Review ~ Stone Cold by Winter Renshaw

Stone Cold by Winter Renshaw
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Stone Cold was a good read, but not one that blew me away. I found it difficult to connect to the characters and their story wasn’t overly exciting. The story alternated between the past and present, so that we could understand the connection between Stone and Jovie.

Stone had lost everything and was lucky to have Jude and his friendship. They were like brothers. However, Stone hid his feelings for Jude's ex Jovie, despite their common interests. I liked seeing the relationship between Stone and Jovie grow and that they realised that there were real feelings between them.

I thought Jude was selfish, and Stone should’ve stood up to him years ago. Jude really was a bit of a jerk, and tried to make everything about himself. The story seemed unfinished, ending pretty abruptly and that a thread wasn’t closed properly. But overall it was a nice relationship and the ending was sweet.

Title: Stone Cold

Author: Winter Renshaw

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: May 14, 2022

The most humiliating moment of my life begins with an early morning message from my ex’s notoriously heartless best friend.

Jovie—

In no way does this mean my opinion of you has changed.

I’m reaching out because sometime in the middle of last night you tagged yourself in Jude and Stassi’s engagement photo.

I don’t care if you were drunk or it was unintentional. I suggest you remove it immediately since the wedding is in two months (which I’m sure you know since you were clearly FB stalking them). The damage is done, but no reason to make things more awkward.

You’re welcome.

Stone

I waste no time removing my accidental tag before the sharp-tongued novelist in me fires off a response to the man who harbored extreme and inexplicable hatred of me during the three years I dated his best friend in college.

Only I didn’t expect him to respond.

And nothing could have prepared me for what he would say …

… or for all the ways this gorgeous villain with cruel icy blues would become the biggest plot twist my life had ever known.

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Review ~ The Darkest Temptation by Danielle Lori

The Darkest Temptation by Danielle Lori
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It’s been a while since I read the first two books in the Made series, and I thought it was about time that I dived into Ronan’s book. I'm so excited to say that it was exactly what I hoped! I was sucked into the story and Milas adventure to Russia. Oh my ... The danger, the lust and the twists! It wasn't long before Mila realised her world was not what she thought it was and that she’d been sheltered her whole life.

I liked the change in Ronan through the story and how Mila got under his skin. Mila was defiant at times and it really pushed Ronan’s buttons. Mila was able to build a strong relationship with Albert, one of Ronan's trustworthy men, which was nice to see. I liked seeing Christian and Gianna again too. The ending of Ronan and Mila's story felt a little rushed, but overall I loved it.

Title: The Darkest Temptation

Author: Danielle Lori

Series: Made #3

Genre: Dark Contemporary Romance

Published: December 10, 2020

A fortune teller once told Mila she’d find a man who would take her breath away. She refrained from telling her it would be literally while Mila ran for her life.

Having always done what is expected of her, Mila dresses the part, only dates college boys with exemplary backgrounds, and doesn’t ask questions. Not about her papa’s absences or his refusal to let her set foot in her birthplace—Russia.


Suffocated by the rules and unanswered questions, Mila does what she’s always wanted to. She boards a plane to Moscow.

She never expected to fall for a man on the way. One with unexplained wealth, tattoos on his hands, and secrets in his eyes. But it doesn’t take long for his caress to become a rough grasp muffling her screams.

Revenge is a dish best served cold. Unfortunately, a Russian winter is the coldest of them all, and Mila soon learns the only way to escape intact is to do the impossible and thaw her captor’s heart.

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Review ~ Because I Need You by Claire Contreras

Because I Need You by Claire Contreras
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I've read a few of Claire Contreras' books in the past, so I was keen to get into Because I Need You. It really wasn't a bad read, but didn't hook me like previous books by this author. I enjoyed meeting both Gio and Isabel - they were kind of thrusted together and had chemistry from the beginning. They had a lot in common despite being from different worlds. Both had parental issues and I could see they were willing to make an effort to understand one another. I felt that the suspense element seemed rushed, that there were threads left open and the whole book could do with another round of editing.

Title: Because I Need You

Author: Claire Contreras

Series: Because #2

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Published: June 8, 2022

From New York Times best-seller Claire Contreras comes a new, sexy stand-alone mafia romance novel . . .

Isabel Bonetti –

One minute I’m mourning the sudden death of my father, and the next, I’m getting calls from a lawyer saying they needed to read me my father’s will.

As far as I know, my father didn’t have much to leave. He was a blue-collar worker, through and through.

Or so I thought.

Everything topples down at once, the inheritance I’m left with and the truth about what my father did, but the biggest shock of all was finding out he’d married me off to a complete stranger without my consent.

By the time I show up at my supposed husband’s nightclub, I’m determined to leave with divorce papers signed, but nothing can prepare me for the man that awaits me on the other side of those doors.

