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1001 Dark Nights: Bundle Thirteen
From New York Times and USA Today bestselling authors Rebecca Zanetti, Shayla Black, Lauren Blakely, Liliana Hart, and introducing Molly E. Lee.
Five Dark Tales. Five Sensual Stories. Five Page Turners.
TRICKED: A Dark Protectors Novella by Rebecca Zanetti
Ronni Alexander had it all before a poison attacked her heart and gave her a death sentence. Now she has an opportunity to live if she mates a vampire. One night of sex and a good bite, and she’d live forever. Jared Reese agrees to help out his new sister in law by saving her friend’s life with a quick tussle in bed. But after one night with Ronni, he wants more.
DIRTY WICKED: A Wicked Lovers Novella by Shayla Black
After being framed for a crime he didn’t commit, Nick Navarro has nothing but revenge on his mind—until a woman from his past returns to beg for his help. Sasha Porter has been hunted by his enemies. Desperate, she offers him anything to keep her young daughter safe, even agreeing to become his mistress. The last thing either of them want are emotional entanglements but as they entrap the ruthless politician who arranged Nick’s downfall, passion sizzles between them.
THE ONLY ONE: A One Love Novella by Lauren Blakely
Let’s say there was this guy. And he gave you the most mind-blowing night of sex in your life. And you never saw him again. Until ten years later. Now, it turns out he’s the ONLY ONE in all of Manhattan whose restaurant is available for my charity’s event. The trouble is, he doesn’t recognize me.
* * * *
This woman I’m working with is so damn alluring. The first time I set eyes on her, I’m captivated and I can’t get her out of my mind. Even if it’s risky to tango with someone I’m working with, she’s a risk I’m willing to take. The trouble is, she won’t give me the time of day. But I’m determined to change that.
SWEET SURRENDER: A MacKenzie Family Novella by Liliana Hart
It’s been twelve years since Liza Carmichael stepped foot in Surrender, but after her great aunt’s death she has no choice but to return and settle her estate. After twenty-five years on the job, Lieutenant Grant Boone finds himself at loose ends now that he’s retired. The only thing Boone knows is that his future plans don’t include Liza Carmichael. She’s bossy, temperamental, and the confections she bakes are sweet enough to tempt a saint. Thank God he’s never pretended to be one.
EDGE OF CHAOS by Molly Lee
Three years into her Meteorology degree, Blake meets professional storm chaser, Dash Lexington, who is as gorgeous as he is daring. Instantly recognizing her passion and skills in analyzing weather data, he makes a spot for her on his tight-knit storm chasing team. Dash and Blake form a fast friendship and she can’t deny the lightning-worthy chemistry she has with Dash.
Every Dark Nights tale is breathtakingly sexy and magically romantic.
Five Dark Tales. Five Sensual Stories. Five Page Turners.
TRICKED: A Dark Protectors Novella by Rebecca Zanetti
Ronni Alexander had it all before a poison attacked her heart and gave her a death sentence. Now she has an opportunity to live if she mates a vampire. One night of sex and a good bite, and she’d live forever. Jared Reese agrees to help out his new sister in law by saving her friend’s life with a quick tussle in bed. But after one night with Ronni, he wants more.
DIRTY WICKED: A Wicked Lovers Novella by Shayla Black
After being framed for a crime he didn’t commit, Nick Navarro has nothing but revenge on his mind—until a woman from his past returns to beg for his help. Sasha Porter has been hunted by his enemies. Desperate, she offers him anything to keep her young daughter safe, even agreeing to become his mistress. The last thing either of them want are emotional entanglements but as they entrap the ruthless politician who arranged Nick’s downfall, passion sizzles between them.
THE ONLY ONE: A One Love Novella by Lauren Blakely
Let’s say there was this guy. And he gave you the most mind-blowing night of sex in your life. And you never saw him again. Until ten years later. Now, it turns out he’s the ONLY ONE in all of Manhattan whose restaurant is available for my charity’s event. The trouble is, he doesn’t recognize me.
* * * *
This woman I’m working with is so damn alluring. The first time I set eyes on her, I’m captivated and I can’t get her out of my mind. Even if it’s risky to tango with someone I’m working with, she’s a risk I’m willing to take. The trouble is, she won’t give me the time of day. But I’m determined to change that.
SWEET SURRENDER: A MacKenzie Family Novella by Liliana Hart
It’s been twelve years since Liza Carmichael stepped foot in Surrender, but after her great aunt’s death she has no choice but to return and settle her estate. After twenty-five years on the job, Lieutenant Grant Boone finds himself at loose ends now that he’s retired. The only thing Boone knows is that his future plans don’t include Liza Carmichael. She’s bossy, temperamental, and the confections she bakes are sweet enough to tempt a saint. Thank God he’s never pretended to be one.
EDGE OF CHAOS by Molly Lee
Three years into her Meteorology degree, Blake meets professional storm chaser, Dash Lexington, who is as gorgeous as he is daring. Instantly recognizing her passion and skills in analyzing weather data, he makes a spot for her on his tight-knit storm chasing team. Dash and Blake form a fast friendship and she can’t deny the lightning-worthy chemistry she has with Dash.
Every Dark Nights tale is breathtakingly sexy and magically romantic.
768 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 19, 2017
42 people are currently reading
446 people want to read
About the author
Rebecca Zanetti
120 books10k followersNew York Times, USA Today, Publisher’s Weekly and Wall Street Journal bestselling author Rebecca Zanetti has published more than seventy novels and novellas, which have been translated into several languages, with millions of copies sold world-wide. Her books have received Publisher’s Weekly and Kirkus starred reviews, favorable Washington Post and New York Times Book Reviews, and been included in Amazon best books of the year.
Rebecca has ridden in a locked Chevy trunk, has asked the unfortunate delivery guy to release her from a set of handcuffs, and has discovered the best silver mine shafts in which to bury a body…all in the name of research. Honest.
Rebecca has ridden in a locked Chevy trunk, has asked the unfortunate delivery guy to release her from a set of handcuffs, and has discovered the best silver mine shafts in which to bury a body…all in the name of research. Honest.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
December 24, 2017
Review at Of Pens and Pages.
1001 Dark Nights is back with a new bundle, a mix of supernatural, suspense, and some light and fluffier material. We have vampires, private investigators, chefs, cops, and even storm chasers, with different levels of alpha-ness. Different flavors for different tastes, so to speak. Overall, I was pretty satisfied with what I've read, and I added new books to read because of it.
TRICKED: A Dark Protectors Novella by Rebecca Zanetti—3.5 stars
I was in for a treat with my first Rebecca Zanetti read. Jam-packed with heat, action, and explosions, Tricked is about Ronni Alexander, a psychiatrist close to knocking at death's door, and Nick Navarro, the 400-year old vampire who saved her by becoming her mate. I'm not usually a fan of alpha heroes, but I don't know, for some reason if you add a supernatural element, now that, that for me is hot. Someone tried to kill Ronni, and she wants to know who did it. There are people after Nick and his men, too, so expect lots of fighting and running. The only thing I wasn't a complete fan of was Ronni's penchant for jumping into trouble—most often behind Nick's back—because she thinks she can do it (SHE CAN'T).
Tropes: Supernatural—vampires, Mates
POV: Third Person
DIRTY WICKED: A Wicked Lovers Novella by Shayla Black—DNF
This is the only novella I didn't finish in this bundle. It just wasn't for me. It bothered me that the heroine kept comparing her sexual experience with her dead husband while she was getting it on with the hero, who, I need to add, is said husband's best friend. Nothing wrong with the fact that the hero and heroine's husband were the best of friends, but it just rubbed me the wrong way the way she kept comparing them. I couldn't connect with the characters, and couldn't get with this pairing. Sorry.
Tropes: Single Mother, On the Run
POV: Third Person
THE ONLY ONE: A One Love Novella by Lauren Blakely—4.5 stars
Penny and Gabriel had a whirlwind romance in Barcelona that ended in heartbreak for Penny when he stood her up when they agreed to meet up again. Ten years later, with Gabriel now a successful chef and restauranteur and Penny focused on a non-profit organization for animals, they meet again in New York. Unfortunately, Gabriel doesn't recognize her at all. Penny has no choice but to work with the sexy Spanish chef since their event for the animal shelter needs a last-minute caterer and Gabriel's restaurant is the only one available.
There's a bit of mystery as to why Gabriel didn't meet up with her, and there's the thing about Penny not revealing who she is to him when they meet again. It's romantic, sweet, and steamy. There's some angst in there, but the tone of the story is still light. A story of two people who are meant to be.
Tropes: Second Chance
POV: First Person, Dual POV
SWEET SURRENDER: A MacKenzie Family Novella by Liliana Hart—4 stars
Liza is my favorite heroine in this bundle. She's a wild child, doesn't cower and bend when it comes to facing alpha men, confident in her own skin, and she knows how to cooperate when her life depends on it...unlike a certain woman who tries to do things on her own to show she's a "strong" woman, but I digress. Liza Carmichael, the woman who inherited the bakery at Surrender from her great aunt, and recently retired Lieutenant Grant Boone's first meeting went with a bang, literally. Grant's old assignment is catching up on him and Liza is dragged along with it when a person who's after Grant shoots at them at Liza's bakery. Now they have to run and hide to stay alive. This novella had a lot of suspense and action, in and out of bed, and a lot of chemistry.
Tropes: Small Town, On the Run, Cop
POV: Third Person
EDGE OF CHAOS by Molly Lee—4 stars
This novella, with its fair share of angst, is sweet, hopeful, and beautiful. Blake finds solace from her abusive relationship in meteorology, where she meets friends with the same passion, and Dash Lexington, the storm chaser. A strong and solid friendship forms between them as they run after tornadoes. I've never read a romance book about storm chasers and just storms in general, so it was really interesting to read that. Plus, I love Dash, patient, kind, loving, and understanding Dash. I also loved that this didn't feel rushed, their relationship especially, even if it was just a novella.
While it frustrated me that Blake didn't drop Justin's a** soon enough, I understand most abusive relationships are like that. The abused can't easily leave the relationship, sometimes being in denial at what's happening, and other times in fear of what would happen if they left. It felt realistic, her struggle, and I felt for her throughout the story.
Blake's old boyfriend Justin is a selfish d*ck. He gave little and took a lot, and he's an abusive man. He chose to become what he is, and no amount of tragic past can make his actions against Blake understandable.
Tropes: College, Friends to Lovers
POV: First Person, Female POV
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
1001 Dark Nights is back with a new bundle, a mix of supernatural, suspense, and some light and fluffier material. We have vampires, private investigators, chefs, cops, and even storm chasers, with different levels of alpha-ness. Different flavors for different tastes, so to speak. Overall, I was pretty satisfied with what I've read, and I added new books to read because of it.
