Curious Minds by Janet Evanovich
Curious Minds by Janet Evanovich
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Series: Knight & Moon
Purchase Links: Amazon Barnes & Noble
I was apprehensive about reading Curious Minds for a long time. Mainly because I knew it would be almost impossible not to draw comparisons between this book and Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum series. And that is exactly what happened for at least 60% of the book. Once I was able to push that way of thinking out of my mind, I really enjoyed the story.
Emerson Knight was refreshingly weird. Sure, he had looks, brains and money but he wasn’t perfect and was rather introverted and quirky. While at times Knight felt outlandishly written he was by far my favorite character from the story. The chemistry and humorous banter that develops between him and Riley Moon was naturally built and has me really wanting to see where book two will take them.
In retrospect the “Mystery” aspect of the story feels a little forgettable but that is probably a me thing, since I read so many books.
I have never read anything by Phoef Sutton before, but his writing style seemed to blend rather well with the Evanovich style characters and story. Which after looking him up and realizing that he wrote for Boston Legal makes so much more sense now. Overall, the book is a fun and satisfying read.
*I’ve read and listened to both the eBook version and the audiobook. And while Lorelei King is my favorite narrator and does a wonderful job, I’ve come to know her as the voice of Stephanie Plum so hearing her as the voice of Riley made it harder to not compare the books.
Official Synopsis:
I was apprehensive about reading Curious Minds for a long time. Mainly because I knew it would be almost impossible not to draw comparisons between this book and Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum series. And that is exactly what happened for at least 60% of the book. Once I was able to push that way of thinking out of my mind, I really enjoyed the story.
Emerson Knight was refreshingly weird. Sure, he had looks, brains and money but he wasn’t perfect and was rather introverted and quirky. While at times Knight felt outlandishly written he was by far my favorite character from the story. The chemistry and humorous banter that develops between him and Riley Moon was naturally built and has me really wanting to see where book two will take them.
In retrospect the “Mystery” aspect of the story feels a little forgettable but that is probably a me thing, since I read so many books.
I have never read anything by Phoef Sutton before, but his writing style seemed to blend rather well with the Evanovich style characters and story. Which after looking him up and realizing that he wrote for Boston Legal makes so much more sense now. Overall, the book is a fun and satisfying read.
*I’ve read and listened to both the eBook version and the audiobook. And while Lorelei King is my favorite narrator and does a wonderful job, I’ve come to know her as the voice of Stephanie Plum so hearing her as the voice of Riley made it harder to not compare the books.
Official Synopsis:
Emerson Knight is introverted, eccentric, and has little to no sense of social etiquette. Good thing
he’s also brilliant, rich, and (some people might say) handsome, or he’d probably be homeless. Riley Moon has just graduated from Harvard Business and Harvard Law. Her aggressive Texas spitfire attitude has helped her land her dream job as a junior analyst with mega-bank Blane-Grunwald. At least Riley Moon thought it was her dream job, until she is given her first assignment: babysitting Emerson Knight.
What starts off as an inquiry about missing bank funds in the Knight account leads to inquiries about a missing man, missing gold, and a life-and-death race across the country. Through the streets of Washington, D.C., and down into the underground vault of the Federal Reserve in New York City, an evil plan is exposed. A plan so sinister that only a megalomaniac could think it up, and only the unlikely duo of the irrepressibly charming Emerson Knight and the tenacious Riley Moon can stop it.
Killjoy by Julie Garwood
Series: Buchanan-Renard Series
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Her razor-sharp mind and ability to gather data and decipher evidence has made Avery an expert crime analyst for the FBI. But soon she will have to use every one of her adroit skills on a case that hits painfully close to home.
Avery’s workaholic aunt, Carolyn Salvetti, is certain her (hopefully soon-to-be ex) husband sent her the gold embossed reservation to the posh Utopia Spa in the mountains of Colorado. At first she is resistant, but then figures it will be a welcome respite from the cutthroat advertising business, not to mention a networking extravaganza. Plus she persuades her niece to join her for the two weeks of luxury and decadence.
But Carolyn never makes it to Utopia. Under false pretenses, she is taken to an isolated retreat by a handsome stranger with a dazzling smile, suave demeanor, and the darkest of motives. His name is Monk, a hired assassin. Now, with scant clues and fewer resources, Avery must track down and save Carolyn—and outmaneuver a brilliant killer who is part of an elaborate plot of madness and lethal vengeance.
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Purchase Links: Amazon Barnes & Noble
I've actually lost count of the number of times I have read & listened to this book. Which is a common theme amongst this series. I am pleasantly surprised at how the books still hold up after all these years. For Killjoy yes there is the slightly outdated "typist" reference but that's pretty much the only thing that stands out as dated. The narrator of the audio book version does a wonderful job bringing the characters to life.
I will say this is the first time I have ACTIVELY noticed how much time we (the readers) spend getting perspectives outside of Avery and John Paul. That's not really a gripe just something I noticed standing out a bit more when compared to the other books in this series. And another thing that isn't exactly a gripe is the ending for Jilly. I am glad that after all these years and countless rereads the story still pulls the response, I have towards her. Though I suppose that could be in part due to my distaste for unfinished business.
I've actually lost count of the number of times I have read & listened to this book. Which is a common theme amongst this series. I am pleasantly surprised at how the books still hold up after all these years. For Killjoy yes there is the slightly outdated "typist" reference but that's pretty much the only thing that stands out as dated. The narrator of the audio book version does a wonderful job bringing the characters to life.
