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Author: Eliza Raine Series: The Shadow Bound Queen Series book #1 Category: Fantasy Romance Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Spice: 🌶️ Goodreads Blurb "'You are the Prince of the Shadow Court,' I whispered. 'Why in the name of Odin would you marry a gold-giver? A human?'" - Reyna Court of Ravens and Ruin was a thrilling first book in The Shadow Bound Queen series and in all transparency, I started the next book right after I finished the first and wrote this review. God knows I adore an animal sidekick, and Voror delivers in spades. He is simply the properly wise owl I didn’t know my books were missing, so helpful but oh so condescendingly blunt. "'I am of superior intellect.' 'You're an owl.' 'A superiorly intellectual owl.'" Max held his secrets close to his chest, and while he demanded to know all Reyna's secrets he refused to reveal his own. While a good guy at heart, he had been forced to do numerous bad things in pursuit of a better life for the Shadow Kingdom, including kidnapping the woman he loved and threatening to kill the family she had ever known. It clearly pained him to play the villain but with the stakes so high, time and time again he had no choice. "Countless humans and enemy fae had died at his hand. He had kidnapped me. Threatened to cut Kara's throat. In what world did he not play the villain?" - Reyna Reyna was resourceful, but combative, an interesting combination since her survival depended on keeping a low profile and not standing out. She had been a victim her whole life and was scrappy enough to get out of tough situations, though not always unscathed. Her loyalty had no bounds, but she struggled to trust anyone else outside of her circle. "Tenacity, a smart mouth, and a talent for provoking people into making mistakes, were where I was comfortable. Wearing ballgowns was a far cry from anything I was equipped to deal with." - Reyna This world is unique with a twist of Nordic mythology blended with magic. I loved learning about the different courts and the magic that their citizens possessed. There is clearly a whole lot more going on than what is currently revealed to readers, with so many different power players moving to consolidate their reign I am positive things are going to get more dangerous for Max and Reyna before the series ends. I highly recommend this series to fantasy lovers who like a morally grey hero and a female lead who finds out just how strong she is when she has no choice but to stand up to powerful enemies. Tropes and Themes: Fantasy, Fae Romance, Enemies to Lovers, Magic, Fake Dating, Forced Marriage. Blurb A defiant human woman. A dark fae Prince. Two enemies bound to a marriage that could destroy their world. Reyna was born a valuable slave to the Gold Court, imprisoned her whole life in a glittering palace by sadistic, greedy fae. When the palace is raided, she takes her opportunity to escape. But the raid is led by her worst nightmare. The Prince of the most feared fae of all; the Shadow Court. And he wants one thing. Her. The copper-haired, rune-marked human. Reyna doesn’t know why the Prince has kidnapped her. But when he announces her as his betrothed, she knows that she must escape before she is eternally bound to the monster behind the mask. Only, when he takes the mask off, he isn’t what she expects. He’s lethal, beautiful and exudes sin. And he needs her. Drawn into a deadly world shrouded in secrets, and desperate to keep her own hidden, Reyna must find a way out. If she doesn’t, she risks more than just death. She risks giving everything to her intoxicating captor.

Author: Eva Ashwood Series: Filthy Wicked Psychos Series book #1 Category: Dark Romance Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ Goodreads Blurb "Three brothers. Three monsters. Three men who wouldn't hesitate to kill me if they had to, to protect each other." First off, I need to get something off my chest, loud and clear. I don’t need to see the moody, bad-ass, emotionally unavailable guy fucking a faceless woman carelessly at the beginning of a book to know he is a womanizer. Seriously, I'm begging you, authors, just mention the guy goes through women like water and I’ve got the picture. Aside from my pet peeve smacking me in the face 15 pages into the book, this dark romance was textbook, with the added benefit of a why why-choose romance of dangerously sinful men. Willow finds herself at the wrong place at the wrong time, constantly fighting to get somewhere in life but struggling under the weight of the bad decisions of other people. She is generally naive in that she wants to believe the best in people, but she is too innocent to really stand up for herself against those who take advantage of her. "Maybe...maybe I'm as twisted and fucked up as I always wanted to avoid being. Maybe I'm not normal, not a person who's attracted to normal guys. Instead, I crave monsters." - Willow And it's because of her innocence and wholesomeness that Malice, Victor, and Ransom are drawn to her, despite venomously not wanting to be. Each of them carries so many scars and dark secrets, that they gravitate to her light. "We might not be the most powerful players in Detroit, but that doesn't matter. There's no one more brutal than me and my brothers." - Malice Malice was the most brutal, with anger at the world barely contained. He lashed out constantly but also felt everything the most deeply. Victor was particular, a lovingly gentle stalker who was closed off because of his childhood but expressed himself in different ways. Ransom was considered the easygoing brother and he thankfully treated Willow the best as the three danced around a relationship of sorts. While none of them are good men, I loved how each tried to look out for Willow in their own way, giving her what they could. Their initial meeting, and subsequent ones for a good chunk of the book, are not friendly but soon the brothers' motives change and they go from stalking and harassing Willow to protecting her. There was definite spice with this book, and with multiple men to please things got creative at times. I'm interested to see how they figure out the relationship