Set to music tells the story of rock star Anthony and emergency doctor Darya. Although their worlds are very different, with Anthony jetting off arounSet to music tells the story of rock star Anthony and emergency doctor Darya. Although their worlds are very different, with Anthony jetting off around the world on music tours and being chased by fans and the press, while Darya works hard in the hospital, when they meet, there's instant chemistry between them. I liked both Anthony and Darya and thought that they worked well together. They had a number of things to deal with before they could finally be happy. Both their professional life and their cultural differences seem set to try and keep them apart. Even so, it's obvious that they do belong together. I really enjoyed this romance. I have to admit that I know little about Iranian culture, so it was interesting to read a book where this was a large part of the storyline. There was also more going on here than a simple romance. Both characters have things to deal with from their past as well as more issues in their day to day life. I also like the way that, despite the differences in their cultures, it was clear that there was much between them that was similar. I'd be really interested in any more in this series if it is a series. It's clear that there's a story to tell with Anthony's brother, Carlos and I wonder if Darya's sister also has a story. I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. ...more
This one had plenty going for it, but ultimately, for me at least, it fell a bit flat. The romance between Abby and Aiden is very sweet, Aiden is almoThis one had plenty going for it, but ultimately, for me at least, it fell a bit flat. The romance between Abby and Aiden is very sweet, Aiden is almost perfect in so many ways. That's perhaps where I had a bit of a problem with the story, he's too good. I can cope with and have really enjoyed stories when one of the characters is too good to be true, but there was something else with this book that just stopped me from really enjoying it. I couldn't help but feel that the book was incredibly long-winded. To begin with, I was enjoying the build-up of the relationship between Aiden and Abby, but we had multiple scenes which were really very similar to one another. I got nearly half of the way through and things were just dragging. When they mentioned how they'd only known each other for two weeks, I could hardly believe it, I'm sure that I'd been reading it for twice as long as that. The longer that it went on the less invested I got in their story. When we finally got to the make or break moment, that seemed really rushed in comparison. I'm sure that there are lots of people that will love this book, but it just wasn't for me. I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. ...more
This is the second Janet Louise Roberts book that I have read recently and I have to say that I do enjoy them. These books are a little different to tThis is the second Janet Louise Roberts book that I have read recently and I have to say that I do enjoy them. These books are a little different to the usual regency romances that you often come across. This one is actually a saga rather than a romance, with the story spanning two generations and not all of our main characters get to find happiness. It begins with the story of Lillian and Kingsley. She is the young wife of a potter. Her marriage was one made for the benefit of her parents and her husbands business and while her husband does show moments of tenderness, he is for the most part unappreciative of her and they do not love one another. She finds love and affection with local lord Kingsley, who uses his position and wealth to force her into becoming his lover, but ultimately they do come to love one another. The events of the rest of the book are, for the most part, the result of this adulterous love affair and it is more than Lillian and Kingsley that pay for it. There is love and happiness at the end of this book, but not for our first couple. Instead, the next generation manages to find their way to peace and happiness. I really enjoyed this book. I was drawn into the world and the characters and couldn't help but want to know how it would all play out. I do think that it won't be for everyone though. It moves quite slowly and much of the initial storyline is around the romance that Kingsley and Lillian have when they are both married to other people. If adultery is a deal-breaker for you, then this might not be for you. That said, there is a moral judgement in this book, as those who have acted this way do not get to be happily ever after. It's a shame in some ways, as in some ways these things are beyond their control and I think need to be taken in the context of their situation and the time that it's set. Like the previous book, there are a few small things that give it away as being written by someone who is not British, but it's not big enough to spoil the story. Overall, I really enjoyed White Fire and would be happy to read more of Robert's books. I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. ...more
