In Shadows We Dance

By: Lee Ann

Release Date: January 10, 2025

Publisher: Raven Ink Publishing

Author FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/LAnnAuthor/

5 Stars

Full of dark nuances Lee Ann's In Shadows We Dance firmly places her as a go to author of edgy romance!

Wren Carlisle was not your run of the mill hero with his alpha darkness permeating every corner of this story. Controlling and calculating he oozed sinister yet Lee Ann adeptly added depth to this character giving him ambiguity and ultimately a heart, just not a conventional heart. 

Ileana Moreno lived in the shadows that others avoided, always keeping to herself and fearing exposure. Appearing like a mouse, a lion lived deep inside her. This author little by little allowed Ileana's fierceness to unfold not only surprising Ileana but everyone who saw her transformation. 

Throughout this work there was an abundance of anticipation with well-plotted twists and turns that did not let up. A complex storyline took this from a typical dark romance to a book that stood out with its clever revelations and uncertainty. Lee Ann did a remarkable job of building the relationship between Wren and Ileana without diminishing the darker aspects of its foundation or dismissing questionable behaviors. Wren and Ileana's bond was earned with confrontations and yearnings.   

Lee Ann has an aptitude for characters that live on the fringe. With a large collection of antiheros under her belt this author always manages to walk the fine line between acceptable and unacceptable for some intriguing portrayals and no shortage of angst. Two things you can expect from Lee Ann is stepping out of her box and pushing her readers out of their comfort zones and In Shadows We Dance she does just that for a great read!

*I was given an advanced copy. All opinions expressed are my own.*

Dillon

By: Siobhan Davis

Release Date: December 26, 2024

Publisher: Siobhan Davis

Author Website: http://siobhandavis.co.uk/

5 Stars

Siobhan Davis continues to flesh out her All of Me series with insightful personal perspectives adding to the depth of her key characters and their motivations for a truly rewarding and immersive reading experience.

Ms. Davis brilliantly captured all the conflicting emotions that plagued Dillon creating a portrayal that wore his angst and anger on his sleeve yet still could not hide his admirable inclinations and traits. In the end the person that ended up being hurt most by Dillon's actions was Dillon as he fought the burden of being unable to see his worth. Surrounded by a loving family the core of who Dillon was obviously was shaped by this love ultimately shining through but not without a fair amount of drama and heartache. This author filled this work with an abundance of small details adding to an already robust story. 

In Dillon, Siobhan Davis gave readers a chance to see the potential that lived within this character and his hard road to achieving it for an emotional and gripping story

*I was given an advanced copy. All opinions expressed are my own.*

*This book should not be read as a stand alone. The previous books in the All of Me series should be read prior to reading this book.*

King of the Cage

By: Mila Kane

Release Date: December 4, 2024

Publisher: White Nights Publishing Ltd

Author Website: https://www.milakane.com/

5 Stars

Mila Kane once again takes her readers on a quick paced, action filled read with Cage King leaving them wanting more!

Bran O'Connor and Giada Santori came from mafia families that were enemies. They should have looked in the other direction when their attraction to each other ignited but true to who they were they faced it head on bringing their full arsenal of warring emotions. This couple took no prisoners and were all about dominating and conquering each other's hearts but not without lots of bruises and danger. Both Bran and Giada were strong portrayals that stood out on their own and as a couple.

Mila Kane did a great job of fleshing this story out with a great underlying suspense component that she easily intermingled with her love story. Full of details and crazy connections this work was a compelling read. Her portrayals from past works and new ones from this work were interesting and added to the story being told.

Reading a Mila Kane book is full of high risk and big payout for her audience. This writer's edgy scenarios are not for the faint hearted and full of twists that are sudden and imagination pushing. Her characters walk the walk and take ownership of who they are on the dark paths this author favors. MiIa Kane's King of the Cage delivers a powerful story with the hope for more to follow in The Devil's Own series!

