Chain Reaction by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This series is really good. I really like going deeper into the vibrant world created by the author. The story grabs your attention and takes you on a wild ride with many different twists and turns. I like reading books that surprise me and this novel did just that. I look forward to reading more from this author.
Imperfectly Yours by Anise Storm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
An emotional roller coaster but worth every minute. Had me in tears at parts. Elsa does not know how to deal with the loss she has just encountered and turns to drink and drugs and she pushes jer boyfriend Anton away when he loves her more than anything, but can long distance really work for that long he is hollywoods latest heartthrob and everyone wants a piece of him. Can they come back together and have their happily ever after they both long for.
Sinful Vow by Emily Bowie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5/5 Stars
Sinful Vow (Dark Mafia Sins #1) by Emily Bowie
This isn’t the first book I’ve read by the author. The author has once again proved that she is good at what she does. Sinful Vow is the first book in the Dark Mafia Sins Series.
Luca is the adoptive son of the Rossi’s and he’s looking for revenge. When a meek girl catches him leaving a warehouse after shooting someone he becomes intrigued. He feels it deep in his chest when she’s in trouble and races to save her each time. The quote I chose for Luca is: “It’s not to keep you a prisoner but to keep you safe. I have some work still to do, but I will be coming to bed tonight. We might as well get used to sleeping in the same bed, as we will be doing that for the rest of our lives.”
Aly is the only daughter of her father, but isn’t involved with the family. She is well protected, but she’s also looked down on because she’s a child from the mistress. When she is arranged to marry someone her saviour comes to the rescue. The quote I chose for Aly is: “I’m sorry for everything, Luca. I don’t know why I accepted the poison from my father. You have to believe me that I would never use it to hurt you or anyone in your family. You have to believe me that I love you.”
Highly recommended for Dark Mafia lovers.
Savage Secrets by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Each book in the Mafia Elite series just gets better and better! Savage Secrets is the fourth installment to this Mafia series, and follows Elena and Marco on their journey to love. Elena has been on the run from the Bratva mafia for years when her cover is blown and Marco swoops in to save her. The two of them have a strained past, but have always had a thing for each other which makes this book so much more riveting. This is such an exciting read, that will leave you wanting more!
Face the Fire by Michele Sims
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the fifth book in the Moore Family Saga. I have never read the previous books but boy do I plan to. Who doesn’t like a story of deep love, the importance of family, and the ins and outs of the music industry and the ability of having special secret powers? You instantly get swept up into this story and are yearning to keep reading because you just need to know what is going to happen. There are twists and turns in every chapter. Definitely a page turner and must read!
Wild Hare’s Daughter by Laura Koerber
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Amy isn’t normal, a quality she believes is inherited from her absentee-biological-father. This wouldn’t be a bad thing, if being considered ‘magical’ wasn’t a bad thing, and the risk of exposure was small… But after a prions break, thought to be the work of a magical militia, Amy realizes she needs answers as her abilities begin to unexpectedly manifest. I liked how the story was written from two perspectives, Amy and Bobby, because of how well-defined their characters were. This dystopian world drew me in from the start, thanks to the vivid descriptions and complex characters, and held my attention throughout.
The View from Here by Leon Stevens
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a quick sci-fi novella that will have you wondering at the possibilities of life outside of our current realm of understanding. We see a different view of life you’d never imagine otherwise, as two hikers meet in what seems to be another world. I enjoyed how different this novella was from the usual sci-fi where other worlds are involved and how the two main characters were able to bridge the age gap and work well together to explore some of that world. The new place Thomas and April find not only intrigues them, but tests their combined survival skills during their exploration, and brings the two together in an easy friendship. This novella does feel like it could be a prequel to what I think could be a promising sci-fi series.
Sinful Vow by Emily Bowie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Push pull push pull, that’s the best way to explain the dynamic between Aly and Luca! Sinful Vow flirts with the Romeo & Juliet Themes. Mafia families that are at war with each other. An outcast of a daughter from one and an adopted son from another will never admit their true desires for each other.
