Review ~ Until August by Emery Rose

Until August by Emery Rose
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What planet have I been living on and why have I just discovered Every Rose! Until August took me on such an emotional ride, as I got to know both Nicola and August. They both had suffered in the past and had lost so much that they were finding it hard to live again. I was surprised by their initial encounter and was excited to see how their connection would grow in the present.

I liked that they both had good support around them, to help them get back on track. One thing that couldn’t be denied was the unbelievable chemistry between them. It was only a matter of time before just sex turned into a relationship. I enjoyed the restaurant element in the read, the delicious recipes and how well Nicola and August worked together. There were a few moments where I shed tears, I was emotionally involved and was definitely hooked!

Title: Until August

Author: Emery Rose

Series: Love and Chaos #3

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: January 6, 2023

I fell in love with two men. But fate would decide which one I could keep.

When I met Cruz Vega, it was love at first sight.
He was my forever and always, my port in the storm, my one true love.
Everything was so perfect.
Until a cruel twist of fate robbed us of a future.

Now, I was navigating uncharted territory.
Merely surviving without really living.

Until August Harper.
The hot-as-hell, tattooed chef swaggered into my restaurant and took over my kitchen.
Then, piece by piece, he claimed my heart, too. That wasn’t enough for him, though. He wanted all of me.

But as everyone knows… when you play with fire, you get burned.

And we are going up in flames.

View all my reviews

read more "Review ~ Until August by Emery Rose"

Review ~ Meeting Mr. Anderson by Elle Nicoll

Meeting Mr. Anderson by Elle Nicoll

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

3.5 Stars

This was an enjoyable read for the authors debut novel. I was hooked by the description and excited to get into Holly and Jay’s story. I liked how they initially met and how the attraction grew between them, even though they were from different worlds. Holly found it hard to trust Jay completely and I understood, as he didn’t disclose information and tried to hide things. Holly was easily spooked and ran when pressured. It was a little frustrating and I could see that she lacked confidence when it came to her personal life.

For my first read by this author, I felt it was good, but I wasn't consumed by it. There were a lot of intimate scenes and after a while I was skimming through them. I would prefer a little more depth to the characters, to hook me further into their world.

Title: Meeting Mr. Anderson

Author: Elle Nicoll

Series: The Men #1

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: May 27, 2021

Some people go to Hollywood to chase their dream.
My Hollywood dream is in seat 4A.

After the stunt my ex pulled, no one would blame me if I swore off men forever, especially one like Mr Jay Anderson, Hollywood’s sexiest heartthrob.

Maybe undressing me with his striking blue eyes as I perform the safety demonstration on a flight to LA is normal behaviour for him.

Maybe not.

But I know one thing for sure, he should come with a warning label. Because once you meet a man like Jay Anderson, there is no going back.

With his dirty blonde hair and those eyes; he’s a beautiful, X-rated fairy-tale.

But beauty is a magnificent smokescreen. And a fairy-tale is just that… a tale.

It’s never as simple as happily ever after,

not when you’re meeting Mr Anderson.

View all my reviews

read more "Review ~ Meeting Mr. Anderson by Elle Nicoll"

Review ~ Forever After All by Catharina Maura

Forever After All by Catharina Maura
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

3.5 Stars

Catharina Maura was a new to me author and I was excited to get into this read. It started well, but then there was a sad moment as Elena reached out to her family only to be rejected easily. Things went in a new direction and I had hope for Elena and also for Alec. However, there was constant drama between them and the horrible family that rejected Elena. Some moments I found really unbelievable, especially the way they spoke to her. The push-and-pull between Elena and Alec seemed to be back on track when another moment had them doubting one another. The ending seemed really drawn out as well. Even though I had my issues, it was a good read, but it didn’t blow me away like I hoped.

Title: Forever After All

Author: Catharina Maura

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: February 17, 2021

From the author of The Tie That Binds comes another spellbinding marriage of convenience novel.

Elena

I’m ready to sacrifice my dignity if it will save my dying mother. Or so I convinced myself as I walked into a gentlemen’s club, ready to trade my body for my mother’s life.

I didn’t expect Alexander Kennedy to be there. I didn’t expect him to stop me. And I certainly didn’t expect him to propose a marriage of convenience.

Alexander

Elena Rousseau, a heiress fallen from both riches and grace.

I know she’s not right for me – she’s far from the meek trophy wife I’m after. But if she’s going to sell herself to anyone, it’ll be me.

Author's Note: This book contains a possessive alphahole and a heroine that likes to test his limits.

View all my reviews

read more "Review ~ Forever After All by Catharina Maura"

Review ~ Beautiful Graves by L.J. Shen

Beautiful Graves by L.J. Shen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Beautiful Graves was a really good read. It was good to get some backstory and see how Everlynne met both Joe and also Dom. I had a feeling that the twist was going to be good, and I managed to pick it before it happened. I didn’t want to dislike any characters but I started to after secrets were revealed. I really hoped that Everlynne would find her happily ever after.