between the three of them, considering this first book doesn't really address Willow officially choosing one of the brothers though jealousy is certainly there. Malice: Puts a gun to Willow's head forcing her to move into their house Five minutes later... Malice: Jealous that Willow chooses to sleep in his brother's bed This dark romance has plenty of shady characters, some of whom haven't been identified yet. There is a lot going on in the plot and I have a feeling nothing is as it seems. Twisted Game kept me on my toes and ended in a huge cliffhanger, so it’s no surprise I’ll be reading book two after publishing this review. Tropes and Themes: Dark Romance, Reverse Harem, Why Choose, Mafia, Enemies to Lovers, Stalker, Crime, Slow Burn, Cliffhanger. Blurb I was the girl no one looked at twice. Until they saw me. My whole life, no one has had my back. My parents are dead, my adoptive mother is a drug addict, and the mean girls on campus mock me for my scars. So when I end up desperate for money and out of options, I agree to sell the one thing I have left: my innocence. On the night I’m meant to give my body to a brutal Russian mobster, three men storm into the room like dark shadows and kill him before he can claim me. When they drag me from the blood-soaked bed, I’m certain they’re going to kill me too. They don’t… but they don’t forget about me, either. These three dangerous brothers will do anything to make sure I keep my mouth shut about what I saw, even if it means stalking my every movement. I’m a loose thread to them—but somehow, I’m becoming more than that too. I’m becoming an obsession. A temptation. A craving. And no matter how much I try to deny the terrifying attraction that pulses between us, I know if I don’t find a way out of this tangled web soon… Their darkness will swallow me up.

Author: Suzanne Wright Series: Stand Alone Category: Contemporary Romance Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ Goodreads Blurb "Afterall, it wasn't every day that you legally bound yourself to an ex-lover as part of a fallback marriage pact." - Addison I love a good marriage of convenience trope book to read and review and The Pact was no exception! While Suzanne Wright may be better known for her paranormal romance series, she can do contemporary very well. Addison is a successful business owner with a great set of family and friends. She has a heart of gold and wants a family of her own but none of her relationships have worked out so far. I loved how pragmatic she was without being cold or closed off, she was my kind of rational. Addison was the type of friend anyone would love to have, but also the type of wife who would never give up on her husband, regardless of whether love was in the picture. "'Look, we might not have gotten married for conventional reasons, but you're still my husband. You have my loyalty. All the way. I will always stand by you, not matter what. Get used to it.'" - Addison Dax was as stoic as they come, self-assured and independent. He didn't see the need to let anyone in because he was so self-sufficient. He reminded me of Aiden from "The Wall of Winnipeg" in the way he practically had zero emotional intelligence, or just failed to see the benefit of social niceties. However, he just didn't count on Addison's loyalty digging under his skin, becoming something he could rely on even when he thought he didn't deserve it. "Businessman. Criminal. Protector. Avenger. Dax Mercier. Also known as my husband." Former lovers years ago, Addison and Dax pick right back up in their bedroom activities once they marry, and as always for this author, the spice was spectacular. There was definitely a storyline and plot, but also plenty of sexy time and explosive chemistry. It wasn't sex that moved their relationship from platonic to love, but how the characters started to spend more time with each other by choice and truly lean on one another with their feelings. "'I am going to explore, use, and defile you. Every inch, Addison. Every fucking inch of you will ache for what I can give you. By the time I'm done here, your body is going to know exactly who it belongs to.'" - Dax If I could find fault in this book, it was how long the beginning dragged on while Addison mulled over honoring their pact to get married. I was impatient to get to the actual arrangement, and because this book is set in the same world as some of Suzanne Wright's other contemporary romance books, there were a lot of secondary character name drops who started to blur together. Still, I loved this book and can see it on my list of rereads when I'm struggling to find something new. Dax's blend of ruthless possessiveness and Addison's deep loyalty were everything I needed to feel invested in their relationship, not to mention hilarious conversations about their slightly psychotic killer cat. "'There's no proof that Gypsy beheaded it, okay. Let's not make assumptions. She could have found it this way." - Addison Highly recommend adding this to your TBR pile, in fact, move it to the top! Tropes and Themes: Marriage of Convenience, Second Chance Romance, Billionaire, Crime, Mafia, Grump x Sunshine. Trigger: There are several mentions of miscarriage in the book. I wouldn't call them detailed, but it is referenced and spoken about in past tense. Blurb She should say no. Addison Davenport figures that most people likely would. But after having her life plans repeatedly derailed, she’s come to wonder if her chance at marriage and kids ended with the death of her college boyfriend. So when business powerhouse Daxton “Dax” Mercier—a man who’s suffered a similar loss, a man who’s her first in every way—asks her to honor the fallback marriage pact they made years ago, she doesn’t reject it out of hand. Their partnership would be no more than a business transaction, but what’s the point in holding out for love when it had granted her no guarantees in the past? Maybe they could make a marriage work. Maybe. One thing is for certain: with the wounds of loss heavy on their souls and the fact that he’s given up on finding the big L again, friendship would be all they’d have. Love would never enter their picture. Ever. Not even for a moment. Right?

