I adore Sara Cate and I was/am really looking forward to this new series from her. Keep Me was a great start to the Sinful Manor series and I can't waI adore Sara Cate and I was/am really looking forward to this new series from her. Keep Me was a great start to the Sinful Manor series and I can't wait to see what the next occupants of the Barclay home will get up to.
I will keep this review real simple with 3 things I liked and 2 that I didn't:
I liked the setting, of course! I'm always up for going to Scotland for a romp. It's always such a wonderful place for romance.
I loved Killian and Sylvie. They were a great couple. The hate to love felt a tad over the top at first, however, it does make sense as we get to know their own personal trauma and what bothers them.
Finally, I really enjoyed their growing connection and how they found ways to support each other. Their selfish desires turned to trying to better each other's lives and that was beautiful to see.
A few things I didn't care for:
I feel like I missed the tipping point that drove Killian and Sylvie into love... Maybe some of it got cut? Like, I know we are covering a year of their lives in the manor, but I feel like we missed more that I needed to see.
And I do feel like the kink was played a little safe... We were teased with some really sexy things and there were some... I just expect a bit more pizazz from Sara Cate I guess.
Overall, this was a really enjoyable story and I can't wait for more. I read a physical copy AND I was blessed with an ALC which was narrated by Will Watt & Kelli Tager. A wonderful performance by Watt, and Tager had a solid showing, if a off in her Scottish performance.
4 stars 3 on the spice scale
CW: parental neglect, PTSD, death, agoraphobia, alcoholism, elements of BDSM
*Thank you to Dreamscape Media, Sourcebooks Casablanca, and Sara Cate for early copies of this book.*...more
I knew I was going to love Evelyn and Ivan yet I was still unprepared for theReread in Dec 2024 for my Favorites. . . .
Why is Julia Wolf just the BEST?!
I knew I was going to love Evelyn and Ivan yet I was still unprepared for the new level of swoon that J. Wolf brought to this story. There was something electric between these two, yet their romance was sweet and patient and beautiful. It didn't feel rushed even though I was being edged so hard for more to happen. Haha! It was just perfect.
I can't speak to Evelyn's character from personal experience so take my thoughts with a grain of salt but I was deeply moved by her characterization. Her divergences are very clearly there and felt so real to me. I loved Ivan saw her for who she was and loved every bit of her. He didn't need time to sort it out, he zeroed in on the girl he wanted and waited for his chance... even when previous events get in his way.
I loved that swimming was a sport and it was something they could share. In this whole series I've loved seeing the couples able to share their passions with some less represented sports and activities. It represents Evelyn's biggest challenges and some of her best moments. The bullying she endures to do the sport she loves broke my heart. It was hard to watch sometimes but her reasoning made sense for what she's been through before.
Ivan also has some struggles he's fighting and he's being pulled in so many directions by his obligations to his father. Trying to juggle it all.. Evelyn is a bright spot and a joy to him. I loved seeing how different he was with her. And his patience with their physical relationship was just.. ugh... it was SO HOT..
All of this together plus our great side characters from previous books made this a favorite of the year for me. This series has been such a great time. I wish more people would give it a try. I look forward to whatever J. Wolf does next.
For real though, he was everything. The prince charming that all single, pregnant mom's deserve. He steps up when he doesCan I get me a Billy Babcock?
For real though, he was everything. The prince charming that all single, pregnant mom's deserve. He steps up when he doesn't have to and becomes a rock and best friend to Roxy. It was so beautiful to see. Even when he messed up sometimes, he just loved her so well and made her feel so supported through her pregnancy.
Roxy is a tough cookie and I felt so bad for her that the baby daddy that knocked her up is a complete dog. But thank goodness he is because that leaves room for Billy to show he WILL be there. She also has great parents, even if her dad is a bit of a jerk at first. He truly cares about his little girl and gets on board real quick. He keeps Billy on his toes too.
