This is the third book in the Off the Record series, although this is the first of the series I have read. I feel like I need to go back and read the first two books to understand everything better. This book was an emotional rollercoaster. It was dark and angsty. I love that the mental health aspect was dealt with. The characters were well written so that you can feel the love and loss they experience.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Michelle Collierhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMichelle Collier2023-09-08 09:02:532023-09-14 08:32:37Refrain (Off the Record Book 3) by Madelynne Ellis – Review by Michelle Collier
I have read a few books by this author and she always blows my mind on how she writes. This is the third book of the very addictive series Off the Record. You have to read these in order or you will get lost. I love a good rocker romance but this story exceeded all my expectations. I could not put this book down until the end. It only took me a few hours to devour this amazing book.
Spook Mortensen is the guitarist of the amazing rock group Black Halo. He had a horrible past which he thought he hid very well from. Spook is very upset when his secret comes out. He does the one thing to protect himself is run. Spook leaves his band and girl all behind him. Now he is getting by life on his own until his playboy band mate Xane comes to get him back. Will Spook get rid of all his demons and come back or is the past too hard to let go? Review by @heatherbass
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Heather Basshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngHeather Bass2023-08-23 03:07:372023-09-05 14:08:46Refrain (Off the Record Book 3) by Madelynne Ellis – Review by Heather Bass
Wow I loved this book. It’s definitely an intense read and it brought out A LOT of emotions, but that’s what I love in a book! I like to be on edge sometimes. I love the authors writing and it had me hooked right from the start! Also, I’m a sucker for rockstar romance so I knew I was going to enjoy this read!! Highly suggest! You also should read the other books in this series before starting this one! I can’t wait for the next one!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Ashley Sugarhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAshley Sugar2023-08-22 22:22:272023-09-05 13:54:21Refrain (Off the Record Book 3) by Madelynne Ellis – Review by Ashley Sugar
This was a great 5 star read. My emotions were all over the place. We continue with Spook’s story in this book. I was pulled in right from the beginning with a terrifying start. Spook has some dark things from his past that he is trying to get past. Xane is determined to help him get his life back. Will he be successful?
Overall this was a great read. Definitely keep the kleenex on hand. All of the characters added a great element to this story. I highly suggest reading the first books in the series so you are caught up on everything. I will warn that there may be triggers for some due to certain content. I can’t wait to read more from this author and series. 1-click and get started today.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Michelle Austinhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMichelle Austin2023-08-22 22:05:202023-09-05 13:53:59Refrain (Off the Record Book 3) by Madelynne Ellis – Review by Michelle Austin
This was definitely an emotional book that drew me in instantly! I did read it as a standalone as I notoriously didn’t check to see that it was part of a series, but I have already planned to pick up the previous books. This author was new to me, so I was pleasantly surprised in their magnificent storytelling ability. They know exactly what engages the reader, so much so that I couldn’t put this book down! I feel like the characters were incredibly relatable, and the chemistry was sizzling. I cannot wait to see what this author has in store for us next. I will be waiting at the edge of my seat for more of this LGBTQ dark romance!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Shannen Kernhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngShannen Kern2023-08-22 20:10:052023-09-05 13:52:56Refrain (Off the Record Book 3) by Madelynne Ellis – Review by Shannen Kern
This was definitely an emotional book that drew me in instantly! I did read it as a standalone as I notoriously didn’t check to see that it was part of a series, but I have already planned to pick up the previous books. This author was new to me, so I was pleasantly surprised in their magnificent storytelling ability. They know exactly what engages the reader, so much so that I couldn’t put this book down! I feel like the characters were incredibly relatable, and the chemistry was sizzling. I cannot wait to see what this author has in store for us next. I will be waiting at the edge of my seat for more of this LGBTQ dark romance!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Shannen Kernhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngShannen Kern2023-08-22 20:09:032023-11-22 08:27:29Refrain (Off the Record Book 3) by Madelynne Ellis – Review by Shannen Kern
WOW, is all I can say. This book took me through it. It has drama, trauma, romance, steam, friendships, sizzle, and a great plot. The inner turmoil that the main character has, is the center for the book. How he reacts to everything being brought to light about his past and the way he deals with it, is what keeps you turning pages. I couldn’t put the book down. It is the 3 book in the series and there is even a prequel to this series. It would be helpful to read the other books first if you really want an understanding of everything. However, it is not necessarily needed and you will find yourself wanting to read the other books in the series after this if you haven’t already. The books builds and builds and you will get lost in the feelings of the characters. My mood even shifted while reading this book. So be advised that you might need to take a time out from other people while reading this. You won’t want to be disturbed. I can’t give this book high enough praises by the way it handled certain situations and the feelings that it provokes within you. You won’t be disappointed with this book. Reviewed by: @bbohls
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Barbara Bohlshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngBarbara Bohls2023-08-22 08:04:502023-09-05 14:13:05Refrain (Off the Record Book 3) by Madelynne Ellis – Review by Barbara Bohls
