Cruel King by K.M. Scott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Wow. Talk about a book with ups and downs. I laughed, I cried, I could not put the book down. I cringed, I was shocked, this book is all things amazing! Read this book if you love romance, tragedy, betrayal, misunderstandings, and happily ever after. Can’t wait to read it again!
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Refrain by Madelynne Ellis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
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
<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/122750185-cruel-king” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”Cruel King” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1676615094l/122750185._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/122750185-cruel-king”>Cruel King</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7153724.K_M_Scott”>K.M. Scott</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5789252885″>5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
The King family is well known in the world of business. Matthias, being the oldest, is being groomed to take over soon. Ava is the daughter of Mr. King’s driver and has had the privilege of growing up alongside the King boys with Theo being her best friend. She carries a torch for Matthias, but he always treats her as if she is not good enough to step foot in his family’s home. Little does she know that Matthias returns her feeling but has been trying to fight them as he doesn’t feel like he is worthy of her. When a snowstorm moves through these two are stuck together. The hate turns to passion as they can no longer fight their attraction. When everyone returns her father decides to send her to her aunt’s home and she asks Theo, who is supposed to be her best friend but secretly in love with her, to pass the message along to his brother, but he conveniently forgets. Five long years have passed, and she is now back at the King estate. The have to potential to be together and happy but there is someone that stands in the way. Will they get their happily ever after? This was a quick, easy read and very hard to put down. The growth of the characters was great, and they were well rounded. It was a wonderfully written story and I do hope that this is the beginning of a series about this family. I would love to read stories about the other King brothers. As a first-time reader of this author, I enjoyed her writing style and look forward to reading more of her work.
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<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/106111308-charlisa-wahtomy-alba”>View all my reviews</a>
Cruel King by K.M. Scott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
“Cruel King” by K.M. Scott takes readers on a captivating journey through a tale of love, resentment, and the complex ties that bind us. Set against a backdrop of wealth and privilege, this standalone billionaire romance weaves a story that is as emotionally intense as it is heart-warming.
K.M. Scott’s prose skilfully navigates the characters’ inner conflicts, capturing their longing, pain, and unspoken desires. The evolution of Ava and Matthias’s relationship is portrayed with sensitivity and depth, drawing readers into their emotional upheaval. As the story unfolds, the question of whether they can overcome their past and forge a future together becomes increasingly compelling.
In “Cruel King,” Scott skilfully explores themes of forgiveness, redemption, and the complexities of family dynamics. With its richly drawn characters and a plot that keeps you turning the pages, this romance novel offers both passion and introspection. Fans of contemporary romance will find themselves engrossed in the rollercoaster journey of love and self-discovery that Ava and Matthias embark upon.
Firewall by Jessica Mehring
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Such a quick and fun WHODUNIT read! I figured out who was behind the crimes rather quickly and I really enjoyed this. There’s a little bit of romance in there and some pretty intense moments! For being a short read, the author wrote the characters so well.. That I connected with them rather quickly. If you want a book full of crimes, whodunit, romance, suspense. Read this!
Softest Touch by Adina D. Grey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a delightful, short, and sweet read! I fell in love with the characters quickly, which was important for such a quick read and I was invested in their story.
Melinda begins working for Derek, who severely underestimates her but quickly finds her irresistible. Their chemistry comes off the page quickly and keeps the reader engaged. The author has an inviting writing style that draws the reader in, and again, the likable characters made this one for me! Pick it up, you can read it in one sitting and won’t regret it!
Granting Katelyn by S.E. Reichert
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Granting Katelyn is Book #2 in the Sweet Valley Series and while this book can be read as a standalone I highly recommend reading this series in order as this series is fantastic for any romance lover like me. This story of Katelyn and Grant gave me drama, age gap (which I LOVE), heartbreak, healing, romance and a roller coaster of emotions with definite ups and downs. This was a great story.