Lauren Smith's League of Rogues books are always a must-read for me. While this one is connected to the series, it's not what I'd call a core book in Lauren Smith's League of Rogues books are always a must-read for me. While this one is connected to the series, it's not what I'd call a core book in the series, it features some fo the characters that we've come across before and has a few cameos from old favourites, but it's hero and heroine aren't directly linked to the series. Adam Earl of Morrey is a spy and despite being dangerous to know, there's something about him that is oh so appealing. Our heroine Letty certainly feels the same. While their sudden need to marry might come as a bit of a surprise to Adam and Letty, it's clear that they aren't too upset by the turn of events. This was a fun Regency style read. With spies, murder and deathly chases from one end of Britain to the other, there was plenty here to keep us reading. There's even a mention of Guy Fawkes, it did amuse me that most of the characters needed to be reminded of the significance of the 5ht of November, a date that's as burnt onto the British conscious as indelibly as I'm sure 4th of July is to people in the US. All in all a good and enjoyable read....more
For some reason, completely unknown, I've managed to read this series in the wrong order. I had books 3 and 2 to read and read book 3 first. It doesn'For some reason, completely unknown, I've managed to read this series in the wrong order. I had books 3 and 2 to read and read book 3 first. It doesn't actually matter (other than for my own personal sense of order) because although they are a series, they aren't the type of series that follows on. In fact, I'm not sure that there are any major reoccurring characters. Rather the series is about the world that they all inhabit, the shady Mafia world. Trapped is a classic kidnap and the kidnapper and kidnapee fall in love story. I've read this idea a few times now and I've seen it done with varying success. In the case of this story, it works well. Massimo, despite being desperate for revenge, is actually clearly a nice guy. This is a dark romance because of the world he inhabits rather than his character. Right from the beginning, although he plans to get revenge, it's quite clear that he won't be able to follow through with all of his plans. His captive, Alessandra, is never really in danger and it's obvious that they would be together anyway if they had met normally. I think that this helps with the story. Often, when it's a case of one of the characters (usually the female) being held against their will, there's always a question of how much her feelings are influenced by the captivity. That simply isn't the case here. I really enjoyed this instalment of the Mafia Sinners series, as I have the others. I hope that there might be more to come in the future. I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own....more
These loosely connected Wicked Earl's Club books are quite a fun read, particularly if you're not too worried about how accurate and serious they are.These loosely connected Wicked Earl's Club books are quite a fun read, particularly if you're not too worried about how accurate and serious they are. The idea that there were THIS many Earls in England, let alone all of them being wicked and of an age to marry is stretching it a bit. Who cares about that though? These are a fun read and they deliver on that front. This particular Earl is from Meara Platt's world. I believe that he has appeared as a side character in some of her other books. After his father and grandfather have both drank, gambled and womanised the family fortunes away, Niall has been trying to rebuild his estate with mixed success. When childhood friend and rich neighbour Katies falls into his path (literally) it's not her money that he's after, is soon turns out that her heart is much more appealing. This is a fun regency style romance with a chase across the country to escape Katie's father and ex-fiance, while the two fall in love. I liked both Katie and Niall as a couple. They both seem a little nieve at times, Katie particularly and I don't really buy Niall as wicked in any way, shape or form. They are sweet together though and I enjoyed this romance....more
When it comes to romances, I don't really get the whole stepbrother thing. In this case, although their parents are married they haven't seen each othWhen it comes to romances, I don't really get the whole stepbrother thing. In this case, although their parents are married they haven't seen each other in years and they didn't grow up together. It does give an interesting and plausible reason why they are suddenly living together in the house for a month or so. It might not be my first choice for a theme, but it worked here. Henley has always had a bit of a 'thing' for older stepbrother Russell, but on the few occasions that they've spent time together, she's never been anything more than a kid to him. Now she's all grown up and they're going to be living alone in the same house for a while. This was a fun and quick romance. I liked both Henley and Russell. The whole story unfolds over a number of 'incidents.' From flooding the kitchen to a powercut and fun in the pool, everything seems to be pushing them together until there's just no resisting. A very entertaining little read. ...more
