I was not expecting how this book would hit me. I will admit to not always reaching for a romance with a heroine who is 18 years old these days. I feeI was not expecting how this book would hit me. I will admit to not always reaching for a romance with a heroine who is 18 years old these days. I feel more and more disconnected from that time of life, and it's no surprise as I get older that I'm looking for a mature kind of lead.
But there was something about Sarah, and maybe it was that I grew up in a town much like hers. That had me connecting with her more than I expected. She has big dreams but doesn't even know how to go after them yet. She's not being actively repressed by her loved ones but she's also not being given the chance to thrive. I feel like that is honestly more relatable than being in an actively abusive home. Sometimes life is just mediocre. Her home, her boyfriend, her plans for college. They are just.. there.
Her secret desire to play guitar and sing is only encouraged by one person. And that's Isaac, her boyfriend's edgy, tattooed, older brother. He cuts right through the hum drum life she's living and dares her to ask for more. They banter and flirt and things get a little bit hotter before they should but.. I just wanted her to reach for him.
I liked that Isaac was just the right amount of naughty. He's been in the military and now he works the family farm. There's rumors about trouble he's gotten a girl into before but he also really SEES her when no one else does. He ropes calves in a rodeo and gives up smoking so he can kiss her. He pushes her boundaries but he's also willing to wait. He had my belly swooping and I swooned every time he said, "You know why." *sighs*
This book was definitely a "coming of age" type of romance. Though it does have a forbidden nature Isaac and Sarah just seem right together. I loved them.
Sarah is also a PK (Preacher's Kid), and that will put some people off. Yes, God is mentioned and questioned and railed against. But I also didn't feel like Christianity was badmouthed or discredited. Sarah is going through the natural questioning of her faith and deciding if she really needs to live the way her parents tell her. That's something all young people do. But just keep that in mind if you are either sensitive to religion being mentioned at all, where in a good way or bad. It is very central to this town.
I really did like this book, even if it isn't my personal fave. It still kept me turning the page and I teared up more than one. I will be reading book 2 about Sarah's Sister.
4 stars 2.5 on the spice scale
CW: Sudden Loss, grief, Religious trauma, cheating, mention of abortion (past, not of an MC)
*Thank you to Valentine PR and the author for an ARC of this title.*...more
I haven't been this moved by a BDSM focused book in ages. It hit all the things I love and I cried multiple times. I loI loved this. Every single page.
I haven't been this moved by a BDSM focused book in ages. It hit all the things I love and I cried multiple times. I love these two broken people with my whole heart.
I was immediately hooked on both of these characters. Gerard Sovereign was a mountain of a man, both in stature and in presence. He is a man who commands respect and deference. He oozes control and sex appeal. Keira Garrison is an obedient and cloistered wife of his rival. From the first moment they meet, the connection is electric. For her, it's frightening and can't mean anything good. For him, it's the beginning of his final revenge. He'll destroy his for and take the spoils of war.
This book was hot as hell, there is no doubt and it has all the kinky situations you could ask for. BUT, I feel like that description doesn't do justice to the way my heart was aching for them both. I don't want to belittle the deep connection I felt to them or how romantic I actually found this to be.
Gerard and Keira have burrowed deeply into my heart so quickly. I'll remember their quiet moments of connection as much as the erotic scenes. There is just something special about watching their trust build and their love grow.
She might feel like she has no choice and Gerard HAS manipulated events to make it appear that way. But watching her discover that her submission means she can have everything her heart has longed for.. they can both be winners. After life dealt them both shitty hands, these two orphans can find a home together.
I have always said that "BDSM used for healing" is one of my favorite things to read. That is true. Yet, I feel like it's not something I see too often anymore. Many authors throw a "spank and a good girl" into their books for the fun of it. And hey, it CAN be super fun to read. Yet that's not BDSM just because she calls him "sir", there's something more that I crave. This book did that for me. Because once you see a couple that NEEDS intimacy this way... it's hard to not see other versions as a pale comparison.
I have never heard of Raya Morris Edwards before, but she certainly has my attention now. I highly recommend this book to lovers of Dark and Erotic Romance. Fans of Godwin and Simone may also find enjoyment here. There are many triggers, so check out the author's site for a full list, but I also didn't find this to be "too dark", though I know that's subjective. But a lot of the focus is on their relationship and their interactions are not abusive or coercive beyond Gerard "urging" fate to put them together.
6 stars (A new favorite for sure!) 5 on the spice scale
CW and TW are on author's website. There are a lot....more
I'm really struggling to accurately explain this book. I am so impressed by what Nicci Harris did with this story. I had no ideThis was honestly epic.
