Throwback Thursday // Friends to Lovers

October 05, 2023


Hey everyone and welcome to another Throwback Thursday!

This post has been missing for a while, but it's back and today I'm sharing with you the first five Friends to Lovers stories I reviewed on the blog that won high marks from me. Oldies but goodies, maybe you've read them, maybe they're sitting on your TBR... maybe you even have a suggestion for me because I really enjoy this trope.

I hope I've reminded you of the love for a particular story, suggested a new read, or at least entertained you for a moment. Happy reading! xo



Normal by Danielle Pearl


This is a young adult romance that read like a new adult romance. It tackled issues that no youth should ever have to face. It had a relatable heroine and a fantastic hero. On top of everything going on with these characters, the author can write. I remember being completely absorbed by this story and the ones that followed in this series. From the blurb: a gritty story of trust and abuse, heartbreak and salvation, and if they're lucky - love. This is not a flowery romance - not for the faint of heart.

Find my review HERE



Sweetest Sorrow by J.M. Darhower


After falling in love with Matty in the first book (By Any Other Name), I knew I wanted to be back in this world and I got what I wanted with this book. I fell in love with Dante (although Matty is still my favourite) and I really enjoyed how the author mixed suspense, mafia hijinks, friendship, humour and romance all in one story. I was thoroughly entertained from beginning to end and knew that this wouldn't be the last book I'd fall in love with from this author.

Find my review HERE



27 Truths by M.J. Fields


This book right here... y'all this book taught me about angst! That tear-into-your-guts, feel-like-I-wanna-puke, how-could-you-do-that, why-am-I-still-reading, kind of angst. I didn't know a story could be so gut-wrenchingly good until I read this book. I didn't know I could love and hate a character with equal measure until I read this book. If you haven't read it, try it. If you have, you know EXACTLY what I'm talking about.

Find my review HERE



Beard Science by Penny Reid


For years, this author has been one of my go-tos for romantic comedy. There is such quirky humour and warmth in Penny Reid's stories that I've really come to appreciate. With her Winston Brothers series, I quickly realized who my favourite brother would be—Cletus. While I loved and appreciated all of them, there was something truly special about Cletus and I couldn't wait to see him appear in other books in the series. He was the light of my life LOL!!

Find my review HERE



Defying Her Mafioso by Terri Anne Browning


While I didn't get everything I was hoping for from this story, it introduced many points that I was interested in exploring. Did I explore them? No. However, with this post, I'm reminded about it and hopefully will get back to this author's writing and discover that something more I was looking for from it.

Find my review HERE

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

Books That Didn't Make the Cut Pt.15


Hello hello! I'm back with some more books that didn't really work for me, but might be winners for you.


Born to be Bound by Addison Cain

Born to be Bound by Addison Cain


BLURB - Every bit as ruthless as his reputation suggests…

Shepherd ravages both Claire and her conquered city, refusing to let either slip through his fingers. He steals Claire's innocence and future by forcing a pair-bond on the rare, unwilling Omega female. Violent, calculating, and incapable of remorse, he demands his new mate's adoration. Her attention. Her body.

My Rating: ★ — You know those stories that are going so well, you're so absorbed you can't stop to do anything you must do to sustain your lifestyle... like work or clean or feed your kids... You just have to keep reading to figure out what's next?


This was one of those kinds of reads. It wasn't romantic but it was hella explicit and dirty and all shades of wrong. The idea of consent was a pipe dream, there was power exchange, there was a war-torn society, there were all shades of darkness.


And then the so-called hero did something that turned a 4 or 5-star read into something you can't even stomach continuing to read. He completely ruined the story with one action [cheating] and I don't even care what his reasons were. He did it and my time with this story is over. Will I read the rest of the series? Ummmmmmm no because I won't even bother finishing this one.


