Straight out of the gate this story attacks your senses! You're under no illusion that violence is the undercurrent to this union between Spider andStraight out of the gate this story attacks your senses! You're under no illusion that violence is the undercurrent to this union between Spider and Emi, but it's how M.V. Ellis handles their transition to love that is the real story here, and she delivers it with all the necessary pain, fight and beauty I've come to expect from this exceptional author!
Domestic violence in the presence of mental health instability is a volatile cocktail, and the resultant mix is always explosive and painful, and leaves all it touches irreparably changed.
This is the life Emi is accustomed to. One she has no doubt will one day kill her. Until her life plays out in the presence of the right people. And one of those in particular; who was destined to be her saviour and her soulmate.
I loved our introduction to Spider in the previous book of the Rough Ink series, which is not necessary to have read to enjoy this one. He has an easy-going presence and joy for life that lights up this series. To say nothing of his description as a Nordic God - Oh, the image that created in my mind's eye!! All that coupled with his wit and personality, the man is undeniable man candy with a capital C!
Emi is a little harder to connect with, but that's almost necessary for her character, for how are we to truly understand her unless we've walked in her shoes? She's lived a life of violence from her very beginning. No doubt shaping her thoughts, behaviours and expectations to ensure her survival. And she is just that; a survivor.
The violence of their meeting and their subsequent relationship will have you thinking they are fated; written in the stars. He is her hero in every sense and in a way, she is his. After all, what better person to save someone who has not known pain and hardship, than the person whose known nothing but.
As such these two are destined, but they still need to get on board with the idea. For Spider, it's a no-brainer; he wanted this woman the minute she walked into his tattoo shop under duress. Eli though is going to need more time and this author writes it into this tale beautifully and with adequate respect for the journey she needs to take.
Though I felt a little short changed by the ending, which was however salvaged with a great Epilogue; I still really loved this story; the process these characters had to go through for their HEA, the connection to the previous book and the promise of more from the "SK:eTCH" family. Looking forward forward to much more Rough Ink!!...more
I am so blissfully exhausted by this book! Donna Alam has once again put my heart and soul through the wringer and given it a new shiny loved-up leaseI am so blissfully exhausted by this book! Donna Alam has once again put my heart and soul through the wringer and given it a new shiny loved-up lease on life!!
I couldn't wait for this next instalment in Donna's new series following on from To Have and Hate, and this stand-alone Age Gap romance did not disappoint!
The vibrant, driven Miranda Henry we met in THAT. This PA/come Marketing Manager/come Pet Sitter is working hard to move out of her parents' 'Hate Nest' after a recent and timely relationship death and to get her life back on track.
So when in pursuit of one of her runaway furry charges she ends up stuck red handed (or red faced) in her HOT neighbours dog door, they both take advantage of the situation and scratch a lust filled itch! Only, said neighbour is no stranger. And this is no one night stand, with no thanks to an untimely pregnancy!!
I loved Miranda's self dialogue and steadfast conviction. This lady is a woman after my own heart; determined to rise above her ex-fiancee's rejection and get her life on track, but that doesn't mean I didn't want to shake her senseless at times for holding out on our Hero!!
I swooned SO hard for James "Harry" Harrison. He was so very gentle and patient with the stubborn and bewildered Miranda, until he wasn't! Then he's deliciously devious with the most honourable of intentions...to make her his!! And Oh, this man's dirty dirty mouth!!!
He's gone for this girl, and she does her utmost to convince herself she's not as well. But neither can deny their enviable and obvious sizzling hot chemistry. And there's one particular scene in this book which is easily the best sex scene I believe, I have ever read! SO HOT!!!!
This is a standout read for me this year and that is entirely due to the way Donna evokes such intense emotion in one scene and then lovingly lightens another with rib-tickling wit and infectious dialogue. She has long been a one-click author for me but with every story she just gets better and better!
Thank you Donna Alam for this wonderful story, that for SO many reasons, will stay in my heart FOREVER!!!...more
I knew after meeting Xavier Cross in MV Ellis's last release Zed, that this was not going to be a tender love story by any means. But DAMN woman! ThisI knew after meeting Xavier Cross in MV Ellis's last release Zed, that this was not going to be a tender love story by any means. But DAMN woman! This boy is such a complex mix of villain, mastermind and lover, I predict you'll almost hate falling in love with him as much as I did!