Katelyn Sullivan has a love for helping horses as a equine therapist and is very good at what she does. She is tough as nails, no nonsense and not afraid to back down……she is given a chance to help a very an injured horse with recovery due to an accident…..but butting heads with Grant Tennyson is not on her agenda. Grant Tennyson is grumpy, grouchy and overall comes across rude. He is under a lot of pressure from his father, Ian, to make sure their farm is run smoothly and also making sure that Katelyn does her job to help with Hugh’s recovery. As the layers are slowly peeled away when Katelyn and Grant get to know each other, the spark comes from within…but Grant knows he should not have any feelings toward Katelyn as his father wants only the best for Grant, including a wife. What happens when the matters of the heart comes to blows with family obligations that are just unreasonable from a high powered father like Ian Tennyson.
This is a great story. I highly recommend and many parts really pulled at my heart strings, especially Grant’s history and back story. The author does such a great job on storytelling as this book was very hard to put down. Looking forward to Laney’s story next!
Back to the 80’s by S.E. Reichert
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Back to the 80s
by: S.E. Reichert and Kerrie Flanagan
Can someone feel nostalgic about a time they didn’t lived in? That was definitely my experience with this story. I was unable to put it down. I really enjoyed all the references from the 80’s. This is one of those stories that makes you want to be part of that world. Absolutely a must read!
Cruel King by K.M. Scott
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Cruel King by K.M. Scott
4 Stars out of 5 Stars
This was a fun read. I got so obsessed with the story that couldn’t put it down. I really want to see more from the characters in a next book. Definitely a great weekend read for those who like a steamy romance with a rollercoaster of emotions on the side. Definitely recommend.
Softest Touch by Adina D. Grey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Softest Touch
This was a sweet and fairly fast paced love story. But it just shows it could happen at any time to anyone, especially when they least expect it.
Derek has a pretty good life as a fashion designer but feels like something is missing so he takes a sabbatical to come back to the business and his new assistant Melinda who refuses to take any of his attitude.
Melinda has had her share of heartbreak and is looking to finding a purpose. Derek was so much more than hlshe could have expected.
I really liked all of the characters especially Sissi and Grandma. I have a soft spot for animals and special people and they won me over pretty quick.
Cruel King by K.M. Scott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Intensity that could set you ablaze. So, this is the first book I have read by the talented K.M. Scott and oh was it a great first read. Twists and turns to keep you guessing as well as reality based making the moments that are already heavily emotional make you feel what they feel. Early on Matthias’ cruel words to Ava had me crying along with her. Dual perspective of Ava and Matthias.
Ava is the daughter of the King family’s estate manager. Matthias is the eldest son and heir apparent of the King fortune. Early into the story the similarities while different are prevalent in the different household dynamics. Both have lost their mothers, both are treated differently than their siblings, and both have been harboring feelings they didn’t release went soul deep. One fateful blizzard brings everything to the forefront, no more hiding behind warnings from their fathers. Matthias dreamed of Ava for years, but when finally given a moment alone with her his cruelty that he used as armor cracks, and he gives into the dreams if only for a short time. Ava is accepted by all the King family except the eldest son, Matthias, who has always been cruel to her for no reason she can think of. After he makes her cry repeatedly in the span of just a few short hours she snaps and confronts him demanding he explain why he hates her so much. In a moment of desire, he drops the façade, ignores the warnings, and finally kisses her and more. Everything feels right, like they were made for each other. No sooner is the truth finally revealed and she is forced to move away to her aunts. Five years and neither of them can forget that blizzard and what happened but now things are different.
Can they find their way back to each other? Will Theo take a stand that forces Ava to make a choice? I love how the author tells the reader up front that the story is based but that she doesn’t deal with the “protection” aspect of the characters physical moments, I agree sometimes it takes away from a heated moment by breaking it down too much with reality. The scenery is described perfectly especially when it comes to the reality of snow and how its beauty disappears when it’s in dirty piles cluttering the roads as it slowly melts. Now, the characters, my oh my they were fascinating, the complexing of each character helps build the reality of the moments and the intensity of the twists and turns the characters had to overcome to reach the end. After this I truly hope the author decides to turn this into a series, it would be interesting to see into the lives of the other four King brothers and what secrets they hold within.