I love how Luca shows his colors early that he cares though Aly doesn’t realize it. He’s always watching and looking out for her. He may be mean and standoffish to make her feel otherwise but he cares. Does matter if she’s the enemy’s estranged daughter.
Till one day tragedy strikes and dear old dad decides to marry her off. Luca can’t have that so he goes all in for what’s his.
Does it work out?
Does it make the war worse?
How does dear old dad react?
You will have to just check it out. Well written and good character development, will cause you to get sucked in.
Shake Loose the Border by Andrea Matthews
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Shake Loose The Border (Thunder On The Moor series book 3) by Andrea Matthews
Review by Susan Ratchford
5 stars
Lovers Maggie Armstrong and Will Foster have fought border reivers, their own families, and even the dreaded gallows to protect their forbidden love.It seems as though they may finally have there happily ever after until they stumble upon Johnnie Hetherington’s body found brutally murdered close to their home a week before they are to be wed. Will and the rest of his family are ruled out and the wedding proceeds. Only then do the Armstrong’s attack in force determined to bring Maggie back to them whatever the consequences. Fearing for Maggie’s life, Will implores Dylan to get her to safety. Even if it means taking her 450 years into the future back to her own time, while leaving his own love Annie in the process. With a degrading amulet and two broken hearts will either of them ever see their true love again?
This series just keeps getting better, Andrea Matthews has done it again! I really loved the mystery aspect included in this installment. I think it was really cool seeing almost a side by side comparison of the sixteenth and twentieth centuries. It makes you realize how different things were back then and makes you wonder what lengths you would go for your own love. There were so many moments in this book that had me excitedly gasping and nervously biting my nails! The characters are so well written I could feel each one of their emotions like they were my own. I feel the NEED for Maggie and Will to have a happy end! I also felt there was a message of non toxic relationships and getting through traumas with love and support from those you choose to love. Another wonderful read!!! Definitely recommend!
Wildcat: A Steamy Firefighter Romance by alyce
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Leslie McClunis just wanted a one night stand, Trevor Hampton, caught off guard decides to go along for the ride. The next morning Trevor realizes he wants more than just that one night but Leslie is no where to be found. A letter and a little snooping later Trevor is heading to Firehouse 15 hoping to see her. When he arrives, it does not go unnoticed. Turns out Trevor is the Pro home teams star defensive end. But Leslie was not the only one in for a surprise. Trevor thought Leslie was support staff turns our she is a firefighter. Both do not want the distraction the other will create yet they continuously find them selves pulled together. Will they get there happily ever after?
I felt the story was well written and it kept my interest through out. The characters keep you engaged and making it worth a read.
Born in Darkness by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Born in Darkness tells the story of Stefano Rossi and Emiliana Vitale. Emiliana has some serious trauma in her past, in no small part because of human trafficking. Stefano has trauma of his own to try and heal from, both from rescuing Emiliana years before, and the hell that was his childhood. The two have been friends since childhood, but both have always wanted more. Stefano keeps Em at arm’s length to try and protect her from the monster that is his own father. Em is afraid that some wounds may never truly heal from her past, though she is more than willing to try and find out. While the pair, and the other bosses and their significant others, try to figure out where the rat in the family is, they must work together and be very careful, and think five steps ahead of their enemies to try and save themselves, their friends and family, and everything they’ve ever known. This book has just the right amount of suspense, romance, intrigue and twists to keep you guessing until the reveals.
Exiled South by Harriet Cannon
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This was definitely different than the books I’ve been reading lately. The woven history and surprises on the international front were inventive. Lizbeth’s character development was good but I would have liked to see a little more learning on her behalf but it was interesting to watch how she faces the impossible things she was faced with. I would have liked to see more of the present day and some of the story felt scattered to me. I did find the story interesting but could see where this could have been made a series so some areas could be deepened.