*I was given an advanced copy. All opinions expressed are my own.*

Ruthless Regret

By: L. Ann

Release Date: November 22, 2024

Publisher: Raven Ink Publishing

Author FB Page: https://lannauthor.com/

5 Stars

L. Ann explores how does one reconcile losing fourteen years of their life without sacrificing the rest of their life to anger and bitterness in Ruthless Regret for a gripping read!

As Zain and Ashley's story continued they confronted their own truths by examining who they were and what they wanted from themselves and each other with merciless introspection. Their story took readers on a twisty journey with false leads and unexpected hope. Stepping into each other's shoes and viewing the world through each other's eyes added a nice degree of compassion to this story that made Zain and Ashley's relationship feasible and full of possibilities neither expected. This couple's strong draw to each other built their relationship up and was captivating to watch play out. The suspense component of this work was off the charts and this author skillfully kept her audience guessing to the very end!

L. Ann always has her finger on the pulse of her stories. She constructs works with an understanding and determination that puts her in a league of her own. This author's ability to share intense emotions in a variety of settings keeps her stories interesting and relevant. Ruthless Regret concluded L. Ann's Ruthless Games Duology in a way that is sure to make her audience happy and looking forward to what this author has in store next for her readers!

*I was given an advanced copy. All opinions expressed are my own.*

*It is necessary for readers to read book one in this duet prior to reading book two.*

My Darling Jane

By: Ilsa Madden Mills

Release Date: November 5, 2024

Publisher: Montlake

Author Website: https://www.ilsamaddenmills.com

5 Stars

Ilsa Madden-Mills takes two troubled pasts and brings out equal measures of angst and laughs for a rocky road to true love in My Darling Jane!

Jasper Jannich was a star quarterback and a man with enough rizz to fill a stadium twenty times over. Jane Darling was a single mom and former fashion model turned bookstore manager / matchmaker with a goal of creating a happy successful life for her and her daughter. Both Jasper and Jane suffered from tremendous childhood trauma that shaped how they approached relationships and formed their reluctance to be emotionally vulnerable yet that trauma was the very thing that bonded them in the end. Their mutual fear of abandonment and yearning for a true committed love was painful and heartwarming to watch.

Jane and Jasper had been knocking heads for quite some time building up for this pair to take their destined leap from hate to love. The snappy interactions between this couple gave the pages a nice jolt of adrenaline and extreme emotions. These two characters' determination to provoke each other provided a nice variety of reactions to this story, often ones that neither was expecting for an entertaining read. This pairs' chemistry was hot and both Jane and Jasper were bothered to an extreme extent by it, keeping this work moving quickly and readers anticipating their encounters.

Ilsa Madden-Mills' overarching theme of fated love continues to drive her stories and leave her readers with heart flutters and warm fuzzies. One of this author's strengths is her community of interconnected books and series. This author not only sees her characters struggles but feels them for an immersive reading experience. Ilsa Madden-Mills brings a well-deserved HEA and more characters to hold dear by her audience in My Darling Jane!

*I was given an advanced copy. All opinions expressed are my own.*

*While part of a series this book can be read as a stand alone, but for an overall enhanced reading experience reading the previous books in this series / interconnected series is suggested.*

The Sound of Secrets

By: Jay Crownover

Release Date: ‎ October 23, 2024

Publisher: Jay Crownover LLC

Author Website: https://www.jaycrownover.com/

5 Stars

Stories just don't get much better than Jay Crownover's The Sound of Secrets where sophisticated turns of events and emotional turmoil ruled the day!

Taking off where book one, The Silence of Monsters left off, this author further developed this plot in book two beautifully as she dug deep and exposed her characters from the obvious to the core of who they were perceptively and compassionately. Soul searching and self-introspection carried on where the dust settled from the twist driven storyline of the first book in this duet. The imperfections of Win and Channing flourished in the aftermath of book one's wreckage making them vulnerable and approachable to this writer's audience.