The Best Years by Elena Monroe

The Best Years by Elena Monroe


SAINT
College. My one chance to escape. And I ran as far and fast as I could.
Straight into the arms of something more dangerous.
Oliver.
He thinks I’m a good girl. But he doesn’t know what I’m running from.
He thinks I should stay away from him. But I can’t.
I like his cruel words. And his intoxicating smile.
He’s a temptation I can’t resist.
Am I a sinner or saint?

SINNER
College. Second year.
There are bad decisions at every turn.
Including the new freshman, Layla.
Temptations I can’t fight. Shackles I can’t escape.
I’m only comfortable with the cruelty that slips from my lips.
Her innocent charm isn’t going to polish away my bad reputation.
This wasn’t going to end well.

We all have secrets. What’s your sin?

My Rating: ★ — It's probably the case of "it's me, not you". I wasn't able to get past the way it was written or the discrepancies that were apparent from the start. I didn't like any of the characters and couldn't care less about what was happening in their lives.


Swallow Me Whole by Gemma James

Swallow Me Whole by Gemma James


Sadie Sawyer wants to learn how to blow a guy.

She’s my sister’s best friend.
The girl I’ve known since grade school.
The girl I’ve always considered off-limits.

She’s the girl that crawled under a table in a bar one night and changed everything between us. Now the brain in my pants is more than willing to step up. The rules are simple.

No kissing.
No screwing.
No falling in love.

But the more I let her use my body in the name of experimentation, the more I know being friends isn’t enough. Is it too much to want it all with her?

The taste of her lips.
The sweetness of her innocence.
The chance to earn her love.

I might have a real shot with her…if her douchebag ex and my past don’t ruin everything.

My Rating: ★ — What. The. Ever. Loving. HECK!!

The title and blurb suggested a dirty little friends to lovers romance I would fall in huge love with. I've read from Gemma James before and each time was a blast. I figured this would be too. And... nope. The heroine was a complete waste of time and I couldn't continue to torture myself with her story.

I'm almost twenty-three-fucking-years old -- the same as Ash and Mandy, who are light-years ahead of me when it comes to sex. But me? I must be the last virgin from our graduating class. How pathetic is that?

Wanna know what's pathetic?
- Thinking there's an age limit on losing your virginity
- Finding your boyfriend getting a bj from someone else (because you never gave him one -- boo hoo) and going out, getting drunk, and giving a bj to one of your best friends for kicks
- Being consumed with the idea of sexuality vs. worth instead of finding some confidence in yourself so people don't walk all over you

I had so many issues with this book. Will I still try Gemma James again? Probably. Hating one story can't erase the pleasure I found in others.

Series Review // Decadence After Dark by M. Never

October 03, 2023

Decadence After Dark by M. Never

Today's flashback is the Decadence After Dark series by M. Never. This is a dark erotic romance book so pay attention to the warning! It has intense sexual situations, a Master/slave relationship, mild abuse, and some violence. Reader discretion is advised.

Have you ever read this series? Interested in trying it?


Owned by M. Never

Owned (book #1)


Ellie Stevens has lusted over Kayne Roberts since he first walked into the import/export company she works for a little over a year ago. As Expo’s most important client, Ellie has always kept a safe distance from the man with the majestic blue eyes — until temptation finally gets the better of her. Impulsively, Ellie invites Kayne to one of Expo's infamous company parties her flamboyant boss is notorious for throwing. Unbeknownst to Ellie, the god in the Armani suit isn’t just the suave entrepreneur he portrays himself to be. Underneath the professional exterior is a man with a secret life, dark desires, and nefarious contacts.

In a hidden corner of a trendy New York City lounge, the spark kindling between the two of them ignites. Unable to resist the sinful attraction, Ellie agrees to leave with Kayne, believing she is finally bedding the man of her dreams. Little does she know when she walks out the door, she’s about to be Owned.

My Rating: ★★★★★ ~ This book was exceptionally good. I love when the characters are described in a way in which I can actually picture them. Each scene was detailed enough that I felt like a voyeur. I was a little bit bothered by Ellie's defiance. I guess it confused me because she kept denying that she was submissive but that's exactly how she was described. Nothing about her behaviour prior to or during her interactions with Kayne hinted at a dominant personality. I understand not accepting or wanting the hand that was dealt to her, I just believe she could have fought against it in another way.

