Every Monday, at least for the next little while, I'll be sharing books that I've read in the past, before my blog was a reality or I just forgot. Oops. I realize that there are a ton of books I haven't shared with everyone and some that we've probably forgotten about. These books still deserve some shine, don't they? I foresee this type of post going on for months because I have TONS of them to post about.


I'm starting with the Manwhore series by Katy Evans. I read this series back in 2017 and I can still remember how much I enjoyed this author and this new series she had introduced. I actually think the first heroine of the series was the first one who truly irritated me! She made me realize certain things that I wouldn't put up with LOL. Do you remember this series? If you've read it or have it on your TBR, please share XO


Manwhore #1
My Rating - ★★★
POV - Heroine

Blurb from Goodreads

I went into this book with pretty high expectations. I've been a fan of Katy Evans since Real and thought that based on the reviews for this book, I was guaranteed to love it. Not so!


Don't get me wrong. This book was fantastic even with the cliffhanger (luckily I started this series when the other books were printed or I'd be extra pissed). It just wasn't as powerful as I thought it would be.

A lot of that had to do with the fact that I could barely stand Rachel.


Honestly, this chick kept riding my last nerve. Imagine how much it pissed me off that the entire book was told from her POV. Arrrrrrggggghhhhh!! One of her characteristics that really annoyed me the most was her "coyness". To me it seemed she was constantly playing freaking games (I get that he was an assignment) and I dislike mindgamers. Wasn't she the one showing up everywhere Malcolm was like some stalker/groupie in order to get his attention? Then as soon as she got it she played fickle. She even tried to treat him like a one-nighter when she had next to no sexual experience. Also, was I really supposed to take her journalism career seriously??? She barely made any money. Successful businesses weren't trying to poach her. Yet she went on ad nauseam about her "notes" and her "investigation" and how knowledgeable she was about things beyond her tax bracket. She wasn't realistic and if she were, she's be TSTL.

Malcolm, however, made this story worthwhile for me. I would have sold my left breast (not literally) to have gotten his POV. Mrs. Evans did a great job creating his mysterious character. I constantly wanted to know what he was doing, what he was thinking, how he was feeling. Everything about him intrigued me. His fictional looks, quirks, actions, etc.

I'm looking forward to reading book 2 and finding out how Malcolm deals with Rachel after her betrayal.

Manwhore #2
My Rating - ★★★★
POV - Heroine

Blurb from Goodreads

I loved this installment. This book definitely turned the tide for me and allowed my opinion and rating of the series to reflect drastic improvement.

I didn't have a lot of love for Rachel in book 1, for many reasons. However, Katy Evans did such an excellent job in redeeming and humbling this character that I couldn't help but like her. She ate her crow and stayed dedicated and determined to atone for her betrayal of Malcolm and win him back.

I really liked that they didn't immediately reconcile. It made the story and pain believable to see them work through forgiveness and earn back lost trust. I think that their second chance was beautiful and I couldn't get enough of them together.

As for Malcolm, I still loved him. He did no wrong. I really wish there was something from his POV, but I could still appreciate his words and actions as seen from Rachel's perspective.

Fave Line:
"You're the only heaven I will ever know, Rachel" - he looks into my eyes - "and if you were hell, I'd sin my whole life just to stay with you."

Manwhore #2.5
My Rating - ★★★★
POV - Heroine

Blurb from Goodreads

Extra sweet. Extra mushy. Extra sappy. Extra gooey.

Katy Evans did a spectacular job with this novella. It was like being gifted an extended epilogue to conclude the beautiful story of Malcolm and Rachel. However, I'm slightly peeved that there still wasn't a Malcolm POV. I honestly believe that this would move this series from like to love for me. Why? Because in the end I still don't LOVE Rachel when compared to how I feel about Malcolm. He WAS the story.

Anyways, this was just as beautifully written as any other book in the series. I'm starting Ladies Man as I do this. I'm really excited to find out how Mrs. Evans finagles a HEA for jaded Gina and renowned manwhore Tahoe.