TRICKED: A Dark Protectors Novella by Rebecca Zanetti—3.5 stars
I was in for a treat with my first Rebecca Zanetti read. Jam-packed with heat, action, and explosions, Tricked is about Ronni Alexander, a psychiatrist close to knocking at death's door, and Nick Navarro, the 400-year old vampire who saved her by becoming her mate. I'm not usually a fan of alpha heroes, but I don't know, for some reason if you add a supernatural element, now that, that for me is hot. Someone tried to kill Ronni, and she wants to know who did it. There are people after Nick and his men, too, so expect lots of fighting and running. The only thing I wasn't a complete fan of was Ronni's penchant for jumping into trouble—most often behind Nick's back—because she thinks she can do it (SHE CAN'T).
Tropes: Supernatural—vampires, Mates
POV: Third Person
DIRTY WICKED: A Wicked Lovers Novella by Shayla Black—DNF
This is the only novella I didn't finish in this bundle. It just wasn't for me. It bothered me that the heroine kept comparing her sexual experience with her dead husband while she was getting it on with the hero, who, I need to add, is said husband's best friend. Nothing wrong with the fact that the hero and heroine's husband were the best of friends, but it just rubbed me the wrong way the way she kept comparing them. I couldn't connect with the characters, and couldn't get with this pairing. Sorry.
Tropes: Single Mother, On the Run
POV: Third Person
THE ONLY ONE: A One Love Novella by Lauren Blakely—4.5 stars
Penny and Gabriel had a whirlwind romance in Barcelona that ended in heartbreak for Penny when he stood her up when they agreed to meet up again. Ten years later, with Gabriel now a successful chef and restauranteur and Penny focused on a non-profit organization for animals, they meet again in New York. Unfortunately, Gabriel doesn't recognize her at all. Penny has no choice but to work with the sexy Spanish chef since their event for the animal shelter needs a last-minute caterer and Gabriel's restaurant is the only one available.
There's a bit of mystery as to why Gabriel didn't meet up with her, and there's the thing about Penny not revealing who she is to him when they meet again. It's romantic, sweet, and steamy. There's some angst in there, but the tone of the story is still light. A story of two people who are meant to be.
Tropes: Second Chance
POV: First Person, Dual POV
SWEET SURRENDER: A MacKenzie Family Novella by Liliana Hart—4 stars
Liza is my favorite heroine in this bundle. She's a wild child, doesn't cower and bend when it comes to facing alpha men, confident in her own skin, and she knows how to cooperate when her life depends on it...unlike a certain woman who tries to do things on her own to show she's a "strong" woman, but I digress. Liza Carmichael, the woman who inherited the bakery at Surrender from her great aunt, and recently retired Lieutenant Grant Boone's first meeting went with a bang, literally. Grant's old assignment is catching up on him and Liza is dragged along with it when a person who's after Grant shoots at them at Liza's bakery. Now they have to run and hide to stay alive. This novella had a lot of suspense and action, in and out of bed, and a lot of chemistry.
Tropes: Small Town, On the Run, Cop
POV: Third Person
EDGE OF CHAOS by Molly Lee—4 stars
This novella, with its fair share of angst, is sweet, hopeful, and beautiful. Blake finds solace from her abusive relationship in meteorology, where she meets friends with the same passion, and Dash Lexington, the storm chaser. A strong and solid friendship forms between them as they run after tornadoes. I've never read a romance book about storm chasers and just storms in general, so it was really interesting to read that. Plus, I love Dash, patient, kind, loving, and understanding Dash. I also loved that this didn't feel rushed, their relationship especially, even if it was just a novella.
While it frustrated me that Blake didn't drop Justin's a** soon enough, I understand most abusive relationships are like that. The abused can't easily leave the relationship, sometimes being in denial at what's happening, and other times in fear of what would happen if they left. It felt realistic, her struggle, and I felt for her throughout the story.
Blake's old boyfriend Justin is a selfish d*ck. He gave little and took a lot, and he's an abusive man. He chose to become what he is, and no amount of tragic past can make his actions against Blake understandable.
Tropes: College, Friends to Lovers
POV: First Person, Female POV
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
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January 9, 2018
Rebecca Zanetti is back with another smoking hot vampire who never intended to mate until he discovers a woman dying from a strange and incurable poison that is quickly bringing her life and her heart to an end. Jared has made a promise and is willing to make the ultimate eternal sacrifice to save his sister-in-law’s best friend from dying. Convincing himself that it is so he may spend more time with his brother Chalton, Jared will mate and make Ronni Alexander immortal, in effect, curing her.
Ronni has always been a strong and independent professional woman, but with her life slowly ebbing away, she must make the most incredible decision of her life. Mate a control freak vampire? Will Ronni go along with the plan? It isn’t like they HAVE to spend eternity together, Jared could go on his merry way and Ronni could go on with her not-so-human life. Or, are they both in for fate’s eternal twists as they discover something worth nurturing through the ages?
TRICKED is another fabulous read from Rebecca Zanetti with another strong and independent heroine and her over-the-top vampire! Leave it to Ms. Zanetti to find the right measures of heat, humor and fantasy in another carefully crafted read that will leave readers as satisfied as a box full of chocolates!
Shayla Black’s DIRTY WICKED is the story of a man embittered by revenge after being imprisoned for a crime he didn’t commit. The last person he expected on his doorstep, equally as alone and desperate was his best friend’s widow, her baby girl in her arms. Sasha is running from the same people who set Nick up. She has promised to do anything, if only he could help them. Now racing against time and a powerful enemy, two souls will find more than an ally in each other’s arms.
Ms. Black has created a high-tension tale in this short novella that almost scorches off the pages with grit.
THE ONLY ONE A One Love Novella by Lauren Blakely proves that real love has no limits, not time or distance. Three glorious days in Barcelona, promises to meet up again in New York, it was the perfect love story, until only Penny showed up and Gabriel didn’t. For ten years, Penny never forgot the man who had stolen then crushed her heart, and yet, Fate had either a cruel sense of humor or a plan.
What was supposed to be a business meeting became a re-opening of an old wound as Penny comes face to face with Gabriel and he registers absolutely nothing. Has he forgotten her?
A sweet and sizzling second chance romance that almost wasn’t. When Fate steps in, sometimes Destiny needs to light the way with an ever hotter flame!
SWEET SURRENDER, A MacKenzie Family Novella by Liliana Hart, a little sugar and a lot of spice! …And you thought chocolate was sinful temptation? Wait until you witness the feisty Liza Carmichael and the snarly Grant Boone. Neither of them are looking for what they find in each other, passionate emotions, and an appetite for pleasure, not to mention a place to belong.
Grant, a recently retired Detroit cop is at loose ends, not sure what to do with himself now that he no longer carries a badge. Liza never planned on setting foot in Surrender again, but when her great aunt died, it was up to her to settle her estate, including figuring out what to do with the family bakery. Little did either of them realize that owning a bakery could be deadly, but someone is out there and Liza could be the target. Sometimes the worst of times brings out the best reasons to stick around and looks like these two are sticking very close to each other….very close ;)
EDGE OF CHAOS by Molly Lee is like the calm in the eye of a romantic storm. Blake’s love life was like a tsunami she has struggled to survive. Her abusive ex has destroyed her feelings of worth and ability to stand strong. Enter Dash, professional storm chaser, daredevil, risk taker and possibly the best friend she has ever had. Who knew a man who risked his life to record major weather events could be so stable and caring? Will Blake take a chance and trust in love?
Could Dash be exactly what Blake needs to learn what a loving relationship should be like? First Blake must learn to love and value herself, maybe she just needs to see herself through Dash’s eyes.
If the storms don’t blow you away, Dash just might! All he is missing is the shining armor! A romantic read that will make you smile!
Each story is riveting in its own right. Different styles, different authors, like a beautiful collage of great reading to feast upon, some a little more spicy, some kind of sweet! What a perfect way to discover another talented author!
Publisher: Evil Eye Concepts, Incorporated (December 19, 2017)
Publication Date: December 19, 2017
Genre: Anthology - Romance
Print Length: 895 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Ronni has always been a strong and independent professional woman, but with her life slowly ebbing away, she must make the most incredible decision of her life. Mate a control freak vampire? Will Ronni go along with the plan? It isn’t like they HAVE to spend eternity together, Jared could go on his merry way and Ronni could go on with her not-so-human life. Or, are they both in for fate’s eternal twists as they discover something worth nurturing through the ages?
TRICKED is another fabulous read from Rebecca Zanetti with another strong and independent heroine and her over-the-top vampire! Leave it to Ms. Zanetti to find the right measures of heat, humor and fantasy in another carefully crafted read that will leave readers as satisfied as a box full of chocolates!
Shayla Black’s DIRTY WICKED is the story of a man embittered by revenge after being imprisoned for a crime he didn’t commit. The last person he expected on his doorstep, equally as alone and desperate was his best friend’s widow, her baby girl in her arms. Sasha is running from the same people who set Nick up. She has promised to do anything, if only he could help them. Now racing against time and a powerful enemy, two souls will find more than an ally in each other’s arms.
Ms. Black has created a high-tension tale in this short novella that almost scorches off the pages with grit.
THE ONLY ONE A One Love Novella by Lauren Blakely proves that real love has no limits, not time or distance. Three glorious days in Barcelona, promises to meet up again in New York, it was the perfect love story, until only Penny showed up and Gabriel didn’t. For ten years, Penny never forgot the man who had stolen then crushed her heart, and yet, Fate had either a cruel sense of humor or a plan.
What was supposed to be a business meeting became a re-opening of an old wound as Penny comes face to face with Gabriel and he registers absolutely nothing. Has he forgotten her?
A sweet and sizzling second chance romance that almost wasn’t. When Fate steps in, sometimes Destiny needs to light the way with an ever hotter flame!
SWEET SURRENDER, A MacKenzie Family Novella by Liliana Hart, a little sugar and a lot of spice! …And you thought chocolate was sinful temptation? Wait until you witness the feisty Liza Carmichael and the snarly Grant Boone. Neither of them are looking for what they find in each other, passionate emotions, and an appetite for pleasure, not to mention a place to belong.
Grant, a recently retired Detroit cop is at loose ends, not sure what to do with himself now that he no longer carries a badge. Liza never planned on setting foot in Surrender again, but when her great aunt died, it was up to her to settle her estate, including figuring out what to do with the family bakery. Little did either of them realize that owning a bakery could be deadly, but someone is out there and Liza could be the target. Sometimes the worst of times brings out the best reasons to stick around and looks like these two are sticking very close to each other….very close ;)
EDGE OF CHAOS by Molly Lee is like the calm in the eye of a romantic storm. Blake’s love life was like a tsunami she has struggled to survive. Her abusive ex has destroyed her feelings of worth and ability to stand strong. Enter Dash, professional storm chaser, daredevil, risk taker and possibly the best friend she has ever had. Who knew a man who risked his life to record major weather events could be so stable and caring? Will Blake take a chance and trust in love?
Could Dash be exactly what Blake needs to learn what a loving relationship should be like? First Blake must learn to love and value herself, maybe she just needs to see herself through Dash’s eyes.
If the storms don’t blow you away, Dash just might! All he is missing is the shining armor! A romantic read that will make you smile!
Each story is riveting in its own right. Different styles, different authors, like a beautiful collage of great reading to feast upon, some a little more spicy, some kind of sweet! What a perfect way to discover another talented author!
