Showing posts with label Instalove. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Instalove. Show all posts

Review // Inmate of the Month by Lani Lynn Vale

September 14, 2021

Inmate of the Month by Lani Lynn Vale

I had almost an instinctive knowledge that Laric would never, ever hurt me.
He would always put me first.
He would always treat me as if I was number one.

────── ♔ ──────


Inmate of the Month by Lani Lynn Vale

Inmate of the Month by Lani Lynn Vale


Standalone - Souls Chapel Revenants MC #7
Release - September 21, 2021
Genre - Contemporary Romance
Dual POV - 1st person
Heat Level - 4 out of 5
Format/Source - eARC provided by the author
Page Count - 200
Publisher - Indie

A porn video changed his life.

One second, he has an ex with an ax to grind, and the next, he’s internet famous—and definitely not in a good way. In an, it’ll ruin your career, kind of way.

Only, Laric didn’t know that he was internet famous.

Not until a black-haired beauty walks into his life, and stumbles over every word that she says because all she can picture is him doing the unthinkable for the world to see.

Sadly, that’s not the only thing wrong in his life. His world is messed up, and he likes it that way.

There’s no room for a woman that wants to fix him.

Because fixing requires intimacy, and intimacy isn’t something that Laric does. Not after the life that he’s lived, and the things he’s done to survive. Oh, and let’s not forget the fact that he’s a felon, and he has no regrets about how he got that title.

The last thing he needs in his life is a woman that has her head in the clouds and thinks this world is made of butterflies and confetti.

However, Catori isn’t who she seems.

The day she meets tall, dark, and handsome, he saves her life. And then never leaves—though not for his lack of trying.
Not that she’s complaining about the way they’re thrown together, time after time. She’s more than willing to have a man like Laric around. Mostly because she’s already seen the good in him that he refuses to admit that’s there.

He may be a biker that does questionable things, but in her heart, she knows that he does those bad things for good reasons. And she’s not about to throw away the chance at happiness just because he thinks he knows what’s best for her.
Plot twist: she knows what’s best for her. And that’s him.

Purchase Links

Amazon CA * Amazon US


My Two Cents

I've been looking forward to Laric's story ever since I met him in book one. After finding out he was Lynn's son, I needed to know what was next for them. Was there anything to forgive? Would they forge a path forward as father and son? Would I finally learn why he didn't know about Lynn, yet Lynn knew about him? And knowing Lynn, just how far was his reach into his son's life?

Inmate of the Month gave me answers and a whole lot more. There was so much love here!

☑ a broken hero, who had a tragic past and believed he wasn't worthy
☑ a sweet heroine, who may be just the person to heal all of the hero's wounds
☑ a suspenseful plot that proved to be more hilarious than scary
☑ friends and family that made this a 'happy reunion' kind of read
☑ two characters that seemed to mesh right from the start!

Instalove is great when it works and LLV definitely made it work. Laric and Catori were amazing together. I loved their shared humor, their chemistry, and how deep their feelings ran for each other. This story was easy to love, from its characters to its plot to the sweet and funny happily ever after.

────── ♔ ──────


I did have a couple of issues with this book, which kept it from getting all the stars. (1) There's a part where Laric's mom's age was revealed (two years ago she was 41, making her 43)... how old was she when she gave birth to Laric? He's supposed to be thirty-something. And (2) The ex drama, especially with Thor, bled through the whole book, but then fell flat. What was that? He shot Catori, bribed some gangbangers to shoot up a hospital, basically terrorized everyone, went into hiding, then popped up only to be taken down so easily. Oh and (3) I thought Lynn's last name was

Laric & Catori's family tree

Laric's family:


Catori's family:


Check out the other books of this series:





Quick Peek

"I feel like I'll be learning all about that big mouth soon." I paused, wincing slightly. "I didn't mean that at all how it sounded."

Adam started to laugh. "Oh, God. Y'all will be perfect with each other. By the time we've found Thor, you're either going to kill her or marry her."

