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Wildcat: A Steamy Firefighter Romance by Carina Alyce – Review by Alexandria Richard

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Wildcat (MetroGen After Hours, #1)Wildcat by Carina Alyce
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Quick sports firefighter reluctant romance read. Lived up to the steamy title description 🔥

4.75 rounded up.

Fairly quick romance read. Definitely has those steamy scenes that make you yearn for more.

There’s 3 POVs in this novel, the FMC, the MMC, and the Chaplain (love his quick chapters and his internal monologue). This novel is set in ‘95 so there is limited technology compared to contemporary romances and I thought the author did a fantastic job with it (it’s like watching Buffy from the beginning all over again and both loving the reminiscence and cringing at it).

Loosely based on the ’95 Cleveland Brown football season. I loved the football references and the background, showing that the author not only did her homework but really understands the game. It’s still easy to read too which isn’t always the case. I really enjoyed reading Trevor’s mentality about his job, his relationship with Leslie, and the difficulties of standing behind a strong woman and supporting her without smothering her.

The ease of reading and understanding also goes for the firefighting aspect. I loved the fact that Leslie is a spitfire and is fighting for her right to be a firefighter in the mid-90s. We see some softer sides of her, such as her dancing background and learning how to open herself to a relationship with Trevor, but overall she is a kick-a$$ woman taking names with no regrets.

At 150 ebook pages, this novel reads fast but leaves you feeling completely satisfied. I will certainly be searching out the other books in this series!

Cw: hazing, violence against women, 90s nostalgia.

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The Bear at Midnight (Orkneyinga Murders Book 4) by Lexie Conyngham – Review by Alexandria Richard

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The Bear at Midnight (Orkneyinga Murders #4)The Bear at Midnight by Lexie Conyngham
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

4.5 rounded up.

Book 4 in the series. Though the series does seem to go in a chronological order I was able to jump from book 1 to book 4 with little difficulty. There were some questions about what May have occurred in between but they were mostly addressed, or could be ignored without distracting from the overall story.

Here there is a death in the first part but that’s not the murder mystery aspect, that comes later in the book. The first part is sort of a catch up of all the characters from books past as well as an introduction to new ones on the scene.

I enjoyed this book off the bat more than I did book 1. Maybe it was the familiarity with the characters and setting. I’m not quite sure what exactly held my interest more here but it kept me reading the book through rather than in fits and starts.

I enjoyed the continual tension between the characters, both new and old, as well as within the village. There’s a need for everyone to secure their place in uncertain times that feels more realistic. Then of course the true murder of the story happens and throws everyone and everything into upheaval.

Cw: murder, death, time period sword fighting, domestic violence and violence against women, cheating, parental death.

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Tomb for an Eagle (Orkneyinga Murders Book 1) by Lexie Conyngham – Review by Alexandria Richard

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Tomb for an Eagle (Orkneyinga Murders #1)Tomb for an Eagle by Lexie Conyngham
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4 star Christian-Viking era murder mystery. Wonderful new take on the genre

First in a series. Here we’re introduced to Ketil, Sigrid, and everyone else in the village of Buckquoy.

Ketil comes to town with secrets to tell and to hide. Is he friend or foe? What does he have to do with the body Sigrid, a widowed villager, found hidden on her land? Is this the past come back to haunt them?

A very interesting take on timepiece murder mystery. I was only able to “sort of” enjoy this murder mystery. I found it difficult to immerse myself in a time period novel with a culture I’m mostly unfamiliar with. I found myself skipping over names and items, or having to step away from the story to look them up, because I didn’t know what they were. This caused the first quarter-to-third of the book to be a very slow read. Once I was able to get an understanding of the time, community, and culture, I found the novel to be very interesting.

This book also touches upon the idea of when old meets new in terms of the religious aspect of the time, but it is easy to correlate that to todays time and what’s going on around us, should you wish to go that deep.

Thoroughly enjoyed the murder mystery aspect and the “detective” work that Ketil does while rediscovering himself and his relationship with Sigrid along the way.

Cw: graphic descriptions of a murdered and mutilated body, domestic violence, violence against women.

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Power Play (Astoria Bay Thunder Book 1) by CJ Cartwright – Review by Alexandria Richard

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Power Play (Astoria Bay Thunder #1)Power Play by C.J. Cartwright
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Love me a good sports romance. Also a second chance and forced proximity romance.

I really enjoyed the role reversal that this author uses: I usually see the female as the one who knows who the other person is and is the one going after their love interest, but here Levi is the one who realizes who Brynn is and is the pursuer.

I liked that there was still a buildup of the chemistry between the characters rather than a “I used to love you as a kid, now you’re here, lets fall into bed” situation.

I love the sexy calendar fundraiser aspect to this story. Of the ones I’ve read that does something like that I found that this author did it the best. Also, I want that cabin in the woods for myself! Maybe Levi can make a guest appearance ;-P

I absolutely adore the side characters, with Tia and Bridger being the most prominent (oh the tension there!). I can’t wait to read their story (book 2) and how they find their HEA (this is romance, so a HEA— Happy Ever After— is expected). I also adored Xander and his gentleness. I can’t wait to read about him.

