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Author: Lena Hendrix Series: The Sullivan Family Series Book #2 Category: Contemporary Romance Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ Goodreads Blurb "It was what I had learned to do. What I discovered I loved to do. Fix things. People, problems, hundred-year-old farmhouses that were crumbling around me. I could do it." - Kate Fireworks flew when Kate and Beckett came face to face at the farmhouse Kate needed help renovating. She wants nothing to do with him, while he thinks she is a spoiled princess who always said the right thing while dating his brother. But despite the tension, both are attracted to one another and finally stop resisting the pull. Their relationship started off as transactional, but Beckett grew to develop definite feelings for Kate once he saw her for who she really was and not how she acted on his brother's arm. He is a closet romantic who doesn't think he is suited for anything long-term, but his actions toward Katie spoke louder than any of his hesitations. He loves her but doesn't think he is good enough. "Kate was everything, and somehow I hadn't seen it. I had been too stubborn to see the warrior hidden beneath the pretty princess." - Beckett Kate took much longer to come around to the idea of the two of them becoming a couple. Not only was she gun-shy because of her ex-boyfriend, the fact that Beckett was his brother threw her for a loop. I absolutely loved that Beckett and Kate took the time to better themselves as individuals so that they could get together as their best versions. There was so much more character growth than in your typical romance story. "'Promise me? Promise we'll both put in the work and this time apart isn't forever?' Her eyes were searching for comforting reassurance forever. I had never been more sure of anything in my entire life." - Beckett I read this series out of order, Beckett's and Kate's book, and their relationship's evolution, was much more engaging. I mean who wouldn’t fall in love with Beckett?! Lena Hendrix knocked it out of the park with this book, five stars from this reviewer. Tropes and Themes: Contemporary Romance, Ex-Boyfriend's Brother, Small Town, Home Renovation, Enemies to Lovers, Forced Proximity, Praise Kink. Blurb Falling hard for my ex-boyfriend’s rugged older brother was never in the plan. Beckett Miller may be my brother’s best friend, but he’s also the last person on earth I want to ask for help. He’s stubborn, demanding, and doesn’t care at all what people think of him—everything his little brother wasn’t, and definitely everything I should not want. Thanks to my own stubbornness and my three infuriating siblings, he is the only one who can help me renovate my beloved aunt’s farmhouse. Beckett thinks I’m a doormat, and I know he’s an arrogant prick, but toss in one late-night game of tipsy strip poker, and before long, endless summer days turn into scorching nights. Every stolen touch—every kiss—is wrong in the best ways. I can fix everything around me: my friends’ problems, my brothers’ love lives, maybe even the decades-old rivalry that divides our cozy coastal town. So Beckett’s snarl and heavy sighs are no match for me. The only thing I can’t seem to fix is the way my body reacts when he swings a hammer. I built walls to protect my heart after what his brother did to me, but I’m finding it could all come crumbling down with just one touch.

Author: Hazel Mack Series: Haven Ever After Series Book #1 Category: Fantasy Romance Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ Goodreads Blurb "Welcome to Ever, Mass. Where Ever-yone is welcome! Population 853." Thea and her sisters get more than they bargained for when a girl's weekend trip to a mysterious town on an old map leads to life-changing revelations and the discovery of creatures and magic they never knew existed. The three sisters are truly delightful, each in their own way, but Thea's gothic nerd vibe is beyond cool. They jokingly call themselves the Sanderson sisters (Hocus Pocus fans where you at?!), appose when they dive head first into the magical town of Ever. "Creepy is more my style anyways. Macabre, dark things have never bothered me." - Thea Though they all struggle with the big reveal that the town's welcoming residents are actually monsters, Thea handles it better than most. No small thanks in part to the cinnamon roll local Shepherd who has eyes for only her from the moment they met. The kind Gargoyle is more than thrilled to spoil Thea with treats as he attempts to woo her into accepting the town, and more importantly his love. "'Snack up, shack up - the gargoyle male's motto. We've gotta feed ya to keep ya.'" - Shepherd A gentleman on the streets and a freak in the sheets, Shepherd is devoted to Thea in every way but especially her pleasure. Though he tries to take things slow for her as she adjusts, his instincts are strong and there is plenty of spice in this book. The fact that he shows his love through baking and cooking certainly raises the bar for all book boyfriends in my mind. "I don't want sweet and innocent. I want her to be as dirty and depraved as all the things I want to do to her. I want her to welcome