Unpopular Opinion: I have never been a big fan of Christmas-y holiday stories. That was until I read this book!
I should have known I would love it becaUnpopular Opinion: I have never been a big fan of Christmas-y holiday stories. That was until I read this book!
I should have known I would love it because anything C.D. Gorri touches turns to pure gold! HIS WOOD, HER FIRE is an insta-love holiday, romance novel and insta-love has always been my favorite trope that I wish I could find in more books.
This seasonal delight had it all: spice, angst, grumpy-sunshine and engaging main characters that made this story such a wonderful reading experience.
If you want something short, light and very spicy, then check out HIS WOOD, HER FIRE! It was simply sublime!
Marat & Destiny: When the Bad Boy Bachelor Falls in Love
This is the second book from C.D. Gorri, the follow up to the five-star smash debut of the WilMarat & Destiny: When the Bad Boy Bachelor Falls in Love
This is the second book from C.D. Gorri, the follow up to the five-star smash debut of the Wild Billionaire Romance Series, HIS WILD OBSESSION I released earlier this year. It's baby brother's turn up at bat, taking a swing towards a 'happily ever after'.
HIS WILD TEMPTATION is the story of Marat Volkov, the younger brother of Adrik Volkov from book one, HIS WILD OBSESSION. In OBSESSION, Marat was a swinging bachelor who had no thoughts or intentions of ever settling down with one woman as his brother did. The book begins with Marat mentally evaluating if the single life is for him anymore. Company business leads him to travel to Las Vegas and no sooner than arriving, Marat becomes smitten with a cocktail waitress named Destiny. The attraction to this beauty with the electric blue eyes is instant and like his older brother, what a Volkov wants, a Volkov gets! Marat decides then and there that Destiny is going home with him that very night.
Destiny is a cocktail waitress with a heart. Down on her luck, Destiny is struggling to make ends meet in Vegas, as she is sending money back home for her ailing mother. Things turn from mundane to exciting after meeting Marat and there is an instant spark. Coupled with endless flirting and possessiveness, Destiny decides to throw caution to the wind and give in to the drop dead-handsome patron's advances. What Destiny does not know is that Marat doesn't plan on ever letting her go and takes drastic measures to make sure that Destiny stays in his life forever... by marrying her.
Marat was very mellow in this book, which was surprising because he had such an ostentatious personality in Adrik's book. We could see the change in him at the beginning of the book. As the younger sibling, I was ready for all of his shenanigans. But you could see the growth and maturity in his character. Although, we did get to see some of that classic "Volkov possessiveness" that we love so much when he married Destiny (hilarious by the way), So, it was good to see the old Marat from Book One was still around.
I found Destiny to be very likeable. I would have loved if she had a little more fire in her and for her backstory to be a little more fleshed out so we could really get to know her like we got to know Sofia, the heroine from Book One.
Marat and Destiny are a perfect pair. Together, they created a perfect balance for each other’s deficiencies. I loved the body positivity, which has a constant presence in all of C.D. Gorri's novels. Marat would not allow Destiny to hide herself from him or look down upon herself. I love it when an MMC shows the FMC her true beauty from within and mentally remolds her image of herself through his loving eyes. They received a sweet, HEA that was filled with humor. I love and am definitely here for more books like this. All in all, I loved the characters, the story was well written and flowed very well. It's a good read and will hold you attention from beginning to end.
Very sweet romance story. I was about 60% through by the time I realized that this was a book marketed to Teen/Young Adult! LOL
This is a sweet love stVery sweet romance story. I was about 60% through by the time I realized that this was a book marketed to Teen/Young Adult! LOL
This is a sweet love story with zero spice if you want to refer this to your teenage daughter. Just know that they do share a bed (no sexy stuff) and it contains quite a bit of violence (including decapitations).
Simon & Nina: Brilliant Retelling in time For the Holidays! 5 Stars!
Tis' the season for holiday reads and this one has been on my radar for two reasonSimon & Nina: Brilliant Retelling in time For the Holidays! 5 Stars!
