Bred by the Orc by Veronika Kane, Caroline Lee Stolen Harlots series #1. Historical erotica paranormal novella. Sorcha Tarbert always knew her purpose Bred by the Orc by Veronika Kane, Caroline Lee Stolen Harlots series #1. Historical erotica paranormal novella. Sorcha Tarbert always knew her purpose was to wed a powerful laird and bear his sons to cement alliances. What she didn’t expect was to be sold out by a greedy clansmen to an Orc! Kidnapped by Drakolt who claims he is the Chief of his clan doesn’t really change her future all that much. Except the Orc says he’s going to bred her in front of his entire clan! Talk about pressure to conceive! But it’s been foretold that the union will build generations of alliances between the worlds, so who is she to complain about a little public nudity?
Sexy smutty romance with a bit of humor, green orcs and heat! Even though often virgins, these women know about their own bodies and what goes on between partners thanks to a (fictional) copy of A Harlot’s Guide to the Forbidden and Delightful Arts, written in a series called Bad in Plaid. Insta-loved and fated mates, these romances are so entertaining, I can’t help putting them to the front of my very long tbr. I’m not a fan of the public viewing of the consummation but it’s handled well here. Another new Orc romance next week! ...more
Heroes Across Time by Jackie North Love Across Time series 1.5. Sequel to Heroes for Ghosts and should be read in order. M-M romance. Closed door novelHeroes Across Time by Jackie North Love Across Time series 1.5. Sequel to Heroes for Ghosts and should be read in order. M-M romance. Closed door novella. Stanley and Devon have traveled to current time in Harlin, Colorado and Stanley is learning about the world in modern day while Devon finishes his college degree. It’s Christmas and Devon wants to celebrate with a small tree and presents. Stanley knows hunger. He knows what it’s like to go without. He’d rather be frugal and skip presents and save the extra money. Stanley has a darkness in himself and often thinks of the friends he left behind. Stanley was glad to make the sacrifice he did for his friends but he wonders about what happened to them. Holidays can be difficult but Devon will do what he can to make sure that Stanley is happy.
Spoilers for the first book so that should be read first. Stanley made a sacrifice of himself to save his friends. It brought him to Devon in current day. But what of all his friends? Devon takes the time to research all of the troop and show Stanley that what he did, allowed all the others to live long, happy, and productive lives. It’s tear inducing and touching. It’s was a selfless act and there were great rewards for everyone remaining. A miracle. A lot to believe here. Regardless, it’s a beautiful thought or wish for the holidays.
This could easily have been a long epilogue in the first book rather than a separate recap. My rating is more for the feel good feelings. I don’t think this can stand alone without reading the prior story. ...more
Wyoming Ranch Justice by Juno Rushdan Cowboy State Lawmen: Duty and Honor series #2. Harlequin Intrigue suspense with a touch of closed door romance. CWyoming Ranch Justice by Juno Rushdan Cowboy State Lawmen: Duty and Honor series #2. Harlequin Intrigue suspense with a touch of closed door romance. Can be read as a stand-alone. There is a serial killer at the Southeastern Wyoming University. On and off for ten years, three young blond women are abducted, assaulted and then killed. His DNA is left behind but no other clues. When the first victim is found, LPD Detective Hannah goes undercover, hoping to lure the killer but she interrupts his next kidnapping instead. From that point, Hannah and SWUPD Chief Matt Granger work together hoping to put together the pieces fast enough to prevent anyone else dying. But it’s rush week and parties will happen around the campus even though warnings have been issued. Can they catch the killer before the third victim dies and the killer disappears again?
Fast moving action. Gripping and suspenseful from beginning to end. Wow. This one is intense! Couldn’t put it down and stayed up way later than I should have on a work night. It was worth it. Now an auto-buy author. ...more
Magical Mayhem: The Prequel by Winnie Winkle The Record series # 00. Paranormal fiction series introduction. Short novella length. Cleopatra O’Keefe leMagical Mayhem: The Prequel by Winnie Winkle The Record series # 00. Paranormal fiction series introduction. Short novella length. Cleopatra O’Keefe learns she is a Keeper when she starts working at a local bar in Daytona Beach, Florida after she walks through a door and finds a dozen different magical creatures you might read about in a twisted fairytale. She has to study the magic world and memorize magical drink recipes for the dubious prize of bartender on her 21st birthday, the busiest night of the year. Greek gods, shifters, witches and fairies and none all that trusting of a lowly human. Fortunately there is a magical book with answers to help if you can ask the right questions.