Liz’s Road Trip by Bernadette Marie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The relationship that Liz has with her Gran is one that most people would love to have. Gran raised Liz since age 10 when her mom died. Now, Gran has passed and it’s in her wishes that Liz go on a trip to Florida to settle things there. Little did Liz know, the Gran she knew wasn’t the same person that her friends knew.
A call from WATTS one day started changing everything. Mark Watts becomes a new friend for Liz and she soon finds out that Mark lives in her grandmother’s 7 million dollar home in Florida. With so many questions that have been unanswered, Liz takes this trip to meet up with Mark and others who knew her Gran. Life will forever be different after this trip. As Gran would say though, “Live with no regrets!”
This book is full of raw emotion. One minute I was crying, the next I was laughing, then I was ready to throw the book and hit something! LOL A very enjoyable read!
Cruel King by K.M. Scott
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Cruel King had a super enticing premise that sounded like such a fun read. I was a little under prepared on the fact that I would feel like I did about it. Matthias and Ava, neighbors, man from money, not rich female, her father is employed by his father, maybe enemies, but maybe not, and his brother is her best friend although in the future she’s supposed to be his brothers wife, until he opens his mouth about those snowy few days five years ago. I devoured this book. It was well written, flowed smoothly, and kept me interested. There did seem to be a lot of background throughout almost like the characters hemmed and hawed a lot rather than just speaking up and owning how they felt, which made some scenes feel a little drug out. Overall I really enjoyed the grumpy Matthias and bubbly Ava’s story, a little sad about how the author did Matthias’ brother but I was so glad when they started opening up to each other again and the story picked back up.
Cruel King by K.M. Scott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I am not going to lie, the first thing that drew me into this book was the cover art! But then once I was reading the blurb about the book I just knew that I had to get my hands on this book! I was captivated by how this author wrote and I could not stop reading this once I got my hands on it! The way this story is written is superb and was a fantastic read! I cannot wait to read more great books like this one! I cannot wait to tell my friends about this book as it was so great and everyone should read it!
Cruel King by K.M. Scott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I adored this romance story of Theo, Ava, and Matthias! It’s a tale of the King brothers, and their estate manager’s daughter Ava. The families grow up together, Ava and Theo as inseparable best friends while Matthias, the oldest King brother seems to have a pure hatred of Ava but why? You’ll not want to put this book down from the second you read the first page, you will want to know what the big secret is that happened between Ava and Matthias, and why he would hate her any more than he already does.
K. M. Scott is a masterful author, who knows how to grab readers’ attention and then haunt them with the what-ifs throughout the story. The characters are so expertly created that you feel for them at every step, from love to heartbreak, anger to passion. The setting was portrayed so beautifully that I got chills when Ava fell face-first into the snow, I could feel the warmth of the fire as she warmed herself in front of the fire. I cannot wait to read more books by this author, she has a way of keeping me guessing throughout the entire book, never knowing what she may throw at Ava. She is one of the strongest characters that you will fall in love with, and just have a heartfelt bond with. Then you have all of the King brothers who each have a unique personality all their own. I wished there were more books about this amazing family because it ends with so many options to continue building a story around each of the other brothers’ lives as well as our lovebirds.
@Brandy Rymer
08/2023
Rogue Wolf by Lilliana Rose
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book is a great continuation of the series and the stories. It was great to get back into the characters I have grown to love and it took no time for me to become invested in them again. This book picks up where the previous book ends, so I would highly recommend reading them in order. This book was just as fast paced and action packed as the previous. I couldn’t wait to see how things would develop as the book went on.
This whole series has been exciting to read, and this book just adds to the excitement. I thought the book was well written, engaging and thoroughly enjoyable through and through. This may be the only series I have read by this author but I will certainly be extending my knowledge into other books she has to offer.
Softest Touch by Adina D. Grey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Melinda is a hardworking girl who just got a job as an assistant to the owner of Wilson Creations, a billionaire named Derek.
Derek…has everything. Fame? Check. Fortune? Check. Good looks? Check. A successful career? Check.
So what happens when these two start working together, and slowly begin to see the other as more than just an assistant/boss? How will they traverse through this new romance?
