The Forbidden Man by Karina Halle ~ Review & Teaser (@MetalBlonde)

This was such a good romance, and I loved that Alejo had such an old soul for a younger man. He knew the right things to say to Thalia, and was very passionate about his feelings for her!
The Forbidden Man
Title: The Forbidden Man
Author: Karina Halle
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: December 11th 2019

Buy Now - Amazon USAmazon Aus

An epic standalone forbidden age-gap sports romance from the New York Times Bestselling author of The Play and My Life in Shambles

Starting over was her only option.
Forty-years old and still reeling from a public and painful divorce, Thalia Blackwood is looking for a fresh start, somewhere far away from her upside down life. When she’s offered a new job as the sports therapist for a football (soccer) team, she jumps at the chance. This is just what she needs to leave the heartbreak and shame of Manchester behind, trading it in for the warmth and hopeful vibrancy of Madrid.

He was her only desire.
Twenty-three year old Alejo Albarado is rising up the ranks in his career. As the charming forward for the Real Madrid team, Alejo’s life revolves around women, parties, and being a tabloid darling, that is until the new sports therapist joins the team.

Their passion could not be ignored.
What starts out as a strictly professional relationship between Thalia and the young Spanish player, slowly evolves into something more. Much more.

Their relationship was forbidden.
But their combustible chemistry and simmering sexual tension can only go so far—should Thalia give into Alejo’s advances, she’s at risk of not only losing her job, but succumbing to a much younger man will drag her through the spotlight again.

Alejo might be worth that risk.

Unless he breaks her heart in the process.

When Karina Halle releases a book, there is a very big chance I'm going to grab it. This read would probably not be for everyone, with the big age difference, but for those of us are a little older, it does allow us to dream through Halle's words.

Right from the opening chapters I was excited for Thalia; a new start after a very public divorce was just what she needed. She was very experienced and was willing to work hard to fit into the team. There was a little connection between Thalia and Alejo right from their first introduction, and it continued to strengthen, especially after they had to work closely together.

I enjoyed seeing Thalia and Alejo's relationship grow. They had an intense chemistry and tried to make things work as best as they can. I liked that they were both able to open up to one another and that Alejo worshipped Thalia, however their working relationship made things complicated between them.

There were some circumstances which derailed them, and I was sad to see how quick Thalia was to flee. I would've hoped that she was strong enough to work harder at everything, but she thought she was doing the right thing at the time.

Although this was not my favourite Halle read, it was still good. I liked the way Halle built the world and created characters that seemed to be soul mates, despite their age and how people would judge their relationship. 

Oh my, Alejo sure had a way with words. I could feel the love and passion he had for Thalia through what he said.

“You’re making it sound simple. It’s not so simple. Or maybe it is too simple, I don’t know. But I feel for you, Thalia.” I swallow, my heart pounding. I know I can come on too strong, and I don’t want to scare her, but on the other hand I’ve only ever told her the truth. “You mean everything to me. You are the world. More than the world. You are the sun, Thalia. El Sol. And the sun doesn’t worry about being too bright for the moon or the stars, it just burns and shines. Just like you. You shine. You’re el sol de mi corazón.
I reach over and kiss her shoulder and whisper the translation, “You are the sun of my heart. I’m sorry, but it’s the truth.”

Kindle Page 255



“...This,” I press my lips to hers before pulling back and searching her eyes, “this goes beyond looks. This is about a connection of the souls. It’s how we knew we were meant for each other the moment we laid eyes on each other. And that connection, that’s not going to go away with age, it’s only going to strengthen.”

Kindle Page 369
Karina HalleKarina Halle is a former travel writer & music journalist and The New York Times, Wall Street Journal & USA Today Bestselling author of The Swedish Prince, The Pact, Love, in English, The Artists Trilogy, Bad at Love & over 45 other wild and romantic reads. She lives on an island off the coast of British Columbia with her husband and her adopted pup Bruce, where she drinks a lot of wine, hikes a lot of trails and devours a lot of books.







