The True Garza by S. Ann Cole
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
If you’re looking for an angsty book that hits all the emotions this book is for you. It is a great one to curl up and get completely lost in! The characters were to die for, they brought so much to the book and I found myself just wanting more and more!
Squid by Brooke May
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Levi is known for being a playboy who no woman has been able to resist. A series of events forces him to have to finally grow up and he ends up working with Kindle. She’s his supervisor and the one woman that seems immune to his charms. Their chemistry is undeniable but he is going to have his work cut out for him if he wants to change her mind about him. This was such a great book! Levi changes so much throughout the story, he really matures and becomes a much better person. I was pulled in from the very first page and couldn’t wait to see what would happen next. If you’re a romance fan, this is one book you’re definitely not going to want to miss!
Squid by Brooke May
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was a great 5 star read. Levi (Squid) is quite the player, after he got his heart broken he has no plans to commit. He picks up women at the bars, has his time with them and leaves. After one encounter he finds that those choices can come back to bite you. He also gets some news from his father, he has been cut off. He is a very smart man and is now being told he has to work, no more playboying around. Levi has had several encounters with a woman he can’t get out of his mind, fate steps in and he sees her again. Kindle has been very adamant about keeping him at arm’s length, will she be able to continue to resist him?
Overall I really enjoyed this read. I liked seeing all the characters from the previous books and had some LOL moments. I was pulled in right from the beginning with all that was going on and didn’t want to put it down. I really enjoyed Levi and Kindles story. This can be read as a stand alone but I suggest reading the other books in the Moto X series, all of the characters are great. 1-click and get started today.
Reviewed by @mab54615
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Illegal by K.J. Gillenwater
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This romantic suspense novel was a real page turner and I was hooked from page one. Selena Hernandez discovers that she was brought to the United States illegally as a child, and in order to become a legal immigrant, she must return to Mexico, a country she does not know. Selena meets Wyatt Demko, an embassy employee whilst at the US Embassy asking for help with a visa. Wyatt is happy to help Selena, but the more they discover about her past which includes connections to a notorious and dangerous drug cartel, Wyatt’s own carefully planned life is upended. Having escaped a hard upbringing in a Wisconsin trailer park, Wyatt has worked hard for his stable career with the State Department. However, he also wants to keep Selena safe, and maybe win her heart at the same time.
As Selena fights to be allowed to return home to the US, her complicated situation becomes an international affair, whilst she’s stuck in a unknown land. Wyatt and Selena only have a few days to attempt the impossible, including hiding from the brutal drug cartel and the corrupt law enforcement, to make a daring getaway. This novel kept me gripped from start to finish with its fast paced and action packed storyline, and plot twists that kept me guessing. The characters were likeable and relatable and I felt engaged with them, and the settings from the streets of Mexico City to the sandy beaches of the Yucatan Peninsula were brought vividly to life by the descriptive narrative. The chemistry between Selena and Wyatt really came across in the writing and I liked how their relationship developed. This was an enjoyable and exciting read, full of drama, suspense, and plenty of romance.
Heart Broken: Satan’s Devils MC, Volume 5 Audio Book by Manda Mellett
Rating: 5 of 5 starts
I was so excited to get Heart’s story! After what he had been through in previous books, I was rooting for him from the very start. The book starts right where the one before left off, and Heart has basically been sent to roam on his own after some serious mis-steps on his part. Marc becomes his unlikely friend and the rest of the book is a whirlwind of grief, tragedy, violence, and learning to love. Top all that off with a brotherhood that keeps me coming back for more after every book I read, and you have got a great novel! This author always manages to find a new way to tackle an MC love story, making each story familiar, yet brand new. I love the way the author deals with very real, serious and tragic backstories, and shows how each character overcomes them and is still able to find love and grow. Looking forward to the next, as usual! Take note that this book is number 5 in the series. I would say that they can be understood and followed separately, but there are backstories, and other connections that you would miss if you do not read them in order so I highly recommend starting with Turning Wheels.
Collateral Damage: A Second Chance Mafia Romance by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I enjoyed Trey and Hailey’s story. Everything I have read from this series has been really good! I think I love Trey the most of all the men in this series though. Even though he is still a member of a ruthless and powerful mafia family he is also kind and compassionate and a doctor. It was easy to get behind Hailey’s cause and want to see them take down her traitorous stepfather, and find love in the middle of it all.
Collateral Damage: A Second Chance Mafia Romance by Amy McKinley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Hailey staged her own kidnapping in order to extort money out of her stepfather. When Trey was enlisted to help find her, he realized what her plan was and decided to help her. Together they work to get the money from her stepfather all the while trying not to fall in love with each other. When things start happening beyond their control, they must lean on each other to survive.