I highly doubted that I'd marry her. Though I found her highly attractive, I'd sworn off women for the most part.

Women required you to be home every night — and I wasn't.

Women, particularly someone you wanted to spend the rest of your life with, likely required children — which I knew didn't need to have a dad like me.

Not to mention I just straight up didn't know how to deal with pleasing a wife or girlfriend. I mean, I knew sexually I could more than make her happy. But women, significant others, required love. Sacrifice. Devotion. Understanding. I just didn't know how to provide those.

A, I wasn't sure that love was even real. I'd never seen it and highly doubted that it was an 'actual' thing.

B, sacrificing would be okay. I could do that. But I couldn't keep doing that. I'd be willing to bend, not break.

As for devotion and understanding, I'd been taught over and over again that those two things were a f-ckin' myth.


About the Author

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.

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

Review // Dark Obsession by Aja James

August 22, 2021

Dark Obsession by Aja James

Her mind might be confused, still sorting itself out, but her instincts were sure.
She knew this male.
She wanted this male.


Dark Obsession by Aja James

Dark Obsession by Aja James


Pure/Dark Ones #9
Release - May 2, 2019
Genre - Paranormal Romance
Multiple POV - 3rd person
Heat Level - 4 out of 5 / several scenes
Format/Source - ebook borrowed through Kindle Unlimited
Page Count - 331
Publisher - Indie

Maximus has always been in control.

As the Commander of the Chosen, the Dark King’s personal guard, he can’t afford to step wrong. With his eternal familiar at his side, he can loosen up, give in to moments of carefree fun. But all that changed on a fateful night.

She will always find a way back to him…

Ariel Kyles is an experiment with programmed thoughts but no soul—until a black panther’s spirit possesses her body. Suddenly, she discovers whole new needs, desires, and a primal, irresistible obsession: Maximus.

Fate will not be denied…

Maximus and Ariel each have secrets about themselves to uncover, and their journey leads them to a fantastic, hidden world.

But the most delicious mystery of all may prove to be their Destiny together.

Purchase Links

Amazon CA * Amazon US
(free to read with Kindle Unlimited)


My Two Cents

At first, when I thought of typing up this review, I thought I would use my usual format. Not that I have a set structure mind you, but it seems like one. Then I thought "F*ck that!" because it's not like this story deserves anything less than the rambling, passionate thoughts I had while reading it. So rather than hide everything under spoilers, I'm going to lay it all out right here. So if you don't want to be spoiled, stop here knowing that I loved this book, I love this series, and I highly recommend it!

Ariel and Maximus = too hot for words! Obviously Max's connection to Simca and hers to him made all of this possible, but I loved how much Ariel was able to blossom with her new soul. And how Max was able to see all sides of her. He loved this female. Loved everything about her. He loved her sass, her intellect, her badass attitude. He loved her passion, her competitiveness, even her over-the-top possessiveness. He loved the way she pushed him, the way she partnered him, the way they fit together like two halves of a whole.

While Max was the clear star of this story, Ariel gave him a run for his money. She was a joy to meet and a wonder in the making. And I loved how obsessed she was with him. “If you take me,” he rumbled low, “you’ll never take another male as long as I live.” She dug her sharp little fingernails into his ass. “Fair. And I’ll rip out the throat of any female who looks at you twice.”


Am I supposed to feel sympathy for Wan'er? I felt nothing but disgust for her. I still wish her a cruel, punishing and agonizing death. I did feel sorry for her mate (because he didn't ask to be a blood slave or to father a child, no matter that everyone should be thankful that Ishtar was created) and for her abandoned child. I get wanting revenge, but she went too far. Working for her enemy, watching her mate be dishonored, being disgusted by him, watching him die, then one day working for your enemy's daughter... Wan'er is pathetic.


Is it weird that I thought it was equally wrong and right that Simca (now Ariel) was so obsessed and aroused by Maximus? These two were insanely hot together!


