than I was expecting, it was better!! Yes, it’s a sports romance, but it also contains geeky flirting, a fun road trip, lots of classic horror movie reference banter (that is perfect for the upcoming holiday), and steamy moments that made my cheeks flame bright!

This was my first Teagan Hunter book and I will be coming back again after this pleasant surprise.

Collin Wright has had a run of bad luck. It’s been worse than bad luck, he’s been in the wrong place at the wrong time kind of bad luck, but when his car breaks down in the middle of literally nowhere, his luck either may have changed for the better when he almost gets hit flagging down the only driver he’s seen for miles, or maybe his bad luck is really about to kill him this time. He is willing to take his chances by getting in her car.

Harper isn’t in the habit of picking up strangers, seriously, what woman in her right mind is, but something about Collin says he’s not about to murder her. Hopefully. Their meet cute may not be typical, or normally safe, but it is full of great banter, that leads down the path of more.

More what?

More fantastically witty banter between Collin and Harper to begin with. These two would normally seem like oil and water, but somehow they fit together perfectly. Harper may just be the good luck charm to Collin’s run of bad luck, but more than that he brings her to life. Harper may have been just existing before running into Collin, but these two rejuvenate one another. That is love in a nutshell.

Wait…we are not supposed to say the L word out loud around these two, but seriously, this book is fun and sweet and I really enjoyed the escape.

Puck Shy was a pleasant surprise. I expected the sports aspect of it, but it also held a ton of heart and a lot of laughs. This book was a very enjoyable read. I can’t wait to return.

Synopsis:

I’m having the definition of a bad year.

Game Six loss costing my team the Cup? Check.
Getting arrested and ruining my image? Check.
Almost getting run over after my car breaks down? Oh, look—a hat trick.

My contract is up with the Carolina Comets this year, and I need to get it together if I want to stay with the team.

I need relaxation, not a relationship.

But when I’m scrolling on a dating app and stumble across the pretty girl who almost ran me over, I know I can’t let her walk away this time.

Harper is funny, smart, and doesn’t care about hockey.

I’m not supposed to be focusing on anything other than my career, yet I can’t get Harper off my mind.

I know I shouldn’t fall for her…but I think I already have.

PUCK SHY is a standalone hockey romantic comedy. It’s good, low angst fun with some hot hockey players.

✦ Pre-Order ➜ https://geni.us/PuckShy
✦ Add to TBR ➜ https://bit.ly/PuckShyTBR

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Review – Sever by Caitlyn Dare

Sever; Savage Falls Sinners MC #4 
(#4 within a series)

Publication Date: October 28, 2021

Genre/Tropes: New Adult/Reverse Harem/Dark/MC Romance

Author: Caitlyn Dare

Review Rating: 5 Gold Stars

Review/Synopsis:

Review:

Will Sadie, Wes, Rhett, and Dane finally get their HEA? We’ve reached the final book in this series and this book is extra hot and filled with lots of action.

Each book has been hotter, but holy hotness!! Can I take a moment to be jealous of Sadie…cause these three hot guys…oh yes!! As for the ongoing plot, this group has already been through a lot and it’s not over quite yet.

Sadie is in a constant state of turmoil over her guys. She’s never been one to back down from a challenge, but the last few weeks she’s been challenged more than she has in her entire life. Now she just wants to spend time with her men, actually enjoying everything that life has to offer, but life isn’t done throwing roadblocks in her way.

Wes has made huge changes in his life since this series began. Once part of the football team, his life on a totally different path, but the day he decided to be with Sadie was actually the day he discovered his happiness. While Sadie is the glue in their group, Wes is the rock. His steady foundation of faith in her and Dane and Rhett is what has kept them all going through everything, but he’s going to need their steadiness to get through what’s coming.

Rhett…oh, Rhett…That man has come sooooo far. I never thought he would change like he did, but my panties sizzle every time he’s on the page. He’s savage and primal and just so delicious. He may not be ready to “play house”, but he is protective daddy of the group.

Dane is goofy, full of sensuality, and still demanding in the bedroom. All the sides of Dane are fantastic and I love how he rounds out the group. Each man fits all the sides of Sadie and Sadie fits each man perfectly. While Dane and Rhett are best friends and have a bond through the Sinners, Dane and Wes have formed a different bond and complete each other in a different way. The group all get along and love each other to make it work and at the end of the day that is what is most important.