The Sound of Secrets showed a couple that experienced seemingly insurmountable issues questioning their relationships and the consequences of actions. Both Win and Channing did the best they could growing up with toxic parents, each manifesting how they dealt with their families dysfunction in different ways. Channing tried to take care of and protect her mother, sister, and Winnie to some extent, from her father, hardly making her Peter Pan when people saw the realities and responsibilities she hid from them. Win micro managed and took control of situations to the point of being dictatorial as a way to combat his mother's destructiveness.

The very odds stacked against Win and Channing from achieving a happy and feasible relationship were the same ones that made one possible when they were able to support each other and see beyond their chaos. The gift of forgiveness to not only others but to oneself was a strong foundation to this work and was beautifully developed by Ms. Crownover. Win and Channing's tender and terrifying love that they carried for each other made this a love story that felt raw and fragile as this pair fought to find a way to not corrupt it with their past behaviors and histories. With more than their share of hiccups and a couple of unexpected twists this was a standout work.

Jay Crownover crafts stories that are multidimensional and gritty. Her portrayals often have their fair share of hardships yet persevere leaving them with hope as well as this author's readers. Jay Crownover's The Sound of Secrets was unexpected and worth every hour spent between its covers, a top read of 2024!

*I was given an advanced copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

*This is book two of The Monsters Duet and book one needs to be read prior to reading it.*

Text Appeal

By: Kylie Scott

Release Date: October 22, 2024

Publisher: Kylie Scott

Author Website: https://kyliescott.com/

5 Stars

Small town, big romance and a whole bunch of charming interactions add up to a great Kylie Scott story in Text Appeal.

Riley Cooper was a romance writer shaking up her world by bravely making a dream of hers come true, moving to a place by the water. Armed with her wit and a likeable personality this character was a hit from the start. Riley's ability to see life in practical terms yet still hold out for dreams that seemed out of reach made her someone that everyone could relate to. Connor was wonderfully basic with his minimal requirements in life. Nursing a broken heart this guy could feel and it was not complicated making Connor very attractive and genuine beyond his obvious good looks and sweetness.

When getting rid of an old phone number and getting a new phone number converged to bring Connor and Riley's lives to a head this pair met the challenge. Texting moved this work forward and kept its plot lively with well-devised catalysts and fun interactions. Riley and Connor had a great chemistry both on and off the phone providing lots of entertaining moments. What was nice about this couple was their ability to see past their exteriors and see each other's worth for who they were versus who they appeared to be. Ms. Scott had a good balance between meaningful and fun bringing a full picture to her audience. Every character in this work added to it and stood out in their own ways.

Kylie Scott's take on modern love and inclusiveness is always subtle yet integral to her work. With sharp wit and kind gestures feelings never are never undermined in this author's writing nor does she gloss over flaws. Kylie Scott's Text Appeal gives a spark to the mundane and offers a quick and delightful read to her audience!

*I was given an advanced copy. All opinions expressed are my own. *

The Deals We Make

By: Scarlett Cole

Release Date: ‎ October 17, 2024

Publisher: Kadelo Group Ltd

Author Website: http://www.scarlettcole.com/

4 Stars

A past confronts the present and dictates the future in S.Cole's The Deals We Make for an emotional and consequential read!

Tiberius "Vex" Williams had tried to make peace with his life's path but underlying his seeming acceptance was a feeling of unsettled business and what if's. Vex easily took on the mantle of devoted and loyal with his strong sense of responsibility. Calista Moray was too smart for her own good and accompanied by her beauty she was constantly on the defensive in life.

This couple came with past baggage that complicated their relationship. They were not even each other's the one that got away but the unfinished business that held their future happiness captive. Their steamy attraction fogged their clarity when it came to making rational decisions where their relationship was concerned and made for some feisty interactions. When this pair recognized their feelings for each other and accepted them they fell hard as all the obstacles of the past got swept aside.