Tis' the season for holiday reads and this one has been on my radar for two reasons: It's a fairytale retelling, and it's written by one of my favorite authors, January Rayne.
TAMING MISTLETOE is set in the picturesque town of Mistle Creek where we met a heartbroken Nina, a handler at a lion sanctuary. The holiday seasons brings little cheer for Nina because the fate of the sanctuary's livelihood depends on its missing heir, Simon St. Claire. Simon left town without so much as a 'goodbye' to Nina or the rest of his family after his father died in a tragic accident.
Riddled with guilt, Simon left Mistletoe Creek and his inheritance behind. He blames himself for his father's death. Although he said goodbye to his hometown, he never forgot the one woman who claimed his heart from his childhood, sweet Nina.
Time is of the essence and Nina makes a Christmas wish for Simon to come back to her and the town he grew up in to claim his inheritance, save the sanctuary, and town from his malevolent uncle who wishes to destroy the sanctuary that has helped protect and house the endangered species. A chance meeting puts them both in the right place and the right time. But is it too late to save the sanctuary and reclaim a love lost?
I've said it before, and I'll say it again... I am a sucker for a good retelling! I love them! And this has to be one of the BEST reimages of the classic, THE LION KING I've come across. January Rayne has delivered on a story with a rich plot that brought suspense, engaging secondary characters that made me chuckle, with a heavy infusion of adult content with a reconnection love scene between Simon and Nina that will make you squirm, fan yourself, and seek a glass of ice water to cool down! The scenes were steamy and pure genius. This fairy tale retelling stroked the psyche of my inner child while creating a fire in my loins that made me feel all woman!
How??? Just how did she do that?! How did she make this fairytale so damn spicy?!
I enjoyed this book so much and became excited every time I connected a represented character in the story to the actual fairy tale. It was such a fun, quick, sensual read and by far one of the best holiday themed stories I've had the pleasure of reading this year. I can't wait to see what the rest of this series has in store. I highly recommend this book!
Hale & Rayne: These Two Are Contagious! You Will Love Them! 5 Stars
I don't believe there is a genre that Lydia Micheals can write that I don't enjoy. Hale & Rayne: These Two Are Contagious! You Will Love Them! 5 Stars
I don't believe there is a genre that Lydia Micheals can write that I don't enjoy. She must be multi-talented if she can get me to enjoy a Rom-Com. Because I don't particularly care to read them. At all. I usually find them to be very silly. This book, however, has broken the myth.
CALAMITY RAYNE: GETS A LIFE is one of the most hilariously funny books that I have read in a long time. We meet Rayne, a woman who just turned thirty and in short: a mess! She's indecisive, a tad neurotic, and very socially awkward. Especially, when it comes to men. Deciding that she needs a change in her life and begins with changing careers. Her best friend convinces her to apply for a job as the assistant to a billionaire named Remington Davenport, who is seeking additional help due to an injury. This will expose Rayne to a different type of environment and hopefully get her out of the rut she's been in. After a bunch of "stretched truths" and finessing, Rayne gets the job... which puts her in direct contact with the mogul's gorgeously stoic son, Hale Davenport. Rayne fumbles her way along in her new career and eventually into Hale's sights. The challenge is, can Rayne have both? The man and the career of her dreams?
I laughed non-stop throughout this book. Rayne is a mess but a beautiful mess. I don't think there is a woman who cannot relate to some of the shenanigans that Rayne encounters when pursuing a career and relationship. She is just so damn likeable and relatable. While reading this book, you won't be able to help but literally shout and cheer when she scores a victory then facepalm and groan when her actions result in a hilariously epic fail.
I can't wait to go on to the next book, as this one unfortunately ends in a cliffy! Nevertheless, if you want a good laugh and steamy scenes, this is one to pick up! Well done, Lydia Micheals!
Jack & Sally: What a Finale... Absolutely perfect! 5 Stars!
OMG… What. A. Ride! THE QUEEN OF NIGHTMARES, Book Two of the Nightmare Duet did not disapp Jack & Sally: What a Finale... Absolutely perfect! 5 Stars!
