Review ~ Parallel Series by Elle O'Roark

Parallel by Elizabeth O'Roark
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a great start to the Parallel duo! Quinn was such an incredible character, and it was interesting getting her perspective, her dreams and feelings. I could see there was a bigger picture going on and as the story unfolded it became more apparent, and I was hooked.

Nick’s perspective was interesting too, he knew there was more to Quinn and he bonded with her quickly, which made him question his current choices. He didn’t understand his strong connection with Quinn but would do anything to protect her.

Together these two should have been perfect however they had a lot of obstacles to overcome. I loved how they came together, trying not to focus on Quinn’s medical issue, and believing beyond what was normal. This truly was a fantastic experience, and I could not wait to start the next book.

Title: Parallel

Author: Elle O'Roark

Series: Parallel #1

Genre: Contemporary Romance Time Travel Fantasy

Published: June 12, 2019

She first met him in a dream. And now, weeks before she marries someone else, he's appeared in real life.

I’ve spent my entire life hiding what I can do. The things I know. Until the day Nick Reilly walks into my hospital room.

Nick—the man I've been dreaming about for as long as I can remember. I know everything about him, as if we spent an entire lifetime together, and I know I loved him in a way I’ve never loved anyone else...including my fiancé.

Even stranger? Nick’s been dreaming about me too.

Working with him to unravel the puzzle might save me, but the attraction between us could destroy us both. Just like it did before.

Intersect by Elizabeth O'Roark
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

After reading the first book, I dived into Intersect immediately to see how Quinn and Nick’s story continued. I was still just invested in how their lives intertwined and how their current story continued to unfold. I could see how they were soul mates and would do anything for one another. They were desperate not to allow previous mistakes reoccur, but the love between them never faulted.

I had my own theories, and I was excited to see some of them come to fruition. My heart ached several times and I could see they both struggled through decisions for not only one another but decisions they had to make together.

Honestly, this story was fabulous. I loved the way I was drawn into the world, the story telling and the characters that the author created. I enjoyed the time travel aspect, but it didn’t overpower the whole story. It was definitely an element, but it was more about soul mates, and it was beautiful. The story was beautiful and I shed a tear or two along the way.

Title: Intersect

Author: Elle O'Roark

Series: Parallel #

Genre: Contemporary Romance Time Travel Fantasy

Published: June 27, 2019

Someone has torn them apart in the past, and she plans to do it again…

As Nick and Quinn piece together the truth about the life they once shared, they discover it was much deeper and darker than they ever imagined. In order to keep history from repeating, Quinn will need to master her unusual gifts—but that means admitting to herself and to Nick why she stopped using them in the first place.

He may never forgive her when he learns the truth, but Quinn is running out of options—because the clock is ticking, and it’s no longer just her life that hangs in the balance.

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Review ~ God of Pain by Rina Kent

God of Pain by Rina Kent
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It’s been a while since I read the first book in this series – God of Malice – but it was easy to jump back into this world once more. Annika and Creighton are total opposites, but together they were great. Creighton struggled with the demons from his childhood, and despite having great parents, he still wanted the truth from so long ago. Those demons really controlled him and like Annika, I hoped he would be able to move past them.

Annika was a sweet girl and saw the best in everyone. She was protective of those that she loved. Creighton opened her up to a whole new world she didn’t realise that she needed. I liked how they were to begin with, a few twists were thrown in and things took a dramatic turn. I could see Annikas soul being suppressed and she just wanted to get out. Creighton was a very controlling and dominate character that struggle with his darkness.

This was a pretty good read and again, I like how the parents’ made cameos in the book once again. It certainly had dark elements that were written so well and I was swept away in the world and charaters.

Title: God of Pain

Author: Rina Kent

Series: Legacy of Gods #2

Genre: Dark Contemporary Romance

Published: September 15, 2022

I made a terrible mistake.

Being a mafia princess, I knew my fate was already decided.

