Find it here: Goodreads * Amazon

One Cursed Rose by Rebecca Zanetti

Rating -
Standalone - Grimm Bargains #1
Release - June 25, 2024
Genre/Trope - Paranormal Romance / enemies-to-lovers / retelling
POV - Dual 1st person
Heat - explicit scenes
Source - eARC provided by NetGalley
Length - 400 pages



Anyone who pays attention to my reading habits knows that Rebecca Zanetti is an author I HAVE to read. No joke. Anything she writes, I want it. Hearing about a dark romance from one of my favourite authors? You know I had to get my hands on it. So here's what I liked:

➤ Beauty and the Beast... twisted and screwed.
➤ rivals to lovers plot. You know it's going to be hot when their relationship starts off with animosity, defiance, and misunderstandings.
➤ Thorn's a stalker. Watching his prey's every move, but never really getting to know her... until he kidnaps her!
➤ a stunning AND smart heroine. Alana was so much more than she seemed and I enjoyed watching her embrace her power.
➤ the fantastical elements with the gems. I still don't really understand the power that these stones have, but I'm very interested in learning more.
➤ the bond that grew between our protagonists. It may have been a tad unorthodox, especially with the way Thorn courted Alana, but it was entertaining.

My only issue with this story — aside from the missing information about the gems, their power, and how and why they're relied upon — was the fact that I was promised a dark romance and this wasn't it. Aside from the kidnapping, the captivity, the killing of people (by Thorn), and the mystery surrounding some other deaths, there wasn't anything really dark. It was more suspenseful than anything else. It did read differently than anything I've read from this author before. I had to remind myself a time or two about who actually wrote this story because the tone felt very new.

I'd recommend this to anyone who enjoys suspense with a splash of the supernatural in their love stories.


Rebecca Zanetti is the author of over forty romantic suspense, dark paranormals, and contemporary romances, and her books have appeared multiple times on the New York Times, USA Today, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and iBooks bestseller lists. She lives in the wilds of the Pacific Northwest with her own Alpha hero, two kids, a couple of dogs, a crazy cat…and a huge extended family. She believes strongly in luck, karma, and working her butt off…and she thinks one of the best things about being an author, unlike the lawyer she used to be, is that she can let the crazy out. Upcoming series are: The Blood Brothers, The Realm Enforcers and The Scorpius Syndrome.

Visit https://rebeccazanetti.com for more information!

Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros

Previous book in the series: Fourth Wing

“The first year is when some of us lose our lives. The second year is when the rest of us lose our humanity.” —Xaden Riorson

Everyone expected Violet Sorrengail to die during her first year at Basgiath War College—Violet included. But Threshing was only the first impossible test meant to weed out the weak-willed, the unworthy, and the unlucky.

Now the real training begins, and Violet’s already wondering how she’ll get through. It’s not just that it’s grueling and maliciously brutal, or even that it’s designed to stretch the riders’ capacity for pain beyond endurance. It’s the new vice commandant, who’s made it his personal mission to teach Violet exactly how powerless she is–unless she betrays the man she loves.

Although Violet’s body might be weaker and frailer than everyone else’s, she still has her wits—and a will of iron. And leadership is forgetting the most important lesson Basgiath has taught her: Dragon riders make their own rules.

But a determination to survive won’t be enough this year.

Because Violet knows the real secret hidden for centuries at Basgiath War College—and nothing, not even dragon fire, may be enough to save them in the end.

Find it here:
Goodreads * Amazon

I am freaking DYING right now. That ending though... That freaking ending KILLED me and I need to know when I can get the next book in my hands. I don't even have the emotionally bandwidth to Google this ish!


No lie, the first half of this book was SLOW AF! And I thought I would end up bummed and disappointed. Violet couldn't help herself by sabotaging her own happiness. Girl seemed willing to cut off her nose to spite her face just to put Xaden through whatever she was trying to put him through.

I'm not ready for this to end, not ready to return to the reality where we're not together, even if I'm the one standing in our way.

However, aside from the beginning bit of boring and Vi's indecisiveness, the moving parts of this story had me flipping through these pages really fast. I read this book in TWO FREAKING DAYS!!

That's how much was going on. Every time I thought there'd be a calm minute, I was wrong. And I'm talking the second half of the book. Once you get there, I promise you, the pace picks up and you will not want to eat, sleep, nada.

