Audiobook Review ~ Fallen Foe by L.J. Shen

Fallen Foe by L.J. Shen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was an interesting read to listen to. When I first met Arsène, I thought he was such a twisted character. He appeared to be heartless and wanted to control his Fiancee, as she tried to control aspects of his life as they grew up. They were quite toxic together, and his friends continued to point that out to him. After her death, Arsène appeared a little lost, however Winnifred came back into his life and he did not like how their lives were colliding once again.

Winnie and Arsène worked together on unravelling their partners lives. Each secret held more lies, however it made it easier to move on as they realised they weren't the perfect people they thought they were. It drew Arsène and Winnie closer together, and the chemistry between them got stronger. I could see that Winnie was becoming part of Arsène's world, even though he tried to keep her away.

I thought that Arsène and Winnie were perfect for one another. Winnie was able to calm Arsène's craziness. L.J. Shen's story was portrayed perfectly by Joe Arden and Savannah Peachwood. They drew me into the world and I enjoyed their smooth stroy telling.

Title: Fallen Foe

Author: L.J. Shen

Series: Cruel Castaways #2

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: May 9, 2023

Arsène Corbin does not intend to marry for love. His fiancée has always been a means to an end, a woman he wants to conquer. But when she dies suddenly in an accident, Arsène’s grand plan unravels.

Still reeling from his fiancée’s death, he meets Winnifred Ashcroft, a struggling actress who lands a coveted role in a play at his theater…and knows things about his late fiancée no one else does. The only problem? They can’t stand each other.

Backstage at Arsène’s theater, Winnie begins to let down her guard around the tempestuous billionaire. She appreciates his wit and quirky affection for astronomy. And Arsène, jaded as he is, respects Winnie’s headstrong personality.

Tragedy and betrayal bring them together, but will their painful pasts hold them back—or fuel their desire?

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Review ~ The Rules of Dating My One-Night Stand by Penelope Ward and Vi Keeland

The Rules of Dating My One-Night Stand by Penelope Ward
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I've always liked Owen and I loved that he found a match in Devyn! These two really were perfect for one another, despite them both trying to deny it. They had chemistry right from the beginning, and I was amused by the way they met and how Owen certainly put Devyn in her place when she judged him incorrectly. When they crossed paths again, I knew these two would try to keep things as friends, but it was obvious to the rest of us that things were only getting hotter!

I thoroughly enjoyed this one! Devyn had such a big heart despite her upbringing. I didn't see the twist coming and I was just as conflicted as the characters were. I liked how Owen stood up and showed his feelings to Devyn and was willing to do anything for her.

Considering that I didn't like the previous book as much, I was glad that Ward and Keeland redeemed themselves with this one! I must admit, I am looking forward to Brayden's book and his mystery woman.

Title: The Rules of Dating My One-Night Stand

Author: Penelope Ward and Vi Keeland

Series: The Law of Opposites Attract #3

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: November 12, 2023

Rule number one for having a one-night stand: Don’t fall for the girl.
After a lengthy dating slump, I finally met someone who sparked my interest.
Well, first the sparks flew when we argued. Later in the evening those sparks ignited into something more.
I was drawn to Devyn, in a way I hadn’t felt in a really long time.
Needless to say, I was disappointed when she abruptly left after our amazing night together.
I couldn’t stop thinking about her. But she hadn’t even given me her number.
In a city with eight-million people, I figured I’d never see Devyn again.
So imagine my surprise when I knocked on the door of an apartment in the building I lived in, and none other than my one-night stand stood on the other side.
If I thought Devyn didn’t want anything to do with me before, that was nothing compared to how she felt after finding out I was the landlord and she was about to be evicted…
And that was just the first surprise that would rock my world when it came to the mystery woman in apartment 410.

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Review ~ One and Only by Karla Sorensen

One and Only by Karla Sorensen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was such a sweet read! The opening chapters were quite funny, as Greer fumbled through some "quick dates" trying to land a tempory husband. Beckett was another meeting as a favour to her brother, and he soon understood what was going on and had a proposition of his own. Soon, these two were winning over their families and heading down the aisle.

