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A Love Restrained by Becky Flade – Review by Kelli Harper

A Love RestrainedA Love Restrained by Becky Flade
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Growing up in two different lifestyles, Kylee in a loving and secure home and Jayson from an abusive home.
Never able to pursue the relationship he wanted to pursue in high school. Jayson thinks he can make it up to Kylee now, but can a criminal like him get a cop like her to fall in love with him?

There is a HUGE time lapse of 6 years in the middle of this story where I feel there was so much that was left out. I could see there being a whole other story with the main story. The author could have ended this book on a cliff hanger and written a book about the 6 years, then pick up but alas that is not what happened. I feel there is a lot we could have learned about Kylee and Jayson and how they have come to be who they are now.

Good story line if you can follow the dialogue. Sometimes the switch from First to third person and back can get confusing. But it does add a depth to the book that is unusual.

This is the first book I have read by this author, and I will be looking into more. Very good story.

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Hard Lover (Houston After Dark Book 2) by Deborah Garland – Review by April McCoy

Hard Lover (Houston After Dark #2)Hard Lover by Deborah Garland
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book easily exceeded my expectations. Like, move over Christian Grey, we have a new player in the arena. This is the book you’re reading anywhere and everywhere because you just can’t seem to stay away. Your face will be red, you will question whether anyone can tell what you’re reading and you will have zero shame. It was honestly so well written, the characters flowed together so well and were just so well thought out. The steam, goodness gracious, the steam was divine! You can’t help but be captured totally by the story and the characters and you certainly won’t want to miss this! Deborah Garland gave us a banger here!

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Hard Lover (Houston After Dark Book 2) by Deborah Garland – Review by Naomi McDonald

Hard Lover (Houston After Dark #2)Hard Lover by Deborah Garland
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the second book in this series, but I was able to pick it up and read it without having read the first book. This is a complete story, but the epilogue ends with a lead into the next book.

As much as I LOVE a steamy book, I feel like the steamy scenes in this one went on too long. I would have preferred a better balance of steam and story line. That being said, those steamy scenes will heat you up. -fans self-

Another thing I felt that could have been handled better was the idea that Noah felt that the activities he participated in at the club were somehow wrong or deviant. At one point he refers to what he does there as “sick s–t.” There’s a lot of stigma around kink communities and I feel like this was a missed opportunity to portray it in a positive light.

Aside from those two things, it was a good read. I enjoyed the suspense.

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Hard Lover (Houston After Dark Book 2) by Deborah Garland – Review by Katie Kearney

Hard Lover (Houston After Dark #2)Hard Lover by Deborah Garland
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

There’s just something about the forbidden isn’t there. One of my favorite story types is the best friend’s sister and this author nailed it. I’m a fan of stories with steam but it also needs a storyline that has depth and I am happy to say this author does that well. Noah and Callie will forever have a piece of my heart. They had me so completely drawn in that I simply couldn’t put this book down. Their story is well written and the characters just click so well. I easily read it as a standalone which I appreciate. I’d give this book fives stars all the way and highly recommend it.

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Hard Lover (Houston After Dark Book 2) by Deborah Garland – Review by Rosanna Ingram

Hard Lover (Houston After Dark #2)Hard Lover by Deborah Garland
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Callie has crushed on Noah for the past six years…and she would have made bolder moves in the past except for one thing…her brother. Noah is Callie’s brother’s best friend (and business partner). When they find themselves in close quarters for a week…they test the line between friendship and more. However, Callie believes bro-code is keeping them from going farther.

Sure, Noah is trying honor the bro-code…but he has a secret he has hidden from everyone around him. That secret can destroy everything he has and put Callie in danger. However, when Noah’s past shows up on his doorstep, he has to make a decision. Will he walk away to keep everyone safe? Or will he finally put his own happiness first?

This book is hot and spicy and I loved every minute of it. Callie is such a strong character and I love how she didn’t take crap from anyone! The story is quick-paced and action-packed…and I couldn’t put it down. I am looking froward to Zane’s story next!