As a series the Iron Outlaws dealt with an abundance of serious and dark issues but this author found a way to lighten the heaviness of her characters burdens with humor and the bonds of friendship. There were many comedic moments in this series in a subgenre that often does not have them. Socially aware Ms. Cole offered insightful story lines and did not shy away from confronting difficult subject matter.

S. Cole aka Scarlett Cole is all about exploring her character's feelings from every angle possible. With heartfelt writing this author offers genuine stories that are aimed at her readers' hearts. As the New Jersey chapter of the Iron Outlaws wraps up and the Colorado Chapter of the Iron Outlaws awaits its debut, S. Cole takes the bittersweet ending of one series and leaves readers eagerly anticipating another!

*I was given an advanced copy. All opinions expressed are my own. *
*While part of a series this book can be read as a stand alone, but for an overall enhanced reading experience reading the previous books in this series is suggested.*

The Player + The Pact = I Do

By: Louise Bay

Release Date: October 10, 2024

Publisher: Louise Bay

Author Website: https://louisebay.com

5 Stars

What happens when two people unlucky in love make a deal that puts their hearts at risk, Louise Bay's The Player + The Pact = I Do!

Leo Hart was handsome, beyond successful, hard working and a friend that put you at ease. This character was what you call a reader "catch" with his charm and vulnerability it was impossible not to join Leo's fan club. Jules was the ultimate beautiful and awkward heroine with her nerdy behavior and frumpy clothes hiding Leo's perfect match. Driven, efficient and perceptive Jules was also fun and down to earth with a bit of the unexpected.

The unfiltered effortlessness bandied back and forth between Leo and Jules initiated some fabulous exchanges. Without a doubt this couple's attraction was fiery but it was their emotional connection that sealed the deal with these two. Leo and Jules understood each other on a basic level from their humble beginnings to their strong work dedication.

Ms. Bay has put together a strong series foundation with her secondary cast. Each of her current and future love interests fluidly move her series along keeping interest in the work at hand and piquing interest in her future books in this series. As series go this one is quite literally a swoonfest of intriguing heroes! Of note this author did an excellent job of making her characters feel authentic to the region she was portraying them in. there was a nice Tristate vibe that permeated this story.

If there ever was a romance writer who made you feel like their love stories could possibly be obtainable it is Louise Bay. Think grand romantic happily ever after’s grounded in real life problems and this author has it covered. Depicting friendships and bonds at their finest is this writer's unique superpower. Louise Bay's The Player + The Pact = I Do will make readers fall even more in love with this series, an absolute joy to the very end!

*I was given an advanced copy. All opinions expressed are my own.*

*While this book is part of a series it can be read as a stand alone.*

Home Game

By: Ginger Scott

Release Date: October 10, 2024

Publisher: Little Miss Write, LLC

Author Website: http://www.littlemisswrite.com/

5 Stars

Young love and old family roots paved the way for a story full of love and stand out moments in Ginger Scott's Home Game!

Wyatt Stone was a larger than life talent waiting to show his full potential. Armed with not only his rare gift at football but with a sense of morality and kindness that reached far beyond his years this was a character that was as touching as inspiring. Peyton Johnson came from a family deemed football royalty, the game ran in her family's blood, but to her there was more to life than football. Peyton was someone who struggled with pleasing her family but also finding the right path for herself. She was incredibly relatable as she tried to navigate the choices life threw at her and the ones she ultimately made.

Wyatt and Peyton could not fight their fated love. From the start it was clear that this pair were not just a passing interest but in it for the long haul. It was this couple's ability to see past the obstacles that they were confronted with from the start that made their connection special. Their dynamic was inescapable and their lifting each other up rather than bringing each other down made them a couple that you rooted for.

Ginger Scott writes sensitive and perceptive books seeing her characters with a keen and compassionate eye. Her portrayals while often dealing with universal problems are never run of the mill. With some books you watch the characters fall in love but with Ginger Scott's Home Game you fall in love right along with her characters, an absolute treasure of a story!

