Hello and Happy Wednesday. I hope your week is off to a great start!
I'm sharing three books I read and quite enjoyed and maybe you'll find something here to read too!

After the Climb by Kristen Ashley

dual pov, vaguely descriptive heat, second chance contemporary romance
They were the Three Amigos: Duncan Holloway, Imogen Swan and Corey Szabo. Two young boys with difficult lives at home banding together with a cool girl who didn’t mind mucking through the mud on their hikes.

They grew up to be Duncan Holloway, activist, CEO and face of the popular River Rain outdoor stores, Imogen Swan, award-winning actress and America’s sweetheart, and Corey Szabo, ruthless tech billionaire.

Rich and very famous, they would learn the devastating knowledge of how the selfish acts of one would affect all their lives.

And the lives of those they loved.

Fatal Intrusion by Jeffrey Deaver and Isabella Maldonado

multiple pov, thriller

Carmen Sanchez is a tough Homeland Security agent who plays by the rules. But when her sister is attacked, revealing a connection to a series of murders across Southern California, she realizes a conventional investigation will not be enough to stop the ruthless perpetrator.

With nowhere else to turn, Sanchez enlists the aid of Professor Jake Heron, a brilliant and quirky private security expert who, unlike Sanchez, believes rules are merely suggestions. The two have a troubled past, but he owes her a favor and she’s cashing in. They team up to catch the assailant, who, mystifyingly, has no discernable motive and fits no classic criminal profile. All they have to go on is a distinctive tattoo and a singular obsession that gives this chillingly efficient tactician his nickname: Spider.

Over the next seventy-two hours, Sanchez and Heron find themselves in the midst of a lethal chess match with the killer as they race to stop the carnage. As the victims mount, so do the risks. Because this spider’s web of intrigue is more sinister—and goes far deeper—than anyone could possibly anticipate.

Love Me Today by A.L. Jackson

dual pov, forced proximity, single parent, contemporary romance, descriptive heat

I should have known I was in trouble when I backed my old, beat-up truck into the shiny Range Rover.

The driver looked like a gorgeous fallen angel – one who’d been booted right out of paradise for being a giant prick.

Good thing I’ll never have to see him again.

Except when I show up for my new job to teach a little girl how to ride her horse, I find the same icy blue eyes glaring back at me.

Paisley Dae is completely reckless. She’s also the best trainer in this small town. And Evelyn gets the best.

Protecting the little girl is my one focus.

Only the sassy trainer in her cut-offs and cowgirl boots quickly gets under my skin. Distractions are dangerous, but she soon becomes everything I crave.

One reckless night of giving in, and Caleb and I spiral into a web of passion.

But when I begin to unravel the secrets hiding in this place, I find there is more riding on this job than I thought.

Caleb and Evelyn are worth any sacrifice – only Caleb has to decide what he will sacrifice for me

The Billionaire's Rules by Kelly Favor is a 16-book series and I stopped reading at #13. I read this back in 2015 so keep that in mind.

Twenty-one-year-old Ivy Spellman has always played by the rules – get good grades, stay out of trouble, and avoid bad boys at all costs.

But when she takes a temp assignment at a multi-billion dollar drug company, she can’t help but become intrigued with the sexy and ultra-demanding CEO, Cullen Sharpe.

Cullen Sharpe is used to getting what he wants, and his dark and damaged desires are locked on Ivy. Her good girl innocent routine is enough to drive him over the edge, and after Ivy makes a mistake at work, he senses an opening to teach the shy temp the pleasures and seductions of being bad...

…as well as the punishment that goes along with it.

Soon the two of them are locked in a game of mystery, seduction, and raging desire that knows no bounds. But as Ivy is pushed beyond her sexual limits, she begins to crave more from the dark billionaire.

However, Cullen guards his secrets and his heart for reasons that run deep. And if those reasons were to ever be revealed, it just might destroy them both.

Discipline

The Billionaire's Rules #1

Wasn't sure how to rate this.
It was over pretty quickly. I am, however, interested enough to read the next book.
Ummmm... Does Cullen have OCD? Is he a germaphobe?
I understood by the end (though I guessed from the start) that Ivy was a virgin, but that doesn't mean she has to act like a nitwit. I hope she develops a damn spine in this series.

I gave this TWO STARS.

Consequence

The Billionaire's Rules #2

Not sure what to make of this one. At least Cullen finally touched Ivy, no matter how briefly. The scene wasn't hot per se. But it was something. What I wouldn't give to read his POV. Ivy is annoying me :(

I know nothing of this man other than that he's the CEO of a pharmaceutical company, has a lot of money, is crazy hot, likes to be called sir or Mister Sharpe, and likes to dole out consequences. Ok ya but who is he?? These facts were enough to decide to give up your virginity Daisy? Seriously? You've known dude for a day.