Author: Claire Kingsley Series: Haven Brothers Series book #1 Category: Romantic Suspense Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ Spice: 🌶️🌶️ Goodreads Blurb Obsession Falls had all the makings to be a cute, thrilling, and suspenseful romance story but somewhere along the line, it fell flat for me. The Good Audrey was a spunky ball of delight and although she was down on her luck and a tad resentful for needing to move back to her hometown for a job she wasn't initially thrilled about, she made the best of it. Tilikum was the definition of a quirky town and I want to visit. What other place would band together to create a squirrel protection squad when a couple of squirrels are murdered? The Okay Josiah was a stereotypical grumpy man, but he didn't have much of a personality outside of 'I'm alone but not lonely.' I do love the part in sunshine x grumpy books when the man fights with himself about stepping out of their comfort zone and this book was no different. His relationship with Audrey felt more like a friends-to-lovers vibe, despite the fact they hadn't known each other previously. There wasn't a whole lot of chemistry between the two aside from butterflies and an urge to protect. Their romance was on the sweeter side of things and I prefer more heat. The Ugly I typically jot down notes while I'm reading a book, so I have something to build off of when I start to write the review. For romantic suspense stories, I always try and guess the villain but I hate to be right. Audrey's stalker was obvious pretty early in the book and their motive felt like a sly last-minute revelation that was consistent with the plot, but still out of left field. In the End Obsession Falls was not my favorite romantic suspense book, but it wasn't horrible either. It was a very sweet story, and even with a murderous stalker the stakes never seemed too high. Still, I'd say it was a decent start to the Haven Brothers series and I will probably pick up the second book when it comes out next year. Tropes and Themes: Small Town, Romantic Suspense, Mystery, Forced Proximity, Stalker, Friends to Lovers. Blurb He’ll risk it all to protect her. Someone is stalking Audrey Young. And she has no idea why. It’s bad enough that she’s back in Tilikum. But Audrey’s good at making the best of things and her new job at the small-town newspaper is just a way to get back on her feet. Complicating matters is her landlord and new neighbor, Josiah Haven. She doesn’t usually go for the big, surly lumberjack type. But there’s something about that broody man. He intimidates her a little, but she kind of likes it. She could totally handle the mess that is her life, except the strange feeling of being watched is just the beginning. Next thing Audrey knows, she’s a target, and she doesn’t know who’s behind it, or why. For Josiah Haven, none of that makes her his problem. She’s just the girl next door. Fine, the frustratingly hot girl next door. But Audrey is all sunshine and her goofy dog isn’t any better. Josiah is too stoic. Too solitary. Too guarded. He doesn’t need a woman in his life, especially one who threatens to crack his heart wide open. But Josiah is a protector and he can’t let Audrey’s troubles go unanswered, even if he has to risk everything—his life and his heart—to keep her safe.