I knew it!! I knew Kayne was hiding something. I had a strong inkling that he was an undercover good guy. I appreciate getting his POV because I would fail to realize how wonderful he truly was if his character had to rely solely on how Ellie perceived him. I feel really bad for him in the end. I hope Ellie quickly realizes how unappreciative she has been in the next book.


Anyway, these two love each other so I hope book 2 has more romance.


Claimed by M. Never

Claimed (book #2)


With one look he consumed me.
With one touch he marked me.
With one kiss he owned me.
With one whisper he claimed me.

"No matter where you go or who you're with, you'll always be mine."

Ellie Stevens thought she had moved on from the domineering man who abducted her. Now living in Hawaii and following her dreams, no one is going to keep her down. But things aren't always as they seem.

Kayne Rivers reluctantly let Ellie go, but just because she's gone now, doesn't mean she'll be gone forever. She is his, and he won't stop until he's reclaimed her as his own.

My Rating: ★★★★★ ~ This book was a little bit different from the first one. I personally found it more enjoyable. I'm just glad that Ellie didn't let what happened to her ruin her. We really get to see her strength and fighting spirit in this one. I appreciate the lengths that Kayne was willing to go to in order to protect her. And the fact that he stayed by her side while they both healed from the wounds that life inflicted upon them.

Side note: how great were Jett, London and CJ? A great support system.

Fave quote: “You fill a piece of me I never knew existed, never thought I deserved. You’re the best part of all my sides, all my faces. You’re the glue. Thank you for being everything. My strength, my light, my hope, my warmth.”


Ruined by M. Never

Ruined (book #3)


Kayne Roberts.
Kayne Rivers.
Kayne Stevens.

No matter his name, one fact remains the same. He's the man who enslaved me, ensnared me, claimed me and ruined me... For all other men that is.

My life.
My love.
My happiness.
All belong to him.
I belong to no one but him.

He owns me.
And I own him.

My Rating: ★★★★ ~ Damn. Although this book was short it was extremely HOT!! I'm glad the story of what happened with Kayne's mom was resolved. The ending was sweet and it was wonderful to see Ellie and Kayne living the life they wanted. Kayne absolutely deserved it!

September 2023 Bookish Recap

October 02, 2023


Hello hello and welcome to another recap!

September wasn't too bad. I got my reading mojo back, my thoughts were staying positive, and everything seemed to be coming up Natalie. Then the last week in September, actually until today, I HAD NO INTERNET!! Can you imagine? I felt like I was living in the dark ages 😂😂 Which is absolutely ridiculous since I spent half my life with no such thing as internet. But the internet was down, my data was wonky (so no hotspot), and I was watching cable of all things during the night. I couldn't even sync my kindle so NO READING!! Life was so unfair this past week, but my internet is back, supposedly stronger than before, so here's to hoping things only go up from here.

Before my online life turned to shite, here's what my month looked like...

Stats

Total Books Read: 12
Total Pages Read: 3895
Genres: Contemporary, Fantasy, Paranormal, Scifi
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, fated mates, retelling, single parents, second chance
From my TBR: 2
Avg. Rating: 3.79 stars

All the Books

I found a couple of five-star worthy reads. They're from two of my favourite authors, so I'm not surprised :)


The other books I read and would recommend were:


Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
Garnet Flats by Devney Perry
Whispers of You by Catherine Cowles
Mourning Wood by Heather M. Orgeron
Stars and Shadows series by Holly Renee
In the Likely Event by Rebecca Yarros
A Ship of Bones and Teeth by Karina Halle

Added to my tbr

I added the Campus Wallflowers series by Rebecca Jenshak because I was blown away by Deanna's reviews over at A Novel Glimpse. So I'm gonna give it a shot, hoping that I love it as much as she did.

I've also added The Summer series by Elizabeth O'Roark because the reviews I've seen from some of my favourite bloggers made me wanna do it :)

Book Haul

Aside from books I borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, 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 October!

