The Christmas Escape by Belinda Williams
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Cute holiday story! I enjoyed meeting these two main characters. Their meet cute was delightful and they both had some hidden secrets. I like the analogy he came up with about life from his career. Turns out he is a wonderful guy! Oh and the grand gesture…I loved it! Overall a quick read that made me want to head to the beach!
Ross: Central Florida Stories by Victoria Saccenti
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
“Ross” by Victoria Saccenti is a gripping tale of love, redemption, and the relentless pull of destiny. Ross Michaels and Hadley Keller’s lives diverged after a night of fleeting connection, but their paths are forever intertwined. Fate’s unexpected twist sends Ross back into Hadley’s world, where he’s confronted with her desperate plea to rescue her daughter from the clutches of an outlaw motorcycle gang.
Saccenti skillfully weaves a complex narrative that explores the depths of trauma, the power of love, and the unwavering determination of a protector. Ross, a member of Club Nexus, embarks on a mission to save Hadley and her daughter, revealing his inner Daddy Dom instincts. What follows is a heart-wrenching journey to heal not only physical wounds but the emotional scars that run deep.
The author’s storytelling prowess shines as she delves into the characters’ pain and vulnerability, creating a poignant and intense narrative. “Ross” is a powerful testament to the strength of human connection, and Victoria Saccenti’s writing will leave readers captivated by the enduring love story that transcends adversity and danger. This book is a must-read for those who crave a rollercoaster of emotions, suspense, and love conquering all odds.
https://www.amazon.com/review/R220U51NCZMSPW/ref=pe_1098610_137716200_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5951352661
https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/902286967
Arriving Home by Chelsea Lauren
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This was a really sweet book. I love holiday themed romance books and this one did not disappoint. I am not usually invested in MM romances because I do not connect with them. I found their relationship was very sweet but did develop quickly. The spicy scenes were not for me but for someone who can connect with them it would appeal to them. I appreciated the overall holiday tones though.
Arriving Home by Chelsea Lauren
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a cute romance story that I enjoyed reading. I enjoyed how the author used details to pull me into the story with the characters. This is a well written story about what happens when you agree to be a fake boyfriend for the holiday season but what you don’t know is that you are part of a plot for a story. I enjoyed these characters and what they brought to the story. They are connectable, relatable and have great chemistry. I found myself hoping they would get their HEA. I enjoyed watching their growth which made the story easy to read. This is a fast paced story that is hard to put down. This is a story that will bring the Christmas spirit as well as a little romance. I highly recommend this book.
Review by @bjwagner
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Wow! Amazing! This book is written differently than the others in the series, but it was so well done! It’s a love story, a brotherhood, a passing of the torch, and growing old story. Hits home in every aspect. No matter who you are, something in this book will draw you in. Beautiful story telling, as always. Wonderful characters, many emotions, and several different perspectives that everyone can relate to.
Once again this author has us delving into the world of the Satan’s Devils MC and finding happiness. There is such a feeling of home and friendship each time I hop into this world. Sure the characters are rough and grumbly. This may not be everyone’s idea of family. But through each and every book I have read or heard in this series, love, friendship, family are the overarching themes. They, down to every last man, do what they need to do for the ones they love, including their brothers.
This one was unique as it is told through a series of flashbacks as two of the mainstay characters reflect on the past. Drummer and Peg tell this story. As I listened, I came to realize that this was the series ender, at least of this chapter. So let me set the stage.
Truck had gotten patched in and was off doing his firefighting duty in California. Truck was injured on the job. He returned to Arizona but not to the club. He has put off seeing everyone.
Allie has been at the Club for going on 10 years. Not that she hasn’t enjoyed the life that being with the Club has offered her but she is realizing that she might want something more. She isn’t looking to be an Old Lady, she just doesn’t want to be what she is anymore. When the Club members start noticing that she hasn’t been fulfilling all of her club duties, Drummer calls her into his office and has a discussion.