But I went ahead and longed for the wrong one.

Creighton King is bad news with a gorgeous exterior.

He’s silent, brooding, and obviously emotionally unavailable.

So I thought it was over.

Until he awakens a beast inside me.

My name is Annika Volkov, and I’m Creighton's worst enemy.

He won’t stop until he breaks me.

Or I break him.

This book can be listened to on its own.

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Review ~ Twisted Love by Ana Huang

Twisted Love by Ana Huang
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I was hoping to love this one, as I like the darker reads, however this one was a bit too twisted and I didn’t enjoy it like I hoped. Ava’s suppressed memories slowly came back, and she remembered things from her past. Alex had spent a lot of time around Ava and her family and had a connection with them all. I liked Alex and Ava together, but her dad was a piece of work and that really annoyed me.

I ended up skimming through a bit of the book because that element was just terrible. Her dad was an ass and I couldn't believe what he did. Alex was great for Ava and I'm glad that he came back into her life. This book wasn't for me and I honestly am surprised that I made it to the end.

Title: Twisted Love

Author: Ana Huang

Series: Twisted #1

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: April 21, 2021

He has a heart of ice...but for her, he'd burn the world.

Alex Volkov is a devil blessed with the face of an angel and cursed with a past he can’t escape.
Driven by a tragedy that has haunted him for most of his life, his ruthless pursuits for success and vengeance leave little room for matters of the heart.
But when he’s forced to look after his best friend’s sister, he starts to feel something in his chest:
A crack.
A melt.
A fire that could end his world as he knew it.

***

Ava Chen is a free spirit trapped by nightmares of a childhood she can’t remember.
But despite her broken past, she’s never stopped seeing the beauty in the world…including the heart beneath the icy exterior of a man she shouldn’t want.
Her brother’s best friend.
Her neighbor.
Her savior and her downfall.
Theirs is a love that was never supposed to happen—but when it does, it unleashes secrets that could destroy them both…and everything they hold dear.

Twisted Love is a brother’s best friend/opposites attract romance with a hint of suspense. It's book one in the Twisted series but can be read as a standalone.

WARNING: This book contains a possessive, morally gray alphahole; explicit sexual content, and profanity. No cheating or menage, but if you're looking for a traditionally sweet, loveable hero, this is not the book for you. Recommended for 18+.

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Audiobook Review ~ Conspiracy of Magic series by Luanne G. Smith

The Raven Spell by Luanne G. Smith
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I picked up The Raven Spell after reading the blurb and seeing that it had free audible, I was excited to listen to it. It didn’t take long to be immersed into the world building and the characters that Luanne G. Smith created.

It was interesting getting to know Edwina and her sister Mary. They had unusual powers that they used in their everyday lives that they tried to keep hidden. They each had different powers, and it was interesting on what they could do.

When Ian came into their lives, Edwina wanted to help him, and it wasn’t long until they were on a journey to unravel what happened to him and how he lost his memories. It was an exciting journey, and I was carried away with them. The ending was upon me quickly and I continued into the next book immediately.

Title: The Raven Spell

Author: Luanne G. Smith

Series: Conspiracy of Magic #1

Genre: Fantasy

Published: February 1, 2022

In Victorian England a witch and a detective are on the hunt for a serial killer in an enthralling novel of magic and murder.

After a nearly fatal blow to the skull, traumatized private detective Ian Cameron is found dazed and confused on a muddy riverbank in Victorian London. Among his effects: a bloodstained business card bearing the name of a master wizard and a curious pocket watch that doesn’t seem to tell time. To retrieve his lost memories, Ian demands answers from Edwina and Mary Blackwood, sister witches with a murky past. But as their secret is slowly unveiled, a dangerous mystery emerges on the darkened streets of London.

To help piece together Ian’s lost time, he and Edwina embark on a journey that will take them from the river foreshore to an East End music hall, and on to a safe house for witches in need of sanctuary from angry mortals. The clues they find suggest a link between a series of gruesome murders, a missing person’s case, and a dreadful suspicion that threatens to tear apart the bonds of sisterhood. As the investigation deepens, could Ian and Edwina be the next to die?