my corruption because I'm a gentleman, but I fuck like a monster." - Shepherd The ending is seemingly abrupt for Shepherd and Thea's story, but the overarching plot continues on in the next book focusing on a new sister, Wren. Not technically a cliffhanger but definitely a ton of things are not resolved in the town of Ever. There is so much more potential for great stories ahead, I can't wait to get my hands on the other books in this series - many more reviews to come! Tropes and Themes: Fated Mates, Monster Romance, Fantasy Romance, Paranormal Romance, Witches, Insta-love, Gargoyles, Small Town, Mystery, Magic, Biting. Blurb The small town of Ever, Massachusetts is idyllic and quaint. It’s also chock full of monsters. THEA When my sister thrifts an aged map with iridescent lettering leading to a town called Ever, I roll my eyes. According to a quick internet search, the town doesn’t exist. We only manage to find it with the help of a sexy gas station owner who offers to come for me if I call him. Swoon . I quickly learn that Shepherd isn’t actually human, nobody in town is. News flash—he’s a gargoyle—a dominant, possessive, creme-brulee-loving monster. That should terrify me, but something about him keeps me coming back. Maybe it’s the snark. Maybe it’s the delicious snacks. Maybe it’s his wingspan, which leads me to wondering about the size of other things. I digress. No one realized that when I came through the town’s protective wards, something happened to them. Now the town—and my sisters—are in danger from a soul-sucking evil that’s constantly trying to burrow its way in. Can Shepherd and I save the town and our shot at love, or will evil ruin our happily ever after? Getting It On With Gargoyles is the first book in the Haven Ever After monster romance series. Each book can be read as a standalone. If you're in the mood for possessive cinnamon roll heroes, look no further. Shepherd's got you covered. And he brings snacks.

Author: Tiffany Roberts Series: The Cursed Ones Series Book #2 Category: Fantasy Romance Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ Goodreads Blurb His Darkest Desire was an original sweet book filled with so much heartache at times, that it caught me off guard while writing my notes for this review. The pact between the two main characters, her life in exchange for her hand as his mate, is only the first of several choices surrounded by angst. "'In exchange for your life, Kinsley Wynter Delany, you will be bound to me. You will be my mate, and you will take my seed into your body until it bears fruit. Do you swear it?'" - Vex Vex has been trapped for centuries, letting his anger and frustration almost turn him into a monster like the one who had imprisoned him. He is so far into his own despair he struggles to remember his actions can have hurtful consequences on the very person he needs to set him free. The minute he accepts that Kinsley means much more to him than their Pact, he learns that his prison may not be so dreary with a ray of sunshine by his side. Kinsley has so much love to give and still tries to make the best of things when her world is flipped upside down. She is vivacious and rebellious at times, but ultimately sweet as she settles into acceptance of a new future than what she knew was possible. "'Do you hear me, Vex? You're stuck with me. I'm going to haunt you for all eternity if that's what it takes.'" - Kinsley Vex and Kinsley have suffered in their lives and those chains weigh on them. Both just want to find their person (or goblin I guess in this case). They were able to find solace in one another and learn that their pasts could be just that, in the past, and something they could move on from. "'I am your darkness. Your cloak, your protection. The shadow that shields you from the ravages of the day, the shroud that lulls you to sleep so you may wander in the bliss of your dreams.'" - Vex The writing did sway into too descriptive territory at times, which didn't help the page count, but this world was imaginative and vibrant. I really enjoyed this unique fantasy romance, especially the character development that Vex and Kinsley experienced. Tropes and Themes: Monster Romance, Deal/Contract/Pact, Fantasy Romance, Paranormal Romance, Fae, Surprise Pregnancy, Infertility, Grumpy x Sunshine, Magic, Goblin. Blurb A cursed goblin sorcerer. The human female he’s waited an eternity for. A secret that could tear them apart. A quaint cottage in a Scottish forest seemed the perfect place for Kinsley to start anew. But when a tragic accident leaves her isolated and dying, her new life is over before ever beginning. Until a dark, mysterious being emerges from the night gloom and offers to save her—for a price. With no other choice but death, she accepts. She awakens to find herself bound to an ancient, powerful goblin who is equally terrifying and intriguing. He’s terse, demanding, brooding. Despite that, Kinsley is drawn to him, captivated by his sinful crimson eyes, craving his every wicked touch. But what will happen when he discovers the truth? What will happen when he learns that Kinsley cannot fulfill their pact? What will happen if she lets this goblin claim her heart along with her freedom?