And don't get me started on Rocky. This feisty, abrasive, defensive and altogether epic badass heroine, is my new favourite book girlfriend! What she dishes out to the men (and women) in this story will have you fist punching the air and cheering from the sidelines. This girl has Game!!
From their very first meeting these polar opposites have some of the most intense magnetism I've ever read, and their mental and verbal stoushes and the vitriol they spew at one another is so brilliantly written, it's no wonder when they do come together they are nothing short of explosive in the bedroom. Or out of it, as is the case here!
I absolutely loved this volatile coupling; Xavier is such an intense and elusive character for much of the book, and Rocky's hard won shell around her heart so seemingly impenetrable, you will question if they will ever find their way to the love the reader can so obviously see. But they have a lot of ground to cover to even realise a HEA, and the twists and discoveries Ellis so masterfully infuses into this story keep you on your toes to the very end.
Though I had a little trouble justifying Rocky's easy forgiveness for the torture Xavier puts her through, their connection both historically and emotionally justifies their ending, that I can easily say this is definitely a 5 star read for me and makes my fave list for this year!!...more
Who doesn't love a broody mountain man and a feisty heroine who's prepared to throw an axe around to prove her metal!!
Silver Brewer is my first readWho doesn't love a broody mountain man and a feisty heroine who's prepared to throw an axe around to prove her metal!!
Silver Brewer is my first read by L.B. Dunbar and it certainly won't be my last. It's a really nice change to read a romance where the couple coming together are both mature adults that have their own unique histories and and everyday issues that have shaped their mindsets and forged their values.
This is definitely one of those stories; Letty has invested her heart into a man who wasn't worthy of her love and has little support from those she loves, so is now looking to start a family of her very own less conventionally and needs to secure a real estate contract to make it a reality. The only thing stopping her tis getting the signature of the aforementioned very ornery, very hot mountain man who's interested in Letty than in selling his land.
But these two have worlds between them; distance, previous relationship baggage and miscommunication all prove stumbling blocks that stand in the way of them realising their love for each other is worth the effort and the risk.
Though at times this seemed a long read, and I sometimes wondered if they'd ever get their acts together, I enjoyed Giant and Letty's story and it's well worth the chance. ...more
This whole story from beginning to end plucked at my heartstrings and sung to my soul!
Book #2 in Drake and Harper's duet picks straight back up fromThis whole story from beginning to end plucked at my heartstrings and sung to my soul!
Book #2 in Drake and Harper's duet picks straight back up from the heart shattering ending in Sing To Me. With this volatile couple at loggerheads it takes a lot of angst, shared darkness, painful understanding and the realisation of their undeniable bond to one another's souls, to bring their connection back on track.
Where they continue to battle one another with violent verbal exchanges, they communicate best with touch and it's explosive; their chemistry is almost legendary.
Drake and Harper both have emotional epiphanies in this half of their story that are so beautifully and respectfully crafted and timed by this expressively talented author. She not only infuses her knowledge and passion of music into her word, but imbues it's impact on the reader too.
This duet has been like literary lyrical chocolate for the soul and is easily an absolute must read for every rock romance lover!...more
I've loved Cannon's character from the Dirty Billionaire series and was so disappointed in his fall from grace. I just knew there was more to this manI've loved Cannon's character from the Dirty Billionaire series and was so disappointed in his fall from grace. I just knew there was more to this man than me the eye, especially since he's also so easy on said eye!!
In this, his own story, Cannon has his work cut out for him when wily journalist "Drew Carson", though at least that's the persona she adopts, is hell hell bent on seeing him rot in a jail cell for what she believes is his involvement in the untimely death of her father through his familial mafia connections with he infamous Dominic Casso.
The only problem is the undeniable chemistry between the two that ultimately gets in the way and threatens to undo Drew's carefully constructed disguise and perhaps ill-conceived investigation and put both of their lives at risk.
Meghan March magic at it's best, and brilliantly delivered by the always superb narrative duo of Sebastian York and Andi Arndt, this stellar audio offering ends on a nail biting cliff hanger and I can't wait for the conclusion in White Knight!...more
Once again TL Smith delivers on point a dark, delicious nail-biter with plenty of lust and action.
Isadora is on a mission. She plans toOnce again TL Smith delivers on point a dark, delicious nail-biter with plenty of lust and action.
Isadora is on a mission. She plans to single-handedly bring down the Moretti Mafia, the men responsible for the death of her family, and she will use any means necessary to that end; even if that means using her body and risks her own life in the process.