Talk soon,

xo, Natalie

Review // In the Likely Event, Time Thief, and A Ship of Bones and Teeth

September 26, 2023

In the Likely Event, Time Thief, and A Ship of Bones and Teeth

Three books with what appears to be nothing in common... except that they entertained me!


In the Likely Event
by Rebecca Yarros
My Rating
★★★★

Type: Standalone
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Trope: Second Chance
POV: Dual 1st person
Heat: a few descriptive scenes
Source: ebook purchase from Amazon
Length: 348 pages
To keep this simple, I'll just share the things I liked:
⭒ the serendipitious vibe throughout the story. Who doesn't want to meet and re-meet their one and only love time and time again?
⭒ the obvious connection between the protagonists. Even if they tried their hardest to fight what they shared in the present.
⭒ the tragic overtones and how hope couldn't help but shine through.

My only real issues were the wartime backdrop (don't know how accurate it was) and Izzy's nonsense with her fiance. Girl, grow up!

Overall, this was very enjoyable and I can see myself reading more from this author.


Time Thief
by Anna Hackett
My Rating
★★★

Type: The Anomaly #1
Genre: SciFi Romance
Trope: Time Travel / Enemies to Lovers
POV: Dual 3rd person
Heat: vaguely descriptive
Source: ebook purchase from Amazon
Length: 93 pages
This story was short, not so sweet, and full of drama. Bay was a time thief, meaning she could stop time for brief periods of time. She was also being hunted, and while Sean had her in his sights, he might be the only one able to keep her safe. I really enjoyed the idea of the various anomalies out there and how these people had to cope with their abilities and stay one step ahead of those who wanted them for their powers. The relationship between Bay and Sean was instalust at first sight, but I could see the potential for so much more in the end. I hope to see them in the following books of the series.


A Ship of Bones and Teeth
by Karina Halle
My Rating
★★★★

Type: Standalone
Genre: Fantasy Romance
Trope: Pirates / retelling
POV: Dual 1st person
Heat: several explicit scenes
Source: Kindle Unlimited
Length: 466 pages
I love retellings and this one was quite enjoyable. It was a bit darker than The Little Mermaid tale we all know and love. For one, Princess Maren wasn't a mermaid. She was a Syren—vicious, man-eating, creature of the sea. She felt unloved and ignored and wanted more. After a glimpse above the sea, she found the sea witch and made a fool's bargain to get legs, have the prince fall in love with her, and get her happily ever after.

Too bad nothing happened the way she wanted them to.

Prince Aerik was abusive and after 10 years of it, Maren had practically accepted her lot in life. When they're captured by pirates, she finally had a taste of freedom. And the first person to see her, to actually see her is the captain of the ship, Ramsay.

I loved Ramsay. He was hilarious, without intending to be. He was loyal, honorable, and yet he was an outcast leading a group of outcasts. There is so much more to learn about him, but I'll let you discover all of the magic of him and this story for yourself. Enjoy!

Series Review // Monster in His Eyes by J.M. Darhower

September 25, 2023

Monster in His Eyes by JM Darhower

Today's flashback is the Monster in His Eyes series by J.M. Darhower. One of my first ever dark romance reads, these books let me know just how much I would love this subgenre. Dark romance quickly became my go-to.


Monster in His Eyes by JM Darhower

Monster in His Eyes


Ignazio Vitale is not a good man.

I suspect it, the first time I see him, sense the air of danger that surrounds the man. He has a way of commanding attention, of taking control, of knowing what I'm thinking before I even do.

It's alarming and alluring. It's dark and deadly. It's everything I've ever wanted but the last thing I truly need. Obsession.

It doesn't take him long to draw me into his web, charming me into his bed and trapping me in his life, a life I know nothing about until it's too late. He has secrets, secrets I can't fathom, secrets that make it so I can't walk away, no matter how much I beg him to let me go. I see it sometimes in his eyes, a darkness that's both terrifying and thrilling. He's a monster, wrapped up in a pretty package, and what I find when I unmask him changes everything.