I will say this is the first time I have ACTIVELY noticed how much time we (the readers) spend getting perspectives outside of Avery and John Paul. That's not really a gripe just something I noticed standing out a bit more when compared to the other books in this series. And another thing that isn't exactly a gripe is the ending for Jilly. I am glad that after all these years and countless rereads the story still pulls the response, I have towards her. Though I suppose that could be in part due to my distaste for unfinished business.
Official Blurb:
Avery Delaney has always tried to put the past far behind her. Abandoned by her rapacious, conniving mother when she was only three days old, Avery was raised by her grandmother and beloved aunt Carolyn. Then, when she was eleven, she witnessed her grandmother’s violent death, before Avery herself was shot and left for dead. Miraculously she survived. The man responsible is serving time in a Florida prison. This traumatic experience propels Avery into a life of law and order.
Her razor-sharp mind and ability to gather data and decipher evidence has made Avery an expert crime analyst for the FBI. But soon she will have to use every one of her adroit skills on a case that hits painfully close to home.
Avery’s workaholic aunt, Carolyn Salvetti, is certain her (hopefully soon-to-be ex) husband sent her the gold embossed reservation to the posh Utopia Spa in the mountains of Colorado. At first she is resistant, but then figures it will be a welcome respite from the cutthroat advertising business, not to mention a networking extravaganza. Plus she persuades her niece to join her for the two weeks of luxury and decadence.
But Carolyn never makes it to Utopia. Under false pretenses, she is taken to an isolated retreat by a handsome stranger with a dazzling smile, suave demeanor, and the darkest of motives. His name is Monk, a hired assassin. Now, with scant clues and fewer resources, Avery must track down and save Carolyn—and outmaneuver a brilliant killer who is part of an elaborate plot of madness and lethal vengeance.
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Kraven by Laurann Dohner : Book 2 VLG series
Kraven by Laurann Dohner
VLG SERIES Book 2
Goodreads Rating: 3 of 5 stars
Actual rating 2.5 Stars
Why the low rating? In a word, Bat! At first her bickering with Kraven held promise and humor but that was something that quickly became annoying about her. She had to fight him on every single freaking thing.
And despite being a “Tough Lawyer,” which she stressed all the time, she did stupid things and was in denial or selfish for what felt like 85 percent of the book.
Now do not get me wrong there were some good moments, ones that made me laugh and kept my interest, but this was still a tough and sometimes tedious read.
I wasn't that into having to re-read things from the first book but I get it. Doing so makes it so readers could skip one and just pick up book two and start reading. But don’t.
While I love Kraven’s character even more so because of what you see of him in this book, you can get a lot of his story from “Drantos”. So, if you have to skip anything make it this one.
Having read this series before I can say this book is the odd one out. If you read this and think it's bad don’t let it put you off the series. The later books are so much better.
*****
If after reading book 1 you are interested in finding out more about Bat and Dusti’s parents there is some new information in this book. But overall, it doesn’t make or break the story that is established in the previous book.
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Goodreads Rating: 3 of 5 stars
Actual rating 2.5 Stars
Why the low rating? In a word, Bat! At first her bickering with Kraven held promise and humor but that was something that quickly became annoying about her. She had to fight him on every single freaking thing.
And despite being a “Tough Lawyer,” which she stressed all the time, she did stupid things and was in denial or selfish for what felt like 85 percent of the book.
Now do not get me wrong there were some good moments, ones that made me laugh and kept my interest, but this was still a tough and sometimes tedious read.
I wasn't that into having to re-read things from the first book but I get it. Doing so makes it so readers could skip one and just pick up book two and start reading. But don’t.
While I love Kraven’s character even more so because of what you see of him in this book, you can get a lot of his story from “Drantos”. So, if you have to skip anything make it this one.
Having read this series before I can say this book is the odd one out. If you read this and think it's bad don’t let it put you off the series. The later books are so much better.
*****
If after reading book 1 you are interested in finding out more about Bat and Dusti’s parents there is some new information in this book. But overall, it doesn’t make or break the story that is established in the previous book.
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Grace Under Fire by Julie Garwood
Purchase Links: Amazon Barnes & Noble
Even though I love Julie Garwood and the world she has built around the Buchanan- Renard series, I struggled to find the desire to read this book when I found out who the main characters were going to be. But once I got started, I grew to love Michael and Isabel. The book was filled with chemistry, humor and great characters but also a few bumps along the way.
Grace Under Fire attempts to follow the formula for the previous books in the series but doesn’t quite nail it. There is something off about the mystery aspects of the story. And since I still find it a really good read, I am hesitant to explain in detail for fear of spoiling the book. I will say this though, the mystery in the beginning felt like a jumbled scenario at first but towards the end it felt lackluster.
Especially when compared to the previous books and how well-crafted the mystery and killer aspects were. For instance, Killjoy book 3 in this series and my favorite, was practically a master class in merging the mystery and romance genres. Both sides of that story felt fully fleshed out and woven together beautifully. Whereas in “Grace Under Fire” the mystery sometimes feels like it was haphazardly thrown together and with the exception for a handful of scenes, it feels almost unnecessary. Yes, it does initially push our main characters together but for what feels like the first 60 % of the book they are actually brought together for other reasons. And because of those reasons the Mystery and Scotland related parts are on the backburner and sometimes a bit forgettable.
The characters have some pretty solid and believable chemistry and are fun to read. I enjoyed Isabel’s strengths, sense of humor and her drive to find her place not only in the family but in life. She was an easy heroine to like. She doesn’t turn into a whimpering mess when Michael does stuff to push her away and she knows that she is worth loving. But I felt a few of her traits were overstated to the point that it was kind of unbelievable and just shy of annoying. For example, how EVERYONE she meets magically opens up to her because she is willing to listen. It was made out to be such a big deal and shocking for her friends to witness, which is fine, except for every time it happens it is made out that way. So, it loses quite a bit of its impact.
