Posts

My Pearl Heart by J.N. Sheats – Review by Karyn Taylor

My Pearl HeartMy Pearl Heart by J.N. Sheats
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

My Pearl Heart is a great contemporary romance novella. At only 88 pages I devoured this in one sitting as I really enjoyed the storyline and it flowed well keeping me engaged.
I really liked both of the main characters Jasmine and James. Jasmine’s best friend, who is also James’ fiancée is another matter. I really did not understand how someone as sweet as Jasmine could have a person like Cadence as a best friend. I don’t think she has a single quality that I liked or admired. Such a horrible, nasty piece of work, only interested in one thing…herself.
I really enjoyed reading Jasmine and James’ story and was hoping that they would get the HEA that they deserved as these two were totally meant for each other.
Even for a short read, the author managed to have quite a bit of content, making this a very enjoyable, entertaining read.
If you’re looking for something quick and enjoy a good romance then I’d recommend this book for you.

View all my reviews

Underboss’s Retaliation (Sicilian Gods Book 2) by Via Mari – Review by Karyn Taylor

Underboss's Retaliation (Sicilian Gods Book 2)Underboss’s Retaliation by Via Mari
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the 2nd book in the Sicilian Gods series, another spin off series including the Larussio family. I have loved every single thing that this author has written until now and this was no different. I devoured this book and loved every second of it. Each book can technically be read as a standalone but I think you’d get more enjoyment if you read the first book before this one. As both are such brilliant books, it will be no hard ship to read both.
In this book we get the story of Dominic Larussio, underboss to Salvatore from the first book. In retaliation for an incident in book 1, Dominic kidnaps Emelia De Rosa, daughter of their enemy. But what happens when sparks fly between the 2 and the chemistry is off the charts?
I absolutely adored Dominic and Emelia’s story. I was totally gripped from the very beginning and this book just didn’t let me go until the very end. In fact, I’m not sure it has let me go yet. The drama, danger and intrigue really make for an extremely entertaining read.
I would 100% recommend this book and any of this author’s books.

View all my reviews

Handle With Care (Chase Care Book 1) by R.L. Dunn – Review by Karyn Taylor

Handle With Care (Chase Care Book 1)Handle With Care by R.L. Dunn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Handle With Care is the first book in the Chase Care series, which is a spin-off from the Chase Security series which is one of my favourite series. I was so glad to jump back into the Chase world and this certainly did not disappoint. Far, far from it!
When reviewing a book like this, I realise that I give to many 5 star ratings. By this I mean that this book is so good that I feel that it deserves more than the 5 stars I’m allowed to give it.
At over 500 pages, this is not a short read, but in all honesty I could have read another 500 pages of this story. I was totally engrossed in this book and hated having to put it down to go back to the ‘real’ world.
Hunter and Selma are 2 fascinating characters among a large cast of characters, many of whom I loved and others I hated. Hunter and Selma’s story is so much more than a romance story. This story has soooo much drama. It really is edge of your seat, heart in your mouth reading as characters lives are hanging on by the thinnest of threads.
This is a book that I know I will read again and I can’t wait for more in this series.

View all my reviews

Chasing Redemption (The Quimby Grove Series Book 2) by Shannon Nikole – Review by Karyn Taylor

Chasing Redemption (Quimby Grove #2)Chasing Redemption by Shannon Nikole
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the 2nd book in the Quimby Grove Series. It’s a really great small town, second chance, romantic suspense novel. It can be read as a standalone but as the main characters from the first book play quite a large role in this book, I’d say, if you are going to read both books, then read them in order to get the best experience.
A memorable one night stand, if you can call their frantic coupling on the beach a one night stand, totally changes the lives of Max Quinn and Marley Halligan. A chance meeting at Max’s best friend’s wedding where Marley is working as a wedding planner brings the 2 back into each other’s lives. Can they rekindle the spark that they had that fateful night on the beach? Can Max handle the shock that he is father to awesome 4 year old twins?
I absolutely adored reading Max and Marley’s story. Max as a dad is totally swoonworthy. I loved reading his interactions with the adorable Izzy and Jaz who were such scene stealers.
With this being a romantic suspense, the added bonus of the danger, drama and intrigue, really added to the entertainment factor of this book. I was really hooked on the story and did not want to put this book down.
I really hope we get more from this series and with the little snippets we got from Avery and Kennon, I’m hoping they are next