Savage Secrets by Amy McKinley
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Being the 4th in the series, I would have liked to have read the prior books for the backstory on those characters. This mafia sub genre is not one that I normally read but I did enjoy the intensity between the characters. I’ve read other books by this author and I appreciate the way she connects her themes and advances the plot line- this book was no exception. The chemistry between Elena and Marco was good but I think I would have been more invested if I read the others first.
Sinful Vow by Emily Bowie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Wow where to start with this story. It is action packed adventure, steamy romance and a story of two enemies turned lovers. The author does an amazing job with the characters making them so believable. The literally jump from the book and you go through a rollercoaster of emotions between loving and hating them.
Luca is part of the Rossi family. They are a big Mafia family whos main goal is to survive and keep their enemies away. Luca’s whole life revolves around protecting his family and destroying the rival family.
Aly is the daughter of the rival family. When Luca sees her as a way to destroy her family he kidnaps her to make her his bride.
What neither of them expected was to actually fall in love. What follows is a story of enemies that become lovers despite all the things telling them that they can’t be that way. Will the families call a truce and embrace this couples love? Or will it start a war that neither family can will be everyone can lose?
Sinful Vow by Emily Bowie
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
The mafia genre is not one of my comfort zone reads. With that said, I did enjoy this book. I liked the protective nature of Luca and Aly’s fierce independence. I thought the back and forth between the families was confusing at times but that could also be due to not being used to this particular genre.
Sinful Vow by Emily Bowie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the first book of the series. I couldn’t put it down!
Luca and Aly were an unexpected couple but I think they are so great together! I don’t want to give away too many details of the story because it’s just that good!
Aly is tough. She’s had to be. She gives as good as she gets. Luca is your typical alpha mafia guy. I really liked them together even with the events of the story. I really enjoyed the whole book!
Savage Secrets by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I have read a few books from this author and she continues to blow my mind. This is the fourth book of the amazing Mafia Elite series. This book can be read as a stand alone but there are some previous characters in this story as well. I was so excited to read this book that I stopped everything and started it right away. I love how this book tells us both characters’ points of view. It makes you feel more connected to them. I could not put this book down until the end and it only took me a little over a day to devour this amazing story.
Marco La Rosa is now the boss of the Chicago mafia. He thought he lost the love of his life a long time ago. Marco is shocked when he finds out that Elena is very much alive. He is now on a mission to find her before the enemies do. Marco is shocked when he finds Elena because she has changed through the years. He can tell that she is not the same but he still loves her and all he wants to do is protect her. Will Marco be able to protect Elena and love her the way he always wanted?
Smoke & Mirrors by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
What a book it has so much going on mystery, suspense, danger, and action. I was on the edge the whole time reading it not knowing what would come next. Dahlia Nite is strong and smart and can kick ass. She is working on a case with her partner Detective Alex Creed where dismembered bodies are showing up but Dahlia has a shock when not all of them are human. Will Dahlia find the one who is responsible? And is the killer human or supernatural??
Sinful Vow by Emily Bowie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Luca Rossi and Aly Mancini are from two rival families they so they typically shouldn’t be together! Luca sets out to have Aly as his own in order to get back at her father but soon realises that might not be the only reason she is all he can focus on. No path to love is going to be easy for them and in this book that is so true. You are kept on the edge of your seat waiting to see what will happen not only for this couple but also for those around them. From the first word to the very last there was always something happening in this action packed, dark steamy romance.
Ride with the Moonlight by Andrea Matthews
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Review by Susan Ratchford
5 stars
Running for their lives Maggie Armstrong finally admits the love she has for Englishman Will Foster. He completes the void in her heart. After already saving Will’s life from her family’s brutality, she feels all hope is lost when Will is charged with treason for trysting with a scot. After news of their wedding plan is leaked to the warden, Maggie is forced back to Scotland to her uncle who continues wedding arrangements,the wicked Ian Rutherford the man that murdered her father, all while Will answers to the gallows for his crimes. Will Maggie be able to thwart her family’s plans or will her heart die along with Will?
