Collateral Damage: A Second Chance Mafia Romance by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed this book. I was a little confused at first as this is book 6 in the series and I haven’t read all 5 of the one before it, so I was missing some back story. But still despite that I couldn’t stop reading. Going to go back and read the other books now.
Collateral Damage: A Second Chance Mafia Romance by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Once again we are brought into the underground Mafia world that every kid wonders if it really exists growing up!
Amy McKinley has some of the greatest talent for bringing these stories to life! This time we get to meet Trey, and while he has every reason to protect himself and run away he knows there’s more than that! In this story we find ourselves wanting more and feeling the emotions of the characters!
Collateral Damage: A Second Chance Mafia Romance by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Book 6 in the Mafia Elite Series doesn’t disappoint. We have Trey the one who became a doctor to help his family and the other Chicago mafia families is ready for a change. The change brings him in contact with Hailey a socialite, who he’s met before during an event.
Hailey has family baggage due to the tragic death of her father & older sister in a car accident. Her mother is a wreck because of the loss and Hailey has to find her way through life without her mother’s support. This leads to some bad relationships with men. Can she trust Trey and work together to become a couple?
The author creates characters that are easy to connect with, I love the way the mafia couples interact with the new couple, and I can’t help but root for Trey and Hailey to find their way together. As always, I couldn’t put the book down because I was sucked into the story
Caging Grace (Grace Series, #1). by Carsen Lane
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5/5 Stars
Caging Grace (The Grace Series #1) by Carsen Lane
This is the first book I’ve read by the author. This book is a great read, but I’m not going to ruin who she gets with. Caging Grave is the first book in The Grace Series.
Grace has always fought since she was young. First in Underground Cage Fighting and then UFC. Underground because she needed to keep a roof over her family’s head. Now thanks to her gym owner she finds herself a new deal. The quote I chose for Grace is: “Why do I have a feeling that’s only the beginning? Trust is big with me, O’Malley. Once it’s gone, we’re done. Get me? I want full disclosure on everything.”
Johnny is Grace’s trainer after she becomes an ambassador for a clothing line which requires UFC. He has also had a rough childhood so he connects with Grace on a level no one else understands. The quote I chose for Johnny is: “You’ve already won, Grace. You’ve come face to face with your own demons, and you’ve come out on top. You’ve given yourself the right to hope, the chance to dream. Don’t allow fear to steal your dream from you. You’ve never let fear win before, so don’t start now.”
Dar is a Harvard graduate and working out at Grace’s gym. He catches Grace’s eye and figures out that he can do a whole lot better than he is now. The quote I chose for Dar is: “You were a child, Grace, and sadly those types of accidents happen in the ring. You have no penance to pay. Even if you did, don’t you think you’ve paid it by now?”
Highly recommended for Women’s Fiction lovers.
Coyote’s Road Trip by Laura Koerber
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4 stars
This is not my first book by this author, and it won’t be my last, somehow I am always pulled right into these books. In this story we have Jim going on a journey of finding himself really, and the different people Jim meets along the way. The cast of characters are interesting but Janey and her father stuck out to me the most. The way Jim describes the scene with the two really broke my heart, but it was also sort of beautiful at the same time. Rachel also stood out to me, I like that Jim found his ending for now alongside Rachel. There were moments I found myself chuckling, such as the farting scene and just all around enjoying the journey along with Jim. I look forward to more from this brilliant author.
Caging Grace (Grace Series, #1). by Carsen Lane
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
What a story about determination and the ability to rise above. Grace is one of those characters that you can’t seem to help but root for. There is something about her that has you connecting instantly. I enjoyed the fact that we got to see a bit of her history and how everything started.
The story was engaging. There were a few times I wished it had a bit more pace but I still found myself enjoying what was going on and wanting to know how things might end. The overall storyline was well written and showed some great development. This was a great book that is definitely worth reading.
Caging Grace (Grace Series, #1). by Carsen Lane
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Wow! A new favorite for me! This was a wonderful read and story about a girl literally fighting her way through life.
The author does an amazing job crafting this story and building tension through her storytelling. The cast of characters, especially Grace, is well-developed and “real” enhancing the story and the readers connection.
Grace carries the world on her back and we follow her story of life’s trials, opportunities, and successes. She is a character you root for and will keep you turning the pages!
