Showing posts with label Forced Proximity. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Forced Proximity. Show all posts

Review // Gula by Colette Rhodes

November 05, 2023

Gula by Colette Rhodes

"Bed," Selene ordered the moment I stepped into the room.
"What"
"You smell needy."
My historical trend of failing upward appeared to be continuing. "I am. Super needy. Let's go."


Gula by Colette Rhodes

Gula by Colette Rhodes


Rating - ★★★★1/2
Standalone - Shades of Sin #3
Release - September 30, 2023
Genre and Trope - paranormal romance / forced proximity / protection
POV - Dual 1st person
Heat - slow burn and descriptive scenes
Source - Kindle Unlimited
Length - 284 pages

Selene cares about three things in life:
 1. Her prestigious position as Lieutenant of the Guard that very few of the elite at Court feel she deserves.
 2. Her beloved sister and niece, humiliating reminders of her humble origins.
 3. Her penchant for rare and expensive dining—a status symbol and marker of the success she’s attained.

Austin only cares about one thing in life:
 1. Music.

Except Austin’s rockstar dreams never came true, and the bottom of the bottle isn’t giving him the answers he’s searching for.

But maybe, just maybe, a prickly Shade with a secret wild side will.

Other books in the series:
Luxuria * Superbia


Gula by Colette Rhodes

My Two Cents

The love story of Austin and Selene was very different from the books that preceded it. For one, the ex-hunter who never hunted was male. Secondly, there was no instalust or instant connection of any kind. Their meet-cute WAS NOT very cute at all and Austin had a bad impression to make up for. And third, the heat didn't exist for MOST of this story.

These differences allowed the characters to develop a unique relationship. Selene was very set in her ways, living a regimented, sheltered life, with no real companionship or feeling of belonging. And Austin was very mellow, easy to like, and could fit in anywhere. They were very different from each other, but at their core, the author illustrated that they had more in common than either of them realized.

I loved how they drew out the best of each other. Austin got Selene to open up more, to share her true self with him and she inspired him to take life and himself more seriously. It was wonderful to watch how things between them grew out of trust and friendship and became exactly what both of them needed.

I'm enjoying the heck out of learning more about Shades and the hunters that love them. I'm really excited to continue this series!!

The Author

Colette Rhodes is a huge fan of paranormal romance and reverse harem books. They're what she loves to read and what she loves to write. #WhyChoose, right?

Colette studied both History and Ancient History at university and loves including both historical facts and ancient mythology in her work.

When she's not writing, you'll find her spending time with her husband and daughter in beautiful New Zealand.

Visit https://coletterhodes.com for more information

Review // The Naga Outcast's Unwanted Mate by Robin O'Connor

October 04, 2023

The Naga Outcast's Unwanted Mate by Robin O'Connor

Vera was willing to show me her soft sides and her vulnerabilities.
She didn't hesitate to share her feelings with me, good or bad.
A Naga female would never do any of those things.


The Naga Outcast's Unwanted Mate by Robin O'Connor

The Naga Outcast's Unwanted Mate by Robin O'Connor


My Rating - ★★★1/2
Standalone - Serpents of Serant #1
Genre and Trope - SciFi Romance / instalove and forced proximity
POV - Dual 1st person
Heat - descriptive scenes
Source - eARC provided by the author
Length - 219 pages

Vera
My family maneuvered me like a worthless pawn, then cast me away. I was supposed to be executed but even that didn’t go right. When I wake up, my whole world is tilted on its axis when I lock eyes with a monster.

He’s half snake, half man and somehow he’s the most alluring thing I’ve ever seen. When he touches me I can understand him and he says I’m his mate. But how’s that possible? I’ve never belonged anywhere.

When more of his kind chase us, cast us out, and try to do everything they can to keep us apart. I must fight for what I want, fight to keep the one place where I’m wanted. In the arms of my mate.

Zathar
Cast out by my own Clan, by my very mother the Queen. I am left adrift until a skyship falls from the heavens, carrying with it my mate.

She is curvy and soft, everything I never knew I wanted. She’s perfect, and I will give up anything, climb any mountain, even crawl through the haunted ancestral caves if it means I can keep her. If only she’ll believe me when I swear she’s my heart.

Find it here: Goodreads * Amazon (FREE with KU)


The Naga Outcast's Unwanted Mate by Robin O'Connor

My Two Cents

Zathar, the first-born serpentine son of the Queen, was cast out of his tribe for not finding a mate. Vera had a family that didn't want her and she never found a place to belong... until now. Crash landing on a strange planet delivered everything both of them could ever want—a home, found family, and eternal love.

I really enjoyed this story. From the moment I was introduced to the language barrier between the aliens and humans and the unique method the author chose for them to communicate, I was intrigued by this story. I liked Vera and Zathar, the world building, and the secondary characters who I'm sure will get their own stories some day. Even the characters who caused SO MUCH DRAMA kept me entertained. There was such warmth to these characters... well, most of them anyway... I found them so endearing.

