"The things I keep don't usually survive. You don't want to be kept by me, Isadora."
T.L. Smith doesn't disappoint, that's one thing for sure.4.5 stars
"The things I keep don't usually survive. You don't want to be kept by me, Isadora."
T.L. Smith doesn't disappoint, that's one thing for sure. With Playette she delivers merciless another fantastic dark romance that will test your boundaries.
"I'm a good girl, but I'll be bad for you."
Issy is one hell of a strong heroine. Wow. This woman has sass, power, self-confidence and courage all the while being fearless and looking like every men's wet dream. Her mission is driven by hate but her heart is not as dark and hard as she might have thought. Lucky for Jasper, that Issy's heart has a soft spot.
"She feels like everything I have ever wanted. She's the place you dream of moving to. She is my place."
Jasper is an easy to love bad boy mafia boss. Made by his past and upbringing, yet he managed to stay true to himself and turn things around. Never being on the receiving end of true and honest love yet his protective walls are still no match to the fresh air that Issy brings into his life.
"No. I've never done anything slow, and I don't plan to do you slow either."
Jasper and Issy are a power couple within the mafia world that you don't want to miss. She's his fire and he's her fuel. A perfect match that was bound to happen.
"He's where I feel I want to be. He is it. Home for me."
Playette is another hot shot out of the magical feather of T.L. Smith that will flash your mind.
Merged review:
4.5 stars
"The things I keep don't usually survive. You don't want to be kept by me, Isadora."
T.L. Smith doesn't disappoint, that's one thing for sure. With Playette she delivers merciless another fantastic dark romance that will test your boundaries.
"I'm a good girl, but I'll be bad for you."
Issy is one hell of a strong heroine. Wow. This woman has sass, power, self-confidence and courage all the while being fearless and looking like every men's wet dream. Her mission is driven by hate but her heart is not as dark and hard as she might have thought. Lucky for Jasper, that Issy's heart has a soft spot.
"She feels like everything I have ever wanted. She's the place you dream of moving to. She is my place."
Jasper is an easy to love bad boy mafia boss. Made by his past and upbringing, yet he managed to stay true to himself and turn things around. Never being on the receiving end of true and honest love yet his protective walls are still no match to the fresh air that Issy brings into his life.
"No. I've never done anything slow, and I don't plan to do you slow either."
Jasper and Issy are a power couple within the mafia world that you don't want to miss. She's his fire and he's her fuel. A perfect match that was bound to happen.
"He's where I feel I want to be. He is it. Home for me."
Playette is another hot shot out of the magical feather of T.L. Smith that will flash your mind....more
With Insolent T.L. Smith delivers a solid and spicy conclusion to the Crimson Elite series. Darby held on to all his promises and Olympia his perfect With Insolent T.L. Smith delivers a solid and spicy conclusion to the Crimson Elite series. Darby held on to all his promises and Olympia his perfect match. I really do love Darby, I do love Olympia and I certainly do love them together. Reading Insolent was great fun and very entertaining. However, I missed the thrill a little, I thought the story overall will catch me more.
Merged review:
With Insolent T.L. Smith delivers a solid and spicy conclusion to the Crimson Elite series. Darby held on to all his promises and Olympia his perfect match. I really do love Darby, I do love Olympia and I certainly do love them together. Reading Insolent was great fun and very entertaining. However, I missed the thrill a little, I thought the story overall will catch me more....more
"A girl like her could be precarious to a man like me. But like a predator seeking its prey, I'm curious."
Cavalier introduces us to a new dark world c"A girl like her could be precarious to a man like me. But like a predator seeking its prey, I'm curious."
Cavalier introduces us to a new dark world created by our queen of the dark. T. L. Smith again created a magical world that will suck you right in. The Crimson Elite Club lead by men with charisma you can't simply escape. Be warned: Entering at your own risk.
"It's like he takes away my world and replaces it with his. Everything is black and all I can see and feel is him."
Creed, I can't describe him any better than the blurb already does. A dark soul, speckled with gold and a golden heart, speckled with black. What you'll get to see depends on what he wants to show you. Radiating something you can't explain, he's an enigma you want to solve.