This was a pretty domestic book for being a New Adult type romance. We see a good amount of pregnancy and the struggles of new parents in college and trying to survive all the pressures of life. I love this kind of thing though. There's something so beautiful in watching 2 people become parents. It warms my heart.
I love "not his baby" romances because it shows how biological relations are only as important as we make them. Billy doesn't have to do any of what he does. He liked Roxy, sure, but no one would have blamed him if they just stayed friends. Only, there's no way he's gonna miss this chance. It was beautiful.
Sure there are some insecurities for them both but for a story that was just so smooth up until then, we needed to test them just a bit. To really show they will work things out.
I will say, this did feel a bit too long, but I loved all the characters so much, so it was worth it. I can't wait to read the next couple. A single dad and his nanny, perhaps?
Sully Rivas blackmails his high school enemy, Theo Mahoney, into fake dating him to help convince her boss to buy a piece of land from him. Why does hSully Rivas blackmails his high school enemy, Theo Mahoney, into fake dating him to help convince her boss to buy a piece of land from him. Why does he need her help? Well, you'll see.
I honestly, truly, deeply adored this romance. I identify with so many aspects of BOTH Sully and Theo. They might not hit for everyone else quite the same, but they were right on the money for me. I was surprised how deeply personal I found this story.
This was well paced, had great tension, and fleshed out the characters to a lovely degree. I couldn't put it down, yet I never wanted it to end.
I fell completely at love with the Rivas men. A family that is broken and barely holding on in some ways but still has so much LOVE. There wasn't resentment or anger... even in their heartbreak... they just needed a little push to get them on track again. And I have my eye on the Sr. Rivas man (Merrick) he's gonna be my favorite, I know it.
Theo brings that push to them when she is forced to move in with her "fake" boyfriend because her apartment is getting fumigation. She isn't expecting how good it will feel to be there or how great their kitchen is! ...more
Reread in Jan 2025 for Patreon . . . I can't quite explain how much comfort I find in this special little dystopian series. Should I find the end of the Reread in Jan 2025 for Patreon . . . I can't quite explain how much comfort I find in this special little dystopian series. Should I find the end of the world comforting? Probably not. But here we are. I know that's not what everyone is looking for when they pick up a book about the apocalypse, yet the Kindled series has become my escape in so many ways.
Okay, onward to this book.
Homestead read like a Historical Romance to me. A Marriage/partnership of convenience where both parties have something the other one needs and they team up to offer it. Also with the added benefit of very few modern conveniences. If you aren't a frequent HR reader, have no fear, it's just the impressions I got and I liked that. That transactional element that brings so many couples together in books by this author is something I love to read.
Chloe has only had her grandfather to count on for 9 long years and the first time they venture off their safe place, her grandfather is killed and she is now at the mercy of strangers. She's willing to work hard, keep her head down, and even cohabitate with Jimmy for survival.
When Jimmy offers for her to live and be with him at his small farm, Chloe doesn't need to overthink it. It's the best outcome she can hope for. All the emotional and physical aspects are very foreign to her but she'll do what she thinks is expected of her.
Jimmy is a quiet, gruff, yet kind man and I loved watching the small things he would do to care for Chloe. Yes, he could express himself more but what fun would that be?
There were also some background maneuvering in this world that seem to be rearing their heads. What is happening with the Wolf Packs? What new dangers have evolved in this world? I look forward to what's happening next, even if I'm scared.
Beacon is up next and it is the long awaited love story of Mack and Anna. Since I first read Last Light, I have wanted their story. But I do hope they won't be the end of this world, so fingers crossed that Claire Kent gets inspired for more.
I'd be so sad to lose my comforting dystopian world.
I knew I was gonna find a whole new appreciation for this story when I listened to it. Stel*Reread in Oct 2024 and listened to the audio.
Audio Review:
I knew I was gonna find a whole new appreciation for this story when I listened to it. Stella Hunter and Jack Hesperus were a master pair in their performances, the duet style was a wonderful way to do this chilling story. Frankie and her men come alive in a new way, each character voice was carefully crafted and performed to perfection.
