Review: Shattered Dreams

 

Shattered Dreams by Linzvonc
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is not a review. Just some musings

But rather some musings better suited to a book club.

It comes as no surprise that this is a cheating-spouse/marriage-in-trouble drama.

And the following may be spoilers. Please don't read if you prefer spoiler-free musings.

So Roman messed up big time. And still messed up by not understanding the why and the consequences until much, much later in the book. And then, when grovelling didn't work, he put in actual work after losing everything... and I mean everything.

But Ava...Ava is portrayed as moving from broken to strong. But while I had sympathy, and in general like the "find my power, hear me roar" type story arc, in this case...why the blinders to her own faults?

Her actions a week after the bomb exploded in their life are incomprehensible. She jumped into bed with her best friend. And knowingly used him to feel better about herself...and then spent a week with him...She did not face any consequences for what is, in my view, exactly what Roman did...using someone to feel better about himself. He lost his career, respect, and money... and Ava faces no consequences? Kieron seems okay with being used for a good time and still being best friends; the world never finds out, and she doesn't need to face anyone's judgment. Her family encourages this? Instead, she gets to be the face of women everywhere, getting honoured for their quiet strength in the face of adversity.

A good grovel is a great read. And Roman pulled it off, but I really wanted Ava to see her own hypocrisy, and even if not publicly, at least privately admit to Roman that her actions were not honourable either.

So that is my rant, apologies for the spoilers and the alternate view on this.

Review: Limits

 

Limits by Susie Tate
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

oh my

I have not read a book I wanted to rave about in a long time. British to a fault, I was slightly lost at the start of an emotional journey. Yes, this is a love story, but the HEA part plays out in the background while personal growth, standing up, and filling your space with friends and love are the bigger story arcs.

Well done!

Review: Burning for Him

Burning for Him by Samantha Cole
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Baby-girl gets her man. 

The story of Doug and Jenn is adorable, with the expected snark from the uncles.

The HEA is hard-won, with Jenn needing time to do more growing up from when we met her at the start of this series. Not only did Doug need to come to terms with her maturity (really, the age gap was not that large), but so did her godfather and other 'uncles'.

The story did not have the adrenaline rush, some of the other books had, but it was not without its own stressful moments.

If you are a fan of the BDSM element of the rest of the series, this book may disappoint. But really, I could not see Jenn playing. Not that Doug wasn't a protective alpha...

In all, a good addition to the series with a check-in on all the other characters we have come to love.

Re-reading is also reading

I have been struggling to concentrate on new books, so I started my new year with what feels like a re-read marathon. Who have not had crippling anxiety in the face of new books and authors, longing for the comfort of the familiar?

Here are some of the re-read reviews:

The Wedding Night by Kati Wilde
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

An unexpected find

This book was a true hidden gem. Its unexpected storyline evokes enough emotions and builds up tension. Although the timeline is short, the characters and relationships are well developed.

The book kept me engaged until the end, and after reading it, I was left with a smile and a lighter heart.

Buy this happy hot read!

Read in August 2019, March 2022 and January 2025   

Conquered by Riley Edwards
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An emotional read from start to finish

The 6th book in the Triple Canopy series packs an emotional wallop.

Dylan and Sawyer's story gave me a book hangover like no other. The two main characters have a lot of emotional baggage to work through before their HEA.

The book takes us on a journey with raw emotion, heaps of sweetness, off the charts hotness, and the comfort found in your chosen family. The action-adventure took more of a backseat in this book. However, Dylan still scores very high on the protective hero chart, especially as he is protective of Sawyer's emotional well being (rather than physical well being) in this book.

Dylan has held himself apart from his colleagues and friends for a long time, sharing minimal personal history and refraining from connecting emotionally. The crush between Sawyer and Dylan comes to a head, but with disastrous consequences...copious amounts of alcohol, memory loss and saying the wrong thing has Dylan grovelling for redemption.

I loved the humour and chemistry of our couple, but it is the family pulling them in that is the greatest. Read the book, and you will understand how precious this quote is: "I will fight you for her." Matrons for the win...mamma bears in action.

Read in April 2022 and January 2025.

And some notable multi-time re-reads without reviews:

  

Author Aurora Rose Reynolds

Until April by Aurora Rose Reynolds
My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Read in July 2023, January 2024, June 2024 and February 2025

Author Riley Edwards

Flawed by Riley Edwards
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I should at some point sit down and properly review this book as it is one of my most re-read books. I am a 9 times read already!

May 2021, July 2021, September 2021, November 2021, December 2021, January 2022.  And then I forced a break until October 2022, October 2023 and lastly, February 2025.