The best way to sum this book up is to simply say it is written by a very talented author who gives us a storyline and characters that are dark, gritty and full of emotion. Now I stupidly came to this series in book 3. Take my advice and don’t do that! Start from book one because it took me a while to get a proper grip on who everyone was and I only had a slight understanding of what had happened prior. I really believe had I started from the very beginning that I would have enjoyed the book so very much more because I would have understood the characters more. I will now go back and start again! This series is so worth it!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Juleshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJules2023-08-22 06:52:432023-09-05 13:50:47Refrain (Off the Record Book 3) by Madelynne Ellis – Review by Jules Herbert
This book was a very emotional and deeply intense read. It is the 3rd book in the Off The Record series which I didn’t realise until I was already too deep in. I will however be going back to read them in order as at times I did feel a bit lost knowing who the characters were and their role. That being said it didn’t stop this from being a emotional rollercoaster of a ride. It deals with loss, secrets, lies,depression,and friendship. It is the story of Spook who has a trouble past, a past that is still affecting him today even though he is successful. When things get too much for him and he gets the urge to run he does just that leaving behind the band and group of friends he loves and his gf. We follow not only Spooks journey through the darkness of depression and mental illness but also the effect it has on his friend Xane. Xane refuses to give up on Spook and refuses to let him go through things on his own. Xane is determined to fight for his friend at the cost of everything, his relationships, even his own mental well being take a back seat to saving Spook from the dark pit he finds himself in. The authors writing is amazing. The story grabs you right from the beginning and doesn’t let go. The story is really emotional but highlights the real struggle that some men go through but try to hide everyday. I can’t wait to see what the author has in store for us next but I have my tissues at the ready.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kerry Carrhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKerry Carr2023-08-20 12:56:492023-09-05 13:40:42Refrain (Off the Record Book 3) by Madelynne Ellis – Review by Kerry Carr
<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/178111157-refrain” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”Refrain (Off the Record Book 3)” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1690264548l/178111157._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/178111157-refrain”>Refrain</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/271150.Madelynne_Ellis”>Madelynne Ellis</a><br/> My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5781640812″>4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br /> Wow what can I say about this book, it is gritty in its dealings with depression, the dark cloud that Spook is dealing with, the support he receives or should (from some people) also shows how others deal with their loved one and their mental health, and how they deal with the demons that follow from the past. Xane is there throughout the story alongside Spook and Alle. <br /><br />It is the first book in the series I have read and really, I need to back track and read the other three. <br /><br />The characters are extremely beautifully written, and they pull you along this extreme rollercoaster ride of a story. I am waiting to read more (after I finish the first few). <br /><br />Tissues are needed in parts of the book, and some may find the deep areas a little hard to navigate, but otherwise a thoroughly enjoyable darkish read. <br/><br/> <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/34425105-tracy”>View all my reviews</a>
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Tracy Ghttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTracy G2023-08-20 05:28:312023-09-05 13:39:26Refrain (Off the Record Book 3) by Madelynne Ellis – Review by Tracy Greenhalgh
Refrain (Off the Record) by Madelynne Ellis- 5 out of 5 stars
This is the third book in this amazing series. Let me just tell you, WOW, it takes you into a rabbit hole. The intensity that Spook goes through with his mental health is heartbreaking. After his soul mate’s brothers attacked him, Spook withdrew and ran from everything. I wanted to jump into the pages and give him a hug. This is definitely a must read! I do recommend reading from book one so that you don’t miss any important character developments.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Elisha Johnsonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngElisha Johnson2023-08-14 08:53:102023-08-23 07:57:05Refrain (Off the Record Book 3) by Madelynne Ellis – Review by Elisha Johnson
5 Stars Refrain (Off the Record Book 3) by Madelynne Ellis
Refrain is the third book in the Off the Record Series and is a LBGTQ Romance that I absolutely loved reading. Its not at all what I expecting but so much more. This is not your typical Rock Star Romance. There’s drama, heartache, chemistry, friendship, inner demons and so much more. I didn’t realize I was starting in the middle of the⁶ series until after I had started reading. I’m definitely going to check out the other two books in this series. This way I have the full background of what has happened. Spook is a guitarist that has spent many years hiding from his very traumatic past. Now that his secrets are no longer secret he doesn’t know what to do other than run away. Spook takes us on quite the journey where some parts are intense and will pull at your heart strings . Can Spook get the help he needs? I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next. I don’t want to give away anything. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Dawn Daughenbaughhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDawn Daughenbaugh2023-08-08 05:18:072023-08-16 13:44:50Refrain (Off the Record Book 3) by Madelynne Ellis – Review by Dawn Daughenbaugh
Refrain is Book Three in the Off the Record Series. I will have to go back and read the first two books so that I get a better understanding of Spook and the rest of the characters’ backstories. This book is a continuation of Spook’s story and without reading the other books I did not have a full picture of him or his character. Spook has had a rough go of things and his traumatic past has caught up with him. Not only has his darkest secrets been exposed but they have been twisted to make even more sensational stories. Spook decides that it is best to walk away from everything he loves, including his beloved band Black Halo and his girlfriend Alle.