Caging Grace (Grace Series, #1). by Carsen Lane
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Our main protagonist Grace has had to grow in very poor conditions all her live. She had to survive the streets, the mental tole of growing up at a young age and taking responsibility for her ill mother and younger sister. For as long as she’s been alive, she’s known struggle and poverty. She found strength in these conditions through learning how to fight at a gym that her father introduced her too. This is a great story that show cases how hard-work, perseverance, and believing can help a person change their circumstances. I highly recommend this read!
Born in Darkness by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Once again Amy McKinley has written such a great book! I love that the Mafia Elite series can be read in order or by themselves and the entire book still makes sense! The character overlap and development is perfect!
Amy grabs readers attention from the very beginning and never drops it!
In this story we meet Em and Stefano and why they have every reason to call it quits and find safety they find safety in each other! The way readers are able to live the story as your read it is so well done and the book can’t be put down!
Blood Oath by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Having been hooked from the first book, this one sure did not disappoint!
Whats even sweeter than high school sweethearts is childhood sweetheart. In the second book in the Mafia Elite series we meet Sophia and Enzo and instantly we fall in love with each character. Amy McKinley does such a good job of bring every story to life and having the readers feel like the story has come off the page and we are living every part of it! Two characters who haven’t had it easy but have every reason to fight against all the odds!
Bake Off by Cori Cooper
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Another cute coming of age story that does not disappoint by Cori Cooper! Bake Off is the second book following Bake Believe, back with the same wonderful characters and introduced to new ones! As we learn the family secrets and see some competition this is the perfect book for a teen coming of age and looking for a clean read with humor, a little romance, and tons of twists and turns to keep the readers attention!
The recipes are a nice added bonus as well!
Bake Off by Cori Cooper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Very fun and easily readable. I love the story is interesting and holds your attention. Multilayered and fast paced. Get into this series.
Bake Believe by Cori Cooper
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a very cute coming of age story! The characters were lovable and the family dynamic was relatable. Everyone remembers those awkward coming of age years but to add baking that immensely messes with peoples feelings to the mix, who would have thought!
Throughout the story you find yourself wanting to know more background on each characters and longing to understand how each character fits into the story! The author did a great job of keeping the readers attention!
The only complaint is I wish the author would have incorporated the pretzels more that were so important in the beginning!
Bake Believe by Cori Cooper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book is a good preteen book. It starts with Cat’s last day of summer vacation. Cat grew up in a house where no one bakes. At all. Ever. Her mother seems a bit odd and Cat seems to be a bit much. But I love her character and remember being like her at that age. I love that there are recipes in each chapter, which do not skip over them. They are just as good as the rest of the book. I can’t wait to read the next book to find out more!
Bake Off by Cori Cooper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Cat is back! This time her and her family travel to meet GG and her aunt for Thanksgiving vacation. She learns about the family bakery and why her mom refuses to cook. Again there are recipes at each chapter, which really are part of the book! Love the writing style and the characters. Highly recommend.
Bake Believe by Cori Cooper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book is pretty good. From the characters who are adorable and funny to how entertaining the author makes baking for kids, teens and adults alike. Cat is so cute with her crush! Very good read that I highly recommend!
As Close to Perfect by Maria Jane
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I adored this book! I feel like everyone can relate to string of bad relationships and then guarding your heart to protect it from future disappointment. This author told a wonderful story that was heartfelt and light at the same time. From the outside looking in you truly wanted all the characters to see where they should be, but its not how it works in the book world. Lol
Bree has picked one too many bad men in her life and decides rules are now needed if she will ever find anyone to be happy with. Upon these rules 2 men appear and 1 catches her eye more than the other. As she navigates through what she believes to be the perfect man who checks all the boxes she soon finds that her Mr. Right may not be what she wants and the boy on the sidelines just might be,
This story was cute and I loved all the characters and the dynamic they shared. Its well worth the read and I will definitely pick it up again.
As Close to Perfect by Maria Jane
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Bree can’t seem to catch a break in the dating world. She’s created her dating criteria list and vows to never deviate from it again. After all, the list is a compilation of those men who have crushed her! She is trying to put herself out there and enjoys playing tennis. While playing, she meets Nate and they become best friends.
Nate is everything on Bree’s “do not date” list and then some. She keeps him friend zoned while dating a couple of other guys. Nate is always there to pick up the pieces though! Bree’s dad sets her up with Scott and she meets him at one of the basketball games she coaches. They totally hit it off and Nate backs away to give them space. However, the reader can sense that he is totally heartbroken!