Entertaining and zany setup. Patra needs to prove to the magical patrons that she can handle the bar and all the different paranormal rules, drinks and maintain order.
The writing style had some twisted wording that eventually made sense but in the first read were confusing. ...more
The Friend Zone Experiment by Zen Cho Contemporary women’s fiction, chick lit, drama. Minor romance. Renee Goh is ready to wallow when her boyfriend duThe Friend Zone Experiment by Zen Cho Contemporary women’s fiction, chick lit, drama. Minor romance. Renee Goh is ready to wallow when her boyfriend dumps her, but gets a surprise phone call from her father. He is retiring and he is considering her for the job as well as her brothers. One of them will win the CEO job of the family run conglomerate after a trial interview period. Renee never thought it possible before but she knows her success at her current job speaks for itself. Renee is all in and ready to compete and win that job even as her brother tries blackmailing and undermining her in the process. At the same time, Renee runs into her first love, Yap Ket Siong. They spend a hot night together and she knows she needs to focus on her job now and can’t commit to a relationship. They agree to be friends for now and will see if they can sustain it.
Reads like a K-drama. Multiple layers, different but connected storylines, international setting, and sibling rivalries. It starts out dark with secrets and coverups, and does lighten up a bit by the second half but the tone was set for me. This is a clear example of cover and title not being indicative of the storyline. At all. Too much family dislike and lack of trust, for good reason. The writing is solid and can hold your interest as long as you appreciate it is not a romantic comedy but more a novel of family drama with a touch of romance at the end. ...more
Bishop’s Flight by Elizabeth Hunter Elemental Covenant series #4. A spin off from the Elemental Legacy series. Paranormal mystery. Can be read as a staBishop’s Flight by Elizabeth Hunter Elemental Covenant series #4. A spin off from the Elemental Legacy series. Paranormal mystery. Can be read as a stand-alone but better as part of the series as there is an overall ARC. This book isn’t necessarily a cliffhanger, but there are unfinished issues at the end that will be part of the next book. Carwyn Bryn and Brigid Connor are elemental and altruistic vampires. In this story, they travel to Las Vegas to search for a kidnapped son of the vampire leaders of the city. Proof of life is received but there is a deadline that must be met or the boy’s life will be forfeited. Carwyn and Brigid use both their detective skills and their vampire abilities to search for clues knowing the kidnapping may have been directed at them as an underlying goal.
Intense. The game of chess has been around for a long time and the use in this storyline is impressive with descriptions of pieces in history and their importance by Lucas. His analysis and ability to express his thoughts make him brave and able to quasi remove himself, at least mentally, from his perilous situation. I hope we eventually get to see more of Lucas.
From the author notes, the next book will merge with the Legacy series so now is the best time to catch up!
Merged review:
Bishop’s Flight by Elizabeth Hunter Elemental Covenant series #4. A spin off from the Elemental Legacy series. Paranormal mystery. Can be read as a stand-alone but better as part of the series as there is an overall ARC. This book isn’t necessarily a cliffhanger, but there are unfinished issues at the end that will be part of the next book. Carwyn Bryn and Brigid Connor are elemental and altruistic vampires. In this story, they travel to Las Vegas to search for a kidnapped son of the vampire leaders of the city. Proof of life is received but there is a deadline that must be met or the boy’s life will be forfeited. Carwyn and Brigid use both their detective skills and their vampire abilities to search for clues knowing the kidnapping may have been directed at them as an underlying goal.
Intense. The game of chess has been around for a long time and the use in this storyline is impressive with descriptions of pieces in history and their importance by Lucas. His analysis and ability to express his thoughts make him brave and able to quasi remove himself, at least mentally, from his perilous situation. I hope we eventually get to see more of Lucas.
From the author notes, the next book will merge with the Legacy series so now is the best time to catch up!...more
Worst in Show by Anna E Collins Contemporary romance. Enemies to lovers troupe. Cora Lewis is an aspiring fashion designer working in her grandfather’sWorst in Show by Anna E Collins Contemporary romance. Enemies to lovers troupe. Cora Lewis is an aspiring fashion designer working in her grandfather’s Happy Paws pet store, trying to keep it solvent. When a new Canine King goes in across the street, she gets worried about the competitiveness of her grandfather’s shop. When she finds out it’s owned by a popular home town man just one year ahead of her in school, her worry intensifies. A dog show prize motivates Cora to enter her grandfather’s rescue dogs. No surprise, Leo Salinger, from the new store enters his dog too and soon Cora and Leo agree to train their dogs together. Can the two stores coexist and can Cora and Leo find more in common?