View all my reviews

The Husbands by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Karyn Taylor

The HusbandsThe Husbands by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a really good contemporary romance from an author who is new to me. This author usually writes paranormal romance so this was a first for them too, a new genre/trope. For a first go at writing something new and different, I can honestly say that the author has done a really good job and would do well to write more in this genre in addition to their usual.
Dorian and Augustine are brought together as a result of an assassination attempt gone wrong. While helping Augustine to recover, a strong attachment is forged between the two men, however, both men are happily married to beautiful wives that they adore. So what do they do with the growing attraction they have to each other?
To answer that question here would result in giving spoilers which I am not going to do. I wouldn’t want to spoil this story for another reader. I would encourage them to give this book a try and find the answer for themselves. In doing so you will find a well written story that flows well and keeps you engaged throughout.
I would recommend this book.

View all my reviews

Married Blind (Kings of Screen Book 2) by Morgana Bevan – Review by Karyn Taylor

Married Blind (Kings of Screen, #2)Married Blind by Morgana Bevan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is the 2nd book in the Kings Of Screen series but can be read as a standalone. I was unaware of the fact that there had been a previous book in the series before I read this and can say that I did not feel that I was missing any information needed to understand and enjoy this book. It’s set around 4 actor friends and each guy gets his own book, so although there are recurring characters it can be easily read on its own.
In this book we get the story of Irish actor Finn McCarthy, forced by his agent to enter ‘Married Blind’ a reality TV series where he meets his bride at the wedding. His bride is Abi Johnson, who is working 3 jobs to pay her sister’s medical bills. Finn assumes she must be a gold digger to take part in such a programme and is resolved to have as little to do with her as possible. Due to the constant filming they are forced together more than he would like, particularly as the more time they spend together, the more he realises just how perfect she is for him.
I really enjoyed reading Finn and Abi’s story. Their forced proximity results in some hilarious encounters between the two that I really enjoyed reading. Finn’s sense of humour provides some really entertaining reading.
The storyline flows very well and had me pulled in from the very beginning and not wanting to put this book down.
Definitely recommend.

View all my reviews

Falling Home (Buckeye Falls Book 1) by Libby Kay – Review by Karyn Taylor

Falling HomeFalling Home by Libby Kay
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It’s only been a few weeks since I first read one of this author’s books, but having enjoyed it so much, I quickly dived in to another one. This is a really great second chance romance.
When Ginny Meyer returns home to look after her father following surgery, she is determined to keep as far away from her ex-husband Max Sanchez as possible. Her scheming father has other plans and does everything possible to make sure that the two spend as much time together as he’s sure there is most definitely unfinished business between the two.
Ginny and Max’s story is a really great read that gripped me from the very beginning and didn’t let me go right up to very end. I absolutely loved both Ginny and Max and there is also a great bunch of secondary characters who add so much to the story. In particular, I adored Ginny’s father. The love he has for his daughter shines through and he just wants her to have the happiest life possible.
A really great read that I’d definitely recommend.

View all my reviews

Love Tools (Bluestone Series Book 1) by Isobel Reed – Review by Karyn Taylor

Love Tools (Bluestone Series, #1)Love Tools by Isobel Reed
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a great contemporary romance that I really enjoyed reading. I hadn’t read any of this author’s work before and I was really pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed reading this story.
Lily has moved from the hustle and bustle of London, a city with a population of over 8 million people to live in small town Bluestone County. Jake has lived in Bluestone County all his life and is a true country boy at heart. Lily is sworn off dating the same loser types she’s always dated and Jake is a known womaniser, the opposite of what she wants. It’s definitely not a case of love at first sight. In fact, Lily seriously dislikes Jake at their first meeting.
I really enjoyed reading Jake and Lily’s story. The banter between them makes for some fun reading as they bicker over the slightest thing, pushing each other’s buttons.
Lily and Jake are both great characters that I really enjoyed reading about. They are both characters that you can easily relate to and I could have read about them for much longer.
All in all this is a great read that I’d definitely recommend to others.