But this femme fatale assassin doesn't bank of falling for the ruthless Mafia boss Jasper Moretti, and likewise, Moretti is not prepared for the dark, driven vixen who has caught his eye and become his obsession.
This is a fabulous game of cat and mouse and is fast paced with just enough sizzling chemistry, emotional sentiment and wonderful side characters to make this one hell of a ride.
Although at times this felt a little rushed and I would have liked both Issy and Jasper fleshed out a little more as characters, this is still a fantastic read and another superb story from this author, worthy of 4.5 stars....more
If you're looking for gritty MC drama and angst, Atone certainly delivers. In Robbins' previous series we met David, and he returns in this standaloneIf you're looking for gritty MC drama and angst, Atone certainly delivers. In Robbins' previous series we met David, and he returns in this standalone as a broken, dark and damaged hero hell bent on a passionate path of self destruction and revenge.
We meet our hero and his heroine Charlize, before they truly get their opportunity to realise their connection and ultimately tragedy tears them apart. When he returns to fulfil his promise to his baby girl, they reconnect; but is their burgeoning love enough to pull David from his collision course with his own demons?
This story will pull your emotions from pillar to post such is the angst that follows this man in his quest for vengeance, interspersed with the counteracting chemistry between the tortured "Poet" and his feisty, determined Charlie; his "Light".
For me, there were a lot of contradictions in both their narratives and the ping-ponging of thoughts had me frustrated at times. I felt like the author played with them and their emotions and commitment to one another a little too much.
Despite this, their ending is certainly warranted, given what they have endured and definitely worth the read for the MC Romance Lover, though only just reaching 4 stars for me.
Bad Boy meets Good Girl. Sure, it's a genre that's been done time and time again. But that's where the comparison to other stories I've read ends. Bad Boy meets Good Girl. Sure, it's a genre that's been done time and time again. But that's where the comparison to other stories I've read ends. There's just a whole lot more to ornery tattooist Zed, and wilful legal eagle Olivia, that had me so invested and intrigued in each of them as characters, that it made this story 'unputdownable' and a cert for my "must read" list for this year!
Zed is a complex man, so many sides like the dice marked in ink on his chest, he's got some dark history and closely guarded secrets, yet despite the gruff exterior it's clear there's an honourable giving soul lurking in the shadows.
Olivia is a marvellous heroine; she's determined and professional but there's a vibrant lightness to her that clearly attracts Zed despite his better, or is that bitter, judgment.
It's the verbal stoushes between these two characters early in their encounters which are the real highlight of this book. They are heavily laden with personal opinion, obstinance, and barely veiled humour, it was a joy to read!
And as their walls lower through shared history and their mutual appreciation grows so does the simmering chemistry between them reach fever pitch, and the resulting connection is sizzling hot.
But these two are far from on the same page and as such this is a tug of war of emotions and beliefs that is so brilliantly delivered I'm now a huge MV Ellis fan and am totally sold on the Rough Ink series....more
I can't believe Donna has done it again! Another Phillips boy to steal my heart and blown it to smithereens!
"I heard a friend once say that kissingI can't believe Donna has done it again! Another Phillips boy to steal my heart and blown it to smithereens!
"I heard a friend once say that kissing was a gateway drug. I never really understood what she meant until Rafferty."
Amen to that!!! Donna has nailed this man's imagery on the page, and that cover just conjures all sorts of naughty thoughts!
Rafferty Phillips is all you could really want in a book boyfriend; he's the reformed quintessential Bad Boy in a delicious wrapper that overshadows a loyal, remorseful, somewhat-closeted dominant, orgasm-inducing lover that steals this story and turns it's reader into a quivering puddle of hormones on the floor!
When Rafferty finds himself unwittingly in a brothel trying to salvage a friend's nuptials before the event, he stumbles upon a revenge bound Alissa Montgomery fresh from her own abandoned commitment, and a bond in the form of a friends-with-hot as hades-benefits pact is quickly formed!
The chemistry between Rafferty and Lissa is just so palpable, and yet initially so undetectable to the pair themselves, it's so damn perfect! You find yourself rooting (as in cheering, get your mind out of the gutter!) for them from the get go!
Lissa herself is an anomaly almost; the 25 year old virgin runaway bride! But this girl has a backbone and a sexual appetite even she has yet to realise, and she is the perfect answer to Rafferty's stag wedding status dilemma, but can they both stick to the game plan?
Donna's knowledge and vivid description of Sydney, it's colourful lifestyle and people, of the Hunter Valley wine region and it's dramatic landscape and palate is so spot on, I was taken there with every word! And I'm an Aussie girl so I know this landscape, and she nailed it!