Opinion
Of all of the books in this series, this one ends in the biggest twist that I’ve seen in a book in quite a while. It is well worth the read just to see what that twist is. The back and for dance between Trey and Hailey is cute and almost innocent. With Trey being the doctor of the family, there was not enough action for me in a mafia book.
Captivated by Toya Richardson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I was captured from the beginning. Angelina is an artist who has made a living for herself with a studio that she poured her heart and soul into. Luca and Salvatore are twin “hybrids” that have been searching for her for a long time. Angelina has been having dream with two beautiful men that she cannot move past, but when these two men are no longer just dreams, her world is tilted on its axis. I loved the introduction of the twins into Angelina’s world and how they saved her. The plot is well developed, the romance is well done, the book is spicy and in general, I could not put it down. The detail in the writing makes it easy to fall in love with the characters. If you like paranormal, spice, and adventure, definitely give this book a shot.
Reviewed by @asanabr1
Captivated by Toya Richardson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was a great 5 star read. I was on the edge of my seat right from the beginning. Salvatore and Luca can smell her, their mate, thankfully they find her before anything bad can happen to her. But Angelina is confused, is she dreaming again? What was the hideous creature that attacked her?
Angelina is confused at what the brothers are saying, they are her mates. They were destined to find her, their bond will help battle the demons. There is so much going on, we get unexpected twists and turns. We get some steamy moments. Will they be able to save the world? This is my first time reading this author and the storyline was captivating and different than I normally read. I enjoyed all of the characters and I really look forward to reading more from this series. 1-click and get started today on this great read.
Reviewed by @mab54615
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Captivated by Toya Richardson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Captivating is the best way to describe Captivated! an interesting ménage romance with a deadly twist. Well at least it seems that way…
Salvatore and Luca have finally found their mate. Unfortunately they need to get to her before Viktor does. If Viktor were to succeed in killing her it would in time lead to their demise as well. How you wonder? Well you are going to have to jump in and read the story the author weaves for them.
Angelina, unlucky in love. Constantly being set up on blind dates by her best friend, refuses to settle for less than she deserves. Little does she know that she’s not only going to be on the receiving end of one man’s love but two. And it’s going to change her life forever.
This is the 2nd book I’ve read by this author and they are definitely different. The author weaves unexpected stories within supernatural/paranormal elements with grace. I look forward to jumping into more books in the future! Possibly even this series since it is book 1 after all.
Captivated by Toya Richardson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
4.5 Stars
Captivated is the first book in the Hybrid Lovers series by Toya Richardson. I have read many of Ms. Richardson’s books now, and I can honestly say that this is my favourite (so far). It is a fantastic paranormal romance, with angel/vampire hybrids, demons, danger, magic, emotion, chemistry, sizzle, fated mates, suspense, mystery, high stakes, good vs evil, the fate of humankind in the balance, action, and dynamic world-creation.
This is very original and a little different from other books of Ms. Richardson’s that I have read-she has developed a winning recipe here, for sure. I can’t wait to get my hands on book #2 to see where we go from here.
If you love paranormal romance, with sexy twins, a ménage, plenty of sizzle, and an exciting story- then you will definitely want this book in your life!
Bring on Book #2!
Happy Reading!
Thank you, Toya Richardson!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
Captivated by Toya Richardson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 Stars
Captivated (Hybrid Lovers Series Book 1) by Toya Richardson
Captivated is the first book in the Hybrid Lovers Series and my new favorite book by this author. This is a Paranormal Romance that is packed with action, suspense drama romance, magic, mystery and so much more. I’m a huge fan of this author and I’ve read several of her books but this one definitely tops the list. This is one of those books that will pull you in from the beginning and doesn’t let go till the end. I was simply captivated by the characters and the storyline flowed so well that I got lost in the pages . This is a story about Angelina and the twins Sal and Luca. She’s been having very vivid dreams of two hot guys every night. Then there’s the super hot twins who have searching for their mate. They finally catch her scent the same time they save her life. These three bond grows stronger as each day goes by even when danger is thrown their way. Will Angelina be strong enough to help take down the Enemy or will the three of them be condemned to death? I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next.. I look forward to reading more from this Author.
Captivated by Toya Richardson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I was enthralled with the uniqueness of the creation of half vampire and half angel. Angelina was dreaming about her soulmates Luca and Salvatore before she even met them. Once mated Angelina grows beautiful wings the color of her hair. Even before she is fully mated she starts developing powers. Though her biggest sacrifice is losing her best friend Cassie tragically by a demon who was after Angelina.