OMG… What. A. Ride! THE QUEEN OF NIGHTMARES, Book Two of the Nightmare Duet did not disappoint. In brief, I loved it!
Book Two of this awesome retelling picks up where THE NIGHTMARE KING left off. Sally is recovering from injuries sustained by The Doctor and since the incident, Jack has become distant. In the aftermath of The Doctor’s arrest, Jack has been caring for Sally’s injuries while wrestling with the guilt of not being there to protect her. Further, Jack is also processing and trying to cope with the loss of his close friend while searching for a replacement VP for the Club . Due to Jack’s distant behavior, Sally has grown insecure and worries about the future of their relationship. She blames herself for bringing her troubles with her to Pumpkin Patch, thus endangering the lives of Jack and members of the Nightmares MC. As if things couldn't possibly get any worse for this couple, a new mole has been discovered within the Club. Sally remains in danger as there are now two threats against her, Jack, and their unborn child.
Between the threats, trying to juggle Club business, saving his town from being taken over by a rival gang and keeping his new family safe, Jack has had to prioritize. In the process, he’s subconsciously pushing Sally away. The true dilemma here is if whether or not Jack’s coldness and lack of emotional support towards Sally will be the “friendly fire” that destroys everything he and Sally have built before any outside entity has the chance.
R. Sullins did such a fantastic job with the development of the main characters throughout this duet. Whereas THE NIGHTMARE KING focused on Sally’s need for the protection of Jack and the Nightmares, THE QUEEN OF NIGHTMARES has Sally taking center stage in the spotlight and her rightful seat at the Head of the table to fight for and protect her family. Sally showed up and showed out in this book and I was here for all of it! Her transformation is epic! Sally goes from a shy, lowly caterpillar… quiet with her head hanging low in an effort not to be seen into this beautiful, translucent butterfly… resilient, assertive, and vigilant. The perfect yin-yang balance between these two characters has been achieved in this second installment of the duet, making Jack and Sally truly unique “couple's goals”.
This entire story was fantastic and one of THE BEST duets that I’ve read in a long time. Both books complement each other perfectly! This is why this author is on my “one-click-buy” list! Don’t walk… RUN and read this duet!!!! I cannot recommend it enough!
R. Sullins has a true gift of creating engaging, relatable characters and weaving a story for them that will take your emotions on a crazy roller coaster ride but deliver you to the sweetest destination. Thank you for writing this brilliant retelling of “The Nightmare Before Christmas” and recreating a real-time version of Jack and Sally that I will never forget.
Dax & Addison: I loved them from the start! 5 Stars!
Another hit from Suzanne Wright! This book was fantastic!
In THE PACT, we meet Addison (Addie Dax & Addison: I loved them from the start! 5 Stars!
Another hit from Suzanne Wright! This book was fantastic!
In THE PACT, we meet Addison (Addie). A savvy businesswoman who owns her own event planning business. Addison comes from a very wealthy family, but she doesn't let it define who she is. In the past, her wealth has been an issue with the men she's dated. Just when she finally thought she had found her HEA, her fiancé passed away and her latest attempt at a relationship ended when her boyfriend returned to his ex-wife. (Boo!)
Addie finds herself still single. She yearns to have a husband and family of her own and the older she gets, the more she feels her dream moving further and further away from her grasp. One fine day, she is contacted by her old flame, the drop-dead sexy, morally gray Daxton Mercier (Dax), a past paramour whom she experienced her first time as well as many other wonderful "firsts". After amicably parting due to Addie's desire to have a family, Dax finds himself ready to commit to a marriage and wants his bride to be Addie. His reasoning? A pact they once made: if they were both single by the time Addie reached 30years of age, they would marry. Dax expects Addie to keep her word and honor the pact.
This was such a fun, spicy read featuring two strong, very likeable characters. We see Dax and Addie transition from a casual fling to close friends to lovers and we readers are fortunate to ride along shotgun for their sensual journey. This was one of the best grumpy/sunshine books I've read in such a long time! I wish it were longer!
The secondary characters were so rich and well-developed, I hope that there will be more wonderful books born from this book. Wonderful read!