Manwhore #3
My Rating - ★★★★
POV - Heroine

Blurb from Goodreads

I was pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoyed this book!

I thought for sure that Gina's thoughts and views (more like doubts) on love would irk me but somehow it really worked in this story. I think the fact that Tahoe wholeheartedly shared her perspective helped because I adored him!

Despite the fact that Gina wasn't super confident or as ambitious as Rachel, or as sure about her future or about who she was as a person as Wynn was, she willingly accepted her flaws, her lot in life and acknowledged that she had room for improvement and growth. This outlook was very refreshing as opposed to books with heroines who are exceedingly too perfect to be real. I especially liked how she admitted that her makeup was a mask.

I knew there was more to Tahoe than meets the eye and when what broke him was revealed (view spoiler) he, along with Gina, became that much more real to me. That's when I finally got invested in their HFN/HEA and became excited for how was going to come to pass.

This was an amazingly easy book to read. Hot characters, loads of chemistry, and there's even a huge update for what has been going on with Malcolm and Rachel.

Manwhore #3
My Rating - ★★★★
POV - Heroine

I happen to love books by Katy Evans. I fell in love with her writing when I met Remy in Real and I've been hooked on this woman ever since. I think the problem I've been having with the Manwhore series is that I went into it expecting the same level of intensity and was disappointed to find it lacking. It's not the book's fault because the story is fine. It's just a matter of me not adjusting my expectations. Well, I tried to do just that with this one.

And I have to say this. I'm sure there will be those who disagree with me.


There were way too many times that I wanted to slap the crap out of Olivia. In a "knock some sense into her" type of way.


Or shake her until her marbles aligned.


She drove me freaking nuts!! At one point in the story, Callan offers to take her on as his assistant. To really teach her what he knows. She OF COURSE declines. Then a bit later she says:

I came here to work, to learn. Did I let my own personal prejudices and confusing feelings keep me from learning all that I can, from the best man I could possibly learn it from?

Actually don't answer that. Because this chick said a variation of the same thing more than once in this story. MORE THAN ONCE!!

Well, I gave all 4 of my stars to Callan. I loved everything about him, from his smoking (although it is such a nasty habit) to his seduction skills (bring those over her handsome) to his business acumen (teach me). What I really liked about his story is that despite the book's title and his so-called reputation, there was barely a hint of his indiscretions. Yes, women were everywhere, virtually throwing themselves on him and willing to act as human ashtrays, but he wasn't caught kissing or inappropriately fondling anyone much less encouraging them. Nice!
There was another book released from this series about 2 years later, Playboy, but I never read it. I've seen some interesting reviews for it (both amazing and not so much), but I'm not interested enough to give it a shot. This series was alright, but never quite reached the level of greatness I wanted or needed to continue it. I do recommend it for the most part though, so there's that.

I'm sure I'm not the only blogger who has read books that they forgot to share. I read a ton of books before starting this blog and many of them are part of a genre or subgenre I'm no longer interested in. This particular series has elements of BDSM, which isn't something I search for anymore. I read this trilogy in 2016 and I remember enjoying it. I wonder if you've read them and if not, is this a trilogy you'd like to give a try? Let me know in the comments!


Dear Ladies,
I’m the man of your dreams and I can prove it. All shapes and sizes are welcome. I’m ready to settle down and start a family. Must be open to a long term relationship. The true kind. One that will last forever (contract required and only voided by me). I’ll show you how a woman is really supposed to be treated. Submissive preferred, but not required. Will train. It’s time to Dom up.
Sincerely, Devlin Black

(To be printed in the Los Angeles Herald, Sunday after next - Bachelor’s Edition. Front Page.)

Victoria. The one that got away. When she left I spiraled out of control. Two years of misery led me to write my Ad. Now she’s back and even as I go forward with my plan, my feelings for her haven’t diminished.