Jack especially had a tall order, with 5 unique men to inhabit. He made them each distinct but also, how many different kinds of "growls" can you do? Well, he found a way to do that. And Stella had me aching for Frankie and every situation she found herself in. It was hard to listen to some of this, even more painful than reading it for myself.
I was truly impressed and I wish I could give it 6 Stars. I can't wait to listen to the other ones as well. . . . *Reread in August 2024 to prepare for book 3. I'm upping my rating to 6 stars. It's just SO good!* . . .
*Original Review*
Reading new words from Pam Godwin after so long was an absolute thrill. I am not kidding when I say I would walk over broken glass for new stories from her, so I was in Heaven just opening the first page.
Only to promptly fall into this twisted Hell of remote Alaska with Frankie and the strangers she finds herself face to face with each day. She's kidnapped, dr*gged, and removed from everything she knows. With no escape, no way to call for help, and secrets all around. She has no one to rely on except herself.
Listen ya'll, I don't know how to review this book for you without spoilers. So I'm just going to say that there are some characters I would do anything for and some that deserve the most painful kind of ending that you can dream up. My emotions were all over the place and I didn't know who to trust.
I can honestly say I've never read a story quite like this one.
When I got to a certain point, I had a tiny hunch what *might* be going on, but I quickly shrugged it off. That can't be it, could it?
Yes ma'am. Yes it could.
You will be shocked, horrified and morbidly riveted for a good portion of this story and then.. then she'll leave you on a cliffhanger and peace out. But dang... I am hyped for Cage of Ice and Echoes.
My final comment is that: yes, she does have 2 levels of TWs available for readers. One with general non-spoilery ones and another with the BIG ones. Everything short of c@nnibalism is fair game. I cannot say this STRONGLY enough. If you are a Dark Romance lover and you genuinely can handle anything... I highly, HIGHLY, recommend you don't look. The impact will be even better if you just let it ride. I'm not your mama, I'm just saying, you know if you're a DR reader what you can handle. A lot of us look just because we want a peek at some spoilers (guilty!!), but I promise you... nothing Pam does is gratuitous or just to shock you. It's deeply rooted in the secrets of this story and you don't want to rob yourself.
If you are someone who gets truly triggered by Dark Romance elements.. this book is NOT for you. Go find a nice Mafia Romance or Serial K*lling couple. But if you're ready for something unlike anything else..
Take a leap and dive in. HOSS is waiting with all it's secrets and you'll want to discover it along with Frankie.
I bow before your brilliance, Pam Godwin. ALL HAIL MY DARK ROMANCE QUEEN.
5 Stars 4 on the spice scale
CW... she has a whole list on her website. Too many to list.. Also, remember, this does not have an HFN/HEA. This is a true trilogy with cliffhangers after the first 2 books but Book 3 will have an HEA.
A more in depth review is on my Youtube Channel: The Book Refuge....more
Another stunning and moving romance from AL Jackson!
Ezra and Savannah get off to a rough start but the sparks are there right away. His heart is closeAnother stunning and moving romance from AL Jackson!
Ezra and Savannah get off to a rough start but the sparks are there right away. His heart is closed off and he only has room for his babies and she's in town to find her sister. She has also been burned by everyone she's ever known. There is no trust in her.
But Time River has a wonderful community and Savannah can't help but be drawn in. She may be hesitant to reach out for help but that can only last so long. They both have pretty heavy pasts and secrets that their souls carry. So getting to that point is going to take some work. Through love and time those walls can be broken down. When you're meant to be together, things will work out.
Some other things to look forward to: -adorable twins and a sweet little girl -close proximity (she stays in his guesthouse) -He falls first -A mystery to solve -teasing with toys....
I listened to an ALC and the performances of Zachary Webber and Desiree Ketchum were brilliant. They performed the author's words so well. I personally believe audio is the best way to experience this author's works. There is a lyrical, poetic quality that needs to be soaked up.