Author: Lucinda Berry Series: Stand Alone Category: Thriller Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Goodreads Blurb A group of women from an exclusive mommy and me group gather for a night off from the responsibilities of motherhood, only for one of them to end up dead. The police don't think it was an accidental drowning and it doesn't take long for fingers to start pointing. Brooke is despondent in the face of her friend's death, visibly too calm that she becomes suspect number one. Her wife Abby has left her for someone half her age and she's never fit in with the other moms in the group from the start. Slowly, her sanity is called into question, as is her ability to parent while she begins a downward spiral of rage and depression. Whitney, the best friend of victim Kiersten, seems wholly dependent on her. They have been friends since Kindergarten, more like sisters, and do everything together. But when the police start digging into her talent business, things are not as rosy as they seem and Whitney has been hiding secrets, even from her best friend. Mother of two, Jade, is also having marriage problems though she refuses to leave her husband who can't keep a job. Her life isn't what she thought it would be and she is becoming desperate as money dries up. With few options, Jade will come face to face with her mistakes and parts of her life she'd rather keep hidden. The story takes us through the twists and turns of the police investigation into Kiersten's death, and it soon becomes clear that murder isn't the only secret these privileged women are keeping. Like a ton of bricks, the end comes barreling down at you and while some revelations aren't exactly out of nowhere, answers to questions I didn't even think were being asked are also exposed. Keep Your Friends Close was entertaining, though I had a much better ending in mind (see below). There were so many lies uncovered, that I don't know if anyone in the West Hollywood Moms’ Club was truly innocent. Yes, some places were exaggerated and overboard, but after reviewing this book I'd still highly recommend it. Tropes and Themes: Thriller, Affairs, Infertility, Mystery, Crime, Murder, Police SPOILERS AHEAD The alternate ending we deserved: Brooke finds Colin trying to seduce Abby while she is staying at his at Whitney's home. He is convinced he has the power to change her sexuality with his charms. While they are distracted, Brooke takes her baby and scoops up Colin's one-way ticket to Costa Rica and his phone, which conveniently contains the bank instructions for the stolen $300,000. You shouldn't ever take a baby from their mother. Blurb When Kiersten McCann, president of the West Hollywood Moms’ Club, turns up dead in her own pool, it quickly becomes clear this wasn’t an accident. And the party guests—all members of the exclusive club—are now key suspects in her murder. Accusations fly, and three mothers find themselves at the center of the investigation. Whitney, Brooke, and Jade all have heavy secrets to bear…and possible motives for their friend’s murder. But as the police look closer, more secrets, betrayals, and sinister plots are revealed than the women could ever imagine. With everything at stake, deceit threatens to shatter their illusions of the perfect life. West Hollywood will never be the same.

Author: Maggie C. Gates Series: Stand Alone Category: Contemporary Romance Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ Goodreads Blurb "'We were paper dolls, easily made and easily damaged. My father used to call my sisters and me his 'teacups' - fragile, delicate things that were to be treated with care and kept safe.'" - Blair The ultimate second chance trope book: Can two people, whose betrothed marriage stifled both of their personal growth, figure out how to love someone they've known their whole lives but may never have known at all? The plot of this book is extremely unique, despite using a popular trope. While the author shies away from labeling the patriarchal, misogynistic, and straight-up horrible community of Caleb and Blair's as a cult, let's call a duck and duck. It was a cult. An unfortunate upbringing led to one too many challenges and hurdles to overcome with little support or emotional maturity, which was the downfall of Caleb and Blair's marriage. Though he never got over her, Caleb knew he wasn't what Blair needed and he let her go, hoping she would be happy. "Have a nice life? Honestly, a sick part of me wanted her to hurt as much as I still hurt two years later. But I'd never say that to her. And deep down, I knew I didn't mean it." - Caleb For her part, Blair spent their time apart trying to reinvent herself but still not finding a place to fit in or somewhere safe from her childhood ghosts. It took her some time, even when Caleb found his way back in her life, for Blair to understand she physically moved on but mentally she was still giving the cult power over her decisions. There was a lot emotionally going on in their relationship, both in present and past. Blair expected too much of Caleb, considering they grew up in the same environment, and failed to try to see his point of view on things when she was hell-bent on rebelling at all costs. I loved their slow reconnection, painful at times but necessary so they could move past everything and rediscover who they were to each other. "I did the math, and when I was subtracted from the equation, it changed the outcome. He was so much better after me, which meant that I had always been the problem. Admitting it felt like a knife to the heart." - Blair I can say I was surprised that a man who grew up sheltered was as dominant in the bedroom as Caleb became but hey, Blair was not complaining about that particular change in him. He was pushy at times, but she needed it. For all the bravo she put on, Blair was very insecure about herself. I didn't see a whole lot of chemistry between them, aside from all the sarcasm in the world, but was truly rooting for their love story. Overall, an interesting and different second-chance romance with a lot of heart and heartbreak. There was a lot more than just hurt feelings that this couple needed to overcome and in the end, they found their happily ever after, even if it did take them years. Tropes and Themes: Contemporary Romance, Second Chance, Praise Kink, Cult. Blurb Blair: You know those fairytale moments when your life is on the brink of transformation? I thought I had one. I can still picture it: dressed to the nines in a dazzling ball gown, clutching a glass of liquid courage, and the eyes of my very own Prince Charming finding me from across the room. It was the quintessential meet-cute. Or so I believed. Fate had other plans. The glare of emergency room lights jolted me awake after one wrong bite had me waking up into a nightmare. Things couldn’t possibly get worse. Then the universe laughed and said, “Hold my appletini.” Caleb: Seriously? The hospital called me to pick up my ex-wife from the emergency room in the middle of the night. Two long years of moving on and trying to forget her had gone up in flames with one phone call. The ink may have dried on our divorce papers, but now I’m on the verge of putting them through a shredder.