This book does mention characters from another book, and whets the appetite for that story., but that one is technically not part of this series. As this is the first book I’ve read from this author I’ll certainly be adding that to my TBR list.

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Savage Secrets (Mafia Elite, book 4) by Amy McKinley – Review by Alexandria Richard

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Savage Secrets (Mafia Elite, #4)Savage Secrets by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Ever read a book series where each book gets better and better, and you’re enjoying it as it goes, but then you get to one down the line and you’re like THIS. IS. THE. ONE? Well that’s this one. I feel like books 1-3 set up everything for this book perfectly and left me astounded.

Did I expect most of it and guess some of the plots? Of course. But I still NEEDED this book in my life and sat there reading it from beginning to end. I feel like (almost) all the questions and build up where answered. Of course know it’s not all been said and done because this is only book 4 of 7 planned (according to Amazon at the time of this writing), but ugh, I can’t gush enough about this one.

We get Marco and Elena in this book. As with all the others there’s a HEA in terms of the love story, but the build up to there is so great. It’s kind of an enemies to lovers, second chance, forced proximity, story. They knew each other as kids but Marco starts pulling away and being a jerk to Elena in their teens because he knows he cannot have her. Then she’s on the run, hiding who she really is, and Marco steps in to save her. And then says you’re mine. AH!

I enjoyed the continual build up of the mafia world and the ongoing issues inside the Family as well as with the Bratva. Note: I really want my Katya novel next!

Content warning: talk of past abduction and violence against women, human trafficking, child murder, mafia violence, murder, and general mayhem.

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ConQuest: The Art of Selling at Cons by Megan Mackie – Review by Alexandria Richard

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ConQuest: The Art of Selling At ConsConQuest: The Art of Selling At Cons by Megan Mackie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A nonfiction/self-help/business book with spunk and fun. Who woulda thunk it?

I’m simply in love with this book. The author approaches what can be a daunting topic or idea with truth, insight, tips, and levity. This book isn’t just good for tips for selling your item(s), ideas, trade, etc., at Conventions, but can easily be applicable to everyday life aspects.

Some things are common sense, but it’s nice to have the reminder of things when making that checklist or practicing your sales pitch. Here, she also explains how sometimes not quite meeting a goal can be a good thing and better for you in the long run (gasp!).

I also enjoy how the author broke down each aspect that she was talking about and took you step by step through things, starting at the beginning: create your thing, then look into how to sell your thing (here, at Cons!).

I loved the way the author wrote and the way things flowed. This may be a nonfiction slash self-help slash business based book, but it has me interested in her fictional work(s), which I will be seeking out to add to my TBR (to be read) list.

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Tally and the Angel: Book Two, Canada by Eleanor Dixon – Review by Alexandria Richard

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Tally and the Angel Book Two, CanadaTally and the Angel Book Two, Canada by Eleanor Dixon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Highly recommend for a fun, adventurous read! A fun middle school novel!

4.5 stars rounded up.

This novel likely car be read by advanced readers in 5th grade or anyone in middle school. I know there were some words I needed to look up, which I enjoy. This novel does reference some of the people Tally met while in India, book 1 in the series, but Canada holds up on its own as a stand alone.

Here, Tally’s dad is so proud of her for her strength and job well done since arriving in India that he takes her on a trip to the Yukon in Canada. Talk about one extreme temperature to another!

I really enjoyed the small tidbits of real world things that are talked about in the beginning, (nose hairs freezing anyone?!) and how life differs when you’re somewhere that gets so cold. I enjoyed meeting the new supporting cast, Mar, Earl, Amka, etc. and who could forget about the sled dogs!

Of course this wouldn’t be an adventurer novel without an adventure (besides the setting of middle of nowhere, Yukon, Canada). Here, Tally must help people in a local village to figure out a riddle/mystery. We see more of Jophiel, the Angel, and his influence on Tally, as well as imparting life lessons. There is some mysticism that occurs, which as a fantasy reader I thoroughly enjoyed.

I highly recommend this novel for fun and adventure.

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Tally and the Angel: Book One India by Eleanor Dixon – Review by Alexandria Richard

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Tally and the Angel : Book One IndiaTally and the Angel : Book One India by Eleanor Dixon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Cute middle school age about what’s right and wrong, and someone having your back

A cute book about finding inner strength as well as having someone help you be true to yourself and good to others. Includes a mystery storyline.

While there is an Angel involved and there’s little snippets of its journey to get to today, this book is not overtly religious, which I appreciated. The setting here is mostly in India, so the novel gives facts about the country as well as the Hindi language, culture/style, and religion.

I enjoyed the fact that it seems that each character we meet has some character trait that they’re working on. For example, Tally is just a middle schooler who’s growing up and learning to be a good person, and her dad is trying do good in the world while also being there for his daughter after the passing of his wife/her mom.

I thoroughly appreciate the obvious research that went in to bringing the Indian culture and architecture to life on the page. I love ancient architecture and art and you can tell that the author did their due diligence in the background and representing it authentically for the young readers.

Content warning included in this paragraph: I would label this novel as upper middle school and recommend that parents be willing and able to have discussions with their child about what is read. There is a bit of a mystery theme to this novel as children have gone missing and I think it would be important to know how the child(ren) can handle mature themes like kidnapping and child labor.