Secrets. Deception. Betrayal.

Can our relationship survive? Can we become the family I know we are meant to be? Or will our secrets ruin everything?



My Rating - ★★★

Is it weird that I found this book freaking hilarious?!

Devlin's internal monologues about the women in his life were cracking me up.

I'm baffled by him though. If he's so set on Victoria, and such an alpha, why is he taking her no as final? Whatever happened to persistence?

He was a glorified, rich manwhore (what else is new) and kept making excuses and talking about changing. What changed?! I didn't blame Victoria for not wanting to get involved with him. It seemed like he was still pretty much a manwhore, but the rationale is that now he's looking to settle down and have a family. By putting an ad in the newspaper!!! He would be a hard man to trust.

However, that doesn't justify the secret she's been keeping from him. I can't wait to find out his reaction in book 2.

My Rating - ★★★★

This author has an amazing talent for twisting my mind!!

I was completely absorbed in the story, just waiting for Devlin's secret to be revealed.

There was never a dull moment.

Between his dating, their bonding as a family, the incredibly hot sexy times, and a bitter sub, there is so much to enjoy in this story.

Victoria was so badass at the end and I was cheering her on! Loved how she put his whoring and deceitful ass in check!

However, I adore Devlin so hopefully there is some extreme grovelling in the next book. I also hope the baby is okay :(

My Rating - ★★★★

I'm not going to wax poetic about the author's writing. Obviously it's splendid. This is strictly a reaction review.

For the first 40% or so, I wanted to throat punch Victoria. I wanted her to shut her mouth, shut her mind, just shut the flip up. She said some really hurtful and hateful things to Devlin and the fact that he took it and stayed should have given her (and everyone else) a clue that his intentions for her were honourable. In a short time, he had proven that he was a changed man. I felt bad that this Alpha was given such a subservient role all in the name of forgiveness. Especially for a betrayal that wasn't really a betrayal. Was what he did shady? Heck yeah. But he didn't cheat and that was her biggest fear. And if we're really going to point fingers, I believe her lie by omission was by far worse than his, with more lasting consequences if he hadn't found out the truth. I'm just glad she got her act together and had faith in their HEA, which they got. That epilogue was super sweet. Devlin cracks me up!

I still really loved Devlin. He was such a sweetheart and his POV was the best part of the book. Hands down!

The man he'd been before—the young soldier Luke Buckley,
who'd already been all alone in the world—was gone.
He was only Seraph now.
The monster the military had made him.

Seraph by Lily Mayne

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

I’ve already mentally prepared myself to kill the screaming, murderous monster in the cage outside our camp.

I’m used to it. It’s what I do here. Kill monsters and other people. And this monster, Seraph, is particularly unstable—has been since the moment he arrived from Collector Mary’s monster menagerie to the west, where the military stashed him away.

He’s in pain. I can see it. But he’s not a mindless beast. Not like some of the others think.

When I start guarding him in his cage every night, I begin to see the person beneath the agony that tortures his every waking moment. I begin to see who Seraph could have been if he hadn’t been twisted into this monstrous creature.

I realise that I wouldn’t be able to bring myself to kill him, even for his own sake, but it doesn’t matter anyway. He’s already dying, and there’s nothing I can do to stop it. Not even when new visitors at our raider camp bring with them secrets about Seraph. Secrets the military has tried to hide.

Secrets that reveal the true extent of the horror he’s been put through.

And now… Now, I will kill anyone who tries to hurt him again.

Find it here: Goodreads * Amazon

Have tissues and a strong fan ready because Seraph and Lilac were so heartbreaking and explicitly filthy together!

For years, Lilac had isolated himself within the walls of the raider camp. He was the go-to killer of monsters, although his job was getting kinda redundant with all the monsters moving in. He hadn't learned to get close to anyone, though he did consider Rig and Ghost friends. And then Seraph made an appearance and everything changed.