It was fun to get to know both Greer and Beckett, and seeing what they would do for their families. They were quite selfless people and only wanted the best for those they love. The chemistry wasn't quite there to begin with, but soon it was slowly getting hotter between them. Beckett was quite reserved when it came to showing his feelings, whereas Greer was always more out there than him and wore her heart on her sleeve.

I enjoyed watching these two slowly fall for one another. They had great family and friends around them. The read was so easy to get lost in, with such great characters and a world which I have come to enjoy. I am certainly looking forward to more stories from this world.

Title: One and Only

Author: Karla Sorensen

Series: Wilder Family #1

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: May 16, 2023

You are cordially invited to my fake wedding.

Marrying Beckett Coleman is the best idea I've had in years. I can grant my sick dad’s wish to walk one of his daughters down the aisle, and Beckett has my help solving a custody situation with his daughter. Our plan is to spend a year together, then part ways. Easy, especially since I'm not his type, and he's not mine either.

He’s too quiet and too serious. And while he’s distractingly gorgeous, he’s also my brother’s teammate. Beckett is fake husband material, not the real deal. I just have to remember that.

Until I move in with him. Get to know him. Share a bed with him. Turns out, the line between fake and real isn't just blurry, it's almost impossible to uphold when he looks at me the way he does.

This marriage is a whole lot more complicated than we bargained for. We’re threatening to destroy everything we’ve built, something neither of us can risk.

Marrying Beckett might’ve been the best idea in years. But falling in love with him would be the worst.

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Review ~ Five Ways to Fall by K.A. Tucker

Five Ways to Fall by K.A. Tucker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I liked how this book wasn’t as suspenseful as the previous book, and was actually a lot of fun. I was beginning to wonder what type of girl would capture our fun loving guy Ben and he sure found his match in Reese. She was just as loud and outgoing as him and they sure kept each other on their toes. It was amusing how they initially met, and then crossed paths a few months later. Reese had struggled after her divorce, and was quite bitter when it came to her ex.

The more time these two spent together, the more I could see them change. Reese started to lose the grudge with her ex, and Ben became focused on only one woman. I enjoyed their banter, the extremes Reese went to for revenge, and the joy they experienced when spending time at the grove. It wasn’t all smooth sailing, but it was nice to see these two support one another. Five Ways to Fall was a really enjoyable read.

Title: Five Ways to Fall

Author: K.A. Tucker

Series: Ten Tiny Breaths #4

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: June 24, 2014

Purple-haired, sharp-tongued Reese MacKay knows all about making the wrong choice; she’s made plenty of them in her twenty-odd-years. So when her impulsive, short-lived marriage ends in heartbreak, she decides it’s time for a change. She moves to Miami with the intention of hitting reset on her irresponsible life, and she does quite well…aside from an epically humiliating one-night stand in Cancun with a hot blond bouncer named Ben. Thank God she can get on a plane and leave that mistake behind her.

Football scholarship and frat parties with hot chicks? Part of charmer Ben Morris’s plan. Blown knee that kills any hope of a professional football career? So not part of the plan. Luckily Ben has brains to go with his knockout looks and magnetism. After three long years of balancing law school with his job as a bouncer at Penny’s Palace, he’s ready to lead a more mature life—until his first day of work, when he finds himself in the office of that crazy, hot chick he met in Cancun. The one he hasn’t stopped thinking about.

If Ben truly were a smart guy, he’d stay clear of Reese. She’s the boss’s stepdaughter and it’s been made very clear that office romances are grounds for dismissal. Plus, rumor has it she’s trouble. The only problem is, he likes trouble, especially when it’s so good-looking…

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Review ~ Four Seconds to Lose by K.A. Tucker

Four Seconds to Lose by K.A. Tucker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Charlie was a strong character, but she was in a difficult situation that she was trying to get herself out of, and it was interesting to see the extremes that she would go to to accomplish that. Cain had some issues from his past that made it hard for him to fall for someone. Over time he faced those issues and slowly let Charlie under his skin.