Publisher: Evil Eye Concepts, Incorporated (December 19, 2017)
Publication Date: December 19, 2017
Genre: Anthology - Romance
Print Length: 895 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
December 20, 2017
It's LIVE!! http://bit.ly/2B0vGga
One of my favorite things about anthologies is discovering new authors. Nothing hits me in the gut quite like finding someone new who is equally capable of rocking my world. And the 1001 Dark Nights franchise delivers that in spades! Bundle 13 includes: TRICKED by Rebecca Zanetti, DIRTY WICKED by Shayla Black, THE ONLY ONE by Lauren Blakely, SWEET SURRENDER by Liliana Hart, and EDGE OF CHAOS by Molly Lee. See, I’ve already read and reviewed and loved the books from this bundle… except for one. I got to finally read from Mz. Molly and I enjoyed the heck out of that ride. So without further ado, here are my reviews for these five incredible page turners!
TRICKED by Rebecca Zanetti - 4 stars
WOW!! What a delightfully intense novella. Somehow Rebecca Zanetti found a way to pack a full story into a few pages, giving enough to satisfy me while at the same time I'm clamoring for more!
Jared Reese was a 400+ year old vampire who was tasked with saving the life of his sister-in-law's BFF, Veronica. You see, Veronica had been poisoned and now had only days to live. However, the mating between these two characters would not only cure her, but also grant her immortality.
There were so many unrealistic elements to this story but it was part of what made it amazing. These unrealistic elements are part of what I love and appreciate so much of Paranormal Romance. Jared was oh so sexy, Alpha, scary, intelligent, protective and dominant. Veronica was smart and sassy, the perfect match for the strong and vicious vamp.
Now I am excited to add not only the rest of this author's work to my TBR because her writing was THAT GOOD, but I'm also adding the short stories that comprise the 1001 Dark Nights anthology.
Genre: Paranormal & Romantic Suspense
POV: Dual - 3rd person
DIRTY WICKED by Shayla Black - 4 stars
Short. Intense. Sexy. Suspenseful.
Nick has just gotten out of prison after being framed for a crime he didn't commit. Intent on getting revenge, he realizes he needs some help. Well, speak of the Angel. Sasha, the widow of his best friend, shows up with her baby girl in tow. Their running from the same people who not only set Nick up, but who killed her husband. It's a race against time, danger and death. But these two can't outrun their own desire for each other, which made for a pretty sweet ending.
Shayla Black hit this one out of the park. No surprise. This didn't read like a novella but it definitely left me wanting more.
THE ONLY ONE by Lauren Blakely - 4 stars
I liked this one. I liked it a lot. The story had very little drama, tons of steam, and oodles of sappy romance.
Ten years ago, Gabriel and Penny met and had three gloriously intimate days together. In love, they decide to meet up again in NY in a week to reunite in the city in which they'll both be building/starting their lives in. One week later, Penny is the only one who shows up. Fast forward 10 years and fate decides to step in the reunite this pair. And what a hot little reunion it was!
A short and sweet story about the role of destiny and about what can happen when "the one who got away"... comes back ;)
SWEET SURRENDER by Liliana Hart - 4 stars
This book was short, a little sweet, had many moments of high suspense, and was oh so sexy.
Grant was in Surrender after being forced to retire from the Detroit PD. He was a little bitter and a little lost when it came to deciding what he wanted to do with the rest of his life. He came to rest in Surrender at the request of his best friend while trying to figure out his next steps. Liza came to Surrender after the death of her aunt in order to settle her estate, which included the family bakery. Although a talented baker, her intention is to sell and get gone.
When these two characters meet, things heat up pretty quickly, in more ways than one. While they share an intense sexual chemistry and some obvious flirtation, shots are fired into the front window of the bakery. This is when the suspense part of the story started to rule the plot. Between trying to evade a trained killer and learning about each other and giving into their attraction, a lot happens. And all in just 24 hours!!
I'm new to this author but I must say that this was an entertaining little read. I'm definitely curious enough to try something else if this novella was anything to go by.
EDGE OF CHAOS by Molly E. Lee - 4 stars
Edge of Chaos read like a modern-day, new adult version of Twister. You remember that movie with Bill Paxton and Helen Hunt?
Those storms are no joke. Reading this story reminded me of why I love being a Canadian in Canada. No twisters!
Blake has been in an abusive relationship with her childhood friend, Justin, for so long that his vitriol is her new normal. She’s not the girl she used to be and has allowed herself to be brow-beaten, shoved aside, and disrespected. Her life lacks that special sizzle, but she can’t get out without worrying that Justin will do something drastic. She finds a new passion in meteorology, which leads her to a new group of friends and head of the gang is a storm chaser named Dash. A man she has an instant connection with. A man who has her questioning everything she’s accepted from her boyfriend. A man who not only listens, but opens her eyes to a new life. But will Blake allow herself to see?
I absolutely loved Dash. I would have given my right leg to get his perspective, but even through the lack of it, his charm, humor, and integrity shone brightly. He was such an interesting and complex character and I think that was illustrated clearly with every interaction he had with Blake. He was so patient, kind and understanding with her. He gave her exactly what she needed, even when she didn’t know she needed it. Whether it was a shoulder to cry on, a listening ear, or to give advice. He was always there… waiting.
I was waiting too. Waiting for him to get the girl. Waiting for him to find his happy. Waiting… waiting… waiting...
While Blake frustrated me immensely with her ‘I’m sorry’ and ‘poor me’ and self-blame nonsense, I understood it. It made the fact that she was a victim of her abusive relationship a focus of this story. It made her unwillingness to escape, the excuses she made, and her utter blindness to what was staring her in the face that much more realistic. So while I was internally screaming at her to fight, I knew that it was a process. That the build up of all that angst had to burst sometime.
I wasn’t completely satisfied with the ending. It was a HFN and I think these characters really deserved a HEA. However, I’ve noticed that this was just book one of a series and there is another book for these characters, so I’ll be sure to read that. If you’re a fan of angst-driven plots with tons of adventure, you’re really going to enjoy this story!
If you haven’t already grabbed one of these bundles to discover new authors for yourself, what are you waiting for? They’re sensual, intoxicating, and pack enough drama to tantalize the sensibilities of any devout romance reader. I can’t recommend the 1001 Dark Nights novellas enough!
One of my favorite things about anthologies is discovering new authors. Nothing hits me in the gut quite like finding someone new who is equally capable of rocking my world. And the 1001 Dark Nights franchise delivers that in spades! Bundle 13 includes: TRICKED by Rebecca Zanetti, DIRTY WICKED by Shayla Black, THE ONLY ONE by Lauren Blakely, SWEET SURRENDER by Liliana Hart, and EDGE OF CHAOS by Molly Lee. See, I’ve already read and reviewed and loved the books from this bundle… except for one. I got to finally read from Mz. Molly and I enjoyed the heck out of that ride. So without further ado, here are my reviews for these five incredible page turners!
TRICKED by Rebecca Zanetti - 4 stars
WOW!! What a delightfully intense novella. Somehow Rebecca Zanetti found a way to pack a full story into a few pages, giving enough to satisfy me while at the same time I'm clamoring for more!
Jared Reese was a 400+ year old vampire who was tasked with saving the life of his sister-in-law's BFF, Veronica. You see, Veronica had been poisoned and now had only days to live. However, the mating between these two characters would not only cure her, but also grant her immortality.
There were so many unrealistic elements to this story but it was part of what made it amazing. These unrealistic elements are part of what I love and appreciate so much of Paranormal Romance. Jared was oh so sexy, Alpha, scary, intelligent, protective and dominant. Veronica was smart and sassy, the perfect match for the strong and vicious vamp.
Now I am excited to add not only the rest of this author's work to my TBR because her writing was THAT GOOD, but I'm also adding the short stories that comprise the 1001 Dark Nights anthology.
Genre: Paranormal & Romantic Suspense
POV: Dual - 3rd person
DIRTY WICKED by Shayla Black - 4 stars
Short. Intense. Sexy. Suspenseful.
Nick has just gotten out of prison after being framed for a crime he didn't commit. Intent on getting revenge, he realizes he needs some help. Well, speak of the Angel. Sasha, the widow of his best friend, shows up with her baby girl in tow. Their running from the same people who not only set Nick up, but who killed her husband. It's a race against time, danger and death. But these two can't outrun their own desire for each other, which made for a pretty sweet ending.
Shayla Black hit this one out of the park. No surprise. This didn't read like a novella but it definitely left me wanting more.
THE ONLY ONE by Lauren Blakely - 4 stars
I liked this one. I liked it a lot. The story had very little drama, tons of steam, and oodles of sappy romance.
Ten years ago, Gabriel and Penny met and had three gloriously intimate days together. In love, they decide to meet up again in NY in a week to reunite in the city in which they'll both be building/starting their lives in. One week later, Penny is the only one who shows up. Fast forward 10 years and fate decides to step in the reunite this pair. And what a hot little reunion it was!
A short and sweet story about the role of destiny and about what can happen when "the one who got away"... comes back ;)
SWEET SURRENDER by Liliana Hart - 4 stars
This book was short, a little sweet, had many moments of high suspense, and was oh so sexy.
Grant was in Surrender after being forced to retire from the Detroit PD. He was a little bitter and a little lost when it came to deciding what he wanted to do with the rest of his life. He came to rest in Surrender at the request of his best friend while trying to figure out his next steps. Liza came to Surrender after the death of her aunt in order to settle her estate, which included the family bakery. Although a talented baker, her intention is to sell and get gone.
When these two characters meet, things heat up pretty quickly, in more ways than one. While they share an intense sexual chemistry and some obvious flirtation, shots are fired into the front window of the bakery. This is when the suspense part of the story started to rule the plot. Between trying to evade a trained killer and learning about each other and giving into their attraction, a lot happens. And all in just 24 hours!!
I'm new to this author but I must say that this was an entertaining little read. I'm definitely curious enough to try something else if this novella was anything to go by.
EDGE OF CHAOS by Molly E. Lee - 4 stars
Edge of Chaos read like a modern-day, new adult version of Twister. You remember that movie with Bill Paxton and Helen Hunt?
Those storms are no joke. Reading this story reminded me of why I love being a Canadian in Canada. No twisters!
Blake has been in an abusive relationship with her childhood friend, Justin, for so long that his vitriol is her new normal. She’s not the girl she used to be and has allowed herself to be brow-beaten, shoved aside, and disrespected. Her life lacks that special sizzle, but she can’t get out without worrying that Justin will do something drastic. She finds a new passion in meteorology, which leads her to a new group of friends and head of the gang is a storm chaser named Dash. A man she has an instant connection with. A man who has her questioning everything she’s accepted from her boyfriend. A man who not only listens, but opens her eyes to a new life. But will Blake allow herself to see?
I absolutely loved Dash. I would have given my right leg to get his perspective, but even through the lack of it, his charm, humor, and integrity shone brightly. He was such an interesting and complex character and I think that was illustrated clearly with every interaction he had with Blake. He was so patient, kind and understanding with her. He gave her exactly what she needed, even when she didn’t know she needed it. Whether it was a shoulder to cry on, a listening ear, or to give advice. He was always there… waiting.