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Blindsided by T. Christensen – Review by Alexandria Richard

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Blindsided: A Contemporary Sports RomanceBlindsided: A Contemporary Sports Romance by T. Christensen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

BFF->E->L HS Bully; such a good read if you like that stuff!

5 Stars. Would give it more if I could!

I admit it, I’m in love with he Bully Romance genre/trope, and I don’t care who knows it. This one though is up there as one of the best I’ve read in terms of keeping me engaged and wanting to know what happens next. I could NOT put this one down (legit stayed up all night reading it…whoops.).

While this novel doesn’t have much else to it other than the bullying and the relationship between Brock and Kirsa, it was believable and an enjoyable read. I will say I figured out the endgame pretty quick, but I desperately wanted to know how they got there. Sometimes it’s not about figuring out the ending, but rather the journey to get there. You will want to pul your hair out in frustration at times though due to Brock’s thickheadedness, but it’s oh so worth it.

I think one of the reasons I enjoy the bully trope so much is because of the strength of the character being bullied, to deal with everything being thrown their way, but still forging forward and seeing the good in people and a future without the bullying, and Kirsa does not disappoint in that aspect. Even when we see her pushed down and ready to give up there’s a strength and resilience about it that says she will not stay down.

Brock does semi grow up throughout the novel, realizing he’s not as certain as he thought about the circumstances, but of course it had to take him being jealous to come to that conclusion (oh the romance genre falling back on good ole tropes). I can appreciate the reason behind him being so stubborn though and what that means for/about him as a person (well, character).

Also, I loved Rylan as a side character and would love to get a novel, or at least a novella, about him and his journey to finding love.

This novel is more of a New Adult novel as it does include graphic language and explicit sexual situations, and does start with the characters fairly young, but I was reading way worse than this at 13/14 in terms of sex content. I don’t know that I would have been okay with the bully aspect included here at that age though. This is also a novel about high school characters, so if age is an issue I recommend something else, where the characters are in college or older.

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Master Trentino (Masters of the Consulate Book 3) by Sylvia Black – Review by Alexandria Richard

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Master TrentinoMaster Trentino by Sylvia Black
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Fun next installment in the engaging saga of the consulate

3rd novel in the series which should be read after books 1 and 2, as the series has an overarching storyline that we get bits of along the way. Here we continue to have a story that switches POV between the two main characters.I do enjoy that it is first person narrative and that we get more insight into their thoughts and actions this way.

Here we’re introduced to Mr. No first name Trentino and Angel. Angel ends up at the wrong place at the wrong time and he has to save her. This is sort of a love at first sight romance, but its not done too fast. I like that the pair continues getting to know one another after they’re paired. The sex scenes are more sensually done than graphic in their telling, which I enjoyed. There’s some spice, but not too much to draw the focus from what’s going on with the vampires and who’s sabotaging them.

We do get to see more of the characters from the previous books, and get caught up on how the couples are doing. I really enjoyed the ladies (Lucianna, Delilah, Embry, and Angel’s) interactions, them supporting one another and having fun together too. I really can’t wait to read a story from Embry’s POV (fingers crossed).

I enjoy this series, hence why I keep on reading them upon release, but I’m finding the same issues occurring. I previously mentioned my problem with them transporting vast distances, and my statement stands here. Why have the vampires sneaking around and trying to find a way in to a place when they just transported to that location in the first place?

Content warning for death, torture, light BDSM, talk of human trafficking and abduction.

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Black Canvas by Laura Rossi – Review by Alexandria Richard

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Black CanvasBlack Canvas by Laura Rossi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Once you’re hooked, you’re hooked. Couldn’t put it down.

A very interesting psychological thriller/murder mystery. Who’s the victim here and who’s next? Loved the idea of the psychiatrist being a police liaison but having her dealing with her own trauma alongside it. I also enjoyed the fact that Aria, the main character, is a flawed individual but is bettering herself throughout.

The first third of the novel was a little bit slow for me as it was setting everything up and giving us the backstory, but once I got to about 30% the rest flew by. For me, the introduction of Mattias, and the focus on what was currently happening to Aria and in the world, on helped pull it along. I will admit that I was eagerly reading to see if Aria would pursue the dark side of things.

The Point Of View change was an interesting technique in this book. I actually didn’t mind the back and forth POV (with both being in first person format within the same chapter, and even paragraph), but an audiobook certainly wouldn’t make clear when things are from Ivy’s perspective (re: a flashback) versus Aria’s (the MC) as there’s a lot of jumping back and forth.

Takeaway: Pure definition of what a psychological thriller is. I highly recommend this one for someone looking to have their mind blown.

Content warning: su!cide, drug use, eating disorders, secret society, p!mping/trafficking, cheating.

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Hanging Softly in the Night: A Detective Nick Larson Novel AUDIO BOOK by Maria Elena Alonso-Sierra – Review by Alexandria Richard

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4/5 Stars.

A true detective novel. I really enjoyed the mystery aspect of this book and the hunt for the truth that occurs. Nick is your quintessential NYPD detective, looking for the truth and connecting the dots of things that most others wouldn’t see. Here the hunt is on for someone who is either assisting in others’ suicides, or is making it look like others are committing it. It’s literally a race against the clock to save people.

