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ARC Review - Publish Date: July 9, 2024 Author: Katherine Wood Series: Stand Alone Category: Thriller Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Spice: 🌶️ Goodreads Blurb 'Ladykiller' was a challenge to get into, but well worth the effort. The first chapter suffered from info dumping, in the form of a paparazzi posted at a funeral, spouting off names and family ties that were overwhelming and meaningless at that point. Soon enough, the book moves on to the heart of the story, the tragic tale of two best friends, a stalker who upturned their lives, and the aftermath that had deep consequences for everyone involved. Abby is a no-nonsense girl with a crazy, but mostly lovable best friend. She likes being in Gia's shadow and is mostly grateful for their friendship considering her mother was the chef for Gia's rich family. Abby is vividly aware of the privilege that she doesn't possess and seeks stability while letting her friend shine. "She was always divisive, beautiful and brash, unable to keep her opinions to herself, while I was the mild, diplomatic one, negotiating our way out of whatever messes she got us into." - Abby Gia is outgoing, wild, and evasive. It's mostly through her writing that readers get to know her and the events in Greece that led up to her disappearance. But this isn't the first time Gia has written a memoir and it becomes clearer as the story goes on that Gia may have her reasons for recording things the way she did. History is written by the winners after all. "Gia wasn't a person who lived in black and white; she thrived in full color, and I knew from experience that the truth was hidden between the lines of her books. " - Abby Once things start to pick up, and more characters are introduced, the pacing becomes faster as more secrets are uncovered about everyone staying in Greece with Gia and her mysterious new husband Garrett. Though it's clear there is deception happening on multiple fronts, it's a guess as to how everything is connected and what can be considered truth considering the source. Much like Gia herself, recollections are embellished and purposefully designed to deceive all in the name of someone else's end goal. In the end, I was left wondering with more questions than answers. It seems the truth is relative, and as with most thriller novels these days, it's up to the reader to decide what to believe. Perhaps all of the characters held some truths, and maybe some of them believed in their own lies enough they became real. "Was I wrong about her? The question often keeps me up at night." - Abby This thriller was a fun read that will keep you questioning what actually happened long after you put it down. I'd highly recommend 'Ladykiller' to anyone who likes enigmatic endings and even their innocent characters morally grey. Thank you to Random House Publishing Group-Ballantine and NetGalley for this advanced copy, all thoughts in this book review are my own. Tropes and Themes: Thriller, Best Friends, Best Friend's Brother, Mystery, Suspense. Blurb When an heiress goes missing, her best friend races to unravel the secrets behind her disappearance using clues left behind in an explosive manuscript… Gia and Abby have been best friends since they were girls, forever bonded by the tragedy that unfolded in Greece when they were eighteen. In the aftermath, bookish Abby threw herself into her studies while heiress Gia chronicled the events of that fateful summer in a salacious memoir. Twelve years later, Gia is back in Greece for the summer with her shiny new husband and a motley crew of glamorous guests, preparing to sell the family estate in the wake of her father’s death. When Abby receives an invitation from Gia to celebrate her birthday in September beneath the Northern Lights, she’s thrilled to be granted the time off from her high-pressure job. But the day of her flight, she receives a mysterious, threatening email in her inbox, and when she and Gia’s brother Benny arrive at the Swedish resort, Gia isn’t there. After days of cryptic messages and unanswered calls, Abby and Benny are worried enough to fly to Greece to check on her. Only, when they arrive, they find Gia’s beachfront estate eerily deserted, the sole clue to her whereabouts a manuscript she wrote detailing the events leading up to her disappearance. The pages reveal the dark truth about Gia’s provocative new marriage and the dirty secrets of the guests they entertained with fizzy champagne under the hot Mediterranean sun. As tensions rise, Gia feels less and less safe in her own home. But the pages end abruptly, leaving Abby and Benny with more questions than answers. Where is Gia now? And, more importantly, will they find her before it’s too late?

