Cruel Hate: A College Sports Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This was significantly better than the book before it Cruel Start. I was very hesitant to read this after my feelings for the first book but I was pleasantly surprised that I enjoyed it with a few things bugging me! There were some parts that seemed dragged out and forced but overall it was a fun easy read.
Cruel Hate: A Dark College Sports Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Cruel Hate: A Dark College Sports Romance (Hidden Valley Elite Book) by Isla Vaughn
4 out of 5 stars
I find myself enjoying everything I read from Isla Vaughn and this book is not the exception. The story draw me from the start and it didn’t disappoint. This story is a great addition to the series. I’m looking forward to the next one. Definitely recommend this book and all the previous ones in the series.
Wild For Me by Tam DeRudder Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I LOVE this one! It easily kept me reading late into the night! The story entertained me and the characters are wonderfully done. Watching Annabelle and Dakota come together is phenomenal! Dakota is a rock star with a large sexual appetite as expected but when he is with Annabelle we really see a different side of him. His nickname(s) for her are beautiful and not run of the mill. Watching him with her family is so fun! Annabelle is a previous groupie who now has a job with the band. She is as smart as she is sexy and fits him and his wildness to a T. Again her families response to him was awesome!
Most favorite scene:
I love the way the author describes the band members coming out on stage for their concert! I was in awe! I absolutely felt like I was there! Not with the throwing of panties and bras but giving me chills because I could feel the excitement just like the characters! Well Done!
There were a few touched on moments near the end that I wish as the reader they would have been shown to us and not just heard snippets from another character. Maybe a few less tour show explanations could have replaced with those scenes. I fell that would have closed out that storyline (Garrett).
It definitely will be going on my re-read pile as it is delicious! I really loved every second and eagerly look forward to Tron’s story.
Russian and Royally Complicated by Gwyn McNamee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is quite the story! Full of passion, drama and suspense. I enjoyed meeting all of these characters. They made me laugh, be shocked and…I had a few surprises. I did not read the first book in the series and had no problems following along with this one. I have read one author before but not the other. The story moves along at a quicker pace and is easy to read.
I did not like that there are secrets in here that seemed to be mentioned (a lot) but they never told me (the reader), mentioned it in their thoughts (other then “the secret”) or told the other character. I got tired of that and by the end when it finally came out..I did mot care what it was. I think because it was mentioned too much with no explanation.
The Truth About Myths by Giovanna Siniscalchi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a brilliant historical romance that has so much going on. I thought the characters were perfectly matched. There was such as tug and pull with them and their connection was undeniable. This is a little different to most other historical romances that I have read, and that made it such a refreshing read. I was engaged with story and loved watching it all unfold.
This is a great addition to the series as a whole. The author has a fantastic writing style that drew me in immediately. As a genre I tend to dip in and out of, it is books like this that keep me coming back. I loved this book and cannot wait for more.
Cruel Hate: A College Sports Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book as just as great as the others. You do need to read the prequel first. Aspen finds out that she is pregnant after one night stand with Phoenix. He wants to do right by her but he also loves playing football. There is a lot of back and forth but they are also growing. I cannot wait to read the next book.
Cruel Start by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a really good book. Aspen is the new girl in town. She gets an invite to a beach party. She meets the hottest guy she has ever seen. When she throws caution to the wind and a wild night of passion that quickly turns into taking a pregnancy test. Will he stick around and be the daddy his baby on the way?
Heart’s Rescue by Meredith Hart
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I adored this book entirely! I tend to devour books I love much too fast for my own good lol but I just did not want this one to end! The characters were wonderful & the self discovery was superb. I truly, truly loved witnessing Arryn realize her own strength & find happiness in her own power. My heart dropped over Rowan & his very relatable angst a couple of times, but I am relieved this was a baby roller coaster instead of the Demon or something lol enough to be an exciting ride without sending me into fits of despair like certain other books I’d need a trigger warning to mention! It was great to see so many fair & just figures in power. This is such beautiful, sweet, & sexy love story. & the chapter titles are to die for!! I was excited for every new chapter name & LOVED finding them in the story. A+++ , valedictorian GPA , top of the class book, truly.
Cruel Hate: A College Sports Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Big fan of Isla Vaughn and the way her prose and world building draws you right in. I personally have trouble remembering sometimes that these students are in high school and early college, but to be fair I have never been an elite member of anything, been a con artist, Olympic level diver, NFL level football player, or anything else the rest of the characters deal with in this series. Regardless, as far as any type of “complaint”, that’s probably it.