*I was given an advanced copy. All opinions expressed are my own. *

*While this book is connected to the Waiting series it can be read as a stand alone.*

Redeeming

By: Bella Matthews

Release Date: September 26, 2024

Publisher: Bella Matthews

Author Website: https://www.authorbellamatthews.com/

5 Stars

Bella Matthews continues to cast her irresistible spell on her audience with the next book in her Red Lips & White Lies series Redeeming!

Commitmentphobe and ladies man Callen Sinclair was a one and done kinda guy. Caitlin Beneventi was the only daughter in a house full of boys and could give as good as she got. Tough and direct Cailtin made it clear what she wanted even if her love for Callen went unrequited.

This couple had an uphill battle with all kinds of obstacles in their way from family, friends and misconceptions yet in the end their attraction overrode all the reasons why they should not be together. When this couple finally capitulated they were on fire and left no doubt they were making up for all their years of pent up attraction and the angst that went with it. Callen ended up being a pushover for Caitlin and Caitlin made it clear that she could go toe to toe with Callen for a fierce dynamic. Theirs was a relationship with the potent combination of love and spice was edgy until the very last page!

Bella Matthews is an author that has the rare ability to avoid series fatigue. Each of her interconnected series just drives up the anticipation and love of her audience for her books whether new or old to her works. Great bonds and interactions are signature to this writer and make reading each of her books a rich experience. Redeeming was an absolute Bella Matthews hit!

*I was given an advanced copy. All opinions expressed are my own. *

*While this story can be read as a standalone, reading the previous book in the other series related to this series would enhance the overall reading experience of this work.*

State of the Union

By: Paula Dombrowiak

Release Date: September 10, 2024

Publisher: Dark Angel Publishing LLC

Author Website: https://www.pauladombrowiak.com/

5 Stars

In the stunning finale to her Kingmaker Trilogy, State of the Union, Paula Dombrowiak brings the culmination of all the darkness and subterfuge of the previous books in this series to a powerful conclusion!

Despite the odds being against them Evangeline and Dare's all encompassing love was far from over. With conviction and a shared vision this couple took on the world to stand united. On the surface Evangeline and Dare would appear as corrupt as the people they associated with but in fact there was a honesty and goodness to them that withstood being tainted. This was not a conventional love story but one riddled with flaws that in the end proved to be the very thing that made it believable. Ms. Dombrowiak's skillful built up of this story and well plotted revelations resulted in an outstanding trilogy!

Paula Dombrowiak's unorthodox relationships are some of the most inspiring love stories out there. Emotionally messy with intense connections, this author's works are as passionate as they are thought provoking. Paula Dombrowiak's well orchestrated exploration into the darker side of romance and politics shines in State of the Union's!

*I was given an advanced copy. All opinions expressed are my own.*

*The previous books in this trilogy need to be read as part of three for the complete story*

Taking What’s Mine

By: 1st edition

Release Date: September 10, 2024

Publisher: Siobhan Davis

Author Website: http://siobhandavis.co.uk/

5 Stars

Siobhan Davis takes her readers on another dark journey into her Mafia universe in Taking What's Mine for an equally touching and thrilling story!

Mafia Don Fiero Maltese was the black sheep of his family who got where he was in life because he earned it versus it being given to him. Doing the bare minimum to keep within tradition in a world with deeply embedded rules Fiero kept everyone on their toes. Valentina Ferraro was breathtakingly beautiful and should have been treasured instead she was stuck in a toxic arranged marriage. Yet in spite of Valentina's miserable existence her inner fire could not be extinguished as she diligently planned her means of revenge and escape.

Ladies man Fiero's instalove for Valentina took everyone by surprise but especially himself. The chemistry between Fiero and Valentina was explosive from the moment they cast eyes on each other and this dynamic carried throughout the entire book. This couple was in it for the long haul and the hurdles they faced were not ones to be taken lightly but were in complete alignment with this author's fast paced and jaw dropping writing style.