I was waiting too. Waiting for him to get the girl. Waiting for him to find his happy. Waiting… waiting… waiting...
While Blake frustrated me immensely with her ‘I’m sorry’ and ‘poor me’ and self-blame nonsense, I understood it. It made the fact that she was a victim of her abusive relationship a focus of this story. It made her unwillingness to escape, the excuses she made, and her utter blindness to what was staring her in the face that much more realistic. So while I was internally screaming at her to fight, I knew that it was a process. That the build up of all that angst had to burst sometime.
I wasn’t completely satisfied with the ending. It was a HFN and I think these characters really deserved a HEA. However, I’ve noticed that this was just book one of a series and there is another book for these characters, so I’ll be sure to read that. If you’re a fan of angst-driven plots with tons of adventure, you’re really going to enjoy this story!
If you haven’t already grabbed one of these bundles to discover new authors for yourself, what are you waiting for? They’re sensual, intoxicating, and pack enough drama to tantalize the sensibilities of any devout romance reader. I can’t recommend the 1001 Dark Nights novellas enough!
December 20, 2017
I’ve read were about two of the three Reese brothers, and Jared Reese meets his ‘arranged mate’ through Chalton’s girl, Olivia, who just so happens to be Ronni Alexander’s best friend and the woman who needs Jared’s help in order to save her life.
‘Sex with a bite’
That’s Ronni’s rather simplistic view about her potential mating with an ex-pirate vampire who vowed to never love again….a male who wants her submission as well as a permanent bond between them, which means he has her back at all times, even when she doesn’t need nor want to be anyone’s responsibility.
There’s definitely a power play between Jared and Ronni as they figure out how to be mated without losing their own identities while feeling an inexplicable pull towards one another, not just for physical release but to serve as a leveling agent for their anger as well as their pain, and what neither Ronni nor Jared ever anticipated was finding the one partner who could both spar with and tame the other at the same time, illustrating just how good they are for one another and just how easily a necessary connection between the two of them in order to allow Ronni to live another day turned into everything they never knew they wanted!
I really enjoyed Tricked and the way that Jared and Ronni work to prove themselves to one another as well as to themselves. What’s most interesting about this arranged couple is how alike they are and how easily they push one another’s buttons. Jared is a stubborn alpha male who isn’t used to someone calling him on his shit and frustrating the ever loving hell out of him, but that’s what makes the dynamics between him and Ronni much more exhilarating than any other woman he’s been with, especially the one Jared thought owned his heart and soul.
I don’t get to read many paranormal romances anymore, so Jared and Ronni’s story allowed me to head back into a genre that I adore and their book kept me intrigued as well as eager to see them truly claim one another as their true mate.
4 Poison Apples
DIRTY WICKED
A Wicked Lovers Novella by Shayla Black
Review
Even in a short novella, Shayla Black shows the complexities of her characters by offering readers an intimate perspective into what her hero and heroine are thinking and feeling and the maelstrom that brews within them for not only revenge but passion as well.
Nick Navarro and Sarah Porter are hesitant to show their true feelings for each other because they’re both in precarious positions…not only is Sarah on the run, attempting to escape the devious plans of a madman who wants her dead, but Nick’s relationship with Sarah’s deceased husband as well as his need to protect her and her child causes him to perfect his a**hole façade and do what needs to be done in order to keep them safe.
But the heart and body want what they want, and Nick definitely wants and needs to indulge in the woman who owns his heart, even if he’s bad for her…even if he feels like he’s betraying his friend. Nick’s always felt a connection to Sarah, and now that she’s with him, there’s an urgent need to dirty her up and claim her as his and despite his misgivings and the common enemy who’s hunting them, their wicked sides come out to play and prove that in the midst of chaos, passion wins out.
Nick and Sarah’s story is a definite guilty pleasure; it’s a dirty, wicked read that brings passion, suspense, and intrigue to its readers and offers an escape from the mundane into a world of raw feelings, duplicitous acts, and decadent moments.
4 Poison Apples
THE ONLY ONE
A One Love Novella by Lauren Blakely
Review
Lauren Blakely is a fantastic storyteller who is always able to infuse an array of feelings as well as depth of character in her stories, even in her shorter works, which allows readers to truly understand what’s at stake for the hero and heroine and how they feel about the events and situations that they find themselves in when it comes to matters of the heart.
In her newest release, The Only One, Blakely focuses on the ideas of Fate and second chances, suggesting that people’s journey in life may not go according to their plans, but it’s a path that they are supposed to be on and learn from despite the pain and heartbreak it may cause at certain points along the way.
Penelope “Penny” Jones is no stranger to destiny’s machinations; 10 years ago, for three glorious nights, she gave her heart and her body to Gabriel and felt a connection to him unlike any she has experienced after he stood her up when she was 21 years old. But despite those ill-fated memories, Penny took control of her life and committed herself to doing a job she loves and living a life that might not be filled with passion, but it’s one that makes her happy.
But then Fate decided it wasn’t done with Penny and Gabriel and worked its magic to give them a second chance, proving that the chemistry, passion, and longing they felt ten years ago still exists between them and is worth trying again, despite the fear of the past repeating itself.
The Only One is a passionate and fate-driven second chance love story that focuses on living and loving in the present without allowing the past to interfere. From their initial meeting 10 years after their time together, it’s clear that Penny and Gabriel are “it” for one another and Blakely does a great job of illustrating both characters’ personal growth as well as their maturity in handling their current relationship because of the years that have passed and the knowledge that’s been gained.
Fate can be a fickle thing at times, but it can also be exactly what is needed to understand what should truly matter in life and in love.
4.5 Poison Apples
SWEET SURRENDER
A MacKenzie Family Novella by Liliana Hart
Review
The great thing about the 1001 Dark Nights’ collections is that romance readers get to meet new to us authors or even series that we would never had the opportunity to be introduced to without such bundles being released.
I’ve seen Liliana Hart’s name as well as her MacKenzie family series on other romance blogs, and I was instantly intrigued by her small town setting and her characters who seem to a pulse on everything that occurs in Surrender, Montana.
Sweet Surrender is absolutely the perfect title for Grant Boone and Liza Carmichael’s novella. They both are not from this cozy little community, but contrary to their supposed need for a bigger and more hectic life, they can’t help but surrender to what they find in each other, so despite Liza’s resolute decision to sell and move on with her life, Grant gives her more than one reason to stay and become acquainted with all the benefits of sweet surrender and the small town that brought them together.
Grant and Liza’s short story is packed with suspense and steam and even though a MacKenzie is not the focal point of the book, they’re still working behind the scenes to ensure their community remains intact when chaos’ path reaches it.
4 Poison Apples (The Fairest of All Book Reviews)
‘Sex with a bite’
That’s Ronni’s rather simplistic view about her potential mating with an ex-pirate vampire who vowed to never love again….a male who wants her submission as well as a permanent bond between them, which means he has her back at all times, even when she doesn’t need nor want to be anyone’s responsibility.
There’s definitely a power play between Jared and Ronni as they figure out how to be mated without losing their own identities while feeling an inexplicable pull towards one another, not just for physical release but to serve as a leveling agent for their anger as well as their pain, and what neither Ronni nor Jared ever anticipated was finding the one partner who could both spar with and tame the other at the same time, illustrating just how good they are for one another and just how easily a necessary connection between the two of them in order to allow Ronni to live another day turned into everything they never knew they wanted!
I really enjoyed Tricked and the way that Jared and Ronni work to prove themselves to one another as well as to themselves. What’s most interesting about this arranged couple is how alike they are and how easily they push one another’s buttons. Jared is a stubborn alpha male who isn’t used to someone calling him on his shit and frustrating the ever loving hell out of him, but that’s what makes the dynamics between him and Ronni much more exhilarating than any other woman he’s been with, especially the one Jared thought owned his heart and soul.
I don’t get to read many paranormal romances anymore, so Jared and Ronni’s story allowed me to head back into a genre that I adore and their book kept me intrigued as well as eager to see them truly claim one another as their true mate.
4 Poison Apples
DIRTY WICKED
A Wicked Lovers Novella by Shayla Black
Review
Even in a short novella, Shayla Black shows the complexities of her characters by offering readers an intimate perspective into what her hero and heroine are thinking and feeling and the maelstrom that brews within them for not only revenge but passion as well.
Nick Navarro and Sarah Porter are hesitant to show their true feelings for each other because they’re both in precarious positions…not only is Sarah on the run, attempting to escape the devious plans of a madman who wants her dead, but Nick’s relationship with Sarah’s deceased husband as well as his need to protect her and her child causes him to perfect his a**hole façade and do what needs to be done in order to keep them safe.
But the heart and body want what they want, and Nick definitely wants and needs to indulge in the woman who owns his heart, even if he’s bad for her…even if he feels like he’s betraying his friend. Nick’s always felt a connection to Sarah, and now that she’s with him, there’s an urgent need to dirty her up and claim her as his and despite his misgivings and the common enemy who’s hunting them, their wicked sides come out to play and prove that in the midst of chaos, passion wins out.
Nick and Sarah’s story is a definite guilty pleasure; it’s a dirty, wicked read that brings passion, suspense, and intrigue to its readers and offers an escape from the mundane into a world of raw feelings, duplicitous acts, and decadent moments.
4 Poison Apples
THE ONLY ONE
A One Love Novella by Lauren Blakely
Review
Lauren Blakely is a fantastic storyteller who is always able to infuse an array of feelings as well as depth of character in her stories, even in her shorter works, which allows readers to truly understand what’s at stake for the hero and heroine and how they feel about the events and situations that they find themselves in when it comes to matters of the heart.
In her newest release, The Only One, Blakely focuses on the ideas of Fate and second chances, suggesting that people’s journey in life may not go according to their plans, but it’s a path that they are supposed to be on and learn from despite the pain and heartbreak it may cause at certain points along the way.
Penelope “Penny” Jones is no stranger to destiny’s machinations; 10 years ago, for three glorious nights, she gave her heart and her body to Gabriel and felt a connection to him unlike any she has experienced after he stood her up when she was 21 years old. But despite those ill-fated memories, Penny took control of her life and committed herself to doing a job she loves and living a life that might not be filled with passion, but it’s one that makes her happy.
But then Fate decided it wasn’t done with Penny and Gabriel and worked its magic to give them a second chance, proving that the chemistry, passion, and longing they felt ten years ago still exists between them and is worth trying again, despite the fear of the past repeating itself.
The Only One is a passionate and fate-driven second chance love story that focuses on living and loving in the present without allowing the past to interfere. From their initial meeting 10 years after their time together, it’s clear that Penny and Gabriel are “it” for one another and Blakely does a great job of illustrating both characters’ personal growth as well as their maturity in handling their current relationship because of the years that have passed and the knowledge that’s been gained.
Fate can be a fickle thing at times, but it can also be exactly what is needed to understand what should truly matter in life and in love.
4.5 Poison Apples
SWEET SURRENDER
A MacKenzie Family Novella by Liliana Hart
Review
The great thing about the 1001 Dark Nights’ collections is that romance readers get to meet new to us authors or even series that we would never had the opportunity to be introduced to without such bundles being released.