I was a bit annoyed by Ever when she couldn’t make a decision for herself, considering that she was not a child anymore. She wouldn’t reach out to her family and friends - especially the one guy who meant the most to her, and was living a quiet boring life. I would’ve liked Ever a lot more if she would’ve grown into a stronger person earlier. I felt the ending was a little rushed. Finally things were on track, then the story was over.

Title: Beautiful Graves

Author: L.J. Shen

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: October 4, 2022

From USA Today bestselling author L.J. Shen comes a passion- and angst-charged story about a woman caught between a secure relationship and a once-in-a-lifetime spark with her muse.

They say first loves are oftentimes the end of one’s innocence.

Those words couldn’t ring truer for Everlynne Lawson, whose first brush with romance came with a heartbreak … and the thing that seems to follow her everywhere she goes. Death.

After a great tragedy, Everlynne loses all she cares about—her dreams, her family, and her soulmate, Joe.

Guilt-ridden, Everlynne decides to isolate herself in Salem, Massachusetts. A shell of the woman she once was, she takes her days one at a time, careful not to allow herself the joy she believes others in her life were robbed of. But when the mysterious, handsome Dominic storms into her life, it becomes more difficult to stay in solitude. Dominic is different: adventurous, joyous, with lust for life and a passion to make her his.

Everlynne is on the cusp of reinventing herself once again when the old wounds of her past are resurrected, rawer than ever. There is nothing worse than being in love with two men.

Especially when one of them hates you.

View all my reviews

read more "Review ~ Beautiful Graves by L.J. Shen"

Review ~ Before Him by Donna Alam

Before Him by Donna Alam
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I was really excited for Before Him, and the opening chapters really hooked me. I was intrigued by Roman and Kennedy, how they crossed paths again in the present, and how they initially met eight years prior. These characters are thirty now, and I felt at times they were making juvenile decisions. Kennedy seemed to be stuck in her head, with so much inner dialogue. Roman was such a nice laid- back guy, and at one point just flipped out and it seemed out of character for him.

Some issues seemed to be addressed numerous times, and I grew bored of it. As I am an Australian, I was a bit confused by terms that I’ve never heard before, and I just skipped past them. There were some threads that weren’t closed either. The story seemed drawn out for 90% of the book and rushed in the end. It really had the potential for a good read, and it turned out to be an ok read for me.

Title: Before Him

Author: Donna Alam

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: June 6, 2022

Fate taught me eight years ago what happens in Vegas doesn’t always stay in Vegas.

It’s a tale as old as time.
Girl meets boy (cute face, charisma, killer suit).
A wild night is had, and girl later finds out she’s pregnant.
Girl goes home. She doesn’t finish college.
She makes her living serving coffee, smiling when she’s feeling stabby.
But she does it all for her boy, the only man she’ll ever need in her life.
Until Fate decides otherwise . . .

And she finds herself looking into those twilight-coloured eyes again.
He’s been looking for her this whole time.
She should be happy, right?
Because he’s living next door, shaking up her world, and driving her crazy!
Softening her heart as she watches him father their child.
But she can’t take a chance on loving him,
Even after she drops more than her defenses.
Because secrets have a habit of resurfacing,
And her heart can’t take losing him a second time.

Before Him is a small town second chance romance full of fire, fun, and that other f-word. Yep, family ;)
It features a gorgeously swoon-worthy hero, the woman determined to resist his charms, secrets, shenanigans, and that all important happy-ever-after. And it's a standalone title!

View all my reviews

read more "Review ~ Before Him by Donna Alam"

Audiobook Review ~ The Seat Filler by Sariah Wilson

The Seat Filler by Sariah Wilson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

3.5 Stars

I have really come to enjoy listening to Sariah Wilson's books and The Seat Filler was an amusing read. It had it's corny at moments, a sweet romance but overall it was a lovely story. At their initial meeting, Juliet knew exactly who he was and she was quick to put him back in his place. I liked the instant connection between Juliet and Noah. It looked like Noah enjoyed having someone around him that didn’t hang off him and was fake, so I enjoyed watching the growth between them. Juliet’s condition sure brought them together, and I could tell they were the real deal. Noah was a bit precious at times, being an actor, and pushed Juliet away instead of talking things through. His past and insecurities led him to making rash decisions. I liked that Juliet was able to stand up for herself, confess her feelings and to push Noah into looking deeper into his heart. They sure were sweet together!

Title: The Seat Filler

Author: Sariah Wilson

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: April 27, 2021

The movie star and the dog groomer are one kiss away from the perfect love story. That’s the hiccup in a warm and witty romance by the bestselling author of Roommaid.