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Hard Lover (Houston After Dark Book 2) by Deborah Garland – Review by katie stapleton

Hard Lover (Houston After Dark #2)Hard Lover by Deborah Garland
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I wish I could give this book more than 5 stars! This is the first Deborah Garland book I have read, and I have to say I went and bought 3 others immediately. I also read this book twice!

The author has a knack for hot, steamy scenes that jump off the page. This book was by far my fave of the ones I have read because I love the idea of Noah – tattoos, piercings, abs… what more could you want? Callie is a great character too, I love her sassy commentary. Getting caught up in their world at a cabin in the winter is a perfect fantasy. All in all, the book gives you a little bit at a time, leaving you craving more!! The additional thriller aspect of the security firm and Noah’s haunted past gives the book even more substance.

I cannot wait for the next book in this series!!

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Hard Lover (Houston After Dark Book 2) by Deborah Garland – Review by Katie Matthews

Hard Lover (Houston After Dark #2)Hard Lover by Deborah Garland
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Heat level is off the charts with this book! Oh my gosh what a read!! Phew! I absolutely LOVED this story – I have to admit when I read the synopsis I was hooked already, it sounded incredible and it was! To be honest I should have known this book was going to be amazing having read a few books by this author previously and I’ve never been disappointed! I’m pretty sure that this one is my favourite from her I have to say! From beginning to end I could not turn the pages fast enough and I certainly couldn’t put it down. The passion and chemistry between the two main characters was just amazing – hypnotising at times! This book had everything amazing characters with a great storyline – 100% worthy of the 5 starts I give it and I absolutely must read the first book in the series!

@katiem
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Hard Lover (Houston After Dark Book 2) by Deborah Garland – Review by Shea Gilkerson 9/1/22

Hard Lover (Houston After Dark #2)Hard Lover by Deborah Garland
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was so good – it came out swinging with the club, but then followed it up with an interesting and well written story, to boot. Will be checking out more by this author.

Callie is a college student with lots on her plate to get her degree in social work, managing a dorm, and looking to pick up a TA job on campus, as well. Is THAT why she is still a virgin interested in visiting a sex club, or is it all because of Noah? Will she find him there? Will he turn her away?

Noah is former military and working campus security with his best friend Grant’s security company. He is a long standing member of The Stable, the local sex club with all sorts of kinks and opportunities safely available for people to enjoy. When he sees his best friends little sister standing outside of his voyeur room, he decides to see how interested she is…and it gets pretty hot. Will he break Callie’s heart or will he continue to see her as a little girl? Will they get to play?

Callie and Noah have good chemistry and are fun to read about, you learn about the suspense bit by bit as the story progresses, and you’re cheering them on. Good, fast read.

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Hard Lover (Houston After Dark Book 2) by Deborah Garland – Review by Dawn Mitchell

Hard Lover (Houston After Dark #2)Hard Lover by Deborah Garland
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh My! The hot an steamy tension between Callie and Noah will definitely get you interested an want to stay up all night reading! Callie is a virgin an has been crushing on Noah for years but he told Grant (Callies brother) that he would protect her not sleep with her… Plus Noah’s past is creeping up on him so he decides its best to stay away. But can he? This book was a page turner full of twist turns, hot an steamy sex an great friendships. I will definitely read more from this author.

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Hard Lover (Houston After Dark Book 2) by Deborah Garland – Review by Katrina Jones

Hard Lover (Houston After Dark #2)Hard Lover by Deborah Garland
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

WOW. This was phenomenal read. I couldn’t put it down!! The forbidden love is one of my favorites and the chemistry between Callie and Noah is unmatched!
The story line kept me guessing and speculating the whole time.

The secrecy of their relationship was intrigued but then when the secret was out, the drama around everything was exactly what I had been waiting for the whole story!

I highly recommend this one and can’t wait for Zane’s story to come out next!