I’ve seen Liliana Hart’s name as well as her MacKenzie family series on other romance blogs, and I was instantly intrigued by her small town setting and her characters who seem to a pulse on everything that occurs in Surrender, Montana.
Sweet Surrender is absolutely the perfect title for Grant Boone and Liza Carmichael’s novella. They both are not from this cozy little community, but contrary to their supposed need for a bigger and more hectic life, they can’t help but surrender to what they find in each other, so despite Liza’s resolute decision to sell and move on with her life, Grant gives her more than one reason to stay and become acquainted with all the benefits of sweet surrender and the small town that brought them together.
Grant and Liza’s short story is packed with suspense and steam and even though a MacKenzie is not the focal point of the book, they’re still working behind the scenes to ensure their community remains intact when chaos’ path reaches it.
4 Poison Apples (The Fairest of All Book Reviews)
December 21, 2017
3.75 stars. This was a pretty good anthology! I think this was kind of a mixed bag of genres and stories. I enjoyed them all, but some more than others.
Here are my thoughts:
TRICKED: A Dark Protectors Novella by Rebecca Zanetti - 4 stars. This was really good PNR/suspense. This is the story of Ronni, who is dying of a heart problem, and Jared, a vampire. Ronni's best friend is married/mated to Jared's brother. In an arranged mating, Jared agrees to mate Ronni to save her life (and make her immortal). He doesn't think he will fall in love with Ronni, because he fell in love when he was much younger but it didn't work out and he never got over it. But as they spend more time together and end up working together to figure out who is poisoning Ronni, the two fall for each other hard. They were a perfect match. The story was unique and interesting. I really enjoyed this novella! This was my first read by this author but definitely not my last.
DIRTY WICKED: A Wicked Lovers Novella by Shayla Black - 3.25 stars. I liked this novella, but didn't love it. This is the story of a woman, Sasha, who is on the run with her toddler after a high powered politician had her husband killed because he knew to much. She runs to her husband's best friend, Nick, for help. He has wanted her for years, but he pushes her away to keep her safe. They go on the run together to get proof of the politician's evil deeds and fall for each other along the way. Nick was a jerk at the beginning and I didn't feel like he could come back from that easily. I definitely didn't feel the emotions or love between them. I did like the second half of the story better then the first. I liked the ending. The story and the suspense were pretty good.
THE ONLY ONE: A One Love Novella by Lauren Blakely - 3.5 stars. This turned out to be a really sweet novella. Penny and Gabriel met and spent a few days together on Spain. Penny was on a trip abroad after college before she started her career in NY. Gabriel was a chef and he was from Spain, but was moving to NY soon to start a job at a restaurant. They felt a connection and pretty much fell in love over their long weekend together. They planned on getting together in NY the next month, but there was a series of unfortunate circumstances that made it not work out. Penny was left waiting for him for hours and Gabriel never showed up. She was heartbroken and never understood why he left her hanging. But she moved on and had relationships over the years. Now, ten years later, Penny and Gabriel cross paths again and are able to right the wrongs of the past and find love together again.
Penny and Gabriel were really sweet together. The way the situation between them panned out and their 10 year separation could have been riddled with lots of angst, but, thankfully, this was a safe read without a ton of heartbreak. The misunderstanding that led to their separation was sad and frustrating for them, but it made sense and could really happen in real life. Gabriel really adored Penny and there really wasn't anyone else for either one of them who completed them the way each other did. I really enjoyed their romantic journey.
This was an easy, sweet, low angst read. It was my first read by Lauren Blakely, even though I've had her books on my TBR for a long time. I will definitely read more from her in the future!
SWEET SURRENDER: A MacKenzie Family Novella by Liliana Hart- 4 stars. This was a really good novella! A bakery owner, new to town, meets a retired undercover cop in the town of Surrender. Sparks fly, but a crazy lady comes and shoots up the town, which forces them to stick together and work together to survive. This was a sexy, suspenseful, sweet and action-filled story!
EDGE OF CHAOS by Molly Lee- 3.25 stars. This novella was not my fave. This is the story of a college student with a jerky/abusive boyfriend who is going to school for meteorology. She becomes best friends with a fellow student/storm chaser and eventually falls for him. The story wasn't bad, but it felt very YA. The characters were immature and the drama and miscommunication were drawn out. I felt like this could have been much shorter. I did like the storm chasing aspect. It was really interesting and I appreciate that it must have taken a lot of research to write.
Overall, I did enjoy this bundle! I definitely recommend the 1001 Dark Nights anthologies. I have found so many new authors and great stories through them!
*arc provided in exchange for an honest review*
Here are my thoughts:
TRICKED: A Dark Protectors Novella by Rebecca Zanetti - 4 stars. This was really good PNR/suspense. This is the story of Ronni, who is dying of a heart problem, and Jared, a vampire. Ronni's best friend is married/mated to Jared's brother. In an arranged mating, Jared agrees to mate Ronni to save her life (and make her immortal). He doesn't think he will fall in love with Ronni, because he fell in love when he was much younger but it didn't work out and he never got over it. But as they spend more time together and end up working together to figure out who is poisoning Ronni, the two fall for each other hard. They were a perfect match. The story was unique and interesting. I really enjoyed this novella! This was my first read by this author but definitely not my last.
DIRTY WICKED: A Wicked Lovers Novella by Shayla Black - 3.25 stars. I liked this novella, but didn't love it. This is the story of a woman, Sasha, who is on the run with her toddler after a high powered politician had her husband killed because he knew to much. She runs to her husband's best friend, Nick, for help. He has wanted her for years, but he pushes her away to keep her safe. They go on the run together to get proof of the politician's evil deeds and fall for each other along the way. Nick was a jerk at the beginning and I didn't feel like he could come back from that easily. I definitely didn't feel the emotions or love between them. I did like the second half of the story better then the first. I liked the ending. The story and the suspense were pretty good.
THE ONLY ONE: A One Love Novella by Lauren Blakely - 3.5 stars. This turned out to be a really sweet novella. Penny and Gabriel met and spent a few days together on Spain. Penny was on a trip abroad after college before she started her career in NY. Gabriel was a chef and he was from Spain, but was moving to NY soon to start a job at a restaurant. They felt a connection and pretty much fell in love over their long weekend together. They planned on getting together in NY the next month, but there was a series of unfortunate circumstances that made it not work out. Penny was left waiting for him for hours and Gabriel never showed up. She was heartbroken and never understood why he left her hanging. But she moved on and had relationships over the years. Now, ten years later, Penny and Gabriel cross paths again and are able to right the wrongs of the past and find love together again.
Penny and Gabriel were really sweet together. The way the situation between them panned out and their 10 year separation could have been riddled with lots of angst, but, thankfully, this was a safe read without a ton of heartbreak. The misunderstanding that led to their separation was sad and frustrating for them, but it made sense and could really happen in real life. Gabriel really adored Penny and there really wasn't anyone else for either one of them who completed them the way each other did. I really enjoyed their romantic journey.
This was an easy, sweet, low angst read. It was my first read by Lauren Blakely, even though I've had her books on my TBR for a long time. I will definitely read more from her in the future!
SWEET SURRENDER: A MacKenzie Family Novella by Liliana Hart- 4 stars. This was a really good novella! A bakery owner, new to town, meets a retired undercover cop in the town of Surrender. Sparks fly, but a crazy lady comes and shoots up the town, which forces them to stick together and work together to survive. This was a sexy, suspenseful, sweet and action-filled story!
EDGE OF CHAOS by Molly Lee- 3.25 stars. This novella was not my fave. This is the story of a college student with a jerky/abusive boyfriend who is going to school for meteorology. She becomes best friends with a fellow student/storm chaser and eventually falls for him. The story wasn't bad, but it felt very YA. The characters were immature and the drama and miscommunication were drawn out. I felt like this could have been much shorter. I did like the storm chasing aspect. It was really interesting and I appreciate that it must have taken a lot of research to write.
Overall, I did enjoy this bundle! I definitely recommend the 1001 Dark Nights anthologies. I have found so many new authors and great stories through them!
*arc provided in exchange for an honest review*
December 20, 2017
So many of the stories I had a chance to read in this bundle were part of a series that in the past i had read and boy did i love getting the chance to go back and find out what i had missed. While each story is more different than the other, every reader is certain to get something that they'll absolutely love to lost themselves into different worlds and genres, from paranormal to suspense to the story that will make your heart melt.
It's no secret that i love the 1001 Dark Nights lineup, and they decided to create their bundles, reuniting 5 to 6 various authors - some recurring and always a new introduction. The best part of these bundles and the thirteenth being no exception, is it allows readers to find new authors and know if they'll be reading more from them in the future. I'm a fan of these bundles and absolutely look forward to the next one - it's certain to be an unforgettable treat.
*ARC provided by Author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Kathleen, The Small Girl from A small girl, her man and her books
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December 28, 2017
I feel like I read the two books I meant to start here which Lauren Blakely's and Molly Lee's. It was a reread for me still enjoyed these two short novella type stories. Both very different the whole collection is a range of many. I like Molly's setting a lot unusual and nice to learn. Lauren has the excited second chance feel to it.
December 19, 2017
This new bundle of stories from the 1001 Dark Nights collection included 2 stories I had read previously, 2 stories from authors I am familiar with but hadn't read yet, and 1 story from a new to me author that I definitely need to become more familiar with!
TRICKED: this is one of the previously read stories that I loved!
Any book by this author is pretty much guaranteed to be a wild and crazy sexy fun ride, and Tricked is no exception. All of the characters in the Dark Protectors and Realm Enforcers books that I have read so far have had a bumpy road to finding happiness at the end of the rainbow after mating, and Jared and Ronni live up to that expectation too!
In this case, a mating of convenience should work out well for both of them it would seem. Ronni's life would be saved and Jared would have a mate to provide heirs while not expecting to be completely tied down. Too bad Ronni's books random of sass and independence gets under his skin and activates his protective mode in a way he never anticipated as his heart over rules his head...
Ronni has no intention of playing the "helpless little lady" and gives Jared fits as she tries to investigate who poisoned her - and becomes a target for gunfire on several occasions. The sudden reappearance of Ginny, his former flame and one who got away that plays the helpless card a little too much, serves to irritate Ronni more than she expected. Fortunately for her, Jared's brother Theo shares Ronni's suspicions and keeps an eye on the deceptive witch.
Tricked packs plenty of action, drama and smexy into the short pages of a novella to provide a well rounded and enjoyable story in the Dark Protectors universe.
DIRTY WICKED: I have read Shayla's books before but this story was new to me.
Nick has just been released from jail after being wrongfully convicted of rape when his investigation into a dirty politician brought him too close to the truth. The one person who may be able to help him exact revenge is the one woman he shouldn't want: his best friend's widow. Nick was attracted to her from the very first time they met so he stayed away from his friend up until his death, a move Nick now regrets. When Sasha shows up on his doorstep with her very sick little girl asking for help, he can't say no.