Author: Janie Grey Series: Billionaire Boss Series book #1 Category: Contemporary Romance Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ Goodreads Blurb "'Ready for this?' Grant smiled down at me. 'It may not be what you're expecting.' 'That sounds like the story of our relationship,' I quipped." This ultimate grumpy x sunshine, work romance book was as predictable as comfort food, but was the story I needed to cure me of my reading slump. A Personal Assistant who can wrangle in and stand up to their megalomaniac boss is a book I'll read and review any time. Mel's positive, can-do energy was infectious. I wish she worked in the same office as me, she was a load of fun. The grumpy boss bingo cards and stab doll were hilarious, perfectly innocent stress relief to deal with a manic boss but probably not a great impression when she met him in person for the very first time. Mel was strong and willing to rise to any challenge that came her way. "And because he wanted it, I'd make it happen. Such was my role in life." - Mel Grant had a giant stick up his ass, knee-deep in childhood trauma that he used as a shield to push people away and avoid emotional attachment. He was reserved, and ultimately needed someone like Mel to push back on him when he tried to push her away. He was in over his head at how easily she introduced spontaneity and fun into his life. "There was no such thing as being in love forever. Love was a temporary insanity, and I had no intention of ever falling into its trap." - Grant The characters had technically known each other for months, but virtually. Their feelings trended towards insta-love because once they finally met in person, both fell for the other in the span of a week or two. The book had spice, but not many scenes. "He said my name in a silky voice, and butterflies erupted inside me. - the fuck? Was I attracted to my Bosshole Boss? Or did I just enjoy this complicated game of the-fuck-knows-what?" - Mel Grant has a couple of other billionaire friends who will star in the following books. I really enjoyed the New Zealand setting and look forward to continuing the series. Tropes and Themes: Workplace Romance, Billionaire, Grumpy x Sunshine. Blurb My boss works on the other side of the world, and that works just fine for me. When he barks out his instructions, I sit through the video call and nod, with the occasional smile to acknowledge how happy I am to be his dedicated New Zealand personal assistant. He only sees my face on-screen, though. He doesn’t see the way I’m stabbing my pen into the little paper doll I made of him – or see the Days-Since-Grant-Price-Smiled chart (currently running at thirty-eight). When he does let his smile escape, it’s a game changer. He’s ridiculously handsome if you like dark blue eyes and a chiselled jaw, all wrapped up in a city suit. He’s only been to the Wellington office once in the last three years, and his schedule is so busy, there’s no chance of him coming anytime soon. And I’d know if he was planning an overseas trip, because I’d be the one booking his flights and hotel. Right? I was only out for two days of sick leave. So, when I return, what the hell is he doing sitting in my office, leaning back in my chair, and twirling the Grant Price Bosshole Doll around his fingers? I’m the longest-serving PA he’s had. I’ve managed to stick it out for nine months so far, but now I think my days are numbered. What is he going to do to make me pay for this?

Author: Leigh Kelsey Series: Killers and Kings Series book #1 Category: Dark Romance Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ Goodreads Blurb The author's message to readers before the first chapter: "P.S. if you don't want to snort your drink of choice, don't read the footnotes. If you're here for crazy nonsense, go right ahead." I'm happy to confirm that the footnotes are a movement all their own, so don't forget to read them along with the story after you finish this book review! And what a story it was. The first of three books in the Killers and Kings series, Crazed Candy introduced Aveline as well as a nightmarish circle of demons who were a little rough around the edges and also wanted her dead. "Well, they might have been the kings of the village but they weren't the kings of Aveline Lachesi" - Av Aveline was attempting to take a break from her gruesomely crazy job as a demon hunter in a small town. With a past as traumatic as the torture she endured to become as successful as she is today, I'd say she had earned a vacation. However, nothing went to plan and now she is on the radar of four merciless demons and they may think they have the upper hand, but they don't comprehend exactly who they have targeted. "What screamed self-care more than adorable food and reliving your life-defining trauma?" - Av A reaper, an incubus, a wraith, and the devil's son - what a mix for a why-choose-dark romance. Though they all officially met as they tried to kill each other, Joseph came around very quickly to understand his feelings. Deadly in his own right, he was the teddy bear of the group and had a softer touch to accept Av for who she was deep down. He didn't let her ignore things and seemed to know exactly what she needed, a steady presence to always fall back on. "'You can do whatever you want to me, my sweet. You can't kill me, can't even hurt me permanently. But make me your canvas if you'd like to paint with blood.'" - Joseph X was perfectly addicted to Av and probably the most insane of all of them. He was unhinged in the best sort of way, with a golden retriever energy that wanted to tear people to bits and bathe in their blood. He had more insecurities than the rest of the circle which was something that Av could connect with. "'I'll be your friend, Av. We can play together - wouldn't that be fun? We can cut up people and go for hotdogs afterward.'" - X Arkan was stoic and a little boring out of the bigger personalities in the room. I didn't think he had an idea of how to deal with his attraction to Av or her presence. He was definitely the most focused, but he came off cold. Our token jerk of the why-choose romance, Taj, hated that he wanted Av and refused to admit