Allie is tasked with a special job. Reach out to Truck and see if she can talk to him. Get him to come back to the club. When Allie does make contact with Truck, it only highlights that Allie doesn’t want to be what she is anymore. There has to be something else for her in this life.
This is where I wanted to smack some sense into Truck. The way he talks to and about Allie. UGH!!! I get it. I do. But, just ugh! Luckily for both myself and Allie, one of the brothers manages to talk some sense into Truck. *insert happy dance here!* But even after getting what you want, life isn’t all rainbow colored candy and beer. Each, Truck and Allie, make some life-altering decisions that have ripple-effect consequences.
In the end, Truck and Allie find their version of happiness. If I haven’t mentioned it before, I love, love, love this series. I have slowly started branching out the other chapters and 2nd Gen, but my heart will always be true to the mother chapter. One day, I will learn to ride a motorcycle or get some really good AI app, and ride off into the sunset with these characters. Until then, I will slowly add book after book to my library!! Satan’s Devils ride together!! Ride Satan’s Devils!!!
Truck Stopped by Manda Mellet is your typical motorcycle club Romance with lots of twists, turns, and lots of unexpected events. Manda Mellets writing is up there with the greats for this genre. This is book 11 in the Satans Devils MC and apparently the last book in the series. Truck is a veteran and a firefighter, recently inducted into the Satans Devils MC, who is severely injured during a fire. He is struggling so much that no one can reach him. The club sends in Allie, a “sweet butt” of the club, to try and reason with him because things were “different” between them than just biker and sweet butt, wasn’t it? Truck can’t quite believe it and Allie feels like he’s a lost cause, but is he? I ran the gamut of emotions with this one. I loved Truck, and then I thought he was a jerk, in nice terms, but he was able to be redeemed. Allie had been through an immense amount of crap and she was able to maintain a good outlook on life which I admired. The audiobook was performed really well, voices for each of the characters, and I didn’t want to stop listening. I have a hard time listening to audiobooks usually, I zone out, lose time, or have to back track, but this one pulled me in and it didn’t let go until the end. I had to listen through headphones most of the time due to the 18+ content and having kids but I thoroughly enjoyed listening to Truck Stopped.
Ross: Central Florida Stories by Victoria Saccenti
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Ross: Central Florida Stories can be read alone or as part of the series! After reading it I will be going back to read the others! It kept my attention and felt fresh. I had not discovered this author before reading this story!
Arriving Home by Chelsea Lauren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Both of the main characters in this book have a past they are trying to heal from. Elijah is a best selling romance author who is in the middle of a writing block. His latest book is very personal and he is reeling from a few bad reviews. So, he follows the advice of his therapist and books a spot at a writing retreat. Austin has recently been hired as the head chef at the resort where the writing retreat is located. He works a lot and keeps saving to send his mom and sister money. Then he sees Elijah staring at a blank screen and avoiding all of the other authors who are excited to mingle, so he introduces himself. They start talking, taking walks around the resort, and open up one night in the hot tub. They both have a past that they are trying to avoid talking about and that they are trying to heal from. Austin needs a place to stay for the Christmas break and he talks Elijah into taking him home as his fake boyfriend. Austin tries to help Elijah heal and Austin is starting to understand what a family should be like. This was a good read and a sweet romance with a bit of spice!
Arriving Home by Chelsea Lauren
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I am a sucker for a well written male male or MM romance. Not to mention I am a Halloween girlie so for a holiday romance to grab me is a challenge in itself. Also please there is some triggering content so check out other reviews to make sure it is right for you. I really liked this and the characters Elijah and Austin will have you happy kicking your feet.
Reviews by @michellerenee6590
Hot Flashes and Hockey Slashes by Marika Ray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Olivia is a woman in her 40’s going through menopause and is CEO of her own business. She has recently been invited to her ex husbands wedding in Belize and her kids are just hoping she will go. After giving in and saying she will go her daughter decides she needs to be set up with a fake date so that she isn’t a laughing stock at the wedding. Holly, Olivia’s daughter and Hannah her roommate have decided that Olivia needs to be set up with Hannah’s dad, Roman LaFontaine. Roman is a professional hockey player for the Florida Storm Chasers. A fake date for her ex husbands wedding, what could possibly go wrong? Especially with both of them being big names in the public. Could she just keep this a casual week of pretending to date Roman or will she begin to fall for him?