His attraction to Sasha is stronger than ever, and he alternates between being a complete jerk and letting her see glimpses of the real Nick which completely confuses her. But she can't deny that this man ignites a fire in her that she never experienced with her late husband no matter how much that realization upsets her. There is plenty of sexy sizzle as they race to find the evidence that will free them both!
THE ONLY ONE: I have plenty of Lauren Blakely's books on my Kindle waiting to be read, but this is the first one that I have actually had the time to devour.
The Only One is a second chance romance. Penny and Gabriel met 10 years ago when she was on an overseas trip as her last hurrah after college graduation before she had to return to the US and enter the workforce. Their passion burned bright and hot, and despite their short time together, they both felt the pull to continue to explore what could be. Gabriel was scheduled to come to the States in a few weeks to start a job himself, and they made plans to meet. When he doesn't show up, the deeply hurt 21 year old Penny reacted by deleting every photo and piece of contact information she had for him rather than taking a chance on reaching out to find out what happened.
Now 10 years later, Gabriel has popped up in New York and is on the short list of restaurant owners who has availability to cater Penny's fundraiser for her animal shelter. She agonizes over whether to go meet him herself, but in the end she decides to go and is hurt once again when he doesn't seem to recognize her... or does he? Gabriel flat out asks her if she is the woman he met all those years ago and she lies to him out of self-preservation and fear, but her friends convince her to level with him and give him the opportunity to explain why he bailed all those years ago. Second chances can be oh so hot and swoony, and these two definitely have hot and swoony covered!
SWEET SURRENDER: this is the 2nd story that I previously read and enjoyed!
Liza has no idea why her aunt decided to leave her successful bakery in the small town of Surrender to her, but she is fairly certain she has no intention of staying there. Liza is a city girl at heart, and after fleeing far and fast from her cheating jerk of an ex-fiance in NY, she is thinking that LA might be a great place to check out next. Then a drop dead sexy cowboy and former cop walks through the bakery doors and she finds herself thinking a distraction might not be such a bad idea after all.
Grant is searching for a purpose again after being forced into retirement after 25 years on the job, so visiting Cooper in Surrender is as good a plan as any other in his mind. When he spots sexy spitfire Liza, she has trouble written all over but she is just the kind of trouble he would mind getting into for a while! When their first meeting is interrupted by a hail of bullets as his reason for forced retirement tries to end him, things get really interesting really fast.
Liza and Grant have some smokin' chemistry that they don't hesitate to act on despite the danger suddenly surrounding them, and the action is fast and furious too despite the novella length of the story. Sweet Surrender is a wonderfully engaging and fast paced read that I thoroughly enjoyed, and Liza and Grant are a wonderful addition to both the Mackenzie and the 1001 Dark Nights worlds.
EDGE OF CHAOS: This author is new to me, but this story definitely packed an emotional punch and I will be seeking out more of her books in the future!
The blurb for this book only tells part of the story. Yes, Blake is a meteorology student who meets and instantly connects with Dash. However she has also been stuck in a toxic relationship with her childhood friend turned boyfriend Justin for years, and like so many victims of domestic abuse, she doesn't realize how bad things have gotten until she meets Dash and his group of storm chasing friends. Justin is controlling and has a temper that she has learned how to navigate most of the time, and he also manipulates her with guilt and threats of suicide if she leaves him.
As Blake starts to get to know Dash better and develops a strong friendship with him, she sees how different things could be in her life and how much of herself she has lost over the years. But finding a way to escape the quicksand of her current relationship is not an easy process even as she works through the realization that she has options and she actually does need to escape. The handsome storm chaser is there to support her at every step of the way and gives her the push she needs to make the leap even if she resents him for it at first. Edge of Chaos is definitely a bit of an emotional roller coaster as Blake starts to come out of her shell to embrace her freedom and realizes that Dash wants to be so much more than her best friend. One of my favorite quotes in a long time comes from this story courtesy of Blake's mom:
"True love is friendship set on fire."
The storm chasing escapades mixed into the story were an element that I absolutely loved, and Edge of Chaos is my favorite story included in this collection!
TRICKED: this is one of the previously read stories that I loved!
Any book by this author is pretty much guaranteed to be a wild and crazy sexy fun ride, and Tricked is no exception. All of the characters in the Dark Protectors and Realm Enforcers books that I have read so far have had a bumpy road to finding happiness at the end of the rainbow after mating, and Jared and Ronni live up to that expectation too!
In this case, a mating of convenience should work out well for both of them it would seem. Ronni's life would be saved and Jared would have a mate to provide heirs while not expecting to be completely tied down. Too bad Ronni's books random of sass and independence gets under his skin and activates his protective mode in a way he never anticipated as his heart over rules his head...
Ronni has no intention of playing the "helpless little lady" and gives Jared fits as she tries to investigate who poisoned her - and becomes a target for gunfire on several occasions. The sudden reappearance of Ginny, his former flame and one who got away that plays the helpless card a little too much, serves to irritate Ronni more than she expected. Fortunately for her, Jared's brother Theo shares Ronni's suspicions and keeps an eye on the deceptive witch.
Tricked packs plenty of action, drama and smexy into the short pages of a novella to provide a well rounded and enjoyable story in the Dark Protectors universe.
DIRTY WICKED: I have read Shayla's books before but this story was new to me.
Nick has just been released from jail after being wrongfully convicted of rape when his investigation into a dirty politician brought him too close to the truth. The one person who may be able to help him exact revenge is the one woman he shouldn't want: his best friend's widow. Nick was attracted to her from the very first time they met so he stayed away from his friend up until his death, a move Nick now regrets. When Sasha shows up on his doorstep with her very sick little girl asking for help, he can't say no.
His attraction to Sasha is stronger than ever, and he alternates between being a complete jerk and letting her see glimpses of the real Nick which completely confuses her. But she can't deny that this man ignites a fire in her that she never experienced with her late husband no matter how much that realization upsets her. There is plenty of sexy sizzle as they race to find the evidence that will free them both!
THE ONLY ONE: I have plenty of Lauren Blakely's books on my Kindle waiting to be read, but this is the first one that I have actually had the time to devour.
The Only One is a second chance romance. Penny and Gabriel met 10 years ago when she was on an overseas trip as her last hurrah after college graduation before she had to return to the US and enter the workforce. Their passion burned bright and hot, and despite their short time together, they both felt the pull to continue to explore what could be. Gabriel was scheduled to come to the States in a few weeks to start a job himself, and they made plans to meet. When he doesn't show up, the deeply hurt 21 year old Penny reacted by deleting every photo and piece of contact information she had for him rather than taking a chance on reaching out to find out what happened.
Now 10 years later, Gabriel has popped up in New York and is on the short list of restaurant owners who has availability to cater Penny's fundraiser for her animal shelter. She agonizes over whether to go meet him herself, but in the end she decides to go and is hurt once again when he doesn't seem to recognize her... or does he? Gabriel flat out asks her if she is the woman he met all those years ago and she lies to him out of self-preservation and fear, but her friends convince her to level with him and give him the opportunity to explain why he bailed all those years ago. Second chances can be oh so hot and swoony, and these two definitely have hot and swoony covered!
SWEET SURRENDER: this is the 2nd story that I previously read and enjoyed!
Liza has no idea why her aunt decided to leave her successful bakery in the small town of Surrender to her, but she is fairly certain she has no intention of staying there. Liza is a city girl at heart, and after fleeing far and fast from her cheating jerk of an ex-fiance in NY, she is thinking that LA might be a great place to check out next. Then a drop dead sexy cowboy and former cop walks through the bakery doors and she finds herself thinking a distraction might not be such a bad idea after all.
Grant is searching for a purpose again after being forced into retirement after 25 years on the job, so visiting Cooper in Surrender is as good a plan as any other in his mind. When he spots sexy spitfire Liza, she has trouble written all over but she is just the kind of trouble he would mind getting into for a while! When their first meeting is interrupted by a hail of bullets as his reason for forced retirement tries to end him, things get really interesting really fast.
Liza and Grant have some smokin' chemistry that they don't hesitate to act on despite the danger suddenly surrounding them, and the action is fast and furious too despite the novella length of the story. Sweet Surrender is a wonderfully engaging and fast paced read that I thoroughly enjoyed, and Liza and Grant are a wonderful addition to both the Mackenzie and the 1001 Dark Nights worlds.
EDGE OF CHAOS: This author is new to me, but this story definitely packed an emotional punch and I will be seeking out more of her books in the future!
The blurb for this book only tells part of the story. Yes, Blake is a meteorology student who meets and instantly connects with Dash. However she has also been stuck in a toxic relationship with her childhood friend turned boyfriend Justin for years, and like so many victims of domestic abuse, she doesn't realize how bad things have gotten until she meets Dash and his group of storm chasing friends. Justin is controlling and has a temper that she has learned how to navigate most of the time, and he also manipulates her with guilt and threats of suicide if she leaves him.
As Blake starts to get to know Dash better and develops a strong friendship with him, she sees how different things could be in her life and how much of herself she has lost over the years. But finding a way to escape the quicksand of her current relationship is not an easy process even as she works through the realization that she has options and she actually does need to escape. The handsome storm chaser is there to support her at every step of the way and gives her the push she needs to make the leap even if she resents him for it at first. Edge of Chaos is definitely a bit of an emotional roller coaster as Blake starts to come out of her shell to embrace her freedom and realizes that Dash wants to be so much more than her best friend. One of my favorite quotes in a long time comes from this story courtesy of Blake's mom:
"True love is friendship set on fire."
The storm chasing escapades mixed into the story were an element that I absolutely loved, and Edge of Chaos is my favorite story included in this collection!
December 19, 2017
I like the addition of novels that don't belong in the 1001 dark nights series in the bundles. In this case, we get Edge of Chaos by Molly Lee. I didn't read this one though because the heroine's boyfriend is a jerk and an emotional abuser and I am not in a mood to read a book like that. It might take a while for her to break up with him and the pages I have read so far were filled with all the ways the "boyfriend" wasn't good to the heroine. It's too close to Christmas for a book like that. Since I didn't finish the book, I won't rate the story. Shayla Black's story got 5 stars from me.
The Only One by Lauren Blakely (Rating 3 out of 5 stars): I wish I could say I loved the novella but I, unfortunately, I didn't. I just couldn't warm up to the characters and I must admit that I was expecting Gabriel to remember Penny instead of just seeing him get the feeling that they had met before. Also, I found his excuse for not being able to meet with Penny ten years ago fit for a cheesy and cliche romantic movie. I have read other books by Lauren Blakely and I have loved them, but this one was a disappointment. It's not that I didn't like it, but I was expecting more. There wasn't too much drama and the story wasn't just about sex which made things bearable. I don't have any words to describe this novella because I just wasn't feeling it. I didn't love it or hate it. I would recommend it but with a half heart.