Phoenix and Aspen are from different places in life. Phoenix has made it to college alongside his cousins and is leading the Thane University football team as the star QB as a freshman. He meets Aspen and neither are fans of the other. After a fling, Aspen finds herself pregnant. While neither are happy with the situation, they both have things happening that would be easier if they presented themselves as a couple. In the midst of pretending to be together, they both develop feelings they refuse to acknowledge or communicate about. There’s a lot of very immature ways to handle things between them, but the chemistry, fear, angst, confusion and so many other emotions keep you enthralled through the read.
Another win in the series!
I chose this book because I thought the cover was pretty. I realized it wasn’t my type of book, but that didn’t stop me from reading it. I felt like it started off slow so I had a hard time staying focused on the story line. It has an enemies to lovers theme, there is action, danger and drama. I really thought I would like this book. Maybe I just need to give another read through and hopefully find her other books as well to read. There is a twist in this book but I really don’t want to give it away, so I won’t go into much detail about that. If you are anything like me when it comes to picking out books, try this one. Let me know what you think.
Cruel Start by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
Cruel Start in my opinion could have just been apart of the next book Cruel Hate. It’s very short with a plot that ends as soon as it starts. Had I known just what I was getting myself into I might have passed. I am reading the next book which has more promise but overall disappointed in the start to the series!
Heart’s Rescue by Meredith Hart
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Rowan and his brother, Phaedron, survive in the World’s End in the Land Below. That is, until Phaedron’s arm is cut off by a monster, which Rowan then drags to the King before setting out for revenge on all monsters for what happened to his brother. Arryn is a lady from the Land Above, determined to show everyone she is more than just an object by travelling to the Land Below to find her beloved Prince. Rowan and Arryn meet in the Land Below and, naturally, try to kill each other. But they end up getting along better than either of them would have thought. My favourite character was Rowan and my least favourite character was Folwynn. I recommend this book because it’s an enemies to lovers fantasy romance, what more could you want? The one-bed trope, threatening each other with knives, hating everyone but each other, sacrificing their lives for each other. The characters are layered and complex, the story is interesting and compelling, the love is pure and strong. ‘How wrong I was. There is nothing cold here, nothing at all like ice.’
Lies – Truth – Love by Marina Hanna
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What a wonderful clean romance! The characters are wonderful. The twists are realistic but creative. I simply couldn’t put it down!
Heart’s Rescue by Meredith Hart
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What an amazing romantic fantasy that Meredith Hart has created in a wonderful world of never-ending possibilities. Our two main characters are complete opposites of one another, and that is what makes their romance so much sweeter! Rowan Undervale is from the Wolds Below where they have the Kingdom Fall. He is an odd character with amazing magic like no other, as he is the only child born in the Worlds Below, where everything is covered in snow and ice, and very little grows there. They have orbs of light that shine during the day so they can see, but at night everything goes dark, there are no stars to be seen. He and his big brother Phaedron are orphans and of a lowly class, hence they live in the outer region away from the Crystal City where everything still grows in luscious greenery. Lady Arryn on the other hand is from the Wolds Above, where they have the Kingdom Summer. It is beautiful there, the night sky is filled with the stars, and everything is surrounded by sunshine and fresh air. The people there are golden from all of their time in the sunshine. Lady Arryn is of high class and is bred to marry the Prince of the Kingdom Fall once he asks for her hand in marriage. There is only one problem, her prince has disappeared into the Worlds Below, and Arryn takes it upon herself to rescue him. This is why she meets Rowan, and their adventures begin together, learning through their trials and tribulations to depend upon one another and get to know about the other’s world and how life is so different for each of them.
What an amazing read this was, the main characters have so much personality, you can feel the tension so thick, that you could cut it with a knife. The plot of the story kept me on the edge of my seat awaiting what could happen next to these characters, and would they be able to survive one another’s company? This book is the first of a series, but can be read as a stand-alone, I don’t advise stopping after this book but continue reading the series because there are so many more adventures ahead with our other characters.