it. The sulking was tiring, and though he had a valid reason for disliking her, Taj was all talk in the end. This book was insta-love/lust but that's to be expected with destined mate tropes. Most of the demons fell quickly, with only one hold out which is a trope in and of itself. The spice was varied and frequent, demon anatomy provided an almost unlimited variety of sex scenes. I liked Aveline's slow understanding of her feelings towards her demons and the evolution of her self-awareness. The girl had been created to be a monster by another monster and even if she was free of him, she'd never be free from what he molded her into. The first book ended on a cliffhanger, and there is plenty more to come for Aveline and her circle of demons coming up in books two and three. Tropes and Themes: Demons, Why-Choose, Reverse Harem, Serial Killer, Touch Her and Die, Hell, Fated Mates, Dark Romance, Cliffhanger. Blurb Here’s a tip: don’t mess with the demon girl who kills people for a living. The four self-proclaimed kings of Orchid Vale apparently never got that memo, and now my self care retreat is about to become a bloodbath. This quaint village was supposed to be a break from my hectic life of death, gore, and high stakes ‘jobs’—that’s code for supernatural murder—but I don’t get a chance to enjoy even a fairground ride without the kings of Orchid Vale getting in my way. Arkan, the ice cold wraith wants to break me. Joseph, the reaper gangster with a heart of gold wants to save me. X, the incubus maniac wants us to be a killer duo. But Taj, the prince of hell and the worst of them all, wants me dead. Apparently I killed his uncle. Oops. The kings warn I’ll be lucky to leave Orchid Vale alive, even if their instincts say I’m their fated mate. But they’re the ones who need to watch out. One false move, and they'll find themselves choking to death. They don’t call me the Candyfloss Killer for nothing.

Author: Catherine Cowles Series: Lost & Found Series book #4 Category: Romantic Suspense Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Spice: 🌶️🌶️ Goodreads Blurb "'He's grumpy like a grizzly bear after hibersnation. Mama and I think he needs a snack.'" - Cady I've been waiting for Aspen's story this whole series, and she and Roan were everything I imagined their romance to be! All signs pointed to Aspen being on the run from something but Roan was the perfect stoic protector to keep her and her 5-year-old daughter Cady safe from harm. Capable and dependable, Roan had secrets of his own but Aspen was patient with him and only pushed him just past his comfort zone so he could grow but never felt like he wasn't enough for her. Despite his rough exterior, Roan cared so much about his family and friends that he tried to block everyone out. He may not have pretty words, but Roan proves his feelings in actions over and over again. "'I see you, Roan. The way you are with Cady. With the animals. With me. And I have a feeling the incredible things I've witnessed are just the tip of the iceberg.'" - Aspen Aspen was tireless in her endeavor to be the best mom that she could be for Cady. She was devoted and showered the little girl with all the love that she had, hoping to make up for the missing pieces in their lives. "For her. That was why I was doing all of this. Because she deserved everything good in the world. And I was going to make sure she got it." - Aspen I loved their relationship and how seamlessly Roan blended into their little family. He found himself determined to watch over them both, and what better way to do that than to move into their house and their hearts? "I was in love with Aspen Barlow. Her daughter, too. And if anything happened to either of them, I'd never survive." - Roan This was such a sweet story, with little drama between the couple once they moved from acquaintances to more. They each brought something to the relationship that the other was missing: Roan, protection, and Aspen, gentle love. Compared to the other books in this series, this was by far my favorite and an easy book review to write for 5 stars. I loved the couple, individually and together, and the suspense storyline felt more realistic and dangerous. Catherine Cowles is one of my go-to authors for a reason! Tropes and Themes: Single Mom, Grumpy x Sunshine, Small Town, Romantic Suspense, Mystery, Forced Proximity, Slow Burn, Found Family, Damaged Hero. Blurb It was supposed to be a fresh start. A small town where I could hide my little girl from the shadows that haunt us. A place where I could keep us safe. The last thing I expected was him. A surly, broody mountain of a man who helps me save an injured deer in a snowstorm. Now, Roan Hartley keeps showing up with his glowers and grimaces. But they only make his rare smiles and the gentle way he talks to my daughter mean that much more. When forces from my past find us, Roan is determined to keep us safe—even if that means sleeping on my ancient couch every night. As days turn to weeks, his touch has my walls crashing down. But someone out there doesn’t want me to find happiness. He doesn’t want me left breathing at all…

Author: Karla Sorensen Series: The Best Men Series book #1 Category: Contemporary Romance Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ Spice: 🌶️🌶️ Goodreads Blurb "He didn't want this house? Too friggin' bad. It was his. He didn't want the hassle of handling the renovation? I was not going to be his verbal punching bag." - Charlotte It wasn't the typical miscommunication trope that drove a wedge between the two main characters, it was just a flat-out refusal to say anything at all. I lost count of how many times the narration said something along the lines of 'I should have said.....but I didn't" in either of their POVs. Burke was in over his head, his whole life up until his forced retirement had been a series of laid-out goals for him to achieve to get to the next step. Now, with so much uncertainty and dealing with the unexpected loss of his best friend, he is adrift and angry. I thought the character was less grumpy and more rude than anything else. Especially to the girl he thought was pretty. "Charlotte Cunningham, it seemed, was very skilled at igniting my temper. Probably because I found her attractive. Like Murphy's Law." - Burke Charlotte was clever and sarcastic, with the ability to get underneath Burke's skin when he needed to loosen up a bit. She was determined to see her vision of the old manor restored and had a sense of purpose. The forced proximity and awkward roommate antics were delightful, truly Burke and Charlotte don't get along very well. They're plan was seemingly to antagonize each other to the death or until they finally crossed those platonic lines. But while the PowerPoint presentation was hilariously cute, I struggled to find the chemistry between them. "'You're my partner in this,' he said. 