Saint Con by Seelie Kay
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Well this wasn’t what I expected HOWEVER I was not disappointed! My first read from this author but this novella is super catching! The description had me thinking specifically mystery and thriller. But the romance is this was written so well!
Reviews by @michellerenee6590
Wicked Games by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Wicked Games (Hidden Valley Elite Book 7) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Jessica Stone
I start most of my reviews for this series off the same way so bear with me please. If you have not read the previous books in this series I highly suggest you go back and start from the beginning.
This author has spent alot of time building these relationships and overall stories throughout the first 7 Novels it’s crazy to see everything formally coming full circle, I could read 12 more books in this series and still not have enough. I’m not sure I’d have to look into but I believe this is the beginning of the end of this series, which sounds a bit weird, but this is the final character for us to really explore.
This book is about Shaneeee, and it is some intense drama, every book we get a bit more and I cannot wait to see where this all goes for him and Winter, their chemistry is so spicy, so far I think their dynamic and relationship/not relationship is my favorite. The back and forth between them, the angst the sizzling betrayal and everything in between them makes my toes curl.
I will say that Winters personality at first felt a little forced on me, but she’s grown on me, now she just needs to grow on shane.
This book starts out 100 an hour an keeps that pace basically through the entire book. I’m so excited to read the next part to their story.
Definitely 100000% recommend this series, if you’re looking for a “universe” to get stuck in, this one I highly suggest.
Wicked Games, Hidden Valley Elite Series, Isla Vaughn, Review, Itsy Bitsy Book Bits, New Adult, Romance, Jessica Stone, October 2023
The Men of Eden Cove Manor by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a great paranormal book with a romance brewing between Lucifer and Mordecai. It’s a short read, but this doesn’t mean it’s lacking at all.
The story is written well, told from two points of view and the storyline itself is both entertaining and unique. It flowed nicely and was an easy read, perfect for a cosy autumn evening.
The characters are fun and the chemistry between them leaps off the page. The characters are distinct and well developed, and you can’t help but get emotionally invested in them. I loved Lucifer the most – determined and ‘chaotic’, Lucifer was great fun!
I do wish the story was longer, so that I could be immersed in the world and characters for longer but it’s great as it is. Well worth a read. I’ve read other books from the author and have never been disappointed, but this one if my favourite by far!
Hot Flashes and Hockey Slashes by Marika Ray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I read this book in a day and a half (with a FT job.) I loved it so so much. This is a second chance at love story and written so incredibly well. It’s an easy read, a page turner and such a good story. The characters were both relatable, the friends in the story were great and supportive. There was struggle, triumph, acceptance, discomfort, comedy, and growth. I have read a few of Sylvie Stewarts books but this was my first time reading Marika Ray, but I will certainly be picking up books by her in the future. It’s a good read for vacation or just sitting on your couch cuddled under the covers. I would recommend to anyone who like a good romance with a little bit of spice.
Ross: Central Florida Stories by Victoria Saccenti
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Ross (Central Florida Stories Book 4) by Victoria Saccenti. This is a wonderful romantic suspense that I read in one sitting. I couldn’t put it down. Its the story of Ross and Hadley. Ross had always had a thing for Hadley but when she left on the back of his brothers motorcycle years ago he was done. His heart was broken and that ruined him for all women. He wrote them off until he received a letter from Hadley asking him to come rescue her and her daughter. There are trigger warnings with what Hadley went thru at the hands of Ross’ brother and his MC gang. What happens next is Ross willing to do anything to save Hadley and her daughter even his reputation. The trauma that Hadley has gone thru and working thru those will be tough but Ross is determined to stick it out and be there for Hadley. But will his brother let Hadley go without a fight? Read this amazing fast paced romantic suspense to find out! While it can be read as a standalone I always enjoy them better reading them in order to get to know all the characters better.