Michael Buchanan is a twenty-eight-year-old former Navy Seal, Lawyer and soon to be FBI agent. Add in the fact that he graduated college at twenty and it’s easy to see he is an overachiever. Now the above-mentioned résumé had me rolling my eyes skyward. But thankfully this is something addressed by Isabel in what is one of the funniest moments in the book. No, I am not going to spoil it by sharing a quote from the book, you got to read it for yourself. Overall, as the Hero of the story he is a solid character. He is likeable and has pretty good reasoning behind his actions. And the banter between himself and Isabel is so much fun to read.
Overall, I am glad I read this book. It surprised me and reminded me that things aren’t always what they seem. Plus, I got to revisit characters that I loved from past books and fall in love with two more. This also serves as a reminder to me that I have yet to not enjoy a book written by Julie Garwood. And aside from my previous mentioned nitpicks I enjoyed it enough that I didn’t put it down once I started and I can’t wait to buy a copy to go on my bookshelf.
*ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
Official Synopsis:
Michael Buchanan will need every bit of his extensive skill set when he appoints himself as bodyguard to a woman determined not to need one in this thrilling new novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Julie Garwood.
Grace Isabel MacKenna had a hundred things to do today. Killing someone wasn’t one of them. It was supposed to be a quick visit to Boston for the Buchanan anniversary party, then on to Scotland to collect an inheritance. She checks into her hotel and then decides to go for a brisk walk. But after getting lost, she ends up with a wounded man stumbling into her arms—and his shooter coming after them both. When she fires back in self-defense, she doesn’t expect him to drop dead. After Isabel endures an interrogation by police, she is free to go, thanks to the Buchanans dispatching former Navy SEAL and now lawyer Michael Buchanan to assist her.
Isabel knows she should be grateful for Michael’s help, but since she’s harbored an extreme dislike for him for years, gratitude is difficult to muster. Michael has appointed himself her de facto guardian, and she’s stuck with him despite their constant bickering and sizzling attraction. Even when Isabel goes to Scotland to claim her inheritance, Michael follows her—but he isn’t the only thing she can’t shake. Mysterious threats against Isabel surface, and before they can deal with their growing feelings for each other, Michael and Isabel must first survive.
Grace Isabel MacKenna had a hundred things to do today. Killing someone wasn’t one of them. It was supposed to be a quick visit to Boston for the Buchanan anniversary party, then on to Scotland to collect an inheritance. She checks into her hotel and then decides to go for a brisk walk. But after getting lost, she ends up with a wounded man stumbling into her arms—and his shooter coming after them both. When she fires back in self-defense, she doesn’t expect him to drop dead. After Isabel endures an interrogation by police, she is free to go, thanks to the Buchanans dispatching former Navy SEAL and now lawyer Michael Buchanan to assist her.
Isabel knows she should be grateful for Michael’s help, but since she’s harbored an extreme dislike for him for years, gratitude is difficult to muster. Michael has appointed himself her de facto guardian, and she’s stuck with him despite their constant bickering and sizzling attraction. Even when Isabel goes to Scotland to claim her inheritance, Michael follows her—but he isn’t the only thing she can’t shake. Mysterious threats against Isabel surface, and before they can deal with their growing feelings for each other, Michael and Isabel must first survive.
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Review: Your Dad Will Do - Katee Robert
Your Dad Will Do by Katee Robert
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
Purchase Links: S4.99 @ AMAZON
Every single page was practically filled to the brim with smut. Now I’m not one to complain or judge someone else for their book kinks but, for me personally I would have like a little bit more substance or plot to this story.
The book does “technically” live up to the description. With Lily "boinking" her ex's dad pretty much from page one all the way to HEA ending. The problem with that is there is nothing else to it.
My personal rating actually falls between a 2 & 2.5 but Goodreads doesn't allow half stars in their ratings.
I can't rate it any higher because 3 stars is my default rating for an okay or "good" (to me) novel. As well as those stories that are just alright, and I might be willing to give another shot. But this story was 97% sex scenes with very little dialogue, plot or motivation outside of it. And halfway through it, I definitely felt desensitized to any chemistry the characters may have had.
Realistically for me this would have been a skip DNF read if I wouldn't be pushing myself to finish reading every story I start.
That being said I know there are people who will enjoy this read and to that I say more power to ya.
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Royal Savage by Victoria Ashley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I wasn't ready for this story! I feel the need to preface that because when I decided to give this book a read, it was solely based off a recommendation that pretty much described it as an easy bad boy biker A+ smut filled read. (Okay so the exact words used might have just been directly from a smut scene but semantics.) Either way what I got was so much more. And again, I say... I wasn't ready.
I had no idea about the tropes involved in this book. And part of me is glad that I didn't, because knowing me, I would have skipped reading this. There are very few tropes that are a no-go for me and the dead ex fiancé has solidified its self on my list. There is just something that rips me out of enjoying a book when you find out that a character has a dead ex that he whole heartedly loved.
Once this has been established, I can't help but think from then on that the heroine of the story is essentially the runner up. And that if the ex was still alive she would never have a shot.
Royal has a lot of grief and trauma for his dead fiancé. And it hits you even harder when you find out just how and why she died. But by the time its revealed what drives Royal I was already too invested to stop reading. So much so that another no-go trope, couldn't sway me from completing this story. I am never a fan of the Hero of the story "boinking" others after he meets the heroine. He can be sleeping with thousands of people beforehand and I wouldn't blink an eye... but that's because its before her. And sure this is situational thing because like with the aforementioned trope it comes down to personal taste. But I heavily dislike it and still I kept reading.