The meet-cute award goes to dog groomer Juliet Nolan. It’s one of Hollywood’s biggest nights when she volunteers as a seat filler and winds up next to movie heartthrob Noah freaking Douglas. Tongue tied and toes curling in her pink Converse, she pretends that she doesn’t have a clue who he is. It’s the only way to keep from swooning.

She’s pretty and unpretentious, loves his dog, and is not a worshipping fan. No way Noah’s giving up on her, even if his affectionate pursuit comes with a bump: Juliet has a pathological fear of kissing and the disappointments that follow. What odds does romance have without that momentous, stupendous, once-in-a-lifetime first smooch? Patient, empathetic, and carrying personal burdens of his own, Noah suggests a remedy: they rehearse.

The lessons begin. The guards come down. But there’s another hitch they weren’t betting on. As for that cue-the-orchestra-and-roll-credits happy ending? It might take more than practice to make it perfect.

View all my reviews

read more "Audiobook Review ~ The Seat Filler by Sariah Wilson"

Review ~ The Rules of Dating by Penelope Ward and Vi Keeland

The Rules of Dating by Penelope Ward
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This started off as a fun and entertaining read as Billie and Colby got to know one another. The initial meet was so funny as Billie seeked revenge, however she had been hurt a lot and was quite hesitant about jumping into a relationship. Colby also had his daughter to think about and she was the sweetest little girl. I was waiting for the other shoe to drop, and boy did it drop! The drama put a big strain on them both.

The second half of the book wasn’t as fun as the first. It took quite the serious turn and really tested both characters. I liked the support that they both had from their friends, and I do look forward to more stories from this world. This story turned out to be quite sweet, but didn’t blow me away like I’d hoped.

Title: The Rules of Dating

Author: Penelope Ward and Vi Keeland

Series: The Law of Opposites Attract #1

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: September 19, 2022

It all started when I hosted a little party for a bunch of new friends.

Though “friends” might not be the right word since the invitees were all the women I’d found out my boyfriend was talking to behind my back. When the guest of honor walked in—aka my now ex—things took a turn…

Unfortunately, a stranger witnessed the whole blowout. I was in a mood that night and ended up giving this gorgeous guy an attitude, too. As if my night could get any worse, before he stormed off, he informed me he was actually my landlord.

Colby Lennon, along with three of his friends, owned the building where my tattoo shop was located. He and I were total opposites. He wore a tie, oozed confidence that came with years of women falling at his feet, and wasn’t afraid to say what he wanted, which lately—was me.

I hated that I found myself attracted to him. Especially since I was supposed to be on a self-imposed dating hiatus. Yet the two of us couldn’t seem to stay away from each other. We started hanging out, as friends. I even went as far as making rules for what he’d dubbed our “undates.”

But eventually, our explosive attraction became too much to bear, and we broke our resolve. I let my guard down and started to really fall for Colby.

Nothing could have prepared me for the ride he took me on. And I certainly wasn't prepared for where I'd wind up when the ride was over.

All good things must come to an end, right?

Except our ending was one I didn't see coming.

View all my reviews

read more "Review ~ The Rules of Dating by Penelope Ward and Vi Keeland"

Review ~ The Bittersweet Symphony Duet by Kate Stewart

Drive by Kate Stewart
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh my! Why haven’t I given one of Kate Stewart's reads a go until now? I was hooked from the very beginning of Drive and was totally riveted from start to finish! I loved Stella's story; it was difficult, heartbreaking and sweet. Reid was the typical rock-n-roll guy, who would make any girl fall for him. Nate was such a fabulous guy, he was patient and loved Stella fiercly. I had so much love for all three characters, it was so hard to see what direction this story would take.

Drive was such an addictive read. It was constantly on my mind and I couldn't wait to pick it back up after I put it down.

Title: Drive

Author: Kate Stewart

Series: The Bittersweet Symphony Duet #1

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: October 14, 2017

Music . . . the heart’s greatest librarian.

The average song is three and a half minutes long; those three and a half minutes could lead to a slow blink, a glimpse of the past, or catapult the soul into heart-shattering nostalgia.

At the height of my career, I had the life I wanted, the life I’d always envisioned. I’d found my tempo, my rhythm. Then I received a phone call that left me off key.

You see, my favorite songs had a way of playing simultaneously. I was in love with one man’s beats and another’s lyrics. But when it came to the soundtrack of a life, how could anyone choose a favorite song? So, to erase any doubt, I ditched my first-class ticket and decided to take a drive, fixed on the rearview.

Two days.

One playlist.

And the long road home to the man who was waiting for me.

