The Human Mating Site Box Set 1 : A Steamy, Dating Humour Novella’s 1-4 by B.L. Wilde
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the first set of this series. It’s done as a fast paced smexy rom com. With great characters, I’m impatiently waiting for the other novellas to find out if she ends up with my favorite guy.
The Cold Kid Case: A Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery by Rosalind Barden
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Sparky is an 11 year old child who was in the wrong place at the wrong time causing her already difficult life harder. She is an orphan living on the streets in the 1930s when she discovered a little girl dead on a park bench. The press and Mayor portrayed Sparky as the murderer. Already hard to come by food and shelter, Sparky now had to avoid the cops. She decides to crash in the “creepy house” thinking no one would look for her there and ends up meeting the homeowner, an actress by the name of Tootsie. Instantly they bonded and Tootsie invited Sparky to hide out in her home.
Sparky is determined to clear her name with the help of her new friends and help from some old ones, she sets off to find the real murderer.
Honestly I disliked Sparky as a character immensely. She was full of contradictions and rude. I know life on the street made her feral but I could not understand her actions a lot of the times. She says she can’t trust anyone and then goes to the same people she mentioned she couldn’t trust. She was constantly disobeying and doing everything alone when she had people who liked and cared for her. I also didn’t like her personality in general.
The author did a good job of making a murder mystery comical and I loved most of the characters, especially Gilbert. Gilbert was the sweetest. Not liking the main character made it hard for me to like the book in general but looking outside of my dislike, the book was well written with a lot of colourful personality.
Lost Soul by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I was not sure what to expect from this book especially since it seemed like historical fiction. Then I read the prologue and BAM vampires! There was a lot going on and quite a few characters but it was an original story and I really enjoyed it. The setting is the early 1500s but I felt like it could have been the early 1900s. Julia is 15 and being married off to a man she doesn’t know. She is in love with Adam, the son of a family household servant. Her sister tells her that she doesn’t trust him, her father and brother are pushing her towards him, her mother is just silent and not saying anything. She married Gregory and it didn’t go well. He is abusive and she tries to get away a few times. She meets Adam a few times in the market and has to cover her bruises and hide her face. She finally hits the desperate point of no return and is saved by a stranger who turns out to be a vampire. I enjoyed the characters, the family vibe of the vampires, and even England in the 1500s. Can’t wait to dig into book two!
Elusive Surrender by Via Mari
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Elusive Thank goodness Sheldon was there when Alexis was getting harassed by some crazy man in a coffee shop. Alexis didn’t realize then but, Sheldon was going to be around a lot. Luckily she’s a hair stylist and Sheldon needs one for one of his clients. This book was crazy. I can’t believe the stuff that happened in the book. Sheldon and his team are my hero’s! I need more books by this author soon
Tenacious was just so good. I have read a few books by this author but this has got to be my ultimate favorite. This author knows how to give the readers a perfect balance of heat and mystery. This book can be read as a stand-alone if you wanted to. I would recommend reading all the books in the series as they are all great reads.
This book focuses on Allie who is an ER nurse and is very good at her job. Nick is a bodyguard and Nick has other reasons for wanting to be the one to guard Allie. Nick keeps trying to break down Allie and get to the center of who she really is because of his own reasons. Allie is very attracted to
Nick but, tries to keep her distance. This book has a lot of danger, traffickers, romance and action ( both good and bad kinds )
The book was written well, the characters are great and I think the story will definitely keep your attention as It did mine.
review by @xchellex
Sweet Dreams by Claire by Nanette Littlestone
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I got this book first and then realized that there was a first book. I like when a series follows different characters, you can still read them out of order and it won’t mess you up too much. I ended up waiting to read this one until I finished the first book and I’m glad I did. The main character Claire is living in a small Irish town and working at the bakery that her family owns. She was injured as a child and not confident in herself and also has a lot of fears that she is avoiding in her life. She literally runs into Finn on her way to the castle to deliver cupcakes for a wedding. Finn, whose family used to own the castle, is riding his bike and runs into Claire. He takes her back to the castle to bake and she ends up coming up with an amazing recipe on the spot and bakes and is given the job to bake for the bride. Claire wants to try new things at the bakery but her mom is set in her ways. Finn is an American and sails all around the world. They collide and then take time to get to know each other. Claire has never felt that she would be worthy of a man looking at her and Finn is smitten. This story has baking, magic, Irish charm, and fun characters. I hope there are more in the series because there are so many other characters I would like to get to know better!