Friends to lovers and scam marriages can both work really well in romance novels. Here, we have both. Damon and Katie have been best friends since theFriends to lovers and scam marriages can both work really well in romance novels. Here, we have both. Damon and Katie have been best friends since they were little. They haven't seen each other much in recent years, but when he needs a fake finance, it's is, of course, his best friend he turns to. Before long, it's clear that their relationship is anything but fake. This was a cute little love story. There isn't a huge amount of angst to get through, which is always a bonus. Much of it was the two of them coming to terms with the change in their circumstances. There was quite a bit from other characters in this book and I gather that this is part of a series. We had while chapters from other characters points of view, setting them up nicely for their own, future stories. All in all a good read. ...more
Guilty Stars is a quick read in Jill Romsower's The Five Families series. You don't need to have read any of these books previously, but if you have tGuilty Stars is a quick read in Jill Romsower's The Five Families series. You don't need to have read any of these books previously, but if you have then you will no doubt Michael, who gets his own happily ever after in this book. Michael and Evie knew each other when they were at school and while Michael might remember her, he didn't pay much attention to her. Now, meeting again as adults, there's no denying the connection and chemistry between them. This was a sweet and quick little love story that you can devour in one sitting if you like. ...more
I have to admit that when I started this book, I was a little wary. This book is (very slightly) older than me. Sometimes, when I've read romance bookI have to admit that when I started this book, I was a little wary. This book is (very slightly) older than me. Sometimes, when I've read romance books that are a little bit older, I've struggled a little. Just because they have become so dated. Of course, when you are dealing with a novel that's set in the past, it is already in some ways 'dated' so that doesn't always matter. I quickly got pulled into Fire Opals and really enjoyed the way that the story unfolded. It's marketed as a Regency Romance, but to me I would have thought it later, perhaps victorian. There is a lot about the mills and the conditions that the children are working in. Although I think that weaving and spinning mills were around in the Regency period, much of it was fairly new technology. I'm sure that it's mentioned that in the case of our hero, the mill has been in the family for a couple of generations at least. Our heroine's father has also worked his way up from working as a child to owning his own mills in Leeds. It just all screams Victorian to me, not regency. The romance itself is very much in the style of Georgette Hayer. We have the brooding and sarcastic (but ultimately misunderstood and very much in love with our heroine) hero. Our heroine is trying to fight for her freedom, falling in love with the hero but thinking that he hates her. I loved the story. I couldn't help but read on and find out how Charlotte and Darcy would work out their differences. Although Darcy is distant from Charlotte, he's not a monster. The first night they have sex was a little uncomfortable, as she is clearly not fully willing, but I think in the context of the period and the situation it was actually handled quite well. There were a couple of things that did stand out to me, although not full of Americanisms it was quite clear that the book is written by someone who is not British and having checked she was American. It's not anything major, just little things that someone living in the UK would know. (Types of trees, slightly odd turns of phrase, that kind of thing.) Also, rather oddly, the mill is based in the Cotswolds, but the children from the mill have Scottish accents. Why, how did they get there, where did they come from (other than Scotland obviously) it makes no sense, but never mind. I really enjoyed this romance. It has a feel of Hayer, but with a very little bit more of the romance and physical side of things than she would show, although less than we might be used to today. I would certainly be keen to read another historical romance from this author. I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. ...more
Want a quick, hot read? Then The Neighbour might just be for you. This short story about Lucy and Matt, two neighbours who meet up and find that they'Want a quick, hot read? Then The Neighbour might just be for you. This short story about Lucy and Matt, two neighbours who meet up and find that they've got a bit more common than where they live and that the heat between them is off the charts, might be just what you're looking for. This was a very quick and fun read, ideal for when you want something to plough through in one sitting. Perfect for a Saturday afternoon....more