I cannot believe that 2024 is staring at us right in the face. How is it possible? One year ago, a couple of weeks into January 2023, I got up the courage to purchase the domain www.ratherbookish.com. With the crazy idea that maybe I shouldn't listen to my inner critic, I started a book blog. I'd wanted to write a blog, probably something to do with growing up in the early days of the internet that convinced all of our young minds that exposing your inner thoughts to strangers was fun. However, I tend to be very good at making excuses and there were always a couple floating around to convince me now was not the time to add another project to my to-do list. With two thriving kids, a more than supportive husband, and a career I truly enjoy, I came to the point that life wasn't going to get any less busy. Life is short, as they say, and I was the only one that would prioritize my dreams. It turned out those excuses were mostly me standing in my own way. At the end of the day, I'd convinced myself that the stakes were low: $100 for a Wix website and a handful of hours a week and my book blog could easily be a reality. Plus, no one was going to read anything I published anyway, so at worst, I'd be shouting to the void. I took the plunge and Rather Bookish took off. Little did I know then how far I'd come in a year. Since its inception, Rather Bookish has grown into something more than I could have believed possible. I've loved every minute of developing this site and after 365 days I've managed to post over 100 book reviews, book lists, and trope posts. Taking the time to think about all of the blog's accomplishments in this year's review post has been very rewarding in and of itself. This website has truly been a passion project from the beginning and learning the ins and outs of running a website has been just one of the joys. The greatest moments that come from this book blog are the connections I've made with fellow book bloggers, indie authors trying to get their books out there, and other bookish people who want to talk about their favorite stories as much as I want to. It turns out, I haven't been writing into the void after all. There are thousands of you out there in the world who have taken the time to stop by Rather Bookish and engage with me. So without further ado, my list of thank yous from 2023. Thank you to... Anyone and everyone who has visited Rather Bookish and read one of my book reviews. Those of you who have requested book reviews: I may not be able to write a review for all of the requests I receive but I truly appreciate the authors who are willing to put themselves out there. Fellow book lovers who discovered Rather Bookish one time or another, and come back time after time. Last but not least, my heartfelt appreciation to my subscribers who continuously are the first to read new book reviews right when they are released! We're already a week into January 2024 and I have a long list of ideas planned for Rather Bookish for this year. I look forward to connecting with anyone who stops by this site for one reason or another and a little advice from me for those of you putting off a dream: go for it, you're worth the risk. Cheers to a new year, Lindsey

SPOILER ALERT! If you haven't read this book yet, this is your only warning not to forge ahead. Author: Lauren Asher Series: Dreamland Billionaires Series book #3 Category: Contemporary Romance Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ Goodreads Blurb There is very little lead into this book, something I usually appreciate but thought the execution was too forced. We finally are introduced to the infamous Lana (whom Cal spent the last two books not so secretly pining over) with her pointing a shotgun at our MC. Pretty great impression right? Unfortunately, after this encounter, my LEAST favorite trope appears and drags on for far longer than needed - Is Cal the father of little Cami? I’m glad this wasn't the case and after a couple of chapters of the man having a meltdown about impending fatherhood, we finally moved on. But, am I the only one who thought we were going to be traumatized in finding out that Cami was actually Cal’s from a blacked-out encounter with Lana’s addict sister in a one-night stand of ultimate betrayal? We heard Cal mention over and over how she looked just like him, it got in my head. I was sick with worry that we were going to find out that truth bomb when the sister showed up randomly asking for cash. Maybe I’ve been watching too much daytime TV prior to this book review. The story was chock-full of plot points that muddled up an already long book. Let's play Trope bingo: The small town (hates Cal for breaking Lana’s heart after dating her for a couple of months one summer 6 years ago) Bakery dreams but no dough Girl down on her luck Single mom Second chance romance Car breakdown at worst possible moment Billionaire love interest Fairy Godmother (AKA Rowan)* *Lana is SUCH a good baker that billionaire