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Hard Lover (Houston After Dark Book 2) by Deborah Garland – Review by Michelle Troyer

Hard Lover (Houston After Dark #2)Hard Lover by Deborah Garland
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is book 2 in the series. It can be read as a standalone. It is an erotic novel with suspense and excitement! It will definitely take you on a ride of ups and downs with everything a reader wants in a book. Noah and Callie’s chemistry is amazing. To think that Callie has been attracted to Noah for 6 years, and when they finally hook up…WOW!!!

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Hard Lover (Houston After Dark Book 2) by Deborah Garland – Review by Lauren West

Hard Lover (Houston After Dark #2)Hard Lover by Deborah Garland
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Nothing hits the spot like suspense and spice! Noah leaves little to the imagination and makes it all full reality. The chemistry and attraction radiated through the pages, and I was on edge waiting for what was next. Callie felt like the girl next door , but innocent by no means. Noah was pure sex on legs and no one trick pony. Noah and Callie together were hot !! One week was never possible because you could only see them together for a lifetime. Amazing and fun read!

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Hard Lover (Houston After Dark Book 2) by Deborah Garland – Review by Bobbi Wagner

Hard Lover (Houston After Dark #2)Hard Lover by Deborah Garland
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this romance story that has a touch of suspense. This is not my first book by this author but this one ranks up with one of my favorites. This is a well written story where the past comes crashing into the present and having to face it head on. I enjoyed how the characters pulled me into their story from the start. They are connectable and I enjoyed watching their growth throughout. They have great chemistry and I found myself hoping they would find their HEA at the end. This is a fast paced story that certainly ticks all the boxes for romance and suspense. A hard to put down story that you don’t want to miss. This is an easy and entertaining story that I really enjoyed. The twists and turns had me turning pages fast. I highly recommend this book.

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Review by @bjwagner

Hard Lover (Houston After Dark Book 2) by Deborah Garland – Review by Cindy Mayberry

Hard Lover (Houston After Dark #2)Hard Lover by Deborah Garland
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Noah and Callie have just one thing keeping them from each other. Callies brother, who is also Noah’s best friend. Callie’s brother has taken care of her since their parents went to prison. So yes he is just one of her protectors. With every secret comes trouble, that too will try to keep Noah and Callie apart. So, will they get a HEA or will this suspenseful romance leave them broken-hearted?
This story has so much going on that I read it in one setting. I could not put it down. It is well written and intriguing. This author, while new to me, has worked her way into my must read list. The characters are believable in their thoughts as well as life going on around them. So I must go get and read the other books in this series. Even Though you could read this as a standalone. I hope you enjoy this story as I have…

Review@cinful

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Ritual Obsession (Blood Obsession Book 1) by R.L. Dunn – Review by Tracy Manderson

Rivals (Mafia Elite, #7)Rivals by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have read all the book in this series and I don’t know which one I like best and cant believe it’s the last book in the series. The characters are strong they have to be in their world. I love the little quirks and the way they play off each other makes them somewhat real. This book had it all action, tension, betrayal, romance.
But no one in the Mafia is innocent.
The New York Mafia princess Mia Tucci is an enemy, when she comes to barters information that could take down her family’s operation, Nico is too intrigued to turn her away. And as they get to know one another, his defenses fracture, tempting him to give her his trust and helping he with cost him.
The only hope he has at saving her is make her his in every-way from her family.

Tracy
@tracym

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Rivals (Mafia Elite Book 7) by Amy McKinley – Review by Ashley Westerman

Rivals (Mafia Elite, #7)Rivals by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am so sad this series is over! I felt like I knew every character in the series personally, this book is no different. The way the author writes is exceptional. I was kept engaged from the very first page and kept that way throughout the entire book. I really enjoyed Mia and her fierceness; she’s been my favorite character to date. While I’m sad the series is over, I am so glad I got to enjoy every book, and I can’t wait to see what the author has for us next.

