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: 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: 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: 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: 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: Cooper

Cooper by Riley Edwards
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It is no secret that I love Riley Edwards' books.

This is the 5th book in the Blue Team series. It can notionally be read as a standalone but you will have much better context if you have read other books in the Blue team series.

The book starts with Cooper and Kira already in a relationship. However, Cooper does not believe this will last. And when a dangerous situation slides sideways, Kira is the one to pull back.

Riley does an excellent job in writing characters that are flawed. The book contextualises emotional responses and gives us a deep dive into the feelings and insecurities of both Cooper and Kira (but also some of our secondary characters). As a reader, I am not only engaged in the story but also rooting for the characters to overcome their emotional baggage to live a full life.

Add in an Alpha hero, a strong, sassy heroine and a good dose of action (this book less so than others, given the stalker vibe), and you have an entertaining read by an author that matches technical competent writing with an emotional wallop and a good dose of laugh out loud humor. The perfect combination!

I received an ARC from ValentinePR, but this is my honest review.

Review: Filthy Secret

Filthy Secret by Serena Akeroyd
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

An epic family saga

Do you love romances, mafia books with anti-heroes, a group that is family (in this case blood-related) and do you love your stories with high heat levels? Then the 5 Points Mob collection is the read for you.

Each book has an epic love story but the series has a very compelling overarching storyline that keeps getting better and better. Yes, our couple here has had a previous book, but his one is no less compelling. This is not a standalone book, but also not to be missed if you have followed the series so far.

The book is emotional, the writing phenomenal, and the devastating loss and betrayal will surely suck you in like no other book has before.

Review: Her Mercenary (Steele Shadows Mercenaries): A Romantic Thriller

Her Mercenary (Steele Shadows Mercenaries): A Romantic Thriller by Amanda McKinney
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Her Mercenary is an action-packed protector romance. The story takes place with the underbelly of society as the backdrop.

The author does well to place the reader in the midst of the angst and action while weaving the emotional reactions of our main characters into the fabric of the story. In Roman, we have an H with a lot of baggage, and going rogue at the start of the book, has the reader unsure as to his true motivations and if he will save our h, Sam, or if his need for revenge will win. Sam’s inherent light and goodness, though, pull the two together.
The author’s prose is always descriptive, and this book has action and twists I did not see coming. A deserved HEA for our couple who have to fight through dark and intense situations both physically and mentally.

Review: The Woman with the Ring: A Mafia Romance

The Woman with the Ring: A Mafia Romance by Jessica Gadziala
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Great addition to the universe of interrelated books from Jessica

Jessica is a prolific author whose new books I tend to gobble up. Her different series (and some standalones) do tend to happen in the same universe, but each have a distinctive feel and rhythm over and above her normal writing style.

This mafia 'series' (The woman ...) is possibly more gritty than other books in this universe. This book has the forced marriage, psycho mafia boss, and a betraying body syndrome tropes. This could have meant a formulaic storyline that cannot hold the reader's attention. However, the characters are wonderfully flawed and thus multidimensional. Although you start to anticipate the twist in the story, guessing the involved characters are almost impossible.

I enjoyed the pace of the book, the chemistry and the evolving relationship between Isabella and Primo as they personally adjust to their new reality. In all a great read.

Review: The Other Brother

The Other Brother by Heather Knight
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Heart in shreds

This book is an emotional rollercoaster. A broken Bianca is married off to Kent in order to secure an alliance. He gains her trust, works with her broken pieces to create a new whole. Then a twist of fate obliterate the new happiness that Bianca found. 

Kent asked her to trust but never truely gave trust in return. This spells a deep spiral into madness for Bianca. Yes, there is somewhat of a redemption by Kent, but the reader is able to acknowledge that both Kent and Bianca know that it will take a lifetime of repentance. We do have a HEA but the emotional scars will remain for Bianca, and Kent will always live with the knowledge he can ease the pain but never fully heal Bianca again. A wonderfully emotive read.

The book has many triggers for sensitive readers, please exercise caution.

Review: Blood & Bones: Dodge

Blood & Bones: Dodge by Jeanne St. James
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Spicy...