This book was the perfect continuation to the series, it had a really nice flow.you could really feel the emotions between the characters. It really tugs at the heartstrings. I didn’t think this book series could get any better but I was so anxious throughout the whole book!! I needed to know Will and Maggie’s fate. I also really love the relationship that Dylan shares with Maggie. It makes me think that family is not always people who are related by blood but by people you choose. Definitely a satisfying read that gives all the feels and much more!!!!
Born in Darkness by Amy McKinley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The 3rd book in the mafia elite series but can be read as a standalone.
Stefano and Emiliana have been in love with each other for years but due to the ruthless nature of Stefano’s father and mafia boss, they can’t act on it. But when it becomes apparent that there is a rat in the family and Emiliana is in danger, things move real fast.
This is a slower burn than th authors other books but thoroughly enjoyable and always leaves you wanting more and anxiously waiting for the next installment.
Thunder On The Moor by Andrea Matthews
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Thunder On The Moor ( Thunder On The Moor Book 1)
By Andrea Matthews
Review by Susan Ratchford
5 stars
Maggie Armstrong grew up listening to her father Robert tell her wondrous tales of sixteenth century Scotland, of blood feuds and border raids. She memorized all the portraits from his collection dreaming about what that life would be like. Never would she have believed that her father was one of these infamous border reivers, not even when he told her his plan to go back to his old Scottish home with her by his side. Thinking that it’s just another archaeological dig, with flourish, she agrees to accompany him until she ends up four hundred and fifty years in the past. Now she is living through the old stories first hand, meeting family she only dreamed of, even seeing Will Foster, the man in one of the portraits she’s always been drawn to. Intrigue, treachery, and revenge abound when a quick betrothal, without her consent, causes Maggie to question everything. Will she even be able to get home?
I love reading books about this time period and I absolutely adore the accents!!! I could definitely feel the love and protectiveness that Robert has for his daughter and that Edward has towards both of them. I couldn’t help but put myself in Maggie’s place and think of what a culture shock it would be to end up 450 years in the past. Or what it would be like to meet your family from back then. I love the thought of meeting my ancestors in real life. It was interesting and unexpected! Funny and well paced, I could not put it down! I can’t wait to read the next book!!!!
Exiled South by Harriet Cannon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This story is captivating from the start. The author’s ability to make you feel like you’re there with the detailed descriptions of the places in this story. Lizbeth loses her husband and because of this tragedy her life changes tremendously. Lizbeth starts digging into her history and discovers so much. This book is full of emotion, history, surprises, understanding and more. This story is very thought provoking and makes you want to research your own history. This isn’t normally a genre I read but I am definitely glad I took a chance on this story because I might have missed out on something special. This is a must read.
Imperfectly Yours by Anise Storm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Trigger warnings! Miscarriage, infertility, drug, and alcohol abuse! I did not expect so many of the things in this book that happened. There are a lot of twists and turns in Elsa and Anton’s love story. The main thing for me is that love conquers all. When two people truly love each other they can weather any storm.
First time book reviewer here! Sinful Vow by Emily Bowie was a great read. I am a fast reader, but I was shocked at just how fast I devoured this book! I love strong characters and that is what you get with Luca and Aly. I was instantly hooked! I would recommend this book to any fan of romantic fiction. I hope there is more to come with their love story!
Sinful Vow by Emily Bowie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Sinful Vow is Book #1 in Dark Mafia Sins series by Emily Bowie. It is a dark contemporary romance with an enemies to lovers element, mafia politics, danger, drama, tension, suspense, action, angst, emotion, banter, and family rivalry- all wrapped up into a bit of an intense and gritty read.