4.5 stars 3 on the spice scale
CW: drug use, sex trafficking, Childhood SA, SA, mental health struggles...more
This series came as an awesome surprise earlier this year with Wild For You. I hadn't read a Kristen Proby novel in many years, but Romance BookstagraThis series came as an awesome surprise earlier this year with Wild For You. I hadn't read a Kristen Proby novel in many years, but Romance Bookstagram was all a flutter and I couldn't help but dive in. After enjoying that first entry so much, I couldn't wait to see what Chasing Wild had to say.
I was not disappointed.
Summer and Chase had me smiling and blushing through my whole trip back from Iowa to North Dakota today. It was a wonderful way to spend a drive. Caught up with the small town of Bitterroot Valley and all it's crew had me hooked.
I loved seeing how things were progressing for Erin and Remi as well, a big part of this novel is helping with the wedding, as Summer is a florist and is involved in a lot of events. I just loved the cozy vibe of it all.
This was a friends to lovers, it's about time we date, why-have-we-waited-so-long-when-everyone-knows-we're-perfect-for-each-other type of story. Haha! Which was a really nice change. While there of course is some suspense thrown in to keep us on our toes and to get Chase and Summer close to each other at first, it was just a pleasant romance to watch.
You can read this one as a standalone, but especially since they are working on the wedding of the couple from Book 1, I recommend you start there.
This was wonderfully performed by Stella Hunter and the delightfully growly Connor Crais. The narration was full-bodied and engaging the whole way through. I gobbled this whole story down in one sitting this weekend.
4.5 stars 3 on the spice scale
*Thank you to Must Love Audio & Kristen Proby for an ALC of this title.*...more
Love this series and seeing this family get their HEAs.
A solid take on a bodyguard romance. I enjoyed watching Louisa work through her previous challeLove this series and seeing this family get their HEAs.
A solid take on a bodyguard romance. I enjoyed watching Louisa work through her previous challenges and show Caleb who she is now. Through her embarrassment and attraction to him, they muddle their way to an HEA.
I think Noelle Adams is able to make the most of natural awkwardness that comes from an awareness to the person we like. While we can see inside Louisa's head, we can still infer some things from Caleb's actions.
It was a very sweet story, as always, and I had all the warm and fuzzies for them when I was finished. I am really looking forward to the next one. It's the whole reason I jumped on this series.
**spoiler alert** All I'll say is... there was no romance to be found here.
You could argue it's because this is only part 1 of a duet but I still fou**spoiler alert** All I'll say is... there was no romance to be found here.
You could argue it's because this is only part 1 of a duet but I still found little here to urge me to continue. I can get behind an ass-hole hero, but I'd still like some tiny reasons why I should like him. Dax just felt nasty and I had a knot in my gut whenever he was manipulating Ivy. I didn't have the forbidden tingle that usually comes with a Dark Romance for me. I just wanted Ivy to run.
And speaking of Ivy.. there's naive, and then there is just stupid. If you decide to trust a "sexy" billionaire over your wonderful father after 48-hours.... you deserve what's coming to you. I might have felt different if Dax had worked on her over multiple weeks or months before making his move.. but it was like the timeline was on steroids... why did it have to be? He could have flirted and wooed and made her trust him.. but it just felt like he went too hard too fast and she fell for every single lie.. He didn't have to work for it at all, which just made Ivy feel pathetic.. there was no one to root for.
I'm sure there will be revenge for Ivy and a "come to Jesus" moment for Dax in book 2 but I didn't connect with these two enough to care. So I'm going to bow out here.
Finally, I just have to say that I found the group scene extremely predatory.. I know Dax was coercing Ivy into it.. but it just felt icky and I didn't appreciate it. It didn't feel sexy because Ivy wasn't enjoying it. Every single sex scene was her bending to his will, and if there's never a scene where SHE wants it.. not one... then there's nothing to have me desiring more.
I would have liked to see Ivy maybe be reluctant but then eventually LIKE what's happening. Then she can feel guilty about liking it and slowly fall into it more and more... There was just none of that. And with the tease for book 2 showing she becomes a "sex addict" now.. That makes no fucking sense. What did she even like about sex to become addicted.