After a few family get-togethers, dates, out-of-town excursions, Bree is finally starting to see what it is that she wants out of life. Can she ever find her perfect man?
I enjoyed this contemporary romance novel and read it in two sittings. It is a fairly fast-paced read that will keep the reader entertained, always wondering what will happen next. The characters are very likeable and relatable.
Reviewed by: @faithfulgirl4
As Close to Perfect by Maria Jane
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was an enjoyable and engaging contemporary romance with a heartwarming storyline and great characters. Having been burned by a string of jocks before, Bree creates a hard rule-no dating athletes. Bree also comes up with a list of guidelines so that her heart does not get broken again, “As per the rules, coffee meetups don’t count as dates, lunch doesn’t count as a date, there will be no physical displays of affection until after a real date, and no sex until he commits to an exclusive relationship”. When she meets the tall and muscular Nate, he is basically a clone of all the guys that have hurt her before. Then, Steven comes along, and it’s as though Bree has ordered the perfect man, yes he’s muscular, but not too tall, and he’s definitely more mature, and is focused on his career.
When Bree finally gives into her feelings, she can’t deny the chemistry between them, and they are happy as a couple. However, they soon discover that being a couple is more than just the two of them. With family, religion, location, and money all becoming factors in their relationship, the pair need to meet in the middle, but can they? I definitely recommend you read this book to find out! I loved the likeable and relatable Bree and the chemistry between her and Steven sizzled off the page. I was cheering them on hoping they would both get their HEA.
As Close to Perfect by Maria Jane
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Bree has sworn off dating the “jock” type. She’s looking for someone mature and responsible who wants a long term relationship. Nate, Latvian and a jock, pursues her. Bree continues to brush him aside as just a tennis partner, perhaps a friend, but definitely not dating material. Steven, on the other hand, checks all her boxes. Which man will make the best partner for Bree? Read to find out. I love the characters in this book! I especially enjoy the friendship Bree and Chloe have. This book is a great romantic comedy read that I recommend for anyone interested in a feel-good book.
As Close to Perfect by Maria Jane
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This easy to read romantic story brought me back to my single, college days. The author did an amazing job balancing relatable heartbreak with the perfect love story, while mixing in just enough doubt. The uncertainty and skepticism throughout the book was realistic for any twenty something who dated and experienced heartbreak. The secondary characters were introduced just enough to allow for further development and spin offs should the author decide to continue this storyline.
•*•❥☆ COMING SOON☆❥•*••*•❥☆
Lost Bastard: Orphaned. Fighter. Alone. Aleksei Voronov had to fight for everything he ever owned. But when he discovers a kindred spirit – along with a family he never knew – this inked deviant must make an impossible choice between his powerful father and the woman who stole his heart.
Cold Bastard: Rich. Controlled. Cold. He built his empire alone. But when Archer Blackwood finds himself entangled with a sexy codebreaking babe who warms his cold heart, he’ll be forced to decide whether to risk everything to keep her safe.
Wild Bastard: Surfer. Joker. Delta Force operative. Kai Jones left his beach-boy persona back on Hawaii – but when his path collides with a forbidden siren from his past, his feelings threaten to drown him. Can he keep up the fight against Finch when faced with the women who abandoned him without a word?
True Bastard: Tough. Cunning. Sinner. Liam Harker is a no-nonsense cop and no stranger to sin. But when he finds unlikely help in the form of an angelic nun, he becomes torn between his duty to his brothers and the impossible attraction he feels toward his angel of mercy.
Dark Bastard: Warrior. Troubled. Determined. Sam Sarkhan was ready to end it all – until fate guided him to a young woman with a wounded soul just like his. But his father has big plans for him, and he’ll need to overcome his demons if he wants to escape Finch’s sinister clutches for good.
King Bastard: Alpha. Ruthless. King. Lazarus “Oz” King swore to deliver the killing blow to his father, and he won’t let love make him weak. But after a dazzling female doctor lands in his arms, he’ll have to take a gamble and plunge into the fight of his life to keep her safe.
Perfect for readers who adore pulse-pounding romantic suspense sagas with domineering alphas and the courageous women they crave, the Dark Sparrow series is a hot and sensual steam-fest that’s bursting at the seams with action and thrills.