The Raven Song by Luanne G. Smith
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Raven Song continued directly after the first book and despite what Edwina had lost, she was determined to unravel the mystery around Ian. They both worked together but it was soon very apparent that she was part of something bigger than what had happened to Ian.

They were separated for a time and things got a bit dicey there. Ian was determined to get back to Edwina, to protect her and ensure of her safety. As the story unravelled, things fell into place, and I was excited to see this story unfold and how it all entwined together.

I really enjoyed how Susannah Jones narrated this story. She portrayed the characters perfectly and I kept me engaged in the story. For my first series by Luanne G. Smith, I was quite impressed and enjoyed the story immensely.

Title: The Raven Song

Author: Luanne G. Smith

Series: Conspiracy of Magic #2

Genre: Fantasy

Published: October 11, 2022

Fleeing Victorian London, a witch finds her newfound independence comes with all-new perils—both mortal and immortal.

Forever untangling the branches of her strange family tree, Edwina Blackwood is at a turning point. Her parents’ disappearances still strike her as unaccountably odd. Her sister’s questionable life and untimely death have left her shaken. Spellfire has transformed her home and livelihood to ash. And now a devious stalker is on her trail. With supernatural detective Ian Cameron by her side, Edwina can’t get out of London fast enough.

Gaining safe passage, she finds refuge with Sir Henry Elvanfoot, famed wizard of the north, and is promised protection from ill-aimed curses. But in this unfamiliar city of fair folk and witches, where the veil between Earth and the Otherworld is about to be lifted, something is amiss. How else to explain Edwina’s sudden prophetic visions? Or the fear that surviving whoever pursues her will require the powers of an ancient bloodline she’s only beginning to comprehend?

Whatever destiny awaits, it’s Edwina’s to finally control. Where will it lead? Only time, cunning, and magic—in this world or the Other—will tell.

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Review ~ Bombshell by Abbi Glines

Bombshell by Abbi Glines
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Bombshell was quite enjoyable, being a spin off from the original Smoke series. I really enjoyed getting to know both Micah and Dolly. Micah is definitely the alpha male type and was quite surprised when he came across Dolly - his sisters best friend. She unsettled him and he found it hard to put her out of his mind. Dolly was the quiet type and didn’t really have a lot of social skills so found it hard to interact.

I liked the way these two grew together, Micah settled down and he gradually brought Dolly out of her shell. She was thrust into situations where she had to learn to overcome. Micah was really protective of her and I could see that he would do anything for her, but he struggled with having a relationship. His sister Pepper was good for them all, she cared for both of them. The only thing is that this book ended a bit too abruptly.

Title: Bombshell

Author: Abbi Glines

Series: Judgement #1

Genre: Dark Contemporary Romance

Published: February 14, 2024

Momma always told me that my sins would find me. I just didn’t think it would happen in a biker bar with my first crush bursting through the doors with his gun pointed at me. Well, not technically at me, but at my boyfriend- also known as my current sin. He was the thing I hoped the good Lord didn’t tell momma about in one of her dreams. Guess it didn’t matter anyway. I was caught and in a bigger mess than I could have imagined.

Micah Abe hadn’t laid eyes on Dolly Dixon, his younger sister’s best friend, in years, but her eyes were the kind you didn’t forget. Even if she’d grown into a woman with a body made for sin, he had recognized that unique shade of amber the moment she had locked her gaze on him. Damn shame he wouldn’t get a taste of her. His sister would cut off his favorite body part if he even considered it. Besides, he was over clingy women, and the way Dolly was holding on to his enemy like she wanted to wrap her legs around him meant she was the needy type.

Problem was he had to save her from herself. Clearly, Dolly was still clueless about life. That much hadn’t changed about her. He’d come here to get back what had been taken from him five years ago, but it looked like he’d be saving Snow White in the process.