I want to hate him.

Sometimes, I do.

But it doesn't stop me from loving him, too.

My Rating: ★★★★ ~ I love my twisted dark books. I cannot get enough of the anti-hero and Ignazio Vitale is definitely an anti-hero. But he's so sexy with it. He's dominant, hot, older, scary, secretive, charming, rich, etc. There wasn't a time in this book that I wasn't interested in what he would do next. I wasn't a huge fan of Karissa unless she was interacting with him. She wasn't interesting but his intriguing shadow made her seem likable.

The history between these two characters was heartbreaking and I honestly thought once everything was revealed that that would be the end. I'm so excited that there's another book to read. I can't wait to find out more about Naz. I want to see how they earn back each other's trust. I want to see them win their hard won HEA or at least a HFN.


Torture to Her Soul by JM Darhower

Torture to Her Soul


Don't say it unless you mean it…

It's a simple concept, one I've said time and again, but something people don't seem to comprehend. You should choose every syllable carefully, because you never know when somebody will hold you to your word.

Somebody like me.

I'm not a good man. I'm not. I know. I have enough darkness inside of me to rid the world of every stitch of light. But there's one I could never harm, one light I couldn't bring myself to snuff out.

Karissa.

She thinks I'm a monster, and maybe I am. I taunt her with my touch, get a thrill out of torturing her soul. But I'm not the only one. The world is full of monsters, and I'm not the most dangerous one out there.

Not even close…

God help me, I love her.

I do.

And God help anyone who tries to take her from me.

My Rating: ★★★★ ~ First, I would like to thank the author for writing this book from Ignazio Vitale's pov. I am sooooooo grateful for it!!

Second, please tell me I'm not the only one head over heels for Naz????!!!! He's amazing! Getting to see everything through his eyes gave me a chance to try to understand what motivated him. To get why he made the choices he did. There were parts of this story that were absolutely gut-wrenching such as when he told what happened the night Johnny came to kill him and his wife and parts that made me laugh. I liked seeing that Naz really had a sense of humour despite his cold appearance. His inner thoughts around people was hilarious! Especially with Paul. And I loved how OCD he was with his things, such as his kitchen and his "trunk".

I'm not sure how I felt about the visiting Maria's grave scene. I couldn't figure out if it was to underline how much he still loved her or if it was to show that through his grief he was able to find love again. He said he felt guilty for what he had with Karissa and it kind of pissed me off. I completely understood it, don't get me wrong, but it still annoyed me.

I'm glad that it didn't take too long for Naz to see Ray's true colours. It's just sad all around. But I am happy that everyone got their just desserts lol.

So after some ups and many downs, Naz and Karissa got their HFN. I wonder how long it really lasts considering there is a third book! Can't wait to read that one and I hope it's in Naz's pov again. I cannot get enough of this character!!


Target on Our Backs

Target on Our Backs


The best way to keep your word is never to give it. Not long ago, in a chapel in Vegas, I swore to love Karissa for the rest of my days. But nobody's promised an infinite number of tomorrows. Nobody's promised forever. Sometimes, all we have left is today.

Carpe Diem. Seize the day.

It should've been over, we should've been happy, but people are making it hard for me to live in peace. I've got so much blood on my hands they'll never be clean, and somebody out there seems to want me to pay for it. Happily Ever After always comes at a cost, one any real man would be willing to pay. But that doesn't mean I'm just going to roll over and accept these consequences. Because when it comes to the woman I love? The life I've fought for? Nobody is safe.

My Rating: ★★★★ ~ I originally thought the series ended at book 2. And I would have been fine with the HFN that Naz and Karissa got. But I am so happy that there was this third book!! It was phenomenal!!