When the pair take the journey to the Hunter for his brother Byron's wedding, the seamless way Donna introduces us to the Phillips family makes you feel instantly at home. You can see yourself sitting at the dinner table with this diverse truly Australian family, enjoying the literal fruits of their labour and tying in her previous novels of the other Phillips boys; Flynn and Byron, but you need not worry if this is your introduction to the brood, these stories really are standalone.
I can't remember another wedding story I enjoyed as much as I did this; with it's obligatory drama that was so well constructed, the descriptive, undeniable love shared by glances between the betrothed couple and the familial frivolity that goes on behind the scenes, just added to everything I loved about this story.
If this is your first introduction to the Phillips boys, and to Donna Alam, then I can guarantee you will enjoy the ride and whet your appetite for a little more from the award winning Riposo family vintage!! So many more than 5 stars!!...more
When I saw Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy had again teamed up for another MM romance, I couldn't on-click quick enough! These writers were made toWhen I saw Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy had again teamed up for another MM romance, I couldn't on-click quick enough! These writers were made to create sizzling chemistry together, their gay and bisexual romances are second to none in my book!
Lobster Shorts and Sinner 3 steam up the room in this heartfelt, comical and still emotional journey that was brilliantly narrated by Hamilton and Fox. These characters were so well written and equally well voiced I saw them picture perfectly in my mind's eye.
From the witty banter and verbal sexual exploration they bat back and forwards by text to the initially timid and guarded physical scenes, this story is a fantastic dialogue of sexuality and of coming to age, that should not be missed!!...more
I read this book from the unique position of not having read the previous books in this series and not having read the blurb, so this could have goneI read this book from the unique position of not having read the previous books in this series and not having read the blurb, so this could have gone one of two ways... I either got so totally lost in the previous content and put it down. Or it was enough of a stand alone that it wouldn't need the knowledge from the rest of the series.
But we're talking Giana Darling here! This author can give you a story tied so seamlessly to those that came before and weave her own magic around it that you really don't feel bereft of their omission, and yet you still want to go back and see where it all began! She really is that good!!
Rush Dempsey is The Elite Seven's "Sloth" and from first glance this rebel is taking his name seriously if only to exasperate his father. But his own agenda within The Elite reveals another man, and though his dictated task is that of desecration, it was never going to be his goal and nor does his conscience allow it.
The subject of his supposed desecration, Archbishop Savoie's virginal daughter Isabelle, is also not the sacrificial lamb she appears to be. In true Giana style, this heroine has the intellect and gumption when required to support and be the worthy and perfect mate for our veiled anti-hero.
As events unfold, secrets are revealed and tension mounts, these two are more than worthy opponents for the evil that has ruled The Elite before the current Seven found their true calling as a Brotherhood.
And though this is not the conclusion to this epic series, Giana gives you enough closure within this instalment and another bite at the next apple, to make this one brilliant stage-setter for the real finale....more
Even though this is my first time reading this author, it's safe to say Ms Lee nails the small town romance genre, with a good helping of heat betweenEven though this is my first time reading this author, it's safe to say Ms Lee nails the small town romance genre, with a good helping of heat between the sheets and an adequate dash of action and drama.
What's also worth mentioning about her writing, is that despite not having met Anne and Smitty, or any of the supporting characters before I was prepared to be a little confused at times with this story given this is Book #5 in this series; but this is a true standalone in that you are given adequate background and information about all their connections and personalities making the story flowed really well.
Both central characters were developed at a respectable pace and their conncection deepens and smoulders to the point that Anne is no longer able to resist the larger than life Deputy who has quite the closet Alpha personality going on! He is, in fact, absolutely adorable, and I challenge anyone not to love his protective and fun loving manner.
Anne was at first abrasive and standoffish enough to be believable as the runaway battered wife, but Smitty was determined enough to break through her walls and what ensues is a sweet story peppered with some great humour and sizzling chemistry. The only thing I didn't enjoy was her tendency to argue with herself in her head, it became a bit tedious and I didn't feel it overly necessary.
All in all this is a charming read that will pretty much tick all your romance boxes in one read An easy 4.5 stars!...more
These quick steamy reads from Max Henry have a little of everything for everyone's tastes and this offering is no exception. A touch ofThese quick steamy reads from Max Henry have a little of everything for everyone's tastes and this offering is no exception. A touch of enemies-to-lovers, some forbidden elements, add in a little dominance and submission and this story ticks a whole lot of delicious boxes delivered with the seamless ease and well built storyline that is always guaranteed from Ms Henry despite the tight novella format!