I'm really struggling to accurately explain this book. I am so impressed by what Nicci Harris did with this story. I had no idea how it was going to play out. I was so anxious for Aster and Rome to be together and the world seems so turned against them.
The dystopian world here is very well thought out and I know there is so much we still need to learn but I felt the depth and width of the universe. I still have questions about how we got to the place of needing Silk Girls and how the genetically modified beings became a part of the world. But that didn't necessarily feel like a whole to the story, I am just eager to know more. I think the author showed restraint in not trying to show us every single thing in one book. As not all aspects of the world are important to these characters and it's first person POV, so we don't need to see it all to tell their story.
I really cared about Aster so much and I wanted her to have what her heart desires but when love starts to enter the equation, what she wants starts to change. The question to her is if Rome can possibly feel the same for her. When she is just a lowly Silk Girl. I do think there MUST be some aspect of Fated Mates to this world and I hope we explore that more in future books.
I do also feel like we left them pretty abruptly, though I'm glad it wasn't a cliffhanger and we have seen an HEA for Rome and Aster. It just felt very rushed once everyone accepts a certain fact. We HAVE to see how those changes will play out and I hope that is what future couples in the series will discover. Change in a dystopian world comes slowly and it can't be as easy as Rome just demanding it's so.
The steam in this book... woah... it was hot hot hot! I know none of us are shocked that Nicci Harris can bring the steam but I was blushing like crazy many times. Haha! The size difference is no joke and if you are a fan of that, just check out the size guide on the author's Instagram.
And shout out to Odio, he is my favorite and I'll love him forever.
5 stars 4 on the spice scale
CW: cannibalism, forced sterilization, gore, violence, power imbalance, harm to animals...more
She had great tension and spice between Tanner and Victoria. They start as rivals when he wants to buy her aThis was my first read from Samantha Skye!
She had great tension and spice between Tanner and Victoria. They start as rivals when he wants to buy her aunt's land for his whiskey company. But they very quickly succumb to their attraction and realize they are much better together than as enemies.
Tanner is a good 2 decades older than Victoria and his son might even be older than her, I believe. But they really just gel well together and when their chemistry explodes, they never look back.
There was a bit of a suspense element as someone seems to be stalking Victoria. Pretty standard small town suspense things, if you know what I mean.
But this was steamy with good characters and it was a very pleasant read if a little too long.
4 stars 4 on the spice scale
*Thank you to The Author Agency and the author for an eARC of this title.*...more
I am really enjoying this series! These men fall hard and they fall fast. The Boston's Irresistible Billionaires and really working for me.
This one stI am really enjoying this series! These men fall hard and they fall fast. The Boston's Irresistible Billionaires and really working for me.
This one starts with a One Night Stand between two people who are taking a break from life and they get stood up at a bar (not by dates). They have a crazy, hot night and then go back to their regular lives.
Only for Owen, this entails being a single dad and discovering that the woman he's about to hire as a nanny, who is also his best friend's little sister, is ALSO the woman he just stole the panties of and can't stop thinking about.
Estlin is looking for a fresh start and a chance to get out of her parents house, so when her brother encourages her to become a nanny for his Doctor best friend, she thinks it could be just what she needs. Only, when he opens the door and she sees who he is... she knows this will be a tough sell.
Fortunately for her, Owen's daughter is gaga for Estlin, so she's staying. He'll just have to get over it. But boy, will he grump along the way.
This was another lovely, warm, delicious story. I loved all the characters, the family, and the charm to this story. I am becoming hooked on this author. She has just the right amount of spice and heart balance. Making for a very enjoyable story.
I listened to the audio of this title and it was beautifully performed by Stephen Dexter and Desiree Ketchum. They always make for an enjoyable listening experience. I highly recommend listening if you like audio books.
I can't wait for book 3!
5 stars 3.5 on the spice scale
CW: child in peril, hospital and surgery scenes
*Thank you to Must Love Audio and the Author for an ALC of this title.*...more
Deborah Garland was new to me last month and I was excited to try another book from her. Savage King was a pretty big hit for me and I like her style Deborah Garland was new to me last month and I was excited to try another book from her. Savage King was a pretty big hit for me and I like her style of writing. This book is a forbidden romance with a secret pregnancy and estranged family thrown in to shake things up.
While I found the concept to be quite juicy and I got a thrill from the forbidden set up... I was disappointed with how certain characters reacted. I won't spoil it here but it left me feeling a bit apathetic towards the situation they find themselves in.
I will absolutely continue this series, but this one isn't one I plan to revisit. But if you like a little taboo without it being too over the top, this could be a great romance to try. The daughter was also adorable and made my heart melt for sure!
This was narrated in the duet style by Lexi Evans, DB West, and with special additions from Troy Duran. Though I had some issues with the story, the narration made it very readable and I enjoyed that aspect quite a lot.