The question is why? Well because this story transcended the labels that I and the person who recommended it, had placed on this book. What had started out as a spicy popcorn read turned into me being torn, conflicted and sympathizing with both characters.
Royal loved his ex. He wanted to not only marry her but start a family. And she was taken from him. He carries on his life the best way he knows how but never forgetting his promise to her. So when Ava starts to soothe some of his pain, to allow him moments of reprieve from his grief and rage, its obviously is not something easy for him to deal with.
And Ava is just a girl who starts to fall for some beast of a man, who just so happens to be the brother of her boyfriend. She doesn't know anything of his past. She just sees him as someone she wants to help and that she likes being around and of course thinks is hot as hell.
So with two good characters, who both have their own issues in both life and love, I was hooked. There are a lot of surprises in this book, And I am not even going to hint at what they are because the punch to the gut that happens when you find them out... its worth it. And sure there are a few eye rolling moments and a few "oh really" moments but overall its a really good story.
Come For Me by Julie Thorn
 My rating: 3 of 5 stars Purchase Links: Amazon Barnes & Noble  Scarlett and James definitely have some chemistry. And some of those smut scenes were pretty damn good. But this book had me conflicted. While overall I liked it, as an over-the-top popcorn read, I did find myself disliking a few things. Like the fact that the phrase "best friend" was said approximately 70 times. Or the fact that it seemed like everything, but the kitchen sink was thrown in this plot. The story still has a bit of charm to it though. I can't even say that I was disappointed by the book because I wasn't. And I have to say this is the first time that I have seen an author utilize images at the beginning and end of chapters in this fashion. And when I finished chapter 13 and saw that image .... it was literally perfect timing. The other images had gone rather unnoticed by me but this one was extremely clever to use and definitely added to the mood of what had just happened. I remember saying to myself "oh shit that's so cool". That aside sometimes it felt like the book felt like it was telling one love story between the main characters and then flipped to include a different aspect. But I don't feel like it is something I can explain without spoiling the story, so I won't go into details. I would however say that if you find the synopsis interesting then read it. Especially if you have kindle unlimited. |
Until Tomorrow Comes By Adelaide Forrest
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Thanks to a short but wickedly ingenious bit of advertising from
a post on TikTok, I read it. I would like to preface this by saying that other
than that I had absolutely no idea what this book was about. So, imagine my
surprise when I realized I was at page 274 out of 277 and a conflict had just
happened.
My internal voice was screamin’ at me because as a reader I hadn’t done
my due diligence. And this book was part of a series. And not the type that you
can be content with reading just book one and move on happy with how it ends.
It’s the cliff hanger, slightly unwilling back to Kindle Unlimited & Amazon
I go in order to get the rest of the series.
Aside from the fact that I personally wasn’t in the mood for
a series and inadvertently jumped headfirst into one, the book sort of
lived up to the spice hype. The first few chapters were difficult to get
through. Pushing past that I found myself curious to see how Rafe and Isa’s
relationship was going to unfold.
Of course, with this book being labeled as a “Dark Mafia
Romance” Rafe does questionable things. He is controlling, manipulative,
murders people. Our heroine of the story is kind of bland but an okay
character. One that is given a massive boon in likeability by the fact that I absolutely
HATE her twin sister. Personally, I think both characters have good chemistry
together but the world that is built around them with this story leaves something
to be desired.
In the initial aftermath of completing this book I was kind of riding the book high and not thinking past the fact that the story wasn’t finished, and I was unhappy with not getting a HEA. Given a bit more time to digest what occurs I realize that this book isn’t really a “Dark Romance”. Yes, there is a Mafia hottie who does bad things. Yes, he’s killed people. Yes, he’s rich. Yes, he has a stalker like approach to Isa. But having those elements does not lend enough substance to the story to make it believable nor give the story any real since of dark urgency. We are told that Rafe is a dark twisted badass, but it rarely ever seems like he truly is one. Combine that with Isa’s good girl but somehow has a dark secret to be uncovered, the story is kind of eye rolling in retrospect. I don’t want to bash on the story because as fluff or popcorn read its fine. And some of the smut in this story was pretty damn good.
But overall, I can’t help but laugh at some aspects. Like how when Isa is
explaining her fear water. The story seemingly out of nowhere takes on a wannabe
supernatural fated tone that is never referenced previously. And is something I
actually snickered at out loud while reading. On that same note I did find
myself wanting to find out things. Like what happened between her and her twin?
Why does her twin hate her enough to roofie Isa? Why does she have that scar?
But pretty much anything I wanted the answer to is never fully addressed or
answered. It is seemingly teased out into the next books. And in full honesty I
don’t care enough to want to read those right now. I’d literally rather just
read a spoiler to find out and move on to another book.
That being said this is far from the worst story I have ever read. It has good chemistry between the two leads. The smut is actually beyond decent and there are times when reading you are okay with being along for the ride. Its afterwards that you realize you didn’t quite get what you signed up for and that book one and at least book two should have probably been combined. And book one probably should have been edited down a bit to help with the flow.
The rest of the series will be linked below. Maybe one day I will dive back in and finish them.
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Den of Vipers by K.A. Knight
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Official Synopsis: Ryder, Garrett, Kenzo, and Diesel—The Vipers."They run this town and everyone in it. Their deals are as sordid as their business, and their reputation is enough to bring a grown man to his knees, forcing him to beg for mercy. They are not people you mess with, yet my dad did. The old man ran up a debt with them and then sold me to cover his losses. Yes, sold me. They own me now.
I’m theirs in every sense of the word. But I’ve never been meek and compliant. These men, they look at me with longing. Their scarred, blood-stained hands holding me tight. They want everything I am, everything I have to give, and won’t stop until they get just that. They can own my body, but they will never have my heart.