I’m not one to try and guess the outcome of the mystery in books but the answer to the “whodunit” here shocked me; I did not see that one coming. I enjoyed the touches of romance and building of relationships for the NYPD people, depicting them as well rounded individuals, rather than one dimensional. I also enjoyed the “side story” of Sandra and Laura. I have not read any other novels or stories by this author but it sounded like it was a continuation from another book in this series and it makes me want to go hunt it down.

I did listen to the audiobook of this novel and the narrator was pretty good. I enjoyed his inflection and his pace, however I did notice there were issues with pauses and such during what seemed like readings of other things, like reading a suicide letter or something else someone wrote. I’m not sure if that’s from editing or the way it was written out for the narrator, but it made me withdraw from what I was hearing. Overall, good bordering on great performance.

Content warning for explicit descriptions of death and suicide.

THE BOX (HER THREE IMMORTALS BOOK 4) by HAZEL STORM – Review by Alexandria Richard

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The Box: A Greek Myth Paranormal Romance (Her Three Immortals Book 4)The Box: A Greek Myth Paranormal Romance by Hazel Storm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This series just keeps getting better and better! Way to go out with a bang!

This is book 4 in the series and all books have lead up to this one (ah hem, that means it cannot be read as a stand alone, you HAVE to have read the others for it to all make sense!).

We of course get Vanessa having to meet the obstacles set in front of her by having to complete yet another challenge that one of the mothers of her three immortal men put her on (man am I sick and tired of those B’s.), but along the way Vanessa builds on her strength and courage, and has each of her men fighting their own battles (internal and maternal) to get to her and to help her. We see more of PK and Gorgonita, as well as Vanessa’s grandpa here, and I am ALL FOR IT. I absolutely adore Vanessa’s support system and love how they’re there for her however they can be. Note: poor Piper, just wanting his sister back.

Many comical aspects in this one to bring some levity, but the obstacles are serious. And oh, the sexual tension and smut scenes are oh so good. Loved that we get some multiple scenes as well as individual scenes (I mean this is a reverse harem, or why choose series after all).

I could go on and on about my enjoyment of this book, and the series overall, but really, just READ IT. It’s funny and quirky, with a Greek myth retelling base, why choose romance, and it’s just so good.

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Born in Darkness (Mafia Elite Book 3) by Amy McKinley – Review by Alexandria Richard

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Born in Darkness (Mafia Elite, #3)Born in Darkness by Amy McKinley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Book 3 in what is currently a 5 book series. This installment can technically be read on its own but the back information you would have from reading the other books was beneficial to me keeping the information and names straight. This book answers some questions that were left open from the previous books and seems to set up things for book 4. Note, by jumping to book 3 you also get spoiled on the former romances and a little bit on how they came about.

I really enjoyed the building relationship between Emiliana and Stefano. Stefano is the son of one of the five heads of family for the Chicago Italian Mafia, but he is fighting against his father’s tyrannical rule of his life. Emiliana is still recovering from her abduction and being sold into human trafficking. Both have yearned for the other since they were kids, but can they overcome their life situations to finally be together?

I loved that Stefano is able to help Em continue to build herself up after her ordeal, and doesn’t shy away from it or hold it against her. She’s healing but he’s willing to be there as a support system and friend for her. I also enjoyed seeing Stefano standing up for himself and dealing with the ramifications of his father’s actions.

As mentioned, some lingering questions from the other two books are answered here and I enjoyed the mystery aspect of that. We see more tension build up with the Bratva here and I can’t wait to see what comes of that in book 4.

Content warning: suicide, talk of human trafficking and arranged marriages, violence against women, gun violence, death, mafia violence, torture.

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Practically Pagan – An Alternative Guide to Magical Living by Maria DeBlassie – Review by Alexandria Richard

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Practically Pagan - An Alternative Guide to Magical LivingPractically Pagan – An Alternative Guide to Magical Living by Maria DeBlassie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this take on self-help. The author gives recommendations and follows up with her personal experiences and journey with each aspect, and is frank when something will be hard and admits to pitfalls. She brings us on a journey to help find the feminine (not just talking about gender, but the emotion) being within ourself so we can nurture it and be open to the magic in the everyday and the universe’s way of guiding us to happy.

I enjoyed the structure of the book, with the chapters being succinct and exemplifying exactly what is meant. The breakdown within each chapter is also clear and concise, allowing the reader to follow along easily. I thoroughly enjoyed the encouragement to sit back and reflect on what I had read and learned with the guided questions. It allows the reader to stop and think how the aspects talk about can be applied in our own life and how that can help to bring overall peace by living with the magic around us.

This is a self-help book I will be happy to go back and read again when needed, and one I will be recommending to others when they find themself in a rut.

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CADE (DEFAULT DISTRACTION #3) by A. S. Roberts – Review by Alexandria Richard

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Cade (Default Distraction #3)Cade by A.S. Roberts
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A second chance, rockstar, enemies-to-lovers, best friend’s sister forbidden romance, with a mafia tie-in….whew.