Other reviews featuring Karina Halle 
Royal Romance series 
The Wild Heir #1
The Swedish Prince #2
A Nordic King #3
The Royal Rogue #4

The Dumonts
Discretion #1

My Life in Shambles
Before I Ever Met You
Nothing Personal
Smut
The Debt
read more "The Forbidden Man by Karina Halle ~ Review & Teaser (@MetalBlonde)"

The Royal Rogue by Karina Halle ~ Review & Teaser (@MetalBlonde)

I think I've found a new favourite Prince... Orlando sure was able to get under Stella's skin and they were hot together. After being a single mother for so long it was good to see Stella let go, if only for a little while!
The Royal Rogue (Nordic Royals, #4)
Title: The Royal Rogue
Author: Karina Halle
Series: Nordic Royals #4
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: October 18th 2019

Buy Now - Amazon USAmazon Aus

Every family has a black sheep - even the royal ones.

In the royal family of Denmark, that black sheep is me. Princess Stella, the scandalous divorcee, the only single mom in the family. It doesn't bother me what people say. It's always been me and my daughter against the world.

Then that world of mine gets turned upside down.

Prince Orlando of Monaco, whom the media has dubbed "The Royal Rogue" for many good reasons, comes to stay. The lewd words that leave his lips are inappropriate in any company. He seems to enjoy getting under my skin- and pretty soon, under my royal bedclothes as well.

It's just a brief but torrid affair. Full of hot, dirty sex and nothing else.

Until that nothing else turns into something more, in the form of a big surprise.

I thought I got that wicked royal rogue out of my system but there's a link between us now that neither of us can ignore.

A baby.

**The Royal Rogue is the 4th book in the Nordic Royals series but, like the other books in the series, can be read as a complete standalone**

I've read all the books in this series so far, so imagine my surprise when I realised that Stella was getting her own book! I met her in Askel's book and I love that she was getting a second chance to find her own HEA.

Oh my... Prince Orlando... He certainly knew what he wanted and was not shy at going after it! I loved his first encounter with Stella and the chemistry that they shared. She was very reserved to begin with, but his dirty talk and how sizzling they were together had me captivated. When the story shifted, my heart ached for both of them and I could see how it impacted both of them, but add in the unplanned pregnancy, and I knew they would find their way back together.

Prince Orlando was portrayed as a player, with an on-and-off-again girlfriend. He had an instant connection with Stella and I liked seeing them together. When they crossed paths again due to her pregnancy, he still didn't appear to be that kind of player, and he wasn't as forward as he was previously. He was willing to wait for Stella to make all the moves.

Stella was such a sweet person, who had been burnt by a man before, so I could see why she kept Orlando at arms length for as long as she did. She slowly let him in and I liked seeing them together, but neither of them were willing to bare all with all the complications in their lives. I liked Orlando's friend, Zoya to begin with, then she showed her selfish side which irked me. I did like that we saw a lot of Askel and Aurora, the kidlets and Snarf Snarf!

I'm continuing to enjoy Halle's stories and each unique relationship she throws at me. These royal reads hook me every time, and I'm hoping that this is not the end of them because I cannot get enough!

Prince Orlando sure has a way with words and able to bury himself into Stella's heart.

He leans in close, his breath hot on my cheek. “I like you. I liked this. So I’m just reaching out and telling you the truth. We both have roles to play, roles that were handed to us. But they don’t have to define us. And they don’t have to contain us.” He places a slow kiss at my cheek. “Believe me, Your Highness, when I say that I know.”

Kindle Page 37



“I can’t explain how I feel about you and I’m not going to try. But I’m strangely drawn to you, Stella. Your name means star and there’s nothing more fitting. It’s like when the sky is black and there’s that one bright light shining above you. It doesn’t matter where you look, your gaze is drawn to that star every time you look up.”
She stares at me for a moment and I see the softness come over her brow, as if she’s letting herself believe me. But then it fades. She frowns. “You’re just saying that because I’m the mother of your unborn child.”
She says it like a joke, but for once I’m not smiling. “It’s not just that,” I tell her, hoping she can see the sincerity inside me. “There’s something deep inside me that sees something deep inside you. It sees we are the same.”