The dogs and their uniqueness and funny antics are the cutest in this story. Leo is such a good guy with his positive attitude and willingness to read across street and include all his new neighbors in everything. I didn’t like Cora’s petty tricks and jokes but those are always a no for me. Both Cora and Leo have back family issues that are only touched on at a surface level but do muck up the works for the couple. Leo plays hero in the contest. Such a hero. 3.5
Holding Out for a Gyro by Mary Ann Marlowe Contemporary romance. Alternating 1st person POV’s. Chelsea Abbott and her best friend have a list of goals.Holding Out for a Gyro by Mary Ann Marlowe Contemporary romance. Alternating 1st person POV’s. Chelsea Abbott and her best friend have a list of goals. Some of it is easy, some is stuff that scares you. Each crossed out line item gets points for vacations and traveling which Chelsea loves to do. Visit a museum, take a class, double date, forgive someone, have an authentic and open conversation with a stranger. Out for a drink, the two women approach a couple of men at the bar where Chelsea is going to be totally honest even if it terrifies here. She surprised when they hit it off and she ends up going home with him. But Chelsea is a one-time and done woman. No ties. No commitments. Even if it was the best night of her life, she’ll walk away. Basil Stavros feels that he and Chelsea really connect and he sees a long term relationship between them. They live close to each other and between her coffee shop and picking up meals everyday where he works, they been crossing paths for months. He’s ready for more.
Chelsea has family issues and while she’s working on them with her therapist, it’s slow going. Bas wins her over with his food, his family, his enthusiasm and his heart. But she’s lived with her heart behind walls since she was young. There is a lot of heat as they date and there is also a lot of angst as she struggles with her growing feelings, knowing she can’t trust him to stay. So very slow relationship building.
Confirmed romance guaranteed ending but you’ll have to wait until the very end. It is awesome when she figures out that love opens a lot of doors.
There are occasional humorous moments but I would not call it a comedy or romcom. The below line though, had me chuckling and immediately marking it for sharing. He’s a chef. “From 2pm to 3pm, I cut the faces off crabs and drenched them through cornmeal, contemplating the horrors that awaited me in hell if these guys were there, too.”
His Perfect Princess by Caroline Lee Tales of the Harlot’s Guide series #1. Historical Scottish erotica romance novella. Spin off from a fictional bookHis Perfect Princess by Caroline Lee Tales of the Harlot’s Guide series #1. Historical Scottish erotica romance novella. Spin off from a fictional book written in the Bad in Plaid series and read by most females in the author’s more recent series. Alternating 1st person POV. Insta-love troupe. Dominating vibe. In the small island country of Faencairn, the King has declared that his three sons must be married within a year. Rickard, the Crown Prince, already knows the perfect candidate to match his exacting taste of dominance and believes Clarissa will be obedient in the bedroom, but not meek. He invites her to the kingdom for lunch and a taste of their future.
The Harlot Guide book is available for discrete reading by the Victorian females in most of the author’s recent series. It gives them a bit of intimate knowledge they may not have otherwise known. This series ups the heat considerably (on the page) to an erotica level with this particular dominant and submissive just getting to know each other. The usual hilarity is tamed down a bit as opposed to her more recent series.
Still amusing to a degree with a lot of on page steaminess as the couple falls in love. We know Wulf is next and I can’t wait for him to meet his fate. ...more
The Break-Up Pact by Emma Lord Contemporary romance. Second chance, friends to lovers, and fake relationship troupes. Trigger warnings of off page and The Break-Up Pact by Emma Lord Contemporary romance. Second chance, friends to lovers, and fake relationship troupes. Trigger warnings of off page and prior to story loss of a sibling. June and Levi were childhood friends. He moved to New York for a job and they soon lost touch. Ten years later, after both experience a viral public breakup, they find themselves together again at her boardwalk tea shop, tentatively renewing their friendship. The come up with a scheme to fake date after a second viral moment and the slowly realize they want their old relationship back and perhaps to make it real this time.
My Spirited Texan by Dakota Lacoy The Bradford Brothers of Honky Tonk, Texas series #6. Contemporary romance. Can be read as a stand-alone. Ben BradforMy Spirited Texan by Dakota Lacoy The Bradford Brothers of Honky Tonk, Texas series #6. Contemporary romance. Can be read as a stand-alone. Ben Bradford has never been ready to settle down. He’s popular with the women around town but has always made it clear he’s temporary. One night he meets a childhood friend at the local bar where she admits she wants a baby and is actively looking for a permanent relationship. Her announcement surprises Ben and he realizes he is ready as well. They make a wager to see who will get to the alter first. Games ensue when they realize they need to take their search out of town and maybe there are feelings between the two of them after all.