View all my reviews

The Daredevil (WaterFyre Rising Book 2) by Nadia Han – Review by Karyn Taylor

The Daredevil (WaterFyre Rising, #2)The Daredevil by Nadia Han
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the 2nd book in what has started a fantastic series and I really can’t wait for more of it. Until I read the first book in this series I had never heard of this author but I can surely say that I will definitely read more of their work and recommend them to others as this is a really great book that had me gripped and entertained from start to finish,
Royce Viktorsson and Michelle Yates had been friends for years as part of a group of friends that includes the main couple from the first book in the Waterfyre rising series. When Michelle has to travel to Iceland for work for the blog she writes her and Royce become closer.
This book definitely has the feel of a romantic suspense which is a genre that I adore. With Royce suffering many unfortunate mishaps at work and Michelle coming under attack the couple are forced together to fight the enemy.
I really enjoyed Royce and Michelle’s story. It is so much more than a contemporary romance. There is a great deal of drama, danger and intrigue that kept me totally gripped to the storyline and wanting to read more and more. The story flowed very well and the characters are so well written that you can really relate to them.
100% recommend.

View all my reviews

Snow in Love by Libby Kay – Review by Karyn Taylor

Snow in LoveSnow in Love by Libby Kay
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Snow In Love is a great Christmas romance novella that I really enjoyed reading. It was my first time reading this author so was unsure what to expect from this book. I’m glad I took a chance on it as it’s definitely worth a read.
Although short at 100 pages, the author manages to pack a great deal of content in to make it an enjoyable read that keeps you engaged from beginning to end.
I really enjoyed reading about the 2 main characters Sienna and Connor. Being the golden princess of paralympic skiing you’d expect her to be a bit of a dive, but she’s far from it. Connor was the playboy motocross rider before his accident and is now a totally changed man in many ways and I really engaged with his character as he tried to make himself a better person.
I have to admit that I really wanted to slap Sienna’s mother and give her father a good shake. My heart broke for how Sienna was treated.
This is a great Christmas romance and I’d definitely recommend giving it a try.

View all my reviews

Kamana Wanalaya by Susan Renee – Review by Karyn Taylor

Kamana Wanalaya for the Holidays: A Grinchy/Sunshine Holiday RomanceKamana Wanalaya for the Holidays: A Grinchy/Sunshine Holiday Romance by Susan Renee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Do not be put of by the strange name of this book as it is a really great story. Described as a grinchy/sunshine holiday romance, the author got this spot on. As my first time reading this author’s work, I was pleasantly surprised by a great story that flowed well and characters that I really engaged with. Don’t be scared of trying out authors who are new to you as there are really some gems out there and this belongs to that category.
Tenley, who doesn’t believe in love is invited to beautiful Hawaiian paradise of Kamana Wanalaya by Teagan, the self-confessed Love Guru to prove to her that love really is something to believe in and to hope for.
I loved Teagan and Tenley’s story. There is so much banter between the two of them that makes for some fun, enjoyable reading. Their chemistry is off the charts hot and makes for some steamy scenes in the book.
So can Teagan convince Tenley that love is something to wish for? Will she fall in love with the beautiful resort of Kamana Wanalaya? And will she fall in love with the beautiful, amazing, sweet man that is Teagan? I’d recommend you read this great book and find out the answers.

View all my reviews

Reckless Heart (Second Chance Romance Series Book 2) by Jane Suen – Review by Karyn Taylor

Reckless Heart (Second Chance Romance #2)Reckless Heart by Jane Suen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a really heartwarming sweet, second chance romance story. I had read the first book which I really enjoyed, so was happy to read the next book in the series.
As with the first book, I would have liked the book to be longer as i felt it came to quite an abrupt end. There was so much more scope to add to the story and at only 150 pages it felt more like a novella.