There's not alot to like in the early introduction to Boe Johannson, he's abrasive, evasive and quite simply an arrogant a#$, and even his dirty mouth had me cringing at times. But it soon becomes evident its all a smoke screen for a very fragile ego, and as the good Dr Edith Potts delves into the hard shell of this angry man on the verge of earning an orange jumpsuit, so too does she uncover some things about herself.
This story takes a very sexy look at the perception of how happy we truly are trying to live up to our own ideals, and how much fun it is to break the rules and let ourselves have what we really want! 4.5 stars!...more
The premise of this story is not new; the broken hearted heroine meets a hot Greek God of a man over drinks and takes the opportunity to get over herThe premise of this story is not new; the broken hearted heroine meets a hot Greek God of a man over drinks and takes the opportunity to get over her ex by getting under someone else! Confidence restored and anonymity intact, or so she thought, until she walks into her new job on Monday and comes face to face with her weekend fling, who just happens to be her new boss!
But Hawkins doesn't just deliver a run-of-the-mill office romance where confrontation leads to some serious chemistry building, and the H and h falling back between the sheets. Though when they do, the heat in the bedroom is off the charts HOT!
In Flawless he gives us a super strong female lead in Zoe; she's successful driven and determined, no shrinking violet in sight here, and his hero Liam, though predictably the alpha billionaire with a side of arrogant a@$, is also a multi-layered vunerable yet guarded man that slowly reveals his inner romantic.
For me though, despite how much I loved both of these characters and how their relationship bloomed, the appeal was really in the authors supporting storyline of the project the two developed, the attention to detail and the message behind it and how it bound the characters together.
However you break it down, this is another 5 star read by Hawkins and well worth your time!...more
I've always had a fascination with the ability to see beyond this realm; clairvoyants, mediums and psychics; whatever their speciality or term, thatI've always had a fascination with the ability to see beyond this realm; clairvoyants, mediums and psychics; whatever their speciality or term, that "sixth sense" ability, that "gift" is something I've always dreamt of possessing.
In Sensing You Veronica "Ronnie" Williams has that gift though to her it's a curse; responsible for the loss of so much in her life she would rather hide from it, and as a result much of the world around her. But the other realm, and her wily Granny have their own plans to have Ronnie embrace her gift before it's too late.
Ms Adele has crafted a beautiful story around Ronnie's ability; weaving in a tender love story that is also not short on chemistry or passion, vivid and colourful descriptions of the sights and scenery of life in Brisbane, and a dark backstory that builds to a tense and violent confrontation making for a dramatic conclusion.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story and could not put it down, so I am immensely pleased this is just the first in what I have every faith will be a fabulous spirited series! I can't wait for the next instalment!...more
If you love your MC reads fast paced, gritty, violent and harshly passionate, you will love this first book in what shows promise to be a sensationalIf you love your MC reads fast paced, gritty, violent and harshly passionate, you will love this first book in what shows promise to be a sensational series from Cassandra Robbins.
The Disciples MC's President, Blade and Carnival rat Eve's introduction gets off to a brutal start when she is taken as payment for her drug addict brother's debt.
Theirs is a battle of wills; Blade has an image of power and ferocity to uphold to his club brothers and enemies and battles to keep Eve in line and maintain the facade of distance, and she will do anything to secure her position in order to keep her ailing father under Blade's care.
I had a healthy Love/Hate relationship with Blade reading this story. The best MC men are seriously hot, filthy mouthed, difficult to love and should be strong alphas but brutal leaders. Robbins has nailed Blade as a character as he has all these qualities in spades!!
Eve however, was much more difficult to like. Despite her young age I felt for the life she's led she was at times quite immature and naive, and though as Blade encountered she could be quite the "badass", her apparent "good girl" facade is just that; as she is anything but.
As such I tried hard to be on Team Eve throughout the book, but with her revelation in the late stages of the story, she lost me completely. Where Blade had grown and embraced his feelings for Eve, she lost ground in honesty and admirability.
Otherwise this was a superb MC offering from this author and I can't wait to see where the plot from the end of the book takes us next, and see more from Blade's officers as this series develops. Well worthy of 4 stars!...more
Down Under is a delicious feast for the senses that will have you quite simply drunk on love and laughter! Donna has once again delivered a heady treatDown Under is a delicious feast for the senses that will have you quite simply drunk on love and laughter! Donna has once again delivered a heady treat in this quirky, steamy page turner set in the picturesque Australian wine region of the Hunter Valley.