The Vipers? I’m going to make them regret the day they took me.
This girl? She bites too."
*18+ Reverse Harem Romance. Warning this book contains scenes and references of abuse/assault that some readers may find triggering. Along with graphic sex scenes and violence. This is a dark book*
After seeing some reviews on Goodreads, I feel like I have to add a disclaimer. This book is not a normal romance novel. It's more of a Dark and morally conflicting story of four really bad men and the woman that can hold her own against them.
Now that aside I really enjoyed this story. In particular the first half of this book. The men of this book are not white knights coming to save the heroine. They are bad men, who do terrible and sometimes tortuous things. They each are sexy and unique in their own ways. Bringing both quirks and for lack of a better word "fetishes" to the table.
I don't want my review to have a ton of spoilers because I feel like this is one of those books that if you are interested in it based off of the blurb, you definitely should give it a shot and go in blind.
I wasn't sure if it's because mentally I was crashing from being manic, or just the sheer abundance of what happens in the first part of this book, but I found myself having a hard time picking it back up. Like I actually needed a break from reading, and for me that is strange, but I finished it.
Overall, I liked the characters and definitely looked past some outlandish things in order to enjoy this book. My main gripe about the story is with the latter half of the book. There comes a point in the story when I was like "how are there 300 more pages in this book" because it felt like the book could have ended. After what is essentially a whole lotta smut scenes the story kind of picks back up with the conclusion of the four guys mafia-ish arc. I literally noted at 87% that the book was becoming "a chore". People were "safe" and it appeared that Roxxy was seemingly giving one by one "victory boinks" But as I finished the book I couldn't find myself regretting reading it. This book made me laugh, made me cry (once but it happened) and overall made me like it.
There definitely are some scenes in this book that I found myself wanting to skip through. Some scenes that are dark and twisted. Leaving you wondering how on earth you could feel okay with what just happened. And some scenes that logistically made you question how and why or even just roll your eyes in dismissal.
In the end, if you like morally conflicting dark and twisted romance novels or at least are willing to give them a try.... Go for it but read the blurb and the trigger warnings.
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I wasn't sure if it's because mentally I was crashing from being manic, or just the sheer abundance of what happens in the first part of this book, but I found myself having a hard time picking it back up. Like I actually needed a break from reading, and for me that is strange, but I finished it.
Overall, I liked the characters and definitely looked past some outlandish things in order to enjoy this book. My main gripe about the story is with the latter half of the book. There comes a point in the story when I was like "how are there 300 more pages in this book" because it felt like the book could have ended. After what is essentially a whole lotta smut scenes the story kind of picks back up with the conclusion of the four guys mafia-ish arc. I literally noted at 87% that the book was becoming "a chore". People were "safe" and it appeared that Roxxy was seemingly giving one by one "victory boinks" But as I finished the book I couldn't find myself regretting reading it. This book made me laugh, made me cry (once but it happened) and overall made me like it.
There definitely are some scenes in this book that I found myself wanting to skip through. Some scenes that are dark and twisted. Leaving you wondering how on earth you could feel okay with what just happened. And some scenes that logistically made you question how and why or even just roll your eyes in dismissal.
In the end, if you like morally conflicting dark and twisted romance novels or at least are willing to give them a try.... Go for it but read the blurb and the trigger warnings.
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I’m theirs in every sense of the word. But I’ve never been meek and compliant. These men, they look at me with longing. Their scarred, blood-stained hands holding me tight. They want everything I am, everything I have to give, and won’t stop until they get just that. They can own my body, but they will never have my heart.
The Vipers? I’m going to make them regret the day they took me.
This girl? She bites too."
*18+ Reverse Harem Romance. Warning this book contains scenes and references of abuse/assault that some readers may find triggering. Along with graphic sex scenes and violence. This is a dark book*
All Fired Up -Elle kennedy & Vivan Arend - Free Book
Free Downloads From: Amazon Barnes & Noble
Official Synopsis: As the owner of DreamMakers Inc., Parker Wilson takes the skills he learned as a Ranger to help men win in the love department, using every resource available to plan the perfect date. But when a routine recon turns into an unexpected night of fiery passion, Parker’s mission becomes personal—and he won’t give up until Lynn Davidson is all his.
Lynn is a goner from the moment she lays eyes on the delectable Parker. She’s tired of sticking to the straight and narrow. It’s time to walk on the wild side, and what better way than in the arms of the most irresistible man she’s ever met? But when their red-hot affair is threatened, it’ll take a team effort to make their dreams come true.
Review: Pretty, Dark and Dirty - Margot Scott
Pretty, Dark and Dirty by Margot Scott
My rating:0 of 5 stars UNDETERMINED
I have read plenty of taboo or dark romance books but this is the first time I have felt at war with myself over if I am comfortable enough to rate it. And honestly I don't think it is fair to give it any stars. I have nothing against daddy kink tropes or pretty much any kink trope usually. But this was borderline incestuous. For all intents and purposes Mason was her "father", for like 12 years. He not only knew her as a child but cared for her, raised her. Finding out he is not blood related doesn't assuage the issue of him being her dad.
I don't normally like giving spoilers or story plots away in a review but I feel that it is definitely needed considering the plot of this story. Jetty having just turned 18 ends up spending time with Mason, the man who for 12 years raised her. They end up having a sexual relationship. And it is later revealed that Mason had been somewhat obsessively drawing Jetty, even while she slept. Jetty's mom found out and kicked him out. Jetty's Mom goes on to explain she did it because she was fearful Mason would end up abusing Jetty. It's also revealed that Jetty's biological father is her grandfather. Hence Jetty's mom's fear. Everyone in we meet in the story knows that Mason is Jetty's Father. The book goes on to conclude at Mason's art show, which showcases a variety of drawings of "Mason's Daughter", with Mason proposing in front of the crowd.