@Brandy Rymer
09/2023
<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60804624-heart-s-rescue” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”Heart’s Rescue (Hearts Below, #1)” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1649830572l/60804624._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60804624-heart-s-rescue”>Heart’s Rescue</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19838890.Meredith_Hart”>Meredith Hart</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5857017728″>5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
I did not read the synopsis of this book to know what it about. I chose this based on the cover and assumed that would be some kind of romance involving royalty of some sort. There is royalty and there is romance, but there is also magic. Rowan is an outcast due to his dark magic. The only person he cares about has been attacked by a monster and he sets out to save him. Once his brother is safe a woman who is looking for a prince comes along, as well as a second monster. Now Rowan faces a dilemma, does he hand the woman over to the king? Or does he keep this lady safe? This book is a genre that I don’t often read, but whatever it was about the art on the cover intrigued me. The characters are well developed and keep you engaged in the story as it progresses. Plots twists are always welcome and this had plenty to keep me hooked and wanting to find out what happens next. I’m always glad when I choose a book on a whim and discover a new author. If you like a bit of romance mixed in with some humor and magic, this should definitely be in your collection.
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<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/106111308-charlisa-wahtomy-alba”>View all my reviews</a>
❥ PREORDER ❥
I fell for the enemy.
He broke me, and then put me together again.
Our future? It’s worth fighting for.
Or it was before the accident.
The accident stole Phoenix from me. Now, he’s nice… kind even. But the memory of me—of our baby—is gone. Despite everything, I’m left fighting for our child and the man I’ve come to love.
How much will I have to sacrifice to bring him back? What happens when secrets buried deep in the past burst into the present? Do we have a chance? Or is it inevitable that history repeats itself and we’re forced to go our separate ways?
Cruel Love is an enemies-to-lovers, fake relationship, new adult, sports romance with pregnancy, plenty of angst, heat, and a HEA. This is the conclusion of Cruel Hate, and Aspen and Phoenix’s duet. This book contains mature content that some readers may find disturbing.
Heart’s Rescue by Meredith Hart
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
4.5 Stars
Heart’s Rescue is the first book in the Heart’s Below/Fallen Hearts series by Meredith Hart. It is a wonderfully epic romantic fantasy- with an enemies to lovers theme, action, adventure, magic, danger, drama, monsters, fate, family dynamics, chemistry, steam, superb world-building, interesting characters, layers, banter, violence, emotion, and more.
As I have come to expect from Ms. Hart, her rich, detailed and descriptive writing easily brought her world, and all the characters, to life- and quickly grabbed my attention and pulled me into the story where I got to experience all the action and developments right alongside the characters.
The story hooked me right from the beginning and held me in its grasp the whole way through. I got quite lost in the story (in a great way) and I didn’t want to leave, even when I had devoured every last word. I can’t wait to see where we go from here!
Meredith Hart has done it again with this fantastic start to her series, because if this book is anything to go by- the rest of the series is set to be even more awesome! Bring it on!
Highly recommended!
Happy Reading…
Thank you, Meredith Hart!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
The Truth About Myths by Giovanna Siniscalchi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
4.5 Stars
First, can we just take a minute of really appreciate this gorgeous cover- so beautiful and romantic.
The Truth About Myths is the third book in The Winemakers series by Giovanna Siniscalchi. As with the rest of the series, this is primarily an historical romance with a bit of an enemies to lovers element, secrets, agendas, pushing boundaries and proprieties of the day, politics, duty/responsibility/obligations/expectation, emotions, mystery, cultural details, chemistry, spice, and a touch of danger.
Even though it is the third book in the series, it could be read as a standalone if you wanted, without feeling like you are missing anything, as each book in the series follows different MC’s. But having said that, the individual stories are really wonderful in their own right, and well worth the read, too.
Again, this book has such a unique identity and flair that sets it apart from others in the same genre. Set in Portugal in the 1870’s, the author sets the scene beautifully as she expertly weaves a tale that transported me through time and space. Her writing is rich, vibrant, detailed and descriptive- which made this book a joy to read.
Looking forward to more from this talented author!
Happy Reading!
Thank you, Giovanna Siniscalchi!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
Heart’s Rescue by Meredith Hart
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Oooo, the goosebumps. This is the first book I have read by the incredible Meredith Hart, and I cannot wait to read more of her work. With a guaranteed Happily Ever After it makes the book so much more rewarding seeing how much they overcome and how they reach that happy ending. Dual perspectives of Rowan and Arryn.