Siobhan Davis has built a remarkable world around the Mazzone Mafia series covering everything from intense love and friendships to suspenseful scheming. There does not seem to be any subject matter this author cannot write about drawing a vast audience in with her addictive writing and plotting. Surprising story developments are this author's forte and having her characters conquer dark and sinister scenarios give her books a signature edge. Taking What's Mine is everything you could want and more from a mafia romance!

*I was given an advanced copy. All opinions expressed are my own.*

*While this book can be read as a standalone reading the books in the Mazzone Mafia series and their connected spin offs would enhance readers overall reading experience.*

The Summer I First Saw You

By: Elizabeth O’Roark

Release Date: August 29, 2024

Publisher: Elizabeth O’Roark

Author Website: https://www.elizabethoroark.com/

5 Stars

Filled with yearning and a bit of taboo, The Summer I First Saw You was a love story uniting two lonely people where their age gap seemed insignificant.  

Harrison was born into privilege and lived the life of a successful man from his career as a lawyer to his picture perfect marriage and loyal friends. When Harrison's marriage dissolved and his world collapsed everything he thought he wanted in reality seemed to have been misguided. Daisy spent most of her life living other people's dreams and trying to uphold their expectations. But rebelling and making life decisions with huge consequences seemed to keep getting in her way.

Harrison and Daisy both put on a front to their friends and family only to find themselves little by little revealing all their innermost desires and darkest secrets to each other yet accepting each other for who they were. While connections through their families and friends as well as their age gap were a significant barrier to their acting on their mutual physical attraction it was no match for their emotional connection. Harrison and Daisy's unfiltered interactions and repartee was fiery and sassy. This couple's give and take kept them both from spiralling and gave them each a new reason to seek things that made them happy including each other. In the end this couple brought out the best in each other and were willing to defy the odds to be together for a compelling read.

Elizabeth O'Roark hurt runs deep and her love runs deeper. This author showcases the importance of friendships as well as finding partners who get each other on a higher level, seeing past the obvious and finding the treasures within. As Elizabeth O'Roark wraps up her Summer series the hopes and dreams of all her characters leave on a high note with The Summer I First Saw You!

*I was given an advanced copy. All opinions expressed are my own.*

*While this story can be read as a standalone, reading the previous books in this series would enhance the overall reading experience of this work.*

The Duke and the Darkness

By: Anna Harrington

Release Date: August 27, 2023

Publisher: Dragonblade Publishing, Inc.; 1st edition

Author Website: https://www.annaharringtonbooks.com/

5 Stars

The sins of their fathers paved the way in Anna Harrington's The Duke and the Darkness for the exciting debut of her new The Dukes of Darkness series!

If he looks like a rake and acts like a rake he must be unless he is one of Anna Harrington’s swoony heroes with a hidden agenda! Carousing in gaming hells, busting into brothels and meandering around the seven dials at all hours of the night might make you think Devlin Raines, Duke of Dartmoor was hardly an upstanding character. Yet looks and actions can be deceiving for underneath Devlin's irresponsible facade he was anything but. Caring and out to correct the past wrongs of his father this was a hero to give your heart to.

Literally rising from the dead, Peyton Chandler was emotionally scarred by a horrific event in her past and out for revenge making her a woman to be reckoned with. Her mental acumen paired with fighting skills gave her an edge and ruthlessness that was as interesting as it was uncommon. Fiercely loyal to her parents' memory and devoted to her found family, Peyton was a heroine to love but it was her ability to see beyond the obvious and question even her own goals and actions that stood out.

The back and forth of Devlin and Peyton's interactions kept this story spirited. Their sizzle popped and crackled, heating up the pages leaving no doubt of their chemistry! While this couple's physical attraction was there from the start there was a well done build up of their commitment and ultimately their love by this author. An Intriguing secondary cast expanded this work and gave insight into the direction this series was heading.

