Review ~ Bishop by Eden Summers

Bishop by Eden Summers
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have read a lot of these books in this series out of order, but boy do I love them!! This is a darker read and we could see it right from the beginning. Abri does anything that her father demands her to do, and I could see what she would do to get through these tasks. Her life wasn’t easy and until the story unfolded you could see why.

I loved Bishop. He was loyal to very few people, Abri’s Uncle and brother were on top of that list. Having to look after Abri was not what he wanted to do but wouldn’t back down from tasks set before him. Bishop had demons from his past that he was battling, and Abri was able to get under his skin and get his secrets.

Abri and Bishop were so fun to get to know. I liked how they were able to help each other when needed and Bishop was fierce when it come to protecting Abri. This came more apparent a long the way and I loved that side of him. I could see that Abri was finally learning to trust someone, and I was glad these two were falling.

There were a lot of tough times through this story, and I felt Summers did a remarkable job of telling this story. Bishop and Abri were perfect for one another, and I loved that Abri brought out a sweet side in Bishop. This was a great read, and I look forward to diving into more stories from this world.

Title: Bishop

Author: Eden Summers

Series: Hunting Her #9

Genre: Dark Romantic Suspense

Published: September 7, 2023

A standalone novel in the bestselling, seductively thrilling Hunting Her series.

In a moment of weakness I sent out a cry for help—one that was answered by my estranged brother’s right-hand man.
A murderer.
A butcher.

He storms into my life with his expensive suit pockets full of sedatives and cable ties in case I don’t approve of his form of protection. Let me assure you, I don’t.

But when my world falls apart and I have nowhere else to go, I’m forced to escape with him.
To an isolated house.
Just me and him.
Alone.

And it quickly becomes clear that the monstrous people I’ve been afraid of are nothing in comparison to the man in the room next door to mine.

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Audiobook Review ~ Variation by Rebecca Yarros

Variation by Rebecca Yarros
My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Right from the opening chapters I knew that I would be swept away into this read! I needed to know more and to see how the characters had grown. It was interesting to see what they had lost and what they would give up for their families.

Allie was such a beautiful character. Her whole life she had been under the thumb of her mother and set to achieve everything she could in the ballet world, until she suffers an injury and returns to the home she spent summers in as a child. The loss of her sister all those years ago was still heavy on her shoulders, and when secrets unravel, she can see lightness in the world once again.

Hudson was such a wonderful man. He had a heart of gold and would do anything for his family. Having Allie around once more she forced him to chase his dreams once again and to not just settle. The chemistry between them was still fierce although they tried to make it a limited time thing.

These two were fabulous together and I loved meeting them. They both have wonderful support around them, and I enjoyed being in their world. Rebecca Yarros crafted this story beautifully and I could not get enough. I didn’t want this story to end and cannot wait to dive into future Yarros reads.

Title: Variation

Author: Rebecca Yarros

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: November 19, 2024

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Fourth Wing comes a new contemporary romance about the summer a celebrated dancer returns home and unearths years of family secrets with the Coast Guard rescue swimmer she never forgot.

Elite ballerina Allie Rousseau is no stranger to pressure. With her mother’s eyes always watching, perfection was expected, no matter the cost. But when an injury jeopardizes all she’s sacrificed for, Allie returns to her summer home to heal and recover. But the memories she’s tried to forget rush in and threaten to take her under.

As a Coast Guard rescue swimmer, Hudson Ellis knows that hesitation can mean the difference between life and death. He’s always prided himself on being in the right place at the right time, especially when it came to Allie Rousseau…until the night he left for basic. After the biggest regret of his life, the secrets he keeps mean he can never be with the one woman he wants more than his next breath.

When Hudson’s niece shows up on Allie’s doorstep, desperate to find her birth mother, Allie finds herself in an unimaginable position. Allie and Hudson’s past and present might be endlessly complicated. The thread that tied them to each other all those years ago may have unraveled, but the truth could pull them back together, or drive them apart forever.

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Review ~ Rook & Rebel by Kate Crew

Rook & Rebel by Kate Crew
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the first book that I’ve read by Kate Crew, and I must admit I was pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoyed it. I was quickly pulled into the world she created and met characters that I cannot get enough of.

Regan was such a nice character, wanting to do anything to keep her father happy. She was a bit too naïve and couldn’t see through her fathers’ controlling ways to the man he really was. She tried to control her life and would even succumb to what her boyfriend wanted to do. But after he ditched her, and she landed on the back of Rook’s bike I could see that her life was going to change for the better.

I loved Rook, he had a dark past but was doing everything for his sister and closest friends that were his family. He knew what was going on in the darker side of the world and wanted revenge for his parents. I could see that his life was going to change with Regan around, and she would get under his skin.