I think it's hilarious that both Tal and Benji can see The Creature, no matter his disguise. When will these people figure it all out and realize that he is The Creature they have been battling all along? And The Creature watching Benji was such fun! This boy was positively diabolical! Ridiculously smart. Brilliantly astute. This was a boy after his own dark heart.


Could Ariel's life have been more sad before she was merged with Simca? Medusa and Wan'er are monsters and I can only imagine I'll have more horrifying stories to read about in the books to come.


I loved getting the glimpses of Maximus as a boy. The loneliness he suffered, the abuses were heartbreaking, but I enjoyed seeing his kinship with felines, his unrelenting passion and zest for life, his overwhelming compassion for the trapped white tiger (not even realizing their connection)... everything spoke to the amazing and beautiful male he became.


Okay, so mind blown over here but... Max's dad is the white tiger? I know Goya has a story in this series at some point (and I can't wait to read it), but holy sh!t I'm still stunned over this connection. Seriously, Aja James is brilliant!


I'm a terrible person for appreciating the fact that Max killed his mother to free his father. He didn't even know they were his parents. She was no maternal figure and his father was locked in a cage and tortured regularly. Of course he'd want to help his father, without knowing he was his father.


That moment when Max was in his vampire form and Goya was in his tiger form... and they were sitting in silence and kinship... so unbelievably sweet! This father/son duo were giving me life. And then when they fought together in their tiger forms... I'm telling you, this book was amazing!


I am enamored by The Creature's strong connection to Dalair. Those scenes are so intense and illuminating and I'm always excited to see them pop up.

Abbreviated quote: “I loved you, you know,” the Creature murmured, taking one of the Paladin’s hands in both its own.
“Loved you like a brother,” it continued tonelessly, though its voice trembled with stress. “Or as close to love as someone like me could ever feel. It wasn’t all pretense.”
“That’s because I hate you too,” the Creature explained out loud.
“I hate that she loved you. Loves you,” it hissed derisively, “and yet not for one single moment did she ever love me. Not the way I wanted, no matter what I tell myself. Even though I knew her first. Long before you were ever born. And even when she was my wife, she chose you.”

I'm so glad Clara's mortality was brought up. How will she and Eli conquer that? How will they continue to thrive togeher if he is immortal and she is not? Is there more to her (as it seems) or will her genetics be changed as Ava's were?


I need Dalair to fight his programming again. This is getting ridiculous. How is he supposed to live with himself after realizing he was a part of the animal spirit massacre?That he has been 'sleeping' with the enemy? That he has been fighting against his own?


What caused Tal to bellow in such pain? Then, he threw back his head and let out a soul-shattering shout into the sky, the rawness and agony tearing through his vocal cords, breaking his voice. The Creature felt it to the core of its being. Its heart might be black and shriveled, but whatever heart that was left there twisted and clenched in vicarious pain, filling its nostrils with acid. There was an infinite amount of anguish in the Pure warrior’s howl. An unfathomable depth to his despair. The worst of it was, the Creature knew very well what had led to this moment. The Creature watching his father like that, not even knowing he's his father... my heart just keeps breaking for these people.


After getting a glimpse of Alend Ramses's pain and his determination to never fall in love again, wouldn't it be hilarious to find out that he was Anu's father and that the woman he loved and never loved him back was her mother? I'm just saying, this series seems to love its six degrees of separation, so it's not a reach.


I'm in so deep and I have no intention of finding my way out. I've already got Pure Providence downloaded so I'm off to go deeper.

Check out the previous books:




Quick Peek

On a shudder, Maximus came awake.

And stared into Agent Kyles’ golden green eyes.

She’d turned in his arms while he slept, her torso flush against his. Her crotch cradling his hard-on oh so tightly even through the layers of their cold-weather clothes.

She was stroking his face lightly with her hands, tracing his eyebrows, temples, nose, cheeks, jaw and mouth with inquisitive fingers.

He realized that she’d been doing this for a while now.