Giovanni Masseria –

My father has done a lot of messed up stuff, but marrying me off to Charles Bonetti’s daughter, a complete stranger, may take the cake. I didn’t even know old Bonetti had a daughter and I want nothing to do with her or this marriage, until I’m told what staying married to her would mean for the empire I’m slowly trying to build. There’s no harm in staying married a little longer if it means I’ll cash out on those promises. I decide that I’ll cut ties with her as soon as that’s done.

That is, until barges into my office demanding a divorce.

I wasn’t sure what I’d expected her to be like, but it certainly wasn’t . . . this.

A week ago, I didn’t know of her existence, and now, I can’t seem to escape her presence anywhere I go.

She doesn’t belong in this world and I know this won’t end well for either of us, but I can’t seem to stop reminding her who I am.

Her husband.

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Review ~ Empire of Lust by Rina Kent

Empire of Lust by Rina Kent
My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Empire of Lust was a really enjoyable read. I loved getting to know both Kingsley and Aspen; understanding the type of characters they were, being able to delve into their pasts and realising how much they both had suffered. These two were destined to be together, despite the hate/love relationship they had. Their connection grew deep, the chemistry was strong and the passion between the sheets was scorching! Kingsley was definitely the domineering type, however Aspen loved it. Aspen was such a kind and patient woman, who had lost so much and was trying he best to make up for the years she had lost.

I was easily swept away with Empire of Lust. I had read another book in this series which I found hard to connect to the characters, but this read hooked me - both the characters and storyline!! I felt that Rina Kent did a fabulous job of building this world and the characters. I definitely want to read more from this series!

Title: Empire of Lust

Author: Rina Kent

Series: Empire #4

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: May 5, 2022

My Boss. My hell.

When I slept with a faceless jock as a teen, I didn’t think I would become pregnant.
I also didn’t think I would lose that child.
Several years later, I find out that my daughter is alive and I’m given a second chance.
One problem, though.
The faceless jock isn’t so faceless anymore.
He has a name everyone fears; Kingsley Shaw.
A ruthless bastard. A heartless devil. And most importantly, my daughter’s father.
Oh, and he hates me as much as I hate him.
We’re out to destroy one another with all methods available.
Including a dangerous game of lust that might lead to our downfall.

Empire of Lust is a complete STANDALONE. No book should be read prior to this.

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Review ~ Sidecar Crush by Claire Kingsley and Lucy Score

Sidecar Crush by Claire Kingsley and Lucy Score
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I jumped into Sidecar Crush immediately after finishing Whiskey Chaser. Unfortunately, I didn’t enjoy this book as much as the first book. I actually found Jameson and Leah Mae’s story a bit boring. We were told a lot of details instead of getting to experience them. There was alot of inner dialogue from both characters too. I did like how passionate Jameson was in regards to his art and that Leah was at a crossroads in her life and was unsure what she wanted to do next.

Although this read wasn't as good as the first, I will definitely continue the series. This book still slightly touched on the series story arc, so I am keen to see where it goes from here.

Title: Sidecar Crush

Author: Claire Kingsley and Lucy Score

Series: Bootleg Springs #2

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: May 11, 2018

“I tried to think of something—anything—to calm my raging hard-on. One wrong move and Leah Mae would rub up against it and that was liable to kill me dead on the spot.” — Jameson Bodine

Model turned disgraced reality TV starlet, Leah Mae Larkin, crash lands in her hometown of Bootleg Springs to lay low while a scandal threatens her career. She can’t shake the feeling that her agent—and supposed fiancé—manipulated her into the role of made-for-TV homewrecker. Connecting with her roots is just what she needs, and Bootleg Springs is home to her father, moonshine, and her childhood best friend, Jameson Bodine.

Only there’s nothing childlike about Jameson—a man who turns scrap metal into art and isn’t afraid to throw down on a rowdy Friday night with his brothers and hellcat sister. He might not say much, but still waters run deep. Seeing the ring on his crush’s finger? He doesn’t like it, but he can’t wish it away. No more than he can wish away the trouble his family is in, with evidence pointing to his late father in the cold case disappearance of Callie Kendall.

Jameson and Leah Mae are just two friends reliving their summers together, blowing off steam, and having fun for the first time in a long time. But Leah Mae is realizing what’s really important in her life, and it isn’t what she thought.

And sometimes steam turns into sparks—hot as molten steel—and friends aren’t just friends.