I gave this THREE STARS.

Truth

The Billionaire's Rules #3

Still don't know who Cullen is but he seems just as obsessed as Daisy. She's just weird. I'm glad to see she's capable of independent thought but it's still not enough to win me over.

I shouldn't really categorize this as sexy because the one sex scene just wasn't. Which woman ever lost her virginity and thought "ooh that felt soooooo good?" Ummmmmm hell to the naw. That just isn't realistic. And dude knew she was a virgin. Where the hell was the prep??? Dude doesn't know about friggin foreplay??? I would not be giving up my hymen to someone who doesn't put in work. Shoot, she didn't even get a date. Well at least he gives her a paycheque.

I gave this THREE STARS.

Lies

The Billionaire's Rules #4

Ridiculous. The first clue we have as to who Cullen is comes from his rival Xavier (Dude was a neurosurgeon for 10 years?! How OLD is he???)

Do not get me started on the coffee shop scene. Ivy goes from klutzy, naive, hapless virgin one day to BJ lessons on a washroom floor? I'm not new to the sex game, but there is absolutely no way I would be servicing some guy on my knees in a random washroom. Especially for the first time!! There was no mention of this washroom being sterilized. WTH?!

That Lucas co-worker has seemed suspect from book 1. I want to see how he plays into the secrets surrounding Cullen. I wish Daisy luck in the upcoming books because she seems to be really falling for this man, albeit a little bit too quickly. How do these heroines fall in love with men they don't know?

I gave this THREE STARS.

Threat

The Billionaire's Rules #5

Ok now we're getting somewhere. I'm still on the hunt to discover the secrets about Cullen.

OMG did anyone else think Lucas was capable??? I just thought he was a lam-o. I knew he was up to something, but not that.

It seems Cullen is truly developing feelings for Ivy so I've decided to cut her some slack. I truly hope she catches a break in the next book.

That ending? Does this mean we may get Cullen's POV? Here's to wishful thinking!

I gave this THREE STARS.

Expose

The Billionaire's Rules #6

Well it seems we are finally getting to know more about Cullen.
He's finally opening up to Ivy, but holy crap she has to go through some ish to get it.
He's really rude and I just don't understand how she continues to put up with him.
I don't care how fine a man is. You disrespect and I'm out.
Fish in the sea and so on.
Maybe she's got some real strong self-esteem issues.

I guess we'll learn more about him in the next book. I wonder how his suggestion on how they can stay together is going to go over. I'm just glad she doesn't have to lie anymore.

I gave this THREE STARS.

Commit

The Billionaire's Rules #7

Wow. I didn't expect that to be Cullen's secret. Good to know he's devoted and loyal to someone. Guess he's not an android after all.

I'm just as confused as Ivy as to Cullen's motives to marry her. I was quite surprised at the arrangements he made to make her happy. It was sweet but I feel like it was all part of his manipulation.
I think there are obviously more secrets to be told.
That ending said it all lol.

As for Lucas... He's just evil.

I gave this THREE STARS.

Defy

The Billionaire's Rules #8

Wow... Looks like Ivy grew some balls in this one. She's not taking any bull from anyone. Good for her. I actually liked her in this one!

I'm trying to figure out if Xavier really likes Ivy or if he sees her as a weapon against Cullen. He's described as a good guy but something is off.

And I knew Cullen was crazy but damn! He beat up a car! I'm starting to see his possessiveness as a display of affection. I guess he truly cares for Ivy.

In a totally wrong way, but still.

I gave this THREE STARS.

Trouble

The Billionaire's Rules #9

Dammit Ivy's backbone keeps disappearing. And Cullen is just getting ruder.
Did I miss the part where it said he was crazy?
Like seriously crazy.
Mad. Sick.

And her mom did what any good mom would do. If one of my daughters called me up with Ivy's story, you better believe I'm rushing to her side and defending her the best way I know how. That's what her mom did. Maybe she didn't know all the facts, but she saw her baby girl hurting. What else was she supposed to do?

Whatever, his ass belongs in jail. He may not abuse her physically, but he does abuse her.

I gave this THREE STARS.

Risk

The Billionaire's Rules #10

Well I wonder if we'll see Cullen perform surgery ever again.
I wonder what his dad's role will be in his and Ivy's future.
I wonder if Cullen truly loves her.
Or is he still trying to manipulate and control her through her emotions.

I wonder if Ivy will be stronger in the end.
I wonder if there will be a HEA.
I wonder if they deserve one.
I wonder if there will be a semblance of closure for all parties involved.
That's why I'm still reading this series.

I gave this THREE STARS.