The book really puts the reader through the emotions as it starts off with Spook being found lying in a pool of his own blood by some of his friends. He is rushed off to the hospital and thankfully gets stitched back together but is unable to speak so he cannot say what happened to him. Xane is determined to help Spook and makes it his mission to do so. He wants Spook and Alle to get back together and for Spook to return to the band, Black Halo. Will Spook ever be able to get through the demons of his past and get his happily ever after?
This was a beautifully written poignant, and heart-wrenching story with a riveting storyline. The characters were engaging and relatable. My heart went out to Spook for all that he had been through. I so wanted Spook to be able to move forward in his life and have the happiness he deserves. This book will put you through the emotional wringer and have you reaching for the box of Kleenex. If you have triggers though, this book might not be for you as it discusses difficult subject matter. It contains references to depression, abuse, mental illness, self-harm, and suicidal ideation. It had angst, drama, friendship, trauma, heartache, passion, chemistry, and love.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Tara Johnson Barneshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTara Johnson Barnes2023-08-07 12:59:562023-08-16 13:39:01Refrain (Off the Record Book 3) by Madelynne Ellis – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes
I picked up this book on a recommendation from a friend. I did not know that the author intended for the book to be read in sequential order in the series. That being said, once I figured out the pieces and the parts that I was missing, I truly loved this book. I will be going back to read the rest of the Off the Record Series as well as the Black Halo world. However, I am not going to let the fact that I haven’t read the others color my review of this book. Spook is such an interesting character, he was well written and clearly had a past that left him hurt. The fact that he ups and runs when his secrets get out is relatable, I mean who doesn’t wish that they could just run away and start over. I love that he has made such an impact on the rest of the band that they are determined to help him, no matter what it takes. The author describes this book as angsty and that is exactly what this book is. This book depicts what I envision what a rock star’s life is like, especially when it comes to all the bedsharing. Spook is what brought me to this book and what really has drawn me to the Black Halo world. Xane had a lot of flaws, but his concern for his bandmate really was endearing to me. I truly enjoyed how far he went to get his friend and bandmate back. I definitely recommend this book, but I also recommend reading the rest of the Off the Record books first!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Christinehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngChristine2023-08-05 20:11:582023-08-16 13:35:18Refrain (Off the Record Book 3) by Madelynne Ellis – Review by Christine Baranek
I enjoyed reading this dark romance story. This is not my first book by this author but it is one of my favorites yet. I enjoy this author’s writing skills as well as her attention to details that make her stories pop. I found this book to be well written and hard to put down. A story where enemies become lovers and the journey to get there is a little rough. This is a fast paced story where the characters are connectable, strong and had me coming back for more. I enjoyed watching their chemistry and growth throughout the book. They kept the story engaging and made it easy to read. I really enjoyed this story and what the characters brought to the story was great. I highly recommend this book.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Bobbi Wagnerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngBobbi Wagner2023-08-05 15:39:002023-08-16 13:28:46Refrain (Off the Record Book 3) by Madelynne Ellis – Review by Bobbi Wagner
Refrain is Book #3 in the Off the Record series by Madelynne Ellis. I didn’t realise when I grabbed a copy of this book that it was the third instalment of an on-going series following the same characters- so it isn’t really meant to be read as a standalone. I really am kicking myself for not realising sooner and made sure I read the previous books before starting this one- as I think if I had it would have made this an even better read (for me). So, having said that, I will definitely be going back to read the previous books before embarking on the upcoming fourth instalment. This is an angsty and emotional Rockstar romance with tension, drama, chemistry, challenges, friendship, family, dealing with inner demons, heartache, and sizzle. The series contains: -Off the Record: A Prelude (Series Prequel) -Reflex (Book #1) -Replay (Book #2) -Refrain (Book #3) -Revive (Book #4) -> releasing soon Happy Reading…..