Author: Ashley Jacobs, S.S. Rich Series: South Bay Billionaires Series Book #2 Category: Contemporary Romance Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ Goodreads Blurb Loved it! Reserved is in my top five book favorites of 2023. Feel free to stop reading this book review now if you trust me enough, just go out and grab this book (after reading the first book in the series, of course, I adored Arrived as well!) Van is a meticulous go-getter who knows what and who he wants. And from the moment he saw Cami and the light that lives inside of her, he fell hard and fast. There is nothing in the world that he won't do for her and this sentimental devotion blinds him at times from seeing Cami's perspective. Still, his heart is always in the right place and he isn't too proud to admit mistakes and prove that he can do better the next time. "Yes, he was more than a bit domineering and I wouldn't describe him as verbose, but...the saying 'still waters run deep'? That was Van. There was an incredible depth to the man that both surprised me and intrigued me." - Cami Cami is a people pleaser who is trying to branch out of her shell but is still reserved compared to the larger-than-life people in her orbit. She comes from a humble background and while she loves her family, they are a weight around her neck of expectations that don't leave room for the catering business she has created from the ground up. Ironically, the one person she finds her voice to stand up to is the one person who only wants to help her achieve her dreams in the first place, Van. Van and Cami were perfect for one another and though she had her doubts, he was all in from the beginning and knew he could support her in all the ways she needed. He was her rock, her solace, her cheerleader, and her best friend all rolled into one hot lover. For all of those wondering about the spice level, Cami's best friend Preston said it best... "'He sounds like your dream guy-and a total daddy, I might add.'" - Preston I couldn't put this book down and devoured it in a day. I'll admit Cami grated on me at times with her tendency to stick her head in the sand and not stick up for herself, but Van stole my heart and I couldn't not rate this five stars. "But Cami - she was exactly who she seemed to be. And I wanted to bury myself in her, figuratively and literally, and bask in her authenticity." - Van This series is far from over and I am desperately waiting for Preston’s book please and thank you. She is the girlfriend that we all need to hold us together at the worst points in our lives and I cannot wait for her to shine. "'The world's just not ready for me.'" Preston, Cami's best friend Tropes and Themes: Contemporary Romance, Workplace Romance, Billionaire, Grumpy x Sunshine, Touch Her and Die, Groveling, Daddy Kink, Praise Kink, Age Gap, He Falls First. Blurb Cami In the Bay, Van Costa is synonymous with ruthless. Broody and stoic with a side of tall, dark, and fucking gorgeous, he's a savvy, successful businessman who never loses focus. So imagine my surprise when the indomitable Van Costa relentlessly pursued me after a single meeting, then fell to his knees for me the first chance he got. And he's been doing his damnedest to convince me I'm his ever since. But I have reservations–I've been used before, taken advantage of by someone I thought loved me to my core. How do I know Van won't do the same? Van I had built my career with a single-minded focus–for myself, my business partner, and my family. But the day she waltzed into my office with her lunch trolley and a smile that lit the room, she became all I could see. Now, I'm focused on how to prove I'm worthy of a permanent role in her life and in her bed. Camellia Maria Rivera is everything I never knew I needed and definitely don't deserve. But I'm determined to pursue her–without reservation.