Auctioned Surrender by Via Mari
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Auctioned Surrender is the Second Book in the Sinful Duets Series. The duet in this book includes Auctioned and Relentless. It is a romantic suspense with mystery, danger, drama, intrigue, action, secrets, lies, chemistry, and passion. The first story is about Bryanna and Damian. Bryanna is the niece of a wealthy socialite who has been drawn into the seedy world of sex trafficking. She is brave, strong, smart, and feisty. Damian is a member of the Billionaire Bodyguards and has been hired to find Bryanna. He is strong, brave, sexy, and determined to save Bryanna at all costs. The two have an undeniable attraction and explosive chemistry. The second story is about Layla, an exotic dancer, and Dereck, an elite bodyguard. Dereck is trying to find out information about the sex trafficking ring from Layla, and she is trying to find out who killed her cousin and took her sister. Dereck vows to keep Layla safe at all costs but Layla has some closely guarded secrets that she cannot disclose. The attraction and chemistry between them are sizzling and undeniable. Great stories with strong, sassy, loving, and protective, characters.
Auctioned Surrender by Via Mari
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Enter the world of dark seduction and trafficking in this thrilling series.
This story included Bryanna and Damian. Bryanna is the niece of a rich socialite and finds herself kidnapped and up for auction to the highest bidder. She follows her kidnappers every order because the alternative is her family gets hurt and she refuses to let that happen.
Damian is part of a group of billionaire bodyguards and very good at his job. He’s called in to find Bryanna but what he doesn’t expect to find is absolute fascination and inappropriate thoughts regarding the girl he’s trying to save.
Can he get her our? Has Bryanna met her knight and shining armor? Will the attraction be enough to help Bryanna escape and will her family stay safe? Pick up this book to read an electric series inside a dark world.
Deja Brew All Over Again: A Runaway Bride Romance by Sylvie Stewart
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Deja Brew All Over Again is the third amazing book in the wonderful Love on Tap series. All the books in the series can be read as a standalone but I say read the first two books Ale’s Fair in Love and War and Smooth Hoperator in the series because you are missing out on some wonderfully fun stories and characters. I have been waiting for Millers story. I really enjoy Sylvie’s easy writing style and eclectic narrative making her one of my favourite authors. This forced proximity steamy Rom Com is light, fun and an easy read.
Deja Brew All Over Again has a great plot, a storyline full of humour, lots of warmth, heart, and little heated chemistry. Set in a small town there is a bit of drama, a little suspense, some cuteness, along with a dash of sweetness. It is a quick read that I wish were longer and is told in several POV’s, making it easy to fall in love.
I was laughing out loud at the sassy antics and easy but snarky banter and found myself loving each and every one of these flawed, well-developed, crazy, quirky and fun-loving characters including a skunk named Mango, a nosy as all get out family and cuteness overload with Bear. The main characters are cute as they dance around one another.
What do you do when you’re faced with a hot as hell runaway bride and her little brother sidekick making demands? There is no way I am sharing anything else because Sylvie’s work is to be unwrapped layer by layer like a fine chocolate.
Sit back and watch the sparks fly in this fabulously entertaining read! Grab it. You know you want to.
Reviewed by @jennadb
The Cannibal Caper: A Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery by Rosalind Barden
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Sparky Bunker is back!! The Cannibal Caper is Book # 2 in the Sparky of Bunker Hill series and just as fun and full of adventure as the first book. Although this story is more for an audience of 11-18 years of age; this series can be enjoyed at any age. I was looking forward to reading this story and it did not disappoint.
Sparky and the cast of characters are on the hunt to solve another mystery; this one of missing jewels and who knew there would be mad cannibal in the mix! Sparky is now trying to put the puzzle pieces together in trying to figure out this mystery.