From the very first page she plants a lust filled seed into a fertile landscape of characters, that she nutures with raucous Aussie good humour, strong family sentiments and healthy dose of angst and sexual tension that you won't be able to put down and that will leave you well sated.
Backpacker Amber Hardy is looking for an Aussie experience that takes in more than the sights and scenery and after having her birthday wish granted by a hot stranger, is ready to see more of the country and work a little along the way, and so heads for wine country to try her chances. She didn't however bargain for her new employer to be her mystery gift giver or for him to be quite as opposed to her presence as he seems.
Byron Phillips is the absolute package, and I'm not just alluding to that fact he owns a vineyard! He exudes sexual promise from his pores, such is the vivid imagery Donna gives you of this delicious man - and that cover does little to deny this man is sinfully hot - but at his core he is also a driven, protective, fiercely loyal and loving man with a huge yet damaged heart and he is not in a hurry to let his one night dalliance with the fiery Amber derail his carefully structured world.
The chemistry between these two is off the charts hot and will have you rooting for them from the sidelines to get their act into gear and get their gear off!! Throw into the barrel two wicked little troublemakers disguised as adorable cherubs, a delightful sagacious mother and a couple of cameos from Donna's previous books, and this menagerie will have you wishing to also run away to live amongst the grapes and wallabies with the promise of your own Happily Ever After! This one’s a special blend that will linger on the palate and is well worth a gold medal rating!...more
This story may be short in length, the plot already laid out, and there are no surprises as to where the characters are headed; but it is by no meansThis story may be short in length, the plot already laid out, and there are no surprises as to where the characters are headed; but it is by no means lacking super hot chemistry and superb intellectual and emotional exchanges that as fast as you will read it, you will not want it to end.
Dylan and Audrey are not only in polar opposite stages in their lives, their age difference being only one facet, but they are also in different mindsets in their opinion of love.
Audrey is the quintessential romantic; she lives and breathes kismet, fate and HEA, and she may be inexperienced but she is by no means innocent, as this dreamer is determined to get her sex education from a very disillusioned and bitter Dylan Locke.
Dylan is done with love; it's chewed him up and spat him out and he wants no part of it, but despite his abrasive demeanour and apparent moral code regarding the "too young" Audrey, he is still a hot blooded man and it's not long before these two collide.
It's the authors' portrayal of the mental tussle and physical collision that really shines 5 star brilliance in this story, and I cannot wait to dive into Round 2 and see where these two end up in Sweet Fate!...more
This series is only just really getting started with the boys from Crimson Elite, but already TL Smith has hooked me in with these complex, passionateThis series is only just really getting started with the boys from Crimson Elite, but already TL Smith has hooked me in with these complex, passionate and sinfully hot men! With Echo she has broken the mould in a style you wouldn't expect from our Queen of Darkness and delivered a sexy Alpha male who wears his heart on his sleeve.
When we are introduced to Echo in Book 1 he is a grumpy, heart broken, love sick puppy whose inability to cope with the departure of his "true love" didn't really endear me to him at first. But with the telling of his story and the truth behind his demeanour, (cue the most despicable family ever!) I fell in love with him and his belief in love, however misguided it is until he meets the strong and wilful Storm.
Storm is everything I love in a heroine; she's successful professionally through her own hard work and ethics, she's confident in her image and demeanour and despite having a skewed view on love and relationships, this lady is no shrinking violet! All in all, she's absolutely the perfect partner for our Echo. Each other's "perfect 10", they just need to break through their respective protective walls and realise it for themselves!
This one is big on drama and is hard to put down, in TL's usual style, and well worth 5 stars!...more
Blown away. There is no other way to describe how this book left me. Ella Fields has always, and will always be a one-click author for me, but thisBlown away. There is no other way to describe how this book left me. Ella Fields has always, and will always be a one-click author for me, but this story has eclipsed everything she has written to date in it's ability to drive home such hard felt, soul impacting emotion, I really don't think I will ever forget it.
I knew Lars and Daphne's story would be something else. Nothing can tear burgeoning love apart like an unplanned pregnancy; even more so when it is not of the couple in question. As such this story took a predictable path early. But it's in the delivery that Fields displays her mastery in storytelling and her superb ability to draw you into the scene and syphon out your heart.