'So no matter how much we bicker, or how much we disagree, I will always have your back.'" - Burke Indecision by the two main characters drew on too long and the book could have been condensed if we didn't spin inside each of their minds so much. In all, there are few plot points that actually happen in the story. This book mostly failed as a romance book for me, but I thought it had some real depth outside of Burke and Charlotte's relationship in how grief is processed. Burke was drowning under expectations his friend Chris left him with, the lack of answers, and the vulnerability of his feelings were well portrayed and the biggest takeaway from the story. Perhaps my book review should have focused on this aspect, instead of the failed romance. "Grief had a funny way of coming out when we least expected it. That was the look in his eye that I recognized. There was always a tipping point." - Charlotte Tropes and Themes: Grumpy x Sunshine, Forced Proximity, Small Town Romance, Slow Burn, Enemies to Lovers, Sports Romance. Blurb Former Dallas football player Burke Barrett is weathering a lot of changes. He’s retired from football. He’s mourning the loss of his best friend. And now he’s been bequeathed a dilapidated house in northern Michigan he doesn’t want. To his surprise it comes with a long-legged, blindly optimistic renovation manager with big ideas for Burke’s inheritance. She’s passionate, irritating, and irresistible. Restoration expert Charlotte Cunningham is used to rough exteriors. This surly client, with his stubbled jaw, towering physique, and inflexible attitude, is worth smoothing over. The attraction sizzles, and a proposal is in order: a romantic tryst to relieve the tension. No strings attached. A safe bet for both of them since Burke is prepared to renovate, sell, and move on. A pet project with an end date. Does that go for love too? Burke must decide what he really wants and what he’s willing to risk. He should know by now that the best-laid plans can change in a heartbeat.

Author: Lauren Blakely Series: My Hockey Romance Series book #1 Category: Sports Romance Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ Goodreads Blurb "Because revenge is the best way to get over an ex. Even though I have to sit through a hockey game to get there." - Trina 5-alarm fire spicey hallmark movie, just with two leading men instead of one. This book had all the gooey feels I love in a romance with enough adventurous sex scenes to make you blush. Ryker was our closet nerd hockey play, straightforward but very guarded. He came off as the most damaged from a previous broken heart but when he fell for Trina, he fell hard. "Relationships suck. Romance is a lie. The human race is doomed. Case closed." - Ryker Our token golden retriever energy MC Chase was completely loveable with an easy smile. I appreciated that he liked sex but man-whore wasn't his whole personality like most sports romances tend to do with a sports star. I admit that despite their very different personalities, I did find myself confused at times between the two male characters. Everyone in the story acted a tad juvenile at times, but it's a romcom so over-the-top behavior isn't unexpected. Each of the characters struggled with living up to someone else's expectations and that really brought them together as a unit. Trina was fun, quirky, and generally a good person willing to help anyone if she could. She was burned by her ex-boyfriend and I loved her acts of revenge, not only proving to him what a mistake he made, but also finding her happily ever after in the end. "Girl, you are about to get screwed senseless by two men. You have more kinks than you ever knew." - Trina There were real considerations and questions posed when they attempted to make a relationship between them work, especially taking into account the men's friendship and history. Ryker and Chase truly loved each other platonically and strove to give that relationship as much importance as their romantic relationship with Trina. Double Pucked was a super sweet romance with a ton of dirty spice. One woman who needed to find her place in life and two good guys with a little baggage who won't let it stand in their way when they find the one they can't live without. Bonus Quote: "All I need is some spice and for the world to leave me alone." Shout out to Kimora for saying how we are all thinking! Tropes and Themes: Sports Romance, MFM, Why-Choose, Fake Dating, Forced Proximity, Hockey Romance. Blurb When I discover my boyfriend is cheating on me, I move out right away taking what I love most – my dog. As I fly out the door, I make sure to swipe the thing my ex loves best. The VIP tickets he won to a hockey game, complete with the chance to spend an evening with the city’s two biggest NHL stars. I can’t wait to snap selfies with my ex’s idols and rub it in his face. Except, when I head out with the two hockey studs, they have something else in mind besides sweet revenge. Would I like to spend the night…with both of them? Talk about the VIP experience. That’s what I get for one knee-weakening, sheet-grabbing night. In the morning, I plan to return to my bestie’s house to crash on her couch with my dog. But when they learn what happened with my awful ex, they ask me to be their temporary roomie for the week. Oh, and one of them needs my help with his grumpy reputation. The other? Well, he wants me to be his fake date at an upcoming wedding. Looks like I’m about to get double pucked. Again.