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Review ~ Pretty Little Mistake by Micalea Smeltzer

Pretty Little Mistake by Micalea Smeltzer
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

It was interesting to know these two were not only from the same town, but had also crossed lines when Lennon was younger and before Beck went to college. They certainly had chemistry, but Beck definitely made it hard for Lennon. Working together was good for them as Beck not only lowered his walls, but started to feel. Their project brought them closer together.

I must admit that Lennons family were asshats. They really irritated me, not only the way they treated her but how they treated Beck. Beck’s family were great though,they are the type of family you want to support you.

This read was good, but the crappy parents always make me mad. It was nice to see Lennon and Beck come together. I really wanted to love this read, but it was hard to get fully invested.

Title: Pretty Little Mistake

Author: Micalea Smeltzer

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: August 22, 2023

What happens when the one person you thought you’d never see again waltzes back into your life? One scandalizing night in an emotional novel by a USA Today bestselling author.

Lennon Wells and Beckham Sullivan should have been perfect for each other. Both vulnerable, both striving to please difficult families, and both broken by the past. Going from friends to lovers seemed inevitable. So did a bad ending. They thought—they hoped—they’d never see each other again.

Years later, bad luck or fate, Lennon and Beckham find themselves working for the same magazine. The wounds are still raw, but the chemistry is there. Then they’re forced to work together on a project. Some things never change, and all it takes is one impetuous night. One mistake. And Lennon discovers she’s pregnant.

With more in common than they ever had before, Lennon and Beckham are going to be in each other’s lives for a long time now, whether they like it or not. And they’re starting to. If only they can break from the generational traumas that hold tight and take a shot at something they never expected: a second chance.

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Review ~ The Rules of Dating a Younger Man by Vi Keeland & Penelope Ward

The Rules of Dating a Younger Man by Vi Keeland
My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

I have enjoyed all the books in this series, so it was no surprise that I would pick up Brayden and Alex’s book. Brayden was the type of character I love! He is kind and thoughtful and was doing something that was close to his heart. Alex was older than the women that he usually dated, but he was drawn to her immediately. I could see the sparks grow between them and it was not long until he wanted to be all in.

Alex, I liked her when with Brayden. She was not looking for anything, but soon her feelings were growing and she was convinced to take a chance. She was close with her step daughter - Caitlin - and a lot of the time she worried more about Caitlin’s feelings before her own. Being an adult, I wished she had more confidence in herself and would take the opportunities when she could, as we live only one life.

Thank goodness for Alex’s BFF Wells. He constantly put Alex back on track and allowed her to explore her feelings. Other than a small bump in the road, Caitlin was pretty level headed and encouraged Alex to take a leap. They all just wanted her to be happy. And honestly, Brayden and Alex were great together!

This wasn’t my favourite read of the series but I was so happy to complete the journey of these 4 friends.

Title: The Rules of Dating a Younger Man

Author: Vi Keeland & Penelope Ward

Series: The Law of Opposites Attract #4

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: September 15, 2024

I was the last of my group of friends to find “the one.”
The guys would always tease me that I needed to hurry up and settle down.
But I was in no rush.
Until I met someone worth rushing for.
Alex was one of the weekend volunteers at Ryan’s House—a charity I founded to build housing near hospitals.
Little did I know she was the same person I’d been arguing with over email before the project started. At the time, I’d thought Alex was a dude.
In reality? She was a smoking hot blonde who captivated me from the moment we met in person.
Our chemistry was off the charts, and I fell hard pretty fast.
Unfortunately, Alex insisted I was too young for her. I hated that she felt that way. Because age was just a number.
Not only that, her words didn’t match the way she looked at me—like she was very interested.
I lived for the weekends we’d spend out of town volunteering. Alex and I side-by-side hammering during the day, while sharing intimate dinners together at the hotel at night.
Eventually, the walls she’d put up to protect her heart began to crumble.
Until fate threw us a doozy that I wasn’t sure we could come back from.
If I’d thought our age gap was the biggest hurdle, I didn’t know anything yet.
Rule number one for dating an older woman who insists you could never be together?
Don’t fall in love.

