Review // Want Me, Slow Burn, Stygian

January 21, 2023

Want Me by Cynthia Eden


Standalone - Dark Obsession #2
Release - January 27, 2015
Genre - Romantic Suspense
POV - Dual 3rd person
Heat - 3.5 out of 5
Format - ebook from Amazon
Length - 140 pages

She doesn’t play it safe...

Sophie Sarantos has a weakness for dangerous men. She doesn’t like safe lovers—she likes men with a wild, rough edge. But Sophie may have attracted a lover who is too dangerous, even for her. Someone is stalking Sophie, slipping into her home, watching her day and night. The stranger seems to know all of Sophie’s darkest secrets, secrets that should never be revealed.

Out of options, Sophie turns to ex-solider Lex Jensen for protection. Lex is part owner of VJS Protection, Inc., and Sophie hires him as her bodyguard. She thinks Lex is one of the “good guys” out there, but she couldn’t be more wrong.

He doesn’t play at all...

Lex has his own secrets. Dark, deadly secrets. And as his feelings for Sophie grow, Lex knows that he is going to have to stop pretending to be a gentleman and, instead, he’ll have to show Sophie who he really is. A man trained to kill. A man too used to evil. A man who will take any risk... as long as he can claim Sophie.

Because there is one thing that Lex wants in this world…one person he desires above all others... Sophie. And no one will hurt her, not on his watch.

My Review - 4 stars


When I can’t figure out who the killer is until the author reveals them, that story’s a winner.

Gwen’s got a stalker… or really more than one. Someone wants to protect her. Someone wants her dead. And someone just wants her.

Chance gave up his chance to be with her. Once her bodyguard, he didn’t believe he deserved her. Now that she’s in danger, now that she needs him, he’s not letting her out of his sight. He’ll put himself between her and whoever is out there to hurt her. He’s not giving her up ever again.

Things were intense for the entire book. From the intimacy between the characters to trying to suss out who was doing what, I had a great time. I haven’t looked ahead for this series and I’m hoping Ethan gets a book because dude deserves some happiness.



Slow Burn by Autumn Jones Lake


Standalone - Lost Kings MC #1
Release - October 9, 2014
Genre - Contemporary MC Romance
POV - Dual
Heat - 4 out of 5
Format - ebook from Amazon
Length - 242 pages

President of the Lost Kings MC, Rochlan "Rock" North, hasn't managed to find a woman capable of making him want to curb his wild ways—until he meets sweet, innocent, married lawyer Hope Kendall.

Forced to represent the outlaw biker, Hope is rattled by her immediate attraction to Rock. Hope is a good girl in a good marriage. Rock thrills her, but she's not going to throw away everything she's built on a fling with her criminal client.

Rock respects Hope enough to leave her alone, even as he realizes he's become a little obsessed with her. When their connection endangers her life, he'll have to destroy her in order to save her.

After tragedy strikes, Rock is determined to earn Hope's forgiveness and convince her that even with their staggering differences, they're meant to be together.

My Review - 3 stars


While I was entertained by this story, I failed to really connect with it. Both Rock and Hope came off as one-dimensional characters. Their lives were described with vague references. The only thing I could cling to was their connection. There was denying their feelings for one another. I’m still unsure why she needed to have a husband and go through mourning in order for this story to reach somewhere. If the husband didn’t exist, I guess half the book wouldn’t either.

I did enjoy the writing so I can definitely see myself reading from this author again.



Stygian by Nashoda Rose


Scars of the Wraiths #1
Release - March 19, 2015
Genre - Paranormal Romance
POV - Dual
Heat - 3 out of 5
Format - ebook from Amazon
Length - 277 pages

Danni: Mortal

I remember nothing of my abduction two years ago. Sounds and scents trigger horrific flashes, but it’s all a blur except for one man with brilliant green eyes. When the tatted six foot two Adonis shows up at my door, my knowledge of the world is shattered.

Bound to the immortal Scar by an ancient spell, we are on the run. Because Balen is the hunted.

And if he dies, so do I.

Balen: Scar Tracker

My code of honor was respected without question … until I consumed the blood of a vampire in exchange for a mortal woman’s freedom.

The Scars want me imprisoned. The Wraiths want me dead.

But the woman I can’t forget needs me. And I’ll risk everything to protect her.

Even if it means killing her.

Because in order for her to live—first she must die.

My Review - 3 stars


I am strangely fascinated with the world of Scars and Wraiths. This book, for the first in the series, did feel like I was dumped in the middle of a story, but I did enjoy myself. As lost and confused as I sometimes was… I enjoyed myself. I didn’t have a lot of love for Danni. She was incredibly immature, impulsive, rude, and irrational. I think I liked Balen, but with how vague this story was, I’m still not sure. I enjoyed meeting all of the other characters and am fascinated by them and what their stories might be.

Interested enough to read more from this series?

Probably.

Review // Hunter Avenged by N.J. Walters

January 18, 2023

Hunter Avenged by N.J. Walters

Nothing in Heaven compared to the pure pleasure of kissing Sven.