Arranged marriage books can be hard to pull off. In this day and age, there has to be a good reason for someone who wants to enter in one. For Chiara,Arranged marriage books can be hard to pull off. In this day and age, there has to be a good reason for someone who wants to enter in one. For Chiara, it's the thought of saving her family. After the death of her mother, her father, a mafia boss, has slowly gambled away the family business and drunk whatever was left. She needs to ally with rich newcomer Luca in order to change their fortunes. Luca isn't all that he seems to be and has his own agenda and reasons for wanting to be with Chiara. The more time that they spend together, the more difficult it becomes to keep everything on a purely business footing, for either of them. This was an entertaining romance that keeps you guessing until the end. Chiara and Luca make a great couple. It's clear that they are both facing threats, but can they work out who they can trust. I really enjoyed this great read and loved Chiara and Luca's story. I'm looking forward to reading more from this series in the future. ...more
Love me, love me not is a very quick, but quite sweet little romance story. It tells the story of Daisy and Ben. Daisy is the owner of Daisy Chain, a Love me, love me not is a very quick, but quite sweet little romance story. It tells the story of Daisy and Ben. Daisy is the owner of Daisy Chain, a flower shop. It was a good little business that her father built from scratch, but in recent months it's really started to struggle and Daisy doesn't know how much longer it can hold out. A local developer has been buying up all the surrounding property and as a result, her customers have moved out. Daisy and Ben meet and start to fall for one another before they realise who they are in terms of their businesses to each other. Can they find a way to work out their differences and find a way to make them both happy? I enjoyed this quick read and the way that this couple managed to work out their differences. A lovely quick read. ...more
This is a good four and a half star read. I really enjoyed this adventure-romance story. Although many romance stories contain an element of somethingThis is a good four and a half star read. I really enjoyed this adventure-romance story. Although many romance stories contain an element of something else (suspense, mystery, adventure or the like it's usually an add on or a plot device that influences the way that the romance plays out. Less commonly, you come across a story where the other element plays as important a role as the romance. Kensie's Treasures is one such story. Kensie has been obsessed with a pirate called Cyrus Buckwell. She leant about him as a teenager as he had some kind of connection with her school (I forget what exactly) and since then she's read and researched him. So much so that not only is it now her area of expertise at the university she works at, but she also is the only one who is an expert on him who has a different opinion of where his ship might have sunk and with it the priceless treasure that he stole from London and had been part of the crown jewels. When no one listens to her, she takes the opportunity when on a cruise to attempt to discover the missing treasure herself. I don't want to give a full break down of the entire plot, but she meets Julian Burke, a seemingly scruffy layabout, but the only one willing to take her where she needs to be to dive for the missing treasure. The more time they spend together, the closer they become and the more that she questions what's really important. This is an exciting and gripping read. I really wanted to know what was going to find out. Would Kensie find her treasure? Could she trust Julian? What really is important? It was easy to get pulled into Kensie and Julian's world. Not only are they treasure hunting, but it's clear that they are falling in love and that there's a great deal of chemistry between them. There's also the added danger of the shifty characters who also want to get their hands on the missing jewellery. I do sometimes get a bit put off by the idea of the heroine not being seen as that attractive until the hero comes along and then suddenly she shines. There is an element of that here, but I think it has more to do with the fact that Kensie hasn't made time for romance and men in her life. She doesn't need Julian to see her worth, but he encourages her to recognise what's important. I really enjoyed Kensie's Treasure and would recommend it to both lovers of romance and those who enjoy a bit of action and adventure in their reading material. I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own....more
I'm afraid that this one was only a so-so read for me. It didn't help that I really didn't take to either of the main characters in the prologue. WhenI'm afraid that this one was only a so-so read for me. It didn't help that I really didn't take to either of the main characters in the prologue. When it came to the main story there seemed to more angst and upset than was in any way warranted for what had happened in the past. Again, I was struggling to warm to the characters or to become invested in their love story. I did think that the way that the abuse that Colleen had experienced as a child was handled well and worked well in the context of the story, it was just the rest that fell flat. Ultimately the romance plaid out well, there was just something missing that lifted this book into something more, which was a shame. I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own....more