It was her touch that calmed him in his dreams. Her touch that pulled him out of memories he’d rather forget.

“Hands are such wonderful things,” she murmured huskily, her voice rough from sleep.

“I could never do this with paws. And you have such an intriguing face. Such a beautiful body. I want to touch you all the time.”

Maximus swallowed.

His heart thudded. His cock leapt.

It would be so easy to push down their trousers and drive into her welcoming, wet heat.

He knew she would welcome him. Her body all but hummed for him to fill it.

“Ariel…” he rasped, searching for the right words but coming up empty.

Just her name alone gave him pause.

It was the first time he’d used it. The first time he’d even thought it.

She’d always been Agent Kyles to him, a designation instead of a person.

He also couldn’t see her as Simca, no matter what she said about the panther’s soul being inside her. No matter that he saw glimpses of his feline familiar in her personality, thoughts and gestures.

But now…somehow…she was Ariel.

And that realization and recognition made him even more confused than before. Even as a part of him embraced it.

He felt too raw right now, too conflicted from his recent dream.

Had she seen it too? Had she seen what he really was?

What was inside him all this time?

“Beautiful,” she said firmly. “You were magnificent in your dream. Fierce and primal. The most gorgeous being I’ve ever seen. You shouldn’t hide yourself. You should be proud. You protected someone helpless. You saved his life.”


About the Author

Aja James just completed the Pure/ Dark Ones paranormal-fantasy romance series in 2020. If you want your heart battered, bruised, shattered and skewered, then put back together in the most glorious ways, check out the series below. Every couple gets an HEA, but they fight like hell for it on the way.

Aja is now working on her new series, Dragon Tails, because dragons are her favorite shifters of all!

Visit https://aja-james.blog/ for more information!

Review // Dark Desires by Aja James

August 07, 2021

Dark Desires by Aja James

To desire was to want. To want was to expose oneself to weakness. Weakness that could be used to bring endless pain and torment. And it all began with pleasure.
Pleasure was addictive. Pleasure spawned desire.
Ryu felt deep in his bones that Ava Monroe was pleasure incarnate. She should wear a sign that said: "This way lies folly. Trespass at your own risk."
She was dangerous to his peace of mind. He could not afford to be distracted by her.
Not when he might need to end her life.

Dark Desires by Aja James

Dark Desires by Aja James


Pure/Dark Ones #3
Release - April 5, 2018
Genre - Paranormal Romance
Multiple POV - 3rd person
Heat Level - 4 out of 5 / several scenes
Format/Source - Kindle purchase
Page Count - 313
Publisher - Indie

Ryu Takamura is the Dark Ones’ Assassin. He has never missed his target…until now. Until her.

Ava Monroe is a talented geneticist who holds the key to the vampire race’s future…and perhaps her own as well.

Their attraction is explosive from the first. She would do anything to have him. He would sacrifice all to protect her.

But will their love triumph over seemingly impossible odds as they battle enemies new and old? Especially the demons from Ryu’s past? And deep within his heart?

Buy it here: Amazon
(free with Kindle Unlimited)


I. Am. TELLING YOU... read this series!!

There's Ryu, a shadow assassin and member of the Queen's Chosen. He's tasked with annihilating the threat to his kind that has popped up in Japan. Ava is his way in, a target, and someone he didn't expect to affect him so strongly.
"What do you want from me?" he rasped huskily, his mouth a hair's breadth from hers.
She thought of saying something flippant or flirty, but couldn't come up with anything but the truth:
"Everything," she whispered.
A sharp indrawn breath, and then —
Heaven.
As his mouth covered hers, hot and delicious.
I absolutely adored the way the author explored these characters. Ava is a socially awkward genius who speaks her mind, even when it's cause for embarrassment. Ryu is a sweet, broken man who can't see how truly worthy he is. Ava brings out the best in him and he in her. Their love is almost instantaneous and energetic and profound. Their connection was brilliant and I enjoyed every moment spent with them and experiencing their firsts.
I'd give my life for you, she heard his voice in her head, in her blood, as he continued to hold her gaze. I have never known love before you. Never loved in return. And I never shall love any woman but you.
My only regret was that Ryu's mom's death wasn't a prolonged, tortuous affair. That woman deserved no mercy!