When these two were together, they just seemed to fit, despite the age difference. Cain became very protective of Charlie and tried to get her to open up to him. The suspense element really hooked me and at moments even I was a bit panicky with the situations that Charlie was stepping into. I loved how hard Cain fell for her and the lengths that he would go to for Charlie. I just wished she was able to open up more to let him in.

It’s been a long time since I have read the first two books in the Ten Tiny Breaths series, and I've forgotten how much I enjoy this world and K.A.Tuckers writing. This read had me hooked right from the start and I devoured it quickly. I am looking forward to contining the series!

Title: Four Seconds to Lose

Author: K.A. Tucker

Series: Ten Tiny Breaths #3

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: November 4, 2013

When a gorgeous young dancer walks through his door, a strip club owner must decide whether to follow his rules or his heart in the third novel by the author of One Tiny Lie and Ten Tiny Breaths.

Owning a strip club isn’t the fantasy most guys expect it to be. With long hours, a staff with enough issues to keep a psych ward in business, and the police regularly on his case, twenty-nine-year-old Cain is starting to second guess his unspoken mission to save the women he employs. And then blond, brown-eyed Charlie Rourke walks through his door, and things get really complicated. Cain abides by a strict “no sleeping with the staff” rule. But being around Charlie challenges Cain’s self-control... and it’s been a long time since any woman has done that.

Twenty-two-year-old Charlie Rourke needs a lot of money, really fast, in order to vanish before it’s too late. Taking her clothes off for men makes her stomach curl but Charlie tells herself that at least she’s putting her acting and dancing skills to good use. And though her fellow dancers seem eager to nab their sexy, sophisticated, and genuinely caring boss, she’s not interested. After all, Charlie Rourke doesn’t really exist—and the girl pretending to be her can't get distracted by romance.

Unfortunately, Charlie soon discovers that developing feelings for Cain is inevitable, and that those feelings may not be unrequited—but losing him when he finds out what she’s involved with will be more painful than any other sentence awaiting her.

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Review ~ The Rules of Dating My Best Friend's Sister by Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward

The Rules of Dating My Best Friend's Sister by Vi Keeland
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Lala and Holden had a long connection and had never acted on their feelings, however there was a line as Lala was engaged. This line was getting blurred at times, and I would’ve thought they had better control. Holden was worried that he was the one being used but I would’ve thought with the change in circumstances, these two should’ve taken time before diving in. That way neither would be second guessing the other.

Usually I love any read by this duo, but this read felt a little flat for me. It was hard to get into the story as parts of the story were glossed over instead of getting to experience what happened. In the end, I skimmed through alot of the second half of the book. I didn’t connect with the characters despite how much I love this world. I enjoyed seeing all the characters and hope I enjoy the next book.

Title: The Rules of Dating My Best Friend's Sister

Author: Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward

Series: The Law of Opposites Attract #2

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: April 2, 2023

From New York Times bestselling authors Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward comes a new standalone romance.

Rule number one for dating your best friend’s sister: Don’t.
Just don’t do it.
Especially when your best friend is dead and the last thing he made you promise him was that you’d keep an eye on his little sister, but not too good of an eye.
As a musician whose longest committed relationship was six weeks, I, Holden Catalano, was the last guy on Earth who should’ve been messing around with Laney Ellison.
The super smart girl whom I affectionately dubbed Lala since childhood was always off limits.
Though that didn’t stop me from thinking about her over the years, especially those times when the two of us would sneak out onto the roof and talk for hours after my buddy fell asleep. It was innocent, but I’d always held a torch for her.
After Ryan passed away, I vowed to always protect Lala. That included protecting her—from me.
Now all grown up and a scientist, Lala needed a place to stay when she accepted a temporary research position in New York. I thought I did the right thing by offering her an apartment in the building I co-owned with my three friends.
Except having her close by reignited all of those old feelings.
And things started to get complicated.
Especially since she was engaged.
And especially since, lately, I’d noticed something more in her eyes. Desire.
Lala didn’t exactly look at me like the platonic brother figure I was trying so desperately to be, even though I wanted her more than I’d ever wanted anything.
Yet, I was being good—on my very best behavior.
But you know what they say…all good things must come to an end, right?