One of the many reasons to read an Anna Harrington book is she writes smart portrayals that offer more than the superficial. Her writing is engaging and she has a knack for suspenseful subplots that give her works depth. Full of vivid period descriptions and knowledgeable about the time period she is writing about, Anna Harrington historical romance is really as good as the genre gets! Ms. Harrington's sharp and witty character interactions and literary nuances are always something to look forward to when reading one of her works. Prepare to be beguiled and carried away on an unforgettable adventure by the incomparable Anna Harrington's exceptional storytelling in The Duke and the Darkness! 

*I was given an advanced copy. All opinions expressed are my own.*

Malevolent Hearts

By: Shauna Mairéad

Release Date: August 19, 2024

Publisher: Shauna Mairéad

Author Website: shaunamaireadautho.wixsite.com/website

5 Stars

Readers will love Shauna Mairéad's Malevolent Hearts as family duty, entangled past and sabotaged futures littered the pages creating an unforgettable uphill battle to love!

Cadden Connelly was an old soul. From his bookish ways to his poet’s heart this hero was sigh worthy. His brilliance was in direct contrast with the blind obedience required of him as the heir to his family's syndicate and tortured him with his every breath.

Beibhinn was a wild child not meant to conform or to be tied down. With few fears and reckless abandon Beibhinn was not someone to dismiss. She loved hard but her hatred was even more potent.

As chemistry goes this couple's was edgy and intense. The question was always not if Beibhinn would fall for Cadden but how could she not. There was an intimacy to this couple's exchanges that bared their souls making their roles in each other's heartbreak that much more devastating. This author's demonstration of her characters sensitive and caring sides without diminishing their strength was done well by Ms. Mairéad. Of note are this writer's unorthodox female portrayals and her allowing them to stand on equal footing in a man's world, meeting the challenges thrown at them adeptly and capably.

Action plotting and emotions come effortlessly to this author. Shauna Mairéad's books are never without angst and heartstrings pulls. Her unexpected outcomes have become one of her author strengths regularly leaving her audience in disbelief and anticipation of her story conclusions. Shauna Mairéad's Malevolent Hearts is filled with irresistible bitter truths that will keep readers up late at night trying to guess its outcome setting up an avidly awaited book two!

*I was given an advanced copy. All opinions expressed are my own.*
*This story ends on a cliffhanger.*

Tempting

By: Bella Matthews

Release Date: August 8, 2024

Publisher: Bella Matthews

Author Website: https://www.authorbellamatthews.com/

5 Stars

Bella Matthews' wonderful community of family, friends and lovers shines in Tempting, the first book in her Red Lips and White Lies series!

Both Kenzie Hayes and Nixon Sinclair were hyper focused on their careers to the exclusion of meaningful personal relationships, so when they suddenly realized their mutual attraction was "tempting" enough to explore their rapidly growing feelings it took them both by surprise. Kenzie's careful probe into her feelings was the opposite of Nixon's head on embracing of his own. This pairs' sweet and steamy introduction into a relationship was full of emotional ups and downs but their leaps of faith into trust territory was the secret to this couple's success. With fabulous dialog and the good-natured meddling of their friends and family this book was spirited and never dull.

There is a warmth and reader inclusiveness to Bella Matthews' writing that makes reading her books so special. Her expertise at family and friend bonds only strengthens as her interconnected books expand. Each one of her books is memorable and endearing. Bella Matthews' Tempting was the perfect start to a new series!

*I was given an advanced copy. All opinions expressed are my own. *
*While this story can be read as a standalone, reading the previous book in the other series related to this series would enhance the overall reading experience of this work.*

The Bonus

By: T L Swan

Release Date: August 13, 2024

Publisher: T L Swan

Author Website: https://tlswanauthor.com/

5 Stars

T L Swan managed to put together the perfect mix of comedic and dramatic in The Bonus for a story that will have her readers going from laughing to crying at the turn of a page!