Author: Marleigh Kassidy Series: The Hounds Series book #1 Category: Paranormal Romance Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ Goodreads Blurb This was a dark book, and not necessarily because of the abuse and heartbreak. No, it was dark because you grow to care about these characters and they constantly fail, being beaten down and hurt time and time again. There aren't many happy times in the first of the series aside from a few well-placed sexscapades. Saige was a tragic character, and things went from bad to worse as the story unfolded. Her outlook was bleak and it was hard to know just how she was ever going to feel safe. "That I was wrong to believe he's one of the good ones at all because there are no good ones anywhere. Just like happily ever afters, they don't exist." Saige Aden was a unique love interest in a shifter book in that he wasn't a shifter, only human even if he was part of the pack. He was a total sweetheart with only the best intentions, though they didn't always coincide with listening to what Saige wanted. "That's when I see the same need reflected in his eyes as I feel inside me. Protect Saige, always." - Aden I hated Kade's character in the beginning, due to his man-whore and alcoholic tendencies. He was drowning himself in lust and liquor to forget the past but it was hard to see redeeming qualities other than possessiveness. As his and Saige's relationship developed, he was very good for her and while bullish, he knew how to get through to her and what she needed. The Alpha of the pack, Dariel, was uptight and barely hanging on to his humanity. He couldn't understand Saige's importance to his pack and constantly ignored who she was to him/them. There was a connection between all of them right away, even while some denied it. With so much baggage between the pack and Saige's past, no one seems like they are ready to move forward and embrace their relationship. There was a big cliffhanger at the end of this book and I immediately started book two after writing this book review. I hope that the four of them can find a way to trust each other and heal. "Damaged, then, maybe even broken. Just like the rest of us." - Kade Tropes and Themes: Reverse Harem, Abuse, Wolf Shifters, Werewolves, Why-Choose, Dark Romance, Cliffhanger. Blurb Two years ago, I lived a hellish life where happily ever afters happened to everyone else, never me. Until he came. He was an alpha wolf shifter, rich, the most handsome man I’d ever seen in my life…and a monster a million times worse than the past I left behind. His years of abuse finally break me, but when I least expect it, I’m impossibly free when I should be dead. Keep running, Saige, I tell myself. Maybe then you’ll find a safe place to hide. I never expect to run into three men with secrets, shadowed eyes, and damaged souls. With them I can almost believe they will protect me from a past that continues to hunt me. With them, maybe I’ll be safe.