It’s a reader’s dream come true to find engaging main characters, a solid plot worthy of said character Rafael & Lexie: WRATH Delivered! 5 Stars!
It’s a reader’s dream come true to find engaging main characters, a solid plot worthy of said characters and for them to possess that undeniable pull towards each other. This euphoric feeling is magnified and extended when a series is born from this “world”, carefully crafted by the author to put you all in your feelings and pulls you in so completely you begin to feel like a part of this world. So much that you never want to leave it.
It’s also the reader’s burden to realize that book series eventually must come to an end. The best we can hope for is to be gifted with a satisfying end. The author, Eva Charles has given us this gift.
WRATH delivers. I LOVED IT!
The final installment of the “Sinful Empire” saga picks up where it left off. WRATH reunites us with power couple, Lexie and Rafael, knee deep in a dangerous investigation inside a sex trafficking ring. The energy in the air is charged and emotions are heightened. All hands are on deck as Rafael is frantically trying to locate Lexie and return her to him safely. All the events which began in PRIDE culminate in WRATH and the duo, along with the reader, finally discover who is behind it all, greatly affecting numerous lives.
This book had it all. OMG, my emotions were all over the place! So, a bit of advice, before you begin... grab a box of tissues (trust me, you'll need those tissues by the end), a hot cup of your favorite brew and hunker down... this one is a ride!
What I love most about Rafael and Lexie is that you have two powerful, strong-willed individuals who are so well-matched, they played off each other effortlessly. I couldn’t have been more wrong in thinking that Rafael and Lexie would be anything like Antonio and Daniella, our supercouple, in books GREED, LUST, and ENVY. Rafael and Lexie were vastly different, in temperament and their actions towards each other. Whereas Daniella eventually found her voice and strength, Lexie appeared to be born with it (no surprise given her upbringing and her powerful father). Antonio was much more emotionally stoic and calculating while Rafael was more impulsive and wore his emotions for Lexie on his sleeve. Brilliant writing on behalf of Ms. Charles. Many authors seem to make this “copy/paste” mistake when spinning off connecting characters from an original series. So not the case here!
Rafael just lets Lexie be Lexie, strong and independent. They faced the challenges presented together even they frustrated the dickens out of each other. The push and pull from Lexie was real. Nevertheless, Rafael flexed that “Alpha” and did not hesitate to display his dominance to keep her safe. Ho boy, the way he loved his “Angel"! I swooned repeatedly throughout the book! Rafael’s sexually commanding dominance over Lexie damn near brought ME to heel and submit just from reading! The spice level will have you fanning yourself and seeking ice-water for relief! The passion is there, and the reader will feel it!
I will not give anything away to what happens but suffice it to say I was stunned. The plot was so well thought out that I honestly didn’t see it coming! I’m not ashamed to say that I cried at the end. It was VERY emotional as these characters finally got the closure they deserved. Especially, Rafael. Who my tears were mostly for.
As the reader embarks on their final departure from Ms. Charles' world in Porto, Portugal. I firmly believe that true fans of this series will be satisfied with the closing of WRATH.
Brava, Ms. Charles! Well done.
On a final note, maybe it’s just me but I just can’t help but feel like while Ms. Charles closed the door on “The Sinful Empire”, she may have intentionally left a window open.
Hmmm… maybe it’s just my silly wishful thinking. ...more
Christian & Leanne: The Retired Player Gets the Sweet Girl! I Love It! 5 Stars
This is one of those books that makes you feel good. I love a swee Christian & Leanne: The Retired Player Gets the Sweet Girl! I Love It! 5 Stars
This is one of those books that makes you feel good. I love a sweet girl who finds her voice and former player who burns his Black Book and shady ways for the love of her! That is exactly what you will find in this book.
Leanne is a sweetheart and a people-pleaser. She doesn't ask for much and just to be accepted, acknowledged and appreciated. Leanne busts her ass for an unappreciative boss who runs her ragged. On a coffee run, she is almost run over by a car where Christian is the passenger. Instantly smitten, Christian wants to know more about the woman who bounced off his car and kept going, despite being almost being ran over. Disgusted when Leanne finds her boyfriend cheated on her, she decides to give Christian a chance after the planets align and they meet again. What develops between them is so sweet and special, you can't help but root for this couple.