Whether it was in the boardroom or the bedroom billionaire Gabriel Ferrara had no competition. With a winning combination of dominant, commanding, hot and funny Gabriel saturated the pages with his sarcastic charm and confident demeanor. It was virtually impossible not to swoon at Gabriel's self-assured swagger! Grace Porter was wonderfully capable with a dash of admitted vulnerability that made her that much more lovable. Her ability to out snark anyone who chose to confront her was awesome and gave this story a lively edge.

Grace was a woman able to face anything life threw at her and in this case it was Gabriel Ferrera and boy was it fun to watch their dynamic play out! What started out as a seemingly one-sided attraction on Grace's part exploded when the attraction was in fact reciprocated by Gabriel. This couple was on fire and there was no doubt at the end that they were made for each other. With a great variety of emotions and dialog that was as witty as it was meaningful this pair captured their audience from the start. There was some well-done plot acrobatics that kept this story from bottoming out and will keep readers anticipating this couple's every move.

T L Swan captures her audience with her characters strengths as well as their flaws with ease and determination. Her writing is engaging and pretty much impossible to walk away from. The skill this author has in keeping readers engaged when her characters do things that are not in alignment with ideal romance is impressive. Smart and full of memorable moments The Bonus is all about escaping into a great read!

*I was given an advanced copy. All opinions expressed are my own.*

The Boss + The Maid = Chemistry

By: Louise Bay

Release Date: August 8, 2024

Publisher: Louise Bay

Author Website: https://louisebay.com

5 Stars

Louise Bay ushers in a whole new group of characters to love in The Boss + The Maid = Chemistry for a steamy fun read and start to a new series!

Bennett Fordham operated as simmering reserved. His MO was to keep everyone at a distance to the extreme except for a few who had proven their loyalty to him. Armed with a dry sarcastic wit and a billion in the bank Bennett knew his worth and kept his guard up.

Efa was a walking dream infused with unfiltered, irresistible charm. Things that mattered to most people rolled off Efa’s back and her intuitive ability to see past people's exterior for who they were versus how they appeared kept her on top of her game.

This couple lit up the pages with a memorable connection. Their attraction was HOT and kept the pages fiery. Entertaining dialog made this story move quickly. Trust issues were a big part of this couple's dynamic creating more than a few angsty interactions. The supporting cast in this story was a great addition to this work.

Louise Bay writes some of the best extended family and friend groups around. The camaraderie she builds is always solid and an integral part of her fictional communities. The Boss + The Maid = Chemistry starts off with a bang and keeps the explosions coming for a great read!

*I was given an advanced copy. All opinions expressed are my own.*

Frisco

By: Tijan

Release Date: July 23, 2024

Publisher: Tijan

Author Website: http://www.tijansbooks.com/

5 Stars

Red Demons MC VP Shane "Ghost" King was dark and pragmatic with a gentle side that he could shield in order to function in the life he had chosen. The one thing that he did not cut off was his long-standing love for Kalista "Kali" Michaels. Kali was tough but not hardened by her life experiences. Her reactions to the world of the Red Demons were raw and deep reaching her humanity.

The dynamic between Shane and Kali was understated and simmering until it wasn't. This pair's attraction had a life of its own and was impossible to not be drawn into. Their intuitive understanding of each and their willingness to trust and compromise where they were both concerned made this couple compelling and likeable. This relationship was inevitable and perfect in all its imperfections.

There was a great secondary cast fleshing out this work that was as entertaining as they were remarkable. From Kali's Dad, to Kali's besties and her sister to the Red Demon members they enhanced all the interactions they were involved in. The suspense subplot to this story was strong and held up throughout this work.

When you step into a Tijan book it is like entering a world uniquely its own. No one's writing voice is like Tijan's, making her works a special experience that you can only find in her books. The way this author manages to interconnect her characters is always a treat for longtime readers and shares a whole group of books to explore to new readers. There is a depth to her portrayals that easily resonates with her audience. As Tijan dips her pen into the MC world with Frisco readers will see a side of MC romance they never knew they were missing!

*I was given an advanced copy. All opinions expressed are my own. *