The Magic Man by Cat Treadgold
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book is part of a series but in my opinion, it can be read as a standalone. It is an emotional rollercoaster and it will keep you captivated until the very last page. The main theme is love of family even when there are broken pieces.
Hidden Scars by A. Akinosho
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This hits some of my favourite troupes forbidden romance, grumpy man sunshine girl and age gap romance. Nasser is a very frustrating character but he is the comfort and support that Jade needs. I was so on edge reading this book and could not put it down no matter how frustrated I got.
.•°*°•. BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE .•°*°•.Goodreads – A New Day for Cray (The Adventures of Cray Series) by G Pa Rhymes
Bookbub – A New Day for Cray (The Adventures of Cray Series) by G Pa Rhymes
Click here to view the Book Trailer for A New Day for Cray (The Adventures of Cray Series) by G Pa Rhymes
Gary Wakstein is known to young readers as G Pa Rhymes! After a lifetime in the restaurant industry, Gary discovered his true passion: writing children’s books that teach important life lessons through the magic of rhyme and reading. Partnering with the talented illustrator Erica Leigh, G Pa Rhymes created The Adventures of Cray book series, inspired by his own family’s adventures.
G Pa Rhymes captivates kids with his “rappin’ and rhymin'” stories and instills values like friendship, honesty, bravery, and environmental stewardship. Now a sought-after speaker, he travels to schools, museums, libraries, and anywhere else he can bring joy to children’s lives.
G Pa Rhymes tries to inspire young readers with every book he writes. He resides in Plymouth, MA, and spends his days with his children and grandchildren on Cape Cod, Asheville, NC, and Victor, Idaho.
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a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/200786125-elusive-surrender” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”>
Elusive Surrender by Via Mari
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This duet tells us the story of Alexis and Allie, best friends and roommates. When Alexis accidentally captures the attention of a trafficker, it puts both women in danger. The high paced action through both books keeps you reading.
Sheldon gets involved with Alexis when a near miss slap stops Sheldon in his tracks. Sheldon is attracted to Alexis immediately. Sheldon knows that the man harassing her in the coffee shop is not the kind of guy to mess around.
Sheldon finds a way to keep Alexis close, even varying her hired by the big boss for a hair styling gig. One night on the way home from her salon, Alexis had a car accident which results in a trip to the ER where Allie works. Nick was the first member of the team on the accident site and goes with Alexis to the ER where he meets Allie.
Allie is a tough as nails ER charge nurse that has been hurt before and isn’t into a relationship. Playboy Nick has met his match in Allie. Nick isn’t a relationship guy either but is willing to take a chance for Allie.
While Alexis and Allie are in the crosshairs of the trafficking organization, Sheldon and Nick stay close. Falling for their respective women was easy, getting the women to agree to anything is hard. Through it all, each couple builds their bonds.
I love the ending. It was the perfect way to close this duet. I can’t wait to see where these characters go. Be sure to read this series!!
Elusive Surrender by Via Mari
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Despite the dark themes, I absolutely love this series. These books are crazy, insane, and filled with so much passion that just sucks the reader in. Elusive Surrender is the 3rd duet I’ve read in this series, and I finally get it. Why is each duet partnered together? I can’t believe I didn’t realize it, since it was obvious.
What makes them insane is all the books are happening simultaneously. So these men are all part of the same security company, and they are stretching themselves thin. While dealing with the threat and not letting a woman go. Even if she wants to go.
Elusive is Alexis and Sheldon’s story.
While Tenacious is Allie and Nick’s story.
Normally I’d give a slight breakdown but these stories don’t complete in one and go to the other. It’s on going with a couple switch midway through essentially. Traffickers are out for Alexis and Allie and if they can’t pull them in, then they are a loose end that needs to be dealt with. These books navigate the security put into place for them, while these dominant men want to claim and protect them. The biggest difference is Allie has already invested herself in that lifestyle vs Alexis is attracted to the lifestyle but it’s more of an introduction.
The other thing I noticed was Elusive started before Jay and Sasha’s story. And Tenacious came after Matt and Marenah’s story. Which are part of a duet in this series. In saying that you really should read them all. They are connected and sometimes one of the duets can fill in pieces of a previous one.
If you can get past the dark themes these books are well worth it.