Author: L.V. Lane Series: Coveted Prey Series Book #19 Category: Fantasy Romance Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ Goodreads Blurb "He is a monster, and an orc, but he is also my Doug and nobler than any prince." - Jasmine Jasmine is fanciful but knows her place in the world where humans don't matter much and as a woman, she is vulnerable. Just coming into adulthood as a slave, she is trying to let go of childish dreams of rescue and accept her circumstances while trying to make the best out of the life she has. Given the practical advice to find a strong husband to protect her, Jasmine's luck turns when she captures an Orc's interest and he isn't just fierce but kind. "Find the biggest, most fearsome male and throw yourself at his mercy. There is no shame before the Goddess in doing whatever you must to survive." - Jasmine's mother Doug is mute, but that doesn't stop him from doing everything in his power to protect Jasmine. He is adorably devoted and thinks the world of her, devaluing himself because he is a hybrid white orc and wolf shifter. No matter his thoughts, and the many, many trials that burden the couple, Jasmine knows Doug is her true partner in life and loves him wholeheartedly. "Unconditional. That is who he is. And this understanding is like a revelation unfolding inside me. Here in this barbaric place of sorrow, within the body of a savage orc, a gentle soul exists." - Jasmine Their love and hope for a better life are tested time and time again, you are not going to get through this book without some tears I'll be honest. But I loved Doug and Jasmine's story of holding on to what matters most and believing that love is enough to get you through anything. Unfortunately, the last 20% of this book gets convoluted with too many random characters and too many disjointed plot points. I took off a star for this book review solely because of the effort to keep the storyline straight in my head. Overall though, Gentling the Beast is a great fantasy romance book with a lovely couple you want to see get their happy ending. Tropes and Themes: Touch Her and Die, Cinnamon-roll Hero, Virgin Hero, Mute Hero, Orc, Monster, Shifter, Breeding Kink, Fantasy, Paranormal Romance Blurb When the Blighten raided my village, my mother gave me her last words of advice. “Find the biggest, most fearsome man and throw yourself at his mercy. There is no shame before the Goddess in doing whatever you must to survive.” Which was easier said than done. I lived in denial for a time, daydreaming of a handsome prince who would rescue me and take me to his grand castle. Here, we would live happily ever after, making royal babies. Reality is cold and bitter. No such prince comes. And later, when my vulnerability as a bondservant manifests terrifying consequences, an unexpected savior swoops in. Not a prince, but a hideous white orc and the ugliest beast I have ever met—a mute outcast with shifter blood but who cannot shift. Only I sense he has a good heart, and I remember my mother’s advice. Can I overcome my aversion? Maybe he thinks I am ugly too? Will I even survive mating such a fierce male? But if I don’t try, who will be there to save me the next time human predators come around? And so I decide, one way or another, that the white orcish monster is going to be mine.

Author: Lena Hendrix Series: The Sullivan Family Series Book #3 Category: Contemporary Romance Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ Goodreads Blurb Annie has been in love with her best friend Lee forever and has somehow held it all together despite his one-night stands being flaunted in her face while she cleans up another one of his messy situations with other women. She has a secret she has been hiding from him, and while it was pretty obvious from early on in the book, it still gave some tension to the book because the shoe was bound to drop sometime or later. "Fantastic. Yet another check mark in the Lee Did Stupid Shit and Annie Cleaned Up his Mess column" - Lee Lee is a romantic at heart, but the epic love story the town won't let him forget wasn't the fairytale that time has turned it into. Instead, he swung the other way entirely and has been picking his way through any available woman that moves ever since. Lee is slowly maturing from his womanizing ways, realizing what he wants in life is the best friend who has never let him down. Though he is scared he will ruin the best thing he has, he is determined to go for what he wants and drag her along to his way of thinking. My favorite part of this book was the actual regret and consequences of Lee's womanizing reputation. He constantly gets frustrated by the humiliating realization that no one in his small town or even his friends takes him seriously because of his past actions. Deciding you are ready to settle down because you haven't slept with someone in a few months isn't going to convince anyone you have changed your ways. The charade of them picking out dates for each other was a nice twist on the fake dating trope, but still had the same effect of revealing feelings between themselves. I didn't love that Lee felt like he was winging their relationship instead of listening to her true hesitations. "But I knew it was impossible, because nothing about Lee was permanent or serious." - Annie Honestly, I found myself kind of bored with this story about halfway through and only finished so I could write this book review properly. Friends to lovers in general may just not have enough dynamic or uncertain relationship tension for me. Especially when they are best friends, the only thing that changed was adding sex to the mix. And while those were surprisingly out of left field spicy, that was the extent of any chemistry. A so-so book overall. Tropes and Themes: Contemporary Romance, Best Friends, Friends to Lovers, Womanizer, Best Friends Boyfriend, Military, Small Town. Blurb Fake dating my best friend? Total disaster. With his cocky grin and devilish charm, firefighter Lee Sullivan makes every woman in our small town swoon. Every woman except for me. Which is why I’m shocked when he steps in at the town’s Matchmaker’s Gala and outbids my crush during the charity auction, committing us to six prearranged dates. Six dates where we, very publicly, pretend to be falling in love. Despite my objections and our efforts to set each other up with other people, Lee is convinced pretending to date each other is the perfect opportunity to get the women in town off his back (and out of his bed), while also helping to nudge my non-committal crush in the jealousy department. Stupidly, I agree. After the disastrous blind dates he set me up on, what’s a few months of letting Lee worship the ground I walk on? He owes me. Trouble is––every fake kiss, every lingering touch, every filthy word he whispers when no one is around––is starting to feel very, very real. We know everything about each other––from my orphaned past to his irrational hatred of dolls. The only secret I have ever kept from Lee spans all the way back to his time in the Army and it’s the one thing that could ruin our friendship forever. Because where Lee is concerned, I have learned to guard my heart. Suddenly, he’s asking for the opportunity to feel something real. He’s asking for the one thing he wouldn’t want if he ever knew the truth: one chance.