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Hard Lover (Houston After Dark Book 2) by Deborah Garland – Review by Kayla Kearney

Hard Lover (Houston After Dark #2)Hard Lover by Deborah Garland
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Word of warning: DO NOT READ IN PUBLIC! This was one of the spiciest books I have EVER read, and I have read plenty of books of that ‘genre’ in the past, so that’s saying something. The chemistry between Callie and Noah was palpable, leading to some very intense scenes between the two of them to say the least.

Callie is a woman many people can relate to. A troubled past and an overprotective brother sets the scene for her life, and thanks to events in the book, Noah is also dragged into it. But Noah definitely takes advantage of this to say the least.

Even though the chemistry between them is the main feature of this book, at least in my opinion, the underlying story that the book actually has is just as good. I was cheering for a happy ending from the very beginning, and it was easy for me to get sucked in to see if they would get it. I haven’t read anything by this author before, but I plan to go back and read the first book as well as others in the series.

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Hard Lover (Houston After Dark Book 2) by Deborah Garland – Review by Michelle Austin

Hard Lover (Houston After Dark #2)Hard Lover by Deborah Garland
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

All I can say is what a heck of a way to start a book. This was a great 5 star read.
Callie has had a crush on her brother’s best friend Noah for years and needless to say when she takes a trip to a club with friends she gets an unexpected surprise. When she gets attacked her brother asks Noah for help. Callie ends up staying with Noah and things get very interesting between them. I was on the edge of my seat wondering what would happen next between them. The build up was intense. There are also some scary twists that added a great element to the story.

What will happen when Callie learns about Noah’s secret? Will Noah be able to keep her safe?

Overall I loved this book. We get some very steamy and intense scenes. The secondary characters were great. The author does a great job with her writing and I can’t wait to read more from her and this series. 1-click and get started today.

Reviewed by @mab54615
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Hard Lover (Houston After Dark Book 2) by Deborah Garland – Review by Mandy Ott

Hard Lover (Houston After Dark #2)Hard Lover by Deborah Garland
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Hard Lover is the first book I’ve read by Deborah Garland and all I can say is…steamy! This book has it all; spicy scenes, twists and turns, suspense, forbidden best friend’s little sister romance, and dark secrets from the past. Part of me did get frustrated with the secrets that were being kept, but I guess it did help lead the storyline. Even with all these elements, the story isn’t difficult to follow and understand; and although it’s the second in the Houston After Dark series, it can be read without having read the first book. The characters are realistic and believable, and the chemistry between Noah and Callie was unbelievably hot! The storyline is well-written and I love that the reader gets to see the story from both Callie and Noah’s points of view. I can’t wait to read more by Deborah Garland!

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Hard Lover (Houston After Dark Book #2) by Deborah Garland – Review by Angela Hayes

Hard Lover (Houston After Dark #2)Hard Lover by Deborah Garland
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

 

5 Stars

 

Shhhhhhh…. Can you hear that? It’s the sizzle coming off the pages of this book! Hard Lover is the second book in the Houston After Dark series, and red hot read, by Deborah Garland. There isn’t anything that I have read by Ms. Garland that I haven’t loved… and this book is one of my favourites of hers!
This HOT romantic suspense is a forced proximity, brother’s best friend story with plenty of chemistry, steamy encounters, drama, emotion, tension, revenge, hard choices, secrets, and so much more. I was instantly hooked, reading the entire book in one setting. I couldn’t get enough of all the delicious details- and found myself completely invested in the characters and the outcome of their story.
What happens when a sexy exhibitionist is tasked with protecting his best friend’s little sister? Lots of snap, crackle, and pop- that’s what. The chemistry is electric, and the sparks fly as danger stalks – what happens makes for an unputdownable read!
Can’t wait to dive into Book #3!
Happy Reading!

Thank you, Deborah Garland!

 

Reviewed by @angelahayes

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Rivals (Mafia Elite Book 7) by Amy McKinley – Review by Brandy Vaughn

Rivals (Mafia Elite, #7)Rivals by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Rivals is the last book in the Mafia Elite series, and I found by the end of the book I wanted the story to keep going.
At the eginning of the book there is a breakdown of who’s who in each Mafia family, which is great if you’re not familiar with this type of crime drama, or haven’t read the provide books in the series. Rivals can be read as a stand alone novel.