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Review ~ Not Made to Last by Jay McLean

Not Made to Last by Jay McLean
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

3.5 Stars

I liked getting to know both Olivia and Rhys. How they met was quite amusing, but I soon got to see that Olivia had secrets that she was hiding from everyone. I liked how close she was to her brothers and would do anything to protect them. Having Rhys in her life threatened everything that she was trying to hold together.

Rhys had his own issues but felt at peace when he was with Olivia. There was something about her that drew him to her. He went out of his way to get her into his life and the longer that they were together the stronger their connection became. There were a few hiccups and things fell apart for them as secrets unravelled.

Some parts of this read that were so good and my heart ached for Olivia. Rhys was quick to overact at times, but took his time to realise what his heart wanted. There were a few moments that annoyed me, but overall it was a good read.

Title: Not Made to Last

Author: Jay McLean

Genre: Sports Romance

Published: April 5, 2024

Two simple words hold the truth of our love: wait and hope.

Olivia
Rhys Garrett—recent high school graduate, ex-captain of the basketball team, and my brother’s rival both on and off the court.
Oh, and he’s also the guy I just hit with my truck.
Awesome.
To be fair, he had it coming.
Why else was he dressed in all black, in the middle of the night, if not to hide out amongst the darkness?

Rhys
I wasn’t looking where I was going or what was around me. I didn’t even see the headlights. Just felt the impact. And I thought, as strange as it was, that getting hit by a car may be the best thing that could’ve happened to me.
Until I opened my eyes…
…and she told me her name.

Some might call it fate, destiny, kismet…
A collision of souls.
One night.
One chance encounter.
The problem?
One night wasn’t enough.
But the more time we spent together, the more truths came to light.
And soon, we’d discover that what we once thought was meant to be…
…is not made to last.

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Review ~ Say You Want Me by Corinne Michaels

Say You Want Me by Corinne Michaels
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

After reading the first book in this series I knew I had to read more as I’ve just fallen in love with these brothers and their small town of Belle Buckle. Wyatt was one of my favourite characters in the first book and I really enjoyed getting to know him better. He and Angie had chemistry since they first met so it was fun to see them together now that they are going to be parents.

Angie struggled a lot with her feelings. She’d lost hope of falling in love and having children, so she panicked alot to begin with. Once she accepted it, I liked the change in her and how she slowly let Wyatt win her over - they were so cute!! Wyatt was just the perfect gentleman and I could see that he had fallen hard for Angie. He constantly wooed her and even some of the townsfolk tried to help him win Angie over.

It wasnt smooth sailing for them either. My heart broke at one stage and it was a difficult time for everyone. Angie wanted Wyatt regardless, but he struggled with his emotions and pushed her away. I just wanted him to fight harder! This truly was a fantastic read, and again I ran through so many emotions. Corinne Michaels executed this story perfectly! I cannot wait for Travis and Graces story.

Title: Say You Want Me

Author: Corinne Michaels

Series: The Hennington Brothers #2

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: October 29, 2016

There’s no way I’ll fall for Wyatt Hennington.

He can keep his Southern drawl, irresistible smile, and those pick-up lines all to himself. I made the mistake of sleeping with him not once, but twice. I’m not stupid enough to give him round three, especially after he left me in the middle of the night so I could see myself out. I vow to return to Philadelphia and forget him.

It proves easier said than done.

When the doctor informs me I’m the winner of door prize number two, I put my life on hold and head back to Bell Buckle. Three months and if we can’t make this work, I’m gone.

The problem is—when the cards are stacked against us, and I can’t bring myself to leave him, I’ll finally know if he truly loves me or if all my fears were real . . .

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