I will say it here... Xaden was EVERYTHING!!

I warned you. I'm not sweet or soft or kind, and you fell anyway. This is what you get, Violet—me. The good, the bad, the unforgivable. All of it. I am yours."

So here's everything I was thinking during my read of this book. I didn't tell you this was a spoiler-free review, so if you don't want any details, STOP READING NOW.


✻ Why the heck is Violet fighting what she feels? I'm so annoyed and I get that the author wanted to drive the angst, but it needed to chill. Xaden was willing to sacrifice everything for her and it still wasn't enough? Girl please.
✻ Ooh Varrish, your arrogant ass is gonna get it. I can see that something is going to happen to you, something just right for you, and I hope your dragon gets it too. Sorry, not sorry.
✻ Wow, so much death. And I was beginning to get curious about some of these people.
✻ Dain's dad though...
✻ Thank you, Jesinia, for opening your eyes!!
✻ I love Rhi. Whenever she noticed something strange, spoke on it, and figured things out for herself, I cheered. LOVE HER!!
✻ Why am I laughing over all of these assassination attempts? And it's not funny, but come on!! Now what?
✻ I love that the prince knows the truth and is willing to do the right thing, against his family's wishes.
✻ OMG he's ALIVE?!
✻ Woo hoo!! Welcome Dain's redemption arc!
✻ I did tell you, didn't I Varrish? I told you you'd get yours.
✻ Listen, as long as Vi, Xaden, Rhi, Ridoc, Sawyer, Imogen, Bodhi, Garrett, Mira and Brennan survive, I should be okay.
✻ The book is called Iron Flame. Was I not supposed to notice that 'iron rain' was the wrong ingredient?

Okay, I'll stop. There's SO MUCH MORE going on in this book. There are so many reveals and more secrets and love and joy and pain and grief and fun and family in this book. My points are a drop in the bucket of what's going on. We learn more about the Venin and Wyvern and the wards that protect the people from this evil. I'm still a wreck over the ending and I'm hoping and praying that the next book heals all of my broken bits.


Rebecca is a #1 New York Times, USA Today, Sunday Times, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of over fifteen novels, including FOURTH WING, and is always ready to bring on the emotions. She's also the recipient of the Colorado Romance Writer’s Award of Excellence in New Adult for Eyes Turned Skyward from her Flight and Glory series.

She loves military heroes and has been blissfully married to hers for twenty-one years. She’s the mother of six children and lives in Colorado with her family, their stubborn English bulldog, feisty chinchillas, and Maine Coon cat who rules them all. Having fostered then adopted their youngest daughter, Rebecca is passionate about helping children in the foster system through her nonprofit, One October.

Visit her website at www.RebeccaYarros.com for more.

Flawless by Elsie Silver

I’m the face of professional bull riding—the golden boy. Or at least I was, until it all blew up in my face. Now my agent says I have to clean up my image, so I’m stuck with his ball-busting daughter for the rest of the season as my “full-time supervision.”

But I don’t need a goddamn babysitter, especially one with skin-tight jeans, a sexy smirk, and a mouth she can’t stop running.

A mouth I can’t stop thinking about.

Because Summer isn’t just another conquest. She sees the man behind the mask, and she doesn’t run—she pulls me closer, even when she shouldn’t.

She says this means nothing.

I say this means everything.

She says there are boundaries we shouldn’t cross. That my reputation can’t take any more hits—and neither can her damaged heart.

I say I’m going to steal it anyway.



I thought, with how much I loved Reckless, I should start the Chestnut Springs series from the beginning. It's good to know that so far, this author is consistent. I really enjoyed getting to know these characters from other perspectives. It was kind of surreal to dislike Winter so much here when I absolutely adored her in book four!

This is Rhett and Summer's story and it started off rough. He'd messed up his public appeal and she was assigned to fix his image. She didn't really know what she was doing and he was irritated by having a babysitter. Their negative feelings soon turned into something else and I only wanted more.

While I didn't love this story as much as Reckless and while I didn't love Summer as much as I thought I would, I was definitely entertained by this book. I want more of Rhett and his family. Their bond is something so special that I'm going to read the next book just to get another dose.


Elsie Silver is a Canadian author of sassy, sexy, small town romance who loves a good book boyfriend and the strong heroines who bring them to their knees. She lives just outside of Vancouver, British Columbia with her husband, son, and three dogs and has been voraciously reading romance books since before she was probably supposed to.