In saying that I really did enjoy Brad and Mary’s story. Both are great characters and I could easily relate to them. Both had crushes on the other as teenagers but were to shy to do anything about it. In fact Mary broke Brad’s heart when she ended up in a long term relationship with his best friend, who she has recently broke up with this. This time Brad is determined to get the girl.
The story is well written and flows well with enough action to keep you entertained and gripped by the story. I really would have liked to have read more about Brad and Mary.

Definitely recommend, especially if you want a quick read.

View all my reviews

Beast (Popov Bratva Book 5) by Leslie Georgeson – Review by Karyn Taylor

Beast (Popov Bratva #5)Beast by Leslie Georgeson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the 5th book in a fantastic Mafia Romantic Suspense series. Although part of a series, each book can be read as a standalone. I started this series by reading book 4 and did not feel that I was left missing any necessary information to enjoy and understand the book. The same can be said of this book.
Having read book 4, I was quite intrigued by the character Beast and I was so glad to find out that we were getting his story next. Named Beast due to his face being badly scarred and damaged in a dog attack when he was younger, Adrik has no hopes of ever finding a woman who will see past his scars and fall in love with him. Definitely not Mafia princess Annika Popov who he has secretly crushed on for many years. All that changes when he is put in charge of keeping her safe from an attacker who has already tried to kill her.
I really loved Adrik and Annika’s story. Ardik is an amazing character. Such a tortured, wounded soul with a horrendous past. I totally fell in love him reading this book. I also adored Annika. She’s not a typical mafia princess full of airs and graces with no regard for others. She’s totally taken by the strange Adrik and can’t fathom the pull that he has on her.
This is a beautiful story to read. I loved reading how Annika’s patience and love brought out the true Adrik and that he got the HEA he so desperately deserved.
100% recommend.

View all my reviews

I Love You Today (Trading Heartbeats Trilogy Book 2) by Julie Navickas – Review by Karyn Taylor

I Love You Today (The Trading Heartbeats Trilogy Book 2)I Love You Today by Julie Navickas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the 2nd book in this fantastic series which I’ve loved so far. This book technically can be read as a standalone but I think you’d enjoy it more and understand it better if you have read the first book in the series beforehand.
In this 2nd book Austin is trying to mend his heart after losing the girl he loves to his twin brother Josh. I have to say that I wasn’t the biggest fan of Austin in the first book as Josh and Mavis were always destined to be together. Austin should not have gone near Mavis in a romantic way. Reading this book, we see a whole different side of Austin and realise that he really did love Mavis and was totally heartbroken. I have to say that I totally fell in love with Austin in this book. As for Casey, well, she’s a total breath of fresh air. She’s quirky, sassy and rather awesome and she’s just exactly what Austin needed.
I really enjoyed reading Austin and Casey’s story. It really takes you on an emotional journey. I was gripped by the story from the very beginning and did not want to put the book down. I just had to know how their story turned out.
In addition to Austin and Casey’s story we get the beginnings of what will be Lauren and Mitch’s story in the third book and I’m already excited for that.

View all my reviews

Revenge Honeymoon by K.J. Gillenwater – Review by Karyn Taylor

Revenge HoneymoonRevenge Honeymoon by K.J. Gillenwater
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a great, heart-warming, funny romantic comedy that I loved reading. I had never read any of this author’s work before so was unsure of what to expect but I was pleasantly surprised when I got a well written book with great characters.
You wouldn’t think that a book about a jilted bride taking her maid of honour on the honeymoon would be a funny topic but it actually lends itself to so much humour. In particular, the fact that the cruise is for newly weds so Ruby and Emily pretend to be a newly married couple which leads to much hilarity.
I adored Emily as a character as she’s so ditzy but very caring and loyal to a fault. I liked Ruby but wouldn’t say that I loved her. Max, however, is such a sweetheart. As hot and handsome as he was, he wasn’t cocky or arrogant as many male leading characters are. He was insecure and vulnerable which made him all the more appealing. I really wanted to give that man a huge hug.
The story flowed really well and kept me engaged and entertained throughout. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would definitely read more by this author.