"He's like heaven and hell wrapped in a package that was made purely for me. Will our hell take over, or will light shine through our darkness?"
Elicea is the woman you want to be in this story. You want her strength, her courage, her wit and definitely you want to be the woman touched and inflamed by Creed. Her chemistry with Creed is off the charts, creating steamy hot scenes you don't want to read in public.
"It's a kiss that makes the stars sing. A kiss that begins all great love stories. This is our great love story."
Taking a chance on Cavalier you must be prepared for a pageturner that won't let you sleep. It will drive you sheer crazy: Drama, darkness alpha males, sassy women and a unique storyline. Even after turning the last page, it will leave you craving for more.
Merged review:
"A girl like her could be precarious to a man like me. But like a predator seeking its prey, I'm curious."
Cavalier introduces us to a new dark world created by our queen of the dark. T. L. Smith again created a magical world that will suck you right in. The Crimson Elite Club lead by men with charisma you can't simply escape. Be warned: Entering at your own risk.
"It's like he takes away my world and replaces it with his. Everything is black and all I can see and feel is him."
Creed, I can't describe him any better than the blurb already does. A dark soul, speckled with gold and a golden heart, speckled with black. What you'll get to see depends on what he wants to show you. Radiating something you can't explain, he's an enigma you want to solve.
"He's like heaven and hell wrapped in a package that was made purely for me. Will our hell take over, or will light shine through our darkness?"
Elicea is the woman you want to be in this story. You want her strength, her courage, her wit and definitely you want to be the woman touched and inflamed by Creed. Her chemistry with Creed is off the charts, creating steamy hot scenes you don't want to read in public.
"It's a kiss that makes the stars sing. A kiss that begins all great love stories. This is our great love story."
Taking a chance on Cavalier you must be prepared for a pageturner that won't let you sleep. It will drive you sheer crazy: Drama, darkness alpha males, sassy women and a unique storyline. Even after turning the last page, it will leave you craving for more....more
4.5 stars More! More, I want MORE! In typical TL Smith style this book will grab you, twist your heard, spin your mind and will let you fall down the ra4.5 stars More! More, I want MORE! In typical TL Smith style this book will grab you, twist your heard, spin your mind and will let you fall down the rabbit hole. Kisses And Lies is another spellbinding story that will have you addicted in no time!
Merged review:
4.5 stars More! More, I want MORE! In typical TL Smith style this book will grab you, twist your heard, spin your mind and will let you fall down the rabbit hole. Kisses And Lies is another spellbinding story that will have you addicted in no time!...more
“We taste each other like old lovers who have been found. And we hold onto each other as if we’re looking for a new beginning.”
This book really did a “We taste each other like old lovers who have been found. And we hold onto each other as if we’re looking for a new beginning.”
This book really did a number on me. IMO it is an excellent masterpiece that doesn’t miss a beat. Anguished is from now on, together with Lotus, my absolute favourite book by TL Smith. It’s pure perfection. Anguished is a dream that came true for a romance reader’s heart!
“Men like him aren’t made, they’re dreamt about. And that’s where he will stay in my dreams.”
Storm’s and Echo’s story is passionate, it’s hot and steamy, it’s full of funny banter, a character-match made in heaven. Not only did TL Smith set a perfect pace: a perfect mix of thrill, panty dropping scenes, action, heartache, character and relationship development. She set a whole new reading experience standard for her upcoming books. Not once it came to my mind to put down this book.
“Heart meet Echo. Your perfect ten. But if you fall for him, I swear I will tear you out with my bare hands.”
It was alarmingly easy to get invested in Storm and Echo. I continuously wanted to hug them, to slap them, to kiss them. But most of all I wished for them to be real. Seriously, they are a couple that you won’t meet every day. They are special and I already decided I’ll name my next pair of cats after them. LOL.
“This is the place between heaven and hell. That sweet ecstasy everyone craves, but only dream of.”
Echo is definitely from another planet. Not only does he look like he could be voted the sexiest man alive for several years in a row, but he’s the perfect amount of alpha, confident, smart, charming, enigmatic. A guy with a broken heart you can’t help to fall for.