Author: Lillian Lark Series: Monstrous Matches Series book #4 Category: Monster Romance Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ Goodreads Blurb In case you missed it in the book cover and blurb, the book's main storyline centers around a surprise pregnancy. Absolutely one of my more hated tropes to review, but there was no way I wasn't going to read this book. To be fair, I will never NOT read a dragon shifter romance, so throw in a thief and a fair bit of spice, and I'm in. The Monstrous Matches series continues on in book four with a different path than some of the previous ones. While most of the other couples meet through the infamous Love Bathhouse, Kalos and Katarina's story doesn't include a trip until much later. Instead, Katarina attempts to steal from a dragon's hoard and bites off more than she can chew. "Kalos the dick. Kalos the dragon who accused me of lying about being pregnant with his child." - Katarina I spent the entirety of the book yelling at Katarina in my head to move on. She was so desperate for love and affection that she was willing to take scraps when she deserved so much more. I was frustrated that she didn't have any character growth or backbone, continuously letting Kalos get away with cruel behavior and excusing it or pretending it away. "I've gone through the majority of my life as many things. A burden, a cohort, a trainee to the art of crime, and more recently, a friend. But never as someone to claim." - Katarina Kalos' refusal to fix his emotional problems led him to cut off everyone in his life. He's broken and not very interested in fixing himself, which hurts the people around him but he can't seem to care. Above all else, he was a prick and very bland outside of his 'I cannot love' personality - a far cry from some of the more devoted males in the other books in the series. Even as they grow closer, Kalos remains aloof, treating Katarina like a perfect piece of treasure he owns but withholding himself from her. "'Being mated to you would be a lower circle of hell,' he'd said. Even if he could mate with me, he wouldn't want to." - Katarina Lillian Lark has never been shy with imaginative sex but I didn't feel like this book was as wild as some of her others. Nothing too crazy, outside of the typical dragon anatomy. There was definitely insta-lust between the two main characters considering they do the deed 20 pages in. While I didn't particularly love either of the characters individually, Hoarded by the Dragon was still a worthwhile dragon shifter romance. As a bonus, it perfectly sets up the next book coming next year, Married to the Devil. Tropes and Themes: Monster, Surprise Pregnancy, Dragons, Witches, Fantasy, Heat, Mates. Blurb A thief doing a final job and the dragon caught in a precarious situation that changes both of their lives. He’s powerful and wealthy and he hates me. But I have something he wants. It wasn’t a part of the plan. I’m the thief stupid enough to break into a dragon’s hoard… and walk away pregnant with his baby.

Author: Devyn Sinclair Series: Slate City Omegaverse Series book #3 Category: Paranormal Romance Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ Goodreads Blurb "Like a piece of a puzzle you couldn't even know was missing until you found it. How was I meant to know there had been empty places in my soul before they filled them?" - Sloane Sloane was trying to do the right thing when she ran away from her scent match, but unfortunately, it ended up hurting herself and Asher in the long run. She was a confident spitfire in previous books of the series, but much more vulnerable and reserved when it came to her own life. Asher was so dependable, her friend from her past turned into her lover. He constantly put Sloane in the center of his world. I liked that they had a past history that needed to be addressed but it didn't stop Sloane's other relationships from developing almost at the same pace. "The inevitability of us crashing together was so much simpler than feeling like everything was up in the air. Because it was a sure thing." - Sloane Gabriel was the responsible pack member, his leadership as evident as his work ethic. On the other side of the spectrum, Jace was fun and spontaneous, a caretaker in a different way that was a good balance. Roman was heavily reserved, but not unemotional just wary. He was a true gentle giant who wanted to be accepted by his mate and pack. The spice was definitely present in this book, in every way manageable. The guys were a mix of spicy and sweet and while there are obstacles that force them to wait on this aspect of their relationship, it was worth it in the end. "Teeth scraped over my neck and shoulder. 'You belong to Ash, little one. You belong to Roman. You belong to Jace. You belong to me.'" - Gabriel The main plot revolved around the theme of women feeling guilty for not properly managing a man's feelings. Sloane had a lot of men in her life who took out their feelings on her, using her as someone to blame for their own emotions. Thankfully, this guilt was acknowledged as misplaced and unnecessary by her mates and Sloane was able to work through those feelings and come to an understanding that she isn't responsible. Overall, this was a great read. I loved the ballet storyline and enjoyed each of the main characters. I will never be unhappy with more Omegaverse stories in Slate City and hope this series continues, so you can look forward to more book reviews in the future! Tropes and themes: Omegaverse, Nesting, Heat, Scent-matching, Second-Chance Romance, Reverse Harem, Workplace Romance, Sports Romance Blurb Five years ago I found my mate… and he has no idea. I’ve spent my entire life doing two things: training to be a ballet dancer, and longing for a scent-match. My feet bled for one, and my heart bled for the other. Then my first heat hit, and my deepest dream became my darkest secret. I scent-matched with my best friend, and ran. It’s been five years since I last saw him—happily in someone else’s arms—and I couldn’t bear to break his heart. But that was before. Before he joined my dance company, anger and grief in his eyes. Before I matched with the rest of his pack, whose scents drive me to the best kind of madness. Before I begged for forgiveness, even if I can never forgive myself. But the more time I spend with them, the more I see the future I always wanted. A love that sweeps me away, keeps me safe, and never lets me go. Every day, I fall deeper, and as I do, the more they see the truth: No matter how long it’s been, I never gave up on that dream. Knot for a moment.