Custom made is the second book in the Fast and Fury series. It focuses on a custom motorbike garage. In this book, we have Cam, the female bike designCustom made is the second book in the Fast and Fury series. It focuses on a custom motorbike garage. In this book, we have Cam, the female bike designer. She's also a mechanic, but these days spends most of her time working on the look of the bikes as she's a good artist. She hasn't been very lucky in love, having been burnt by her abusive ex-boyfriend. More recently, she's had a relationship with a woman, who died and since then she's really been existing rather than living. On a night out, she hooks up with a man called Ben and has an amazing time. Only to find out a few days later that he's actually called Orion and is coming to her place of work to buy three custom-designed bikes. There's quite a bit for Cam and Orion to work through before they can fully be together. With ghosts from both of their pasts coming to throw spanners in the works as far as their happiness is concerned. I liked Cam and Orion, both as themselves and as part of a couple and I enjoyed reading their story. This was another good instalment in the Fast and Fury series. I wonder if there's more to come yet? I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own....more
This Side of Midnight is the fourth book in the Tildas Island series. It doesn't have to be read as part of the series, but as there is an overarchingThis Side of Midnight is the fourth book in the Tildas Island series. It doesn't have to be read as part of the series, but as there is an overarching storyline, across the whole series, then you might want to check out the others too. This time we have Anika and Dominic. I have mentioned before, when reviewing books by Tamsen Schultz, these don't really fall just into romance or mystery/thriller books. They seem to be able to do both of these genre's justice, which is really quite unusual. Anika is a detective in the local police force when she has a couple of dead bodies to investigate, it soon becomes clear to her that there is something not quite right going on. She might be under pressure from her superiors to sign things off as accidents and suicides, but she is fairly sure that there is more going on here. She turns to Dominic, an FBI agent who is on the island on a long term assignment. Together he and his team help Anika to get to the bottom of things. Dominic and Anika work well together in a professional sense, but it is clear that there is much more between them than that. They cannot avoid the chemistry and things develop between them on a personal level as well as a professional one. I liked the relationship between them and the way that it developed. It's clear that we need the next instalment of the Tildas island series to really see what is going on and who is behind it all. I'm looking forward to finding out how it is all going to unfold. ...more
I've done it again, raced through a Murray of Letho book and now I'm sitting here with a book hangover. In case you haven't suffered a book hangover bI've done it again, raced through a Murray of Letho book and now I'm sitting here with a book hangover. In case you haven't suffered a book hangover before, it's when you read quickly through a book you're really enjoying and can't put down, only to finish it before you're ready to leave the characters behind. Then for days afterwards you're left feeling a bit empty and lost. I love the Murray of Letho series and I really should take time to savour them, but I can't seem to help myself. This time, Murray is trying to help the wonderful Blair, who has been called upon to help out a family in London. By the time Murray makes it down there, the Blair's have moved on with the family and he must chase after them. This was a fantastic read which had my on the edge of my seat more than once. We got a bit from the point of view of Blair's daughter Isobel, which I really enjoyed. I think we might see even more of her in the future? (I hope.) As always, it's the characters that make these books. I enjoy the mystery too, but I didn't come anywhere near close to solving it all this time. Not that it matters, it was still a wonderful read. There were a couple of things that changed for Murray and his friends this time. I wonder how they will be dealt with in future stories? Unfortunately, I'm going to have to wait. But no doubt when the next book does come out, I'll be devouring it rapidly. ...more
There's always a danger with stories that are spread over a number of books like this, that they might struggle towards the end. Is there really enougThere's always a danger with stories that are spread over a number of books like this, that they might struggle towards the end. Is there really enough here to justify the three books? I think that in the case of Endgame, there's more than enough. I was certainly kept gripped to the end, wanting to know how things would play out. Would Gabriel really admit his feelings? Would Avery find out what was behind everything? There were a few more obstacles for Avery and Gabriel to overcome in this book. But, ultimately they were able to figure out what they really mean to one another. I really enjoyed this series and I loved Avery and Gabriel as a couple. ...more