This was a very sweet romance with light heat. Just enough but it's not very spicy. (Maybe a 2 out of 5). But the story is amazing and it's a very good palate cleanser to the hard books I have been reading lately. I highly recommend it.
Aton & Ashley: The Logic Behind the Date Was Thin. Nevertheless, They Worked!
Even though the reason need for the fake date was pretty thin, this Aton & Ashley: The Logic Behind the Date Was Thin. Nevertheless, They Worked!
Even though the reason need for the fake date was pretty thin, this story worked.
Aton is a very successful businessman who has made his own way int he world due to a schism between him and his parents. When his brother announces he's getting married, Aton needs to find a date ASAP to avoid the fallout from his mother, who is overly critical of the fact that he has not yet married. Enter: Ashley, a sassy waitress who just found out that her mom has cancer and needs a surgery to aid in saving her life. Ashley turns to a dating agency to work as an escort to raise money for her mother's surgery.
Aton grew on my because I really didn't care for him much until he dropped some of his walls. Ashley was a joy from the very beginning and I enjoyed her candor. They really made a good couple once they lowered their inhibitions. However, the plot was very weak and stretched very thin. It was truly the characters performances that saved this book. I love Weston Parker's books but that needed a stronger reason to support the need for Aton to need an escort. Still, a good read.
**spoiler alert** Ethan & Alexandra: Very Sweet Insta-Love Story
Another hit from "Stuff Your Kindle" Day! I love when these happen because it ex**spoiler alert** Ethan & Alexandra: Very Sweet Insta-Love Story
Another hit from "Stuff Your Kindle" Day! I love when these happen because it exposes the reader to so many talented authors that don't have the pull a lot of mainstream authors have. This one was a hit!
This story is set in New Orleans, LA and here we meet an elderly woman named Evelyn Miller, who has a very interesting family recipe that has been passed down for generations. Gifted with being a "Seer", Evelyn can see the energy around two people and can tell if whether or not they are fated. She chooses to intervene in the lives of her granddaughters to help them find their true mates and live a happy full life together.
Enter: Ethan and her granddaughter, Alexandra (Alle). Both are colleagues in his Pediatric Medical Practice and have worked together for two years. They developed a platonic friendship, her being involved with a rude, controlling political hopeful and him being the consummate bachelor and playboy. Until they were both served some of grandma's special punch! From that point, these two give in to the feelings they managed to keep from the surface... their mutual attraction for one another.
Due to Alle's "entanglement" plays a role in dividing these two. We see Ethan and Alexandra struggle as star-crossed lovers who just want to be together against the odds. This story was very good, and I loved the supernatural feel of the mysterious "hunch-punch". I loved the side characters: Ethan's friend Kellen and Alexandra's sister Gia. However, the story could have used more developing. The scenes were very spicy, and I loved them but, it would have been nice if Ethan and Alle had more "getting to know you" scenes to further solidify their fated bond.
Further, the ending seemed very rushed, and I really didn't buy Roderick's acquiescence at the end of the book as he seemed to just "hand over" Alle after he manipulated her so many times throughout the book. I was hoping that it was Alle's father who had the change of heart and they would grow closer and for it to reconcile his conflict with his daughters. But it didn't happen.
Nevertheless, this story was amazing and I am definitely moving on to the next story because Kellen had my attention and I'm glad to see that we get to see him meet his fated. I definitely recommend this book!
Ehd & “Beh”: An Absolutely Beautiful Love Story! 5 Stars
I had no idea I would love this book so much! I am still wiping the tears from my eyes o Ehd & “Beh”: An Absolutely Beautiful Love Story! 5 Stars
I had no idea I would love this book so much! I am still wiping the tears from my eyes on this one! I cannot say enough happy w much of an enjoyable read this was.