This novel seems to have all the romance tropes in it and while it’s a lot to consider in one book, I found it actually worked fairly well. The one aspect I didn’t feel was played out well was the BDSM/ Dom/sub aspect of it. I felt like it tried to set up that relationship but failed to fully deliver.

I did like Cade and Winter’s dynamic overall, with the push and pull. Winter has their past to consider and Cade is determining if he’s finally able to put the playboy rockstar persona behind him and commit to one person. I love how Winter is the depiction of a strong woman, what with overcoming life challenges and being tested in various ways while making a name for herself with the opening of the hotel. I also enjoy the banter that Cade and Winter have and how it can be hard at times it’s leading to each of them opening up to the other and building that foundation for more, and better communication.

Side note: what is it with romance novels and a huge fight occurring between the main protagonists all because of lack of communication?! -Maybe I need to step away from reading romance for a bit y’all.

Even though I enjoyed the book, I’m only able to give it a 4.25. There was something that prevented me from loving this book, though I couldn’t tell you what that is.

This book is book 3 of 4 in the series and does overlap in timeframe to book 4 (the only other one of the series I’ve read so far). We see a little bit of the other band members and them building on the relationship with their chosen lady, so there’s Easter eggs and semi spoilers about the other books, but I found it was enough to whet the appetite for the other books rather than ruin the other couple’s storyline. I’ll be searching out books 1 and 2 for sure!

Content warning: sexual training, BDSM aspects.

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LUKE (DEFAULT DISTRACTION #4) by A. S. Roberts – Review by Alexandria Richard

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Luke (Default Distraction Book 4)Luke by A. S. Roberts
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Book 4 in a 4 part series. I have also read book 3 these two seem to be written in roughly the same time period but focused on a different couple, so there are eastereggs from and about the other book(s).

In this book we get to read about Luke and his adorable daughter, Brielle aka Brie, and how they are both looking for a fun loving nanny to join them. I love how much of an adoring father Luke is. While he is still a rocker at heart, he has put his daughter first and focuses on her needs. He knows what it is like to have no parental figure as he was abandoned as a baby. Of course being a good dad, Luke asks what Brie wants in a nanny and she states she wants someone fun, pretty, and who can dance.

Enter Nikki, a specially trained nanny who is looking for a new placement, and who is a HUGE Default Distraction fan, specifically Luke’s.
I love that Nikki is not the stereotypical nanny. She has a few tattoo’s, is on the younger side, and has her tongue pierced. She’s also a trained ballet dancer, which Brie loves. While I really enjoy Nikki personally, I love her family, and how big her/their heart is for others. I also appreciate that we have a character with a major disability that is not talked about in passing, or that is just brushed aside.

The romance that builds between Luke and Nikki feels organic and well thought out. It is not rushed, and in fact there’s many instances that had me laughing out loud at the antics of the characters. I love how the band members are all also rooting for one another to find happiness instead of whining and complaining about it, which seems to be popular among musician romance books.

Having read book 3 and 4, I certainly need to go back and read 1 and 2 because I have questions, darn it! But I would also love to see more of Brielle and Flint in future books or novellas to see where they end up. Ah, the life of a rockstar child.

Content warning: alcoholism, abandonment, orphan, attempted sexual assault

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Broken Chains by Karina Kantas – Review by Alexandria Richard

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Broken ChainsBroken Chains by Karina Kantas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

WTH did I just read?! How can a single book make you feel all the feels and leave you reeling like that?! 4.5 Rounded up

I didn’t know where to start with this review, so I’m breaking it down as follows:

The good:
– Strong female MC. How much crap can one person go through and still be okay?! Liz’s character is thrown curveball after curveball, and still is willing to get up and fight the fight, and when she’s not, she has people around her who help build her back up.
– Mafia espionage. There’s so much political angst, from governmental agencies, both secret and “aboveboard” are touched on here, as well as mafia (in)fighting. There’s the Italian, Russian, and Greek mafia galore here. Who is fighting whom?

The “eh”:
– The romance aspect. I am reluctant to call this a romance novel. I would call this a mafia thriller with some romance thrown in. Even then, I personally didn’t feel the “romance” between Marco and Liz. Sure there’s sexual tension, but I didn’t fall for the couple.
– Everyone wants Liz. We get it, she’s the FMC, but no single person is wanted, politically or desired, the amount that she is. Everyone just seems to yearn for her in some way.

While there is a decent amount of “eh” to this novel, I still am going with my 4.5 star rating. This book will stick with me, even among the numerous dark romances that I enjoy. Something about this book is so different that it stands out.

Content warning: graphic depiction of sēxual assault, r@pe, violence against women, su!cide, violent death, gun violence.

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Blood Oath (Mafia Elite, book 2) by Amy McKinley – Review by Alexandria Richard

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Blood Oath (Mafia Elite, #2)Blood Oath by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Action, mystery, mayhem, and risk of death, whew! A great installment in the series!

This book focuses on the friends-to-lovers, reluctant relationship of Enzo and Sophia. I enjoyed reading the flashback near the beginning of the story which described their relationship from when they were kids and how it had morphed to what it was in “current day.” Enzo is next in line to be one of the mafia boss heads but is also a protector for Sophia, a friend and woman he has desired for years. Sophia is an up-and-coming fashion designer who is getting her big break with a fashion showing in Milan, that is if she can ever get there with the threat to her life and her family’s overprotective ways.