Will Sparky be able to solve the case? With her wit and banter and I love her feisty fiery side….definitely read and find out what Sparky and her friends have in store!! What a great read and highly recommended. I am already looking forward to the next installment.
Elusive Surrender by Via Mari
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Elusive Surrender is the third amazing collection of Elusive and Tenacious, the third in this deliciously dark and sinful duet by Via Mari. They are book five and six in the Billionaire Bodyguards series which you will love, love, love.
Elusive: Dark Billionaire Mafia Romance (Billionaire Bodyguards Book 5) by Via Mari is one of my favourites. There is lots of explosive action and deadly suspense, danger, and secrets. I love the alpha hot and sexy men that go above and beyond to protect. They are sexy and charming, witty, and smouldering, dangerous and deadly.
Sheldon and the team have been assigned to protect Alexis when an extremely dangerous man sets his sight on her. It becomes a deadly game of cat and mouse because he will stop at nothing to get her and will go through anyone to get what he wants.
This is another hot and steamy read and a page turner from start to finish.
Tenacious is the sixth book in this titillating Billionaire Bodyguards series by Via Mari. This Dark Billionaire Mafia Romance story is steaming to the point of boiling and has left me wanting more. I have loved the other books in the series, but I think Via has outdone herself with this instalment. I always know I am in safe hands when I get one of Via’s books because her imagination knows no bounds and always gives us a story that has everything needed to make it explode of the page. It is only by sheer willpower that I refrained from turning each page quickly to get to find out what was in store.
Tenacious is indeed the right name for this book where these bodyguards are full of sexiness and alphaness that makes you want to hang on and enjoy the ride and what a ride. With plenty of action and adventure, lots of danger and mystery, buckets full of intrigue and drama, sex trafficking and bad guys, and woohoo, the chemistry and I am not talking about the type in a lab, you find yourself in need of a good stiff drink.
Emotions run rampant as we discover the subtleties that Via has hidden amongst her narrative over the course of the series and just what is in store for us next is anyone’s guess and that is just what I like about her work. Bring it on!
Reviewed by @jennadb
Smooth Hoperator by Sylvie Stewart
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Book two in this enjoyable series following the beer brewing Brooks family set in Asheville, North Carolina. Carter is getting used to being back at his family’s brewery, slinging beers and trying to embrace the simple life again having failed at his career in politics. Unfortunately some powerful people from his past are causing problems for his family. Carter needs the rather quirky local librarian Sunny, and her grandfather’s help in a risky plan to free him from his past. Sunny’s personality is as cheerful as her name, but she takes some convincing by Carter to go along with his plan. When Carter agrees to play the part of her fake boyfriend in order to make her true love jealous, Sunny agrees to help him. However, Carter soon develops real feelings for Sunny but is unsure of her true feelings about him. A fun, heartwarming romantic comedy story with likeable and relatable characters in Sunny and Carter. The descriptive narrative brought both the characters and the setting to life and made me feel immersed in the storyline. This was an entertaining and engaging read with a guaranteed HEA.
The Cannibal Caper: A Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery by Rosalind Barden
The Cannibal Caper is Book Two in the Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery Series. It is a historical cozy mystery set in 1932 that centers around a precocious, street smart, eleven-year-old orphan named Sparky. She is smart, feisty, and a bit of an amateur sleuth with a knack for being in the wrong place at the wrong time. In her latest adventure Sparky finds herself trying to solve the mystery of missing jewels and a gourmet cannibal. The list of suspects is complex and even those closest to Sparky could be guilty. Sparky is witty, determined, and has a feisty attitude that matches her bright red hair. The author does a great job pulling the reader into the story with detailed writing, rich, historical details, and quirky characters. This book had mystery intrigue, humour, witty banter, crime, action, adventure, and a bit of mayhem. Loving this series!