basically brother-in-law Rowan just so happens to LOVE her cake recipe and gives her millions of dollars to become a consultant at Dreamland, only when she can fit flying to work into Cami’s school schedule of course. Money problems solved! There were a lot of elements in this story that were there to solely drive the love story along in the direction the author wanted it to go. There are literally no other lodging options for Cal other than the convenient guest house on the property, really? The guy is a billionaire, he could helicopter in daily if he wanted to. Actually, Cal grew on me as a character in some regard. He was really thoughtful when he was sober and for all the hell that all the other characters put him through he never lashed out. He was so sweet with Cami and grew into his role as a parent quickly and wholeheartedly. Cal's addiction took over the whole book and made it feel as though the romance was a secondary plot. That would have worked in a darker subgenre but it wasn’t what I signed up for. Obviously from prior books, I knew of his problems going into this last one, but since he does not go to rehab until the last 80% of the book, his addiction reads as the sole villain of the story. There was a big disconnect between Cal the drunk who has daddy issues and can't seem to get out of his own way and the super sexy MC Lana gets hot and heavy with. I spent so much time feeling sorry for him that I wasn’t able to see him as an attractive love interest. Like Cal, Lana expresses a lot of self-pity throughout the book, and both their depressing inner monologues made it difficult to remember whose point of view each chapter was. Her life seems to revolve around her daughter, not in a healthy way. Though she is portrayed as this strong woman when we first meet her, she is codependent and does not have much of a personality outside of being a martyr. Compared to the beginning where everything drags on, the ending was rushed! It was laughingly predictable when Lana heard bits and pieces of the will’s stipulations at the birthday dinner, as was the drama that followed. For the huge breakdown she had about Cal using her and this was the last time she let him break her heart, Lana sure did forgive him quickly once he was back from a 30-day rehab. None of the reasons for her hesitations in getting back with him had disappeared, but apparently, it was time to wrap it up. Final Deal is the third and final book in the Dreamland Billionaires series. The plot line of three brothers jumping through hoops to inherit their grandfather's fortune and controlling the majority of the company board threads throughout all of the books. We finally got to the conclusion of the inheritance, and I was not disappointed. The final run-in with Rowan, Declan, Cal, and their asshole father was a mic-drop moment. A tiny, minuscule part of me did wish there was some redemption arc for their father, I could have sworn it had been hinted at the end of Declan's book, but the man was such a terrible person I’m not all that sad about how everything turned out. There were a lot of pop culture references in the book that made me smile. Granted, the whole book is based on a place called “Dreamland” with a theme park streaming service, princesses, etc. Cal’s “anything for you” catchphrase - just call him Wesley! And those sly references to Encanto, I see what you were doing there Ms. Asher. Overall, I liked the Dreamland Billionaires series and recommend it to anyone who loves quirky women, billionaires who need to be taken down a notch or two, and family drama that keeps you coming back for more. The characters are interesting, the books are well thought out and the author has a writing style that is easy to dive into. Rowan’s book "The Fine Print" was my favorite, followed by Declan's book "Terms and Conditions" and then this one with Cal, "Final Deal". Tropes and Themes: Second Chance, Single Mom, Addiction, Contemporary Romance, Billionaire, Forced Proximity. Blurb Callahan I’m the Kane brother everyone gossips about behind closed doors. Trust fund brat. Washed-up athlete. High-functioning alcoholic. No one knows the real me but her. Lana Castillo—my childhood best friend and the only woman I ever loved. When I broke her heart six years ago, I promised to never return to Lake Wisteria. I kept my word until my grandfather’s will changed everything. To receive my inheritance, I was tasked with spending a summer at the family lake house before selling it. The request was simple in theory until my entire plan blew up on the very first day. Turns out Lana doesn’t just live at the house, but she claims to own it, too. Alana Falling in love with Callahan Kane was a mistake. He told me so before destroying my heart and our friendship six summers ago. When he promised never to come back, I foolishly believed him. But then Cal showed up again, intending to sell his grandfather’s lake house. The biggest flaw in his plan? My name is on the deed.