While this book gave me some answers (YES TO INANNA FINDING HER FATHER), I'm still left with so many questions, such as:
  1. Will Tal get his sight back?
  2. Again... is the glamoured Mama Bear Inanna's mom/Tal's mate? I remembered this burning question because Tal featured so heavily here.
  3. Will Tal reunite with his mate (so he doesn't decline and die) or will she turn him away?
  4. WTH is going on with Ryu's dad? Will we see him again? Will he remain an enemy?
  5. This Medusa chick... how is she around, doing her thing, and NO ONE knows her? These ancient beings have never come across her? How???
  6. The Creature didn't feature, but I'm still questioning if he's Inanna's lost brother. I would love a family reunion (mom, dad, sister, brother).

Honestly, I'm sure I have more questions and concerns burrowed in my subconscious, but it doesn't even matter. I WILL be reading the next book. I WILL be seeking more and more answers. I WILL fall deeper and deeper in love with this series and these characters. If you're a fan of paranormal romance, sick action scenes, and combustible chemistry between glorious people, you need to read these books!

Check out the previous books:
Pure Healing by Aja James Dark Longing by Aja James


“Since turning vampire, I’ve made killing my exclusive profession,” he continued smoothly, almost bored, as if talking about something as mundane as the weather.

“I’m exceedingly good at it. My moniker among my Kind is Assassin. Not very inventive, is it? But fitting nevertheless. I have many weapons at my disposal, f*cking included, to get what I want.”

She came to him then, chased him across the length of the room.

Shaking. Her body was shaking with emotion.

He wondered detachedly whether she was going to strike him for his hateful words. He’d purposely demeaned what had just happened between them a short while ago. He wanted her to hate him. It was an emotion he understood well.

“Don’t say such things about yourself,” she whispered, still shaking, her eyes wide and sorrowful.

“It’s all true,” he said carelessly, his expression sardonic. “I have never pretended otherwise.”

Her hands rose, and he almost pulled back. But he made himself stay still.

She was just a human female, he told himself. He was not afraid of her.

Her hands fell again, and he thought she would turn away now, her illusions about him, about what she felt, obliterated by reality.

Instead, she gently, inexorably unfolded his arms and wrapped her own around his waist as she laid her cheek against his chest, right against his heart as it beat almost frantically within its cage.

“I hear you,” she murmured, acknowledging his confession. She rubbed her cheek against his skin and nuzzled her nose in the center of his chest, inhaling deeply, then rested her cheek there again.

For long moments she simply held him, offering her warmth, offering unconditional affection, and he felt protected. He, the Assassin, felt protected by a slip of a human female who made Bambi look tough.

He felt increasing panic at how in such a short period of time, he had come to depend on her. How much he wanted and needed her. The pleasure she represented and gave him made him all the more aware of the pain that he had always carried within.

This was what his Master had warned him of. This weakness and vulnerability brought about by pleasure. By desire.

“I hear you,” she repeated softly against his chest.

Then she looked up into his eyes and caught him in an unguarded moment, her eyes bright and intense with emotion.

“I see you,” she said, and he almost believed she could look directly into his soul.

“I love what I see, Ryu Takamura. I love you.”

He inhaled sharply and was suddenly furious. Why did she keep pushing him? Why didn’t she run away? Couldn’t she tell he was a monster? A killer?

“You will realize one day that you’ve wasted your emotions on me,” he told himself as much as he was telling her. “You will regret this.”

“Maybe,” she conceded, “but emotions are not things one can bring to heel like a good little terrier, at least mine aren’t that way. And I have always been taught to trust my instincts and be honest with myself and the people around me. If I died tomorrow and didn’t tell you how I feel, that's what I'd regret more."