While there were several sensual moments between Zathar and Vera, they took a backseat to the plot and the developing intimate bond growing between these characters. I really liked how although there was plenty of instalove and instalust vibes to this story, the relationship never felt rushed. There was a learning curve for these characters, forcing them to find common ground and to build a solid foundation for their future.

I would definitely read more from this series.

The Author

Robin O’Connor is the pen-name of an author who loves to write about strong, super sexy, alien heroes and quirky heroines. She lives with her husband and four year old son along with a couple hundred books (hers, definitely hers) and probably just as many computer parts (her husband’s). Her house therefore resembles something like a mad-scientist’s lab on any given day.

She’s always working on at least a half dozen projects at the same time but is never without time to answer questions, write up funny extras, or post fun quotes and cover WIPs from her books on Instagram.

Visit www.robinoconnor.ink for more information

Review // A Soul to Heal by Opal Reyne

July 31, 2023

A Soul to Heal by Opal Reyne

Everything she'd ever wanted from her husband was being given to her by a creature that shouldn't even exist. Loyalty, affection, pleasure, protection... and warmth. To be treated both delicately because she was a woman who deserved to be treasured like valuable crystal, and to be rutted passionately, hard and rough, because she ignited such uncontrollable yearning.

A Soul to Heal by Opal Reyne

A Soul to Heal by Opal Reyne


My Rating - ★★★½


Standalone - Duskwalker Brides #2
Genre/Trope - Paranormal Romance / forced proximity
POV - Dual 3rd person
Heat - absurd and filthy
Source - Kindle Unlimited
Length - 556 pages

All Delora ever wanted was to disappear.

Thrown into the Veil for a crime she committed, Delora was discarded by the world. Although afraid of her oncoming demise, she accepts it as it would be a worldly escape from her problems. She didn’t expect that she would wake up from her deadly fall, nor that the person who saved her would be a Duskwalker.

She’s wary about him at first, but Delora begins to realise there’s more to him than just a faceless monster.

All he ever wanted was a name.

After discovering that humans can be kept as companions, he begins planning for the day he finds his own bride. He still lacks humanity and there is much to learn first. One morning when leaving his cave, a human suddenly crashes into him from the sky. Broken and sleeping, he gets to work on healing the woman.

It doesn’t take him long to understand she’s wounded in a way his magic can’t heal.

But will he be able to gain her affections, or will she come to hate him as he stumbles his way through learning about her – and more importantly, himself?

Find it here: Goodreads * Amazon


My Two Cents

The monster romances this author creates are absolute must-reads!

In A Soul to Heal, it was Magnar who stole the show. He was such a sweet, kind, naive, and completely clueless male throughout most of this story and it was so endearing. I loved him so much!

Delora... not so much.

However, there was one scene, where she defended everything that she and Magnar had built together, the family they had become, that made me stop hating her. Yeah, I straight up hated her. But in the end, she and I are cool.

I enjoyed the action scenes, the emotional bonding with Fyodor (iykyk), and pretty much most of this book. The heaviness of Delora's attitude did wear on me a lot. While I had sympathy for her mental exhaustion, I didn't have patience for most of what she did, how she acted, or her thoughts.

However, Magnar made it all worth it. I loved how he found more humanity, his bond with Fyodor, the growing understanding of his mother, and the future of maybe a connection between all of the Duskwalkers.

Meeting Kitty was both exciting and scary. I'm looking forward to reading his book, which is next.

The Author

Opal Reyne is an Australian Author who has been a fan of the Adult Paranormal Romance genre from the moment she picked up a book of it - and has never looked back.

She loves everything spicy, smutty,and everything boarder-line monster loving. She started writing because of her love of the written word, and because she wanted to build a diverse world of mythological creatures, while also showing the beauty of all ethnicities of humanity. She thrives to produce a plot driven, character developing book while sprinkling in enchanting imagery.

-Duskwalker Brides a series that features a very real monster who never turns into a handsome prince.

-Witch Bound is a series of Dragon-shifter males falling for their species enemies, Witches!

-She currently has a completed series called 'A Pirate Romance duology'.

Find her on Instagram: @opalreyne

Review // Moth by Lily Mayne

July 18, 2023

Moth by Lily Mayne

Yeah, I was attracted to Moth,
even though he was an assh*le most of the time and in love with a raider.
And I was pretty sure that he was attracted to me too, even just a little.
I was also pretty sure that he hated it.

Moth by Lily Mayne

Moth by Lily Mayne


My Rating - ★★★★★
Standalone - Monstrous #5
Genre/Trope - Paranormal Romance / forced proximity / apocalypse
POV - Dual 1st person
Heat - filthy
Source - borrowed from Kindle Unlimited
Length - 451 pages

Previous books in the series: Soul Eater * Edin * The Rycke * Gloam

When I—along with my best friend and his big purple monster boyfriend—come across a fortress-like raider camp while journeying across the monster-infested Wastes, we stop to deliver a message.