Author: Vanessa Nelson Series: The Grey Gates Series Book #1 Category: Fantasy Romance Rating: ⭐⭐ Spice: 0 Goodreads Blurb "Calling in the Marshals meant acknowledging that whatever the police were dealing with wasn't human. And most city residents, the police included, didn't like the think too much about that." Being between books and without the desire to work through your actual TBR pile can lead to desperate decision-making. Things like trying to fit this square peg of a book into the round hole that is enjoying what you are reading. I should have called it quits way before the end but I held on, even if I disliked the main character of 'The Outcast' so very much. Max is so freaking surly, her character would have better been off described as a middle-aged balding overweight cop with a bad attitude. I am no stranger to the badass female bounty hunter persona from every urban fantasy that ever was written, but man I hated this girl. She was so bland and judgmental I couldn't help but root for everyone else around her. For someone who doesn’t have her own life together, she is quick to list others' faults if only inside her head. Outside of the lack of connection with the main character, the world was hard to understand and the writing style of third person was choppy and disjointed. I finished this solely because I was a tiny bit curious as to Max's past and what really happened at the grey gate and I wanted to put out an honest book review. Can't say I would recommend this one my bookish friends. Tropes and Themes: Urban Fantasy, Magic, Mystery, Demons, Paranormal, Dystopia, Slow Burn. Blurb If no one knows that you saved the world, does it really count? Eight years ago the world almost ended and Max lost everything, accused of betrayal and failure. Now working as a Marshal, keeping the city and its people safe from supernatural dangers, Max thinks she's broken all ties to her past. She's just trying to do her job and live her life. Asked to help local law enforcement with a series of vicious murders, Max is willing to assist but soon realises that she might be next. Can she keep her secret while finding the killer?

Author: C.M. Nascosta Series: Cambric Creek Series Book #4 Category: Paranormal Romance Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Spice: 🌶️🌶️ Goodreads Blurb I've loved the world of Cambric Creek created by C.M. Nascosta since the first book of the series, Morning Glory Milking Farm skyrocketed in Booktok popularity. I will admit the series went downhill a notch with the third book, but thankfully the magic is back in the latest installment Two for Tea. "'Good books. Hot tea. Someone to call me a good girl as they hold me down and fuck me into next month. Maybe one of those little fruit tarts. Hot soup. A pumpkin on my doorstep. Very simple needs.'" Harper Harper Hollingsworth is having a terrible year, with the death of her father and too many expectations set on her as she starts to come into adulthood as a witch. She is relatable, in that despondent I don't want to have any responsibilities I want to drown in my own sorrow type of way that screams wayward youth. She is desperate to fight her depression but even she can see she needs help, and that type of support isn't ever going to come from her perfectionist mother who sweeps emotions under the rug. "Grief was a bruise on her heart, but her heart was still capable of doing other things. Depression, on the other hand...depression lied. Depression was that little lizard voice at the back of her consciousness that was always quick to cut her down and remind her of her shortcomings." - Harper Luckily, a random search to find a quiet space results in the delightful find of Azathé Tea Room and Harper finds herself enchanted with more than just the fabulously gothic decor. Azathé, her shadow love interest, truly helped her to see past her depression and slowly nurtured her soul bit by bit. Their unique relationship lends itself to a more open-minded exploration of sexuality and love that is underappreciated and underrepresented in romance books. "Attract to parts didn't make any sense to her brain, but attraction to this sinuous, curling voice? Their kindness and knowledge? Their ability to brew a perfect cup of tea?" - Harper For all the heavy topics in this book, there are light moments that are tons of fun. The outfit of the day segments features in each chapter are inspiring and apropos based on the storyline. "OOTD: A-line crepe dress with embroidered bib and white collar. Black tights and knee-high boots, because it's motherfucking spooky season." Mysteriously charming characters seem to find Harper to lift her spirits and help her heal. Holt, the fabulously sketchy feline familiar is wise and sassy beyond his years and I loved how his interactions with Harper give us the impression he knows more about her potential future than she does. Ladybug, who hasn’t always been treated well by other witches but is kind and always helpful. Harper has a bright future ahead of her, and while it is only hinted at in this book, there is change coming for both her and the witches and familiars of Cambric Creek. Take