This is a very sweet comfortable contemporary romance with a touch of spice that will have you going back to read again and again!!
Mesmerised by Toya Richardson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Donna is tired; she is tired of everything, because she has lost everything. All that was worth living for in her eyes has been taken from her.
Antoine, a (surprising) hybrid, has searched for centuries looking for his other half, his heart, his mate. He finds his mate in a human named Donna, and is able to save her before her life’s flame is snuffed out.
Now, throw in some plot twists, major emotions, crazy demons, and some wonderfully written POVs, you get this absolutely stunning book. Although this is the second book in the series, it works perfectly as a standalone and doesn’t leave you confused, so don’t let that hold you back from take the time to read this!! I highly recommend taking a moment and giving this a chance. This is my first book by this author, but I know I will be looking for her name and looking forward to any and all works from her!!
Granting Katelyn by S.E. Reichert
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Granting Katelyn (Sweet Valley Series) by S.E. Reichert. I love this series. This is the second book in the Sweet Valley Series but they can be read as a standalone. This is the story of Katelyn who helps injured horses. She has a lot of issues with her past but puts off a brave front. She has to because most people that work with horses are all men. When she travels across country to help a thoroughbred in need she arrives thinking that everyone is on board with her coming to help. Enter Grant who is the owner of said thoroughbred. He has not intention of letting anyone take control of his life especially his horses. When Katelyn shows up he does everything in his power to get rid of her. Katelyn is a little tougher than he gives her credit for. The more time they spend together the more they realize the friction between them might be romance. Read this sweet 2nd book in this awesome series to find out what happens.
Firewall by Jessica Mehring
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Firewall by Jessica Mehring. This is such a good contemporary romance. Its the story of Veronica Clark who is a IT professional who is amazing at her job. She stays on top of all the hackers, firewalls and security breaches. When she discovers a computer chip that holds some very sensitive information she feels something is off. She decides to take the chip and when she does she is in immense danger. Angus is a firefighter who is very good at his job and he strives to be the best. He is also the brother of Veronica’s best friend Cara. When he finds out that Veronica’s life is on the line over this computer chip he steps up and tries to save her. Will Angus helping Veronica mess up his chance to make Fire Chief? Will Angus and Veronica realize that there is more between them than friends. This is a fast paced fun read full of drama, suspense and romance.
The Reluctant Suitor by Stacy-Deanne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The Reluctant Suitor (The Studs of Clear Creek County) by Stacy-Deanne. This is a good short, historical story about Billie Jean Willis who is visiting her cousins on their farm in 1895. Billie Jean is looked on as a troublemaker because she is one of the very few women to attend college. When she sees how some of her people are being treated she is not one to back down from fighting for what is right for them. When she meets Fisher who is the supervisor of all the people that Billie Jean feels are being treated poorly she wants to hate him but they are drawn together. Fisher comes from a wealthy family and wants to make his family proud but he can’t help his attraction to Billie Jean. Will they be able to come to an agreement and make things better for the worker and build a relationship or will they just never see eye to eye? Read this awesome historical romance to find out!
Vampires of Atlantis by Courtney Davis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed the concepts that this author introduced in this novel. The unique story of Atlantis and the different origins of vampires and werewolves was fascinating and definitely kept my attention. I loved Davis’s worldbuilding and descriptions; however, there were times I wished she had spent a little more time on her character development. I liked the characters (they are very unique) and I sort of connected with them, but, overall, I found them shallow and lacking depth and background. I really enjoyed the premise of this book and I felt like the plot line moved along at a fairly decent pace. There were a few times I felt rushed but overall I think it was well done. I’m definitely looking forward to reading another of Ms. Davis’s books.