View all my reviews

Kiss Away Your Pain (Wounded Hearts Series Book 2) by Debbie Cromack – Review by Karyn Taylor

Kiss Away Your Pain (Wounded Hearts, #2)Kiss Away Your Pain by Debbie Cromack
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the second book in the Wounded Hearts series. I had loved the first book and was really hoping that Candi would get her own book and was so looking forward to reading her story. I was certainly not disappointed. In fact, I loved this book even more than the first one.
Candi and Enzo’s story hits you with all the feels. It’s a total roller coaster of emotions journey. There was laughter and there were tears. Many tears. I’d have tissues handy when reading this. Or maybe I’m just a total sap who cries at the slightest thing.
Candi is still trying to get over the death of her boyfriend Dom when Enzo comes into her like. It’s been a few years and deep down she knows that Dom would want her to move on and find love again but it’s not that easy. But the more time she spends with Enzo, the more she’s at war with herself.
I really loved reading this story. When reading a romance novel you assume that the HEA is coming, but it’s all about the journey and how they get there. The path to true love does not run smooth and this author makes Enzo and Candi work for it, throwing in a few surprises along the way they I definitely didn’t see coming.
100% recommend.

View all my reviews

The Rom Com Movie Club (The Rom Com Movie Club Book 1) by Bernadette Marie – Review by Karyn Taylor

The Rom Com Movie Club - Book OneThe Rom Com Movie Club – Book One by Bernadette Marie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is from an author I have read many times and who never disappoints. She has an amazing talent of writing fantastic romance novels that I love reading. With The Rom Com Movie Club she certainly does not disappoint. I really, really enjoyed reading this book and I’m sure that it’s a book that I will read again.
While hosting the monthly rom com movie club, Lisa inadvertently gets to meet her best friend’s future brother in Law, Ryan. There is instant chemistry between the two but future bride Tina demands that nothing happens between the 2 of them as it will take the shine of her upcoming wedding.
Needless to say, I really did not like Tina very much. She’s a total Bridezilla who is thinking about herself and not at all for her best friend who has major insecurities.
I really enjoyed Lisa and Ryan’s story. Both are great characters and I loved how they interacted with each other and how Ryan was a total sweetheart and took Lisa’s insecurities seriously and helped her overcome them.
Definitely recommend.

View all my reviews

Hot for Teacher by Felicia Carparelli – Review by Karyn Taylor

Hot for Teacher - Shakespeare Made Us Fall in LoveHot for Teacher – Shakespeare Made Us Fall in Love by Felicia Carparelli
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is a teacher/student romance that’s a bit different from others that I’ve read. Juliet is a 55 year old teacher, and Jim (Jimmy, James – it changes so often) is her 43 year old ex-marine, literature student.
I have mixed feelings about this book. I loved that the author wrote about an older couple in my age bracket rather than the usual 20 and 30 somethings we usually get. What I didn’t like is the way that Jim is portrayed as being very unintelligent. This didn’t sit well with me. Also, for someone who is so uneducated, he certainly seems to be able to quote Shakespeare at the drop of a hat after only 1 lesson. It just seemed rather unrealistic.
As much as I liked the 2 main characters, I found their relationship quite unbelievable too. I struggled with how Jim was professing undying love so quickly after meeting Juliet. Maybe I’m just a cynical old woman but it just felt rather unbelievable.
It’s not all doom and gloom. I did like the characters and there’s some good humour and banter between them which I enjoyed reading.