No Amends by Angela Lam
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This is the first book I’ve read from Angela Lam. I really wasn’t sure what to expect. The cover and description didn’t really give me a whole lot but I figured I’d give it a shot. It wasn’t bad. The story itself was realistic and kept up a good pace. The fact that it was 2 povs and the time-line went back and forth for both of them, threw me off a bit. It was a little hard to follow. Over all it was a decent read and I would pick up something else from this author.
Saint Con by Seelie Kay
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Whew! This book had me hanging on for dear life. After their initial meeting, which was basically love at first sight, Jessica and “Saint” Con (Conner) were not prepared for what was to come next. All I can say without spoiling it is this, If you LOVE a good romance and suspense story, this one will NOT disappoint. I read it in one evening. I will definitely be checking out more of Seelie Kay’s books. This was SIMPLY AMAZING.
Review By
Manda Kelly
<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/63054142-the-man-in-black” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”The Man In Black” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1666365428l/63054142._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/63054142-the-man-in-black”>The Man In Black</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/22974181.L_R_Liverpool”>L.R. Liverpool</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5949270090″>4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Not my usual genre at the moment but I thought for a change I would delve into this historical suspense. And this book gives you suspense, and action alongside a fast paced (once you are hooked) story of self exploration and how life changes.<br />I can say I enjoyed it, it took me a bit to fall into the world described (again possibly as it’s not my go to genre) but the author really does pull you along with Simin (Fenimore) as they change their life from farmer to outlaw in the West.<br />The book does show how his life changes and that the grass is not alway greener. As with many historical reads there are mentions of behaviours that are not as much of our everyday life in this time. This does show that the author has done their research and sticks to the narrative and builds a word as close to what may have happened as possible. <br />I would certainly read more by this author.
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<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/34425105-tracy”>View all my reviews</a>
The Truth About Myths by Giovanna Siniscalchi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
After reading this book, I have decided that I actually love historical romance. This book is amazingly written and allows you to picture everything non your head with a clear concise picture. What happens when the person chosen to escort you is your brothers best friend but also a huge rake? All of that is described in the book and you won’t be let down. This is a very quick read because the words flow off the pages and you will get caught up in the story. There is a banter between the characters that has me wishing for more. The passion and the chemistry is off the charts in this book. While the steam in the book is amazing, you will also love the story line. I love the way that the character growths also involves the political satire of the time period. This book has so much depth that I am sold on reading everything the author writes. Even though this is the third book in the series, I feel that you could just pick it up and read it. I am going to read the others in the series because I can’t get enough.
Reviewed by: @bbohls
Wolfbane by Celia Hart
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Jasmine lives in a world where werewolves have an unspoken rule in their beliefs: the Goddess grants you a mate, wait for them. This rule is something she’s followed and believes in…even when she’s tempted by her best friend’s boyfriend. Then along comes the future Alpha, Blake, and her outlook and control is really tested. I don’t want to spoil the book, but just know that this is a must-read for avid paranormal/shifter-romance lovers! This was a whole new take on werewolves and their culture! I was enthralled by how different the idea of mates was in this book and really enjoyed the added aspect of religion that played a role in their beliefs. Many of us paranormal readers are familiar with werewolves and fated mates, but this book shows a different side that I don’t think many of us considered. Wow! I’ll be looking for book two!
No Amends by Angela Lam
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Writer, Tang Young, is suffering from writer’s block mixed with guilt. Guilt, she cannot even discuss with her partner. Tang meets Dee, a mysterious one-car accident occurs, and the storyline starts to get dark. Will Tang and her partner’s relationship survive as dark secrets start to come out? Find out in No Amends.
This dark and twisted romance will keep you on the edge of your seat with relatable and loveable characters. Angela Lam does an amazing job at making the reader feel the emotions that the characters are feeling and as though they are in the story. Twists and turns kept me engaged through the entire book.