Somehow, that simple pit stop turns into a seemingly impossible quest to get this camp’s missing leader out of the prison where he’s being held and forced to fight monsters and other humans. And I know exactly where it is, because I’ve been there.

Problem is, I’m making this journey with the prickliest and most arrogant guy I’ve ever met, who seems to immediately hate me on sight. Oh, and he’s also half monster. So there’s that. And he’s in love with a raider who definitely does not love him back, and he seems determined to take it out on me. So there’s also that.

But I’m not going to rise to his childish insults and barbed words. I’m not.

I’m also going to try very hard to ignore how mindnumbingly beautiful he is, even when he’s scowling at me.

But the longer we’re out here together, the more I learn about my prickly half monster companion Moth. I realise there’s a reason he’s so closed off and angry. There’s a reason he hates everyone.

There are secrets he’s been keeping, and when I find out what they are, I want to do everything in my power to help him—even though he’s telling me he can’t be helped.

Find it here: Goodreads * Amazon


Moth by Lily Mayne

My Two Cents

Wow! I was begging for Charlie's book.
I was yearning for Moth's book.
Getting these two together blew my f*cking mind!!

So here's the gist:
  • a virgin hero (not telling who it is)
  • the sighting of new monsters—some friendly and some not so much
  • Moth is a badass with a sword
  • a visit with all of our favorite characters (I'm looking at you, Wyn and Danny, Edin and Hunter, Aury and Ghost, Gloam and Rig)
  • hot sex. Can't have a monster book in this series without incredibly hot and imaginative sex
  • deeper insight on the Wastes, the raider network, and the cramped cities the survivors inhabit.

Okay, so the mysterious Moth is half-monster and that comes with its own baggage. That is a story you have to bust this book open to discover. Know that his story is tragic and I want to fight some fictional people on his behalf.

Full of insecurities and vulnerabilities, Moth puts on a good show. He's untouchable, he's tough, and he's fine all by himself. Except it's all a lie and Charlie seems to be the only one who sees it.
Charlie finds himself extremely attracted to this beautiful male. Once they're bound to travel together to find the elusive raider camp leader, Cat, things between them were destined to change.

At least it was obvious to me.

I loved the way the relationship developed between these characters. It had an almost enemies-to-lovers vibe and I enjoyed every moment in which Charlie got Moth to melt. I don't even want to tell you any more about it because I'm afraid of spoiling it all and I really want you to find out for yourself.

And here's some fanart for this book:


Moth by Lily Mayne

Moth by Lily Mayne

The Author

Lily Mayne writes what she loves to read: achingly sweet yet gritty romances against unusual backdrops—dark, futuristic, dystopian and more.

She enjoys reading and writing (duh), cooking and baking, watching terrible horror movies and many other hobbies that would have potentially made her an ideal Victorian maid. Just a really lazy one.

She currently lives in the UK with her husband and several fluffballs, who like to make a lot of noise while she’s writing.

Find out more here: https://lily-mayne.com

Review // Royally In Trouble by Meghan Quinn

July 15, 2023

Royally In Trouble by Meghan Quinn

I always want her eyes on me.
I always want to be her man.

Royally In Trouble by Meghan Quinn

Royally in Trouble by Meghan Quinn


My Rating - ★★★★★
Release - June 6, 2023
Part of a Duet - Royal #2
Genre/Trope - RomCom / royal / grumpy hero / forced proximity
POV - Dual 1st person
Heat - explicit with several scenes
Source - borrowed from Kindle Unlimited
Length - 518 pages

I have two responsibilities as the new heir to the throne:

1. Get married.
2. Have babies.

Sure, becoming queen one day is part of those new responsibilities, but as long as King Theo is in charge, I don't have to add a coronation to my list.

That's why I find myself in the throes of wedding planning, pre-wedding classes with my broody, over-protective fiancé, and counting down the days until we can finally say I do.

But with every day we grow closer to our wedding, we seem to grow apart.

Our commonalities are tested.
Our faith in each other is questioned.
And our safety is threatened.
The only thing working? The command he has over me in the bedroom.

I keep telling myself, it’ll all work out. We just need to make it to the wedding day. Except, when the day finally comes, everything falls apart.

We might have made it through the last few months together, but now I'm not sure we're going to make it out of this alive.

Find it here: Goodreads * Amazon


My Two Cents

Well this book was unexpected.
I thought it would be more inline with what I read in Royally Not Ready, and while it had a lot in common with it, Royally in Trouble had many more moving parts.

There was intrigue, suspense, wedding planning, abstinence, hot sex, and so much more!

Honestly, if I wasn't already in love with this duet, I would have fallen with this book!