Looking for a short story with a hot romance and a good dollop of suspense? Then you may well be in the right place. Alex and Fawkes have spent a hot Looking for a short story with a hot romance and a good dollop of suspense? Then you may well be in the right place. Alex and Fawkes have spent a hot night together some months ago, neither one being able to forget about it. Neither one has thought that the other wants anything more from it, but they are both wrong. When Alex's mentor is murdered, Fawkes, who has come to check on her at the request of her family, helps her to get to the bottom of who killed him and why. The chemistry between them reignites and it becomes obvious that they belong together. This was a quick read, but I still really enjoyed it. Plenty of romance and as I say, plenty of suspense too. There isn't a murder mystery as such as our pair (with a little help) get to the bottom of who is behind it pretty quickly. All in all a good read....more
I realised as soon as a started this one that I had actually already read it as part of With Love From New Orleans, Volume 2. Not that it really matteI realised as soon as a started this one that I had actually already read it as part of With Love From New Orleans, Volume 2. Not that it really mattered, this was an enjoyable short story/novella and I was happy to give it a second read. In this story our lead female character, Lila has been having roses left on her car. Concerned about who might be doing this and why she gets in touch with the police. Her mother's protege and FBI agent, Jake comes to investigate, when he recognises this as the calling card of a serial killer some years previously. Things are complicated by the fact that Lila has always had feelings for Jake, but he rejected her when they were both younger. As they get closer to finding out who is behind the roses, they become closer themselves, deciding that they both want the relationship that they have been avoiding previously. This was a great mix of suspense and romance and I really enjoyed it. ...more
The Thing about London is the first Tamsen Schultz story that I have read that has only been a romance. There is no mystery or suspense here, but one The Thing about London is the first Tamsen Schultz story that I have read that has only been a romance. There is no mystery or suspense here, but one of our characters, Wyatt, is a member of the FBI. He meets American living in London and working for a ballet company Cecilia when he borrows the flat next to her from a friend. As soon as they meet, the chemistry between them is huge and despite Cecilia being 11 years his senior, it's clear that they have a future together. While the book didn't have any suspense or mystery, it did have an overweight, grumpy cat called Steve. My cat is also called Steve and on the larger side so that won me over before we even got to the romance aspect. This is a quick read with a nice romance to put a smile on your face. Overall, I really enjoyed it. ...more
I don't really know a great deal about Ice Hockey, but I do enjoy romances that are based around the sport. Hot on the Ice is a second chance romance.I don't really know a great deal about Ice Hockey, but I do enjoy romances that are based around the sport. Hot on the Ice is a second chance romance. Dante (the Fire-man, obviously) had a brief relationship with Lily when they were both younger. He didn't want to get involved in a serious relationship and broke things off. Being fairly young, rather than let her know how he felt, he made it quite obvious that he was seeing other women and broke her heart. Now, when they run into one another again, there's no denying the chemistry between them. I have to admit, that when it's a second chance romance and they broke up because of cheating, it does tend to put me off. In this case though, they were very young and I'm prepared to let Dante off, (a bit). The relationship between Dante and Lily has a few difficulties to get through, even if we don't count their previous relationship. Even so, they do seem to work together and I liked them being together. I enjoyed the relationship that Dante has with his team-mates, they are all close and have that joking, almost brotherly love for one another. I did find that the way the author would say that they were telling one another to go fuck themselves, without actually saying it was a bit annoying. Either spell it out or don't bother at all, the whole suggested he do something sexual that was anatomically impossible got a bit much. Once or twice might be ok, if you must, but it was quite often. Overall, this is an entertaining and enjoyable sports-based romance. I'd certainly be back for more and there's every sign that this is the start of a series with more from these players to come. I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own....more