The chapters written from the two main characters, Mia and Nico, point of view written in first person. This makes the story interesting as The reader can see how the story unfolds from each person. I found this technique pulled me into the plot and wondered what was going to happen next. The story is a fast paced romantic suspense novel with just the right amount of romance thrown in the action. I will be going back to read the other books in the series!

Reviewed by @bilberrysweet
Brandy Vaughn, August 2022

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Rivals (Mafia Elite Book 7) by Amy McKinley – Review by April Smith

Rivals (Mafia Elite, #7)Rivals by Amy McKinley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

If mafia romances are your thing, you need to grab not only this book, but the entire series to read. You could read this a a stand alone if wanted but if you want to be able to relate to the characters, you need to read the other books in the series, this is book seven. As usual the author reels you in quickly the suspense and then with a bit of romance mixed in between. This book didn’t disappoint and I can’t wait to see what’s in store for the next mafia family

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Rivals (Mafia Elite Book 7) by Amy McKinley – Review by Darian Donaldson

Rivals (Mafia Elite, #7)Rivals by Amy McKinley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Mafia romance at its finest! I have not read any of the previous books in this series, and though I’m sure it would have added to the storyline I did not feel like I was missing any information! I loved the relationship between Mia and Nico, this author did a great job making you feel like you know the characters. I was drawn in from page one and could not put it down. I definitely feel the need to start back at the beginning and read the rest of these books!
Review by @darianamee21

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Rivals (Mafia Elite Book 7) by Amy McKinley – Review by Brittney Brady

Rivals (Mafia Elite, #7)Rivals by Amy McKinley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I have absolutely loved this series! And while this book was not my favorite of them, it was just as good as the rest! While I am sad to see the series end, I look forward to reading more by this author.

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Rivals(Mafia Elite book 7) by Amy McKinley – Review by Heather Knalls

Rivals (Mafia Elite, #7)Rivals by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Mia has decided it is time to leave and betray her mafia family. Nico has been feeling like a real relationship is not in the cards for home. However Mia has other plans, she feels Nico is her only way to stay safe from her family and the other New York Mafia families. Nico has decided to go ahead and marry Mia and take down her family in the process. Mia also knows that if she betrays the Chicago mafia in anyway the only way she will come out is dead. Will they be able to take down her family and keep her safe in the process?

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Rivals: An Enemies to Lovers Mafia Romance (Mafia Elite Book 7) by Amy McKinley – Review by Roxsanne Lesieur.

Rivals (Mafia Elite, #7)Rivals by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is most definitely for those over the age of 18.

In this instalment of the Mafia Elite series, it is the turn of the quiet brother, he may not be one of the loudest in the family, but he is just as deadly as his other brothers, he is able to blend into the background, which is useful when he needs to glean information and he is extremely observant, because of this, he is underestimated, but not by Mia Tucci. Mia is a New York Mafia Princess who turns up in a place she shouldn’t after escaping from her own Mafia family, they only want her as a bargaining chip, but she wants more, she wants one of the Chicago Mafia brothers and she will do everything to get him and the safety she do desperately craves. So Mia offers a deal he cannot refuse, but first he needs some more information and calls his family to help, but as he waits, he considers her offer and what ramifications it could have on the Five Families.

When he and his brothers have explored all the angles to the offer, it is accepted, but only on the condition that she helps to take her family down, this is something Mia readily agrees to and so a bargain is struck, so Mia is whisked away to Chicago to meet the rest of the family and cement the deal, but she isn’t just wanting a business deal and so she tries to get to know this elusive brother. Mia’s attraction is mirrored, with violet eyes and midnight coloured hair, she is beautiful as well as dangerous, but as the two get to know each other their walls start to come down and it becomes harder to keep things on a slow path for the two.