Kindle Page 132
Karina HalleKarina Halle is a former travel writer & music journalist and The New York Times, Wall Street Journal & USA Today Bestselling author of The Swedish Prince, The Pact, Love, in English, The Artists Trilogy, Bad at Love & over 45 other wild and romantic reads. She lives on an island off the coast of British Columbia with her husband and her adopted pup Bruce, where she drinks a lot of wine, hikes a lot of trails and devours a lot of books.







Other reviews featuring Karina Halle 
Royal Romance series 
The Wild Heir #1
The Swedish Prince #2
A Nordic King #3

The Dumonts
Discretion #1

My Life in Shambles
Before I Ever Met You
Nothing Personal
Smut
The Debt
read more "The Royal Rogue by Karina Halle ~ Review & Teaser (@MetalBlonde)"

Fix by Molly McAdams ~ Review & Teaser (@MollySMcAdams)

I've read a few books lately, but it's been a while since a read has blown me away! Molly McAdams has done it with the first book in her new series Brewed!
Fix (Brewed Book 1)
Title: Fix
Author: Molly McAdams
Series: Brewed #1
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: November 4th 2019

Buy Now - Amazon USAmazon Aus

I’m a lot of things.
The youngest Dixon. Town handyman. Best you’ll ever have . . . you’re welcome.
One thing I’m not? The guy who falls in love.

When Rae Jacobs enters my town with her ever-present laptop and caffeine addiction, she offers me a fleeting glance and a simple demand:
Don’t fall in love with her.
Bold.
Assuming.
Laughable, considering she isn’t exactly my type.

Wasn’t. But she inadvertently shook up my life with her alluring, carefree spirit until I wanted more.
Until I made her mine.
She’s a habit I can’t quit. A fix I can’t get enough of.

Each day brings me closer to saying the three words I’ve always mocked.
But with one call, the piled-high secrets she’s kept start unraveling around her, and I have a feeling the demand that first day wasn’t so simple.

When I began this book I could just feel that it was going to be a read that I was going to get lost in. I was curious as to why Rae slipped away during the night and why she was willing to push people away as soon as she met them. The more I read, the deeper I got and I had hope that Rae and Sawyer would bare all their secrets to realise that they were soulmates.

Rae's story touched my heart and I could understand her abandonment issues, but I loved that she found a connection almost immediately in the small town of Amber. Her first encounter with Sawyer was amusing and I could see that both of their issues from their pasts would effect their relationship.

I thoroughly loved this small town and meeting each character. They all had their own impact on the town and on both Rae and Sawyer. I picked up on what Rae's issue may have been, and when it was revealed I was still shocked. Sawyer's story was still heartbreaking and shaped him into the closed off man that he was. However, Sawyer and Rae had an intense connection that I hoped that they were able to work out.

This story hooked me from the start; I felt a connection to both characters and I wanted to know everything about them. I loved the way that McAdams wove the story and made an impact on me about not only Rae and Sawyer, but other characters as well. I'm curious about Sawyer's brothers, and I want to know more about why they've drifted apart. Emberly was such a sweet girl, and I want to know her more too. I just really enjoyed this story and I cannot wait to revisit this world again.


You have no idea how much I loved Sawyer! Here are a few intense moments where he bares all!

“I’m not the kind of girl to wait around for a man. I can take care of myself.”
“Never said you couldn’t, Rae.” He gripped the door and continued toward me, backing me up until I was caged between the seat and everything Sawyer. “But sometimes even the strongest women need a man to take care of them. To spoil them. To remind them that they’re cherished.”

Kindle Loc 1404


“You’re indifferent, and then you tease me in a way that drives me crazy. You pull me close only to push me away. I don’t know what to feel with you or how to continue in any situation because I don’t know what’s going through your damn mind.”

Kindle Loc1896


“I fell in love with you about the minute you crashed into my life,” he said, bringing me to an abrupt stop a few steps away. “I would give anything to make you stay in Amber with me . . . to make you stop running. Can’t you see that?”

Kindle Loc 3660


Molly grew up in California but now lives in the oh-so-amazing state of Texas with her husband, daughter, and fur babies. When she's not diving into the world of her characters, some of her hobbies include hiking, snowboarding, traveling, and long walks on the beach … which roughly translates to being a homebody with her hubby and dishing out movie quotes. She has a weakness for crude-humored movies and loves curling up in a fluffy comforter during a thunderstorm ... or under one in a bathtub if there are tornados. That way she can pretend they aren't really happening.