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Angela Hayeshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAngela Hayes2023-08-02 23:33:552023-08-04 12:23:29Refrain (Off the Record Book #3) by Madelynne Ellis – Review by Angela Hayes
Ellis has such mannerisms in making her readers empathize with her characters and their experiences. This is actually my first book that I’ve read from this series and even though I’m sure reading the previous books may have helped bring a full circle insight of the characters, this book does a great job of detailing some of the past experiences. Very intense at times and focused on mental health as Spook deals with his past “demons” and sinks into a deep depression while hiding out. Xane, a determined band mate and willing to help Spook through his endeavors and he also has Alle, his girlfriend, who has the fiercest heart and devotion towards him. Moments of steamy spice as well if you’re into that.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jennifer Ramoshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJennifer Ramos2023-08-02 20:46:032023-08-04 12:14:08Refrain (Off the Record Book 3) by Madelynne Ellis – Review by Jennifer Ramos
4.5 stars Refrain is the fourth heart wrenching book in the Off the Record romance series. It is a story that is full of angst and sexy but broken rockstars. Who doesn’t love a good rock and roll world story. I realised part way through that it was the fourth book so stopped reading this one and went back and read from the first book Off the Record: A Prelude. I am glad I did because you get a rounded picture of our tortured soul MC. It is hot and racy, with sizzling chemistry. With loss, secrets, lies, mistakes, wants, needs, judgement, pain, suffering, lost hope, self-loathing. The characters are flawed warts and all some you will like, and others could be better. Spook’s journey has been a tough one and Madelynne has certainly put him through his paces and us through the wringer. It pulled at my heartstrings. The intensity of the story with traumatic pasts, demons, mental health problems and damaged souls put me on an emotional roller-coaster ride hitting me in all the feels. Tissues are a must. I am not going to say any more because you really have to read this series to not only grasp the intensity, pain and torment of the MC but Madelynne’s fabulous writing and pulling it together so beautifully. I can not wait to read the grand finale Revive.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jenni Bishophttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJenni Bishop2023-08-01 19:05:462023-08-03 12:31:40Refrain (Off the Record Book 3) by Madelynne Ellis – Review by Jenni Bishop, August 2023
What an emotional and captivating story this book turned out to be. The main character has been through so much. He is broken and flawed and yet so relatable. My heart cried out for him and I wanted so badly for him to accept he help he clearly needed. I think I connected with him more because his mental health issues were clear and open, not something that was brushed aside and glossed over. This author is pretty new to me and I am enjoying discovering their work. The quality of writing is fantastic and this book is the perfect example. If all her books are like this, I cannot wait to read more of what is on offer.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kerry Bakerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKerry Baker2023-08-01 15:58:182023-08-04 11:59:59Refrain (Off the Record Book 3) by Madelynne Ellis – Review by Kerry Baker
Wow! This is an emotional ride. I came into the series at this point. I will need to go back and read the previous books. The book starts pretty intense and I was drawn right in. The writing is such that you feel like you are right their in the action. The topic is deep and might be a tw so please read the author’s website. I found the story to be interesting and very intriguing. It is a good read.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Shelly Kittellhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngShelly Kittell2023-08-01 15:36:412023-08-03 12:17:36Refrain (Off the Record Book 3) by Madelynne Ellis – Review by Shelly Kittell
Rock guitarist Spook Mortensen has spent a decade hiding from his traumatic past. Now everyone knows his secrets, and their judgement leaves him broken inside and out. To avoid destroying everything that matters to him, Spook leaves both Black Halo and the woman he loves.
But there’s no running from the demons that lurk in the darkest corners of your soul, because they hitch a ride with you wherever you run.
There doesn’t seem to be a path out of the darkness, until the band’s irresistible, sex addicted, bad boy frontman swoops in determined to stage an intervention.