I had an inkling of Seraph's background and I was very sad to realize that I was right. However, I fell in love with the way this author created his story. The pain of his new journey as a monster touched my heart so deeply. The humanity she infused his character with made me smile SO HARD. And what ended up growing, slowly but surely between Seraph and Lilac, was illustrated so beautifully that I'm not sure if I'll ever be the same after witnessing it.

Can I just say... the scenes between Seraph and the other monsters... so freaking sweet. I already loved them, but the tenderness, patience and understanding they showed Seraph made me love them all so much more. I can't wait to see what is next for these monsters and their human mates. Heading to the monster world sounds like it's going to be a trip!

Some gorgeous fanart:

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 at lily-mayne.com

Adam spent his life dwelling in darkness and Noah felt like the light.

Unhinged by Onley James

Adam Mulvaney lives a double life. By day, he’s the spoiled youngest son of an eccentric billionaire. By night, he’s an unrepentant killer, one of seven psychopaths raised to right the wrongs of a justice system that keeps failing.

Noah Holt has spent years dreaming of vengeance for the death of his father, but when faced with his killer, he learns a daunting truth he can’t escape. His father was a monster.

Unable to ignore his own surfacing memories, Noah embarks on a quest to find the truth about his childhood with the help of an unlikely ally: the very person who murdered his father. Since their confrontation, Adam is obsessed with Noah, and he wants to help him uncover the answers he seeks, however dark they may be.

The two share a mutual attraction, but, deep down, Noah knows Adam’s not like other boys. Adam can’t love. He wasn’t born that way. But he refuses to let Noah go, and Noah’s not sure he wants him to.

Can Adam prove to Noah that passion, power, and protection are just as good as love?

Find it here: Goodreads * Amazon

My Rating - ★★★★¼

This was one of those times that an Amazon recommendation worked out!

It's not like I haven't seen this author's books make the rounds on my favourite blogs, but for some reason, I kept putting off the effort of trying. My bad because I was really missing out.

Adam is a filthy rich playboy by day, a killing machine at night. He takes out the garbage that the justice system fails to punish.
When Noah comes looking for him to get his revenge, gun pointed at his head in an alley, Adam falls... and falls hard.
Noah had no clue to the truth of his past and Adam tells him everything he needs to know (and a little more).
Traumatized and sick to his soul, Noah doesn't have to heal alone.
He's picked up a stalker.
He's bound to a psychopath who loves him in the only way he knows how.
He's found a forever kind of guy.


I loved the ridiculous and intense dynamic between Noah and Adam. Noah was super sweet, street smart, with a huge heart. Adam didn't have emotions, couldn't process 'normal' behaviour, but he would lay anyone out or lay down his life to keep Noah safe. He wanted to spoil his man and never wanted him to leave his sight. EVER!!

Seriously, who can resist an anti-hero who will KILL THEM ALL while tickling and smooching his man up at the same time? I can't.

Meeting Adam's brothers and his father, seeing how they work out the whole 'meting out justice' job, I'm definitely intrigued. I'll be continuing this series for sure.



Onley James lives in North Carolina with her daughter, her daughter-in-law, son-in-law, and a menagerie of animals, both good and evil. James splits her time between writing m/m romance and mainlining dangerous levels of caffeine and attempting to maintain her ever-slipping sanity.

When not at her desk you can find her whining about how much writing she has to do while avoiding said writing by binge-watching unhealthy amounts of television and doom scrolling on social media. She loves true crime documentaries, anti-heroes, and writing kinky, snarky books about morally gray men who fall in love with other men.

Visit linktr.ee/OnleyJames for more information

What’s a white knight to do when his princess is causing utter havoc leading in mass murder? Go to the famous Black Sorcerer of Grimslock for help, apparently.

What’s a black sorcerer to do when the white knight comes to him for help? Keep him, naturally.

Devan does not approve of this payment plan. Tan does.