Whispered Surrender by Via Mari
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Whispered Surrender is Book One in the Sinful Duets Series. This is a collection of previous books by this author called Wayward and Undercover. It is a dark mafia romance with action, suspense, danger, drama, secrets, sizzling chemistry, and intense passion. The first story is about the characters Sasha and Jay. Sasha is a ballerina with low self esteem and trust issues due to being used and discarded by men. Jay is a bodyguard who is strong, smart, and has watched Sasha from afar. He will do anything to keep his beloved angel, as he calls her, safe from one of the numerous powerful enemies that are after them. Sasha struggles to believe that Jay could care for her but the attraction between them is undeniable. Can the two have a relationship through the danger and chaos? Both stories overlap and intertwine as Jay is looking for his friend Matt. The second story is about Matt and Merenah. Matt is undercover trying to gather intel on the mafia. When he is captured by the Russian mafia it is up to Jay to try to save him. While undercover he falls in love with Sasha’s sister, who is a mafia princess. He immediately is beguiled by her beauty and falls in love with her. Matt and Merenah both carry deep, dark secrets so this makes them wary of letting their guards down with one another. They are attracted to one another, but can they find love through the secrets and learn to trust one another? Great stories with strong, smart, powerful characters.
Kingdom of 7 Sovereigns: Wolf by R.C. Reigh
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What a book!
This book takes you on a YA fantasy ride in an Allegiance Academy aka The Bastian where the best of the best children go to learn to get along with other creatures of all 7 kingdoms that united after war kept them all apart for many years.
This story centers around Dain and Amelia who have an arranged marriage upcoming as was the agreement to help with peace, however Amelia wants out of this rocky enemies courtship and is determined. Amelia is a princess and is used to getting what she wants until she goes to school.
These two have palpable chemistry in their courtship gone wrong as well as a lot of tension.
Will they find what they need in one another or will Amelia get her wish and get out of her forced courtship.
There is so much mystery and drama and danger and this being told in multiple pov made it come alive and I kept turning the pages. Cant wait to gobble up the next story in the 7 sovereigns series!
Deja Brew All Over Again: A Runaway Bride Romance by Sylvie Stewart
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Another fun, lighthearted romantic comedy in this enjoyable and engaging series. It can be read as a standalone story or as part of the series. Having read and enjoyed the previous books I recommend reading the series. Miller is shocked when he’s carjacked by a very pretty girl in a wedding dress, but as the family screw-up he’s not sure he can be her knight in shining armour. Runaway bride Maisy and her little brother need Miller’s help, but he’s just got out of jail and trouble seems to find him. However, Maisy sees the good in him and is determined that others see that too, including Miller himself. Miller knows he should be pushing her away for her own good, but can’t help asking himself if he could be her knight after all. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and I loved the likeable and relatable characters, both old and new. The chemistry between Maisy and Miller sizzled off the page and led to some steamy scenes. The small town feel came across in the descriptive narrative and I felt immersed in the storyline.
Sweet Dreams by Claire: A Heartwarming Irish Romance by Nanette Littlestone
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Claire is a woman who lives for baking sweet treats and flavour, so it is a good thing that she works in her family bakery, but her dream is to experiment more with flavours, however, the family bakery is very traditional. One day, Claire is asked to go up to the local castle and deliver some cupcakes for a clients wedding, although she thinks they are a little boring, she agrees and sets off on the long walk up the hill, unfortunately, a wayward cyclist foils that plan and squashes the box, but thankfully, Claire is given permission to use the resort kitchen to make some new ones and this leads on to a surprise invitation to the wedding itself.
As the days pass and the wedding grows closer, Claire is enveloped into the chaos that is Brigid Cleary and her family, including her dashing brother Finn, the man who is determined to take her out of her routine and explore the world around her. This completely unsettles Claire as she helps out with wedding dilemma’s, all while still working in the bakery, but when her past comes back to haunt her while spending time with her newfound friends, she has a feeling that it is going to spoil the connections she is fostering.
The only thing Claire did not plan for was a gift with some of the magic of Ireland crashing into her life as moonlight and emotion mix, but with the dawning of a new day, things come crashing down around Claire and she has to make the decision to either accept the new direction her life is going, or bow down to the traditional values she once adored, but are the consequences attached to each option too much? This is a sweet romance based in Claremore, Ireland where culture, magic, emotions and baking collide to lead you on a journey of romance, courage and creativity.