Keller and Lilly are getting married. There's a lot of planning, counselling, meet-and-greets, and tons of tension.
Keller's insecurities are drowning him. Lilly's insecurities leave her doubting the one person she should be sure of.
Both of them are feeling the distance and are unsure of how to cross it.

Throw in a plot to overthrow the crown and this story is set to keep you on your toes.

Did I want to shake some sense into these characters sometimes? Sure.
Did I laugh A LOT during my reading? No doubt.
Did I wish there was more when I got to the end? Absolutey.

Seriously, if you haven't read the bonus ending, get on it. And if you haven't read this duet yet, start at the beginning and join in the fun.

The Author


#1 Amazon and USA Today Bestselling Author, wife, adoptive mother, and peanut butter lover. Author of romantic comedies and contemporary romance, Meghan Quinn brings readers the perfect combination of heart, humor, and heat in every book.

Visit authormeghanquinn.com for more information

Review // Royally Not Ready by Meghan Quinn

Royally Not Ready by Meghan Quinn

Nothing is going to get between us, and nothing is going to hurt us.
It's you and me, together in this world.
— Lilly to Keller


Royally Not Ready by Meghan Quinn

Royally Not Ready by Meghan Quinn


My Rating - ★★★★★
Release - August 9, 2022
Part of a Duet - Royal #1
Genre/Trope - RomCom / royal / grumpy hero / forced proximity
POV - Dual 1st person
Heat - explicit with several scenes
Source - borrowed from Kindle Unlimited
Length - 438 pages

So there I was selling bikinis out of my truck in South Beach Miami, getting ready to kick off a wet t-shirt contest when the world’s biggest grouch approached me - Keller Fitzwilliam.

The man had the sultriest British accent I've ever heard. And he looked like he just walked off a Viking boat and into a suit tailored specifically for his impressively muscular frame. Only problem is, he had the warmth of an ice pick and he kept telling me he was here to take me back to his home country.

Of course, I didn't follow him. I might be up for a good time, but I'm also educated enough to know leaving with a stranger isn't smart. Well, that's until he mentioned my mom's name. My mom who passed away several years ago.

So after some serious fact-checking, my bikini-clad bum went with him to a sub-arctic country I had never heard of just north of the British Isles, where I found out my grandpa was the king of said freezing country, and I was the one and only heir.

Desperate to learn more about my mom, I decided to give this princess thing a chance.

Good idea, right? Wrong.

Because Mr. Ice Pick was put to the task of training me and he’s not just cold as ice, he’s pompous, aggravating, and possessive. And did I mention we have to share a bathroom in a tiny castle?

We are oil and water every single day and even though he’s training me to be queen, I have this simmering desire to kneel before him.

Find it here: Goodreads * Amazon


My Two Cents

After my not so great feelings after the last story I read from this author (I'm looking at you A Not So Meet Cute)... I went into this book with a bit of trepidation. Would I like it? Would this be the end, at least for awhile, of my relationship with this author?

Let me tell you what I quickly realized...


Within the first few chapters, I knew I was gonna love this book.
I was already giggling and swoonig and there was so much more to read.
I lived for every grumpy moment with Keller.
I anticipated every inappropriate thought and word from Lilly.
I couldn't get enough!
By the time I got to the end, I was extremely grateful that I didn't have to wait to read the next book because IT'S ALREADY OUT!!

There are so many muscles on the man that my nipples aren't sure if they should be hard, or just dislodge from my body and join his.

Lilly is the long lost heir to a scandinavian kingdom and she was soooo not ready.
Keller was determined to shape her into someone worthy of the title of future queen.
Everything that happened in between, such as the humor and the heat and the banter and the... well, just EVERYTHING... made this a must-read for me.
I knew that it was going to get all of the stars.
It was like reading what I know to expect from MQ and so much more.

So I'm off to get my hands on Royally In Trouble, which I'm hoping is just as amazing (if not more than) this was!

The Author


#1 Amazon and USA Today Bestselling Author, wife, adoptive mother, and peanut butter lover. Author of romantic comedies and contemporary romance, Meghan Quinn brings readers the perfect combination of heart, humor, and heat in every book.

Visit authormeghanquinn.com for more information

Review // Gloam by Lily Mayne

June 23, 2023

Gloam by Lily Mayne

"You're not my weakness," I mumbled shakily against his mouth.
"You make me better."

────── ♔ ──────


Gloam by Lily Mayne

Gloam by Lily Mayne


My Rating - ★★★★★
Standalone - Monstrous #4
Release - December 3, 2021
Genre - Paranormal MM Romance / forced proximity
POV - Single 1st person
Heat - 5 out of 5
Format - ebook from Kindle Unlimited
Length - 413 pages

Other books in the series: Soul Eater * Edin * The Rycke

When a strange woman shows up outside our camp in the Wastes with monsters chained up to her RV, it feels like I’m the only one who actually wants to help them.