Regan and Rook were great together. I was glad when Regan started to stand up for herself and realised what world she was actually in. As the dark elements unfolded, I was glued to the book and was pleased to see how the story unfolded. I am keen to see how the series goes from here.

Title: Rook & Rebel

Author: Kate Crew

Series: The Mavericks #1

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: October 1, 2024

A dark revenge romance filled with tattooed bikers, hilarious banter, heat, and high speeds.

Regan Fletcher
I used to have big dreams: finish college, make beautiful art, all while taking over my dad’s business. He wanted a legacy, and I wanted to give it to him. But his illness wasn’t part of the plan. Neither was his sudden need to keep me locked up in our mansion, safe and isolated. I want more from life, but could only spend my days waiting. Until one night, I came face-to-face with a street biker from a world far different from mine. What starts as him stalking me, quickly spirals into something deeper, and more deadly. I’m falling for a man who’s everything I should fear, yet he’s the only one who’s ever made me feel truly alive. But loving him means risking everything—my heart, my future, and my father.

Rook Emberson
Revenge has been my driving force for as long as I can remember. Cameron Fletcher stole everything from me, and I’ve spent years plotting the perfect way to take it all back. When fate puts his daughter in my sights, I know I’ve found the key to his destruction. But from the moment I meet her, my plans begin to unravel. Regan is everything I didn’t expect and I can’t help but be drawn to her. What starts as a twisted game of vengeance turns into an obsession. I need her, but I also need to destroy her father.

The lines between love and vengeance blur, and I’m not sure where one ends and the other begins.

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Review ~ The Darkest Chase by Nicole Snow

The Darkest Chase by Nicole Snow


I have really tried to get into this one, but I’m just not getting a connection with the characters or the storyline. There is a lot of inner dialogue and the characters are strange to me. Even the storyline is odd. It’s like I missed something. I decided it wasn't woth continuing.

Title: The Darkest Chase

Author: Nicole Snow

Series: Dark Hearts of Redhaven #3

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Published: July 20, 2024

Two complete opposites fall into a heart-ripping fairy tale in this scorching hot small-town grumpy sunshine romance.

Life is just full of crazy surprises with teeth.
One day you're the forever single wallflower keeping up the boring family furniture shop.
The next, you're getting mouth-to-mouth from a scary hot stranger who wants to make your life a thriller novel.
Yes, my disaster has a name.

Micah Ainsley.
Everything I'm not. Nothing remotely good for me.
He's all wolf—moody, savage, and ferociously protective.
I'm a human puppy.
He thrives on secrets.
Everybody knows what I had for breakfast.
He's experienced. So experienced.
I've never even been kissed.

But when he needs my help to take down a rich creep who just happens to be my new client, I'm game.
I'm ready to live a little.
I'm eager to prove I'm more than a hot mess with a cross-eyed crush on a coldhearted man who's too old for me.

Then another surprise bites me in the face.
The night Micah claims me.
The moment our wrong becomes reality and there's no going back.
The darkest chase is on and it only ends one way—sweet dreams or total devastation.

All the small-town sugar, spice, and angsty goodness in one epic slow-burn romance. Remember to breathe as you watch Redhaven's coldest man thaw for the little spark he'll fight like mad to keep.

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Audiobook Review ~ Dear Enemy by Kristen Callihan

Dear Enemy by Kristen Callihan
My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

I quite enjoyed listening to Dear Enemy. It was an easy story to get swept away in and seeing the characters grow along the way. It was interesting seeing Delilah and Macon interact considering what happened in their pasts. I could see that there was going to be more to it and was excited to see them confront what happened between them so long ago.

Delilah cared so much for family and would do anything she could to protect them. Stepping in when her sister took off with something precious of Macon’s was the least that she could do. I felt that she did too much for her sister Sam as she had not been the best sister to her when they were growing up. But watching Deliliah and Macon together I could see that there were feelings growing between them. Macon had been through some hard times of late and needed some help, so taking on Delilah was something he needed. I liked seeing them breaking down each other’s walls and the banter between them was amusing.

There was a bit of drama and intensity through the story, and this brought the characters closer together. I enjoyed the way that Maxine Mitchell and Sebastian York Narrated this story. They told Kristen Callihan’s story well and they kept me enraptured until the end.

Title: Dear Enemy

Author: Kristen Callihan

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: March 31, 2020

From New York Times bestselling author Kristen Callihan comes a smart romantic comedy about finding love with the most unlikely of people.

As kids, they hated each other. Macon Saint was beautiful, but despite his name, Delilah knew he was the devil. That he dated her slightly evil sister, Samantha, was no picnic either. When they broke up, it was a dream come true: Delilah never had to see him again.

Ten years later, her old enemy sends a text.