What ensues is a gut wrenching journey where sacrifice, pain, fury and betrayal are exchanged. An epic battle of the mind vs the heart that really leaves the reader seriously wondering if there really is any semblance of a path back to love.
This story hurts to read. Really hurts! But damn if it isn't sublimely satisfying and so worth the pain. This is my absolute number one read this year and so worthy of all the stars!...more
It had been an angsty wait for me for Dorian and Jake's story but so worth it as Ms Silva brings them the HEA and quality of love they not onlyIt had been an angsty wait for me for Dorian and Jake's story but so worth it as Ms Silva brings them the HEA and quality of love they not only deserve but what you would expect from her writing. Though this book could essentially be a standalone, you will definitely be better prepared for this story having pre-read For You, Dorian and Phillip's story.
I was surprised that after their connection had already been solidly established in For You, that Dorian and Jake have skated around one another for so many years before this relationship really gets off the ground and they confront the simmering chemistry they have. But though we already know why Dorian is so closed off to investing in love again we had yet to understand our playboy surgeon Jake, and so essentially this is where we see the reason for his reticence.
This is a beautifully documented Friends to Lovers story that you know from the outset is going to pull firmly on your heart strings, such is the history of both these characters; but as tedious as their journey seems to be, and this would be my only criticism of this story that I did find it drawn out, you stay invested in the process to the achingly glorious conclusion because both Dorian and Jake deserve their happiness together more than any of the characters in this series....more
It's official! Lex and Leslie can't put a foot wrong in delivering the perfect blend of Rom-com, enemies-to-lovers, at-times-angsty, downright sexy,It's official! Lex and Leslie can't put a foot wrong in delivering the perfect blend of Rom-com, enemies-to-lovers, at-times-angsty, downright sexy, lovefest that is Surprise, Baby!
I've had quite the impatient wait for Drew's story since thoroughly devouring Martin and McAdam's All About the D; Josh and Evie's story. It's fair to say I was a huge fan of their story, given I gifted several copies to my book loving friends! But it's been the promise of Drew "Demerit" Merritt that I'd been longing for.
This obnoxious, unapologetic, hard partying playboy wouldn't be everybody's idea of a hero, but I still loved his loutish ways and knew there was more than met the eye when it came to Drew, and there was a good explanation for his rebel behaviour. And he doesn't disappoint in his transformation into the soft hearted, still fun loving but responsible and determined lover who is not going to back down in his pursuit of perhaps his harshest critic, Kendall Greer.
The clever banter between these two is beautifully balanced with tender moments, hot-as-Hades action between the sheets, angsty misunderstandings and swoon worthy reconnections made perfect with some fabulous side characters; most notably Drew's adorable grandma Bee, making this an absolute 5 star read for me! I highly recommend this story and can guarantee my Book Besties will be getting treated to some more Lex and Leslie brilliance in their Christmas stockings again this year!...more
This is one hilarious heart felt thrill ride you are really going to have to take!! Car Crash was an absolute joy to read and I smashed it in less thanThis is one hilarious heart felt thrill ride you are really going to have to take!! Car Crash was an absolute joy to read and I smashed it in less than 24 hour, yes, pun absolutely intended!
Kitty and Dallas are those side characters in other stories that you at times cringe at, laugh along with and wonder how the survive their own lives; and to bring them together to join forces in what could only be described as an accident waiting to happen is pure romcom genius that Tina always delivers effortlessly and in spades!
I absolutely LOVE Dallas! Yes, he's an unapologetic player with an ego the size of a city block and the wit of a madman, but you just can't help but love him and the crazy he delivers in this story and there could only really be one woman for him; the delectable, smart, equally unapologetic though luckless-in-love Kitty.
When they form their "Player's Pact", for want of a better term, to help each other navigate the minefield of hooking up, we can see where this is going to end up since their physical chemistry is obvious, but that knowledge doesn't detract from the perfect slow burn reveal of emotions and tenderness these two have with each other that Ms Gephart brings respectfully and gently to the page.
When they get their "light bulb moments" and get on the same page I was standing in the audience applauding and wolf whistling (ok maybe metaphorically) and I'm not too proud to admit, wiping away a few happy tears too. I think these guys are going to be a hard couple to beat for my favourites of 2019, and this story is an absolute 5 star recommendation for me!...more
This book is a heady mix of edge of your seat suspense, love and hate, secrets and betrayal that you DO NOT WANT TO MISS!!