I enjoyed No Amends from start to finish. Twists and turns occur in the story when you least expect them to. This love triangle will keep you guessing until the very end. If you are looking for a dark romance with a psychological thriller mixed in, look no further.
Sweet Vengeance by Pamela Gibson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I adored this book the second I started reading it, it feels so realistic. I love that it takes place in 1846 during the San Francisco Gold Rush, not only was it a great love story of enemies to lovers, but it was packed with excitement of a woman (Elena Santoro) seeking revenge for the death of her little brother Antoine. Elena has given up everything in her life to find out who was the person who killed her little brother, and then to seek revenge by taking their life. Elena must wait for her brother’s friend to finish up his jail sentence before asking him who caused the death of her brother. Carmelo tells Elena that her brother’s killer is none other than the man who had refused her advances in her younger years, none other than Sean Mitchell. Once she finds out this information, she sets her plans in motion to seek out Sean and take his life, once done she will finally settle down and marry. This story has so many unexpected surprises that just keep happening, that no matter what well-set plans Elena has set, something keeps going awry to make her doubt herself as well as her feelings for this man whom she has never forgiven for refusing her prior advances. Will Elena be able to fulfill her promise to her mother’s dying wish, or will she answer the call of her heart instead? The characters in this book are so full of passion and fire that they just capture your heart upon meeting them, you begin to doubt what is suspected of them, and it is so exciting to watch their story play out with all of the unexpected incidents that continue to befall our two main characters, Elena and Sean. I am so excited to go back and look up the other books in this series because this is the first book I’ve ever read of Pamela Gibson. I am amazed at how well she portrays the time of the events, it’s like I was right there experiencing the gold rush and fearing for the crowds of people all coming to San Francisco, California. What an amazing period to place such a wonderful story in.
@Brandy Rymer
11/2023
The Men of Eden Cove Manor by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is another amazing paranormal M/M romance from this author. I have read loads of book and I am never disappointed. The author does an incredible job of making the stories unique and with all the books I’ve read there is never the same story. What I love about this author is their ability to captivate me from the start and surprising me along the way.
This is a quick read which will keep you gripped all the way through. I don’t want to give too much away but this is a story that has it all, danger, secrets, Paranormal activity and of course romance and chemistry.
When Lucifer breaks into the mysterious house that the town thinks is haunted he planned on proving all the gossip wrong. What he didn’t expect was that one decision would change his life in ways he could never expect or imagine. The Men of Eden Cove Manor do hold secrets but will Lucifer embrace this discovery or run away like many have before him?
Heart’s Escape by Meredith Hart
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Heart’s Escape is the third book in the paranormal fantasy Fallen Hearts series. This story is told my fav way of storytelling from alternating POV’s given us a much more in-depth view of who the characters are.
Meredith has once again intricately woven together an amazing tale that is well written. Her writing style paints a vivid picture of this unique and exciting world that has many characters. There are elves, dwarves, dragons, and strange shadow monsters.
They may be broken but they take charge and forge ahead in this action adventure that is full of violence, danger and unexpected developments that had me on the edge of my seat.
Two strangers from different worlds lost, desperate and secrets start these characters on a dangerous road. This journey is a steamy slow burn enemies to lover’s tale.
There is a lot going on in this fast-paced tale that is full of magic, fear, hate, danger, passion, desperation, hope, plots, portals, a touch of humour, banter, and spicy romance.
This exciting book will appeal to anyone who enjoys reading paranormal romantasy tales with dragons and supernatural beings. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series!
Reviewed by @jennadb
Heart’s Escape by Meredith Hart
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Let me start by saying this is the only book in this series I’ve read. And I plan to go back at some point and read the others. Which could very well change what I’m saying now. But we shall see…
Well what’s there to say. Heart’s Escape was different. There were elements I enjoyed and others I didn’t. However, in saying that the parts I enjoyed and the way the author presented the story outweighed the parts I didn’t enjoy. Written in a duel pov the chapters go back and forth between the 2 main characters. Which I’m okay with. It flows, it works. It gives essence to the story. A girl on the run. A man that needs to be found. Alindra and Phaedron set out on a journey to achieve both those tasks.