Delilah’s sister has stolen a valuable heirloom from Macon, now a rising Hollywood star, and he intends to collect his due. One problem: Sam has skipped town.

Sparks still sizzle between Macon and Delilah, only this heat feels alarmingly like unwanted attraction. But Delilah is desperate to keep her weak-hearted mother from learning of her sister’s theft. So she proposes a deal: she’ll pay off the debt by being Macon’s personal chef and assistant.

It’s a recipe for disaster, but Macon can’t stop himself from accepting. Even though Delilah clearly hates him, there’s something about her that feels like home. Besides, they’re no longer kids, and what once was a bitter rivalry has the potential to be something sweeter. Something like forever.

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Review ~ A Little Too Close by Rebecca Yarros

A Little Too Close by Rebecca Yarros
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Madigan Mountain series contains three books by three different authors. Each book features a different brother and his journey to fall in love. A Little Too Close is a standalone read, the second book in the series and the first book that I picked up. And right from the opening chapters I was hooked to the story.

Weston and Calliope were such fun characters to read about. Their first encounter was quite amusing, and I enjoyed seeing them blend their lives together. It was sweet to see Weston build a relationship with Callie’s daughter Sutton. Despite the rules that were created, they all got along well, and the rules went from black and white to shades of grey.

West was such a kind-hearted guy and would do anything for those he cares about. Callie had lost so much but had grown as a woman raising Sutton and focusing on her photography. I loved the way that West and Callie’s relationship grew slowly. They were good together, but West was determined not to fall in love and didn’t want Callie to lose focus on her own dreams. But we all know what the heart wants and will most likely get.

Honestly, this was such a sweet read and I enjoyed being in this world. Yarros created such loveable characters that I couldn’t get enough of. They grew throughout the story, and I could see that they enjoyed their lives together. This was such a fun world to be in and I am going to pick up the other books for sure!

Title: A Little Too Close

Author: Rebecca Yarros

Series: Madigan Mountain #2

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: October 11, 2022

Nine years ago, Weston Madigan saved me. I came to Colorado penniless, heartbroken, and pregnant, searching for a fresh start. Weston gave me a job at his family’s resort, then left the next day and never returned, not even to visit.

Then I stumble in on Weston cooking breakfast shirtless—gloriously, inappropriately shirtless—in the shared kitchen of my duplex in employee housing. Given the shock on both our faces, he wasn’t expecting a roommate either, let alone two.

The growly pilot is only home to start his family’s new heli-skiing operation. I can handle being his temporary roommate, right? Chemistry and attraction aren’t impossible to ignore when you agree on ground rules. Besides, even with those gorgeous, brooding brown eyes, the guy is a walking thundercloud…until my daughter, Sutton, makes him laugh and he smiles at me. Then everything changes. Cue inconvenient heart flip.

This is only temporary.
I can’t fall for Weston.
I. Will. Not. Fall. For. Weston.
But rules go out the window when you’re a little too close.

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Audiobook Review ~ The Royal by Susan Stoker

The Royal by Susan Stoker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I read the first book in this series some time ago and was interested to get back into the world to see who would capture Cal’s heart. He was quite tough on himself due to what he had been through and his status as a royal. It was interesting seeing him go to DC to investigate an issue and to find June. He was willing to do anything for her despite her crappy stepfamily.

I enjoyed seeing June bloom away from her stepfamily. She came into herself and the town and was able to make friends. June and Cal fell for each other quickly and I enjoyed seeing them build a life together. It wasn’t always smooth sailing with fears coming into play, and the suspense element that came towards the end.

This was quite the enjoyable read to listen to. CJ Bloom and Jeremy York did a brilliant job of bringing Susan Stokers story to life. Their narration was fantastic, and I was quickly immersed into the world. I think the way that Susan Stokers made her own Cinderella spinoff was executed well.

Title: The Royal

Author: Susan Stoker

Series: Game of Chance #2

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Published: August 8, 2023

In this modern Cinderella story, New York Times bestselling author Susan Stoker weaves a tale of stepfamilies, stalkers, and a suspenseful, sweeping romance that proves true love can conquer all.

Former military man and member of a royal family Callum Redmon can’t deny his sense of responsibility. So when his cousin’s latest love interest claims to have a stalker, Cal reluctantly meets with the young woman and her mother. He wants to write off the situation as a complete farce—if only his feelings for another member of the household could be as easily dismissed.

Since her father’s death seventeen years ago, Juniper Rose has been at the cruel beck and call of her stepmother and stepsister. Her fantasies of escape mean leaving behind her father’s beloved home, but enough is enough: when Cal offers her a way out sooner rather than later, June takes the leap.

Cal’s home in Maine with his military brothers seems like the safest place to start fresh. But as Cal and June’s fairy-tale romance blossoms into something real, they find that the dangers stalking them may have been real all along.

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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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