Storm is incredible. I don’t have other words for her. She’s beautifully strong minded, confident, stands up for what she believes, cares deeply for the people she loves. And she’s not afraid to speak up to an intimidating man like Echo.
I love as they give into their off the charts attraction and chemistry and how they fight hard not to fall for the other. But that’s a thing that’s doomed to happen right from their first encounter. It’s a ride you can’t and don’t want to escape from. It captures your whole mind and doesn’t leave you until you turn the last page.
Together, Echo and Storm are a force that yet has to be named. They are both magnetic, they attract your attention like they are the centre of the universe.
“… her fingers brushing me like she wants to dance with fire, but first wants to test the flames to see if it will burn. I plan to burn.”
Reading Anguished is like hitting the perfect wave. The one that you waited for like a dream. The one you need to let yourself fall for, letting yourself get carried away without thinking too much. Enjoying the splashes of water in your face when the wave breaks and just live in the moment.
“… you’re more than my first choice, you’re my dream choice, my only choice.”
I’d like to end this review with a quote the book closes with:
“My forever ten.”
Merged review:
“We taste each other like old lovers who have been found. And we hold onto each other as if we’re looking for a new beginning.”
This book really did a number on me. IMO it is an excellent masterpiece that doesn’t miss a beat. Anguished is from now on, together with Lotus, my absolute favourite book by TL Smith. It’s pure perfection. Anguished is a dream that came true for a romance reader’s heart!
“Men like him aren’t made, they’re dreamt about. And that’s where he will stay in my dreams.”
Storm’s and Echo’s story is passionate, it’s hot and steamy, it’s full of funny banter, a character-match made in heaven. Not only did TL Smith set a perfect pace: a perfect mix of thrill, panty dropping scenes, action, heartache, character and relationship development. She set a whole new reading experience standard for her upcoming books. Not once it came to my mind to put down this book.
“Heart meet Echo. Your perfect ten. But if you fall for him, I swear I will tear you out with my bare hands.”
It was alarmingly easy to get invested in Storm and Echo. I continuously wanted to hug them, to slap them, to kiss them. But most of all I wished for them to be real. Seriously, they are a couple that you won’t meet every day. They are special and I already decided I’ll name my next pair of cats after them. LOL.
“This is the place between heaven and hell. That sweet ecstasy everyone craves, but only dream of.”
Echo is definitely from another planet. Not only does he look like he could be voted the sexiest man alive for several years in a row, but he’s the perfect amount of alpha, confident, smart, charming, enigmatic. A guy with a broken heart you can’t help to fall for.
Storm is incredible. I don’t have other words for her. She’s beautifully strong minded, confident, stands up for what she believes, cares deeply for the people she loves. And she’s not afraid to speak up to an intimidating man like Echo.
I love as they give into their off the charts attraction and chemistry and how they fight hard not to fall for the other. But that’s a thing that’s doomed to happen right from their first encounter. It’s a ride you can’t and don’t want to escape from. It captures your whole mind and doesn’t leave you until you turn the last page.
Together, Echo and Storm are a force that yet has to be named. They are both magnetic, they attract your attention like they are the centre of the universe.
“… her fingers brushing me like she wants to dance with fire, but first wants to test the flames to see if it will burn. I plan to burn.”
Reading Anguished is like hitting the perfect wave. The one that you waited for like a dream. The one you need to let yourself fall for, letting yourself get carried away without thinking too much. Enjoying the splashes of water in your face when the wave breaks and just live in the moment.
“… you’re more than my first choice, you’re my dream choice, my only choice.”
I’d like to end this review with a quote the book closes with:
HOLY MOLY! Pen, what did you do to me? I haven't read a book in a while now, that had me in a vice grip from the beginning to the end, like Five BrothHOLY MOLY! Pen, what did you do to me? I haven't read a book in a while now, that had me in a vice grip from the beginning to the end, like Five Brothers did.