3.5 stars 3 on the spice scale
CW: previous SA (not hero), adopted niece/uncle relations
*Thank you to The Author Agency and the author for an ALC of this title.*...more
I really enjoyed this! What starts as revenge becomes a love for the ages, or despite their ages, you could say.
When Millie looks to seduce her dad's I really enjoyed this! What starts as revenge becomes a love for the ages, or despite their ages, you could say.
When Millie looks to seduce her dad's Best Friend, she doesn't expect to have the best sexual experience of her life. Or, ya know.. her first one, since she's a virgin btw. But their connection is so intense and they both feel it.
But Gavin is feeling something quite different when his best friend's daughter boards his plane the next day and it's the bombshell who snuck out on him the night before. He is SO ducked. Because he doesn't know if he can ever forget her.
The way this romance unravels hurt at times. Nothing comes easy for these two except how they feel about each other. Their love is going to go through trials and I was surprised a bit by some of the angst in here. It was bittersweet a lot of times.
When we eventually meet Gavin's surprise daughter, not Millie's kid, things change big time. Now Millie is his nanny and he is fighting his feelings at every turn. Poor guy doesn't know what hit him but he does know he would do ANYTHING for his little girl and the girl who stole his heart and hasn't given it back.
I was rooting for them all and I feel like I went on quite the journey with them. This was my first book in the series and I really want to read everyone else's stories too. This was a heartwarming and beautiful romance. The suffering is worth the HEA for sure.
I was holding on and then he raped her ass for being scared of him. Killed a man for no reason in front of his 3 yeDNF at 60%
Big fucking ick from me.
I was holding on and then he raped her ass for being scared of him. Killed a man for no reason in front of his 3 year old son and gave off major psycho vibes.
I love me a big Age Gap. Make him my best friend's dad and we are golden. Haha! So I was plenty hyped for this book. I've only read one other book by I love me a big Age Gap. Make him my best friend's dad and we are golden. Haha! So I was plenty hyped for this book. I've only read one other book by this author and it was a good time as well. Abyss is a 4th in the series but it can be read as a standalone.
When Kavi gets the opportunity to work at her friend's dad'd company.. well let's say they aren't off to a great start. Hudson is a grumpy grump that she has met before.. when he lost her her previous job.. So.. yeah, you can see how that must be going.
Hudson is a total butt in the beginning but as he gets to know her, he feels genuinely bad about judging her so harshly and he becomes undeniably attracted to her in the meantime. Oh, and did I mention he gives her a place to stay as well? So they are also roommates.
It's hard for them to deny their feelings and things start to heat up. One intimate moment becomes more and before they know it, they are hooked.
Other sweet moments involve a beautiful horse and lots of late night chats. It was beautiful watching them fall in love.
It was going so good...
And then it had my absolutely LEAST favorite kind of a 3rd Act conflict. Must we... okay.. It brought the story to a screeching halt for me. But I don't think everyone will feel the same.
This was angsty, steamy, and just a little bit fun, even while handling some heavy topics. I think many will enjoy it completely.
4 stars 3 on the spice scale
*Thank you to The Author Agency and the author for an ARC of this title.*...more
I was so ready for this series to start! Bring on the Irish Mafia!
After getting a look at Eriu Quinn in the connecting series, I thought she was so swI was so ready for this series to start! Bring on the Irish Mafia!
After getting a look at Eriu Quinn in the connecting series, I thought she was so sweet and deserved the world. I don't think me OR Devlin was ready for her spicy side. Haha!
Devlin has recently started feeling tempted by his lovely young charge. Being bodyguard to a mafia princess is no easy task, especially when she isn't trying to stop tempting him either. She pushes him constantly and it isn't just their age or his position that holds him back. He has dark secrets and people who would use her against him.
When her father sets up a new marriage arrangement for her. Devlin has to decide what's more important... risking her safety, or losing her forever...
Well, this was another spicy, thrilling, and dangerous time fro Lilian Harris. I thought Eriu was so sassy and I loved seeing her reach her breaking point and finally exerting herself a little, even if it's through the safety of a mask and a secret adult club... if you get what I mean. Of course Devlin, would never let her out of his sight, but seeing him struggle with temptation was delightful.
I did find a few aspects a tad absurd... like, what was her dad pulling? Another arranged marriage... did we not learn after Iseult? And a few of the twists seemed a little outrageous, even for a mafia.
However, this Mafia world is snappy, spicy, and engaging, so though this isn't my favorite, I still enjoyed seeing characters I love. I look forward to seeing where the Irish go next.
3.5 Stars 3.5 on the spice scale
*thank you to the author for an ARC.*
Merged review:
I was so ready for this series to start! Bring on the Irish Mafia!