A bit of humor with the family and dating situations. Ben gets jealous but his love and leave ‘em habits are coming back to bite him. Thank goodness for frank speaking brothers. It’s an hea but Ben never actually won me over.
The Ex Vows by Jessica Joyce Contemporary romance. Second chance troupe. Georgia Woodward and Eli Mora were once a couple. But they were young and justThe Ex Vows by Jessica Joyce Contemporary romance. Second chance troupe. Georgia Woodward and Eli Mora were once a couple. But they were young and just starting out in life. Although they loved each other, they ended up going their separate ways. The major problem? Friends in common. And now they’ve both agreed to help with all the details of their mutual friend Adam’s wedding. They get is set with lots of strife and agreements. Then comes the wedding and one thing after another goes wrong. Can they pull off all the last minute changes without ruining the big day?
Georgia is the POV and has a lot of rules, lists, and feelings. Eli throws everything out the window and start over. Both with their lost relationship and all the wedding details. A lot of angst, and a lot of steam as they figure out what they want. It can be a bit raw at times. Eli is now willing to provide answers and speak about his feelings. I personally hate the third quarter breakup troupe, but it does give them time and space to settle and grow and figure out what they really want this time. Of course it’s a good ending. It’s romance. ...more
How to Fall for a Scoundrel by Kate Bateman Her Majesty’s Rebels series #2. Historical Detective agency romance. Alternating POV. Can be read as a stanHow to Fall for a Scoundrel by Kate Bateman Her Majesty’s Rebels series #2. Historical Detective agency romance. Alternating POV. Can be read as a stand-alone however the couple from the first book are included as minor secondary characters and the case is referred to in the epilogue. Eleanor Law delights in secretly proving that women can solve crimes just as well as men. She’s shocked while refusing a potential new client access to her fictional male boss when a charming con man introduces himself as the head of the private investigation firm. The women created the name from a dog! What does this man think he’s going to gain by declaring himself someone else? Forced to work with Harry Bobheur to find a missing manuscript, Ellie finds herself intrigued by the skills, knowledge and adaptability of the man. He’s glib and polished and charming and relatable all at the same time. It’s making Ellie a bit flustered. The longer they work together, the more she knows there are many layers under the surface he’s always careful to mask.
This was a delightful story with witty banter, a slight mystery and two personalities that click tightly together to capture the readers attention. Unlikely coincidence but one that you will fully buy into. With a slight leaning into benevolence, loved it. Captivating and charming.
Errands & Espionage by Sam Tschida Mystery, cozy style if a bit longer. Gabby Greene is a housewife, mother of two young children, burner of meatloaf, Errands & Espionage by Sam Tschida Mystery, cozy style if a bit longer. Gabby Greene is a housewife, mother of two young children, burner of meatloaf, and in the process of divorce. Laundry is a lot cause. Gabby is surprised by two secret government agents at her door one night. Apparently she is almost an exact double of an agent that was recently killed and they want Gabby’s help to finish the case against a local business man allegedly deal with the Russian mob. Gabby will have to figure out how to get the kids back and forth to school and activities when she agrees to go undercover. With a grandmother that defected from Russia as a young woman, Gabby knows a few words of Russian, so when a couple of mob men kidnap her when she’s taking out the garbage, she figures out what’s going on. An amateur in the spy business, Gabby does her best to learn and solve the problems no ordinarily housewife should have to deal with. When granny moves in with her boyfriend, it helps with taking care of the children, but why is she being nice and chatting with the men in the car parked at the end of the driveway? She should know how the mob works.
Lots of humorous action and slapstick, while the housewife does a better job undercover than expected. The children’s attitudes and actions are typical and add to the stress Gabby has but she clearly loves and supports them. Handsome co-agent Marcus is a temptation and it’s fun to see Gabby run circles around him. Better than I expected from an amateur spy story. Gabby is smart and figures things out even when asking friends to get involved without sharing the whole spy thing. I can easily see this becoming a series as the housewife out-spies the pros.
4th book in the Everlasting cozy mystery series. Each book stands alone by different authors with the town of paraWitchful Thinking by Kristen Painter
4th book in the Everlasting cozy mystery series. Each book stands alone by different authors with the town of paranormals in Maine in common. A novice witch is targeted by a witch hunter because she’s found a grimoire.
A cute and often amusing mystery with just a smidge of romance. A really fun town with a great concept. I hope they continue the series so we can learn more about the residents. Especially the sheriff and the calendar deputies.