Meanwhile, plans are being made to take down the Tucci family, but will the information she has to give them be worth it in the end and will the Five Families come out of this intact, or will the danger be too high and consequences to dire? This is another dark romance with a thrilling side as two dangerous individuals come together to create a pairing which could burn the world down, but only if they let it, as they play a dangerous game over two cities and a high body count.

Reviewed by @roxsannel

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Hard Lover (Houston After Dark Book 2) by Deborah Garland – Review by Kerry Baker

Hard Lover (Houston After Dark #2)Hard Lover by Deborah Garland
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I knew just from reading the description of this book that the heat and the chemistry between the main characters would be intense. I didn’t realise just how much! Sparks absolutely flew from the page each time they were together. The connection between them completely consumes you and you just get lost in them.
This is one of those books where the storyline almost doesn’t matter because they characters are so captivating but the author has created a brilliant book to match. I loved reading what was going on and really felt like I was part of the journey. This is a hot and steamy story that just blew me away.

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Rivals (Mafia Elite Book 7) by Amy McKinley – Review by Hannah Porter

Rivals (Mafia Elite, #7)Rivals by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Yesss!! After reading the other 6 books in this series I couldn’t wait for the release of this one. I was so excited to go back into the Mafia world she has created and Amy Mckinley did not disappoint 🥰. Just like all the other books I couldn’t put it down. 😭 I’m extremely sad this is the last one of the Mafia Elite series, but i’m excited to start reading more of Amy McKinley’s other work. 😊🙌♥️

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Rivals (Mafia Elite Book 7) by Amy McKinley – Review by Emily Nolden

Rivals (Mafia Elite, #7)Rivals by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is my first book I have read by Amy McKinley and all I can say is WOW! There is a reason I read this in one day. I could not put it down and I kept telling myself, one more chapter! Is it 3AM and I need to be up in 2 hours? Yes! Do I care? No, because I am almost done! Thanks to my caffeine addiction and Amy’s wonderful writing I didn’t get any sleep. But hey, it’s okay, because now I get to binge read this entire series!

I was a bit confused by all the different characters, let me tell you, there were a lot. Thankfully at the beginning of the book there is a list of who is who, and who married who, etc. But I am more of a picture person, so a big family tree of everyone would have helped me more. It’s okay though, because I got through. This was labeled as a standalone book in a series, and yes it was, Amy did an excellent job explaining the past to help you as the reader, and Mia as the main character catch up and know what is going on. I feel that I would have been a bit more interested in the beginning if I had read the first 6 books of this series.

I will admit, I was a bit jealous that Nico had such a big family and how every character had each other’s back. That made me wish I had something like that! Just another thing I get to daydream about. Alas, I still have to remember that there is a real world outside of Amy McKinley’s wonderful books.

Nico, oh Nico! He is the man of every woman’s dreams. When Nico and Mia made eye contact for the first time, you knew it was meant to be! I love their story, the character growth, how they would do anything for each other. Let’s be honest, Nico is just a big Teddy Bear with a tough outer shell. Mia’s father and step brother? They deserved everything that happened to them, and then some.

Do not mind me, while I buy every physical copy of this series, and all of the other books by Amy because she is such a good author and this book is so well written, descriptive, funny, full of adventure, and of course romance! Thanks Amy!!!

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Hard Lover (Houston After Dark Book 2) by Deborah Garland – Review by Kayla Octaviano

Hard Lover (Houston After Dark #2)Hard Lover by Deborah Garland
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow. This book has everything you’d ever want. It has action, people trying to fall in love, so many crazy obstacles in their way, sibling love, family, and even hot scenes. Callie Rose is adorable and so relatable. She’s in college and has always been in love with her older brothers best friend. Noah has never been allowed to have a real relationship due to a terrible mistake he’s made in his past. But when he finally starts to see Callie Rose as an adult, all hell breaks lose, and he’s going to need everybody’s help to get out of it. Even people he didn’t even know knew about him. Read this book. It’s amazing. One of the best books I’ve ever read! Couldn’t put it down!

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