Reviewed by @meggs1717
Love Shots by Isobel Reed
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Another enjoyable and engaging story in the Bluestone County Series, and I love being back in this small town and meeting its residents. Finding herself back in Bluestone County where she grew up was not in Summer’s plan, neither was having no home or job. Having left behind a dangerous ex boyfriend Summer still dreams of being able to take over her grandfather’s bar, but she soon learns that it’s already been bought, and by her childhood friend Teddy. I don’t know who was more surprised Summer of retired Navy SEAL Teddy when she completely looses it and starts throwing very expensive bottles of whiskey at him! However, Teddy had missed his old friend and was interested in more than friendship with her, having already missed his chance with her once before he was not going to let that happen again. This is a second chance at love romance with a friends to lovers theme. I loved both Summer and Teddy, and although they are complete opposites their chemistry sizzled off the page. As usual the descriptive narrative really brings the characters and the small town feeling to life, making me feel immersed in the story.
This is Liam and Teresa’s story. Once again this author took me by surprise. The audio story puts your mind into the audience. This story holds all the suspense and romance you could ask for. Teresa is a strong independent woman and Liam has seen and been through enough trauma. While both are tied together by family and blood, their banter is fun to follow. Can Liam and Teresa fight their true hearts and stay away from each other? Will their siblings help to keep them apart? Having been to Port Townsend, this story fits perfectly, even if there were some fabrications. I still love this story. This could be a standalone, but I feel you should read this series in order, as book one has some information that will keep you on track with this story. Yes I will be waiting to see where this author takes the next in this intriguing series.
Review@cinful
Softest Touch by Adina D. Grey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I enjoyed reading this sweet romance story. This is a shorter story but it packs a punch in a short amount of time. This is a well written story about Derek and Melinda. When Melinda becomes Derek’s assistant they never expected to find a strong attachment to each other. Their story is one of challenges and strength that it brings to their lives. This is a story you don’t want to miss. A fast paced story that I read in one sitting. An engaging story that kept me coming back to the end. I enjoyed watching the growth of the characters and how easy they made it easy to read. This is a great story that I highly recommend.
Review by @bjwagner
Cruel King by K.M. Scott
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Cruel King
It took me a little bit to get into the book but once I did I couldn’t put it down and I’m currently suffering from a book hangover.
It took me quite a while to warm up to Matthias, I really didn’t want to like him. Still not sure why he was so cruel to her since none of it was her fault, it was outside forces that caused most of the problems
Ava and Matthias’s story was sad in so many ways. They both had to deal with way too much loss at a young age and unfortunately like most the older you get the more you end up losing.
Crying or tearing up is something I do often enough that I don’t think about it. Sobbing is reserved for those gut punch moments and I did in fact sob.
I suggest having kleenex close by if you’re a Cryer and sit back and get lost in this story. I do hope we get to see all of the King boys travel down the love path.
Refrain by Madelynne Ellis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
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
Cruel King by K.M. Scott
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the first book in quite a while where I have wanted to reach into the pages and slap one of the main characters up the side of the head or as my daughter would say Gibbs slap him!! LOL To me that is the sign of a talented author if they can have the reader that invested in the lives of the characters they have created, that they have such a emotional response to the storyline. I loved Ava and Matthias and I can’t wait to explore more books from this truly wonderful author.
Mesmerised by Toya Richardson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 Star’s
Mesmerised (Hybrid Lovers Book 2) by Toya Richardson
Mesmerised is the second book in the Hybrid Lovers Series and is a wonderfully written Paranormal Romance that I absolutely loved reading. I’ve read other books by this author and this one is my favorite yet. It’s fast paced and the characters are developed and engaging, they make the story pop off the pages. Antonie is a hybrid ready to meet his mate and Donna is ready to end hers and meet her maker. Antonie saves her life but can these two work out their differences to defeat the demons? I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next. I truly enjoyed reading this book and look forward to reading more from this Author.
Mesmerised by Toya Richardson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
As this is my first time reading work from author Toya Richardson and I gotta say I am Mesmerised 😂 but no really I truly was. This author has written such a unique and captivating story that I for one could not put down.I don’t think I have ever read a book yet that has the Hybrid as a vampire/angel. That in itself was amazing, everything else was just icing on the cake. But the demon Gutstov is a real piece of work ill tell you what. And Antoine and Donna are in my opinion perfect for each. Lol i mean his waiting over 600 years for his fated mate i’m glad the chemistry between them is there and growing stronger.Although this can be read as a standalone, I am definitely going to go read the first book in this series Captivated