View all my reviews

Defiant Princess (Mafia Elite Series Prequel) by Amy McKinley – Review by Karyn Taylor

Defiant Princess (Mafia Elite Prequel)Defiant Princess by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the prequel to one of my favourite books series and I just loved getting to spend more time with these characters. I was gutted when the Mafia Elite series came to an end, so was excited to find out that there was going to be a prequel.
With it being a prequel, you know how it’s going to end but I was more interested in going through the journey with these characters who I have absolutely loved reading about. I can say it certainly did not disappoint. I’d love to read even more about this fantastic group of people.
This book takes you through the tragic events of Marissa Rossi. This even is discussed in great detail in the series but you don’t get the full story of what really went down at it was fantastic to finally have this part of the story told in full.
I really hope that we are going to get more from this amazing group of characters as I’m not ready to say goodbye to them yet.

View all my reviews

Degrees of Innocence: Dark Mafia Romance (Cruel Deceptions Book 1) By Via Mari – Review by Karyn Taylor

Degrees of Innocence (Prestian Series, #1)Degrees of Innocence by Via Mari
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the first book in the only series I’ve not read yet by this author. I have devoured every book in every series by this author but had missed this one. Although I ultimately know how their story turns out, I was excited to finally get the chance to read Chase and Kate’s journey.
This book covers the very early days in their relationship. We get their first meeting where the sexual tension between the two is evident from the very start.
In keeping with other books from this author, once the sexy times begin they are very hot and very often not ‘vanilla’. If you like a hot, sexy read then this is the book for you. I’d definitely recommend anything by this author if you like a good steamy read.
Although this series is described as a dark mafia romance, we don’t get introduced to the mafia element until the end of this book.
Filled with drama, danger, intrigue and hot sex, this book is definitely worth the 5 stars that I’m giving it.

View all my reviews

Faultless Love (The Bennetts of Langston Falls Book 1) by KG Fletcher – Review by Karyn Taylor

Faultless Love (The Bennetts of Langston Falls, #1)Faultless Love by K.G. Fletcher
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the first book in a new series by an author who can do no wrong in my book. Yet again she’s totally blown it out of the park. This is a totally wonderful second chance romance set in a small town where everyone knows everyone’s business.
Set around the Bennett family, this is the story of Teddy. Teddy has just been released from prison for a crime he didn’t commit. All that’s kept him going is his love for his girlfriend Robyn but will she want to pick things up where they left it 6 years previously?
I absolutely loved Teddy and Robyn’s story. Both have been dealt such hard cards in life and if anyone deserves a HEA it’s definitely this couple. Of course the path to true love never runs smoothly and they have many obstacles to overcome.
This book really, really tugs on the heartstrings and there were a few occasions where the tissues were needed. This author is the queen of tear jerkers and never fails to drag me through so many emotions before getting to the HEA.
Would give this more than 5 stars if I could.

View all my reviews

Finding Bryce (Green Brotherhood: SEAL Team XII Book 1) by Debra Parmley – Review by Karyn Taylor

Finding Bryce (Green Brotherhood: SEAL Team XII Book 1)Finding Bryce by Debra Parmley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Finding Bryce is a short, but sweet, contemporary romance novella which I really enjoyed. I really wish it had been a full length novel as I’d loved to have explored these two characters in more depth.
Pippa is in hiding from her ex-husband but is finally talked into going to a Halloween party by her friend. In a moment of weakness she has a one night stand with handsome SEAL Diesel Taylor. No names or numbers are exchanged but both can’t forget the other.
When they meet again a couple of years later their lives have both changed but the attraction is still there.
I really enjoyed Pippa and Diesel’s story. Although short, the author has managed to pack quite a bit into this novella. The storyline flows well and keeps the reader engaged, wanting to keep reading to see how their story turns out.
This is just the first book in the series and I look forward to reading more about Diesel’s fellow SEALs.