That big, grey-skinned monster with the cage on his head and the chain hanging from his back—something is telling me I need to help him. I need to free him. But I have absolutely no idea how I’m supposed to do that, especially when he can’t even talk to me to tell me how.

Collector Mary is finally leaving our camp to head back to her monster menagerie, so I do the only thing I can think of to help him. I go with her.

Now, this big beastie and I are traveling companions for the foreseeable future. Now I just have to think of a way to get that cage off his head, which seems like an impossible task. But I’m not giving up. He has no one else, and when I start to discover who he is beneath the cage, my motivation to free him becomes far more than just a desire to help.

This is so dangerous. The military is lurking. Vicious monsters are lurking. And when Mary turns out to be even worse than we could have ever imagined, my desperate bid to save this monster turns into a deadly game of cat and mouse.

I’m pretty sure I’m going to die out here.

Find it here: Goodreads * Amazon


>Gloam by Lily Mayne

My Two Cents

I don’t know how it happened, but this became my favorite book of the series. While I still very much love Wyn and Edin and Aury… Gloam and Adam are in a league of their own. It could be due to the purity of their hearts, the utter lengths they would go to for each other, how they just fit… Honestly, it was a mix of things that made them the most glorious couple in the monster-verse.

You are very brave, Adam.

Gloam was beholden to a terrible woman (I’m looking at you, Mary, you truly despicable woman) for reasons unknown. Rig was determined to free him, despite the misgivings of others in his camp. This young man, who was completely terrified of being “out there”, thought nothing of leaving his relatively safe life behind to help Gloam. He knew this monster was in trouble and he was just the person to fix things for him. And what grew between them, slowly but surely, became something truly beautiful.

Word of warning: this book was probably the filthiest of the bunch. It was definitely not safe to read around people. I gasped and choked quite a bit. I loved every minute of it!!

In the end, I’ve got so many questions and I hope things become much clearer in the books to come.
➤ What is up with Seraph? Dude has many eyes… I don’t know how I’m going to be able to humanize him. I won’t lie, it’s been easy to see the attraction with the monsters so far, despite them having black tipped fingers and turning into mist, being purple with horns, or having wings and birdlike feet (and being able to transform into a true monster). But for a rabid monster with a ton of eyes… I can’t see it… yet.
➤ So it seems like Edin was rolling up on the camp? Good thing or bad?
➤ Will Mary’s journals have viable information that can help Seraph? Otherwise, how are he and Lilac going to get their HEA? Yes, I’m already shipping them!
➤ Speaking of Lilac, did something happen to him to turn him into a silent killer? He seems to have deep emotions so I’m curious to see his backstory in his story to come.

Gloam by Lily Mayne

The Author

Lily Mayne writes what she loves to read: achingly sweet yet gritty romances against unusual backdrops—dark, futuristic, dystopian and more.

She enjoys reading and writing (duh), cooking and baking, watching terrible horror movies and many other hobbies that would have potentially made her an ideal Victorian maid. Just a really lazy one.

She currently lives in the UK with her husband and several fluffballs, who like to make a lot of noise while she’s writing.

Find out more here: https://lily-mayne.com

Review // Risk on Ice by S.R. Grey

October 02, 2022

Risk on Ice by S.R. Grey

I've been falling since the day we first met.
And I'm fully in it now.

────── ♔ ──────


Risk on Ice by S.R. Grey

Risk on Ice by S.R. Grey


Standalone - Boys of Winter #11
Release - October 11, 2022
Genre - Sports Romance / brother's friend / forced proximity
Dual POV - 1st person
Heat - 3 out of 5 / a couple of semi-descriptive scenes
Format/Source - eARC provided by the author
Length - 181 pages
Publisher - Indie

I, Alex Hartwell, just screwed up big-time.

Now the hockey team I was traded to, the Las Vegas Wolves, have me on a short leash.

You’d think a hotshot defenseman like me would have known better.

Guess not.

But I’m trying real hard to behave now.

Why else would I agree to stay at my teammate’s house for the next three months in order to keep the team happy?

It should be a breeze, as Sebastian Alderman is cool. Only problem is I didn’t count on his hot sister, Kelsi, staying there too.

FML, as Hockey Code 101 says sisters are off-limits.

Yeah, I can’t take the risk. Even if Kelsi and I are wildly attracted to each other. Not to mention, she’s pretty effing cool.

But I better behave.

Or not only will the Wolves be breathing down my neck, but Sebastian will be too.

My Two Cents

4 "Easy Peasy" stars

You want sweet? It doesn't really get sweeter than this story.
You want smooth? The love that blossomed between Alex and Kelsi couldn't have been easier.

The author made these characters seem genuine and realistic. What happened between them felt organic and necessary. There was absolutely no muss and no fuss. Imagine a story that is about what the couple shares, without the drama.

Risk on Ice was a sweet and beautiful story. It won me over with how utterly simple and natural it was.