I loved the beginning with emphasis on the importance of books in Charlotte’s life. Excerpt: “The offending object was still in Millie’s gaunt hands, a shabby thing about the size of a dictionary with a tattered leather cover and gilded pages that had long since lost their golden gleam. Shame. Charlotte loved books in any condition, but this one had not been well-cared for. “Maybe it could be restored—” “No.” Millie clucked her tongue and shook her head as she pulled the book away from Charlotte’s gaze. “This book should have been discarded, not donated. The title is completely worn off.” Pain clenched Charlotte’s heart a little. The thought of a book being discarded had that effect on her. Books were…well, everything. Millie tried to open the book and snorted. “And the pages have been glued together. Abominable.” She tossed the book into the trash bin. The heavy clunk of it dropping to the bottom pealed like a death knell through Charlotte’s soul as she went back to her cart of books. Even if the pages had been glued together, it could still be decorative. Books always looked nice on a shelf. Or under a plant. No book deserved such an inglorious end as the trash bin” Excerpt From Witchful Thinking by KristenPainter
Merged review:
Witchful Thinking by Kristen Painter
4th book in the Everlasting cozy mystery series. Each book stands alone by different authors with the town of paranormals in Maine in common. A novice witch is targeted by a witch hunter because she’s found a grimoire.
A cute and often amusing mystery with just a smidge of romance. A really fun town with a great concept. I hope they continue the series so we can learn more about the residents. Especially the sheriff and the calendar deputies.
I loved the beginning with emphasis on the importance of books in Charlotte’s life. Excerpt: “The offending object was still in Millie’s gaunt hands, a shabby thing about the size of a dictionary with a tattered leather cover and gilded pages that had long since lost their golden gleam. Shame. Charlotte loved books in any condition, but this one had not been well-cared for. “Maybe it could be restored—” “No.” Millie clucked her tongue and shook her head as she pulled the book away from Charlotte’s gaze. “This book should have been discarded, not donated. The title is completely worn off.” Pain clenched Charlotte’s heart a little. The thought of a book being discarded had that effect on her. Books were…well, everything. Millie tried to open the book and snorted. “And the pages have been glued together. Abominable.” She tossed the book into the trash bin. The heavy clunk of it dropping to the bottom pealed like a death knell through Charlotte’s soul as she went back to her cart of books. Even if the pages had been glued together, it could still be decorative. Books always looked nice on a shelf. Or under a plant. No book deserved such an inglorious end as the trash bin” Excerpt From Witchful Thinking by KristenPainter...more
He thinks she is adorable. Everything from the dimple in her smile, to her sweet innocence and clear want in her eyes. EvInnocent Target by Katie Reus
He thinks she is adorable. Everything from the dimple in her smile, to her sweet innocence and clear want in her eyes. Even the silly pajamas with the dogs all over them is adorable. He will change who he is for her. “He’d been drowning for a long time in his own loneliness and meeting Hadley had been like seeing the light. Because that’s what she was, a light in the darkness.” Not that she’s asking for him to change.
A romantic suspense novel. 4th in the Redemption Harbor series. Can be read as a stand alone but don’t miss the others. I’m so looking forward to reading the next book. Fantastic adventures and series. These are not “nice” men, but they are good and they will do anything to protect their family.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. I have also purchased a copy to gift.
Merged review:
Innocent Target by Katie Reus
He thinks she is adorable. Everything from the dimple in her smile, to her sweet innocence and clear want in her eyes. Even the silly pajamas with the dogs all over them is adorable. He will change who he is for her. “He’d been drowning for a long time in his own loneliness and meeting Hadley had been like seeing the light. Because that’s what she was, a light in the darkness.” Not that she’s asking for him to change.
A romantic suspense novel. 4th in the Redemption Harbor series. Can be read as a stand alone but don’t miss the others. I’m so looking forward to reading the next book. Fantastic adventures and series. These are not “nice” men, but they are good and they will do anything to protect their family.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. I have also purchased a copy to gift....more
House of Glass by Sarah Pekkanen Mystery, thriller. Lawyer Stella Hudson has a new case that eerily mimics her own history in some aspects. A nanny is House of Glass by Sarah Pekkanen Mystery, thriller. Lawyer Stella Hudson has a new case that eerily mimics her own history in some aspects. A nanny is dead, and the child, Rose Barclay has gone silent. Stella is an investigator assigned to uncover who in the family is a victim and who is a murderer. The house is all plastic with no glass to be found and answers are twisted as the family splits apart. Everyone is a suspect.
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