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Review ~ Forbidden Hearts by Corinne Michaels

Forbidden Hearts by Corinne Michaels
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This forbidden love story was really sweet. I enjoyed the slow burn between Phoebe and Asher. They didn’t like each other to begin with but you could see the chemistry growing between them. Phoebe’s story broke my heart a little, but she was a determined and strong woman who was working to make her life hers again. Asher seemed really grumpy, but was a caring man who did everything for his family.

The more I got to know Asher, the more I loved him. He had a kind heart and his daughter was his priority. I liked how Phoebe took over his thoughts and changed the direction of his future. The twist, I didn’t see it playing out like that, and for Asher to react like he did was foolish but courageous as he defended those he loved. The ending seemed a little rushed as things fell into place, but overall it was a sweet read.

Title: Forbidden Hearts

Author: Corinne Michaels

Series: Whitlock Family #1

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: June 5, 2023

First rule of being a nanny? Don’t fall for the single dad, even if he is smoking hot.

But that’s exactly what happens when grumpy small-town sheriff Asher Whitlock reluctantly hires me to take care of his daughter for the summer. Neither of us is thrilled with the arrangement, but he’s desperate for help, and I need the money for grad school this fall.

All we need to do is keep our distance and remain professional . . . turns out, that’s easier said than done.

Instead of focusing on my future, all I see is the strong jawline, crystal-blue eyes, and rock hard body right in front of me. We try to resist each other, but we end up crossing every line until I’m in his bed.

I tell myself it’s just this once.
Okay, twice.
All right, every night.

But it’s got to end–he’s fourteen years older than me, with a kid and a stressful job. Have I mentioned my dad is his boss? Then there’s the past I’m trying to forget. Secrets aren’t easy to keep and mine are getting too big to hide.

Walking away is never simple but when I do, I can’t look back.

Even if it means leaving behind the man I was never meant to love.

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Review ~ The Summer We Fell by Elizabeth O'Roark

The Summer We Fell by Elizabeth O'Roark
My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

This read sure packed a punch. It wasn’t easy for Jules to find her place with a family who suppressed the person she was, but she wasn’t strong enough to break free. Living under the roof of the paster, his wife and her boyfriend sure had its challenges, and she was more like the help instead of part of the family. The hardest part was when Danny brought home his best friend who could see past her walls.

I enjoyed alternating between the past and the present, getting to know both Jules and Luke. I could see that they were inevitable, and it would blow up massively. I liked that they were stronger people in the future, and still had feelings for one another. I loved the change in Donna too, after everything that she lost, but she still had so much love for them both. This book built slowly, and it touched my soul.

Title: The Summer We Fell

Author: Elizabeth O'Roark

Series: The Summer #1

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: April 6, 2023

He was my boyfriend’s best friend—and the bane of my existence. I wanted to hate Luke Taylor. I did hate him. I just never hated him enough.

Now, a decade later, tragedy has brought us back to the place where it all happened—my best times, and my worst.

Our lives have changed, but that pull between us is just as strong as ever.

Only this time, it’s more dangerous too.

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Review ~ The Choice by Ashley Jade

The Choice by Ashley Jade
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

When is the next book coming? I was literally hooked to this read from start to finish! This book had the POV's of both Skylar and Memphis, but Memphis' brother Josh was a focal character as well. All three characters had troubled pasts and it was interesting to see who was drawn together and why.

Skylar struggled for such a long time and over time began to get confidence once again. I didn't like the way Josh treated her. Memphis admired Skylar from afar and kept his distance as much as he could. It appeared to Skylar that he didn't like her as he buired his feelings and emotions deep.

I enjoyed getting to know both of them, and how hard Memphis worked to achieve his dreams. Their connection grew the more time they spent together, and they began to open up and trust one another, which was difficult for them both. However, that ending was a cliffhanger... and I can't wait to see what happens next.

Title: The Choice

Author: Ashley Jade

Series: Star-Crossed Lovers Duet #1

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: January 19, 2023

The world thought I belonged to another man...
they were wrong.

He was the mysterious dark knight always swooping in to save me when I needed it most.
I was the troubled girl with scars and a bleeding heart.