Rowan is a sentry in the Lands Below, the screams of his neighbors draw him out into the night to find his fatally wounded older brother Phaedron. Using his “freak” magic Rowan saves his brother by doing something Charay has never seen done before with magic. Arryn is a high-born lady of the Kingdom of Summer in the Worlds Above. Her unofficially betrothed Prince Folwynn went missing while trying to travel to the Lands Below and back to rescue his sister’s heart. After a talk with her older brother Petya, she decides she is going to take out some of the chance and go find the prince herself in hopes of getting a proper betrothal to him. Rowan finds the monster that killed three of his neighbors and cut off his brother’s arm, delivering him to the Royal Guard of the Crystal City, only after giving him a good beating and taking the solid crown he wore. Arryn succeeds in escaping her mother’s watchful eye to go find her prince, when darkness begins to fall, she uses her magic, for a simple moment she relishes in the feel of the warmth before the voice of shame crashes into her mind by way of her mother’s voice. Rowan takes over the day patrols of the Outer Ring, while the Void Beasts patrol at night. Until she falls into the void…. changing everything. No longer a pawn to her mother’s “plan” she begins to see the pain it caused and the lies she saw as love and affection. Rowan sees light and finds a warmth he never expected to find in the void.
Will Arryn succeed in finding “her” Prince? How do they find the happy ending they deserve? The world the author creates is so in depth, each place has pieces throughout the book that build more on the world as it expands during their travels. While this may be a fantasy book the characters are complex and relatable. They surprise you repeatedly in their actions and keep you on the edge of your seat as you search for the happily ever after. I can’t wait to start book two, Hearts Lost, to learn more about Aloserin.
Heart’s Rescue by Meredith Hart
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
As a fan of Sarah J Maas, I really enjoyed this book. Arryn and Rowen’s chemistry was palpable and such high intensity. They clash a few times because they come from such different backgrounds, but overall I really liked it! My only problem was there was some errors in the text that made things a little difficult, but once that I got passed them, it got easier to read. Arryn having to go to the Frozen Lands Below to rescue her prince, and Rowen being asked to escort her, neither one is too thrilled. But as the story progress, they both realize that the other person is nothing like they would seem to believe!
Cruel Hate by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was a great 5 star read. Once I started I didn’t want to put it down. We start out with Aspen and Phoenix agreeing to a fake relationship for a conversation with her parents, which did not go well. These two hooked up at a summer party and now Aspen is pregnant. These two have an attraction between them that is intense. Phoenix was getting on my last nerve with some of the things he would do or how he would react. These two needed to get their things together and see what was in front of them. Of course Aspen had jealous girls to deal with at times as well.
Overall I really enjoyed the book. The characters were great and seeing characters from previous books was great as well. We get lots of twists and turns and my emotions were all over the place. And the cliffhanger ending, ugh…I need the next book asap. If you’re looking for a great read, 1-click and get started on this book/series. I look forward to reading more from this author.
Reviewed by @mab54615
View all my reviews
Heart’s Rescue by Meredith Hart
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Heart’s Rescue (Fallen Hearts) by Meredith Hart
4 out of 5 stars
Such a fun story to read. I enjoyed the characters and their story. The main character feels relatable and real. The story has different aspects that draw me to it but the growth and the way the characters develop was the main reason for me to stick with it. I was pleased with the ending. I’m really hoping to read more about this world in future books.
Lies – Truth – Love by Marina Hanna
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I definitely enjoyed reading this book. There was so much drama in the book but it was soooo good. Ethan and Olivia had chemistry right from the beginning. Too bad Ethan didn’t check all Olivia’s boxes for what she looks like in a guy but technically he did. Hence where the lies come in. Guys should know by now, no sense in hiding the truth. It always comes out before you let us in on it. Olivia and Ethan met in a coffee shop one day when Ethan came to
Olivia’s rescue when she wasn’t seeing eye to eye with a guy she was set up with on a blind date. Ethan and Olivia kept meeting eachother every day at the same coffee shop and became friends until they decided, enough with the blind dates, he will be her plus one for a family destination wedding.
Ethan and Olivia actually end up falling for eachother until she realizes everything has been a huge lie. Will they ever have the chance to fall in love or will those lies be to strong to overcome?
review by @xchellex
The Truth About Myths by Giovanna Siniscalchi
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Henrique the Viscount is a scientist and an extremely playful rake. Isabel is a prude and proper princess. Two very unlikely people to ever want to be in the presence of another. When Isabel is sent to Portugal by her brother, the “bodyguard” assigned to her is none other than Henrique. Let the adventures begin!!