View all my reviews

Petty’s Crime (Satan’s Devils MC Las Vegas Book 3) by Manda Mellett – Review by Karyn Taylor

Petty's Crime (Satan's Devils MC Las Vegas #3)Petty’s Crime by Manda Mellett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this book we get Petty’s story. We have met Petty a few times before and he’s not the must pleasant of characters. On fact he’s a huge **** which is purely down to the amazing character writing of this author. I just knew that there would be so much more to Petty than previously met the eye.
Can I just say that Petty’s story tied me up in knots. I cried so much for him. My heart truly broke for him. I love that the author is so brave and handles so many difficult and contentious subjects that other authors would never go near. Not giving any spoiler but I’ll say that it will totally tug at the heartstrings.
I adored RoseLyn and she is just the perfect woman to give Petty his redemption and let us see the true Petty he’d managed to keep hidden for so long. She’s sassy but has a heart of gold and it’s filled with so much compassion.
You don’t get as much of the hot biker sex in this book but I didn’t miss it in the slightest as there was so much else going on that had me totally gripped.
Worth more than the 5 stars I’m allowed to give it.

View all my reviews

The Protector (The Freemasons Book 4) by Nicole Flockton – Review by Karyn Taylor

The Protector (The Freemasons #4)The Protector by Nicole Flockton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the 4th, and final (sob sob) book ina fantastic series that I will definitely read over again. One thing I’d like to add is that, in my humble opinion, the author saved the best till last. This is definitely my favourite book in the series.
This one totally tugged at my heartstrings and dragged me through so many emotions. Declan and Renee’s story is heart-breaking yet joyous at the same time. Just knowing what Renee has gone through in the past and how it must be so hard for her to adjust to her new life makes her one of the strongest female characters that I’ve read. And what can I say about Declan? Well, he’s just perfect for her. His, love and compassion shine through and totally melt your heart.
I loved reading Declan and Renee’s story, It was difficult to read in parts but all worth the angst in the end. I also loved getting glimpses into the other 3 couples lives and seeing how their relationships are progressing.
This is a great book and I’d definitely recommend it, (and the three books that come before it).

View all my reviews

Yesterday’s Over (Philly Heat Series Book 3) by Becky Flade – Review by Karyn Taylor

Yesterday's Over (Philly Heat series, #3)Yesterday’s Over by Becky Flade
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the 3rd book in a series which I’m really enjoying, even though I starter with book 2, then went back to book 1. I actually think that this is my favourite of the series so far.
I was really drawn into the storyline of this book straight away. It’s also a topic, or topics that you generally don’t find in romance books but I actually found it very interesting and found this really added to my enjoyment of the story.
I really enjoyed Trudy and Ben’s story. It was a great romance but had so much more to it. It was more like a romantic suspense which is one of my favourite tropes to read. It was filled with drama, danger and intrigue and kept you glued to the story from start to finish.
I also really loved Trudy and Ben as characters. Both are easy to relate to and very likeable. Both are devoted to their jobs and have very strong personalities which clashed at times but as with romance novels, true love wins in the end.
Definitely recommend.

View all my reviews

Devlin by Angela K. Parker – Review by Karyn Taylor

DevlinDevlin by Angela K. Parker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Devlin is a really great forbidden office romance. I had never read any of this author’s work so was very unsure what to expect. What I got was a well written story with characters that I really connected with.
Devlin and Evelyn are co-workers who work very well together but away from the office desk, the hatred and the barbs constantly fly between the pair. So why is it Devlin that Evelyn turns to when her long term relationship breaks down? And why is he being so nice to her? (well, most of the time). Not that it matters as their work has a no fraternisation policy.
I really enjoyed reading Devlin and Evelyn’s story. We get to see a totally different side to Devlin that the one painted by Evelyn at the beginning. Although, I’m sure she had never previously seen the real Devlin up until now,
I really liked both characters and found that the story flowed well, keeping me entertained and wanting to keep turning the pages to see how their story turned out. Oh…and just as the story is flowing along so well, the author throws a nice big curveball that I definitely did not see coming.
Definitely recommend.