Damaged by Riley Edwards
My rating: 4 of 5 stars


July 2021, September 2021, November 2021 and February 2025.

Saving Meadow by Riley Edwards
My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Read May 2021, March 2022, February 2023 and February 2025.

Author Kristen Ashley

Deacon by Kristen Ashley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Read February 2023, June 2023, October 2023, May 2024 and March 2025.

Author Brynne Asher

Overflow by Brynne Asher
My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Read November 2018, March 2021, January 2023 and February 2025.

What are some of your favourite re-reads?

Review: TrueBorn's Queen

TrueBorn's Queen by Leona Page
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A strong redemption story

This is a dark romance, and readers s hould be prepared for on-page flashbacks and current-period DV in all its forms.

That said Leona Page does give a good introduction to why this story spoke to her and how she crafted it.

I felt for our FMC. She was too young to deal with the horrific abuse. Her reaction to the situation felt accurate but with a thread to pull for her character's growth arc.

The MMC was only slightly redeemable, partly through the FMC's love but also his own horror at the truth of his actions.

I enjoy the author's ability to craft a shifter world, with secondary characters and machinations that keep the story moving at a good clip. For those who care, another round of edits would not go amiss, but they did not bother my enjoyment of the story at all.

I have read Leona Page's books since Teague's Breeder, a 5-star read. I recommend her Not Quite An Alpha series as well.

Review: Breeding Clinic

Donation Clinic (Heatverse) by Alexis B. Osborne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sweet but smutty

A clerical error makes for a meet-cute. A reverse harem omega verse where swords cross. No 3rd act breakup or other tension, so the book feels a bit overly long.

Review: Ghost

Ghost by Sybil Bartel
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Yes, gushing is allowed

It is no secret that I love the way Ms Bartel can weave a story.

Ghost is no exception. Ms Bartel employs a subtle literary theme, using interesting words and even the lack of words, to convey a much bigger meaning.

Ghost stands strong in his protectiveness and his convictions. His FMC is a strong counterpoint to him. Bravery comes in many forms and loving a man in loneliness is a strength of the FMC acknowledged by Sybil.

You could read this as a standalone, but why would you given this great series?

You can read my reviews for Delta, Whiskey Zulu, Kilo and Alpha on my blog. 

 

Review: Illicit

Illicit by Brynne Asher
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Last...but not least

I could not wait for Rocco to have his own HEA.

The book did not disappoint. Friends to enemies to lovers, a found family and some action.

Mix in bossy goodness, a rainbow of underwear and a 3 1/2 spice rating for a treat only Brynne can deliver. Dive in immediately for the last couple in the Agents series.

Reviews for Tapped and Exposed are also available on this Blog.

Review: Clayton

Clayton by Rachelle Mills
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Cliffhanger

In general, I am not a fan of cliffhangers. I did not know starting this book that the storyline would not conclude in this book. however, the story does pull you in. There are some continuity issues but I enjoyed the writing. I did finish the second book and read more from the author. I recommend the books given that the cliffhanger was an unexpected disappointment.

Review: Exposed

Exposed by Brynne Asher
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

King for the win!

Loved this edition of the agents. Goldie is such a strong FMC and while I suspected there would be a bit of push and pull regarding the ethicalness (is that a word?) of the relationship with King, that did not come through.

The storyline was good, the character arc was perfect and I loved King as the MMC. He may be my favourite of all the agents...although no one can beat Asa from Gifts!

 
Exposed is book 3 in The Agents (4 book series). My review for book 2, Tapped, can be read here.

Review: Kilo

Kilo by Sybil Bartel
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow

Reading Sybil's books is like falling into poetry with all the best parts of a romance...the action, the domination, the heat.

And best of all, a HEA with such a deep emotional connection, it is insane.

Two threads: "Remember my voice" and the colour slate/ice. It links, it smoothes and it is all Kilo.

The Alpha Elite Series (11 books) is a firm favourite of mine and I own most of the books. You can find reviews for the other books also on this blog.

Review: Fighter's Kiss

Fighter's Kiss by Sienna Blake
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

mmmmm

I found this book very difficult to rate.

The book had less action and more emotional depth than I expected. But even so, I did not feel or believe the connection between our main characters. This may be because the reader is treated to a lot of inner dialogue but much less interaction between the characters. And add to that, when there is interaction, it tends to be misunderstandings based on insecurities that could have been dealt with by communicating. And this happens more than once..

Review: Master of the Wilderness

Master of the Wilderness by Cherise Sinclair
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Surprising twist in the series

I have loved most of the Bear Flat books in this series..more so than those of Dark Haven.

I would suggest reading the series though as there are so many secondary characters who have unique stories that you may be otherwise lost.