Song of Earth and Claws by Lena Abram
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the first book I have read by Lena Abram and wasn’t sure what to expect. The early parts of the story were almost a bit confusing as I tried to learn the character names and roles in the world Abram crafted, but after awhile it all came together and I was IN. I couldn’t wait to see what happened next, when and if betrayal would come, from who and how… the intricacies of Abram’s Fae world were well thought out and with plenty of room to continue the story. Plenty of sexual tension as well.
Fantastic storytelling, world building and character development. Can’t wait for book two.
Shifter Shorts by T.K. Lawyer
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I’ll be honest, based on the cover and the play on words in the title, I went into this thinking it was going to be much more lighthearted than it was. Don’t get me wrong, I love a good, dark story. It just wasn’t what I expected going in.
In addition to that, the content warning in the blurb is vague, so you don’t have a clear idea of what exactly the subject matter is that might be triggering. I’ll say this, if you’re not a reader of dark romance, or romance with dark themes, you may want to steer clear of the Hellhound story. But there are a few grey areas in some of the other stories as well. A content warning page with more specific detail would be a good addition to the contents of the book.
All of that being said, my favorite story in the book is Gargoyle Mine. I’d read an expanded version of it. It seemed to be the most fleshed out. The characters felt like that had more of a build up to things, whereas the other stories seemed to be instalove/lust. I’d almost say, because of the length of each story, the bulk of them read more as erotica than romance. Which again, nothing wrong with that if you’re expecting it.
The other story I enjoyed, and would love to see an expanded version of, is Haven. In my opinion, there are not enough aquatic shifter romances out there.
Overall, once you get past the incongruent vibe between the cover/title and the contents, and when you get in the brain space to read more steamy than story line, it’s not a bad read.
Shifter Shorts by T.K. Lawyer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Nothing is what it seems. So, my oh my, this is the first book I have read by this author and honestly, I had zero ideas of what I was getting myself into. The cover seemed innocuous and that intrigued me, and the synopsis had me completely curious. Six stories, six couples.
Each story is its own story. The only thing they have in common is a shifter finding their mate and the journey they must go through or in some cases survive to get that happily ever after they never dreamed possible. Cougar, Gargoyle, Hellhound and more await you inside the pages of this wicked little book. While just over two hundred pages each short story only takes about two hours or so to read which was perfect for a crazy week of delays and no school. Short escapes into an adventure that leaves you on edge begging for the characters to escape and get a chance at happy. Looking at you “Release the Hellhound”. Before this story the first two were almost sweet and very rom com in some respects but with the warning in the synopsis this was the story that intrigued me the most. It did not disappoint, Lorena and Brian/Ezekiel found something precious in honestly the top tier of terrible places and timing, but it gave them the fire he needed to find a way out after so many years of holding on to hope he was rewarded with his vixen.
Each story leaves you with a sense of ease as they find their way to their own HEA. Knowing they were coming but honestly in moments not seeing the light myself it was satisfying to see how they got there. I will certainly be keeping an eye on this author in the future. Each world is completely different from the one before. The characters are so diverse and unique in their own ways. And bonus the female main characters were not the typical supermodel-esque physic they had curves and were real.
Whispered Surrender by Via Mari
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Via Mari has done an amazing job building a world full of romance with the hints of darkness and seediness and just the slightest bit of suspense and mystery into them. You are on the edge of your seat reading her words. You find your heart pounding and that sheen of sweat forming just over your forehead as you’re hoping against hope that the next few sentences keep our leading ladies and our brute strength safe from whatever that darkness is, that looming just beyond the horizon. I read this book, as well as the 2nd one in a matter of 2 days, and I honesty hated that it took me that long, but, alas, life… Anyway. I ABSOLUTELY recommend this author and these duets if you love an amazing dark mafia romance. You will NOT be disappointed!!
Review By
Manda Kelly
Kingdom of 7 Sovereigns: Wolf by R.C. Reigh
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Kingdom of 7 Sovereigns: Wolf by R.C. Reigh is the first book in the Kingdom of 7 Sovereigns series. This series takes place at Bastion Academy. The story is following four teens in their first year at school there. At the school we have Humans, Dragons, Werewolves, and Fae. This enchanting and immersive story will have you hooked from the first page. There is action, adventure, suspense, and Enemies to Lovers. This is a top tier YA Fantasy that anyone would love!
Auctioned Surrender by Via Mari
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What an amazing world of Mafia magic Ms.Mari has created for us here. I am not usually one to get so invested in these mafia stories, but let me just say, I was here for it with this duet! Damian and Bryanna had such an amazing story and then to follow it up with Dereck and Layla’s story. I was just so enthralled. I can’t wait to read more from Via Mari.