She hugged him tighter and rose on tiptoe to brush her lips against his throat.

"May I have you, Ryu? For a little while if not forever?"

She kissed his chin and his jaw.

"I want to be yours too," she added, in case he was in any doubt. "For as long as you're willing to have me."


Aja James just completed the Pure/ Dark Ones paranormal-fantasy romance series in 2020. If you want your heart battered, bruised, shattered and skewered, then put back together in the most glorious ways, check out the series below. Every couple gets an HEA, but they fight like hell for it on the way.

Aja is now working on her new series, Dragon Tails, because dragons are her favorite shifters of all!

Visit https://aja-james.blog/ for more information!

Review // Gen Pop by Lani Lynn Vale

August 04, 2021

Gen Pop by Lani Lynn Vale

If one of my book boyfriends had come out of the pages and stood before me, this was exactly what I would picture. - Crockett

Gen Pop by Lani Lynn Vale

Gen Pop by Lani Lynn Vale


Standalone - Souls Chapel Revenants MC #6
Release - August 10, 2021
Genre - Contemporary Romance
Dual POV - 1st person / Zachariah Caruso & Crockett Archer
Heat Level - 4 out of 5 / a few scenes
Format/Source - eARC provided by the author
Page Count - 211
Publisher - Indie

Hangry: adjective—feeling irritable or irrationally angry as a result of being hungry.

Sometimes, Crockett felt that in her soul.

And, of course, the one time that she’s being ‘irrationally angry’ would be the time that the hottest guy on the continent walked into her place of business dressed in prison orange.

She should’ve been afraid.

She should’ve taken one look at him and walked the other way.

But, she didn’t.

Crockett Archer, better known as a doormat extraordinaire, didn’t walk away from the people she knew needed her. She’d never been able to do it with a father that didn’t love her, and she wouldn’t be able to do it with a man that didn’t think he deserved a chance at love.

One look is all it takes for Zach Caruso to know that Crockett could be his.

All he would have to do is snap his fingers, and she’d fall right into the palm of his hand.

Which is why Zach turns around and walks far, far away.

He tries not to look back.

He tries to leave her be.

But then he sees how she’s treated by the people that are supposed to love her, and all cognitive thoughts seem to flee his rational brain.

One second, he’s running in the opposite direction. The next, he’s playing her knight in dingy armor.

God help her.


Purchase Links

Amazon US * Amazon CA * Amazon UK


3.5 "Ain't He Pretty?" Stars!!

First of all, that cover... 😍😍

Second... I've been anticipating Zach's story ever since he shoved that piece of glass in that bully's heart. I've loved him for a while. And to finally see him get his happy ending made my day!

After killing the guy who almost killed his girl, Zach was tried and convicted and sent to prison. Thanks to Lynn, he got out early and he was trying to put the pieces of his life back together. First stop, a real meal. And that's where Crockett comes in.

Crockett was a doormat. Poor girl had only one ally, her grandfather. Her father hated her and did everything he could, along with her stepmother, to make her life miserable. And while her siblings didn't participate, they didn't dissuade the abuse either. And Crockett just took it... until Zach.

Amidst zany family shenanigans, the banter between friends, the appearance of Cleo and Rue (his parents from Life to my Flight), and the pop up of Ford and Ashe, I found love. Not that I was surprised, since I love everything Lani Lynn Vale puts out. Zach was a wonder!


My Notes

This was far from my favorite book from LLV. Honestly, it was probably one of my least favorite. I didn't really feel the relationship between Zach and Crockett, which sucked because I loved Zach. The story felt messy and didn't flow as easily as her stories usually do. I liked it, but I didn't love it.

There were some discrepancies as well, but I'm pretty sure they will be fixed when this ARC goes through its final editing.

* Zach finished pumping gas and replaced the nozzle, during which Crockett admired his forearms. However, when her stepmom appeared, once again Zach was finishing up the pumping of gas and replacing the nozzle.