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Review ~ Whiskey Chaser by Lucy Score and Claire Kingsley

Whiskey Chaser by Lucy Score and Claire Kingsley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I do love books by Lucy Score, and when I came across the Bootleg Springs series (co-written with Claire Kingsley) you know I had to dive in! I was super excited to read Whiskey Chaser, and it was such an entertaining read! Scarlett was such a fun character to read about, she was such a bubbly and out going character and it was hard not to like her. She pulled Devlin out of his funk, and together they had a lot of fun. I liked how they fell for one another but didn’t realise until they were in deep! The Bodine brothers were such a fantastic element in this story, and I liked how close they all are. The secondary storyline that will continue through the series has me eager to read more!

Title: Whiskey Chaser

Author: Lucy Score and Claire Kingsley

Series: Bootleg Springs #1

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: April 13, 2018

Raised by her three overbearing brothers, Scarlett is a hell-raising tomboy with a tool belt. A tornado stirring up trouble everywhere she goes. Her favorite pastimes? Drinking any man under the table and two-stepping. But she has zero interest in love. Scarlett’s only being neighborly when she claims her sexy next-door neighbor as her new pet project.

Devlin is a man at rock bottom. Marriage, political career, five-year plan to Washington, D.C. All destroyed with one well-placed jab. The golden boy is now the black sheep relegated to Bootleg Springs, a tiny West Virginia town with two claims to fame: 1. Moonshine and 2. The cold case disappearance of a teen girl.

Devlin just wants to lick his wounds. But Scarlett has other ideas for his tongue… and the rest of him. She’s determined to bring him back to life, even if getting him back on his feet means never seeing him again. But when an old mystery becomes new news, she’ll need his help to survive the scandal.

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Review ~ A Ticking Time Boss by Olivia Hayle

A Ticking Time Boss by Olivia Hayle
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Olivia Hayle has become an author that I really enjoy. She writes stories that are easy to get lost in. A Ticking Time Boss was a fun read, as I watched Carter and Audrey's connection grow. These two met by chance and crossed paths again after Carter took ownership of the company that Audrey worked for. He made ruthless decisions that made Audrey question if he was the same man she first met.

After each interaction I was left smirking as the chemistry between them grew. They were entertaining to read about and I loved the banter between them. Fox wove this story perfectly and it was the perfect light and steamy read that I needed!

Title: A Ticking Time Boss

Author: Olivia Hayle

Series: New York Billionaires #4

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: February 11, 2022

The golden angel who swooped in to save me from a nightmare first date turns out to be a billionaire vulture circling the company I work for.

Carter Kingsley: My savior and ruthless corporate raider hell bent on destroying the newspaper I love. Oh, and my new boss.

His first order of business? Cut half the staff. I should hate him. Easy, right?

Wrong.

I met him two weeks ago, when he saved me from the most awkward first date of my life. I was looking for a way out when he strolled up in a ten-thousand dollar suit with a winning smile, and told a white lie that turned the date from hell into heavenly bliss.

I left with his number in my phone, and spent the next two weeks staying up late to text him. He's charming. Funny. Sincere.

Completely unlike the ruthless villain who comes in and carves us up.

My first order of business is to interview the new boss. But who is sitting on the other side of the desk? The man who saved and charmed me, or the one who’s threatening everything I hold dear?

Carter insists that we can still be friends, but I know that the whole situation is a ticking time bomb.

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Review ~ Whispers of a Broken Halo by Abbi Glines

Whispers of a Broken Halo by Abbi Glines
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4.5 Stars

I haven’t read a book by Abbi for a while and forgot how well she sucks you in. I loved Bryn, she was sweet and did anything for her sister and nephew, even to step out of her comfort zone. Rio was a little quick to react and held a grudge. But once he earned the trust, he would do anything for you.

This was quite a good story and I am kicking myself that I haven't read anything by Abbi in a while. I enjoy the way that she builds the world and created characters that I could relate to. I felt that the ending was left open and I didn’t get the closure I needed, and I really hope there is more to their story one day.

Title: Whispers of a Broken Halo

Author: Abbi Glines

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: February 5, 2022

Rio
Bryn Wallace had been the one bright spot in my life before my grandparents brought me to live with them. While living in the run-down trailer park my momma had moved us to the last few years of her life, Bryn had given me a reason to smile every day. After finding my mother's dead body, my grandparents had picked me up and I started a new life in The Shores, Alabama. It had always bothered me that I never got a chance to tell Bryn goodbye.
Now, seven years later, my memories of the beautiful girl who I considered my first love were destroyed by the disappointment she had become.

Bryn
When life took another nosedive from bad to worse, which happened too often, I would tell myself that one day I'd find Rio March. It got me through my darkest times and gave me hope.
When my sister had, once again, gotten us forced out of town, by sleeping with the local minister and turning everyone in the community against us, I took the money I had saved from working over-time and I made the decision on where we would move. However, fate was never on my side. Within two weeks of arriving in The Shores, Rio hated me and made sure everyone else in town did too. I couldn't even take my nephew into the candy store.