I enjoyed the mafia aspect and the threat lingering around Sophia for being the daughter of one of the five mafia bosses that rule. We get to learn a bit about her role as the youngest and only daughter in the family, and how her brothers are very protective. We get to see more of the ladies that make up the group of friends: Liliana, Sophia, Emiliana, and Eva. I especially enjoyed getting to know the Russian assassin Katya (I love me a kick ass ninja type woman).

Like any dramatic romance there is the push and pull of will the main characters end up together in the end. I’m normally not one who enjoys that waffling of will they actually end up together, typically because it’s due to lack of communication and assumptions that the drama unfolds, but I actually really enjoyed how it was done here. There are true reasons why each person has decided not to follow their heart, including some life or death reasons, that add a dramatic tension without it being overdone.

Content warning: talk of human trafficking, violence against women, gun violence, death, mafia violence.

This installment be read on its own but the back information you would have from reading book 1 was beneficial to me keeping the information and names straight.

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Tenacious (Billionaire Bodyguards Book 6) by Via Mari – Review by Alexandria Richard

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Tenacious (Billionaire Bodyguards # 6)Tenacious by Via Mari
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Book 6, but great on its own, loved the push and pull bt MCs.

4.5 stars rounded up. Book 6 in the Billionaire Bodyguards series, builds upon previous books but can be read as a standalone. Tenacious was a quick-ish read romance, taking about 4 hours to read.

I enjoyed the relationship dynamic between Allie and Nick. There is a history that we saw built up throughout some of the other books in the series but it is explained well enough that I don’t feel you HAVE to have read the others to follow along, of course reading them is well worth the time as the series just keeps getting better and better.

Here we see Allie and Nick as the Main Characters in a will they or won’t they scenario. Allie is a headstrong nurse who will do anything for her patients and to help others, and Nick is a bodyguard simply trying to protect Allie from the dangers that are swarming around her. Nick is not the best at communication, at times keeping things from Aliie when he thinks he knows best, which of course leads to drama filled moments, but those instances didn’t have me pulling out my hair crying out “WHY?!”

I enjoyed getting to see some old faces and catching up on what’s going on. And of course, we have the overarching themes of the “good guy” mafia connections and fighting trafficking that have been prevalent throughout the series. Content Warning for depiction of trafficking and abusers, as well as shooting and other “good v evil” battles.

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Rock Me To The Top (Gracefall: Vicious Love Tour) by Victoria Zak – Review by Alexandria Richard

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Rock Me To The Top (Gracefall: Vicious Love Tour Book One)Rock Me To The Top by Victoria Zak
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A cute reluctant friends-to-lovers rockstar romance.

4.5 stars rounded up.

I’m a big fan of rockstar romances lately and this one does not disappoint. I enjoyed the backstory of Melody and Joe’s friendship. Do they push that friendship boundary and test the waters of a real relationship, or do they each suffer the yearning the have for one another? The two test their limits and resolve when Joe convinces Melody to come out on tour with Gracefall as their tour manager.

There’s some outside interference with Joe and Mel’s relationship, such as the band members and friends giving them h€ll, as well as internal issues, secrets don’t make friend. This story follows the tour and the rockstar life well, without it bogging down the story with unnecessary fluff. I also enjoyed the fact that it wasn’t mostly smut with a small portion being the storyline. We do see character growth (and heartache) from the main characters, as well as from some side characters (future books in their POV?). There is true thought and consideration from both of the MCs as to if their friendship is worth the risk of trying for more, and if their love for each other will overcome life’s obstacles and tribulations.

Can’t wait to see what happens in book 2, which is kind of teased at the end here.

Rock Me To The Top was a fairly quick read and thoroughly enjoyable.

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Shadows of Doubt (A Crawford Mystery) by Merissa Racine – Review by Alexandria Richard

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Shadows of Doubt: A Crawford MysteryShadows of Doubt: A Crawford Mystery by Merissa Racine
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Second installment of the series, great spin on murder mystery novel.

Loved this book. As someone who knows a bit of the legal process I enjoyed seeing it play out on the page and how Lauren’s character contributed to finding out the truth. I could see how that legal process could be seen as slower reading to the casual reader though. I do think there were confidentiality issues that arose but it certainly made for some good drama in the story.

I enjoyed getting to know more about Lauren’s family history and back story. We get to meet her dad and we get to see more of Aunt Kate and Uncle Jake. We don’t get to see as much of Sam in this installment but his appearances are never dull. I enjoyed Eli, the defense attorney, and the side conversations Lauren and he share.

This book follows in the firsts footsteps with me not having guessed the end result but thoroughly enjoying the conclusion.

Hope there’s a book 3 in the works; I look forward to reading it if so.

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Silent Gavel (A Crawford Mystery Book 1) by Merissa Racine – Review by Alexandria Richard

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Silent Gavel (Crawford Mystery #1)Silent Gavel by Merissa Racine
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Interesting take on investigative who-did-it mystery

This one started off slow for me, but once it ramped up in the second half, I was hooked. This book is written in the second person format and I have come to find those stories harder for me to be swept away with because I feel so removed.