I've said it before and I'll say it again... I love love love Naz! He's cruel, vindictive, merciless, ruthless... but the way he loves Karissa is utterly beautiful. Everything he does is to protect her and their future together. And he does a lot to ensure that future in this book. His pov was so amazing that it made me enjoy her's a lot better. I was actually surprised to find her pov palatable. I honestly liked Karissa in this book. She's growing up *tear*

Karissa's friend Melody was wonderful comic relief. I'm not completely sure that was the intention but this character sure gave me a lot of laughs. Her music references were killer and she reminded me a lot of Melody from Josie and the Pussycats. She had a hard time stringing words in a sentence to make sense. Those quotes that were almost there but not quite lol.

Lorenzo... holy crap this character was deadly. But he charmed me and I liked him. I would like to know more about his NY takeover. It would definitely make for an interesting story. Anyway, I found his character to be exactly what I envisioned Naz to be pre-Karissa. Maybe Darhower will give Lorenzo his own version of Karissa. Maybe that story will also include Melody and her beau, Lorenzo's brother Leo. Maybe we could also get to see Naz again??? (*wink wink*)

In the end, I was sorry to say goodbye. But Naz and Karissa have officially gotten their HEA (I think/hope) and I thoroughly enjoyed their story.

Review // Freak Show by Lani Lynn Vale

September 19, 2023

Freak Show by Lani Lynn Vale

Life had gotten a whole lot sweeter since Slone had come into my life.


Freak Show by Lani Lynn Vale

Freak Show by Lani Lynn Vale


My Rating - ★★★★1/2
Standalone - Welcome to the Circus #2
Genre/Trope - contemporary romance / single dad
POV - dual 1st person
Heat - several slightly explicit scenes
Source - eARC from the author
Length - 257 pages

Slone Day, defensive end for the Longview professional football team, has a lot on his plate.
He’s at the peak of his career, he’s a single father raising a girl that’s border line genius and can’t seem to find the time to date. Let alone see someone seriously.
He’s perfectly content living his life as it is.
Then he goes to a circus.
There, he meets a woman that literally takes his breath away.
And in one bold, crazy, this is probably going to backfire move, he not only asks the woman out. But he invites her to spend the next two weeks with him while she’s recovering from an incident.

***

There she is, a practical invalid who can’t go anywhere without being babysat, experiencing a crisis in the middle of a public setting, when she spots him.
The moment that Caristonia Singh meets Slone, she realizes her life is about to change.
Meeting men when you work in a circus is practically impossible. That’s why she’s the inexperienced girl that doesn’t know how to act around a hot guy.
A really big, really sexy, holy crap he could toss me over his head and make it look easy, guy.
From the moment he comes to her defense—family can be dicks sometimes—she starts falling.
But nothing good ever lasts when it comes to the circus life.
People come and go. No one ever stays.
But Slone is dead set on proving her wrong, but she’s learned firsthand that nothing good ever lasts.

Find it here: Goodreads * Amazon


Freak Show by Lani Lynn Vale

My Two Cents

When I read Banner's story in Somethin' About That Boy, I knew I wanted to learn more about Slone. I cannot even begin to tell you how thrilled I am for getting my hands on his book!

Slone was a professional juggler—single dad, professional athlete, and a truly decent guy. I'm so happy he was as sweet and thoughtful and kind as I remembered him to be. This man deserves all the happiness in the world and he finally found some more.

Ari was a beautiful mess and I really enjoyed getting to know her. The instant spark she shared with Slone had me bouncing in excitement and I lived for every moment that they shared.

Despite a creepy stalker and a callous sister, this story gave me all the feel-goods. There was such warmth and family and friendship in these words and I'm excited to continue this series.

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!

Series Review // Broken Love by B.B. Reid

September 18, 2023

Broken Love series by BB Reid

Today's flashback is the Broken Love series by B.B. Reid. It's how I found and fell in love with this author's writing and I've never regretted it. Please note that I didn't actually finish this series. Books 4 (Breaking Love) and 5 (Fearless) are still unread. Have you read this series? Should I read the last two books?

I rated each book with 5 stars and here were my thoughts...


Fear Me by BB Reid

Fear Me


I don't believe in fairy tales and Prince Charming.