Review By
Manda Kelly
Elusive Surrender by Via Mari
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I can’t say this enough, but this author does NOT disappoint. Another fantastic read that I couldn’t get enough of. Please check out Sinful Duet series! You’re truly missing out if you don’t. Dark romance is one of my favorites and the fact it’s dark MAFIA romance is even better! So so good. It’s a wild read that I never wanted to end!
Elusive Surrender by Via Mari
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Elusive Surrender (Sinful Duets Book 3) by Via Mari. I love this author so much and I enjoy everything she writes. This book was no exception. These 2 additions were amazing. In Elusive I loved Alexis and Sheldon. Alexis is little more independent than Sheldon wants as he is looking for a submissive but she has all the other attributes he’s looking for. When someone wants to harm Alexis, Sheldon will do whatever it takes to protect her. Sheldon is such a great guy and the chemistry between him and Alexis is sizzling. In Tenacious, Allie & Nick have such chemistry but Allie doesn’t want to be hurt and doesn’t want to end up a single mom like her mom was. Nick is a dominant but he is crazy about Allie and has such a soft side with her. He will do anything in the world for her if only she would give him her heart! These are such good reads and I can’t wait for the next!
Elusive Surrender by Via Mari
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Elusive
Well she’s done it again. This book was everything I have come to expect from a book by Ms. Mari. Romance, suspense, danger and some incredible hot moments.
I wasn’t sure if Sheldon and Alexis were a good fit. But as I got deeper into the story I could see they were more perfect than I could have expected. How Sheldon didn’t throttle Alexis I will never know.
All of these guys are absolutely the Alpha males of all Alphas. Not a single one of them doesn’t exude it and I love reading how each one of them is getting snared by these women.
Tenacious
If only one of these young, hot, wealthy dominant males needed a mortgage and happened to have me as their loan processor. But since that will never happen I will live vicariously by reading this series instead. Now we have six of the guys who have found love and I hope we have several more.
I loved the back and forth between Nick and Allie and how they fought the attraction, well she more so than he. Thankfully love won.
Elusive Surrender by Via Mari
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Elusive Surrender: A Dark Mafia Romance (Sinful Duets) by Via Mari
4 out of 5 stars
I thought the one before this was my favorite Via Mari duet but I was so wrong. I really enjoyed the stories and characters in this book. The romance, the suspense, mystery ad all the good things that I love in a book. Highly recommend all and any of the books by this author but if you can only choose one then this is it. I will be reading this book again soon.
The Human Mating Site Box Set 1 : A Steamy, Dating Humour Novella’s 1-4 by B.L. Wilde
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book is a very easy and simple read. It’s a very good way to get away from reality and the busyness of life for a few hours. All of the characters complement each other very well. The main character, Bella, is going through some things and she is very relatable in some aspects especially when she is trying to find herself after being in a long relationship.
Good Enough — The Deadman’s Tribe Book 1: A Protector Romance / Romantic Suspense by Nicole Craig
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
If you want to do anything important, do it right the first time. This is one high energy, fast paced story. Kai is directing a movie and wants facts, yet stays under budget. Easy Right? No, she has to find the right people to train her actors so that the movie is not only accurate but believable. Waters is the man for the job, he thinks it will be easy. But there is so much more then he thought. The author is new to me and I am happy I took the time to read this. The story is well written and the characters are loveable, strong and independent. This is a must read story, you won’t be disappointed.
Review@cinful by
Good Enough — The Deadman’s Tribe Book 1: A Protector Romance / Romantic Suspense by Nicole Craig
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book has it all…drama, suspense, action, and romance. I’m not going to lie…I was intimidated by the length of the book when I first opened it. But, I was quickly drawn into the story and didn’t notice how fast I was getting through the story.
Kai is an up and coming producer and hires Walters to work on her current project. The sparks fly between these two immediately. However, Walters has no room in his life for a relationship. Over the next three months, a series of events wreaks havoc in Kai’s life and puts her in danger. Walters is determined to figure out who is behind it. The twists and the turns kept me turning the pages…wanting to see what was going to happen next. The chemistry between them cannot be denied and I enjoyed how their relationship progressed throughout the story.
This book had a great flow and I found myself going long periods of time without putting the book down. I never really knew what was going to happen next. I also enjoyed both of the main characters and found myself invested in the story.