Fall

The Billionaire's Rules #11

I think this was the best one yet.
Finally I can feel the love (ok not really but at least Ivy says she does).

So much happened here.
So much drama.
A life hangs in the balance and only Dr. Cullen Sharpe can save it.

I wonder what Cullen's dad needed $2.6 million for.
Will Ivy forgive her mom?
And will Cullen have to face a trial and/or subsequent prison sentence?
Will it a all be revealed in the next book?
Well I'm gonna read to find out.

I gave this FOUR STARS.

Cherish

The Billionaire's Rules #12

I don't even know where to start.

This is the last book to tell Cullen and Ivy's story and it gave me NO satisfying conclusion.

Those who should be in trouble aren't.
The relationship still doesn't make any sense.
And I just read 12 books to get this?
Why?

I gave this THREE STARS.

Hunt

The Billionaire's Rules #13

I am disappointed.
I was glad to see another book, but I didn't get what I wanted from it.

I don't think enough time was spent on closing out the story of Cullen and Ivy before we were introduced to Brayden and Lanie.
I didn't care for it. At all.

I'm actually quite pissed.
I feel like I was pressured to finish the first part of the series.
It just didn't work for me.
Yes, the bathtub scene with Lanie was hilarious. But it could have been included in its own book.

I would have rather have read more about Cullen and Ivy and finished their story in a more satisfying way.
At least they got their HEA.
I guess that's what's important.

I gave this THREE STARS.

Rent Free by Lani Lynn Vale

Rating - 1/2
Book 5 of Carter Brothers
Release - September 10, 2024
Genre - Contemporary Romance / enemies to lovers
POV - Dual 1st person
Heat - explicit
Source - eARC provided by GIVE ME BOOKS PR
Length - 259 pages




Pepper was misunderstood and Atlas was an oblivious fool. He remains that way for much of this story, but there was no denying the chemistry between these characters. And when he finally woke up, he dove right in and I became his number one cheerleader!

I loved Pepper immediately and wanted her to only have great things. She had to put up with a lot and I kept thinking there were better ways to live, but my solutions wouldn't have helped this story and I get that. How her sister became a police officer, I'll never know, but it made me laugh uncontrollably.

Seriously? Did the police department not have a competent psych eval? Were the people of their community not discerning or skeptical?

I enjoyed this story so much, even the drama-filled bits that made me chuckle. The feelings were what mattered most and there was no doubt that Atlas and Pepper had those in abundance.




Lani Lynn Vale is an American author of humorous romantic suspense novels. Born in the Great State of Texas, she has lived the majority of her adult life in East Texas where most of her novels are based. She’s married to her high school sweetheart whom her readers refer to as “LLV’s Bearded Half.” She published her first novel, Boomtown. in the summer of 2013 after the birth of her third child. She’s gone on to publish over 100 novels, with most of them going on to become USA Today bestsellers.

I'm back with a series of books that I read a long time ago (2016), but I remember enjoying them.
The Taking the Fall series is an dual pov erotic romance featuring a woman who can't remember and the mafia man who is desperate to claim her.
Hopefully my reviews inspire someone to give this series a chance.

Book One

Layla O’Leary has had enough. For years she has been haunted by the night she can’t remember. When she learns the only man she's ever loved has betrayed her, she escapes and crafts a new identity. She's finally free...

Carter has waited eight years to claim his woman. Locking him up only fueled his obsession. The day he gets out he's coming for her. Taking the Fall was just the start. Now he'll stop at nothing to possess what's his.

Warning: this book contains a hero who grunts and growls his way through life, a heroine nicknamed Cherry looking to lose it, and instalove so fast and hard your panties might disintegrate. Note: Not responsible for exploding panties.

Book Two

Carter has finally claimed his woman and he's never letting her go... Having her has only seemed to fuel his obsession.

Old demons are coming for Cherry and he’s doing everything in his power to protect her. Can he keep her safe while looking over his shoulder? Will her new secret send him over the edge? Can they find peace in chaos?

Maybe the very thing that started it all could give him more than he could have ever dreamed of.

Warning: Volume 2 contains more sexy hotness, sweet gooey love, and an alpha male who would do anything for his Cherry.

Book Three

Carter has spent years protecting her from this man, but now Layla has fallen right into his hands. With his world crashing down around him, Carter won't stop until he gets the vengeance he deserves. But will he succeed in saving the only person he has ever loved?

Warning: Vol. 3 contains triple the steam, triple the love, and triple the cheese. Not responsible for Kindles covered in Velveeta.

Falling In

They met by chance. Or so she thought...

Losing her wasn't something he was willing to do. Sometimes life takes you to the edge, but Jeanette had a Saint to catch her.

This is the short story of how they met, how they fell in love, and how much Saint loves going down on her.