She loves cooking and trying new foods, traveling, and spending time with her boys–especially outdoors. Elsie has also become a big fan of her quiet five am mornings, which is when most of her writing happens. It’s during this time that she can sip a cup of hot coffee and dream up a fictional world full of romantic stories to share with her readers.

Visit www.elsiesilver.com for more information

Always Practice Safe Hex by Juliette Cross

Also in this series: Wolf Gone Wild * Don't Hex and Drive * Witches Get Stitches

Livvy Savoie is a people person. Not only does she have the magical gift of persuasion, but her natural charisma charms everyone she meets. She hasn’t met a person she didn’t like. Until her annoyingly brilliant competitor walks through the door. No matter how hard she denies it, loathing isn’t the only emotion she feels for him.

Grim reaper Gareth Blackwater is rarely, if ever, moved beyond his broody, stoic state. But the witch he’s partnered with in the public relations contest is destroying his peace of mind. He’s convinced that the flesh-melting attraction he feels for her is merely her witchy magic at work.

But forced proximity proves there is more than magic sparking between them. Livvy learns this enigmatic grim’s abilities are beyond any supernatural she has ever known. And when Livvy becomes the obsessive target of a dangerous wizard, Gareth proves just how powerful he truly is. Because no one is going to hurt his Lavinia.



After already meeting the mysterious Gareth and not really understanding why Livvy had a problem with him, I was excited to find out everything with this book. And boy, did this author give me EVERYTHING!

Livvy and Gareth were competing for the same prize: a campaign behind the charity of their choice. Even Livvy had to admit that Gareth's cause was the best. After learning about why orphaned paranormals were so near and dear to his heart, I fell for this male right along with our heroine.

The truth behind Grims was so intriguing. I love how I still wonder what else there is to learn about them and their abilities. Gareth being the top dog of his kind made me get all tingly with excitement. He was the perfect match for Livvy and his protective instinct when it came to her made him a swoon-worthy hero.

There is a slimy, scary, harassment-prone character that we all will love to see get his, but aside from the creep factor, this was an amazing read. I was entertained from page one and I can't wait to dive back into this series and see these characters again.



Juliette lives in moss-laden Cajun country in Louisiana where she lives with her husband, four kids, and black lab, Kona. She is a multi-published author of paranormal and fantasy romance with confident, persevering heroines and dark, sexy heroes. While she enjoys reading and writing the dark, broody types, she also appreciates the fun, levity of humor in a good love story, so she tries to give her characters both on their way to their HEA.

Does it Hurt? by H.D. Carlton

Who am I?

I've forgotten the answer to that question long ago. Ever since I ran from that house, so desperate to escape, I left with only the clothes on my back and socks on my feet. After that day, I've only ever walked in stolen shoes.

Could I be a girl who is searching for the meaning of life in faceless men? They were all so forgettable. Until he came along. He took me under a waterfall and made me forget my name, and in return, I took his instead.

Enzo Vitale.

An enigmatic man that will only ever love the deep sea. Or rather the predators that inhabit it. Turns out, he's not so different than the monsters he feeds. He lured me onto his boat like a fish in the ocean, seeking vengeance for my crime. Had I realized his intentions, and that a massive storm would leave us shipwrecked, I would've ran.

Now, I'm a girl who's seeking refuge in a decrepit lighthouse with a man who loathes me almost as much as he craves me. He wants to hurt me, but the old caretaker of the abandoned island may have intentions far more sinister.

It's no longer a question of who I am, but rather, will I survive?

Goodreads * Amazon

He's a shark expert (predator) and she's a thief (prey).

I've seen this author's books all over the feeds from some of my favourite bloggers and knew I had to try something. The premise for this book sounded promising so I dove in...

And enjoyed myself... for the most part. This book is listed as dark romance, but it read more like a contemporary romance to me with some eerie bits.

"What happened to you does not define you. It only forged a new path that will take you to a different version of yourself. But no one can force you to walk that road; only you can determine who you will be once you get there. It's your choice who you become, Sawyer."

Here's what I liked:

✫ Sawyer and Enzo hooked up and it was amazing. So incredible that Sawyer found it hard, for the first time, to sneak out. But that wasn't the last time she saw him and I was thrilled with Enzo's vengeful plan.