I believe in fear.

He taught me how to be afraid.

We first met on a playground on a wonderful summer day. It was the first time he hurt me and it wouldn’t be the last. For ten years, he's been my tormentor and I've been his forbidden. But then he went away, and yet I was still afraid.

Now he's back and wants more than just my tears. You see...he thinks I sent him away so now he wants revenge...and he knows just how to get it.

Keiran is the most "different" 18yo I have ever read. I can't even classify this as young adult despite the fact that the characters are in high school! Although Lake pissed me off with her weakness, this book still deserves a 5-star rating for Keiran alone.


Fear You by BB Reid

Fear You


What happens when she’s had enough?

Lake Monroe has given in to her childhood tormentor too many times. She knows it, he knows it, and even their enemies know it. When he returned after being found guilty of a crime he didn't commit—a crime he thought she set him up for, he returned darker than ever, demanding her body and her submission. To survive him, she knew she had to give in to fear once more or suffer the deadly consequences...

But Lake experienced what it was like to submit to the dark and demanding boy who invaded her dreams. Now she’ll experience what it’s like to fight him.

What happens when he wants more?

Keiran Masters has a past that is both shocking and dark. Once enslaved, he now has demons he can’t escape—demons that have followed him for ten years, demons he blames his beautiful obsession for. He promised to make her pay. He promised to make her break...

But after Keiran had conquered her body and tasted her submission, he found a new addiction instead—one he has no intention of giving up.

Lake is still an idiot. This book didn't make me like her any more than the last one. But I fell in love with Keiran. Thank you for the dual POV. I just wish there was more to their HEA. Hopefully I will get to see them in Fear Us.


Fear Us by BB Reid

Fear Us


KEENAN
It’s been four years since I ran away—from home, my brother, and my maybe father. I created a life free of expectations while pretending I wasn’t being hunted by all of the above. I managed to stay under the radar all this time… or so I thought. When big brother shows up and saves my ass, I’m forced to face everything I left behind, including her.

SHELDON
It’s been four years since I became another statistic. I made a lot of mistakes when it came to Keenan Masters. The first was loving him at all. He took something from me the night he left, and when I told him I still loved him, he told me he’d always hate me. After that, I learned how to be okay… until he came back. Gone was the boy who always knew how to make me laugh, and in his place was a cold, arrogant monster.

Damn there is just so much hating going on in this series!! Keenan really shook things up in this book. While he didn't go "Keiran" on anybody completely, the similarities between these brothers are hard to miss.

I only had one problem with this book and it relates to one piece:

“It was then that I remembered a paternity test had never been taken even when the question arose. Could John really be his father? With his death, Keenan would never know.”

Ummmmm... Excuse me if I'm wrong but... Stupid line. When Keenan needed a lung transplant, they ran DNA and established that John wasn't his father. Were we supposed to forget that because it didn't happen in this particular book? And regardless of John's passing, a DNA test would still be able to be performed. It just wouldn't be warranted in this instance.

Anxiously awaiting Willow and Dash's story and the answers to all of the questions at the end.

Review // Stars and Shadows series by Holly Renee

September 17, 2023

Stars and Shadows series by Holly Renee

"No one will hurt you and not see the end of my blade."


A Kingdom of Stars and Shadows by Holly Renee

A Kingdom of Stars and Shadows


Stars and Shadows #1
Genre/Trope - Fantasy Romance / arranged marriage
POV - Heroine 1st person
Heat - descriptive with a few scenes
Source - Kindle Unlimited
Length - 259 pages

Kindle Unlimited: https://amzn.to/3Lo0ddQ

Destiny or desire?

Where does your allegiance lie?

I am told my union to the crowned prince will determine the fate of the kingdom, but it isn’t my betrothed who haunts my dreams. It’s the half-breed prince who stands at his side.

He is darkness and sin, and when he whispers promises of wickedness in my ear, I crave a man who I can’t have.

Every thought I have is treasonous. The way my hands ache to touch him deceitful.