Bottomed Out by Brooke May
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is such an inspirational book. Jax got hurt in an accident and has been struggling with his self confidence especially when it comes to the ladies. He wants to be seen for the person that he is and not for his disability. Lennox crosses his path and the attraction is immediate and intense. Jax decides that he isn’t going to let his disability keep him from happiness any longer but it’s going to be an uphill struggle to try to make things work. This was such a great book you’re definitely not going to want to miss. It’s inspirational and has you look at life from a different perspective, and realize that circumstances aren’t insurmountable if you want something badly enough.
A Veil of Gods and Kings by Nicole Bailey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
If you love Greek myth retellings with fresh perspectives and romance, this novel is for you.
A Veil Of God’s and Kings by Nicole Bailey is the retelling of the rare myth about Apollo and Hyacinth. The reimagining is a fun , modern take on the myth.
Told in 3 perspectives: Apollo, Hyacinth and Epiphany, you get a broad view and range of emotions with great characterization, especially that of Apollo. His character has depth showing his raw emotional side paired with his fun, charismatic and sometime self depreciating side.
This was a great start to the series and I am sure so many will dive right into this immersive world and not want to leave it.
Reviewed by @curlygirlreader
A Long Kiss Goodbye by H.D. Thomson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Brilliant Suspense paranormal
This is my first book by this author and the second book in the series. Though I didn’t feel like I was missing anything, I must go back and read the first. I was totally gripped from start to finish, the characters, world building and story line were well executed. The book has a dark, edgy feel with twists and turns that was very appealing. Recommend.
A Long Kiss Goodbye by H.D. Thomson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What an interesting take on this fabulous and gripping paranormal romance!! This book is the 2nd in a series but I do not feel as though I’ve missed any aspects regarding the storyline by not reading the first book. Rest assured, it’s on my list now and I’ve found another author that I enjoy reading!
Avery goes out with some friends to a local bar but finds herself waking up naked in her apartment covered only by a sheet. She hadn’t been drinking. How did she get here? She does remember someone over in the bushes…but who? How long has she been unaware of her surroundings?
Luys lives in the same condo building as Avery and when he sees her stumbling around aimlessly, he can’t help but step in to see what he can do. He knows better than to get attached though…his past could put both of their lives in danger. He can’t just let her wander around or worse yet, get in a car and have an accident.
Mayor is a rather interesting character. I am intrigued by her entrances and exits. It reminds me of someone rather green with envy. 😉 She’s a character that I wanted to hate but couldn’t. I found her very intriguing!
The paranormal aspects are unlike anything I’ve read before. I found the ties to Aztec history to be very interesting!! I appreciate that there is still a bit of mystery to the paranormal aspect as well and the book isn’t heavy on the paranormal until things really heat up. Even then, I found myself almost forgetting that I was reading a paranormal book. Very nice touch!
I had a hard time putting this one down, as the author really keeps the reader engaged with appropriate bits of action and some romance. There was a beautiful blend of all aspects throughout the book without any super heavy overtones that are seen in some more common works. This was an extremely enjoyable read!!
Reviewed by: @faithfulgirl4
A Long Kiss Goodbye by H.D. Thomson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was a different kind of book than I normally read so I wasn’t really sure what to expect. This book is fast paced enough that it kept me engaged. It was full of suspense that kept my wondering what was going on the whole time! A Long Kiss Goodbye had a twist and turn around every corner.
This is the second book in the series and now I will be going back to read the first!
Collateral Damage: A Second Chance Mafia Romance by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I love this series! Every book just hooks me some more. As the series goes on, I find it harder to pick a favorite. But this just might be my favorite so far. The chemistry between Trey and Hailey was amazing! So much heat and fire! I think Trey might be my favorite character so far. He seems so sweet and intelligent, even though he’s part of the mafia family I can’t help but love him. I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book when we get Nico’s story.
I loved this book. It was a great story, and my emotions were all over the place! I have not read the previous books in the series. I didn’t feel lost, but I can’t wait to go back and read them! I really like the Motorcycle Club and Cop becoming friends, especially because it’s “forbidden” in the motorcycle club world. I can’t wait to see what happens next, but first I have to catch up on the books before this one. Give it a listen or read, you won’t be disappointed! The narrators did a great job telling this story. It was told in such a way that kept me hooked the entire time!
•*•❥☆ BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE ☆❥•*••*•❥☆
Life in Parker, Oklahoma, is quiet for school teacher Karen Posey. Simple. Uncomplicated. Even though Karen’s innate beauty has turned the head of every man in Parker at least once, anyone who has been in the small town for any amount of time knows one thing: Karen Posey is completely, irrevocably unavailable.