────── ♔ ──────


Hunter Avenged by N.J. Walters

Hunter Avenged by N.J. Walters


Standalone - Forgotten Brotherhood #6
Release - January 16, 2023
Genre - Paranormal Romance / forbidden
POV - Dual 3rd person
Heat - 3 out of 5
Format - eARC provided by the publisher
Length - 344 pages
Publisher - Entangled: Amara


It’s taken Viking hunter Sven Knutson six frustrating months to find her. To track down the angel responsible for compromising the Forgotten Brotherhood and waking the drakon. She may be clever. Resourceful. But no one ever gets away from Sven. Ever.

All Rivka longed for as an angel was a chance to serve on Earth and help humans. Instead, it all went impossibly, horribly wrong, and she still doesn’t understand how or even why. All she knows is that she’s on the run—not only from Heaven’s dangerous elite guard, but also from the Brotherhood, who want answers.

She might just have to trust the immortal Viking whose icy blue eyes make her feel almost wickedly human. Because someone wants Rivka dead and the Brotherhood eliminated. Someone powerful enough to take on the most dangerous assassins who have ever lived. Someone who could unleash the fury of both Heaven and Hell…and Rivka is the key.

My Two Cents

4 "Anything for Sven" stars

When I finished reading Bjorn Cursed and met Sven, I knew I needed him to have his own book. And I've been eager for it ever since. I can't begin to tell you how excited I was to finally get his story in my hands. I don't often fangirl the heck out of myself, but I'm fangirling people!

I already knew that Sven was saved and enslaved by the goddess Freya and was now free to live any life he chose. His parents were alive and he could have a relationship with them, but aside from joining The Brotherhood, he's kept his distance.

And maybe, with the weight of destiny on his shoulders, he'll finally give himself a chance to be truly happy and embrace all of his blessings.

I really enjoyed this story. As the conclusion to an incredible series, I was happy to see most of the past characters make an appearance and in such impactful ways. I loved what blossomed between Sven and Rivka. From the way he hunted her around the world to bring her to justice in the plot against The Brotherhood, to his realizing that all he wanted to do was protect her from any and everyone who might have reason to do her harm. Sven was such an amazing hero and Rivka came into her own in such a wonderful way!

She yearned for his touch, enjoyed his intellect, respected his skills, and admired his dedication to the Brotherhood.

This series made N.J. Walters a must-read and must-buy author for me. There are incredibly gifted heroes, exciting plots and connections, and so much freaking love!

The Author

Once upon a time N.J. had the idea that she would like to quit her job at the bookstore, sell everything she owned, leave her hometown, and write romance novels in a place where no one knew her. And she did. Two years later, she went back to the bookstore and her hometown and settled in for another seven years.

One day she gave notice at her job on a Friday morning. On Sunday afternoon, she received a tentative acceptance for her first erotic romance novel and life would never be the same. N.J. has always been a voracious reader, and now she spends her days writing novels of her own. Vampires, werewolves, dragons, time-travelers, seductive handymen, and next-door neighbors with smoldering good looks—all vie for her attention. It’s a tough life, but someone’s got to live it.

Visit http://www.njwalters.com for more information!

Review // Marcus by Anna Hackett

January 10, 2023

Marcus by Anna Hackett

She was why he fought through the muck every day. So she could live and the goodness in her would survive. She deserved more than blood and death and killing. And she sure as hell deserved more than a battled-scarred, bloodstained soldier.

────── ♔ ──────


Marcus by Anna Hackett

Hell Squad: Marcus by Anna Hackett


Standalone - Hell Squad #1
Release - April 19, 2015
Genre - Scifi Romance / apocalypse
POV - Dual 3rd person
Heat - 3.5 out of 5
Format - ebook purchase from Amazon
Length - 217 pages
Publisher - Indie

In a world gone to hell, Elle Milton—once the darling of the Sydney social scene—has carved a role for herself as the communications officer for the toughest commando team fighting for humanity’s survival—Hell Squad. It’s her chance to make a difference and make up for horrible past mistakes…despite the fact that its battle-hardened commander never wanted her on his team.

When Hell Squad is tasked with destroying a strategic alien facility, Elle knows they need her skills in the field. But first she must go head to head with Marcus Steele and convince him she won’t be a liability.

Marcus Steele is a warrior through and through. He fights to protect the innocent and give the human race a chance to survive. And that includes the beautiful, gutsy Elle who twists him up inside with a single look. The last thing he wants is to take her into a warzone, but soon they are thrown together battling both the alien invaders and their overwhelming attraction. And Marcus will learn just how much he’ll sacrifice to keep her safe.

My Two Cents

4 "Fighting to Survive" stars

I haven’t read much in the way of apocalyptic romance, but this author set this one up so well that I feel like adding this trope to my must-read list.

The world has been overtaken by an alien invasion and the few human survivors left are waging a war to get the planet back. The Earth has been ravaged and aside from a few bases around the world, nowhere is safe.