Song of Earth and Claws by Lena Abram
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What a fabulous journey I went on with this amazing book. This is the first book I have read by this author and I will certainly look for more.
The world the author created was complex and I absolutely loved that.
Lannahi is our MC and seen by her family as the weakest among them. They do not consider her a threat for taking over their land as her fae talent is the gift of song. Everyone in her family seems to want to protect her.
Lannahi finds herself under a curse from Nihhal who wants her as a slave at his feet. She can’t speak of his deceit to anyone due to the curse or she will die. The curse prevents her from doing so. This leaves Lannahi no choice but to challenge someone at the Blacktower for her own piece of land. When she wins and becomes Queen she finds herself in over her head.
She has been taught not to trust anyone. Ashared is the head of the guard but can he be trusted? Read this amazing book to find out more. You won’t be disappointed. In fact you will want more.
The Scent of Snow by Giovanna Siniscalchi
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I enjoyed reading this historical romance story. This is an author that I have read in the past which I enjoyed reading but this one just may be my favorite. This is a well written story that takes place during Christmas but will it be that joyfull? Pedro and Daun’s relationship is put to the test during this holiday season. When a missing boy brings out secrets, fears and the true meaning of the season. A story of love and forgiveness and one you don’t want to miss. I enjoyed how these characters pulled me into their world with ease. They are strong, relatable characters that had me coming back for more. I enjoyed the roller coaster of emotions that they took me on throughout. They have great chemistry and attraction which made the story easy to read. This is a fast paced story that had me turning pages to the end. I highly recommend reading this book.
Review by @bjwagner
Whispered Surrender by Via Mari
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the first book in this wonderful mafia series. I could not put this book down! All I could think about was the story line and wanting to know what could happen next. This was a great book and I cannot wait to read the next the ones in the series! I LOVED this great mafia series!!
a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/200786125-elusive-surrender” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”>Elusive Surrender by Via Mari
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Elusive Surrender is Book Three in the Sinful Duets Series. The set contains the story Elusive as well as the story Tenacious. It is a romantic suspense with action, danger, mystery, intrigue, suspense, crime, chemistry, passion, and romance. The first story centers around the characters of Sheldon and Alexis. Sheldon is a bodyguard for a prestigious mafia family. When he makes a stop at a local coffee shop with his fellow bodyguards, he finds himself jumping to the aid of a beautiful woman. Alexis is a hairdresser from a salon down the street from the coffee shop. When she drops her business card on the floor, a creepy customer picks it up and tries hitting on her. Sheldon happens to be walking by and immediately jumps in to save Alexis and chases the creep out of the coffee shop. Both Sheldon and Alexis feel an instant attraction to one another. When Alexis becomes the target of a sex trafficker Sheldon is determined to protect her at all costs. A game of cat and mouse ensues as the sex trafficker is also determined to have Alexis at any cost. The second story centers around the characters of Nick and Allie. Nick will do anything to protect Allie from those that seek to harm her. Although the two are attracted to one another Allie is hesitant to let anyone get close to her because of being hurt in the past. Nick is determined to prove to her how much he cares for her and that he will never hurt her. Two exquisitely written stories with characters that draw you into their lives and hearts. Strong female leads who you root for, strong men with a soft side that ooze sex appeal, and evil sex traffickers that you hope get what they deserve. The author has a superb writing style with an attention to detail that brings the story to life.
Auctioned Surrender by Via Mari
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I love a good mafia romance book. I have read other books from this author, and I loved them! This was such a great read. I could not put it down!! I cannot wait to recommend this book to my friends who love mafia romances just as much as I do! If you love a good suspenseful mafia romance this is the book for you!
A Heart So Savage by April Moran
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A Heart So Savage is book 2 in this Duet Series. If you haven’t read book 1, you will want to do that first as it completely sets the stage for book 2 and that is where you learn all about the characters and the storyline for the sequel. If you are a dark romance fan, then once again, April Moran does a great job with this story and will have readers wanting more. In A Heart So Savage, we continue with the dual POV and we learn more about Kingston and Ava and their growing connection despite the unique situation that brought them together. Even with the beast qualities of Kingston and the love-hate feelings towards the relationship between him and Ava, by the end, you are rooting for them. As with book 1, there are trigger warnings, so be sure to check those before reading.