After getting a look at Eriu Quinn in the connecting series, I thought she was so sweet and deserved the world. I don't think me OR Devlin was ready for her spicy side. Haha!
Devlin has recently started feeling tempted by his lovely young charge. Being bodyguard to a mafia princess is no easy task, especially when she isn't trying to stop tempting him either. She pushes him constantly and it isn't just their age or his position that holds him back. He has dark secrets and people who would use her against him.
When her father sets up a new marriage arrangement for her. Devlin has to decide what's more important... risking her safety, or losing her forever...
Well, this was another spicy, thrilling, and dangerous time fro Lilian Harris. I thought Eriu was so sassy and I loved seeing her reach her breaking point and finally exerting herself a little, even if it's through the safety of a mask and a secret adult club... if you get what I mean. Of course Devlin, would never let her out of his sight, but seeing him struggle with temptation was delightful.
I did find a few aspects a tad absurd... like, what was her dad pulling? Another arranged marriage... did we not learn after Iseult? And a few of the twists seemed a little outrageous, even for a mafia.
However, this Mafia world is snappy, spicy, and engaging, so though this isn't my favorite, I still enjoyed seeing characters I love. I look forward to seeing where the Irish go next.
I am so excited for this series from Neva! I have been anticipating it all year. Starting off with Roman and Nina's fWelcome to the second generation!
I am so excited for this series from Neva! I have been anticipating it all year. Starting off with Roman and Nina's feisty daughter just seems meant to be. I thought Vasilisa had so much spunk and love how she was ready to fight tooth and nail right from the beginning.
Rafael is our scarred, grump of a crime boss. When he sends his men to "take care of" the hacker who has been messing up his businesses, he isn't expecting the spitfire he finds in his basement torture room. And he really isn't expecting the anger he feels at the marks his men put on her. He thinks its just his protectiveness of women, but we know better.
He comes up with a plan to keep her close to him: fix what she broke in his systems. Only, it soon becomes clear that no time is going to be enough. Especially when Sparks start to fly.
I thought these two played very well off each other, and there was a lot of push and pull. Almost... too much honestly. This book felt a lot longer than many of the previous Perfectly Imperfect books. I think they went back and forth a bit too much.
I loved all the chemistry and seeing Vasya pick at him until they both snap and devour one another was delightful. I liked them together a lot.
The only other thing that just... ate at me, and why this wasn't a 5 star read for me... It's something that many second generation series suffer from and that is making the original couples look a bit dim.. like, if Vasya has run away from her father multiple times.. I don't buy it for a second that he wouldn't have a tracker or more people watching her. I also don't think it would have taken months to find her.
And finally, the "big moment" with Seirgei at the climax.. just.. how would Rafael survive that? Why did it get to that point? I know "romance reasons" is what I'm supposed to believe. But this is why second generation stories are so hard to pull off. Because it makes heroes we love in the original series look either weak or ineffectual.
Anyway, I don't want to dump on this, I just expect a lot from Neva and the series that I love so much. I look forward to the next couple!
4 stars 3.5 on the spice scale
CW: kidnapping, gore, torture, violence . . . . . . P.S. I didn't have ANY problem with a previous hook up being mentioned. It's not in the current time and Rafael doesn't even THINK about another woman once Vasya is under his roof. He is in fact, making a reference to how refreshing and wonderful Vasya is in comparison to how empty those hook ups were and how they hated his face in the light sooo... Sorry, had to get that off my chest....more
This was my first Deborah Garland. When I say this gorgeous cover was available in Audio, I jumped on it.
This book has so many things I love: -Irish MaThis was my first Deborah Garland. When I say this gorgeous cover was available in Audio, I jumped on it.
This book has so many things I love: -Irish Mafia King -Age Gap -Arranged Marriage -Dominant K!nky Hero -Eager Virg!n Heroine -Fighting hard but making up sweet
My cup was full for sure!
I thought this was fast paced, exciting and steamy AF. Isabella was fierce and she has dreams too. She's heartbroken after losing her mother and desperate to escape from under her father's thumb. Without her mother there to take it, his abuse is turning to her.
Luckily, or unluckily, Kieran has his eye on her and thinks she will be the perfect jewel for his crown. He just isn't expecting her to demand more from him. He thinks his desires are too dark for his Mafia Princess but... he is a fool. Haha!
I really loved the give and take between them and though Kieran got stupidly frustrating at some points, it made his fall into her arms that much sweeter.
Powerfully performed by Tyler Griffen and Lexi Evans, I would recommend for the romance reader who doesn't mind having their cheeks burn in public...
4 stars 4 on the spice scale
CW: BDSM, parental loss, parental abuse, attempted SA, kidnapping, and more....more
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