The elite force of Hell Squad has been kicking ass and taking names. As the team leader, Marcus seems to have the entire world on his shoulders. I really liked this character. He knows loss and he knows pain. He also knows want and need. Battle-scarred and battle-weary, he doesn’t think he’s good enough for Elle. But when he learns that he’s the only man she sees, he has to start seeing things her way.

I liked Elle. She was a selfish and superficial party girl before the invasion. Now she is the best communications officer on the base. She provides reliable intel and is one of the few people who can translate the alien language for recon. She’s also consumed by her want and need of Marcus, but feels he’s out of her league. When he lets her in, she’s all in.

However, I did have one major issue with this book and it was one scene...

Her face turned mutinous. “Enough with the orders. You can order them around–” she jerked a thumb at the team “--but not me.” Marcus was speechless. He heard one of the others snicker.

What???

This is how you talk to your squad leader in front of his squad? Why, because you’re sleeping together? In a relationship? It was so weird and what was even weirder… he was okay with it.

The Author


Anna Hackett is a USA Today bestselling romance author who’s passionate about fast-paced, emotion-filled romantic suspense and science-fiction romance. She loves writing about people overcoming unbeatable odds and achieving seemingly impossible goals. Some of her bestselling series include Norcross Security, Team 52, Galactic Gladiators, and Eon Warriors.

Anna lives in Australia with her real-life hero and their two little boys. For more information on Anna and her books visit: www.annahackett.com

Books That Didn't Make the Cut Pt.8

January 07, 2023


I'm back with three more books that just didn't work for me, but might be right up your alley. If you've read any of these or plan to, please think about letting me know what you thought in the comments below!



Queen of Diamonds by Natalie Bennett


Genre - Mafia Romance

His enemy. His partner. His whore.
His mind games. Her morals.


The road to hell...
Well, there is no road to hell.
I already live there.

I was forced to partake in a rigged game of seduction, manipulation, and murder.

Mateo Remmington is my formidable opponent.

He makes the devil look like a saint.

He’s immoral.
He's ruthless.
He's a goddamn king.

King of a clandestine empire who sits on a throne covered in innocents’ blood.

I’ve become his obsession.
He’s becoming my deadly addiction.

And if I make one wrong move he’ll end my life.

My Review: DNF

I couldn't get into this story. I wasn't sure if it was supposed to be dark or mysterious or whatever. I was lost before the story even really started. And now I'm sad because I have the entire series SIGNED on my bookshelves. I wish I could have dived in and loved it.



Ghosted by J.M. Darhower


Genre - Contemporary Second Chance Romance

He's a troubled young actor, Hollywood's newest heartthrob, struggling with fame as the star of the latest superhero franchise. Through scandal after scandal, addiction on top of addiction, a flurry of paparazzi hunt him as he fights to conquer his demons.

She's a single mother, assistant manager at a grocery store, existing in monotony with her five-year-old daughter. Every day when she goes to work, lurid tabloids surround her, the face of a notorious bad boy haunting her from their covers.

A man and a woman, living vastly different lives, but that wasn't always the case. Once, they were just a boy and a girl who bonded over comic books and fell in love unexpectedly.

When Kennedy Garfield met Jonathan Cunningham back in high school, she knew he had all the makings of a tragic hero. With stars in his eyes, and her heart on her sleeve, the pair ran away together to follow their dreams.

But dreams, sometimes, turn into nightmares.

Now, years later, the only thing they share is a daughter—one who has no idea her father plays her favorite superhero. But Jonathan is desperate to make amends, and at the top of his list is the woman who gave up everything for him and the little girl he hasn't yet met.

My Review: DNF

The heroine was so wrong. And while I couldn't really connect with Jonathan, the ways in which Kennedy had him jumping through hoops so he could connect with the daughter he didn't know he had... wrong! The secret baby trope is so hard to do well and this one didn't work for me.



Down On Me by J. Kenner


Genre - Contemporary Friends-to-Lovers Romance

Tight muscles. Vibrant Ink.
Meet Mr. January. Winter’s never looked so hot…


Certified bachelor Reece Walker wants two things — to save the local bar he manages and to get Jenna Montgomery into his bed.

He has a few ideas for the bar. But Jenna... well, he’s going to have to rely on cold showers, because she’s been his best friend for years, and that’s a line he just can’t cross.

Until one wild kiss on a dark night changes everything. Now Reece is certain Jenna’s meant to be his.

And with long nights in bed, sensual caresses, and deep, lingering kisses, he sets out to thoroughly convince her that friends can be lovers, too.

My Review: 2 stars

Overall, this was a decent story. I loved the friendship that Reece, Jenna and Brent shared. Best friends for life, they knew everything there was to know about each other and supported each other in all things. And that's where my problem lies. Jenna knew Reece. She knew his hangups. So why... why when they FINALLY get together... why did she try to change him? And not only change him, but give him an ultimatum to try to force him to change?

I stopped liking Jenna after that. All of her thoughts on how to sway Reece to her side made me physically ill. If you love someone, love them. No conditions. No doubts.