View all my reviews

Master Catteneo (Masters of the Consulate Book 5) by Sylvia Black – Review by Karyn Taylor

Master CatteneoMaster Catteneo by Sylvia Black
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the 5th book in a fantastic vampire romance series that I’m loving more and more as each book comes out. I read a lot of romance but not a lot of paranormal romance but this series has really gripped me, not just with the romance but the storyline that is running alongside. Each book can technically be read as a standalone but there is a continuing story running through the series.
In this book we are getting the story of Master Catteneo who has been given the job of finding Overmaster Descallia’s mate Lucianna. In carrying out this role he comes in contact with psychic Alessia who is determined to help him.
I really enjoyed reading Catteneo and Alessia’s story. This is definitely a story where true love does not run smoothly, There are so many bumps along the road for this pair which makes for very entertaining reading.
I love that we get to see the couples from previous books as it’s like meeting up with old friends and seeing what they have been up to since you last saw them.
This is a great series and I really loved this book.

View all my reviews

The Warrior (The Freemasons Book 3) by Nicole Flockton – Review by Karyn Taylor

The Warrior (The Freemasons #3)The Warrior by Nicole Flockton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the third book in a series that’s fast becoming a favourite of mine. It just gets better and better with each book. I’ve been a fan of the author for a few years but I think this is my favourite series of hers.
Sit in the world of the Freemasons in Australia. The series revolves around 4 best friends who are all high up in the Freemasons hierarchy. You can technically read each book as a standalone but there is a running theme/storyline that runs throughout the series
In this series we get the story of Jude whose sister Renee has been abducted. Jude has put his life on hold until he gets Renee back but is finding it harder and harder to resist Sienna.
I really loved Sienna and Jude’s story. It’s filled with so much drama, particularly surrounding trying to get Renee back. Jude and Sienna are great characters to read. Jude is so torn over his feelings for Sienna but feeling unable to have a relationship while his sister is locked up under who knows what kind of horrendous conditions.
Definitely worth the 5 stars I’ve given it.

View all my reviews

Defying Ella (True Platinum Series Book 4) by Morgana Bevan – Review by Karyn Taylor

Defying EllaDefying Ella by Morgana Bevan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was my first time reading any of this author’s work and I’m sure it won’t be the last as I really enjoyed reading Defying Ella. Although this is the 4th book in a series, it can be read as a standalone. I hadn’t read any of the previous books in the series and didn’t feel that the author had left any gaps. All necessary information needed to enjoy and understand this story is given.
In this book we get the story of drummer Jared and Ella who is the sister of another band member’s girlfriend. Jared comes across as a bit of an ass at the beginning but as his story unravels you find a very complex, tortured soul who just needs that special person to make him see who he truly is. I absolutely loved reading Jared’s story, although I admit I really wanted to slap him a few times.
He really meets his match in Ella. And when they are snowed in together she realises that he has issues and is there to help him cope through the dark times.
I loved Jared and Ella’s story. It’s angsty and hot all rolled into one. I was hooked from the very beginning and loved the journey right up to the very end.
I definitely recommend this book.

View all my reviews

Boss’s Vendetta (Sicilian Gods Book 1) by Via Mari – Review by Karyn Taylor

Boss's Vendetta: Dark Mafia Romance (Sicilian Gods Book 1)Boss’s Vendetta: Dark Mafia Romance by Via Mari
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the first book in a brand-new series by an author I’ve come to love over the last few years. This mafia series is a spin off from previous series’ and brings back many favourite characters that I loved catching up with again.
Set around the Larussio family, in this book we get the story of Salvatore who is running the family due to Great Uncle stepping back from duties as he gets on in age. Salvatore is dark, brooding, dangerous and hot as sin. He’s far to busy running the family, finding out who is leaking secrets. No way does he have the time, or inclination, for a relationship.
Sexy Doctor Adrianna hates the Larussio family with a passion. So why is she working for them? What is she hiding? And why, oh why, does she find the dark brooding Salvatore so damn irresistible?
I loved Salvatore and Adrianna’s story. As well as being hot as hell, there is so much drama, danger, intrigue and backstabbing that makes this book so unputdownable, if that’s a real word. I totally lost myself in this book and think it just might be my favourite by this author so far.
I really can’t wait to read more in this series.

View all my reviews