I did enjoy getting to know Lauren and the roll of a stenographer in the court proceedings. While we get to meet the Detective in his official capacity here, with viewing Lauren as the suspect, I do like him as a character and hope to see more, and see if he develops into a love interest down the line. I also loved Aunt Kate’s farm and the mention of alpacas. I enjoyed the tenderness that Maverick and Percy brought out in the other characters and that animals had such a prominent role in Lauren’s life.

I do feel that the story was dragged out a bit more than it needed to be, with lots of conversations that didn’t have much bearing on the storyline and furthering the plot, but did feel like an accurate depiction of what would occur in real life. I did not see that ending coming, nor did I suspect who the killer was. Talk about something coming out of left field! However it didn’t feel so impossible for it to have been that person either.

Can’t wait to see what will occur in book 2!

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The Bastard Prince (It’s Raining Royals) by Alix Nichols – Review by Alexandria Richard

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The Bastard Prince (It's Raining Royals, #2)The Bastard Prince by Alix Nichols
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This series is like a quick read, rom com, version of the DaVinci Code or Angels and Demon’s. I love the treasure hunt and “hide and seek” aspect.

I admit to not liking Arnaud at the beginning. I’m not a fan of having one of the MC’s having intimate relations with another person than the other MC without reason and I didn’t feel that that aspect of the storyline was necessary for his background. However he grew on me, with his propensity to not use plastic surgery to completely alter someone but bring out a bit more of their beauty, and his compassion for (most) others.

Alexandra, aka Sasha, was a likable character, who comes with health issues and mental baggage from said issues. I enjoyed her still wanting to be a strong and independent woman despite her health issues bordering a disability for her. One note is that I didn’t completely believe her health issues. As I know someone who had a kidney transplant and the difficulties that comes with the healing I feel that the author took liberties. It pulled me out of the storyline here and there, but it’s not likely to be noticed by many others and didn’t distract from the overall story.

I enjoyed reading the push and pull between Arnaud and Sasha and each of them determining what to do about their attraction.

I also liked getting more glimpses into the Mount Evor prophecy and finding another key. The glimpses into the ruling family and the country is fascinating.

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The Boss Prince (It’s Raining Royals) by Alix Nichols – Review by Alexandria Richard

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The Boss Prince (It's Raining Royals, #1)The Boss Prince by Alix Nichols
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A cute royal, secret identity, semi-mystery, romance

This story has so many romance tropes in it, yet they all come together well to give an engaging romance novel, the first in a series. Kudos to Alix Nichols. A fairly quick and well paced read.

Boss Prince certainly gave an interesting take on the idea of a royal family. There’s a secret country and within the royal family is an “oracle” who tasked Prince Max with finding a woman who is “the key to the key,” whom will help lead the royal family to keeping their country safe, and hidden.

Once Max and Lucie are together their chemistry and attraction explode, despite them both knowing they should stay sway from the other, romantically at least.

Story ends well and sets up the next book with the continuation of trying to fulfill the prophecy and save their country from ruin.

I loved Lucie’s Aunt and Uncle. Their characters brought a bit of levity to the middle of the book and allowed us and Max to see a bit of background into who Lucie was outside of helping at her mom’s classic fan boutique.

I’m not really a fan of most of Max’s family as characters but I enjoyed how they helped the story move along and appreciate them for what they brought to the table.

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No Way Out (Mafia Elite, book 1) by Amy McKinley – Review by Alexandria Richard

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No Way Out (Mafia Elite, #1)No Way Out by Amy McKinley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

3.5 rounded up.

While this novel focuses on the mafia crime aspect, with just a slice of dark romance, I enjoyed the tease of if Liliana and Max would actually get together or not. I appreciate that Ms. McKinley focused on building the relationship and trust between them rather than on how quick they could be pushed together.

The copious bad guys in this novel threw me at first. It seemed that Liliana and Max we’re against the world, fighting against multiple mafia bosses at the same time, but I enjoyed how it came to a conclusion. The reasons for things are explained and there is a HEA.

3.5 rounded up for the following: This book started off slow, but gained momentum as it went on. I didn’t really believe the insta-lust that occurred for Liliana, but it was redeemed as their relationship grew and continued. I also wasn’t the biggest fan of the writing style at the beginning, but it got much better as it went along.

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The Bow (Her Three Immortals Book 3) by Hazel Storm – Review by Alexandria Richard

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The Bow (Her Three Immortals, #3)The Bow by Hazel Storm
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

First off I am pleased to know, and share, that this is not the last in the series. The series keeps getting better and better.

I greatly enjoyed the character growth we see in Aroz in this book. It seemed he was barely mentioned in the other books and here he’s front and center (mostly). Go figure from the name of the book, right? I also enjoyed the introduction of Beau/Bow, and how that played out.

I like how Vanessa is growing more comfortable in her own (naked) skin with the guys, as well as in who she is. Sure, she still has growing to do, but don’t all characters? I’m interested to see how the author will continue to make all new characters connect to Vanessa going forward because she seems to be the focal point of everyone we meet, in some way or another. But honestly, can we just do away with all the mothers already?