I couldn't put it down. My heart is still pumping like I've run miles.... It's been a long time that a book grabbed me like Five Brothers did and made me want to crawl into the pages. I couldn't read fast enough and yet I never wanted it to end. It was addictive! Penelope Douglas writing style in FB is simply captivating. Leaving me guessing and feeling way more than I expected. I loved that all brothers get their time to shine, making it hard to root for only one of them. So I didn't, or maybe I did. ;-)
I was surprised about my feelings toward Krisjen. She's young and makes mistakes. At the same time she's strong and empathic and easy to love and fall for. I think even if she acts like her age (like she should), there are times she feels like being wise beyond her age. She's seeing people. And I absolutely admire her for owning her sexuality like she does, not backing down.
Five Brothers had everything I'm looking for in a book: relatable characters, character growth, angst, little suspense, little bit of darkness, friendship, found family, spice, chemistry. Did I mention it's hot? Those scenes.... Penelope delivers. That's all I'm saying.
It's hands down definitely one of my top favorite reads this year! And I want more of these brothers,.... Gosh, I love them!
It is not necessary to read Tryst Six Venom before reading Five Brothers, but it enhanced my reading experience tremendously. The five Jaeger Brothers already play a huge role in TSV and you get to know the whole family dynamic of theirs. Meeting Trace, Iron, Dallas, Army and Macon in TSV, had me bonding with them emotionally already. That made it pretty easy to get attached to all of them right from the beginning in FB. So yeah, I recommend reading TSV first, but you don't have to....more
I don't know what to say, even a few days after finishing this book, I have no words to describe what this book put me through. It takes a very speciaI don't know what to say, even a few days after finishing this book, I have no words to describe what this book put me through. It takes a very special book, a very special writing to not only get me teared up, but also makes me actually cry. By the end of the book the tears streamed down my face because I couldn't hold in all the emotions this book made me feel.
No surprise here, that Falling Like Stars drew me right in, got a grip on my heart and only released it when I finished the book. Emma Scott just has a way with words that gets to me every single time. Rowan and Zach's story strummed every of my emotional chords and combined them into a most beautiful melody that still resonates within me.
I simply love the way Rowan and Zach's characters develop throughout their journey is simply stunning. Their chemistry is sparkling from their first encounter and evolves into a beautiful firework during their journey. Their relationship is for both the key to face their inner demons. Demons that they need to face to go forward in life because it seems that both put the pause button somehow.
Rowan facing the demons of grief and guilt, that haunted her since she was a teenager. The way Emma Scott portraits it, you simply feel that this comes deep from within herself. That she puts her own journey into the book and that's what made it feel so real, so raw so hauntingly beautiful.
Zach facing the demons of a toxic relationship. Of loosing himself in a relationship with a narcissistic partner and finally fighting for a way out of it.
I love how supportive and accepting Rowan and Zach are with each other. There was no pushing the other. There was only support and understanding. Accepting the fact that they needed time to heal, time to face what held them back. Giving the other the freedom and room they needed to be able to fully open the heart for the other without giving up on each other.
I love how Zach and Rowan brought each other back to life. How their individual journey didn't prevent them from developing also together in their relationship. They are the equivalent of the quote by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry "Love does not consist gazing at each other, but in looking outward together in the same direction."
My first breaking point came with a beautiful butterfly analogy. You'll simply know when you get there. And you feel it even deeper in your bones when you recently faced loss and a journey of grief yourself. What a wonderful way to weave Izzy into these pages: never forgotten, always loved.
Falling Like Stars is a beautiful emotional rollercoaster, that gives you all the feels. That makes you cry while you are still smiling. That breaks your heart while still beating and loving. It shows that moving on from something that holds you back is worth the fight until you see the light again....more
Finn and Josslyn have fantastic chemistry and the way their story is told keeps you guessing, wondering what happened that fateful night.
I really enjFinn and Josslyn have fantastic chemistry and the way their story is told keeps you guessing, wondering what happened that fateful night.
I really enjoyed the suspense part in When We Lied. Claire Contreras revealed the mystery in a way that kept my eyes glued to the pages and ended with a twist that I was not really expecting.