So if you're looking for an adorable couple who do adorable things... look no further than this!

Risk on Ice by S.R. Grey

About the Author

S.R. Grey is a USA Today Bestselling Author of the popular Boys of Winter hockey books and Men of Fall football novels. Both series can be read in any order or as standalones. Other New Adult and Romantic Suspense works of hers include the Judge Me Not books, the Promises series, the Inevitability duology, A Harbour Falls Mystery trilogy, and the Laid Bare series of novellas.

Ms. Grey resides in Pennsylvania. When not writing, she can be found reading, traveling, running, or cheering for her hometown sports teams, sometimes all at the same time.

Check out https://www.srgrey.com for more information

Review // Playing for Keeps by R.L. Mathewson

September 03, 2022

Playing for Keeps by R.L. Mathewson

Normally, when a woman tried to cuddle, he felt cornered. With Haley, he felt comfortable, relaxed, and even happy. She felt like she belonged with him. He wasn't about to look too far into that at the moment.

────── ♔ ──────


Playing for Keeps by R.L. Mathewson

Playing for Keeps by R.L. Mathewson


Standalone - Neighbor from Hell #1
Release - April 29, 2011
Genre - Romantic Comedy / enemies to lovers / forced proximity
Dual POV - 3rd person
Heat - 4 out of 5 / several scenes which ranged from descriptive to explicit
Format/Source - ebook purchase from Amazon
Length - 287 pages
Publisher - Rerum Carta industries, Inc.

Done with being the world's biggest pushover, Haley decides that things are going to change starting with the aggravating neighbor who has too much charm and not enough restraint. What she didn't expect was to be sucked into his world, but Haley has a game plan and she won't let herself forget just what the bad boy next door is capable of.

The last thing Jason expected was for his little shy neighbor to go Rambo on him over some ruined flowers. After he decides to take her under his wing he can't help but that notice that she fits very nicely in his life. Now the only thing left is to convince her that this is anything but a game.

My Two Cents

5 "Even better the second time around" stars

Reading this story again was like reading it for the first time. I loved it years ago and I've realized I love it even more now!

Haley and Jason were amazing together. Hilarious, sweet, sexy, and fun, they were a joy to read.

He was a neighbor from Hell before he became the best friend Haley could ever ask for. And then... he became so much more. He was reluctant to love, but when he did, he did it well. I loved the way these characters loved each other.

As he was gasping for air he realized something. He was in deep sh*t.
Haley was his life now. His woman. His heart.
He was so screwed.

The drama Haley created was expected. I didn't like it but it did give me a heck of a lot of laughs. Jason was just as stubborn as she was and knew they belonged together. And when he gave up the fight and she took up the battle, I swooned. I love when the both characters can make me into a sappy mess.

All jokes about the food and Jason's never-ending stomach aside, this story was super sexy and sweet. I've already read so much of this series and I can't wait to read them again!

About the Author

New York Times Bestselling author, R.L. Mathewson was born in Massachusetts. She’s known for her humor, quick wit and ability to write relatable characters. She currently has several paranormal and contemporary romance series published including the Neighbor from Hell series.

Growing up, R.L. Mathewson was a painfully shy bookworm. After high school she attended college, worked as a bellhop, fast food cook, and a museum worker until she decided to take an EMT course. Working as an EMT helped her get over her shyness as well as left her with some fond memories and some rather disturbing ones that from time to time show up in one of her books.

Today, R.L. Mathewson is the single mother of two children that keep her on her toes. She has a bit of a romance novel addiction as well as a major hot chocolate addiction and on a perfect day, she combines the two.

Visit https://rlmathewson.com for more information

Review // Prison Planet Barbarian by Ruby Dixon

May 05, 2022

Prison Planet Barbarian by Ruby Dixon

I won't sleep as long as I know she's not safe.
My own safety is only worthwhile as long as I can protect her.

────── ♔ ──────


Prison Planet Barbarian by Ruby Dixon

Prison Planet Barbarian by Ruby Dixon


Standalone - Corsairs #0.5
Release - May 7, 2017
Genre - SciFi Romance / prison trope
Dual POV - 1st person
Heat Level - 4 out of 5 / no intercourse until the end, but plenty of sexy times
Format/Source - ebook purchase from Amazon
Length - 135 pages
Publisher - Indie

Goodreads * Amazon (FREE with KU)

Being kidnapped by aliens is one thing.

Being kidnapped by aliens and then sent to a prison planet is something infinitely worse.

Here in Haven's prison system, I'm stranded among strangers, enemies, and the most ruthless criminals in the galaxy. There's no safety for a human woman here, especially not one branded as a murderer. I'm doomed to a fate worse than death.

Then...he decides I should be his. His name's Jutari. He's seven feet tall, blue, and horned. He's an assassin and one of the most dangerous prisoners here. He's like no one I've ever met before...and he might be my only chance.