Once the shy, nerdy kid in school completely uncomfortable in his own skin, Brody Cooper’s years away from home have allowed him to reinvent himself into a successful, sexy, confident alpha male. A cruel twist of fate has left Brody’s hard-built career in jeopardy, leaving Brody only one choice: return to his hometown of Parker, Oklahoma, until he figures out what his future holds.
A chance meeting with the aloof Karen in the town’s grocery store piques Brody’s interest. Will his self-confident charm be enough to break down the wall of defense Karen has solidified around her heart or will Karen be destined to be alone forever with only her secrets to keep her company?
Olivia Sherwood writes feel-good, happy-ever-after romances she hopes elicit smiles and laughs from all her readers. Her first novel, “Why Giraffes Have Long Necks” won the fifth grade creative writing award; that’s when her love for writing bloomed. Her mother still has the original copy in the bottom drawer of her dresser.
Olivia was born and raised in Oklahoma but her heart belongs to the ocean. When she’s not traveling to the beach as much as she can, she spends her time hiking the small mountains of southern Oklahoma with her two kids and goofy rescue dog, planting flowers in her garden, or doing yoga in her living room. She may also be found curled up on the couch, her two cats in the crook of her legs, reading a good book.
Savage Secrets by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Elena and Marco are back again in book 4 of the Mafia Elite series. They had that amazing instant connection that makes every woman jealous. Again, this is book 4 in the Mafia Elite Series and Ms. Amy McKinley did not disappoint. The characters are amazing and very well written. The storyline is phenomenal as always. The author has a way with her words that causes the story to come to life right before my eyes, I read the entire book in one sitting, only stopping when necessary. I’m excited to read the next book in the series.
Ruthless Heir: An Enemies to Lovers Mafia Romance by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is book 5 of the Mafia Elite series. I highly recommend reading the other books in the series first as you would be confused if the books were read out of orders and some things would also be spoiled.
This book focuses on the relationship between Luc and Summer. I enjoyed summer’s strength and her ability to stand on her own two feet despite life throws many curb balls at her. I also enjoyed Luc’s character arc and seeing him grow from self-made businessman into a mafia heir who has a family and is one of five families who run the Chicago mob scene. I’m excited to see what the author has in store for this storyline in the near future.
A Long Kiss Goodbye by H.D. Thomson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is different than other paranormal romances I have read. I really enjoyed this book. This jumps right into things and keeps you guessing at what is to come next. This book has many enjoyable twists and turns. I can’t wait for the next. I hoping that they can figure out to help with Luys sister.
Review by: @purplesky25276
Collateral Damage: A Second Chance Mafia Romance by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Another absolute amazing piece of written work. Every book in this series has given a different view into the lives of the different characters. Each time the author never fails to deliver that connection to the characters leaving you wanting more. It makes putting the book down hard when you are presented with the need to know what will happen next. Absolutely loved this book.
Surgeon and mafia man Trey La Rosa is the main male lead of this story line. After losing a lover from outside of his criminal world he finds himself hard pressed to be in love with another woman. Hailey daughter of the woman that owns the hospital where Trey works finds herself walking the line of the dark side. Out to get her step father for his misdeeds against her mother and the children’s wing finds herself kidnapped. Working with the hot doctor to follow the missing money eill Hailey find the answers she seeks? How dark and twisted will her world become involving the mafia doctor? Will Trey find his true love and happiness with Hailey?
Collateral Damage: A Second Chance Mafia Romance by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is book 6 to the mafia elite series and I was not disappointed yet again. Just when you think the author has all the characters written into their own story, she writes more character stories that will leave you breathless and itching for more. Her writing is so dynamic and engaging that I’m not able to sit still and I’m always on the edge of my sitting waiting for more. This is Trey De La Rosa’s story, who lives 2 lives as a doctor and mafia surgeon for the five mafia families. This duality leads very little time for any personal life, not that Trey wants one after what happened. That’s until he is approached by Allen in a frantic state telling him that someone has kidnapped Hailey for a ransom. As more secrets unfold, more threats arise from those within and outside of the mafia.
A Veil of Gods and Kings by Nicole Bailey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A Veil of Gods and Kings was nothing less than riveting. From the enemies to lovers, the romance, the mythology, and the yearning to relate to the characters; it was truly magical. This book puts a spin on the commonly known versions of mythology and allows your imagination and visualization to run wild with the imagery and emotion pull that is written. This is definitely a 10 out of 10 recommended!