The Knight follows on almost immediately from the previous book in the series, The Pawn. Avery is trying to save her house and sort herself out, if poThe Knight follows on almost immediately from the previous book in the series, The Pawn. Avery is trying to save her house and sort herself out, if possible without the help of Gabriel. Although he sent her away at the end of the first book, it's clear that he's not really able to leave her and she calls the shots far more than she realises. I'm really enjoying this series. Although Gabriel and Avery do manage to sort out some of their issues by the end of this one, I don't think that they have got everything sorted yet. There are also plenty of other things left unanswered. I'm looking forward to reading the third instalment soon. ...more
I didn't actually realise that this book was part of a series when I started it, much less book 7. Having said that, I don' think that I lost anythingI didn't actually realise that this book was part of a series when I started it, much less book 7. Having said that, I don' think that I lost anything by not having read the other books. This is a stand-alone story. This is the story of executive chef Alexander. He comes from money and is very successful in his work life. Sawyer is the pot washer at the restaurant that Alexander works at. He is obviously very clever (having won a scholarship previously) but after the car crash that killed his parents, put his brother in a wheelchair and left him permanently injured, he just lives day to day trying to survive and look after his brother. This is a romance between Alexander and Saywer and quite a sweet one at that. It's also a view of how hideous the US really is if you are sick or injured. Not only are Sawyer and his brother reliant on private insurance (and Sawyer fears that he might lose his job overnight for nothing really) but it seems that the insurance company has also been ripping them off. This is quite a quick read, but it isn't all romance, with much of the story being as much about sibling relationships as anything else. It was a good read that I really enjoyed. I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own....more
I do enjoy dark romances and this one certainly falls into that category. Dhalia finds herself under the control of notorious mafia Don Vlad Vitalli aI do enjoy dark romances and this one certainly falls into that category. Dhalia finds herself under the control of notorious mafia Don Vlad Vitalli after witnessing a murder. He takes her and keeps her hostage in his house, never allowing her to leave, but also never taking things further with her. The more time that she spends with him, the more that she begins to questions the idea of him being the beast he has a reputation for being. This is a retelling, or perhaps it would be better to say that it is inspired by, Beauty and the Beast. Vlad is captivated by Dhalia's beauty and his reputation and actions make him a beast. Just like the original fairy tale, the longer that the two spend together, the closer that they become. But, can anything 'real' develop between them when Dhalia is a captive? This was a gripping and interesting read. It doesn't actually finish with the end of the book. In fact, we're left with almost as many questions as we might have had in the lead up to it. It's clear that there is much more to come with this story. I wouldn't like to guess where it might go next, but I'm interested to find out. ...more
After while, romance books can get a little samey. As much as I enjoy them, I'm always on the lookout for something a little different. With Fierce atAfter while, romance books can get a little samey. As much as I enjoy them, I'm always on the lookout for something a little different. With Fierce at Heart, I think that I found that. I'm not sure if it's because this is set in Canada and that adds something to all of those that are out there that are either set in America or by an American author? Whatever it is, I certainly enjoyed this fresh-feeling take on the small-town romance. Fierce at Heart is, in some ways, a slightly odd romance. We start with our hero and heroine running into one another again after some years. They were never lovers in the past, but had quite a different relationship, with Isla being Adam's superior in the Army. When they meet again, they end up having a one night stand. The relationship that grows out of this isn't a romantic one, but a friendship. This story is about two people who aren't ready to fall in love. Or at least not in the obvious romantic sense. Instead, their love grows steadily alongside a solid and deep friendship and respect for one another. As silly as it perhaps sounds, this romance story is much more about feelings than other romances. Or rather, the feelings that it is about are those of love, respect and friendship with lust taking a back seat until all of those things are in place. Overall, this was a deeply satisfying romance that left me with a smile long after I turned the last page. I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own....more
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