Xane’s prepared to do whatever it takes, no matter the sacrifice, to mend the hole in Spook’s heart and ensure he returns to where he belongs – Allegra Hutton’s arms and the Black Halo line-up. What neither of them expects is how intense the bond between them will become.
Refrain is an angsty, spicy, heart-wrenching rockstar romance with flawed characters, broken and damaged souls, intense friendships, all the feels, and a lot of bed sharing. It’s complicated… okay?
This is the third novel in the Off the Record series and forms part of the wider Black Halo world. These books are intended to be read in order.
Madelynne is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling author. She wrote her first novel after discovering Black Lace Books in the 1990s. Having escaped the Hotel California, she dived into storytelling full-time. Her books are filled with bisexual bad boys who like to get down and dirty, and stories so angst-filled you know they’re going to hurt.
She lives in the UK near the Welsh border, where you can find her surrounded by books, drinking rapidly cooling decaf coffee, and listening to loud music. Her family still haven’t grasped that noise-cancelling headphones really do mean she can’t hear them.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/refrain.jpg1200757itsybitsybookbitshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngitsybitsybookbits2023-08-01 00:04:322023-08-15 17:40:31Refrain (Off the Record Book 3) by Madelynne Ellis
These two had me chuckling at the flirting, the sparks and the chemistry. He wants her. She wants him, but doesn’t. Ridge wants to have a crush on her. This is the sweetest romance and I still love the moments when Cera gets hers. A fun story where the tables turn, hearts shine and love is found. Characters are fantastic This is one of the best series out there in the romance genre. I love it when the author takes us back there. I can’t wait wait to return again. Take me back to Montana.A quick read that you will enjoy.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Shelly Kittellhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngShelly Kittell2023-07-27 06:52:182023-08-03 12:16:12Regaining Integrity (Code of Honor Book 4) by Brooke May – Review by Shelly Kittell
The Kissing Bough (Forbidden Loves) By Madelynne Ellis
This was a really quick read but it gave us a lot. We find out that Viola has been wrongly accused of a scandal but the town and her family won’t listen to her side of the story. She is kept at home except once a year at Christmas she is allowed to be escorted out by her brother, who I might add does not actually do any sort of escorting, he just treats her badly. Every year she holds out hope that a man will show up that wants to marry her. I don’t normally read books that are set in this Era but I found myself completely intrigued by this story. I enjoyed Will and Percy’s banter and they also have a unique situation and are looking for a specific woman for their situation. This book definitely has hot and steamy moments. This is an adult only read. I recommend this book.
This story is a historical fairytale in this modern-day tale. It is a short sweet story that is fast-paced and engaging. The characters are fully developed and keep the story moving. The story has heated moments. Viola is the special woman that has Christmas Eve free because her aunt has her as a kept woman. There are two cousins who need a special woman to have for their sexual desires. Viola happens to be this woman this special night. Will the two cousins have their desires met or will Viola be a handful? You will have read this book to find out what happens.
The Kissing Bough (Forbidden Loves) by Madelynne Ellis
This is the first book I’ve read by the author and it’s a great short read. It does have MMF so if you don’t like that sort of thing this isn’t for you.
Viola has left a mark on her family name. Being in the wrong place at the wrong time can do that to a person. The quote I chose for Viola is: “You both… You both wish to kiss me?”
Percy wants someone who will love both him and his cousin. He wants someone to accept both of them. He doesn’t care about anyone else. The quote I chose for Percy is: “I’m not much for singing.”
Will the Lord and the one who has to find a wife. He wants a wife that will accept him and Percy. He doesn’t want a normal wife. The quote I chose for Will is: “All sorts of tongues will be wagging if you don’t stop staring at her.”
Highly recommended for Erotica Historical Romance lovers.
The Kissing Bough (Forbidden Loves) by Madelynne Ellis. This book was very good even though it was short. It was just long enough to get your blood boiling. Its the story of Viola Marsh who is a young lady in early 1800’s who is in her Aunt’s care. She is only allowed to go out on this one night which is Christmas Eve and she is going with her brothers. Now Lord Ricborough and his cousin Percy Gilling are looking for a different kind of woman, a woman they can share. This kind of woman is hard to find but they think they have found her when they see Viola standing there so beautiful and if the rumors they have heard are correct she is just their kind of woman. All VIola wants is a man to want her for her and not some stupid rumor that isn’t even true. Will Viola give up on finding a husband and settle for 2 men who will do anything for her? Read The Kissing Bough to find out!