It didn't seem to matter where we moved, this would always be our outcome. Hated, looked down upon, and judged for sins I hadn't committed. But I was done moving. The trashy Wallace girls were in town to stay.

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Review ~ Filthy Vows by Alessandra Torre

Filthy Vows by Alessandra Torre
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Alessandra Torre is a master of filthy stories, and Filthy Vows was HAWT! I loved the way she introduced me to the characters: I got to know them through the years, what their struggles were and some of their deepest fantasies. One thing that never wavered was the love that Elle and Easten had for one another. They had strong friendship’s with Chelsea and Aaron, and Elle and Easten were able to help Aaron through a tough time.

This book was so addictive that I literally couldn’t put it down. I enjoyed getting to know all the characters and seeing friendships strengthen a long the way. I look forward to seeing how it concludes in the next book, Twisted Marriage.

Title: Filthy Vows

Author: Alessandra Torre

Series: Filthy Vows #1

Genre: Erotic Romance

Published: July 20, 2019

Would you tell your husband everything?

Every torrid thought?
Every twisted fantasy?
The forbidden images that slink into your mind in your most vulnerable moments?

I shouldn't have. I hesitated to. But I did.

And my husband? He gave them all to me.

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Review ~ The Last Eligible Billionaire by Pippa Grant

The Last Eligible Billionaire by Pippa Grant
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Last Eligible Billionaire was a fun and quirky read, with an anti-people-person billionaire, an overly bubbly and a little awkward artist, with her mischievous dog. They made the most unlikely trio, but they were amusing to read about. I laughed at Begonia, and how she overshared her thoughts and could rattle on about anything! Hayes was flabbergasted when he first met Begonia but I could see that she was the right person to break him down.

I liked the families in this one; how Begonia had great support from her sister, and that Hayes had his rich extended family. They were there to offer advice to Hayes when needed. Sometimes they cared too much and irritated him, but I could see they were close!

This read was super fun and I found it hard to put down! I laughed, I swooned and fell in love for this couple and the cheeky dog!

Title: The Last Eligible Billionaire

Author: Pippa Grant

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: March 3, 2022

Emotionally unavailable doesn’t even begin to describe my new fake boyfriend. He’s cold. He’s distant. He has more defenses than a nuclear missile silo. And he’s the ultimate catch of the century. At least, according to his bank statement.

My job’s simple: Keep Hayes Rutherford’s matchmaking relatives and all interested ladies away from the cranky, grumpy, walled-off heir to my favorite movie empire, and in return, he won’t ruin my life over a teensy, tiny little misunderstanding.

But the more I sneak past Hayes’s walls and fences, the more I realize that while we might be from different worlds, we have more in common than either of us expected. The man under all the glitz, glamour, and dollar signs could be the real love of my life.

But you know what they say about fake dating a billionaire—it’s all fun and games until the scandals start.

The Last Eligible Billionaire is a swoony, laugh-out-loud romance featuring a botched wax job, a woman in over her head, a man in over his heart, and the sweetest misguided dog to ever play matchmaker…or at least make sure these two anti-love birds never have clothes when they get out of the shower.

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Review ~ Ravaged Throne by Nicole Fox

Ravaged Throne by Nicole Fox
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was excited after finishing Ravaged Crown to see whether Willow and Leo were able to work things out. I was a bit thrown by Ravaged Throne as it began eleven months after the end of the first book. I liked that Leo was determined to get Willow back, so I could see that he actually had real feelingss for Willow. I liked the change in Willow and that she was a stronger person. She was learning to keep some things to herself and didn’t let Leo back in immediately. They were definitely a stronger duo, but I felt Willow was selfish and would do things without truly thinking. As she was letting Leo in she should've confided in him a bit better and learned to trust him.

This was a good conclusion to the series. I didn't love it as much as I wanted too as I felt it was a little predictable and the characters didn't trust their instincts or each other fully. I did enjoy the way Fox built this world and will definintely dive into more of her stories in the future!

Title: Ravaged Throne

Author: Nicole Fox

Series: Solovev Bratva #2

Genre: Dark Contemporary Romance

Published: February 23, 2022

My husband doesn’t know about our son.

But that won’t be enough to keep him safe. Because our little baby boy is the heir to two thrones.
And there are a lot of bad men out there who want to stop him from reaching them.

So I ran into the mountains.
Into a nightmare of my own making.
I thought I’d gotten away…
But I was wrong.

Even there, in the freezing cold middle of nowhere, Leo found me.
And when he did, I lied to keep my baby safe.
But I should’ve learned a long time ago:
Leo Solovev knows everything.

Except for how this story will end.

RAVAGED THRONE is Book Two of the Solovev Bratva Duet. Make sure you’ve read the beginning of Leo and Willow’s story in Book One, RAVAGED CROWN, before beginning this one!

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