✫ Enzo's dark side. This seemingly mild-mannered, smart and sweet man was hiding some demons and I loved when he let them out to play.

✫ Every time Enzo was mean to Sawyer. Most of it was well-deserved, some of it was unfair, all of it was entertaining.

✫ The connection between Sawyer and Enzo. It grew from hate, but it grew into something wonderful and I was a willing witness to their madness.

I didn't hate anything in this story, but I didn't really get the whole lighthouse setup. While I found it hilarious, when I knew it wasn't supposed to be funny, I didn't understand how we got there. While evading the creepiness of the mad man who lived there, Enzo and Sawyer had to work through their issues and somehow it was all intertwined. Did it make sense? Not really, but I still had fun.

No matter what was happening, I was paying attention and I'll definitely be trying this author again.



H. D. Carlton is an International and USA Today Bestselling author. She lives in Ohio with her partner, two dogs, and cat. When she's not bathing in the tears of her readers, she's watching paranormal shows and wishing she was a mermaid. Her favorite characters are of the morally gray variety and believes that everyone should check their sanity at the door before diving into her stories.

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Superbia by Colette Rhodes

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I'll Just Date Myself by Lani Lynn Vale

Normally when you say, “I have a stalker,” you think bad thoughts. That wasn’t the kind of stalker Folsom was when it came to Kobe Sano. Folsom liked to call herself a “guardian angel in disguise.”

The first time he catches her attention, he’s been assigned to hunt her down and throw away the key. All she did was steal someone else’s child. Well, embryo, that is. What Kobe doesn’t know, though, is the man that hired him is up to no good, and she has no other choice but to run without looking back.

From that moment on, she spends the rest of her spare time running away from him while also digging into every nook and cranny of his personal life, finding every weakness he has and utilizing it any way she needs to keep herself one step ahead of him.

Only one day, when she goes to do her usual snooping, she finds out that not only is her favorite person in trouble, but he’s also in need of her help.

Too bad it takes her years to find that help.
Her next step is to break him out of the pokey prison-break style.
If she knew he’d go without question, she very well might have.

***

It didn’t take a genius to know when someone was stalking you. The signs were all there, and they eventually pointed right at Folsom.

When he figures it out, he plans to confront her and maybe address the silent sexual tension that’s been brewing between them for the last few years.

However, right when he’s ready to admit to himself that she might be the one—daughter who intimidates the hell out of him or not—she up and disappears for a year.

In that year, he spends every waking moment searching for her.

And eventually he finds her, confronts her, and is hit in the face with the secrets she’s kept from him for years.

One of which is a big one.

The daughter that she protects with everything she has—the one that he’s come to love with all his heart, just like her mom—is the very abducted child from his one and only unsolved case.

Find I'll Just Date Myself here: Goodreads * Amazon

After being told that I'd be due for a surprise because the main character was given an overhaul, I didn't know what to expect. Would I even like the new and improved Folsom?

Well, let me tell you...

I DID!!

Folsom was sweet, kind and generous. She also had a knack for being all up in your business and you not even knowing it. She'd help you in ways you didn't even know you needed. She would do anything for her daughter and for those she chose to love.

She was also a woman of mystery. While she was very blunt, she wasn't very forthcoming about her circumstances. And I liked it! It gave her character an air of intrigue that kept me guessing. Even at the end of the book, I'm still wondering if I got her full story.

Kobe was a man who I struggled to get to know in the previous books. It seemed like even the men he served time with had a hard time really knowing this guy. But Folsom found a way and I loved how her meddling created an atmosphere in which they could truly connect.

There are hit men, weird contracts, missing persons, and an easy kind of 'oops I felt into it' love.

I'm still a bit broken hearted over what Kobe had to go through to get his happy ending, but it was a sweet ending and I'm so glad these two unknowns found such happiness with each other.


Lani Lynn Vale is married to the love of her life that she met in high school. She fell in love with him because he was wearing baseball pants. Ten years later they have three perfectly crazy children and a cat named Demon who likes to wake her up at ungodly times in the night. They live in the greatest state in the world, Texas. She writes contemporary and romantic suspense, and has a love for all things romance. You can find Lani in front of her computer writing away in her fictional characters world...that is until her husband and kids demand sustenance in the form of food and drink.