It is the year 1816 in Rutland at Knasebrook Hall where Viola Marsh is a young lady with little freedom and even less prospects to change that, she is kept inside her nursery after an incident and can only leave on christmas eve to go wassailing and then to the ball later that evening, but only with her brothers escorting her. Lord Ricborough and his cousin Percy Gilling are two men looking for a specific woman to cement their very specific bond.
Viola is looking out of the window at the snow falling to the ground on Christmas Eve as her aunt helps her get ready to go out into it, it is the one night she is allowed out and she is not going to miss out, whether it is in a blizzard or otherwise, it might be the one night where people might not look at her like they usually do and she may be able to experience the normality of the festivities. She intends to sing, dance, be merry, stand beneath the mistletoe on the boughs of the old oak tree and then go to the family’s annual Christmas Ball with the rest of the invited, dance with her brothers and show off her new dress, it will be a change from eating with her aunt in the nursery, that is for sure.
As she leaves with her brother to go to the village, he is having to be courteous to her due to the weather, even though he does not want to, he assumes her intention is to go to the kissing bough as usual, although he feels there is no need as nobody would come up and will want to kiss her after the scandal and she responds that it is not likely that it would happen any other way either, so she will do it again this year as it is a tradition now and that the incident was not what it looked like or here fault in the first place.
Later on, after Viola’s brother has joined his friends, two of whom are Lord Ricborough and Percy Gilling, he sees her standing under the tree and is immediately taken in by her beauty, she is perfect and just what they are looking for, but finding the kind of woman they needed was something both thought impossible until Viola. As they separate from the others, they go and approach Viola under the bough and she is surprised to be kissed on the cheek by both of them at the same time and further by their proposition to her.
Will their proposition be accepted and will this trio be the pairing they all hope for, or will the innocence of one of them be the end of something which hasn’t even begun? The only way to find out is to read along and follow the path with the three of them.
I really enjoyed this short story. It was well written and the characters worked well. I really liked the taboo subject of two men and a woman. In the era that the book was written in that was unheard of and very taboo.
Viola was the daughter of a wealthy man. She was set to be find her husband, however a turn of events meant she ended up being seen as a disgrace and no man wanted her. Every Christmas eve she waits under the kissing bough in the hopes her husband will find her. He never does.
Until Lord Ricborough and his cousin Percy come along. Lord Ricborough needs a wife but the wife needs to understand the special relationship between him and Percy.
Could Viola be that woman? Will she be able to understand and accept their relationship? Is it possible to love two people?
This is a historical romance where Viola Marsh is shamed by all. Four years ago she was found in a closet with two men and since then everyone has shamed her. Her family doesn’t treat her well and neither does anyone in the village. Her Aunt Clara is just about the only Person believes her honesty but is that enough? One cold night she goes to the Kissing Bough even though everyone thinks it is pointless. Viola dresses warm and heads out with her brother Tom who is so mean to her. She doesn’t care though, the thought of a prospect, she heads out the door and stands under the kissing bough for hours nearly freezing to death. Not only one man but who men approach her. It seems to good to be true. Maybe it is. Everyone thinks she has been with two men at once before so she is considered damaged goods. Percy Gilling and Lord Ricborough have a proposition for Viola. Will she accept their proposition or will she decide tell them the truth and decide it is to much for her. I thought the book was well written and had good characters even though, every member of Viola’s family is mean and rude aside from sweet Aunt Clara.
The Kissing Bough is the first book in the Forbidden Loves seriesby Madelynne Ellis. This is an erotic historical romance- a menage with MMF which is set at Christmas time- this story has enough sizzle to scorch the pages as you read. This is a novella length story- making for a very quick and easy read. And while there were a few issues right off the bat- with the use of wrong words such as using ‘imminent’ instead of ‘eminent’, missing words, using singular words instead of plurals, and the use of muslin as the fabric of choice (which is normally a summer fabric) in the middle of an incredibly cold winter, that had me unsure of whether I would enjoy the story- but surprisingly it drew me in, and I ended up enjoying it much more than I initially thought I would. I do wish the story had been longer, because the characters and the story drew me in, and I wanted to know more- but in a good way. Madelynne Ellis is a new-to-me author, but after reading this book I will definitely look at exploring more of her work in the future.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Angela Hayeshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAngela Hayes2021-01-04 06:13:392021-01-04 06:13:39The Kissing Bough (Forbidden Loves Book #1) by Madelynne Ellis – Review by Angela Hayes
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