There have been many times that I have excused or ignored aspects of a story to make it more "palatable" but while the author has definitely created a chemistry between the characters, the context around them makes it too uncomfortable, too taboo to actually enjoy reading. At least for me. I wouldn't go as far to say that the writing is bad or that it shouldn't exist because that would be unfair. The author has other works which are good reads. I previously read, (literally right before this book) "Ward" by the same author and for a quick "taboo" book I would say it is far superior to this one. And as a side note I don't feel that it is fair to label this as a Dark Romance.
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My rating:
I have read plenty of taboo or dark romance books but this is the first time I have felt at war with myself over if I am comfortable enough to rate it. And honestly I don't think it is fair to give it any stars. I have nothing against daddy kink tropes or pretty much any kink trope usually. But this was borderline incestuous. For all intents and purposes Mason was her "father", for like 12 years. He not only knew her as a child but cared for her, raised her. Finding out he is not blood related doesn't assuage the issue of him being her dad.
I don't normally like giving spoilers or story plots away in a review but I feel that it is definitely needed considering the plot of this story. Jetty having just turned 18 ends up spending time with Mason, the man who for 12 years raised her. They end up having a sexual relationship. And it is later revealed that Mason had been somewhat obsessively drawing Jetty, even while she slept. Jetty's mom found out and kicked him out. Jetty's Mom goes on to explain she did it because she was fearful Mason would end up abusing Jetty. It's also revealed that Jetty's biological father is her grandfather. Hence Jetty's mom's fear. Everyone in we meet in the story knows that Mason is Jetty's Father. The book goes on to conclude at Mason's art show, which showcases a variety of drawings of "Mason's Daughter", with Mason proposing in front of the crowd.
There have been many times that I have excused or ignored aspects of a story to make it more "palatable" but while the author has definitely created a chemistry between the characters, the context around them makes it too uncomfortable, too taboo to actually enjoy reading. At least for me. I wouldn't go as far to say that the writing is bad or that it shouldn't exist because that would be unfair. The author has other works which are good reads. I previously read, (literally right before this book) "Ward" by the same author and for a quick "taboo" book I would say it is far superior to this one. And as a side note I don't feel that it is fair to label this as a Dark Romance.
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Review: Closer Than You Think - Karen Rose
Closer Than You Think by Karen Rose
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
It's been a long time, years actually, since I have fully immersed myself into a book like this. I am a speed reader that consumes multiple books daily, but I found myself not only pacing myself while reading and listening to the audio book but savoring it. I felt everything. The trepidation, the passion and most definitely the need to know who did it. Surprisingly enough I had no clue who was behind it all because the twist and turns of this book were weaved so intricately. I am not normally a fan of books that contain any POV from the victims but Karen Rose sucked me and had me rooting for the girls. She had me cheering their badass moments on, and clutching my pearls (figuratively speaking) in moments of danger. I seriously love this book. And if you have the time I highly suggest you listen to the audio book and enjoy the ride.
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Review: Reaper's Property - Joanna Wylde
Reaper's Property by Joanna Wylde
Purchase Links: Amazon Barnes & Noble
Book 1 of 6: Reapers Motorcycle Club
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I am one of those readers that detest a main character hooking up, flirting, getting lap dances or etc with any woman after meeting the female lead of the story. And truthfully, I almost put it down when I met Serena. I was so livid. I wanted to hit Horse upside the head so many times with how he behaved with other women. I understood it was part of the story. But I didn't like it nor feel it justified. Thankfully I loved the ending though.
Official Synopsis: Marie doesn’t need a complication like Horse. The massive, tattooed badass biker who shows up at her brother’s house one afternoon doesn’t agree. He wants Marie on his bike and in his bed. Now.
But Marie just left her abusive jerk of an ex-husband and she’s not looking for a new man. Especially one like Horse. She doesn’t know his real name or where he lives. She’s ninety percent certain he’s a criminal and that the “business” he talked with her brother wasn’t website design. She needs him out of her life, which would be a snap if he wasn’t so damned sexy.
Horse is part of the Reapers Motorcycle Club, and when he wants something, he takes it. What is he wants is Marie, but she’s not interested in becoming some biker’s property.
Then her brother steals from the club. Now Marie can save him by giving Horse what he wants—at home, in public, on his bike… and if she’s a very, very good girl, he’ll let her brother live.
Author’s Note: This book was originally released through a small publisher in 2013. This independent edition has been lightly edited, and contains a bonus short, “Sticky Sweet” (originally published on the author’s website) and a Q&A with the author.
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I am one of those readers that detest a main character hooking up, flirting, getting lap dances or etc with any woman after meeting the female lead of the story. And truthfully, I almost put it down when I met Serena. I was so livid. I wanted to hit Horse upside the head so many times with how he behaved with other women. I understood it was part of the story. But I didn't like it nor feel it justified. Thankfully I loved the ending though.
Official Synopsis: Marie doesn’t need a complication like Horse. The massive, tattooed badass biker who shows up at her brother’s house one afternoon doesn’t agree. He wants Marie on his bike and in his bed. Now.
But Marie just left her abusive jerk of an ex-husband and she’s not looking for a new man. Especially one like Horse. She doesn’t know his real name or where he lives. She’s ninety percent certain he’s a criminal and that the “business” he talked with her brother wasn’t website design. She needs him out of her life, which would be a snap if he wasn’t so damned sexy.