my advice after reading this book review. Put on some hot water, pick out a nice herbal tea, and snuggle up: you're going to go through this book in one sitting. Tropes and Themes: Monsters, Bisexual, Witches, Gothic, Depression, Fantasy Romance, Nonbinary, Novella, Praise Kink. Blurb The Azathé Tea Room is a strange place, indeed. There are no servers, no menus — do mind our hostess, though, she can get a bit underfoot! Help yourself to a book while you wait, and be sure to shuffle your tarot deck well before placing your order. Harper Hollingsworth wasn’t looking for a friend. She wanted peace and quiet. Someplace to lose herself in a book and not think about being a misfit; not think about her coven or her disconnect from the craft as her mother taught it, not think about being the odd goth out everywhere she went. She didn't want to think about her lack of magical ambition, as she was regularly told by her mother's poison-tongued familiar, and more than that — she didn't want to feel. Anything. Companionship wasn’t her aim the day she stepped into the odd little tea room, just off Cambric Creek’s bustling Main Street. She wanted to settle into the shadows and get lost there, and if she had to talk to anyone, it would be to herself. She didn’t expect the shadows to talk back. To the strange, seldom seen owner of one of Cambric Creek's oddest businesses, tea is more than just a beverage. They take pride in both their blends and their unorthodox method of teasing out the order each guest needs to sate more than their thirst. Azathé brews more than a fine cup of tea — they steep the smell of memories, the anticipation of the future, pain and loss, hope and longing, an elixir of health and comfort and feeling in every cup. Residing unseen in the shadows gets a bit lonely at times, an undignified emotion for one as old as themselves, and so they have made it their business to get to know their unwitting neighbors one cup of tea at a time. Guests may not know what to expect when they step over the shop's threshold, but the owner guarantees they will feel something before they leave. The shadowy proprietor of the Azathé Tea Room isn’t content to watch Harper sink into depression day after day within the walls of their establishment. Once they intervene, Harper is drawn into their world of oddity and emotions, where the darkest shadows can reside in the light, and even the most mildly macabre witch can find her place.

SPOILER ALERT! I'm not in the business of ruining books, so if you haven't read this book yet, turn back now! Author: Susan Stoker Series: Game of Chance Series Book #1 Category: Romantic Suspense Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ Spice: 🌶️🌶️ Goodreads Blurb While there were elements of the book I enjoyed, overall it wasn't my favorite romantic suspense romance. This book was much too long considering the lack of strong plot points. While I enjoyed Carlise and Riggs relationship in the beginning, the lovey-dovey sweetness grated on me by the end and 80% of the writing feels like filler fluff until the ending when our stalker shows up. Honestly, I would have dropped another star for this book review if it weren't for Baxter, the hero dog who we all should be so lucky to have in our lives. Such a good boy! "'That dog saved you. He got my attention and made me go out in the storm to see what he was so worked up about. If he hadn't done that, you might not be here right now. I have a feeling I'd do anything for that dog.'" - Riggs Despite the stupid decision to get lost in a snowstorm and then leave her car in search of help, literally the only shelter from the elements she had going for her, Carlise surprisingly doesn't come off as TSTL throughout most of the book, just someone who makes bad decisions. She is running from a bad situation but finds herself in an even more precarious one, stranded in a cabin with a man she doesn't know. Quickly though, their instant connection bleeds into instant love, and as she reveals her secrets she comes to find out that Riggs may be the perfect man to keep her safe. "Carlise was a practical woman. She didn't believe in love at first sight. She was wary of men in general. Their motives and their hidden intentions. But this man was getting under her skin without even trying." - Carlise Riggs has some demons of his own, but with the support of a loyal group of friends he considers brothers, he has mostly healed. He has a strong moral code and instantly sees Carlise as his dream woman. Despite their unconventional meeting, he is all in and hopes to convince her of his love. "'But...I'm a protector, Carlise. It's who I am.'" - Riggs 'Clues' as to who the stalker was were obvious misdirects. Due to the lack of secondary characters, it was easy to figure out. Who was stalking Carlise, making her so frightened that she disappeared and ran away? Susie, Carlise's best friend, not Tommy the ex-boyfriend. In Susie's obsessive love with Tommy, she attempts to punish Carlise for hurting his reputation and wants to get Carlise out of the picture so she can be with Tommy free and clear. The ending was anticlimactic because there was only