Alindra, a Summer Kingdom magician, is planning to run. Leave the kingdom. This isn’t the place for her any longer. So it seems. What she didn’t expect was a portal to open up into the room and Phaedron to ask for her help. Before she could agree the portal spit him out and collapsed. She knew he had magic. Otherwise how’d he get there. She also knows he is from the Fall Kingdom. So what’s he doing here?
Phaedron needs a magician and the magician in his realm can’t be trusted. When he meets Alindra he is blown away. One by her beauty but also because she was so willing to help. But can she be trusted? He agrees to help her with her escape plan.
Well that escape plan goes all sorts of wrong and now they are on the run. Secrets ruin everything. So as secrets start to come to light it makes their adventure more interesting.
Does Alindra end up in the Fall Kingdom?
Does Alindra help Phaedron get his brother back?
Twists turns and obstacles, sometimes leading in a different direction. Which keeps the story intriguing! The character growth, at times hard to see in the end, worked out.
Do you like supernatural romances, with some mystery thrown in? If so, this story is for you! You will get a taste of all that and more. This may not be my go yo genre and I gave it a chance. A chance collectively hasn’t turned out too bad.
The Men of Eden Cove Manor by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
I loved this book. Unique story with a dual POV this M/M paranormal romance is a must read. I never hesitate to read any books that this author writes as she is definitely one of my favorites. This was a quick read that packed a punch in every page I turned. The secrets that are hidden at Eden Cove Manor were not what I expected at all….surprisingly….this story was so much more…suspense, mystery, intrigue….this story was fantastic.
Hot Flashes and Hockey Slashes by Marika Ray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I absolutely LOVED, LOVED this book! It was one of my favorite rom-com reads of 2023 if not one of my all-time favorites.
I loved that the characters in the book were older. Olivia is a successful engineer and is now the owner of a thriving business she built on her own. While her professional life is moving along successfully, her personal life not so much. She is a hot mess, going through that lovely time in life called perimenopause. Now, she has to go to her ex’s wedding to a younger woman in Belize. Roman is a hockey player who has had a successful career, but now he is contemplating retiring but not sure of the changes that will bring to his life. Olivia’s daughter and Roman’s daughter are college roommates, and they decide to be matchmakers, setting up Roman to be Olivia’s fake boyfriend for the week. What begins as a fake relationship might just be the HEA neither one of them was expecting!!!
How could I not love both Olivia and Roman!!! Olivia is intelligent, and her inner beauty radiates from within making her beautiful…even though she doesn’t see it. Roman is about as close to perfect as any man can get. He is so attentive to Ollie, and he knows what she needs even when she doesn’t realize it. He boosts her self-esteem and just goes along with the hot flashes and insomnia. Like Ollie, he is at a point in his life wondering what the future holds. He hasn’t always been the best father to his daughter, but he is trying to make up for the past and embark on an even better relationship with her now. The two are such an amazing support to one another.
The book was very well-written, even down to the dialogue. The authors gave me quite a few laughs. I can totally empathize with night sweats, emotional rollercoasters, and hot flashes. There wasn’t too much angst or drama, and they built a great cast of secondary characters. I’m so glad to see that this is the beginning of a series. Thank you, ladies, for showing us age is just a number, and that you can find love at any age!!!!
Wolfbane by Celia Hart
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I am a first time reader of this author Celia Hart. I decided to read this book because one,I liked the cover. Two, I love reading Wolf supernatural books. This is a longer story, taking me about a day and a half to read but it’s a fantastic read 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰 she really held my attention the hold time, especially with every twist and turn and emotional ups and downs there were in this book. Also this author’s take on the mating bond was unique and I loved it. I definitely prefer Jasmine with Blake vs Luke🥰I’m looking forward to reading the other 2 books in the series.Hopefully, they’re just as long. l really enjoyed the world this author has built. I can’t wait!!