Reviewed by @roxsannel
The Scent of Snow by Giovanna Siniscalchi
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
An enjoyable and engaging historical romance with a festive feel which kept me happily turning the pages. Set on the Count of Almoster’s estate, Pedro and Anne Daun from ‘The Winemakers Series’, epic love story continues. I would personally recommend reading the books in this series in order. Although it’s the Christmas season Anne and Pedro both seem to want different things for their future together. Whilst Anne is yearning for a child, Pedro who is scarred from his painful past is guarding his heart against being a father. As the family gather for their festive celebrations, the snow starts to fall and when a young boy gets lost in this snowy wilderness Pedro goes to rescue him, but finds his courage is tested. Pedro is forced to face his fears and find the true meaning of love and forgiveness, but Anne and Pedro’s marriage remains at risk with the couple wanting different futures, but hopefully their love is strong enough. I was once again transported back in time and to the Count of Almoster’s estate, this time in the snow which gave a lovely Christmas feel to the story. The setting was brought vividly to life by the descriptive narrative and the added historical details which I’ve come to expect in this series. I loved being back with Anne and Pedro and enjoyed spending the festive period with them!
Kingdom of 7 Sovereigns: Wolf by R.C. Reigh
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Let’s start out by taking a second to admire the cover of this book. It’s absolutely gorgeous!!
In this slightly comical at times fantasy read, we hear from 4 young teens who are in their inaugural year at the Bastion Academy. There are wolves, fairies, witches, dragons, vampires, ogres, and humans involved in this story, with this one really focusing on Prince Dane, who is a wolf, and Princess Amelia, a human. They are fated to each other and their parents arranged their marriage when they were still wee babes.
There is a lot of action, some comedic relief, enemies-to-friends, and even a budding romance or two in this amazing tale. I am looking forward to reading more books in this series and seeing how things progress for all these teens. I highly recommend this read and so far, it’s my favorite read of 2024!!
The Cannibal Caper: A Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery by Rosalind Barden
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the 2nd book in the Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery series. These historical Cozy mysteries are fun to read. The authors attention to detail really brings the characters to life. As a reader I felt really transported back in time to the 1930s.
This is a book ideally written for a young adult and our main character Sparkly is only 11 years old. She is a great character, at times she seems quite mature and grown up because of her life on the street and at other times you get flashes of the child she is.
I do recommend reading these books in order so you get the full story of Sparky’s life up to this point and you also get introduced to the characters who are present in this story.
We are back with Sparky and her friends. After solving the case in the last book and proving her innocence in murder, the amateur sleuth is back trying to uncover the mystery of missing jewels but with danger and a mad cannabel on the loose you know it’s not going to be easy or safe.
This is a fun mystery read which is fast paced and engaging. You won’t be able to put the book down until you uncover the mystery and see if Sparky solves the case.
Kingdom of 7 Sovereigns: Wolf by R.C. Reigh
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Honestly, I haven’t read a good fantasy book in a while, and this one was amazing! The author wrote it descriptively, but kept it up in pace the entire time! Couldn’t put it down! Read the whole book in 2 days! Plot twists every direction, alliances and enemies being made, backhanded deals, love matches, and even fatal flaws! Read this book, it has a little bit for everyone!
Elusive Surrender by Via Mari
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Elusive:Dark Millionaire Mafia Romance by Via Mari is the fifth book in the Billionaire Bodyguards series. This is such a brilliant and intense series that somehow just seems to keep getting better. This book had everything going for it – amazing characters, strong chemistry and brilliant writing. It is fast paced and exciting from start to finish. The characters don’t have a typical start to their journey but it is one that hooked me immediately.
Via Mari is an author I only discovered relatively recently but she has easily become one of my go to authors. Whenever I see a book with her name on it I don’t hesitate to give it a go and I am never disappointed. This is a fantastic series and one I would highly recommend!
Tenacious: Dark Billionaire Mafia Romance by Via Mari is the sixth book in the Billionaire Bodyguards series. This is a fantastic series that just gets better with each book. This has easily become my favourite book in the series, although I’m sure that will only last for as long as it takes to read the next one.