Ehd, is a non-verbal man who the reader presumably lives in primitive times. He lives in a cave, hunts for his food, and wears leathers made from animal hides. The lone survivor of his tribe, Ehd has lived alone for much of his early adulthood and struggled to survive in his own without any other human contact. One day, while checking one of his animal traps, he finds a young woman who wears strange clothing and makes “sounds” from her mouth he doesn’t understand. Believing that he has been gifted a mate, he takes her back to his cave and tries to prove himself to be a worthy mate. Of course, the woman is terrified. From there our story begins!
First to the author, Shay Savage… you are a freaking genius! I cannot imagine how hard it was to write this book from one singular point of view. Having the story told entirely from Ehd’s point of view gave the reader a birds-eye view into the the world according to Ehd. The reader gets to experience everything from the awkward first meeting to their formal introduction and his new mate trying to teach Ehd her name, only for him to finally settle on calling her “Beh”. We felt the frustration from both characters from Ehd’s private thoughts and his descriptions of Beh’s reactions. Quite clever!
Shay Savage gives you an entire love story from an awkward first start to an irrevocably epic finish! I laughed, I cried, I cheered, and I grew frustrated for Ehd and Beh. This book took me through a myriad of emotions and I’m not ashamed to say, I was choked up and bawling my eyes out at the end. Such a warm, entertaining love story, I double dog dare you not to cry!
I cannot recommend this book enough! Remember, this book is written in first person with very little dialogue as Ehd is mute and the story is told from his POV. I simply loved it! I will definitely read more from Shay Savage, as she has proven herself to be a brilliant writer!
Jason & Elena: Internet Love & Office Romance Collide! 5 Stars
Every once in a while, you get a happen upon a book that is not well-known but is Jason & Elena: Internet Love & Office Romance Collide! 5 Stars
Every once in a while, you get a happen upon a book that is not well-known but is clearly a sleeper hit in the literary world. THIS IS THAT BOOK!
Elena, a humble sales rep who works for a company named CROFT, was jilted by her fiancé when he called off the wedding weeks before the ceremony. Seeking a connection and someone to talk to, she logs on to an app called PRIVATELY, where she begins to converse with man on the app nicknamed "Bear". She has an instant connection with Bear, only to find out that Bear is really the new boss who she believes cannot stand her. Jason aka "Bear" has no idea that Elena is the woman he has been chatting with for months before arriving in his new job role. The two have a back and forth before all is revealed and they try to maintain their connection in secret due to a non-fraternization clause in the company.
This book brings out all the cuddly feels. Its a warm, sweet romance that wasn't to easy and came with light drama, even though there were very heavy topics discussed. I LOVED Elena and her sense of humor. There were so many times that I laughed out loud in this book. Her dry wit was refreshing and gave the character more depth. Jason was sexy and devious at the same time. The first quarter of the book, I loved to hate him. He managed to play the villain well as he fought his feelings for Elena but once he admitted them and stopped being a jerk, he was the classic cinnamon roll hero I love.
This was book one of the three brothers and even though Luke's story is next, its Ethan's love story that I can't wait to read. I can't wait to read the rest of the goodies this author has written. I highly recommend KB Cinder's books if you love sweet romance with a bit of humor that's not nauseating or too much. I simply loved this book!
Emma meets Jake while celebrating her birthday and the two end up having a one-night stand. After a Jake & Emma: I Liked Them But, I Needed More
Emma meets Jake while celebrating her birthday and the two end up having a one-night stand. After a passion filled night, six years later, its revealed that Emma is now a Mom of a six-year-old son. Emma relocates to NYC. Having known very little about Jake, she has no idea of his last name or who he is, which is a very successful real estate magnate. Unknowingly, she secures a job at his firm and the reader is left to count down the scenes to which Jake finds out that he fathered a child with Emma, all the while there is a mysterious incident where money has been going missing from the company, which coincides with Emma's hiring and entrance back into Jake's life.
This plot was excellent, but I felt the story really needed something more. The characters needed a little more emotion or depth. I like to root for the main characters, and it seems neither of them elicited much of an emotional pull from me. They had plenty of heat between them, but I expected more conflict than what was presented given the "secret baby" trope. Everything seemed to be packaged pretty neatly and came off a bit artificial. The supportive characters were also a little bland. More emotion from the characters would have made the story richer.