Anyway.. I could rant for pages and pages but I'll stop now.
Heed the content and trigger warnings. And if you're not prepared to not like anyone in this story... just skip it. You'll save yourself some frustration.
I truly have loved this author for years but I'm just not into these recent releases where the heroes feel "mean". Dark Romance doesn't have to feel like that. The hero doesn't have to be evil for it to be Dark Romance. I need someone to root for.. Until I feel that, It's a no from me.
2 stars 5 on the spice scale
CW: Coercion, public sex, anal, group sex (coerced), Coerced same sex situations, manipulative hero, drugging, unwanted recording of sexual situations...more
I was honored to read this newest release from Ally Marr. This first book in a new k!nky series is sure to grab your attention and keep you engrossed I was honored to read this newest release from Ally Marr. This first book in a new k!nky series is sure to grab your attention and keep you engrossed the whole way through.
I really enjoyed this peek into Iris and David's marriage and their dynamic. They have been together for decades and things have gotten a little too routine in their bedroom play. When they agree to a more extreme type of play that pushes their trust in each other... it leads to some tough moments but also shows them why they do what they do. You don't live a 24/7 dynamic for decades just because. There has to be a soul deep connection and faith in both D and s.
This story really pushed me. I thought I knew what edging could be but I've never seen it like this. I know not everyone is going to want to dive into certain k!nks but I think readers who like exploring dynamics and experiencing things they wouldn't normally gravitate to will find this beautiful.
I left this novella feeling very happy for David and Iris and the loving marriage they have. While this wasn't a "marriage in trouble" (there's never a fear they are going to break up), it was a good look at how a marriage AND a dynmaic can evolve and shift to be what they need at that time. Also gaining a new appreciation for your spouse. It just so happens to be collared in k!nk!
I can't wait to see what other situations the k!nkotica series will bring us.
5 stars 5 on the spice scale
CW: While there aren't really "triggers" in my opinion, the author does have an extensive list of content in the beginning of the book so you can decide if you feel comfortable.
A few of my favorites are: pegging, CNC, public play, and somnophilia. :) Those always get me excited....more
No one does an Enemies to Lovers quite like Jagger Cole. There's just something visceral that hits you at a gut level. Just when I almost can't handleNo one does an Enemies to Lovers quite like Jagger Cole. There's just something visceral that hits you at a gut level. Just when I almost can't handle it.. the dam breaks and lust explodes and we kick it into another gear.
This book starts in a stunning way. Our heroine, Eloise is married to a manipulative, yet powerful man. It may be a farce of a marriage that she was forced into but she is still forced to dance to his tune or pay the consequences.
She is forced by that husband to work with Alistair at his law firm. That is a bit inconvenient, since they both loathe each other for things that went down in their past.
So let the games begin because Alistair has some grievances to work out against Eloise and he's not gonna make it easy for her. He wants her gone and he definitely doesn't want to admit that he still feels an attraction for her. They are fire on gasoline and the flames are getting higher all the time.
This was a wild ride and I read it all in one sitting. I do feel like again, the heroes in recent books have been mostly all one note. Pissed off. I still was addicted to it and gobbled it up.. but I felt a tad unsatisfied with how the ending was rushed.
4 stars 3.5 on the spice scale
CW: abuse, miscarriage (in the past), threat of assault...more
I loved this duet so much! The Men of the Falls are going high up on my top Mafia recommendations after this.
I knew I was gonna love watching Roman faI loved this duet so much! The Men of the Falls are going high up on my top Mafia recommendations after this.
I knew I was gonna love watching Roman fall in love. Especially after all the crap he gave Aldo when he fell. It's just too delicious. Watching a tough, show-no-feelings man lose his heart to a darling of a lady.