Villainy #1

Find it here: Goodreads * Amazon

Diving into the world created for Devan and Tan was a strange delight. These characters cracked me up. For a start, our heroes are set to rescue an entire village from a barbarian rampage. The princess has planned to sacrifice all of the people. Devan has another plan. As her most dedicated, fierce, and loyal knight, he seeks out the black sorcerer for aid. Tan does not disappoint. Throw in some mystical shenanigans, Tan's inappropriateness, Devan's stoicness, and everything in between, I was freaking rolling. Tan begging for cuddles as payment gave me life! I had so much fun reading this book and knew from the first bit that I'd be continuing this series.

Villainy #2

Find it here: Goodreads * Amazon

Still the same creative dynamic in this book. Devan has been tasked with hunting a strange creature in the woods who only hunts adults. It tears their throats out and drains them dry. Sound familiar? When Devan goes up against it, he finds himself swiftly outmatched and in need of help. Who does he call?

Tan couldn't be happier to help Devan, but he's livid that the Princess, once again, shows a lack of concern for everyone's favourite knight. We're introduced to Tan's siblings, who are almost as ridiculous as he is. His sister, Fa, is a hot mess of comedic delights and his brother, Niran, is a necromance unlike any other I've experienced before. I'm serious, these characters are full of fun. Our heroes take on the undead with glee and I was excited to see the deep level of trust developing between Devan and Tan.

Are we one huge step closer to happily ever after? Tan hopes so!!

Villainy #3

Find it here: Goodreads * Amazon

Could these characters be any sweeter? The grumpy/sunshine dynamic between these two is so fun! I'm in love with their every interaction, their banter, and the wacky adventures they find themselves a part of. In this book, Tan and Devan are in search of a magical sword.

I enjoyed the fact that they were in a new town, that Tan was using some new magic, and that Devan was fighting the very endearing temptation right in front of him.

Am I the only one who finds it hilarious how quickly our heroes dispatch the dumdums who think they have what it takes to best them?

There's more hilarity, some action, and Tan couldn't stop flirting to save his life.

When will Devan finally give in?

Villainy #4

Find it here: Goodreads * Amazon

This latest adventure takes Devan and Tan on the high seas. Kinda. Devan's cousin reaches out to him for help because several ships have been capsized and the crews were missing. What is lurking out there?

My biggest takeaway of this book was that Devan and Tan finally consummated their relationship. All of the back and forth, the delicious sexual tension, and absolutely adorable banter brought us to the moment we had all been waiting for... hot sex!

Yes, there was plenty of action and adventure, I was surprised (and strangely excited) to see Tan in a rage, but I was happy to be here for all of it. Especially because Devan finally gave in to what was obviously between them.

Love is in the air people and I can't wait to see how it factors into the stories to come.

Villainy #5

Find it here: Goodreads * Amazon

For this adventure, our heroes don't really have to go anywhere. Tan is determined to fix his past mistakes (The Void), but something goes wrong. He's magically depleted, left unconscious, found by other adventurers, and portalled to the dungeon of Goodwine. It's up to Devan to get him out and he has an ingenous plan to do so. I loved this issue!

Full of more shenanigans, this book showed us how close Devan and Tan had grown, not that it was ever in doubt. Devan is even more pressed to find a solution to having his cake and eating it too. He wants to spend his life with Tan, but he can't abandon his people to the whims of a mad woman. How are they going to make this work?

Well, this author hasn't disappointed me yet with this story, so book 6 is already loaded up!

Villainy #6

Find it here: Goodreads * Amazon

Devan needed to find a way to protect the people from Princess Serenity while being with the love of his life. Tan just wanted whatever made Devan happy and was willing to do any and everything for his man. Somehow they made it work and I loved it!

Both men were their badass selves. The people knew who they wanted to rule and it wasn't Serenity of her father, the king. And I was giddy getting to read all about it!

Honestly, if you like stories about adventure, action, hilarious ridiculousness and tons of love, you need to grab this series up. Devan and Tan, their motley crew of allies, and everything they all experience and do, will keep you entertained!!