This was a smooth read. If you like your romance with very little drama or conflict and a quick resolution between the MCs, this book will definitely satisfy your thirst!
Adrian/"Thor" & Leia: A Realistic Love Story of Interracial Dating! I Love It!- 5 Stars
Adrian and Leia met at a moment in their lives where they Adrian/"Thor" & Leia: A Realistic Love Story of Interracial Dating! I Love It!- 5 Stars
Adrian and Leia met at a moment in their lives where they were both miserable. He struggled with being newly divorced and she struggled with her desire to have a family of her own. Together, they clicked instantly and pretended for one evening to be the answer to each other's prayers. The spend an amazing night together under the stars. However, the moment ends when Adrian gives Leia the incorrect phone number and she is heartbroken. Fast forward two years and they meet again, face to face and the sparks never really died. They soon find themselves constantly around one another as she is his new nanny, and he is her new professor.
This story, no matter how many "coincidences" it may have been was amazing. As a matter of fact, the "coincidences" are what makes this story unique, as Leia has always been a believer of fate. And it is fate that connects the two of them. I loved how Leia's family was close and kept to the values of her culture and Adrian was determined tot prove his worthiness to her family. I loved how beautiful the relationship was between Leia and his children. It was forced but genuine and the ex-wife drama created just enough angst for the conflict to be believable. Catharina Maura does it again!
This is definitely one of the best feel-good books I've read in a long time. What I love most about her books is that the Heroes are hard yet soft for their loves. I love the interweaving of characters from her other books and the warmness of their stories and interactions make me want to stay in their world forever! Well done!
Silas & Alanna: A True Love That Endures! -5 Stars!
Silas and Alanna met on the saddest day of both their lives, as they each buried a parent. On Silas & Alanna: A True Love That Endures! -5 Stars!
Silas and Alanna met on the saddest day of both their lives, as they each buried a parent. Only teenagers themselves, they established a bond that would continue to put them in each other’s path. Due to separate circumstances beyond either of their control, they both ended up homeless and in a shelter. It was there that they fell in love and struggled to overcome their dire circumstances. Until tragedy struck and Alanna was snatched away from Silas for five years. Silas never stopped searching for Alanna, dedicating his life’s work to finding his lost love.
As fate would have it, Silas and Alanna were able to overcome their unfortunate circumstances and find each other again. However, Alanna has no idea who he is or what they shared. Silas tries to rebuild what they shared as others try to tear them apart.
This was one of the sweetest, throughly-satisfying love stories that I have read in a long time. Silas will steal your heart as he does everything in his power to reclaim the love he lost and Alanna was make you cry as you feel her pain of enduring so much strife and trying to rebuild her life with no memories to base her feelings for Silas on. This book will definitely put you all in your feelings and emotions! A satisfying reunion delivers the sweet HEA that both of these beautiful characters deserve! One of the best romances I’ve ever read and definitely a new favorite!
Ares & Raven: Such a Sweet Couple and Romance! - 5 Stars
Ares and Raven come from two wealthy families and are betrothed to one another to comple Ares & Raven: Such a Sweet Couple and Romance! - 5 Stars
Ares and Raven come from two wealthy families and are betrothed to one another to complete a family merger. Shenanigans ensue and Ares ends up dating and engaged to Raven's sister, Hannah. Raven has always been in love with Ares but accepted his choice. When Hannah has cold feet for the 3rd time, she abruptly ends it with Ares and puts a halt on the merger and Ares receiving his inheritance. To prevent the hiccup in plans, Raven marries Ares and her dreams have finally come true. But, Hannah apparently is not going to accept this new development and proceeds to cause a wedge in the happy couple's relationship.
If one of your triggers is "owd" (other woman drama), then this isn't the story for you. But if you enjoy unrequited love and two people who fight their true feelings for each other for the sake of decency until they finally give in, then you will love this story! I felt Raven's pain and being the family outcast and her insecurities. Ares, surprisingly, didn't get on my nerves. He did everything he could to prove his dedication to Raven, even during the drama from Hannah. The ending was very satisfying, and I look forward to reading the next installment of this Windsor family series.