I am loving this series, even though I came into it a little backwards by reading book two first, but luckily the stories read well as standalones. I am well and truly hooked on the Dark Mafia Sins now and can’t wait to dive into more.
Happy Reading!
Thank you, Emily Bowie!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
Savage Secrets by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Savage Secrets (Mafia Elite, book 4) by Amy McKinley
5 out of 5 Stars
Once again this author takes one on an emotional, twisty turny, thrill of a ride!
Marco La Rosa has wanted two things in his life, to be the next head of his family and Elena Caruso. Being the next head of his family was easy. It was his. Elena was another story. She was promised to someone else. Marco pushed Elena away until she disappeared and was presumed dead.
Elena Caruso has had a hard life. Her mother was hunted and murdered by the Bratva. Elena was taken in and adopted by the Caruso family. A few years later on the playground, her childhood friend was murdered in front of her, protecting her. When the word came that she was being hunted, Elena did what she thought was best and disappeared. She had managed to stay hidden for over 4 years.
When Marco brings Elena home, the threat of the Bratva remains. Elena finds herself in another arranged marriage, but maybe she doesn’t mind this one. Marco will stop at nothing to keep Elena safe. Will he have the woman he has always wanted or will she be taken away?
A stellar episode in this series. If you haven’t already read the previous 3, now is the time. These will have you wanting more!! This author makes you feel the action, the steam, the emotions, the thrill, the suspense, and everything along the way!
Sinful Vow by Emily Bowie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Ever since their paths crossed years ago, Luca has vowed to protect Aly…whether she thinks she needs it or not. However, the night before she is set to marry one of her father’s men, Luca steals her away and announces she will marry him instead. He believes he is using her as leverage in a war between the families…so why is his heart getting involved? She knows she is being used and doesn’t know which side she can truly trust…but her heart is getting involved, too! Is she just a pawn in a game? Or is she the queen he has needed since years ago? When loyalties are tested…is their alliance strong enough to last?
I enjoyed this story. Sat down and read it one sitting. I liked both main characters…and Luca’s right hand man is a fun character, too! There are some twists and turns that I didn’t see coming and kept the story interesting. Overall, an entertaining read that kept me turning the pages. There is hinting at the end at what the next story might be…and I am looking forward to it.
Imperfectly Yours by Anise Storm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Imperfectly Yours by Anise Storm
Five Stars
This is the second book in the Titans of Manhattan series, and this book made this author a one click author for me. Anton and Elsa’s story has all the feels. I loved the first book in this series, but this book is even better. This power couple have a fairytale beginning, but cracks emerge that they may not be able to overcome. This amazing story had me reading long into the night, I just couldn’t put it down. I’m really looking forward to the rest of the book in this series.
Review by @sunbarn
Smoke & Mirrors by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5/5 Stars
Nite Fire: Smoke & Mirrors by C.L. Schneider
This is the first book I’ve read by the author. This is the third book in the Nite Fire Series. Smoke and Mirrors is a great read and I’ll be going back and reading the first two.
Dahlia is keeping secrets, but that’s what humans do, right? Only problem there is that she’s half human. She is also half Dragon shifter. Now when crimes show up and she isn’t sure what’s going on. The quote I chose for Dahlia is: “Good to know. Why don’t you and your level head circle around the block to the other end. If she gets by me, keep her contained. There’s a reason she’s here. On this block. In this alley. If we don’t stop her from reaching that reason, she’ll get stronger and faster, and catching her will get a lot harder than it already is.”
Alex is a Detective and doesn’t have an actual partner. His partner is a half dragon shifter and he doesn’t know what to think about it. He does know that he’s lucky to have her on his side. The quote I chose for Alex is: “We’ll be lucky if we get any security footage. The power’s been out in the park for two days. There aren’t any traffic cams on the access road, either. We’ll have to go wider.”
Highly recommended for Supernatural Fantasy lovers.