This book really is brilliant from start to finish. I could not put it down once I had started reading, I was far too engrossed in the characters and their story.
This author knows exactly how to create a gripping book. Each one I read is exactly the same and I never hesitate to pick up a book by her. This is a series that i would highly recommend.
The Round Box by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was such a lovely children’s story that will definitely spark some imagination. Carrie certainly got more than she bargained for when she tried on her Grandmothers fascinator! The magic begins the moment she places it on her head. One thing I really love with the witing in this book is the way that font changes for the lovely descriptive words the author uses – this could provide quite a few talking points for children when talking about how to improve sentences by adding these wonderful words.
This is a really lovely story and one that will definitely create some imaginative thinking from the children reading it.
Elusive Surrender by Via Mari
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Elusive Surrender Box set is another wonderful set of stories from a very talented author. This box set features 2 books – Elusive and Tenacious.
Elusive – Sheldon and Alexis
This series just continues to get better and better. Elusive was a fantastic 5 star read, I loved every single minute of it! I love this author, she had such an amazing writing ability, her stories are just an absolute pleasure to read – she creates some brilliant characters and I am always completely absorbed in their story. I love Sheldon, he was definitely book boyfriend material! I loved Sheldon for her dominance but Alexis was certainly one who could hold her own but the passion and sparks between them was off the charts! Their story is definitely a steamy one!! Fantastic read and highly recommended!!
Tenacious – Allie and Nick
Yet again another 5-star read from Ms Mari – absolutely love her books! Allie and Nick’s story was so captivating to read. I loved them both so much. Allie was a great female lead -strong, sassy and definitely independent! The chemistry between the two of these characters was scorching hot – I mean seriously hot! I think they are definitely my favourite couple from this series (and I have loved all the previous ones too)! There was so much going on in this story that I literally could not put it down and read it in one sitting! Ms Mari’s writing is so exciting to read, she brings her story to life on every single page and I adore her work. I cannot wait to read more from her in the future and I certainly recommend this 5-star book to other readers!
The Human Mating Site Box Set 1 : A Steamy, Dating Humour Novella’s 1-4 by B.L. Wilde
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This collection of novellas just had me rolling with laughter. The dating world has evolved so much in the last 15 years, now most of it is online-based, and boy do people not always so up to be who they claim to be, as our main character Bella realizes. Dumped by her boring husband of 12 years, who turns out to be cheating on her with another woman, who happens also to be named Bella, go figure, throws her into the realization that she’s been lonely for a long time and just needs to go out and meet some new people. Follow along as Bella seeks to figure out who she is through the dating world, as she finds her true worth and rebuilds her confidence in herself through good and bad dates. This was a truly inspirational story, that I cannot wait to continue to read as the next novellas continue to come out, I’ve got the guy I’m rooting for already, but we’ll see if he can change his ways to win the heart of our illustrious main character. This is a great read that will keep your attention going and will have you laughing and crying throughout the different experiences that Bella goes through while finding herself.
@Brandy Rymer
1/1024
Kingdom of 7 Sovereigns: Wolf by R.C. Reigh
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a new author to me, and the first book in this series. I am very excited to report that this book is so much fun to read! Fantasy, magic, romance, shape-shifting, suspense, action – this young adult book has it all. The characters are amazing and will hook you from the very beginning. Anyone who is a fan of Lord of the Rings or Game of Thrones or even Harry Potter will appreciate this story. It centers around students of a magical Academy and includes pretty much all the elements of a fantasy – medieval princes and princesses, heroes, villains, etc. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a magical, vibrant tale full of a little of everything! Even if you aren’t typically a young adult/fantasy reader, this is definitely one to pick up.
The Uncrowned King by Ayla Marie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The Uncrowned King is book two in The Blood Prince Series, by Ayla Marie. You MUST read book one in order to understand this book. I was on the edge of my seat the entire way; this book is just as emotional and exciting as the first.