Author: K.M. Shea Series: Gates of Myth and Power Book Three Category: Fantasy Romance Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Spice: 🌶️ Goodreads Blurb "Romantic love is important, Shiloh, but there's so much in my life that is equally important, like family. I wouldn't compromise in loving someone - whether it's my boyfriend or my brother and sister." - Chloe In the final book of the Gates of Myth and Power trilogy, Noctus and Chloe's competing loyalties have forced them onto separate paths. With Noctus' hidden city of elves on the line, and humans being used as bait by the mysterious hunter who has his eyes on eliminating Chloe, neither can risk the attraction between them. But are they willing to just walk away when the other needs help? I was counting down the days The King's Queen came out, and I was not disappointed! The major unresolved issues between the Elf King and his Shadow were keeping me up at night, but I held faithful that K.M. Shea would weave a happily ever after in the end. Chloe remains one of my favorite female characters from K.M. Shea's Magiford Supernatural City world. Though her first instinct is to run at the sight of danger, she is fiercely loyal and willing to put herself at risk to do what's right. Chloe has struggled throughout the series with self-doubt but she finally blooms into a real fighter, owning her strengths in the end. Noctus ran away with my heart early on, while he maintains a cold exterior to outsiders, he really is a dedicated hero of his people and their protector at all costs. He has a rigid sense of responsibility and affection when it comes to elves who he considers under his care and I was praying that Chloe would eventually fall under that umbrella so they could find a way to be together. "She gets to date a real-life Legolas, except he's even cooler!" - Joy, Chloe's sister As always, some of the best moments in the book came from the secondary characters. K.M. Shea has a knack for surrounding her main couple with interesting and hilarious friends, and the interconnected world with her other trilogy series set in Magiford means we never are too far away from some of our favorites. "Regardless, we had best leave - being late is a stain I do not wish to add to my soul. Good evening, Chloe Anderson. My the light of life puncture the darkness of this bleak existence for you." - Josh, Vampire Again, the Paragon is right in the middle of things, though I may hold a grudge about how he was treating Noctus throughout the three books. Elves are the boogie men of the magical world, and rightfully so given what we are told of their history. I still wasn't impressed by the prejudice some of our most beloved past characters were displaying. At least we still had some devotedly crazy pet parent moments to lighten the mood. "Aphrodite, no matter what kind of magic she has, how could you just ignore me like that?!" - Paragon While the book was a bit longer than the other two, the pages flew by as I wallowed in heartbreak, ran with hope, and soared in joy as we finally concluded a thrilling and epic storyline. Noctus and Chloe as a couple are in my top ten for sure! "You're my sweetness of life, Amalourne, and my queen." - Noctus "And you're my king, and my strength." - Chloe There were a few teasers in the book hinting at who might be the focus of new trilogies, I will definitely be first in line to read and review when a new series comes out. Tropes and Themes: Fae, Elves, Magic, Vampires, Shifters, Royalty, Clean Romance, Fantasy. Blurb When the elven king of death released me even though my existence is a threat to his kingdom, I took the opportunity to run. There is just one problem… I also fell in love with him. Nothing like a little doomed love to add a dash of intrigue to life, right? Unfortunately, that’s not even the worst of it. I’m a worrier on my best days, but with a psycho tracking my every move because he’s obsessed with killing me, I’ve graduated to the level of paranoid lunatic. Even if I could forget about the tracker—not happening since he’s figured out the fastest way to get to me is to attack my adopted family—my regular life is also anxiety-inducing as the city of Magiford is brewing with trouble. Someone is setting off increasingly powerful magical spells downtown, upsetting all the humans. The supernatural community is desperate to find the perpetrator, and the top leaders are convinced the psychotic tracker chasing me is in on it. Their solution? Use me to capture the tracker for questioning. What none of us counted on was Noctus—the elven king of death—interfering. Turns out I might not be the only one to regret our parting. But is there any way he could help me, and still keep his kingdom a safe secret? At least one thing is for sure: I’m in way over my head with this, and my gut is warning me that I’m about to test if cats really do have nine lives.