This story stands completely alone and is only marginally connected to the Ice Planet Barbarians or Corsairs series. You do not need to read those books in order to follow this one.

My Two Cents

4 "Interspecies romance makes me all tingly" stars

I haven't read many romances centered around a prison, but I think this might be a trope I want to see more of. Especially with how much I've enjoyed this story.

Chloe had been kidnapped to be a sex slave for some alien bigwig. In defense of her own body and free will, she inadvertently kills a bunch of aliens at once. For her crimes, she's transported to an alien prison and the horror show seems to be endless. For some reason, one of the guards has taken a special interest in her (ewwww gross) and the only one who can protect her, surprisingly, is another inmate — a hot, tall, horned, blue alien of a man.

I freaking loved Jutari. A pirate, an assassin, one dumb move got him caught. But he's not stuck. He's just biding his time and with Chloe's safety at stake, he's intent on putting his plan in action.

Hot chemistry, a protective and possessive alien, a sort of useless and sweet and vulnerable heroine, a bunch of crazy and scary drama, and my interest to read even more made this story so worthwhile.

Quick Peek

I force myself to remain casual, seated against the wall near the glass. I turn my head leisurely, as if barely interested in Noku’s reappearance. It does no good to show too much interest in something or else it’ll be used against you.

Even so, it takes everything I have not to jump to my feet when the ssethri guard appears, a small unconscious form slung over his shoulder. I realize he’s heading toward my location when my shock- collar lights up and pins me to the ground, along with everyone else in the cell.

Noku steps inside and flings Kloo- ee’s small form to the ground. “You wanted to rape her? She’s all yours. Teach her a lesson,” he snarls. “Use her hard and use her well.”

And with that, he turns and leaves.

The glass slides back into place between one breath and the next, and there’s a breathless pause between all of us in the cell. Cthorn is the first to get to his feet, and he takes a step toward Kloo- ee’s unmoving body.

“Don’t,” I warn him in a low tone.

He freezes in place and then drops to a crouch, watching me.

They’re all watching me.

I glance at the guards, but they’re watching Noku leave. I move toward Kloo- ee and turn her over. Marks from the shock- stick cover her face and neck. Her face is swollen and purple from the beating he’s given her, and as she rolls flat onto her back, I can see additional dark bruises on her skin through the pale material of her jumper.

He’s beaten her badly.

Rage blisters through my brain. I’m going to make Noku pay for this. I’m going to rip the scaly skin from his body while he’s still living and stuff it down his keffing throat. To treat a female like this is unconscionable. To treat my female like this will result in a slow and painful death.

About the Author


Ruby Dixon is the secret penname of a New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author. As Ruby, she writes sexy barbarian aliens, grumpy shifters, and domineering bikers.

For more on this author, visit http://www.rubydixon.com/

Review // Hermes by Alessa Thorn

March 31, 2022

Hermes by Alessa Thorn

"I don't know much right now, Selene, but I do know you're too special to be treated like you're not."

────── ♔ ──────


Hermes by Alessa Thorn

Hermes by Alessa Thorn


Standalone - The Court of the Underworld #4
Release - June 14, 2020
Genre - Paranormal Romance / mythological legend retelling
Dual POV - 3rd person
Heat Level - 3 out of 5 / a couple of descriptive scenes
Format/Source - ebook borrowed through Kindle Unlimited
Length - 212 pages
Publisher - Thornstar Publishing Pty Ltd

Goodreads * Amazon (Free with KU)

The god of magic has lost his mind. Literally. A reluctant nurse with a healing touch may have the power to save him...She only needs to be convinced.

If you like a no-nonsense heroine with an attitude to keep even a mad god in check, you'll enjoy this fun instalment of 'The Court of the Underworld.'

Thanks to a curse he can't remember getting, Hermes's memories are locked away so tight that even the god of thieves has no way of picking the locks. After twenty years of being held prisoner, he's not even sure he wants them back.

Selene has worked off her shitty ex-boyfriend's debt to Hades, but the Lord of Styx can't be denied when he wants something. He needs Hermes back and the information he has on Pithos to take them down forever, and Hades wants Selene to help him get it.

It doesn't matter that the mad god kind of scares parts of her and makes other bits heat up, Hermes is refusing to tolerate anyone else's help, and for a god of boundaries...he sure has none.

HERMES is a new story based on characters from Greek Myth. It contains adult content, including violence, swearing, and steamy sex scenes.

My Two Cents

4.5 "Ain't Nothing Like a Broken Male" stars

I'm gonna be honest here... I think this may have been my favorite book of this series yet!

Hermes, the herald of the Olympian gods, the protector of human heralds, travellers, thieves, merchants, and orators, is no longer the male everyone used to know and love. After being struck by madness by his father (Zeus was one messed up dude) and kept prisoner by a cult of monster hunters, he was finally rescued by Hades and working on putting the pieces of himself back together. The person who helped him the most... everyone's favorite nurse, Selene.