Sad to see this series come to an end, but what a ride it has been.

Synopsis:

The final installment in the dark romance series from the bestselling author of the Rebels at Sterling Prep series…

Loving one guy is hard.

Loving three… well, it should be more than a girl like Sadie Ray Dalton can handle.

But Sadie knows where she belongs, and it’s right beside her guys.

Life in Savage Falls is finally calming down. Dane is preparing to step up and take over the Red Ridge Sinners, Rhett is accepting an unconventional life with his princess, and Wes is adapting to his new role within the club.

But another enemy is circling—one who’s closer than they realize.

One who won’t stop until the Sinners MC are on their knees.

Sadie and her guys all want their happily-ever-after, but they should know by now, nothing in life comes easy.

One last time, they’re going to have to fight for it.

And hope everyone makes it out alive.

SEVER is a full length dark enemies-to-lovers/bully romance. This is a why choose novel, meaning the main character has more than one love interest. It is book four in the series and must be read after SAVAGE, SACRIFICE, and SACRED.

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Review – Love, Artifacts, and You by Sarah Ready

Love, Artifacts, and You; Soul Mates in Romeo #4 
(A standalone within a series)

Publication Date: October 26, 2021

Genre/Tropes: Second Chance/Intrigue/Contemporary Romance

Author: Sarah Ready

Review Rating: 5 Gold Stars

Review/Synopsis:

Review:

Oh, Lord, the town of love is hot, hot, HOT!!

In this second chance romance, Sarah Ready brings the steam, intense plot, and soul deep love to Romeo, NY and it’s her hottest book yet.

Emma and Andrew have known each other since childhood and they share the same passion when it comes to finding the lost treasures of the world. They fell in love when they were teenagers, but were torn apart for a decade. When Emma lands in Romeo, NY after losing everything, she is told she will find not only her soulmate but the lost treasure of Romeo, Emma finally has hope for the first time in ten years.

Andrew and Emma may have spent the last decade apart, but everytime they are together they have passion and their deep, lifelong love leaps off the page. No matter what plans or thoughts they may have had before, fly out of the window when they see one another. It’s like you can literally see their souls reaching out to one another, wrapping up, and twineing around each other so they never leave each others side. It’s really beautiful and intense.

I loved this passionate story that was a little Indiana Jones and all about love.

Synopsis:

A love that spans from the jungles of Central America to the hidden caves of Romeo, New York…

Infamous treasure hunter Emma Castleton desperately wants to find the Lost Treasure of Romeo. Emma’s been labeled a fraud and she’s determined to fix her reputation.

She’s also been promised that when she finds Romeo’s Lost Treasure, she’ll finally find her soul mate. But Emma knows that’s a lie. Her true love died ten years ago on a devastating treasure hunt in Central America.

Former street kid Andrew Santiago loved Emma with all his heart. That is, until she shattered his life, betrayed his trust, and left him for dead. Now Andrew’s back, wealthy and powerful, and determined to take his revenge on the woman who broke his heart.

But as Andrew and Emma hunt for Romeo’s Lost Treasure they uncover secrets of the past, buried artifacts, and ever-present danger. Soon, they’re confronted with a choice, what is the greater treasure – true love or revenge?

Love, Artifacts, and You is Book 4 in the Soul Mates in Romeo Romance Series by Sarah Ready.

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Review – Sleight of Hand by Marie James

Sleight of Hand; Blackbridge Security #7 
(A standalone within a series)

Publication Date: October 26, 2021

Genre/Tropes: Contemporary Romance

Author: Marie James

Review Rating: 5 Gold Stars

Review/Synopsis:

Review:

Hot, funny, and mixed with tension. BBS continues to amaze me with the mix of characters and great love stories.

This new couple sizzles chemistry, smoking hot fire, but between them neither of them have any experience in the relationship department, not that either of them are looking for anything beyond the sheets. However, the more time they spend together, the more the idea doesn’t lose appeal.

Gaige Ward and Leighton Redmond meet in a bar the night before Leighton is set to meet with Deacon Black for a job interview with Blackbridge Security. Neither Gaige nor Leighton know who the other person is, their interlude is purely for pleasure where they actually give each other false names too. A one night stand that shouldn’t have gone past that night, but the next day sheds a new light to a hot evening, with poor choices.