Looking forward to read more stories set in this world!...more
I can't believe it took me until this kind of re-release of RUSH in a Deluxe Edition to read this soul touching story. I've read many of Emma Scott's I can't believe it took me until this kind of re-release of RUSH in a Deluxe Edition to read this soul touching story. I've read many of Emma Scott's books and with every single one, she magically touches my soul with her words. Playing my emotions like Charlotte plays her violin. With her captivating writing style I could hear the wonders Charlotte creates while playing the violin. And Emma Scott made me feel with Noah's soul, living his rocky journey back to life through it.
And now I'm sitting here with tears running down my cheeks not knowing what to do with how this book made me feel.
There are so many things of this story about experience loss and fighting your way back to life, that stood out to me. But putting them in this review will spoil your experience reading this book. However, there is one thing that I knew I had to quote here, as it exactly describes my feelings. It's in the second epilogue, when Noah describes how it feels to open a brand-new book, when you only read the first few pages already knowing this will be one of the best. Saying it with Noah's words: "One of the rare finds that stays with you forever". That's what RUSH is. Simple as that.
Don't waste away time like I did. Go, Run, RUSH to get your hands on this book that will take you on a ride that will stay with you forever....more
Love...It's Wild is the next gorgeous edition to the Love Explained series. And I think it might be my favorite.
Rob and Tara's story is full 4.5 stars
Love...It's Wild is the next gorgeous edition to the Love Explained series. And I think it might be my favorite.
Rob and Tara's story is full of pushes and pulls, refreshing banters, high tension, passion and emotions. Both have great chemistry and make it very easy to fall for them. They are absolutely made for each other. Rob and Tara couldn't be more different and yet they simply complete each other. They help each other to become the best version of themselves.
I adored Tara in the earlier books already, and now with her own story she's just... I don't know ... she's just more. She's strong, self-confident and witty. She has a great sense of humor and a heart of gold. Even at times when she crumbles, she's still strong and beautiful.
I love the connection between Rob and Tara and even more so, the connection between Tara and Rob's kids and that she wants to be the person the kids can turn to, if they feel like they don't have anyone on their side.
And I adore Rob, even though he's such a grump. But I see where this is coming from. I love the way he softens up to Tara, seeing his wall crumbling the more Tara worms her way to his heart.
So, if you love a sassy heroine falling for the grumpy single dad in a small town. If you love a good and entertaining slow burn, Love...It's Wild should be definitely your next read! ...more
"He's literally making the sounds that live in my heart and head,..."
Drummer Girl was my second book by Ginger Scott and while thinking on ho3.5 stars
"He's literally making the sounds that live in my heart and head,..."
Drummer Girl was my second book by Ginger Scott and while thinking on how to write this review, I realized I had the same issues with this one like I had with Bred. I couldn't connect with the characters on a deeper level. I didn't feel the energy and while reading I had no idea where this journey would lead me.
"We all have lakes we dive into sometimes."
The creation of the characters was very thoughtful. The topics this book touches are very sensitive and Ginger Scott played them out nicely. I think she did a great job with Ari but I had a hard time picturing Jesse. Also the connection they shared wasn't palpable to me. Maybe I'm the wrong audience for this book, but I'm pretty sure for younger readers it's perfect and they will learn a lot from it.
"He's my lake, and I dove in head fucking first."
Drummer Girl is a lovely YA novel with mature content that will lead you into the deep lakes of a young and troubled mind.
Merged review:
3.5 stars
"He's literally making the sounds that live in my heart and head,..."
Drummer Girl was my second book by Ginger Scott and while thinking on how to write this review, I realized I had the same issues with this one like I had with Bred. I couldn't connect with the characters on a deeper level. I didn't feel the energy and while reading I had no idea where this journey would lead me.
"We all have lakes we dive into sometimes."
The creation of the characters was very thoughtful. The topics this book touches are very sensitive and Ginger Scott played them out nicely. I think she did a great job with Ari but I had a hard time picturing Jesse. Also the connection they shared wasn't palpable to me. Maybe I'm the wrong audience for this book, but I'm pretty sure for younger readers it's perfect and they will learn a lot from it.
"He's my lake, and I dove in head fucking first."