* her stepmom hung up on her as her father's face appeared, yet she immediately continued a conversation with her father with no mention of a callback in order to talk to him.


Check out the other books of this series:




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.

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

Review // Imperfect by Ari Reavis

July 05, 2021

Imperfect by Ari Reavis

"I've never been in love," I whisper.
"Me neither, but I can't wait to see how it feels."
"With me?"
"With you. Only with you."

Imperfect by Ari Reavis

Add it to Goodreads / Find it on Amazon


Standalone
Release - July 5, 2021
Genre - Contemporary Romance/instant connection/interracial
Dual POV - 1st person
Heat Level - 4 out of 5
Format/Source - eARC provided by the author
Length - 263 pages
Publisher - Indie

When a guy saves you from a horrible blind date, you don’t expect to end up dating him.

Mariah’s confusion over why a man is pretending to know her quickly fades once she realizes the handsome stranger winking at her is trying to save her. If she leaves with him, what might this night turn into?

Damir knows he can’t watch the beautiful woman across the restaurant cringe one more time without stepping in to help her. He promises he would take her on a much better date than the one she just left, but will she give him the chance to prove it?

He's got a past that corrupt people refuse to allow him to forget. She's come too far to get wrapped back up in the hardships she's escaped.

Can such an imperfect beginning turn into exactly what they both need?

Damir and Mariah were perfectly imperfect together. His past consisted of many mistakes and missteps, but his loving and supportive parents helped to steer him onto the right path. Now he's a successful contractor, giving back to the community.

Abuse and neglect haunted Mariah's past and it was with the love of her big brother that she was able to love and thrive.

On one seriously terrible first date, Damir comes to Mariah's rescue and his white knight behavior doesn't stop there. They quickly fall in love, discovering they both want the fugture the other envisions.

One major problem: the cops who harass Damir and won't allow him to move on from his past.

I enjoyed many elements of this story, such as...
* the easy chemistry between the characters
* how simple and sweet the secondary characters were
* the way the author illustrated the harassment Damir suffered

While I didn't find this book to be as suspenseful as it purported to be, I did find it entertaining so recommending it comes easy.

Ari Reavis is a wife and mother of five. Born in New York and raised in New Jersey, she enjoys staying in, devouring books and watching movies. Her kids are running around, her husband is trying to show her martial arts moves, and she's trying to write. Her day in a nutshell.

Find more about Ari and her books on her site: https://arireavis.wordpress.com/

Review // Halligan to My Axe by Lani Lynn Vale

June 24, 2021

Halligan to My Axe by Lani Lynn Vale

What is a hero? Someone who does something that has to be done, regardless of the consequences.

Halligan to My Axe by Lani Lynn Vale
Halligan to My Axe by Lani Lynn Vale

Halligan to My Axe by Lani Lynn Vale


Standalone - The Heroes of The Dixie Wardens #2
Release - October 29, 2014
Genre - Contemporary Romance
Dual POV - 1st person
Heat Level - 4 out of 5
Format/Source - Kindle gift
Length - 297 pages
Publisher - Indie

You’re the Halligan...

Kettle had it all. Until he didn't.
He lost it all in a moment. One heart stopping, soul shattering moment, and there wasn't a single thing he could do about it.
From that day forward, he stayed away from relationships.
Then he responded to a possible fire and there she was, rocking his world when he didn't want it to be rocked.

To My...

Adeline was just a schoolteacher. She lived a boring life.
Until she stole something.
And it didn't have anything to do with the sexy firefighter’s heart.
Oh, she stole that, too, even if he didn't want it to be stolen.

Axe...

Kettle didn't realize just what kind of trouble Adeline was in until it nearly ripped her from his life.
There was no way anything was taking that away from him.
Not again.
One man was about to see up close and personal what fury looked like on the face of The Dixie Wardens MC’s enforcer.