Keeping the books in a series fresh is not always easy. Dodge, however, is a great addition to the Blood Fury MC series.

The story of Dodge and Syn is both complicated but also easy. A bewitching of sorts while a bewildering coincidence brings us the MC action and suspense associated with their family first loyalty and motto.

While a lot of threads are finalized in the book, the author leaves just enough up to the interpretation of the reader, keeping your thoughts on the characters long after the ending. Great work!

Previous reviews in the series can be read here:

Rook

Rev

Review: Myles

Myles by Riley Edwards
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Action that frames an emotionally deep story

The Blue team series (as well as the Red and Gold team) is part of the Operation Alpha fan fiction world for Susan Stoker's SEAL of Protection, Delta Force Heroes, and Badge of Honor: Texas Heroes Worlds. This does mean that there are quite a few names in the book that may be familiar to you if you read this world, or not. However, the book can be read as a standalone romantic suspense.

Myles (book 3 of Blue team) and Delilah's story has both a great action element, but also (as per all of Riley's books) a great character growth element. So, while fast-paced action keeps you turning the pages, you get all the "feelings" in between.

Myles rescuing and then protecting Delilah from her evil boss, them racing to secure proof of her boss' evilness while dodging the bad guys is a good action element that frames the deeper story.

Underneath all the action, we have a somewhat insta-love story. Myles' motto of "never again" has a tragic backstory but plays right into his focus on saving Delilah (and keeping her safe). It is Delilah that shows the most emotional growth in this story. A childhood without love left her a lonely adult struggling with trust issues that her recent ordeal reinforced. However, Myles has a soft guiding hand, teasing out Delilah's inner strength and showing her through word and deed how a different connection to those around her is possible. It is this depth of the story and characters that make Myles another great read from Riley Edwards.

Although a forced proximity trope you also get great side characters like Zane and Kevin. If you have not read the other books in this world, the glimpses of characters may convince you to take the plunge.


Get your copy now!

Review: Tarnished

Tarnished by Riley Edwards
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

How does she do it?

I do not know how Riley Edwards can write a tortured hero, a strong heroine, chemistry of epic proportions and still cram the story full of emotion and heart. And of course, the action is never a letdown. Tarnished exemplifies this. I know the formula can get old quickly, but I have not read a book by Riley yet, that I have not thoroughly enjoyed. Tarnished is no different. 

Tarnished is book 4 in the Triple Canopy Series, linked to both The 707 Freedom series and The Next Generation series. Triple Canopy being the security firm the men of the 707 Freedom series started and where their children (or their significant others) from the Next Generation series now work.  If this sounds intimidating, it is not! Tarnished can be read as a standalone although characters from the other series do appear. If you have not done so yet, do go back and read these books. Many of them are rereads for me and while not all are 5-star reads, they are my cerebral comfort food. 

Tarnished is the story of Logan and Lauren.  Logan does not believe in love after a childhood full of violence. Lauren is the sweet and shy receptionist at Triple Canopy, who has been pining after Logan. In a bid to forget him, she gets involved with Guy. (Yes, that is his name) But Guy appears on Triple Canopy's radar during one of their investigations. Logan's protectiveness is activated and the rest is a story that leaves you reaching for the next Riley Edwards book for a fix. Totally addictive.

While Logan has the most character growth in dealing with his fears and feelings of unworthiness, Lauren also fights to find her own authenticity. Once Logan is able to accept and deal with his past, he steps up to be what Lauren needs..and more.

I do love the family element of these books. Tarnished reminded me again that the love of a family, whether the one you choose or the one you were born in, has the power to heal.

In the same breath, even having read the other books and series, it does become difficult to keep track of who is who, married and family...and you know they are working on the 3rd generation now too!

Get your copy here!

Review: Redemption Road

Redemption Road by Amanda McKinney
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Hauntingly captivating

Similar to Rattlesnake Road I would classify this book as Female Literature speckled with Cozy Mystery under the broad umbrella of Romance. This is not romantic suspense where we have a traditional hero saving the heroine from physical harm. I feel the warning is important as the cover may convey a more traditional romantic suspense story, leaving the author not meeting some readers' expectations.