Hello hello and welcome to another recap!

Can I tell you how I'm still surprised by how great my reading game is right now? I'm officially out of my book slump and I hope those days don't come around for a long time (if ever)!

July went by so fast for me and I can't believe summer only has one more month. Where did the time go???

Okay, so here's how my July reading went...




There were many standouts and I can't believe I found so many 5-star worthy reads this month!





Aside from books I borrowed from both the library and Kindle Unlimited (and a couple gifted by blogger friends), I've bought nothing!! I'm doing so well with this DON'T YOU DARE BUY ANY MORE BOOKS, NATALIE goal I've set for myself :)

I hope we find only the best reads in August!

Talk soon,

xo, Natalie

It wasn't only his looks that did it for her. She was self-aware enough to know that what really rung her bell was that Cain wore power. Embodied it. It was in the depths of his eyes, the timbre of his voice, every single sensual move he made. And, well, she'd always had a weakness for dangerous men. It would no doubt one day be her downfall.

The Wicked In Me by Suzanne Wright

No one really knows what they are. Only that they're the first civilization. Aeons, they call themselves. They're immortal. Powerful. Secretive.

And they'll come for her.

Witch Wynter Dellavale knows that for certain. Because in unfairly trying to execute her, they started a chain of events they're struggling to stop. Needing safety, she flees to Devil's Cradle, the home of monsters. A place for the outcasts, the fugitives, the crazies. A place ruled by the Ancients, seven beings who were once banished by the Aeons. Among the Ancients is the infamous Cain, brother of Abel and embodiment of jealousy - who, on another note, wants her in his bed.

There's a heavy price for the safety the Ancients offer, but Wynter will have to pay it. She can't take on the Aeons alone. And she has no intention of dying - been there, done that.

Not that she'll be the easy prey the Aeons are expecting. They have no knowledge of the ... thing that lives inside her. You see, when witches are brought back from the afterlife, they don't always come back the same.

And they don't always come back alone.

Find it here: Goodreads * Amazon

As a witch, Wynter could never remember a time when she fit in with her coven. So it came as no surprise when she was pushed out and exiled. On her own, she finds herself with surrounded by people who got her, who also knew what it was to be alone and hunted, creating the family she'd always wanted.

Out of options for survival, the group seeks shelter in Devil's Cradle. When they meet Cain (yes, that Cain), things start looking up. He offers them protection, for a price—a tether to their souls. After that, life is good aside from the Aeons who exiled Wynter constantly sending people to kill and/or capture her.

Fun times!

✫ The Crew: Xavier was a compulsive and convincing liar, skilled at necromancy; Hattie was able to shift, was quite lovable, and had a penchant for killing her husbands; Delilah was a skilled witch with a penchant for karma potions; and Anabel was scared of her own shadow, except when her 'other' side came out.
✫ Wynter: there was so much to learn about this incredibly fierce and loyal character. I still don't know all there is to know and am super excited to learn her secrets.
✫ Cain: once a part of the Aeon group, he and his friends went to war with them and have been punished ever since. His thirst for vengeance is only matched by his obsession with Wynter. I can't wait to find out all there is that makes up this male. I'm very intrigued by him.
✫ The other Ancients: they all offer something unique to the dynamic of this story. Even Ishtar's dramatics kept me entertained. I do hope that everything they wish for, especially their freedom, is given to them.

I'm the fool who read this book, not knowing that it was the first in a trilogy. When can I get the next book in my hands?



In her words...

I don’t remember a time when I wasn’t writing something, whether it was stories, poems, or even songs – though I can’t carry a tune. I only have one rule when I’m writing a book which is that it has to have a happy ending. Other than that, pretty much anything goes. I write stories that I would enjoy reading and then I just hope that others will enjoy them too.

I was born and raised in England where I live with my husband (a person who doesn’t judge me for hearing voices in my head – how often do you come across people like that?), and my two demanding children.