He was the gifted guitarist destined for big things.
I was the small-town girl battling her demons.

He was my earth....always keeping me grounded.
And I was his sky...always just out of his reach.

Our love was everything I wished for.
Until I destroyed it.

I never thought I'd see Memphis Payne again after I broke his heart, but the stars had other plans.
Because here he is...needing me to clean up his mess this time.

Only problem is...
Doing so will break both our hearts.

They say only the strongest love can survive an apocalypse.
That if two people are meant to be, they'll find their way back to each other.

I hope they're right.


Please note: This duet is an angsty, spicy, dark romance with flawed characters and contains material that may elicit a strong emotional response for sensitive readers.

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Review ~ Keep This Promise by Corinne Michaels

Keep This Promise by Corinne Michaels
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Keep This Promise began a little odd, and it seemed all very convenient how Theo was able to put a plan into place that would put Sophie and Eden back with Holden. However, I liked seeing their relationships grow throughout the story. I enjoyed meeting other couples from the first two books, and seeing how close they were due to the things that they had been through.

There was quite a suspense element, which filtered through from the previous books. I wasn’t sure where the bad people were coming from - Sophie’s old world, or Holdens world - that had been quite intense.

Keep This Promise was a hard read for me to fully get into as it was the last book in a connected series and the series had a story arc that it was coming to the end of. I think this read would’ve been better if I read them all, but this was ok.

Title: Keep This Promise

Author: Corinne Michaels

Series: Rose Canyon #3

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Published: January 23, 2023

I am about to lose everything.

My home. My name. My future.

My husband was involved in something that could cost us our lives, and on his deathbed, he demands my daughter and I flee Britain. I had no idea he found her biological father, Holden James, in Rose Canyon, and that’s where we’d start over.

The moment we see each other, feelings I’d long forgotten rush over me. Holden doesn’t hesitate to care for us. We find ourselves reaching for each other, even when we should hold back. His smile warms me, his arms protect me, and against my better judgment, I fall for him. All the possibilities of a future are threatened by a looming past.

I’m being hunted, and it’s just a matter of time before someone finds me guilty of crimes I didn’t commit. Whatever trouble my husband was involved in won’t evade me forever.

I am trying to keep my promise and stay for Holden, but I don’t know how long it’ll be before we have to run.

My name was Sophie Pearson, but I vanished, just like my hope to ever find love again.

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Review ~ Beautiful Broken Mess by Kimberly Lauren

Beautiful Broken Mess by Kimberly Lauren
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I was looking forward to Jace and Audrey's story and after re-reading the first book, Beautiful Broken Rules as an audible read. Once I finished it I jumped straight into Beautiful Broken Mess, for Jace and Audrey's story.

Audrey was a bit of an odd character in the previous book, seeming to get herself into situations and being a bit bitchy. Seeing her in this book I saw another side to her. Jace I always liked, but I saw more to him in this read too. He was an ass to Audrey at times and it made it hard for both of them. I wasn't sure I liked these characters for a while, but they soon grew into better people.

The story was good, but for me, I didn't enjoy the narration by Eva Kantor as much as I would like. I think she was a little too high pitched and made it hard for me to enjoy the read.

Title: Beautiful Broken Mess

Author: Kimberly Lauren

Series: Broken #2

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: January 1, 2012

Jace Riley and Audrey Mills had a tender and irresistibly passionate romance…until Audrey shattered his heart. Years later, she still can’t stop thinking about him. They shared kisses that she’ll never forget, and one brief, explosive encounter that she wishes she could. But no boy could rescue Audrey from her nightmarish home life, so she rescued herself, got through college and got into graduate school…only to find herself at the same school as Jace and his identical twin brother, Jaxon, who has his own complicated history with her.

It takes only one glimpse of Audrey’s long legs and brown eyes for Jace to ache for her once more. Yet he’s determined not to fall for her again. She ripped apart his heart and betrayed his brother…or so he thought. But what if Jace made a terrible mistake about Audrey? And what if he has one last chance to fix it?

New Adult/Adult Contemporary Romance - recommended for ages 18 and up.

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