Other reviews featuring Molly McAdams
 Thatch series
Letting Go #1
To the Stars #2
read more "Fix by Molly McAdams ~ Review & Teaser (@MollySMcAdams)"

Dirty Letters by Vi Keeland & Penelope Ward ~ Review & Teaser (@ViKeeland, @PenelopeAuthor)

I had a lot of fun reading this one! It was a little dirty, and the characters had a few little quirks, but Griffin and Luca really did belong together!
Dirty Letters
Title: Dirty Letters
Author: Vi Keeland & Penelope Ward
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: November 5th 2019

Buy Now - Amazon USAmazon Aus

I’d never forgotten him—a man I’d yet to meet.

Griffin Quinn was my childhood pen pal, the British boy who couldn’t have been more different from me. Over the years, through hundreds of letters, we became best friends, sharing our deepest, darkest secrets and forming a connection I never thought could break.

Until one day it did.

Then, out of the blue, a new letter arrived. A scathing one—one with eight years of pent-up anger. I had no choice but to finally come clean as to why I stopped writing.

Griffin forgave me, and somehow we were able to rekindle our childhood connection. Only now we were adults, and that connection had grown to a spark. Our letters quickly went from fun to flirty to downright dirty, revealing our wildest fantasies. So it only made sense that we would take our relationship to the next level and see each other in person.

Only Griff didn’t want to meet. He asked that I trust him and said it was for the best. But I wanted more—more Griff, in the flesh—so I took a big chance and went looking for him. People have done crazier things for love.

But what I found could change everything.

When this duo puts out a book, you can guarantee that I'm going to pick it up. I was so excited to get my hands on it. Dirty Letters was such a nice romance; childhood pen pals that turn into something serious. However, they both had secrets, and pasts that could derail their happiness.

I was actually a little confused to begin with as I've only known Luca to be a boys name, so I kept reading until I did realise she was actually a girl. I could see that she had a few issues and was trying to become a stronger person.

The way Griffin inserted himself back into Lucas' life was amusing, writing a little drunken letter to a girl that he hadn't heard from in so long. Who would've thought that he would hear from her again! I liked that they formed that stronger connection and it turned into something dirty and hot! There was no doubt that these two were going to have amazing chemistry, it was getting past those secrets and past issues that was going to make it hard!

Even though Luca had lost so much, I was amazed with the support she had from Doc. He was a bit quirky, but so patient and sweet. He encouraged Luca throughout her journey but never really pushed her too hard out of her comfort zone.

I really enjoyed this read, although a few moments annoyed me, but I knew that these two would continue to work hard to find their happiness. The biggest moment that touched my heart was in the epilogue... I may've shed a tear or two! I must congratulate Keeland & Ward on another read that has touched my heart with it's sweetness, the intensity and the chemistry!


This was one sweet, intense moment!

He placed his hands around my face. “You look like you’re about to cry. I’ve fucked this all up. I would never want to hurt you like that. You mean so fucking much to me.” He backed me up against the wall, pressing his rock-hard body against mine. “Luca . . . my beautiful Luca.”
My voice was shaky. “Griffin?”
“How did you find me, my impulsive girl?” He shook his head. “Never mind. Don’t answer that yet.”
He leaned in and smashed his lips against mine, kissing me so hard, I was practically seeing stars. My entire body felt weightless as I melted into him, our tongues colliding in a wet and delicious frenzy as we made up for years of lost kisses.
“Goddamn, Luca, you taste so good,” he muttered over my lips. “I feel like I’ve been waiting my whole life for this.”

Kindle Loc 104

Penelope Ward is a New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal Bestselling author. She grew up in Boston with five older brothers and spent most of her twenties as a television news anchor, before switching to a more family-friendly career. She is the proud mother of a beautiful 10-year-old girl with autism and a 9-year-old boy. Penelope and her family reside in Rhode Island.             




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Vi Keeland is a native New Yorker with three children that occupy most of her free time, which she complains about often, but wouldn't change for the world. She is a bookworm and has been known to read her kindle at stop lights, while styling her hair, cleaning, walking, during sporting events, and frequently while pretending to work.  She is a boring attorney by day, and an exciting smut author by night!


 Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads | Pinterest



Other reviews featuring Vi Keeland & Penelope Ward
read more "Dirty Letters by Vi Keeland & Penelope Ward ~ Review & Teaser (@ViKeeland, @PenelopeAuthor)"

A Lie for a Lie by Helena Hunting ~ Review & Teaser (@HelenaHunting)

This is a new series by Hunting, and it's a spinoff from her Pucked series. I have read most of the books in that series, so I was pleasantly surprised to see some of those characters again! Lainey and Rook were so much fun to read about, and I loved how vulnerable they both were!
A Lie for a Lie (All In, #1)
Title: A Lie for a Lie
Author: Helena Hunting
Series: All In #1
Genre: Sports Romance
Published: October 15th 2019

Buy Now - Amazon USAmazon Aus

From the New York Times bestselling author of the Pucked series comes a romantic comedy about instant attraction, second chances, and not-so-little white lies.

Sometimes I need an escape from the demands, the puck bunnies, and the notoriety that come with being an NHL team captain. I just want to be a normal guy for a few weeks. So when I leave Chicago for some peace and quiet, the last thing I expect is for a gorgeous woman to literally fall into my lap on a flight to Alaska. Even better, she has absolutely no idea who I am.

Lainey is the perfect escape from my life. My plan for seclusion becomes a monthlong sex fest punctuated with domestic bliss. But it ends just as abruptly as it began. When I’m called away on a family emergency, I realize too late that I have no way to contact Lainey.

A year later, a chance encounter throws Lainey and me together again. But I still have a lie hanging over my head, and Lainey’s keeping secrets of her own. With more than lust at stake, the truth may be our game changer.

The Pucked series was my first introduction to Helena Hunting's work, and I was pleasantly surprised when I realised that A Lie for a Lie was a spinoff from that series! I do love a hunky hockey player, and pair him with a quirky Marine Biologist and we have the perfect match... don't we? ;)

I loved the way that RJ/Rook and Lainey met! It certainly was a comedy of errors, and Lainey bumbled her way through each situation she managed to get herself into. They had a special connection and even though they were from different sides of the continent I had hope they would be able to make a life together. However, a series of instances managed to separate them and they didn't cross paths until over a year later.

I liked how sweet and considerate Rook was towards Lainey. Throughout the whole book he was always putting her first and was always genuinely concerned about her well being. Lainey's past certainly shaped her into the person she was, however, she was working hard to be independent and that everything that she did helped her to become a stronger person.

Rook and Lainey's story wasn't an easy ride, but I enjoyed how they both worked hard to rekindle the connection they once had. The characters felt real and I thoroughly enjoyed the direction of the story. The introduction of characters from the initial series was fantastic and plunging back into this familiar world was so much fun. Hunting has built a world I love to be immersed in. I'm looking forward to more in this series, that's for sure!

I just loved the way that Lainey rambled when she was nervous!

She loosens the fabric around her throat, dragging in a long, deep breath. “Thank you. So much. Choking to death on an attractive man’s lap really isn’t the way I wanted to go.” She squeezes her eyes shut and pushes to a stand. “I’m so sorry.”

Kindle Arc Loc

“Well, I’m a big fan of all your flaws, and I think they make you more beautiful, not less.” “
Thanks. I think you’re beautiful too.” She cringes. “I mean handsome. You’re very nice to look at, with or without a shirt on. When I fell in your lap on the airplane, I remember thinking, At least I fell on someone nice looking.”
“Is that so?”
“Mm-hmm.”

Kindle Arc Loc

NYT and USA Today Bestselling author, Helena Hunting lives outside of Toronto with her amazing family and her two awesome cats, who think the best place to sleep is her keyboard. Helena writes everything from contemporary romance with all the feels to romantic comedies that will have you laughing until you cry.




Other reviews featuring Helena Hunting
Shacking Up series
Shacking Up #1
I Flipping Love You #3
Handle With Care #5
Pucked series
Pucked #1
Pucked Up #2
Pucked Over #3
read more "A Lie for a Lie by Helena Hunting ~ Review & Teaser (@HelenaHunting)"