Even my dreams make me a traitor to the kingdom I am sworn to protect.

But when the kingdom is attacked, I am forced to make choices I’m not prepared for. Our lies and deception are entangled in the shadows and stars, and as they unravel so shall my fate. Betray a kingdom or betray my heart.

My Rating - ★★★

After reading several positive reviews about this book, I knew I was going to read it some day. Well, some day came and I'm not sure how I feel about it. I know I'm in the minority with not loving it. However, I didn't hate it either. I just wish I became more invested in what was happening.

Adara is starblessed and it seems that she is the key to unlocking a destined greater power. She's promised to the future king of the fae, but she's instantly drawn to his brother. I thought these facts would give me more drama, more intrigue, but I got a lot of inner tormoil from a girl who didn't know her own mind. Please save me from single perspective strories told by immature, innocent, impulsive, insecure people. PLEASE!!

The end grabbed me so the next book is already loaded up.


A Kingdom of Blood and Betrayal by Holly Renee

A Kingdom of Blood and Betrayal


Stars and Shadows #2
Genre/Trope - Fantasy Romance / fated mates
POV - Heroine 1st person
Heat - descriptive with a few scenes
Source - Kindle Unlimited
Length - 244 pages

Kindle Unlimited: https://amzn.to/3RmVa1h

My fate is bonded to two princes– one born of blood, the other of power— but my trust lies in neither.

My skin is cursed by the stars, my fate damned by desire.

But when the dark prince offers me a bargain that will save his people and my life, the cruel and intoxicating male gives me no choice.

Our union is his revenge, and I am his sacrifice.

His lies are unforgivable. His wicked touch still bathes me in sin.

He is my mate, and he is tortured by a curse to protect his people from his own family.

I could now see him for exactly who he was. So why can’t I get his alluring touch out of my head?

I am the key to saving his kingdom, but he alone has the power to ruin me.

My Rating - ★★★1/2

I enjoyed this one far more than the first. I think it had more to do with learning more about Evren and vampyres in general and how wrong the legends were that Adara grew up hearing. She took far too long to put her prejudice and ignorance aside for my taste. Honestly, I got really tired of her nonsense, but I lived for the moments I got to spend with Evren, Sorin and Thalia. They were the highlights of this story for me and I'm looking forward to seeing how (because there is no IF) everyone will take down Gavril and his wicked family.


A Kingdom of Venom and Vows by Holly Renee

A Kingdom of Venom and Vows


Stars and Shadows #3
Genre/Trope - Fantasy Romance / fated mates
POV - Multiple 1st person
Heat - more than descriptive, but not quite explicit
Source - Kindle Unlimited
Length - 314 pages

Kindle Unlimited: https://amzn.to/3Pc0emk

I entered into a bargain—choosing my mate over my freedom.

But I underestimated the crowned prince who took me. His touch like venom. His vengeance lethal.

He craves a power I no longer hold, and he’ll sacrifice every part of me until he gets it.

But I don’t belong to him. I belong to his brother.

His brother who will come for me, consequences be damned.

My fate is entangled between two princes—one who craves my power, the other who covets me—and I have more to lose than I ever imagined.

War rages in a game between queens, and I have become their pawn. But I will fight for my life, for my mate, and he will raze kingdoms to get me back.

My Rating - ★★★★

What the frig?!

Why couldn't the entire series be read like this book? I was deeply in love with the way that Evren's voice came through. Finally, I had something to sink my teeth into—a well-rounded and developed story with characters and emotions and plot that kept me on the edge of my seat.

Did I find some parts repetitive? Yes. I think I understood the sentiment that Evren and Adara belonged to each other after it was mentioned the first five times. I was excited to see these two as a couple, with Adara finally being real. That's right, she was no longer denying how she truly felt and I couldn't have been happier. Gone was the immature and unreliable girl I'd come to know. In her place was a beautiful, confident, fierce warrior of a woman that should have been the star of this story from its beginning.

And because I'm interested in whatever is brewing between Thalia and Sorin, I'll probably be reading their book too.