Horse is part of the Reapers Motorcycle Club, and when he wants something, he takes it. What is he wants is Marie, but she’s not interested in becoming some biker’s property.
Then her brother steals from the club. Now Marie can save him by giving Horse what he wants—at home, in public, on his bike… and if she’s a very, very good girl, he’ll let her brother live.
Author’s Note: This book was originally released through a small publisher in 2013. This independent edition has been lightly edited, and contains a bonus short, “Sticky Sweet” (originally published on the author’s website) and a Q&A with the author.
*4/9/2022 Update Book Cover and synopsis.
Review: Guarding His Obsession - Alexa Riley
Guarding His Obsession by Alexa Riley
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
Purchase Links: Apple Books Amazon Barnes & Noble
(I seriously am lacking the ability to order my thoughts enough to write a coherent review that is not me just exclaiming wtf did I just read.... omg I laughed but the cringe factor was x 1000000)
I forced myself to finish this book but barely. It was so weird. The way Zoey behaved was so well weird. Almost bordering on autistic. I don't know how Zoey can allegedly be so smart but so extremely cringey and stupid at times.
I originally was trying the audible version of the book but dnf because the narrators were horrible. Gave it a second shot, powered through reading it and immediately felt like I needed to check and see if cupid was outside my window shooting me with crazy arrows. Because I oddly enjoyed a few parts in the book and that I was left wondering what the hell was wrong with me.
Just like this review the book was cringey. But there was a few micro scenes that were cute... Like Zoey pinching his butt. I feel like because I laughed a lot at this book that my mind is trying to convince me that it wasn't that bad but uh it was. Its by no means the worst book I've ever read but it's definitely the weirdest virgin insta love insta move in get married book I have ever read.
(I seriously am lacking the ability to order my thoughts enough to write a coherent review that is not me just exclaiming wtf did I just read.... omg I laughed but the cringe factor was x 1000000)
I forced myself to finish this book but barely. It was so weird. The way Zoey behaved was so well weird. Almost bordering on autistic. I don't know how Zoey can allegedly be so smart but so extremely cringey and stupid at times.
I originally was trying the audible version of the book but dnf because the narrators were horrible. Gave it a second shot, powered through reading it and immediately felt like I needed to check and see if cupid was outside my window shooting me with crazy arrows. Because I oddly enjoyed a few parts in the book and that I was left wondering what the hell was wrong with me.
Just like this review the book was cringey. But there was a few micro scenes that were cute... Like Zoey pinching his butt. I feel like because I laughed a lot at this book that my mind is trying to convince me that it wasn't that bad but uh it was. Its by no means the worst book I've ever read but it's definitely the weirdest virgin insta love insta move in get married book I have ever read.
*4/9/2022 Updates - Covers & Links due to Ebook being removed from original publishing sites.
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Follow Me - Tiffany Snow
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Purchase Links: Amazon Barnes & Noble
Having read the Kathleen Turner series, I knew that Tiffany Snow was an amazing author. That series raised my expectations of Mystery Love Triangle trope books to new heights. But I was still surprised to find that the characters of this book managed to live up to that level of chemistry and uniqueness.
Right away the heroine is established as a nuanced and full established character that I had no trouble relating to. It was actually refreshing that China was fleshed out with realistic interest and not the stereotypical romance novel girl hobbies. Everything from the shows she watched to the way she overthinks things that to most would be trivial, seemed to just hit right for me.
The two love interest for this book were each able to connect and understand China in different ways that felt unique to them. And while the love triangle trope was expected, I was still surprised at how deftly it was done. Right away I was rooting for Jackson to "get the girl" but Clark aka Superman swooped in and had me questioning right away who is actually the right person for her.
While I could be satisfied with reading book one, my curiosity won't quell and I can't wait to find out where book two takes me.
As of right now the entire book series is Free with
Corrupted Hearts Series - Amazon Free
Review: Cross Breed
Cross Breed by Lora Leigh
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Purchase Links: Amazon Barnes & Noble
Doesn't disappoint. If you have never read a book from this series I suggest you start from book one to get the full effect. Other than that all I can do is alternate between screaming for joy that this book was awesome and I loved it, while simultaneously holding back my sobs as I begin foaming at the mouth waiting impatiently for the next one. That teaser at the end OMG why'd you do that to me Mrs. Lora Leigh?
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Doesn't disappoint. If you have never read a book from this series I suggest you start from book one to get the full effect. Other than that all I can do is alternate between screaming for joy that this book was awesome and I loved it, while simultaneously holding back my sobs as I begin foaming at the mouth waiting impatiently for the next one. That teaser at the end OMG why'd you do that to me Mrs. Lora Leigh?
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Review: Silent Threat
Silent Threat by Dana MartonMy rating: 4 of 5 starsAmazon FREE (Kindle Unlimited)
Non Spoiler quick thoughts:
I loved the first encounter between H/h. I can't recall the last author who hooked me they way this first meeting between H/h did.
I liked the mystery bad guy. Why? Because until the reveal I was not sure who it was. The author wove that part of the bad guy really well. I was nervous for heroine on multiple occasions and actually felt the danger she was in.
How did I feel about the relationship between H/h overall? At times I loved, hated and was just okay with it. I thought the Hero was well hot and the Heroine was the one who had to grow on me. I started this book reading along to the audio version but the narrator seemed to drag things on and sometimes the way things were read seemed cringey. In text form it was much less mother earth preachy.
The ending?
Well honestly I expected more. I wasn't unhappy with the ending but I was left a little disappointed because of how things were built up between the H/h.
Overall it is still a really good book that is worth reading.