TRICKED: A Dark Protectors Novella by Rebecca Zanetti (Rating 4 stars): I can't find the words to describe my feelings for this book. For the last quarter I am staring at the screen and I have no idea what to say. As usual, I began a series I wanted to read for so long from the last book. I had no idea what was going in the universe, but I liked the idea of an arranged marriage (and in this case a mating of convenience) because that equals plenty of angst. This novella though didn't have a lot of angst and that saddened me a little. There were plenty of opportunities for mage doses of angst, but the author chose not to go there. It did have a feisty heroine through and the romance was satisfying enough for me. Besides the transition from an arranged mating to one where both parties are in love with each other, there is a little suspense.
To be honest, I didn't like the book as much as I wanted to. Don't get me wrong, the book was good, but not good enough for me. I think I had some high expectations for the book and they weren't met. I would recommend the book, but I would recommend to at least read Teased before beginning this one.
I am starting to believe that I should have at least read Teased before I read Tricked because the novellas are connected.The couple from Teased appears in this book and Jared and Ronni's story had begun in their book. Theo’s book, Tangled, is coming next and his story was teased/set up in this book. And in case you are wondering, yes I have already added it to my TBR list.
SWEET SURRENDER: A MacKenzie Family Novella by Liliana Hart (5 stars): This novella is giving me a good reason to begin the series. I would love to see what happens to the characters after this novella ends. The story is good, but the characters spend too much time trying not to get killed to spend some quality time with each other. I liked the story though so the romance is not a major factor in my rating.The story is super short and I read it too fast. I got invested in the characters and I will read the rest of the books to catch glimpses of them. The only bad bad thing about this book was the short length. I hope you will enjoy the story as much as I did.
The Only One by Lauren Blakely (Rating 3 out of 5 stars): I wish I could say I loved the novella but I, unfortunately, I didn't. I just couldn't warm up to the characters and I must admit that I was expecting Gabriel to remember Penny instead of just seeing him get the feeling that they had met before. Also, I found his excuse for not being able to meet with Penny ten years ago fit for a cheesy and cliche romantic movie. I have read other books by Lauren Blakely and I have loved them, but this one was a disappointment. It's not that I didn't like it, but I was expecting more. There wasn't too much drama and the story wasn't just about sex which made things bearable. I don't have any words to describe this novella because I just wasn't feeling it. I didn't love it or hate it. I would recommend it but with a half heart.
TRICKED: A Dark Protectors Novella by Rebecca Zanetti (Rating 4 stars): I can't find the words to describe my feelings for this book. For the last quarter I am staring at the screen and I have no idea what to say. As usual, I began a series I wanted to read for so long from the last book. I had no idea what was going in the universe, but I liked the idea of an arranged marriage (and in this case a mating of convenience) because that equals plenty of angst. This novella though didn't have a lot of angst and that saddened me a little. There were plenty of opportunities for mage doses of angst, but the author chose not to go there. It did have a feisty heroine through and the romance was satisfying enough for me. Besides the transition from an arranged mating to one where both parties are in love with each other, there is a little suspense.
To be honest, I didn't like the book as much as I wanted to. Don't get me wrong, the book was good, but not good enough for me. I think I had some high expectations for the book and they weren't met. I would recommend the book, but I would recommend to at least read Teased before beginning this one.
I am starting to believe that I should have at least read Teased before I read Tricked because the novellas are connected.The couple from Teased appears in this book and Jared and Ronni's story had begun in their book. Theo’s book, Tangled, is coming next and his story was teased/set up in this book. And in case you are wondering, yes I have already added it to my TBR list.
SWEET SURRENDER: A MacKenzie Family Novella by Liliana Hart (5 stars): This novella is giving me a good reason to begin the series. I would love to see what happens to the characters after this novella ends. The story is good, but the characters spend too much time trying not to get killed to spend some quality time with each other. I liked the story though so the romance is not a major factor in my rating.The story is super short and I read it too fast. I got invested in the characters and I will read the rest of the books to catch glimpses of them. The only bad bad thing about this book was the short length. I hope you will enjoy the story as much as I did.
December 19, 2017
1001 Dark Nights Bundle Thirteen is another pageturner and sleepdepriver.
This bundle contains Tricked by Rebecca Zanetti; Dirty Wicked by Shayla Black; The Only One by Lauren Blakely; Sweet Surrender by Liliana Hart and Edge of Chaos by Molly Lee.
Tricked - a Dark Protector novella by Rebecca Zanetti. Former police psychologist Ronni - Veronica - Alexander was poisoned. Now she´s deadly ill and her only cance is to become a vampire´s mate.
Jared Reed doesn´t want a relationship. He´s hung up on a old love. Old literally, their love story was centuries ago. But he agrees to help his new sister-in-laws best friend. He wants to be near his brothers again. He thinks he had his one chance at love, ´til he meets spunky Ronnie. When someone from his past shows up on his doorstep, he sees what his old love was, a blinded crush, nothing more.
Tricked is a beautiful story about second chances in love and life. I greatly enjoyed reading Ronnie and Jared´s story and give 5 stars. Thank you, Rebecca Zanetti !
Wicked Dirty by Shayla Black is a Wicked Lovers novella and book 11,5 in the series.
Nick Navarro is PI and is on a war path. He was imprisoned while innocent.His best friends widow, Sasha Porter shows up on his doorstep. She´s on the run from the people who put him in prison. They believe Sasha has proof of crime.
They´re deeply attracted to each other. But she´s his best friends widow. She needs protection and he needs something.
Wicked Dirty is a raw and gritty pageturner. The book had me at the edge of my seat and I couldn´t put it down. I give 5 stars. Thank you, Shayla BlaCK !
The Only One by Lauren Blakely is a One Love novella.
Penny is a social engaged woman. She works at a animal shelter. Gabriel is a successful chef and restaurant owner.
Years ago the spent a unforgettable night together. Now they meet again for a charity event and there is still this crazy chemistry between these two. But he doesn´t recognize her. The Only One is a beautiful, beautiful love story. I can´t say how much I lovce Lauren Blakely´s characters and her writing.
Favorite Quote : " Sometimes heartbreak happens for a reason. Sometimes hurt does make us stronger: "
I give 5 stars. Thank you, Lauren Blakely !
Sweet Surrender by Liliana Hart is a MacKenzie family novella.
Elizabeth Carmichael is back in Surrender after 12 years away. Her great aunt died and she has to settle her estate.
Lieutenant Grant Boone is retired after 25 years from the military. Now he works for MacKenzie Security. He´s burned out, lonely and bitter.
She´s bossy, feisty and knows what she wants. The two clash and it´s a pleasure to read their story.
I give 4,5 stars. Thank you, Liliana Hart !
Edge of Chaos by Molly Lee is the firts book in the Love on the Edge Series.
Blake is in a bad relationship. Her boyfriend is like a leech. He´s loveless and uses blackmail to make her stay.She´s only free when she´s away at college. her dream is to become a meteorologist. She meets storm chaser Dash Lexington. He makes a spot for her in his team. They have agreat friendship that could become more.
Love on the Edge is a beautiful story with the right amount of drama, danger threats and violence. I love the writing and the characters. I give 4,5 stars. Thank you, Molly Lee !
All in all is the 1001 Dark Nights Bundle Thirteen a thing of beauty and fits right in with the other books in this wonderful series.
I give 5 stars and recommend the bundle !
This bundle contains Tricked by Rebecca Zanetti; Dirty Wicked by Shayla Black; The Only One by Lauren Blakely; Sweet Surrender by Liliana Hart and Edge of Chaos by Molly Lee.
Tricked - a Dark Protector novella by Rebecca Zanetti. Former police psychologist Ronni - Veronica - Alexander was poisoned. Now she´s deadly ill and her only cance is to become a vampire´s mate.
Jared Reed doesn´t want a relationship. He´s hung up on a old love. Old literally, their love story was centuries ago. But he agrees to help his new sister-in-laws best friend. He wants to be near his brothers again. He thinks he had his one chance at love, ´til he meets spunky Ronnie. When someone from his past shows up on his doorstep, he sees what his old love was, a blinded crush, nothing more.
Tricked is a beautiful story about second chances in love and life. I greatly enjoyed reading Ronnie and Jared´s story and give 5 stars. Thank you, Rebecca Zanetti !
Wicked Dirty by Shayla Black is a Wicked Lovers novella and book 11,5 in the series.
Nick Navarro is PI and is on a war path. He was imprisoned while innocent.His best friends widow, Sasha Porter shows up on his doorstep. She´s on the run from the people who put him in prison. They believe Sasha has proof of crime.
They´re deeply attracted to each other. But she´s his best friends widow. She needs protection and he needs something.
Wicked Dirty is a raw and gritty pageturner. The book had me at the edge of my seat and I couldn´t put it down. I give 5 stars. Thank you, Shayla BlaCK !
The Only One by Lauren Blakely is a One Love novella.
Penny is a social engaged woman. She works at a animal shelter. Gabriel is a successful chef and restaurant owner.
Years ago the spent a unforgettable night together. Now they meet again for a charity event and there is still this crazy chemistry between these two. But he doesn´t recognize her. The Only One is a beautiful, beautiful love story. I can´t say how much I lovce Lauren Blakely´s characters and her writing.
Favorite Quote : " Sometimes heartbreak happens for a reason. Sometimes hurt does make us stronger: "
I give 5 stars. Thank you, Lauren Blakely !
Sweet Surrender by Liliana Hart is a MacKenzie family novella.
Elizabeth Carmichael is back in Surrender after 12 years away. Her great aunt died and she has to settle her estate.
Lieutenant Grant Boone is retired after 25 years from the military. Now he works for MacKenzie Security. He´s burned out, lonely and bitter.
She´s bossy, feisty and knows what she wants. The two clash and it´s a pleasure to read their story.
I give 4,5 stars. Thank you, Liliana Hart !
Edge of Chaos by Molly Lee is the firts book in the Love on the Edge Series.
Blake is in a bad relationship. Her boyfriend is like a leech. He´s loveless and uses blackmail to make her stay.She´s only free when she´s away at college. her dream is to become a meteorologist. She meets storm chaser Dash Lexington. He makes a spot for her in his team. They have agreat friendship that could become more.
Love on the Edge is a beautiful story with the right amount of drama, danger threats and violence. I love the writing and the characters. I give 4,5 stars. Thank you, Molly Lee !
All in all is the 1001 Dark Nights Bundle Thirteen a thing of beauty and fits right in with the other books in this wonderful series.
I give 5 stars and recommend the bundle !
May 5, 2020
♥️ THE ONLY ONE BY LAUREN BLAKELY
The Only One is a standalone novella. If you follow my reviews then you would know Lauren is one of my all-time favorite authors. I have read and loved every single one of her books. I love that her novellas might be short but it doesn't feel like it. There is always a full story and still tells it. I first heard about Penny in Mister O and have gotten to know her bit by bit in a few books afterwards. Now, for Gabriel, I met him in The Sexy One and he is not only delicious but makes food just as amazing. I was so excited that they were getting their own book!
It's been ten years since Penny saw him. Her swoon-worthy international man of mystery that broke her heart. Over the years she has tried to forget about him but when something reminds her of their time together, feelings come back. Anger. Sadness. Regret. And the flashbacks. Passion. Fire. Hope. Devastation. Sure, she has dated since but she hasn't found the one. Not even close. When she thinks about it, she was only twenty-one in a foreign country. Maybe it was just meant to be a three-day love affair. But now he was here. Gabriel was here and she needed him to cater her animal rescue's charity event. She was nervous with a twist of excited and upset to see him again. What she didn't expect was for him not to recognize her. Now what?