Reverse by Kate Stewart
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Easton and Natalie’s story was a roller coaster ride just like the first book. Natalie was able to see another side to her father that she never new existed and that curiosity drew her to Easton. Their first interaction didn’t start well, but it was soon apparent that these two would fall hard and fast. It wasn’t an easy ride as they struggled with their parents, losing trust and having to rebuild relationships. They also found it hard to trust each other enough to be there for one another. They were stubborn, made harsh decisions in the heat of the moment. But when they were together, there was no denying the attraction and passion between them.

I also loved the glimpses of the original characters from Drive. It was good to see Stella, Reid and Nate again and to see the influence they had on Easton and Natalie’s lives.

Title: Reverse

Author: Kate Stewart

Series: The Bittersweet Symphony Duet #1

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: July 16, 2022

Thirty years ago, my father became the other half of a broken love story.

A relationship he’s kept hidden for decades.

Upon unearthing his secret through a series of emails in our paper’s archives, I began my search for the truth. Haunted by my father’s love story, and in my quest for answers, I never imagined I would discover a love of my own. Or that my love for Easton Crowne would be key in discovering the reason behind what split our parents up.

Doomed from the start and knowing the havoc our relationship would inevitably wreak on our families, I could never have prepared for the toll it would take or the cost of the truth.

But in order to find our ending, we had to go back to their beginning.

My name is Natalie Butler, and this is my star-crossed love story.

View all my reviews

read more "Review ~ The Bittersweet Symphony Duet by Kate Stewart"

Review ~ A Throne of Feathers and Bone by Shannon Mayer and Kelly St. Clare

A Throne of Feathers and Bone by Shannon Mayer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a fantastic sequel to the first book. It was good to see Kallik and Lan continue on their journey to get into Underhill. There were many hurdles along the way, loyalties were tested and relationships grew. I liked seeing Kallik and Lan being able to bond again and to see Kallik work on her magic with help of new friends. The ending was exciting and I'm excited to continue in the last book!

Title: A Throne of Feathers and Bone

Author: Shannon Mayer and Kelly St. Clare

Series: Honey and Ice Trilogy #2

Genre: Fantasy Romance

Published: September 27, 2021

Chosen. Framed by my father’s murderer. Running from the fae courts. Fated to never touch the man who sets my blood on fire.

Life was looking up for me not long ago. Now, it’s looking all the way down. This latest shitstorm? Yeah, it takes the cake and the beetroot tickle.

The father who shunned me from birth lays cold and dead. The courts are in turmoil and after blood. My blood. I need to find his killer, yet that mystery pales in comparison to the madness crushing fae in its giant grip.

I’m desperate to find the door to Underhill before true anarchy descends. The answers I seek are on the other side, I’m sure of it.

With two gifted swords, a magic shield, some finnicky power, and dubious spirit for company, I must locate the path to our native realm again. And if I can manage that while resisting the Unseelie fae stalking my every footstep, then all the better.

But I am part human after all.

If you can’t get enough of Jennifer L. Armentrout, Sarah J. Mass, Holly Black or Elise Kova, you will love this journey into the fae world where impossible love and an explosive story will leave you breathless for more!

View all my reviews

read more "Review ~ A Throne of Feathers and Bone by Shannon Mayer and Kelly St. Clare"

Review ~ A Court of Honey and Ash by Shannon Mayer and Kelly St. Clare

A Court of Honey and Ash by Shannon Mayer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a good start to the Honey and Ice Trilogy. I enjoyed getting to know Kallik; what she endured, what she lost and where she fit in the world. She was determined to clear her name and uncovered secrets along the way. She made new friends and ran into old acquaintances as she searched for answers. Cinth was a great friend to her and would do anything for her. Lan was hard to read and I liked his connection to her. Ruby was quite the mystery, but he saw things we couldn’t and was willing to help Kallik. I am really excited to see where this story goes after that exciting ending!

Title: A Court of Honey and Ash

Author: Shannon Mayer and Kelly St. Clare

Series: Honey and Ice Trilogy #1

Genre: Fantasy Romance

Published: July 6, 2021

Orphaned. Trained to fight. Raised to fear the power of Underhill. Secretly in love with a man who doesn’t want me.

I’m still just Alli, aka the half-human orphan fae, but my life is looking up for the first time. It only took me my whole 24 years.

But when Underhill—the ancestral home of the fae—shatters, making it impossible for any fae to enter, I’m the only one who knows who did it.

A secret that will be the death of me if I do nothing.

A brutal madness spreads through the fae as they lose their connection to Underhill, and to save my people, my only choice is to leave all I have fought for and go on the run.

Unless I figure out how the hell magic that has existed since the dawn of time was destroyed with a single touch, well, an entire life spent fighting to prove myself isn’t going to mean anything at all.

I must find the answer to the riddle of Underhill’s shattering.

View all my reviews

read more "Review ~ A Court of Honey and Ash by Shannon Mayer and Kelly St. Clare"