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Review: Racing Hearts
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| Amazon Freebie |
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
Book 1 of 5 in Curvy Hips and Sexy Lips (5 Book Series)
Kindle Edition, 129 pages
Published December 14th 2017 by Pinard House Publishing
Disappointed. That is how I feel about this book. It had so much potential that it never fully capitalizes on it. One of the main characters is Charlyse Cruise, a CURVY tomboy that like all other characters with this trait is too self conscious and unconfident. And while Tyler Dalton, a hot shot playboy race car driver initially falls in lust with Charlyse, he soon falls victim to the common tropes of most male characters by magically becoming a temporary douche and treating the love interest like crap. I understand there needs to be device to drive the plot but come on! Not a book I'd re-read or honestly recommend to others. The upside is at this time the book is free to read via amazon. So as a freebie its ok. *I will note that this book does not deter me from reading future works of this author.
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Review: Man of the House - B.B. Hamel
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Purchase Links: Authors Website
(update: book removed from amazon listings)
So I am surprised by some of the negative reviews on here (Goodreads) that are essentially complaining because of the sorta but not really taboo aspects of this book. So disclaimer if you are interested in reading this book: Carter is married to Emily's mother, but in name only. He is in no way related to Emily and there is some not so romantic language. But the characters do grow and there is a story within. So if you like reading books that are a little more dirty than a normal Romance novel, or erotica than you should be open minded. Especially if you have the option of getting it through Amazon Kindle Unlimited.
If I had to describe this book without fear of labels I would say it is a full length Erotica Novel that deals with a married (in name only) man falling for his of age (in name only) stepdaughter.
Now while I do defend this book against certain comments mentioned in other reviews I don't think it is an amazing book or a must read. It does have some steamy moments and I don't think it was a waste of time. I enjoyed it for what it was and think that if you have kindle unlimited and are looking for this kind of thing just go ahead and give it ago.
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Still Not Into You by Nicole Snow
I am torn about rating this book because I like the idea and the author, but I did not really enjoy this story. The writing style was hard for me to get into and I kept waiting for the story to pick up its pace and the action to start going but it never truly did. Plus the conclusion of the mystery to me was lackluster. And two military trained people were surprised by this person? Really?!... I just don't believe it. I liked Gabe and his teddy bear persona but often felt that Sky was portrayed too bitchy and unnecessarily hard. This also sometimes left me having empathy towards Gabe but feeling he was slightly emasculated in instances. I'd say skip it because it has been done before and better.
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Review STYXX by Sherrilyn Kenyon
Styxx (Dark-Hunter Novels)
Hardcover – Published September 3, 2013
by
Lets skip the intro and cut right to the chase. Styxx was a DNF for me.
Initially I was enthralled by Sherrilyn Kenyon's ability to make me feel Styxx's pain so vividly. She made me want to cry for him. Protect him. But the pace of the story coupled with all of Styxx's pain, misery & torture became too much for me. I can count on one hand the amount of times I have gave up on reading a book and up until now Sherrilyn Kenyon has never been on that short list. But 100% honesty I could not get past how vividly she made me feel all of the bad that happens in the beginning. It was too much for me. Maybe one day I will be able to finish the book, but I doubt it will be anytime soon. And if I do pick this book up again I know to read it in parts instead of binge reading like I normally do.
While I personally wouldn't recommend this book I do know a few people who think that this book is one of Sherrilyn Kenyon's best work so I chose to include purchase links above so you could see for yourself. This is the first time I was every let down by Ms. Kenyon so it is in no way, shape or form going to stop me from picking up any of her other works.
Laurell K. Hamilton - A Reader's Nightmare
This past last year I completely quit reading. Its something that used to distract me and make these bipolar/ depression filled days go by so much faster. So along with dropping even more weight this year.... I wanted to get back onto that reading bandwagon. My game plan? Start with an author that I absolutely loved. So what better place to start than with the woman who penned my favorite novel, Ms. Laurell K. Hamilton.Simple enough right? I mean I've been reading her work since I was 14 years old, so this should be easy right? Wrong. While I am a dedicated fangirl of the first Anita Blake novels Ms. Hamilton causes me one hell of a headache. To this day "The Killing Dance" is still my favorite novel and I am continuously recommending this series all the way up to "The Harlequin." For those of you whom are unfamiliar with LKH's work that is 15 consecutive novels that I repeatedly tell people they should read.
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| Anita Blake : The Laughing Corpse |
At first its no big deal. Its done under the guise of necessity for her character.The series started off as a story driven love triangle and has worked its way into an orgy of meaningless sex just for sex sake. Starting with Narcissus in Chains when the main character of Anita Blake becomes infected with the ardeur. The ardeur is a supernatural power inadvertently given to Anita by her vampire Master Jean-Claude that gives her massive amounts of power but also demands that she have sexual intercourse with several different people through the course of a day. That pretty much means Anita Blake is a succubus and thus required to bone but that is not the only transformation this character endures. She goes from the aforementioned badass and empowering woman to spending 60 to 70 percent of her time obsessing about whether she has become a slut and engaging in her never ending sexual activities.
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| Anita Blake & Jean Claude: Circus Of The Damned |
Jean Claudes life and he hers yet there story is not treated as such.
There are many types of love stories and LKH admits that being Polyamourous in her real life influenced the character. But this can't even be classified as Polyamorous because this isn't love or even attraction. Anita Blake is screwing just for the sake of it and the author is trying to convince us that it is because she is a succubus and must feed. There is no substance nor true motivation for this behavior. It is frustrating to watch an incredible talent and character dwindle down to this. I can not stomach reading or rereading this series now knowing what its become. To be shown a world filled with amazing content, characters and story is a readers utopia. Watching said world decay from something of substance.. From true story into 60 to 70 percent of the series and book become mindless boning... That is a readers nightmare.