"Emotion triggers a vulnerability in us, and in turn is redirected and expressed as anger."

Rory has lost both her parents in short succession, but the death of her mother haunts her the most. Lost in a feeling of nothingness, her life spirals out of control, and her mental health suffers greatly.  

"This didn’t happen to you, Rory. You aren’t the victim you’ve labeled yourself to be. It’s life. Shit happens. You’re in control of your reaction to that shit."

Rory has anorexia, and the book starts with a suicide attempt which we only later learn was Rory. One night, she finds a dead body (the obvious mystery) as well as a mystery man taking shelter in her home while healing from a hiking injury.

Christian is an enigma, abandoned at a church as a baby, his first adoptive mother died, and his second adoptive family shuns him in his teenage years. As a result, he prefers isolating himself from others and eschews relationships in general.

As the story unfolds, we find that both Rory and Christian have less obvious mysteries surrounding them. And as this is a book, nothing is quite as it appears, and we find interwoven lifelines and events that shaped our characters. In addition, there is a unique depth in how the author treats both MCs emotionally-driven character development. In the end, this is a slow burn romance, and the threads are expertly woven into a great tapestry of a story. However, I have one disappointment in the story related to the killer in our obvious mystery element. I thought the resolution was too easy and not as satisfying as it could have been.

"...the realization that everything is interconnected. Woven like a thick tapestry of color, our paths run along and across others, every decision we make leading us in a different direction."

Read your copy now!

Review: The Sharp Edge of Bliss

The Sharp Edge of Bliss by Sorcha Black
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Decidedly filthy,  a bit depraved, delightfully gritty, with deliciously broken characters!

It is difficult to summarize the feelings I have about this book.  

The book is written from Star's point of view. And what a worldview we get! A sex worker by trade, we have insight into what it would mean for how you view people, survival, life if you knew no better. And although heartwrenching on some level, the story does not devolve into boo-me depressed lamenting. Instead, we get to experience the wonder of seeing and experiencing new adventures through childlike eyes.

Avery and Blaise are two incredibly diverse men with hidden depths and agendas: the pampered angel and the villainous demon. One nursing an unrequited love and the other incapable of showing the emotions he secretly harbours. Star is the bridge to breach the divide and exactly what they need, yet never knew they wanted. This is a dark-ish novel based on who the characters are and the actions in the book. All consensual, of course. In my view, it is not really an enemies to lovers novel. Star and Blaise don't have the animosity enemies have - where the same goal is pursued to the detriment of the other. But their forced proximity and intimacy does lend itself somewhat to this genre.

The fact that we only get to know Blaise and Avery through their actions from Star's POV makes for an interesting and slower story reveal. We are never sure of the motivations and feelings of the other two characters. This creates a beautiful tension in the story. My interest is piqued, and I will be thinking of Avery and Blaise for a long time.

Some caveats for this story: darkish non-conventional characters, pain as a BDSM element, some knife and blood play, MMF.

But if you can see through this, the story really documents an incredible path to a HEA.

Get your copy now!

Review: Trusting Molly

Trusting Molly by Susan Stoker
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Technically flawless romantic suspense

This is the third book in the Silverstone series and although we do meet characters from previous books, this can be read as a standalone. While Molly and Smoke (Mark) meet in the Nigerian jungle, the story plays out when they are back home. But, similar to a meet-cute, this suspense meet is only the start.

Smoke steps in to give Molly a safe place to land, given her previous kidnapping troubles and coming home to her only family (grandparents) murdered. Although Smoke is enamoured from the start, I did appreciate that this was not an insta-lust situation. Instead, he gave Molly the space she needed to both come to terms with what has happened to her but also for them to get to know each other better. Although Molly is strong and brave, she does have a decidedly negative inner dialogue- but this forms part of the story and the impact that Smoke has on her worldview.

The story has all the same elements as other Susan Stoker books: Possessive hero, Sassy heroine, Good action and, of course, Romance, all neatly tied with technically flawless prose. Although this read will probably not blow your mind, it is always good to know Susan Stoker is an author you can pick up without worrying about the quality. You will always have a good engaging story to sink your teeth into.

Get your copy now!