Find Halligan to My Axe on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3zRjDk3


Adeline was awesome! She was a unique kind of person, covered in tattoos, rescued animals, a high school science teacher, and had a huge heart. She was a terrific human being and a great sister. Her twin, Viddy, is someone I can't wait to meet. She's blind due to an accident the crazy twins were in when they were teenagers and I enjoyed watching what was developing between her and Trance. And when these sisters were together... magic!

Kettle was amazeballs! He was an amazing friend and brother and I was kind of surprised by how much depth there was to his character. I wish there was an actual discussion about the illness he suffered as a child and all that he had lost in his life, but I'm guessing what I want wouldn't have really pushed the story where it needed to go.

I will say that this was probably the most painful book I've read from LLV ever. It packed a whole lot of punch and yet it gave plenty of heartwarming moments and humor as well. It had a great balance and for all that it forced me to feel, it's more than worthy of all the stars!

Tiago/Kettle & Adeline family tree:


    Their children
        Saylor Rae Spada - Sinners Are Winners

    Kettle's family
        Shannon Spada (sister)

    Adeline's family
        Vidalia "Viddy" Sheffield (twin sister) - Kevlar to My Vest
        Jefferson Samuel Sheffield (brother)

Check out my review of the first book of the series:
Lights to My Siren by Lani Lynn Vale


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.

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

Highway Don't Care by Lani Lynn Vale // Review

June 07, 2021

Highway Don't Care by Lani Lynn Vale

I'm still learning to love. Be gentle with my heart. Otherwise you're going to feel the wrath that is my brother." - Ember's secret thoughts


Highway Don't Care by Lani Lynn Vale

Highway Don't Care by Lani Lynn Vale


Standalone - Freebirds #2
Release - October 1, 2013
Genre - Contemporary Romance
Dual POV - 1st person/Gabriel "Gabe" Luca Maldonado II & Ember Leigh Tremaine
Heat Level - 4 out of 5
Format/Source - Kindle purchase
Length - 361 pages
Publisher - Indie

Her

Snark. Jokes. Attitude.
These were all things I used to disguise the hole in my heart. I'm not a happy person. I don't live life. I just exist. That is until that beautiful man rides in on his Harley Fat Boy and burns rubber on the way into my heart.

Him

My life's been no hayride either. Everyone I've ever loved in life has died or betrayed me. So I stay back and watch. Unless you're one of my brothers, you get nothing from me. I don't participate. I ride. I eat. I sleep. I work. And I repeat. That is until Ember stomps into my life with her bad attitude. She's all piss and vinegar, and makes me want to share my bike seat for the first time.

Together

They fight like cats and dogs. Don't see eye to eye on a single thing. They rant, rave, and yell.
They bring out the best in each other. They heal each other's hearts and souls. They find what they were missing, even the things they never even knew they had.

Everything is perfect. If you didn't count a gang, one of the biggest in the South, gunning for Ember. That, or the pure evilness that is Gabe's ex-girlfriend. Gabe will have to put his life on the line to save the one woman he loves, but will it be enough?

One thing is constant in life. It's about the journey, not about the destination.

Gabe and Ember were truly beautiful together! Like many of my favorite heroes, Gabe was a bit broken, but Ember was the one to dive deep, get him to open up, give him the motivation to thrive. I adored Gabe! While I also really liked Ember, I could have done without her childishness, especially when it was paired with Cheyenne's bouts of immaturity. These characters have such huge hearts and although they (and I really mean mainly Ember) made some silly mistakes, everything they do is out of love.

The suspenseful edge of this story was actually terrifying and had my heart pumping like crazy. Gabe was a beast and I love a take-charge man who can basically take everyone out viciously and single-handedly. Yummmmm!

Okay, so there were some interesting facts I learned from this story. I got to see the origin of Gabe Jr and now meeting his father... I can see why I enjoyed If You Say So so much. I also got to see more about Cora from Ain't Doin' It and my heart broke more for her. I don't know how Lani Lynn Vale keeps all of these characters and their family trees and events straight, but I'm impressed and I can't wait to learn more.

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.

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