A King So Savage by April Moran
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A King So Savage is a very dark romance, but if you like that style of book, you will certainly enjoy this read. April does a great job of developing the main characters and you get dual POV – Kingston and Ava – which is a nice element that I enjoyed. Kingston is a dark, cruel man that you learn to both love and hate and Ava is a character that fights back and resists when and if at all possible, even when that means punishment from her captor. I would describe the storyline as a modern day Beauty and the Beast with a Fifty Shades twist. Again, this book is a dark romance and there are a lot of trigger warnings – so be sure to check those out first. But with all that said, it was well written and left me wanting to know what happens in book 2.
Mission Target by Mark Nolan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I’ve done myself a huge injustice ! I’ve not read all the books prior to this and I feel like I robbed myself 😢 so take it from me and start st the beginning not because I felt lost or confused but purely because it’s been such a good read 🥰📚
Drugs on a good day are bad news but when they’re being used as a weapon we’ve got serious trouble on our hands but Jake and Cody 🐾 are a team one shouldn’t underestimate 😉
I was quite worried and fearful at a stage because Jake was getting closer to answers and that means there’s a target on his back and both have their own issues to deal with yet they kept their cool . I love their relationship and dependence on each other , bonds between man and animal are so much tighter than that of human to human , animals are fearless and loyal but Cody is a kind and gentle character🐾
A mail biting edge of my seat read and again I just want to say start at the beginning 😉❣️📚
Betrayal of the Gods by Martin Ferguson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Betrayal of the Gods is the fifth instalment of Martin Ferguson’s Relic Hunters series. The majority of the book follows Adam, and his brother, Matt, who set off to finish the mission their father started: to find the lost city of Atlantis. But the book also follows Princess Alaina of Atlantis and her experience of the Trojan War. It was really interesting reading these stories alongside each other, centuries apart, and seeing how they connected. My favourite character is Adam and my least favourite character is Elizabeth. I recommend this book because I love Greek mythology and this is a really interesting take on it, I think Martin did really well incorporating history and mythology into his own fantasy series. I’d really like to read the sixth and final instalment of the series, to see if Adam and Matt really did find Atlantis. ‘I had not known love before him. If he should fall, I would not want to live on without him.’
Deja Brew All Over Again: A Runaway Bride Romance by Sylvie Stewart
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Miller has always classed his self as the screw up in the family, cruising through life not really knowing what he want other than working in Blue Bigfoot Brewery with his brothers. Although when his day in court ends up being more he thought it would be.
Maisy is putting herself in a tricky situation, not wanting to lose her brother but is marrying her friend the way to go, well probably not, in steps her knight in shining armour. Helping her out of a sticky situation Miller is someone she should not be attracted to but he is her bad boy. The chemistry is definitely there and they would be good together she just has to show Miller is good enough and although he maybe rough around the edges he is worth love.
OMG you have done it again. I loved Miller in the other two books the brother who always mess-up but the love the all show each other is wonderful to see. Although this is the three book in this series you can read this book as a stand alone but believe me if you loved this book the other two are just as magical and wonderful.
I have to say the character who stole the show was Bear, Maisy’s brother I cried laughing at this nine year old character with the one liners and verbal ramblings was brilliant, also the chemistry between the Miller and Maisy was off the page and I love the way Sylvie writes as you always feel part of the very big Brooks family.
I devoured this book in one sitting and can’t wait, fingers crossed for Denny’s wedding or Lynn to find that special someone or even Ginny.
If you have not read any of the series or Sylvie’s books then I recommend you do they are brilliantly written and all her characters are well developed and just lovely. Thank you and keep on writing lol.
Deja Brew All Over Again: A Runaway Bride Romance by Sylvie Stewart
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 Stars
Deja Brew All Over Again: A Runaway Bride Romance (Love on Tap Series) by Sylvie Stewart
Deja Brew All Over Again : A Runaway Bride Romance is the third book in the Love on Tap Series. This is a RomCom that I absolutely loved reading. I swear this series gets better and better with each new book and this one is by far my favorite yet. Each one can be read as a standalone but I recommend reading this series in order as each book helps you learn more about the characters and get a better understanding of what has happened . The characters are fun and developed, relatable yet creative. The chemistry between them is electric and I loved the banter. This is a fast paced story that is packed with drama, secrets, banter and so much more. What would happen if you were carjacked by a pretty woman and her brother? She’s looking for her knight in shining armor can he be that person? I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next. I can’t hardly wait to get my hands on the next book in this series.