We get more sex in this book, with more multi-partner scenes as well. Gladly though, this book is not all about the sex; sure we get more statements from the guys about Vanessa making them hard even when she’s not trying to, but the heist and drop off, is the main focal point, and the drama that ensues along the way.

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Caine (Men of Syn Book 2) by Anise Storm – Review by Alexandria Richard

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Caine (Men of Syn, #2)Caine by Anise Storm
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed getting to know Caine and how he fit into Hawke’s life. We got snippets of Hawke’s and Caine’s relationship in book 1, but here Caine stands front and center. Caine is on the run from his past, looking to lay low while he gets his life back on track. Of course nothing goes to plan when Emery comes into the picture.

In Hawke I liked Emery and the friendship and support she gave to Charlotte, but in the beginning of Caine I could not stand her as a character. She just a stuck up girl, and then became all woe is me after her life turned upside down when her father was arrested and their assets frozen. Her character certainly grew in what seemed like a fairly short period of time, partially forced by Caine. By the end of the book I was rooting for her to continue using her new found inner strength.

This book is filled with sex, sex, sex. And who doesn’t love a darker romance where one of the characters has certain fun piercings? I did enjoy the sexiness between Caine and Emery. We get to the Dom/sub dynamic fairly early on but we also get to see the relationship grown and mature between them. I actually found the terms Dominant and submissive being used frequently by the characters but I didn’t find a whole lot of D/s instances in this book compared to book 1.

I understand that you want continuity between your books, but one problem I had with book 1, and continue to have with book 2, is that the books are written in second person. I think the author was much more aware of who the narrator was for each chapter and there was less jumping around as to whose thought pattern we were supposed to be following, but IMO it would have been so much clearer, and been more enjoyable as a reader, to have the series told from first person POV and switch between the two main characters.

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Romancing the Tropics (A Tropical Cocktail Romance Boxset) by L.M. Mountford – Review by Alexandria Richard

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Romancing the Tropics : A Holiday Romance Boxset (A Tropical Cocktail Romance)Romancing the Tropics : A Holiday Romance Boxset by L.M. Mountford
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

L.M. Mountford lives up to his moniker of “Lord of Lust” in this one!

Two quick read sexy short stories featuring tropical locations and how dirty the pairings can get in each location. These two stories will each leave you fanning yourself or going in search of a way to alleviate that tension.

I enjoyed that the tropes used were not duplicative between the stories. These stories are not for the faint of heart or those looking for a wholesome romance. These are stories about the passion and lust which exists between two parties and how hard and fast they can come together to explosive results. HEA’s are dubious at best here. This bundle certainly leaves me wanting to search out more of Mountford’s lustful works.

Further breakdown of each story as follows:

Tequila Sunset
A true Age Gap, Forbidden Romance based short story. A broken hearted young woman faces her attraction to her best friend’s father, and a recently divorced, writer’s blocked author, confronts his new longing for the forbidden fruit. This one plays up the taboo aspect by stating that David (a.k.a. Mr Street) remembered Cassandra playing with dolls along with his daughter while growing up, and having the nickname ‘Cass’ that he uses when acting in that more familiar role. As I don’t have a problem with age gap romances and tend to enjoy a little forbidden romance I really enjoyed this story. Tequila Sunset is well paced and has a good build up leading to the smut within.

Content Warning: an*l, sneaking around, talk of cheating

Beneath the sheets
I really enjoyed this story, getting to know about the past and rekindling of a high school friendship. The sexual tension is well built upon, and doesn’t feel like it’s the sole focus of the story, but rather an aspect of this relationship growing. This story reads more like the beginning of something that could grow into a story of it’ own, but its a sexy and sensual beginning to Alex and Sarah’s adult relationship nonetheless.

Content warning: cheating

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THE GOD (HER THREE IMMORTALS BOOK 2) by HAZEL STORM – Review by Alexandria Richard

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The God (Her Three Immortals, #2)The God by Hazel Storm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

4.5 out of 5. A cute “why choose” romance that takes Greek Mythology and turns it on its head.

I typically find the second book in a series harder to get through than the first but this book had me reading through to see what happened next.

The God picks up where The Don leaves off, with Vanessa transported to the Underworld, Grey’s domain. She is concerned about her brother and mother, but knows what she did was the right choice. Now if only she can have the three guys circling her the way she wants, but Aroz can only partially appear, Grey has left her alone in his home, and Raef can’t travel to the Underworld. What’s a girl to do?

I enjoyed the further exploration of the relationships Vanessa has with each of the men. Grey takes front and center of this book, leaving me to assume one of the other men will do so for book 3.

Grey certainly lives up to the “asshole” category Vanessa has for men, basically ignoring her and running from her anytime she gets close to him. In the end though she literally turns everything Grey knows on its head and confronts his way of thinking. I enjoyed finally getting to see a softer side of him, as well as what goes on behind the scenes of Elysium.

I really enjoyed the addition of the new side characters. Gorgonita, Medusa’s daughter, whose essence has been housed in a handheld mirror, is integral to the storyline and acts as a bit of side-kick to Vanessa on her escapades throughout Elysium. I loved the addition of PK and her calls for food.

Can’t wait to read book 3 to see what’s in store for Vanessa and her men, uh I mean Gods.

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