Savage Secrets by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Elena grew up as a princess to the Chicago Mafia, a member of the Five Families. She was adopted by Nicole Caruso, wife of the head of the Caruso family after her mother was murdered by the Bratva, and another attempt was made as she grew, leading to the death of another one of the Five Families kids. As an adopted kid, she always felt a little…less than the rest of them, despite her strong relationship with her mama and friendships with the other daughters. As the families grew older, she was promised to marry Enzo. After another attempt on her life Elena decided to run and remove the target from her family and friends, leaving behind everything she knew. In an effort to keep them protected, she didn’t even search for information about them online, changed her name, continued to change her appearance and keep her skills sharp.
After she was located by the Bratva, Elena was lucky enough to get a warning and grabbed her go bag to run – just to find her childhood crush, Marco La Rosa at her door. Elena and Marco grew up together, but as they got older he began to distance himself from her and then thought she was dead when she disappeared and covered her tracks. He received word she was alive and came to bring her home himself, and was in time to save her life.
On the way back to Chicago, Elena learned she had a new brother running the family, some of the members of the families had been murdered, and that her new brother Max Caruso is the new head of the family and arranged a marriage for her to Marco. While she spent much of her life with feelings for Marco, she has no clue of his feelings for her or that this is anything other than a marriage of covenience. What she finds out is that he has loved her for a long time, drew away due to her arranged marriage to another of the families, and thought he had lost her once. Marco refuses to let her out of his sight or into danger again without him by her side.
This book has lots of action, and I love how much the women are included in decisions and how tough and capable they are! Elena thought she not only didn’t fit in exactly, but that everyone would hate her for lying to them and running away, but after 5 years away she has found how much she missed everyone and how much they’ve missed her. Being back in Chicago, she is able to spend time with Nicole again, learn about why the Bratva is so determined to find her, learn about the relationships amongst the new heads of the families and find her relationship with Marco. Neither wants a marriage with no love involved and make an effort to be open and honest with one another. After so much time lost, Marco and Elena are a real force to be reckoned with and have lost time to make up for.
As with the rest of the Mafia Elite series, I love the relationship and world building in this book. The passion is obvious, the action is exciting, the mystery is intriguing, there is lots of twists and turns. While these books are all great standalone stories, they’re even better when you read them all.
Collateral Damage: A Second Chance Mafia Romance by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Every one of these books that I have read has been my favorite. It all depends on which one I’m reading at the moment as to which one is my current favorite. The Five Families all have stunningly gorgeous and deadly members who would lay down their lives for one another. While all of this series is perfectly great as a standalone book, they’re even better if you read them together and better understand the relationships amongst them.
This book focuses on Trey, who up until now has played a pretty minimal but extremely important role as both a young genius ER doctor with residency as well as the doctor to the Five Families. He has been mysterious thanks to the lower profile he played in the previous 5 stories.
Trey has been working with almost no breaks, between his love of his job and his love of his family. Last time he tried to date, a hit on him gone wrong ended up getting his girlfriend killed. He was restless, grieving, and not willing to go through that again – until he met Hailey at a fundraiser. For a while, Hailey made him forget about Theresa and his pain. When a conversation reminded him of her, he fled and left Hailey daydreaming about him and feeling abandoned…again.
When Hailey is kidnapped, her stepfather Allen reaches out to Trey to help find her. As the story unfolds he tracks her down and they hatch a plan together, attempting to deny their attraction to one another. Each of his family members, mafia and otherwise, take notice of Trey and his reactions to Hailey, as well as hers to him. While Trey keeps Hailey under his protection, will they be able to resist each other? Will they be able to walk away once the plan has been completed? Trey proves to be a much more passionate character than we have seen in previous books, and has both a savior and a sinner in him. Hailey has a past that has left her unsure and mostly alone, and she hasn’t stopped dreaming about Trey since the dances they shared at the fundraising event. They prove to be very complimentary of one another and Hailey finds a sense of belonging within the family that she hasn’t had in a very long time.
There are so many layers to each of these characters, their relationships, their fears, their loyalties, their pasts – the world building and relationship building is excellent in all of them. There’s romance, there’s danger, there’s friendships and betrayals. I recommend starting at book 1, but each is as wonderful as the last.
I have read and listened to many books by this author and this one was heart wrenching and really made me rout for the main character. I really like how the author brings the character’s pasts into the story and is able to enrich it. I really have grown to really enjoy mC romances.
The characters are very realistic and grab the reader’s attention from the very beginning. I really like how there is a good mix of drama along with romance. I also like how there is not a straightforward road for that romance makes it more realistic. The drama is a perfect bit to the storyline. I look forward to reading more from this series and author
Reviewed by @caraleeloonat