one way it could have been written based on the storyline. If you show a damsel in distress a perfectly safe underground bunker and mention multiple times that the weather conditions are perfect for an avalanche, said damsel in distress is obligated to use said bunker to escape from her stalker during the inevitable avalanche. Tropes and Themes: Romantic Suspense, One Bed, Forced Proximity, Military, Stalker, Abuse, Animal Sidekick, Mystery, Small Town, Instalove, Men in Uniform. Blurb Riggs “Chappy” Chapman didn’t expect to be disrupted at his remote cabin in the woods. But when a stray dog arrives on his porch, he winds up finding a stray woman, too, trudging through the snowstorm in search of shelter. His military days may be behind him, but Chappy is hardwired to protect her from the storm and whatever it is she’s running from. Carlise Edwards didn’t expect her car to break down in the Maine wilderness. All she wants is to escape whoever is stalking her back home. There’s no way anyone’s going to find her and Chappy deep in the forest, especially not in dangerous weather. But she finds it hard to mind the circumstances when the company is this stimulating. As the snowstorm rages, Chappy and Carlise find that, despite the cold, they can generate plenty of heat of their own…but there’s more than just natural dangers lurking in the woods.

Author: J.R. Thorn Series: Immortal Vices and Virtues: Her Monstrous Mates Series Book #5 Category: Paranormal Romance Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ Goodreads Blurb "And unlucky for him, has has no idea that my words kill. I'm a Death Witch and that's my power. Or my curse, if I'm being honest with myself." - Issy While you'd think a why choose romance would have a lot of creative spice and tension this book was lacking. The relationships between Issy and her men do not feel real outside of the mating bond lust. Despite the blood, gore, and her mates almost killing her this book didn't come off as very dark, sexy, forbidden, or intriguing. Maybe the books I’ve read lately are just darker? What does that say about my reading list... Jasper is not a good person, so the temporary memory loss spell Izzy threw at him when they met was probably for the best, otherwise he would have gone through with his orders of assassinating her. However, even when he does come to his senses, he greedily sinks into the idea of fated mates quickly and becomes possessive of the woman he was sent to kill. In his mind, everything will work out. "Now I'm really in trouble. Because I just threw a memory-altering potion at my fated mate." - Issy Issy is smart but complicated and cautious. Rightly so considering her tragic life story. All she dreams of is finding happiness in solitude so her sister will stop worrying about her and enjoy the new life she's found with her mates. But most people don't get what they wish for and Issy has challenges thrown at her with the discovery of her own set of mates with dangerous secrets. Her other mates, Jasper's brothers, have been slaves for as long as they can remember. Their only goal has been to protect Jasper, but lies have caught up with all of them and everyone ends up hurt in the process. Zyran and Kornelius were not the most loving mates at all to Issy and I didn't like them nearly as much as Jasper. "A master vampire with a connection to the death plane. That's who you chose for me, mistress of fate?' - Issy I almost gave up at the 80% mark, but my mother didn't raise a quitter (it's one hundred percent okay to DNF a book though!) Powering through so I could at least write a conclusive book review, I was confused on the ending and didn't enjoy the conclusion all that much. This book was a gritty paranormal romance, more along the lines of J.R. Ward's 'Dark Lover' than newer vampire romances. Initially, I'd probably have given this one a four but there are SO many other well-done vampire romances out there that this one probably wouldn't ever be done I'd actively recommend. 'Taste Me' offers itself up as a stand alone but there were way too many characters and circumstances from other books in the series that made their way onto the pages and plotlines. I'd recommend starting from the beginning with 'Covet Me' and reading in order. Tropes and Themes: Paranormal Romance, Vampire, Witch, Magic, Why Choose, Reverse Harem, Fae, Demons, Fantasy, Fated Mates. Blurb One word could kill them all. That’s what I was warned about after the first accident when I killed my family's allies. My powers manifested too young. Powers I never asked for. I can connect with the realm of the dead. My medium? My voice. And so I don’t talk. Ever. Not to anyone—except my sister, of course. She’s the only reason I’m not utterly insane after a lifetime spent hiding. In the darkness. In silence. Under a shroud of loneliness with only the dead for company. Until I meet them. Jasper. Kornelius. Zyran. Three sinfully gorgeous vampires without a House who I don’t trust. Because my words didn’t kill them when they came for me. My time spent hiding is over, because now all of the Houses know about me. And I can choose to run… or I can scream.