Nick & Sadie: Sweet Retelling of Beauty and the Beast
Sadie is all alone at Christmas, refusing to spend another Christmas being pitied by her fr Nick & Sadie: Sweet Retelling of Beauty and the Beast
Sadie is all alone at Christmas, refusing to spend another Christmas being pitied by her friends, she answers an ad by a little old lady named Lucy in Colorado who also is spending the holidays alone and she flies to spend the holidays with her. Little does Sadie know that Lucy has formulated a plan for Sadie to spend the holidays with her disfigured son, Nick who is also alone. The magic begins when Nick and Sadie are snowed in together during a blizzard.
This is a very sweet love story where both characters help the other one heal from their separate bout of loneliness. Nick helps Sadie get over her parent's death and Sadie helps Nick to accept himself as beautiful despite his physical scars. This was a very heart-warming story that is the perfect book to read close to the holidays or a rainy day spent inside. I highly recommend!
Cooper & Meghan: A beautiful courtship, but there were a few missteps
Cooper was smitten at first glance. The moment he laid eyes on Meghan, the Cooper & Meghan: A beautiful courtship, but there were a few missteps
Cooper was smitten at first glance. The moment he laid eyes on Meghan, the woman applying for the job as his assistant. The attraction was mutual. After a crazy night together, they both agree to keep things strictly professional. If only they could keep their hands off one another!
I really enjoyed this book. One of the main reasons why I enjoyed it was because we mostly got to see the "falling in love" POV from the Hero's perspective. It was refreshing not being inside the heroine's head for most of the book and experience how it is when the hero falls in love first. Cooper was so adorable with his possessive nature towards Meghan. Meghan was very likeable and sweet. It was easy to root for her and them as a couple.
However, there were a few issues that didn't make sense and foreshadowing of the main characters that were revealed but never really addressed by the books end.
First, the author pointed out that Meghan dressed in baggy clothes and very conservative due to something that occurred in her past. However, the reason why was never brought out or addressed in the book. Furthermore, Meghan started dressing very provocatively at work and when going out with her gal pal, even though she felt uncomfortable with the clothes and the attention. When did that change? The explanation of "my friend made me wear it" was lame and thin. This was the excuse constantly used and it seemed to be a reach as far as I'm concerned.
Cooper appeared to have a valid gripe against his father and the fact that his dad was unfaithful to his mother. What I don't understand is that if he had such a problem with his father and loathed him like he said, why would he accept a company from him to run? Again, the logic here is paper thin.
There were also huge gaps in their story where we jumped from present time to two months later, then seven months later, then a year later, then 18 months later... I felt like I was in some sort of TARDIS, quantum leaping through time. It was too much to be crammed into one book and an editor should have caught this. Nevertheless, I'm not mad at the book and the plot was excellent. This just could have been better with proper editing.
Vincent & Sasha: Vegas Tryst Turned into True Love
Sasha meets Vincent on a business trip in Vegas. After Vincent saves Sasha from a unwanted gen Vincent & Sasha: Vegas Tryst Turned into True Love
Sasha meets Vincent on a business trip in Vegas. After Vincent saves Sasha from a unwanted gent, she and Vincent spend a wonderful evening at the bar talking which ends up turning into a one-night stand. However, it doesn't end there because as luck would have it, Vincent is now her new boss, the infamous Mr. Sin, the son of a deceased mob boss whose business ventures are now on the straight and narrow. Sasha chooses to keep the affair a secret from fear of losing her job for fraternizing.
This book was just OK. Vincent started out as a real jerk, but he ended up being a rather nice guy. Giving him a daughter in the book really did a lot to soften him. However, the threat against Sasha's safety was a bit of a reach for me. I think the dark moment could have been a little more developed and the conflict between the two could have been a bit deeper. As I said before, this book is just OK.
As part of a series, I may read the second book featuring Angelo. I was really intrigued by his character, If you're looking for this type of protective behavior from a hero and a spirited heroine, this book should suffice.