And Wyatt and his kink? A nice change from some of the more formulaic BDSM tales...the suspense was good too. And the heroine was pretty non-traditional and made for a good change...

Review: Tapped

Tapped by Brynne Asher
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Can Brynne top this?

Tapped is a heartstopping, banter-filled, hot mess of suspense and chemistry.

Ada in Gifts was my Brynne imagined book boyfriend but Micah may have just moved into the first place. And sassy Evie who is.the worst patient ever? My new BFF.

The book has it all..even a little reverse age gap...Now one click!

Tapped is the second book in Brynne's The Agents (4 book series)

Review: Delta

Delta by Sybil Bartel
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A complicated hero, a heroine with a not-so-apparent backbone of steel and a strategy of dominance

I love Ms. Bartel's writing style. Reading her books has my heart just a little bit clenched, beating just a little bit faster. You are able to get into the most profound emotional pieces of a character's mind and your breath is lost when reading the horror our characters have faced. And make no mistake, unlike many other romance books, the emotional arc for our MMC is one of the best I have read. Delta is the intellectual, able to strategise and foresee every move of an enemy (or friend), but Hanna surprises him, more than he expects. 

Two (seemingly lost) souls that found each other by both tragedy and happenstance, and were tested by time and circumstances, both in and out of their control. I love Delta. I love his heroine. This story gave me an escape and so much joy from the cast of characters that brought these two together! The backstory means this book has a great storyline of growth and strength.

An age-gap romance with an OTT alpha male, but not formulaic in the least. I love the secondary characters and the cameo from Talon was a treat. The book can be read as a standalone, however, you may enjoy the book more when the series is read in order.

Review: Blind Man's Bluff

Blind Man's Bluff by Ivy James
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Just the right amount of emotion.

I really loved this book. The characters were well-developed, and their actions were based on believable motivations. It is a great love story with a somewhat predictable twist. Suspense, heartache and a satisfying HEA.

The blind leading the blind can be a positive experience, as demonstrated in this book. 

Enjoy

Review: Wild Wicked Obsession

Wild Wicked Obsession by Layla Frost
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

So good

A story with a slower build, incredible heat, alpha possessiveness, turns, and a twist at the end. Also loved the secondary characters.

 A story of a woman rediscovering her self-worth, gaining confidence and channelling her inner vixen. The dynamics between Joss and Lars were spot on. With awesome chemistry and respect, his adoration was empowering. 

Lars is a gentleman encased in tattoos and motorcycle boots, a little dangerous but a genuine gentleman as sweet as his dirty bedroom talk.   

Review: 27 Weeks

27 Weeks by HJ Stallard
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Beware: not everyone's cup of tea.

But definitely a worthwhile read for anyone brave enough for some unconventional and dark romance. 

The trigger warnings are important and should be heeded. This is gritty and real, and you would only think of this as romance with some stretch in your reality and worldview. (HEA notwithstanding)

A person is not good or bad...we have both good and bad in all of us. It is the circumstances that may dictate how we perceive our reality.

Review: Nero

Nero by S.J. Tilly
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was just perfect!

I have not enjoyed a book as much as Nero in a long time. A meet-cute that is so different.

While the tropes sound heavy (stalker, mafia-ish, on-page death), the story was this delightful dove-grey perfection. I laughed, I anticipated, I fanned myself, and I put this down with a slight sigh and wistful half smile a good romance should elicit.

Enjoy!

Review: Whiskey

Whiskey by Sybil Bartel
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is perfection

Book 7 in the Alpha Elite Series contains stories of dominant alpha heroes who work for AES and the women who bring them to their knees. The books in the series can be read as standalones and out of order, but why break the fun up? Filled with mystery, action and suspense, keeping readers at the edge of their seats, and an unlikely pull between our 2 main characters, make Whiskey an absolute must-read.  

Will “Whiskey” Damien and Anika Semyon are two characters whose paths cross at a moment in time that is both auspicious and a coincidence the universe had to have a hand in. The pull between them cannot be ignored; their chemistry is off the charts. Whiskey is confident, knows what he wants, and goes after it too, whereas Anika is, for good reasons, more reluctant and afraid, she’s also stubborn, which makes sense; after all, she is a virtuoso…

I know that some readers struggle with Ms Bartel's writing style. It is minimalist, almost staccato, but conveys a depth of emotion that is unrivalled. Many times her words remind me of icebergs, a sentence but the small visible peak while there is a depth and breadth of unsaid understanding. And Whiskey is the absolute best example of this. Ms Bartel brilliantly blends musical references with military technical jargon. In Whiskey, her use of musical references leaves you thinking about a literary masterpiece, a symphony of words. And best of all, a HEA out of an unlikely coincidence.