Leo and his family are now in Arkezo, where he finds out that he is the heir to the throne. There is a lot of new information being thrown at Leo and Cael, not to mention trying to find their way through a new city. Will Leo end up taking the throne? The connection to the crown may make keeping his family safe easier, but at what cost? Leo, Cael and Elana just want to keep everyone safe and to finally have peace.
This is a great read for all ages in my opinion, not just YA. It is action packed, and full of deeper meaning. The way the author weaves this story is amazing and she is truly talented! Being that the Ayla is still in high school, she is definitely an author to watch – both of her books are wonderfully written.
The Blood Prince by Ayla Marie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The Blood Prince is the first book of two, by Ayla Marie. This is a wonderful YA fantasy book that has amazing world building and complex characters. The book is captivating and deals with loyalty, love, and persevering as an individual, but also as a family.
The first half of the book is from Leo’s perspective. He is an assassin/mercenary who is the most wanted criminal. While he is extremely lethal, he is also very kind and a loving brother, who would do anything for his family. When one of his younger siblings shows the signs of having the same lethal abilities as him, they must flee in order to stay live.
Family is everything, and even in the darkest of times, the Hael family shows that you can prevail, stand strong, and flourish. I cannot wait to read the second book and see where the story leads!
Auctioned Surrender by Via Mari
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Auctioned Surrender is a duet that follows the similar story of her previous Sinful Duets. In the first book, Auctioned, it is the story of Damian and Bryanna. Damian is private security for very wealthy people looking for these individual’s niece. She was thought to be picked up for trafficking. Damian does end up finding her at a bar where Bryanna has become a stripper, but we quickly learn she is to be auctioned off due to her virginity. Throughout the story, Damian is attracted to her and that just grows when he end up capturing her himself to save her. She keeps trying to run away to save her family not realizing Damian can help. Will he be able to get her to understand in time that she doesn’t need to do this alone? Will the security company finally figure out who is behind all the trafficking?
In the second book, Relentless, it is more of the same. Only this time, Dereck, who also works for the security company, is trying to get information from Layla, Bryanna’s friend. Layla also strips for the bar and Dereck believes she is the way to understanding the trafficking ring. The story starts with info already known from the last book, but now we get the details of the behind-the-scenes. In addition, Layla is on her own mission to find out who killed her cousin and took her sister. She believes it could be the trafficking ring. Dereck vows to protect her because he is very attracted to her, but he doesn’t realize that this sassy lady has a lot of secrets that can’t be disclosed. However, they start to work together and have a relationship to get her sister back. Will she become the submissive he is looking for or will her sass get her hurt?
I always love a great mafia romance, but this is the second of the duets I have read and I am starting to feel it is more of the same. It is a continuous addition to the original story but with different leading men from the security team. I have no issue with these men or women characters, I always love a strong, protective, but gentle type, however, I just feel it is more of the same. All the men that work here apparently love the dominant/submissive BDSM lifestyle and all the girls are pretty much craving the submissive aspect too. Overall, the story and characters themselves were fine and a quick read (well each book is a quick read, but long as a duet). However, I am just a little tired of the same storyline and dynamic.
Deja Brew All Over Again: A Runaway Bride Romance by Sylvie Stewart
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Deja Brew All Over Again: A Runaway Bride Romance is the third book in the Love on Tap series. This can be read as a standalone and enjoyed, but I recommend reading the prior books for the fullest fun. The series focuses on one of the Brooks brothers. This time, Miller gets the spotlight. He has a history of trouble but is trying to get his life straight. So what happens when Maisy jumps in his car with a wedding dress on? I like the chemistry that develops between Miller and Maisy. They relate to each other well, and both have made some poor decisions in their lives. I always enjoy the banter the author brings to the stories. It makes them more relatable and keeps the story moving quickly. I look forward to reading more from this author. Her books are always a great getaway from the day to day grind.
A Heart So Savage by April Moran
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the second book in The Savage Duet series. This story follows Ava and Kingston. Can you hate someone and love them at the same time? That is the conundrum that Ava is facing. Ava is a debt payment. His prisoner. Yet she wants to save him. Others are out to get them, and she must keep them safe. Will she succeed?