Drummer Girl is a lovely YA novel with mature content that will lead you into the deep lakes of a young and troubled mind....more
This a classic "It's me, not the book" kind of thing... It just didn't grab me and from the beginning to the end I was wondering constantly where thisThis a classic "It's me, not the book" kind of thing... It just didn't grab me and from the beginning to the end I was wondering constantly where this is going and what it want to tell me. I had problems conecting to the characters and problems feeling the connection, attraction and chemistry between them. However, the whole book has an unusual dynamic that's refreshing to read.
Merged review:
This a classic "It's me, not the book" kind of thing... It just didn't grab me and from the beginning to the end I was wondering constantly where this is going and what it want to tell me. I had problems conecting to the characters and problems feeling the connection, attraction and chemistry between them. However, the whole book has an unusual dynamic that's refreshing to read....more
I absolutely adore Jill’s and Luke’s story! And I fell for Luke within the first pages. Their connection is palpable they have great chemist4.5 stars
I absolutely adore Jill’s and Luke’s story! And I fell for Luke within the first pages. Their connection is palpable they have great chemistry.
And don’t get me started on Ainsley. She’s adorable!
If you love a funny meet-cute, a handsome hot firefighter and an amazing single mom with an absolute adorable daughter, if you love second chances, THIS book is definitely for you!...more
I haven't read one of Jeannine's books in a while and I'm more than happy that I could return to her stories with "Love...It's Complicated". 4.5 stars
I haven't read one of Jeannine's books in a while and I'm more than happy that I could return to her stories with "Love...It's Complicated". It's such a cute and adorable story. It's funny, with easy to love characters. It totally brought me out of my book funk. I had a fantastic time following Melissa and William. This book is beautifully written and if you are looking to laugh and swoon, "Love...It's Complicated" is your book!...more
There is no Emma Scott book I did not love. The Muse is no different. I love how Emma tells her stories and with this paranormal book, she delivers anThere is no Emma Scott book I did not love. The Muse is no different. I love how Emma tells her stories and with this paranormal book, she delivers another fantastic story. I don't read paranormal on a regular basis and I skipped reading The Sinner. Now I have the feeling I missed out big times. Going to read that one pretty soon.
The main characters Cole and Ambri are amazing. It's not possible not to fall in love with them. And their love story, their struggles they talked to me like no other. They cut deep and I cared deeply for them.
The Muse gives you hope and shines light into our dark. It's an absolute treasure!...more
"Make a wish." "Wishes lead to disappointment." "Wishes are hope with wings," I encounter. "Make one."
Shattered Truths was one of my most ant4.5 stars
"Make a wish." "Wishes lead to disappointment." "Wishes are hope with wings," I encounter. "Make one."
Shattered Truths was one of my most anticipated releases for 2023. And Helena Hunting did not disappoint.
As much as I love that - IMO - the story is for about 70% Winter's story, I wish BJ's story would have been a little more prominent. Nevertheless, his story is neatly woven into the book. Thinking about it, it just fits him. Taking the limelight off himself, shining it on Winter. :-)
I love that BJ shines in this book. He's such an adorable and softhearted hero, who definitely falls first and hard. The way he consistently peruses Winter, respecting her boundaries, asking for permission and yet walking a fine line nudging her persistently, never giving up.
I love Winter's character development. How she opens up to BJ and his world of wealth. How she starts accepting help, making fast friends with the crew and found a new family within. She's soft-spoken yet strong willed. As soon as she started to fight for her dreams she starts to shine.
BJ and Winter definitely set another level for "couple goals"! They always look out for each other, having each others best interest always at heart. They build each other up whenever needed. They quickly become each others safe haven.
Shattered Truths is a definite MUSST read if you like a tender, uplifting and moving book with a touch of "Cinderella" feeling. ...more
I never expected to see the day where we'll get a sequel to Drive. And I never thought a sequel could be equally gut-wrenching as the first book. KateI never expected to see the day where we'll get a sequel to Drive. And I never thought a sequel could be equally gut-wrenching as the first book. Kate Stewart proved me wrong. Twice. Reverse is an absolutely MUST-read if you loved Drive. For sure one of my top favorite reads this year, just like Drive was when I read it years ago....more
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