This book is romantic, funny, and a wee bit spicy! Even though this is part of a series, it can be read as a stand alone. I’ve not been disappointed by a book from this author!! Looking forward to more!
Heart’s Rescue by Meredith Hart
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was the first book by this author that I have read. I wasn’t sure what to expect but it sounded interesting and the cover was cool. I’m so glad I gave it a chance! It started a little slow and confusing for me but within a few chapters I was addicted. I really liked Rowan’s character and I felt connected with Arryn’s character. The world building was excellent and what an interesting world it is! I liked the ending and am looking forward to reading more.
Heart’s Rescue by Meredith Hart
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I picked this book on a whim and wasn’t disappointed. The author has great world building skills. She creates a place you absolutely want to visit. Her characters are well rounded and well thought out. I enjoyed the romance in the book and the HEA was a nice ending. All in all I would absolutely recommend this book if you love fantasy and romance!
Review by Manda Kelly
Love & Stilettos by Evelyn Lindell
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Love and Stilettos
By: Evelyn Lindell
This is an absolutely freaking fantastic book! I could not put it down. This book contains absolutely well developed characters. This book contains the kind of characters you root for and the characters that you love to hate. This book is the kind that sucks you in from the beginning and when you finally finish it you feel like you have to say good bye to some wonderful friends. That is how amazingly well developed these characters are. The addition of Granny just adds to the charm to this book! I have to say that this is the book that I will be recommending from now on when people ask me what is the best book you’ve read recently! I definitely recommend this one!
Heart’s Rescue by Meredith Hart
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Heart’s Rescue is the first book in the paranormal fantasy Fallen Hearts series. This story is told from alternating POV’s given us a much broader and in-depth view of just who they are. It’s my fav way of storytelling. I have only previously read one book by Meredith and really enjoyed it.
Meredith writing style paints a vivid picture of this new world. The world building was intricate but well woven together. The characters are fleshed out, fully realised and well written. They may be broken but they take charge and forge ahead.
Rowan and Arryn’s adventure is full of action, violence, danger and monsters. Two people from different worlds with misconceived idea’s, misunderstandings and miscommunications start these characters on an even rockier road as they go from enemies-to-lovers. It did take a minute to settle in with the characters but thankfully they are revealed as the layers are peeled back and do grow on you.
There is a lot going on in the background in this fast-paced tale that is full of magic, a bit of mystery, some sassiness, a touch of humour, banter, and some steamy romance.
Meredith’s exciting new world has many characters. There are elves, dwarves, dragons, and strange shadow monsters.
This exciting book will appeal to anyone who enjoys reading paranormal fantasy romantic tales.
I need to read more of this series.
Reviewed by @jennadb
Lies – Truth – Love by Marina Hanna
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book has everything that a reader would want in a romance novel. It makes you ask yourself the question of whether you could continue to love someone after you find out they have lied. Do you want to take that chance on whether they will lie again or even if you are getting the full truth, that is the dilemma that the main female character is facing. The way the story is written, you will feel everything that she is feeling. The words just jump off the pages and turn into emotions that you aren’t prepared for in a book. This is what I loved about the book. I was absolutely able to loose myself in it and kept turning pages because by the 2nd chapter, I was fully invested in what was going to happen. I felt like Olivia was my bestie and we were going to find out what was going on. You also feel yourself rooting for them. Normally when a character lies, I find it hard to forgive them. I struggled with it in this book and you will see why when you read it. I am really trying to not give anything away. Just please, please read this book, you won’t be mad that you did and you want be able to put it down.
Reviewed by: @bbohls
View all my reviews
Ignite My Heart by Alicia Street
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A wonderful romance that has all the tropes that we know and love, and always come back for. Hot new boss with a good heart? Check. Friend’s sister? Check. New nanny? Check. Over all really good contemporary romance? Absolutely check plus.
Blake is going through the ringer, trying to figure out how to move forward after losing her job and finding her living situation less than optimal. Morgan is fighting his super toxic ex to keep custody of hid daughter, and is in dire need of a live-in nanny, like, yesterday.
What do you get when you mix a woman who desperately needs a job and is conflicted about children with a good hearted and really hot businessman who adores his daughter? Take a little time to read this stellar story and find out!!