She's had her share of heartbreak and only a fool would fall for the god of tricks. But what could she do when he was so gosh darned irresistible? I know I couldn't resist how delicious this male was so who could blame a girl for falling?

I felt so much from this story, from its characters and the continuing background plot to all of the side characters. I'm so in love with these people! And I was a sucker for the way that Hermes both suffered and grew in this book. He made my day with his reaction when he met his new brother, Perseus.

He might look like Zeus, but he is much kinder, Hermes decided. Zeus would've destroyed him. Which made him happy all over again that his father was dead.
After Perseus left, Hermes decided that maybe having siblings might just be enjoyable for once.

The way the brothers bonded (Hermes, Asterion, Perseus), the ease of their connection, really helped to sell this story to me. The patience and understanding everyone had for everything Hermes was going through, Selene's compassion... It was very easy to give this story all of the stars!

If you're a lover of romance, broken heroes who still have it going on, sweet heroines with bits of fire, and a plot that won't quit, read these books! Thanatos is next and I've already got it on lock!!

About the Author


Alessa Thorn believes that all monsters and villains deserve their happy endings. She prefers her clothes black, eyeliner winged and books full of hot romance. She thinks heroes are boring, so her first series 'The Court of the Underworld' centers around dark gods, monsters and villains from her favorite Greek Myths.

Find out more about this author at https://alessathornauthor.com/

Review // Dark Needs at Night's Edge by Kresley Cole

January 12, 2022

Dark Needs at Night's Edge by Kresley Cole

He'd been offered his dream.
And he'd selfishly accepted it.
Even if Conrad separated from her for a thousand years, she would still be what he treasured above all things—and what he feared losing most.

────── ♔ ──────


Dark Needs at Night's Edge by Kresley Cole

Dark Needs at Night's Edge by Kresley Cole


Standalone - Immortals After Dark #4
Release - April 29, 2008
Genre - Paranormal Romance / vamps, demons, valkyries, witches, ghost
Dual POV - 3rd person
Heat Level - 3.5 out of 5 / a few scenes
Format/Source - ebook borrowed from the library
Length - 401 pages
Publisher - Pocket Books

Néomi Laress, a famous ballerina from a past century, became a phantom the night she was murdered. Imbued with otherworldly powers but invisible to the living, she haunts her beloved home, scaring away trespassers—until she encounters a ruthless immortal even more terrifying than Néomi herself.

To prevent him from harming others, vampire warrior Conrad Wroth’s brothers imprison him in an abandoned manor. But there, a female only he can see seems determined to drive him further into madness. The exquisite creature torments him with desire, leaving his body racked with lust and his soul torn as he finds himself coveting her for his own.

Yet even if Conrad can win Néomi, evil still surrounds her. Once he returns to the brutality of his past to protect her, will he succumb to the dark needs seething inside him?

Find Dark Needs at Night's Edge here:

Goodreads * Amazon


My Two Cents

4 "I'm in love with a (ghost) stripper" stars

Okay, so Néomi wasn't a stripper, but it kinda works!

After reading the previous books in this series, I was curious to know what happened to young Conrad Wroth. Well, he's definitely not young anymore. He's consumed with blood lust and his brothers are willing to do anything to bring him back to this side of sanity.

Almost 100 years ago, Néomi was a bright star in the ballet world, but when she rejected a man who purported to be devoted to her, she was murdered by him. Once admired and adored, she had become a ghost—she cannot be touched, seen or heard. She was miserable until the day the Wroths brought Conrad to be imprisoned at what she sees as her house.

I don't know if I was supposed to laugh as much as I did with this book, but laugh I did. Not so much at Conrad's pain or struggle, but with his interactions with Néomi. These two were so sweet together. I loved that at first he wasn't sure if she was a hallucination or not. And with her so desperate to finally be seen by someone, I couldn't get enough of them. They fed and offered succor to each other. And they loved unlike any love either had ever known.

Nix was the ridiculous class act I've come to expect. Mari and Bowen had me rolling. The Wroth brothers continue to capture pieces of my heart. And the demon brothers... poor, poor Cade. I'm hoping he gets a taste of the happiness and peace he seems to deserve.

I'll definitely be reading more of this series!!

Excerpt


About the Author


Kresley Cole is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the electrifying Immortals After Dark paranormal series, the young adult Arcana Chronicles series, the erotic Gamemakers series, and five award-winning historical romances.

A master’s grad and former athlete, she has traveled over much of the world and draws from those experiences to create her memorable characters and settings.

Her books have been translated into 23 foreign languages, garnered 3 RITA awards, a Hall of Fame induction, and consistently appear on the bestseller lists, in the U.S. and abroad.

Cole lives in Florida with her family.

Visit http://www.kresleycole.com for more information