However, first we start with some tragedy and betrayal. Effie gets betrayed by her sister, Marianne, who owes Roman some money, and he is not giving her an inch. She gets desperate and sells her sister to some of Roman's rivals for the money to pay him off. This does not sit well with Roman and he makes it his mission to make it right, no matter what enemies he makes in the process.
Effie finds herself kidnapped. First by the lowlifes that Marianne sends her to, and then by Roman.. who keeps her for her own good. So sparks fly when she wants to get back to her life, but Roman just can't let this compelling little spitfire go.
It was a battle of wills that quickly turns to steamy tension and boils over into a love that is going to change Roman and Effie forever. It was just such a fun ride. It was a tad bit broodier and darker than Aldo was, but still has than softer feel that I like now and then in my Mafia Romance.
Also, I listened to this on audio and John Lane and Maxine Mitchell does a wonderful job. As always.
I highly recommend this duet and I hope Melanie Moreland writes more books in this world.
I don't know what I was expecting from this novel. I have previously only read Small Town Romance from this aReread with Audio Book . . .
I adored this.
I don't know what I was expecting from this novel. I have previously only read Small Town Romance from this author but I always enjoy a Mafia tale, so I was game. I was pleasantly rewarded with this romance between Aldo and Violet.
I found this romance to be a perfect balance of darkness and sweetness. I just found Aldo so endearing! His desire for Violet is a palpable thing and it brings out his protectiveness and wariness. Because he's never wanted a woman for more than the physical before. That is my favorite thing ever.
I really liked Violet and I loved how she didn't let life get her down. She may be starting from the bottom, in a new city, but she is a hard worker and she takes no crap. She made me laugh and she didn't take things too seriously but she was also strong and didn't get discouraged.
As the attraction between them grows, Violet keeps waiting for Aldo to make a move. She's not going to let him deny them both the pleasure she knows they can find. The little games they end up playing with each other were delightful and had me kicking my feet.
There was just a little bit of suspense and some situations that remind us we are in an organized crime romance. Yet it wasn't heavy handed and kept the book moving. At the end of the day I was here for Aldo and Violet and it kept the focus there.
This book got right to the point and didn't drag things out. It really reminded me of the Perfectly Imperfect series by Neva Altaj and I would recommend this to lovers of that series. I look forward to Roman's book coming soon.
I was so ready to see what Shane and Diana had for us. I will say, I was on the back foot for a minute when I learneBack to the Campus Diaries we go!
I was so ready to see what Shane and Diana had for us. I will say, I was on the back foot for a minute when I learned this duo wasn't directly the second generation of our original couples... Instead Shane and Diana are best friends of Gigi and Ryder who end up as neighbors. However...
I loved these two so much. I needn't have worried because Elle Kennedy came through. In pretty much every way. In banter, spice, heart, and love. It was an absolute joy. I'm glad I didn't rush through this one and took my time, not only because it'll be awhile for the next book but also because this was worth savoring.
I loved how Diana was right on the edge of being too much but her soft center and determination to be herself came through. Also, Shane loves her sass and if she gave him an easy time they wouldn't be half as much fun. Once she went all in with him she won my heart completely. I really felt for her with her ex-boyfriend situation and my heart really went out to her as she tried to deal with it on her own.
Shane was just great. It was cool to see a man dealing with being dumped, I know that sounds strange. But I did understand why he was hooking up a lot AND why he realized it wasn't for him. He's a Girlfriend guy, as he puts it, and I like as he comes to that realization. And while his relationship with Diana starts as Fake and then Friends With Benefits... it's clear how much he admires her right from the start. He is committed to respecting her and sharing more pleasure than they can handle.
And BOY was this STEAMY. haha! It wasn't over the top, but each scene they have is de-licious and full of passion and heart. They explored with each other and the openness was refreshing.
Finally, the 3rd Act really hit me. There were a few very hard things we had to deal with. It was not a break up, it was real life, hard things. Which honestly hurt the most. It gave Shane and Diana a chance to show their commitment and love for each other. I believe they will last the test of time because of it.
So yeah, this was great! I can't wait for the next one!