Gabriel is instantly taken back when he meets Penny for the first time. She is beautiful. Stunning even. He hasn't felt this way about a woman since his Penelope. Something about Penny reminds him of her but it can't be her. It's been ten years and surely she would have said something. Whoever, she is, he wants to get to know her. It's not just a want but a need. Can this woman be the one he has been waiting for?
Gabriel and Penny's story is a heartbreaking, beautiful, and swoon-worthy story about second chances and fate. They met on another continent when they were young, wild, and free. And now, they are in the same city, wiser, and waiting for love to find them. Will they find it in each other again? They are different people now. Can they move on from their past mistakes and just feel?
I loved this story! Second chances are one of my favorite storylines. And with Lauren writing one, I knew I would be hooked into it. Her characters are also so much fun, sexy, lovable and real. Penny is witty, passionate, and beautiful. She also loves her desserts and her dog. Gabriel is swoony but he is also passionate about life, food, love, and family. And he can cook! I mean come on...what's not to love?! Together, they are magic.
P.S. I always knew Lauren was a great dog-namer but now I can add band-namer too.
P.P. S. After finishing the book, it made me want to eat caramels.
Quotes:
He’d made love to me with such passion and sensuality that my traitorous body can still remember the imprint of his hands on my skin, the caress of his delicious lips leaving sizzling marks everywhere.
“I would just like to find a man who’s like a dog. Someone who’s loyal.”
“I believe I’m amenable to your brand of torture.”
The Only One is a standalone novella. If you follow my reviews then you would know Lauren is one of my all-time favorite authors. I have read and loved every single one of her books. I love that her novellas might be short but it doesn't feel like it. There is always a full story and still tells it. I first heard about Penny in Mister O and have gotten to know her bit by bit in a few books afterwards. Now, for Gabriel, I met him in The Sexy One and he is not only delicious but makes food just as amazing. I was so excited that they were getting their own book!
It's been ten years since Penny saw him. Her swoon-worthy international man of mystery that broke her heart. Over the years she has tried to forget about him but when something reminds her of their time together, feelings come back. Anger. Sadness. Regret. And the flashbacks. Passion. Fire. Hope. Devastation. Sure, she has dated since but she hasn't found the one. Not even close. When she thinks about it, she was only twenty-one in a foreign country. Maybe it was just meant to be a three-day love affair. But now he was here. Gabriel was here and she needed him to cater her animal rescue's charity event. She was nervous with a twist of excited and upset to see him again. What she didn't expect was for him not to recognize her. Now what?
Gabriel is instantly taken back when he meets Penny for the first time. She is beautiful. Stunning even. He hasn't felt this way about a woman since his Penelope. Something about Penny reminds him of her but it can't be her. It's been ten years and surely she would have said something. Whoever, she is, he wants to get to know her. It's not just a want but a need. Can this woman be the one he has been waiting for?
Gabriel and Penny's story is a heartbreaking, beautiful, and swoon-worthy story about second chances and fate. They met on another continent when they were young, wild, and free. And now, they are in the same city, wiser, and waiting for love to find them. Will they find it in each other again? They are different people now. Can they move on from their past mistakes and just feel?
I loved this story! Second chances are one of my favorite storylines. And with Lauren writing one, I knew I would be hooked into it. Her characters are also so much fun, sexy, lovable and real. Penny is witty, passionate, and beautiful. She also loves her desserts and her dog. Gabriel is swoony but he is also passionate about life, food, love, and family. And he can cook! I mean come on...what's not to love?! Together, they are magic.
P.S. I always knew Lauren was a great dog-namer but now I can add band-namer too.
P.P. S. After finishing the book, it made me want to eat caramels.
Quotes:
He’d made love to me with such passion and sensuality that my traitorous body can still remember the imprint of his hands on my skin, the caress of his delicious lips leaving sizzling marks everywhere.
“I would just like to find a man who’s like a dog. Someone who’s loyal.”
“I believe I’m amenable to your brand of torture.”
December 26, 2017
1001 Dark Nights Bundle 13
By: Various
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Review by Kristie K
If you read one anthology this year…this should be it…so much fabulousness in one place should be illegal…
The thirteenth bundle of 1001 Dark Nights tales of sensual seduction, action, danger, love, and fate is everything you need to keep yourself warm this winter. With authors Rebecca Zanetti, Shayla Black, Lauren Blakely, Lilliana Hart, and Molly Lee, this anthology is like a star lineup of everything you want, and then some. As a huge fan already of Rebecca Zanetti, Shayla Black, and Lauren Blakely, this anthology was a no-brainer for me…but the addition of two new-to-me authors Lilliana Hart and Molly Lee, it shot this release into the stratosphere for me. I absolutely adore keeping up with my current author loves, but discovering new ones to add to my list is even better! This anthology has a little something for everyone, with tales from the paranormal, suspense, and contemporary, no reader is left behind! Each author brings their own brand of amazing to the table, and no one leaves the table dissatisfied. Each story is fabulous in its own right, and I would read each one again in a heart beat. This is one of the best anthologies I’ve seen yet!
Kristie K
By: Various
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Review by Kristie K
If you read one anthology this year…this should be it…so much fabulousness in one place should be illegal…
The thirteenth bundle of 1001 Dark Nights tales of sensual seduction, action, danger, love, and fate is everything you need to keep yourself warm this winter. With authors Rebecca Zanetti, Shayla Black, Lauren Blakely, Lilliana Hart, and Molly Lee, this anthology is like a star lineup of everything you want, and then some. As a huge fan already of Rebecca Zanetti, Shayla Black, and Lauren Blakely, this anthology was a no-brainer for me…but the addition of two new-to-me authors Lilliana Hart and Molly Lee, it shot this release into the stratosphere for me. I absolutely adore keeping up with my current author loves, but discovering new ones to add to my list is even better! This anthology has a little something for everyone, with tales from the paranormal, suspense, and contemporary, no reader is left behind! Each author brings their own brand of amazing to the table, and no one leaves the table dissatisfied. Each story is fabulous in its own right, and I would read each one again in a heart beat. This is one of the best anthologies I’ve seen yet!
Kristie K
December 19, 2017
5 Stars!
Five perfect stories from five amazing authors! This bundle deserves 5 stars, hands down!
I am going to specifically review Tricked by Rebecca Zanetti, because she is a new to me author. Why have I never read her before?!?!
Tricked is an interesting, paranormal twist on the relationship of convenience trope. Ronni is dying. When she accepts a too good to be true offer of immortality from sexy vampire, Jared, things don't quite go as planned. It was supposed to be one night with an occasional drop in here and there and an eternity of protection and life.
I liked Ronni and Jared. She was strong and independent, didn't cow to his rules. Jared was sexy and brooding, but with a deep heart underneath. I loved that this wasn't just a romance, but a bit of danger, too.
I will be reading more from this author for sure!
Plus, how can you go wrong with Molly E. Lee, Lauren Blakely, Lilliana Hart and Shayla Black?!
Five perfect stories from five amazing authors! This bundle deserves 5 stars, hands down!
I am going to specifically review Tricked by Rebecca Zanetti, because she is a new to me author. Why have I never read her before?!?!
Tricked is an interesting, paranormal twist on the relationship of convenience trope. Ronni is dying. When she accepts a too good to be true offer of immortality from sexy vampire, Jared, things don't quite go as planned. It was supposed to be one night with an occasional drop in here and there and an eternity of protection and life.
I liked Ronni and Jared. She was strong and independent, didn't cow to his rules. Jared was sexy and brooding, but with a deep heart underneath. I loved that this wasn't just a romance, but a bit of danger, too.
I will be reading more from this author for sure!
Plus, how can you go wrong with Molly E. Lee, Lauren Blakely, Lilliana Hart and Shayla Black?!
December 19, 2017
Marie's Tempting Reads ARC Review:
I loved each story in this tempting and decadent Bundle. There was a perfect mix of dark, sexy, funny, charming, and irresistible stories that had me sighing out loud and loving every turn of the page. This 1001 Dark Nights bundle had my favorite authors, like Rebecca Zanetti, Shayla Black, Lauren Blakely, and one incredible story from "new to me" Liliana Hart! I am impressed with all these stories and enjoyed them immensely.
Some of these stories were outright fun and one or two were exciting and action packed and one that was sizzling hot. I loved all of them and can't wait for the next bundle to come out! I am ADDICTED to these 1001 Dark Nights stories!
I give this bundle a DELICIOUSLY DARK FIVE SHOOTING STARS! If you like good romances that are a wonderful mix of sexy, funny, and full of dark promises you will LOVE this bundle!
I loved each story in this tempting and decadent Bundle. There was a perfect mix of dark, sexy, funny, charming, and irresistible stories that had me sighing out loud and loving every turn of the page. This 1001 Dark Nights bundle had my favorite authors, like Rebecca Zanetti, Shayla Black, Lauren Blakely, and one incredible story from "new to me" Liliana Hart! I am impressed with all these stories and enjoyed them immensely.
Some of these stories were outright fun and one or two were exciting and action packed and one that was sizzling hot. I loved all of them and can't wait for the next bundle to come out! I am ADDICTED to these 1001 Dark Nights stories!
I give this bundle a DELICIOUSLY DARK FIVE SHOOTING STARS! If you like good romances that are a wonderful mix of sexy, funny, and full of dark promises you will LOVE this bundle!
December 19, 2017
Suspenseful, sexy, fun and utterly romantic. You get a little bit of everything from this bundle. I am going to review this in general rather than each invidual story. Everytime I read a 1001 Dark Nights story I am not disappointed. The authors in this series are all amazing and I love getting to read new to me authors and this gave me the opportunity to read two. Shayla and Molly. I will definitely be looking for more from them. I loved every story in this book and my only complaint is I want more from each of them. I would love to read more about each of the characters I got to read about in this bundle.
December 24, 2017
I've read sweet surrender and the only one before but I still read them and enjoyed them all over again.
I loved the other novellas too..tricked and dirty wicked were great..one hot vampire and a framed ex PI..both dominant and so hot..the plot were awesome and I couldn't put them down.
Can't wait for the next bundle
I loved the other novellas too..tricked and dirty wicked were great..one hot vampire and a framed ex PI..both dominant and so hot..the plot were awesome and I couldn't put them down.
Can't wait for the next bundle
April 5, 2021
Women and the men in their lives
With so many good authors, I knew I couldn't go wrong buying this bundle. There's something for everyone, paranormal romance, second chance romance, friends to lovers, and more.
With so many good authors, I knew I couldn't go wrong buying this bundle. There's something for everyone, paranormal romance, second chance romance, friends to lovers, and more.
January 4, 2019
I read The only one.
Sweet story. About fate, trust and love.
... This is the second time I read this novella! Hahahaha!
Sweet story. About fate, trust and love.
... This is the second time I read this novella! Hahahaha!
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