This story begins amid aThis book is a heady mix of edge of your seat suspense, love and hate, secrets and betrayal that you DO NOT WANT TO MISS!!
This story begins amid a pool of blood and violence and quickly throws you into the action and passion. Sebastian Decker is drawn into the Torian mafia family against his better judgement and almost entirely by his heart the moment he lays eyes on Keira Torian. He wants to save her, but it's not yet evident if she wants or indeed needs to be saved.
The pace of this story is break-neck fast with more twists and turns than a theme park thrill ride you won't want to put this book down.
Eden Summers writes deeply complex, flawed irresistible characters and Decker and Keira are no exception. He is a delicious combination of sarcasm, passionate lover and imminent violence and the perfect match for the headstrong, sometimes fragile, mafia beauty, and their dual deceit and secrets threaten to bring down not only themselves but everyone around them.
This is essentially a standalone but with references and characters from her previous 5 star hit "Hunter", you would do well to read it first, but either way this is another stellar 5 star read!...more
If you're looking for a great enemies to lovers story with heated exchanges that turn into even more heated of a different kind and perfect narration,If you're looking for a great enemies to lovers story with heated exchanges that turn into even more heated of a different kind and perfect narration, this is your book! Vi Keeland nails this genre, every time in my opinion, and Sebastian York and Andi Arndt deliver it with their usual flawless brilliance. I loved both these characters, there development within the story and their flaws, and when they go head to head, sparks fly! But Bennett was the stand out for me, the perfect blend of alpha asshole with a vunerable broken heart surrounded by a wall of stubborn male! Highly recommend!!...more
I have always been intrigued and drawn to the mystique, spiritualism and dark charm of tarot card reading, so this book was an absolute no-brainer forI have always been intrigued and drawn to the mystique, spiritualism and dark charm of tarot card reading, so this book was an absolute no-brainer for me when offered the chance to read Sworn, Book 1 of Maria Luis's Blood Duet. What I wasn't prepared for was such a sensational, gripping, suspense filled, hot-as-hell read that this book turned out to be!
Avery Washington is running from a past she plans to avenge. Hiding in plain sight in the shadows of New Orleans and working as a tarot card reader, a craft she picked up surviving on the streets after fleeing for her life as a child, she manipulates her fortune telling to glean information from her clients to exact revenge for her mother's murder.
I love Avery as a character, she's driven, almost ruthlessly so, she holds no true romanticism for her craft seeing it more as a tool, and is outwardly as "brave"and as "bold" as her mother urged her to be in pursuing her goal of bringing to man responsible for her death to justice.
But when the mercurial delicious Sergeant Lincoln Asher sits at her table demanding his future be told, she knows there is more to this cop than a shiny badge and uniform, he's got a dark past that is just as easily read from his face, as it is his cards.
There's an obvious undercurrent of sizzling chemistry in the initial interaction between these two, and it is brilliantly built on by this author, whose writing, by the way is flawlessly superb. As the heat builds with Avery and Lincoln, so does the plot deepen and evolve as their secrets and lies begin to tie these two together and put them in danger of being consumed by NOLA's dark underbelly.
So many elements of this story make it an definite five star read, I couldn't put it down. With a perfectly executed cliff hanger setting the stage for the gripping continuation, I'm wasting no time in diving into Book 2, Defied to see where this author takes me next!...more
Once again TL Smith delivers her delicious brand of darkness in a unique story with yet another broody mysterious hero for us to crave.
The CrimsonOnce again TL Smith delivers her delicious brand of darkness in a unique story with yet another broody mysterious hero for us to crave.
The Crimson Elite is unlike any other Sex Club you've read about before. It's rules are lethally different, it's management handsomely complex and it's services secretive and coveted enough to have men risking their lives.
Creed is an interesting hero; he's intense in every sense of the word and emotionally shrouded, but it's his lack of overt emotion yet undeniable physical presence and persistence in his pursuit of Elicea that makes him so attractive in this story.
"We are a thing. We will forever be a thing. You just have to get used to it."
What woman doesn't love a mystery to solve, and Creed has so many layers he is the quintessential onion begging to be peeled away.
Elise, conversely, was a difficult character for me to connect with, she is both strong and fragile, but the glimpses of each didn't really give a sense of who she really is until much later in the story and even then I wasn't sure I liked what I saw.
I loved the dynamics between the "bosses" and their youthful brotherhood beneath their dark business, and am thoroughly looking forward to each of their stories in the rest of this series to come!...more
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