While Gaige and Leighton burn right off the pages, they both have problems with intimacy. Their back and forth, especially how Gaige initially treated Leighton was unexpected, but I loved the idea of how he originally handled his life and the growth he had throughout the story was excellent.

Leighton held back more throughout as the story went along, but she doesn’t believe in relationships, at all. Unlike Gaige who grew up with loving parents, Leighton grew up in a toxic environment and believes that all men aren’t able to commit. While she loves that Gaige is excellent at providing multiple O’s she doesn’t see beyond the bedroom for a future.

I love how each book in the Blackbridge world is different, but the entire team is brought together under one roof to work cohesively for one company. I never know what to expect when jumping into a BBS book and it truly makes reading this series exciting. I love returning, if for nothing else, to catch up with Wren and Puff Daddy, they make me giggle every single time.

Synopsis:

Gaige Ward, acquisition expert for Blackbridge Security, obtains things for the team.

As far as your mind can take you is how far he can go.

If it exists, he can get his hands on it.

If he can’t, he’ll find someone who can.

He never fails.

As with all things when growing in popularity, Blackbridge is also taking on scrutiny.

His boss, in an attempt to counter being called misogynistic and discriminatory against women, needs a female with the ability to handle the same tasks his guys can.

Leighton Redmond fits the bill perfectly.

Only, according to her she isn’t for sale, for employment or otherwise.

Gaige loves a challenge but has NEVER had to fight so hard to procure something for his boss.

Maybe next time he’ll think twice before having a one-night stand the day before a very important business meeting.

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Review – Dangerous Temptation by Giana Darling

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!

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Review – Hostile Takeover by Lucy Lennox

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.

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Review – Wild Love by Rebecca Jenshak

Wild Love; Campus Nights #4 
(A standalone within a series)

Publication Date: October 26, 2021

Genre/Tropes: Roommates/Friends to Lovers/New Adult/Sports Romance

Author: Rebecca Jenshak

Review Rating: 5 Gold Stars

Review/Synopsis:

Review:

Wildly in love with this last book of the series! Of course Rebecca would save the best for last, it is AMAZING!!!

Johnny Maverick will bring the smile to your face and it won’t come off. He’s that guy you want to be friends with. You just feel good around him. He is eternally sunshine, happy-go-lucky, nice, flirtatious, doesn’t take life too seriously, but obviously works hard because…hello he’s been drafted to the NHL. Yes, even when he messes up, I still love him, because his apologies are over the top amazing and he knows he screwed up. Can Johnny be real? I need Johnny in my life.

Dakota is also the bombdiggity! She is the girlfriend you want to party with, have by your side when you need a friend to hold your hand, someone to have dogsit, she is reliable, trustworthy, fun and loves with her whole heart too. These two together of course were going to be life changing, because they are both great people, but where Kota is focused, Mav is a bit more chaotic. It should even each other other, but that chaos freaks Dakota out. She doesn’t want to give Johnny her heart only to have him toss it away. Not that he would do it carelessly, but she just didn’t want to be a one night conquest with him. To her their friendship was more important.

Johnny is so playful in nature, he doesn’t EVER let down his emotional shield so when things become real, he doesn’t know how to let anything not be funny or a joke. He’s never had a stable relationship in his life, his parents were never around to show him what one looked like. He may lose Dakota before he ever has her.

This book truly has everything. Excellent tropes that all blend seamlessly together. Emotional moments (pink couch) that brought tears to my eyes, laughs, smexy times, more laughs, hot guys, did I mention laughs? So much love and friendship, Wild Love was the perfect way to end an era at Valley U.

Synopsis:

Johnny Maverick is a lot of things.
Great hockey player
Loyal friend
Rule breaker
Always up for a good time
And now, he’s my new roommate.

It’s only for a few weeks while I intern for the Wildcats – his new NHL team.
And there are some pros to living with my hot and ridiculous friend (or is that ridiculously hot?).
He’s fun and unexpectedly sweet, and he reminds me not to take myself too seriously.
I had no intention of breaking the one rule given to me on my first day on the job: no sleeping with the players.
And if I had, I never dreamed that player would be Johnny Maverick.

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