Author: Sarah Hawley Series: Stand Alone Category: Paranormal Romance Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ Goodreads Blurb "But while Mariel had perfected a killer cranberry tart and raised beautiful flowers, she couldn't manage even a simple cleaning spell without making a horrible mistake." A Witch's Guide to Fake Dating a Demon has a lot of things going for it, but like its main character Mariel, it can't get out of its own way. Supposedly powerful but unsuccessful Mariel accidentally summons Ozroth the Ruthless and despite the seriousness of the situation, she throws sass left and right as part of her charm. "'Are you sure there's nothing I can give you?' he asked. 'Money, love revenge against your enemies?' She rolled her eyes. 'You are such a cliché.'" Despite the other characters constantly telling us how caring and loving Mariel is, she has a tendency to lash out, jumping to the worst conclusions. Though we are given plenty of evidence for why Mariel has low self-esteem, it was hard to like her character's repeated attempts to make her friends and Oz feel as small as she saw herself. Oz definitely stole the entire show! Dealing with an accidental summons with no clear way out, he has the only believable character development in his acceptance of new emotions and how he sees himself. "There were several terms for the woozy, giddy, horrific emotion that had seized his internal organs in an iron grip, and if he'd never understood the concept before, he did now. That fucking soul in his chest was absolutely gagging to lay itself on the altar of love." Ozroth the Ruthless grows from a grouchy, heartless demon into a devoted partner who only wants to be there and support the woman he loves. For being the demon in the relationship, he was awfully sweet ❤️ "'You aren't a small piece,' Ozroth said. 'You're a queen.'" "How can anyone know you and not love you?" - Ozroth Every good romance book has its kooky characters, and we definitely have a host of them in this one, some better than others. Mariel's mom was hilarious, besides the obvious emotional abuse and torment she laid on her daughter. That aside, she was the comic relief when the story dragged on and had the best one-liners. A terrible mother in every sense but obviously living her best life as a drama queen matriarch of a powerful family doing whatever she wants. "Yes, I know, but abusing drugs can be surprisingly useful. I once went on the longest cleaning spree after snorting coke with your father in college..." - Diantha, Mariel's mother "Aren't you going to watch the battle royale? We're competing in an hour outside Mothman's Mushroom Mart. All the combatants are going to get naked and take magic mushrooms." - Diantha, Mariel's mother Naturally, Mariel's best friend Calladia is heavily involved in her budding romance with a demon, but most of the time she leads Mariel in the wrong direction. Ironically, just as their moms have a toxic frenemies relationship, I didn't think Calladia and Mariel were much better together. Mariel's other best friend Themmie exists to try to be the voice of reason but does not have any strong personality outside of being a social media influencer. It didn't take long after Mariel summons Oz for the insta-love sparks to fly. The sex was dynamic between them but as the story progressed, their relationship was one-sided and forced. Not sure if Mariel was more into getting laid than supporting Oz as he did for her. "Mariel, you horny disaster." - Calladia, Mariel's friend Most of the drama in the book, outside of the looming bargain plot, is manufactured on Mariel's side. Oz proved himself with actions time and time again, but Mariel allowed herself to be manipulated by her own baggage. She can’t get out of her own way and unfortunately drags the story down. Oz is the demon but he deserves a whole lot better than her, even allowing a whole bunch of her insecurities. Even if this review isn't all positive, I'd recommend the book for Oz alone. You can never have too many book boyfriends. And entertainment-wise, A Witch's Guide to Fake Dating a Demon is a fun read that makes you curious about what debut author Sarah Hawley will write next. Tropes and Themes: Demon, Magic, Witch, Small Town, Fake Dating. Blurb Mariel Spark is prophesied to be the most powerful witch seen in centuries of the famed Spark family, but to the displeasure of her mother, she prefers baking to brewing potions and gardening to casting hexes. When a spell to summon flour goes very wrong, Mariel finds herself staring down a demon—one she inadvertently summoned for a soul bargain. Ozroth the Ruthless is a legend among demons. Powerful and merciless, he drives hard bargains to collect mortal souls. But his reputation has suffered ever since a bargain went awry—if he can strike a bargain with Mariel, he will earn back his deadly reputation. Ozroth can’t leave Mariel’s side until they complete a bargain, which she refuses to do (turns out some humans are attached to their souls). But the witch is funny. And curvy. And disgustingly yet endearingly cheerful. Becoming awkward roommates quickly escalates when Mariel, terrified to confess the inadvertent summoning to her mother, blurts out that she’s dating Ozroth. As Ozroth and Mariel struggle with their opposing goals and maintaining a fake relationship, real attraction blooms between them. But Ozroth has a limited amount of time to strike the deal, and if Mariel gives up her soul, she’ll lose all her emotions—including love—which will only spell disaster for them both.

ARC Review - Publish Date April 17, 2023 Author: Auden Llyr Series: Stand Alone Category: Fantasy Romance Rating: ⭐⭐ Spice: 🌶️ Goodreads Blurb "'Have you heard the saying: Watch your thoughts, for they become words. Watch your words, for they become actions. Watch your actions, for they become habits. What your habits, for they become your character. And watch your character for it becomes your destiny?'" Loren's world is turned upside down when she learns magic is real, her family is cursed, and she is accused of murdering a man who practically crushes her to death. "This revelation of my grandmothers had similarly set my mental balance off-kilter. The unquestioned rules that anchored my worldviews had been cut." - Loren Before long she is forced to concede control of her life in a bid to direct the curse into the least horrible fairy tale, all while dealing with concussion symptoms and a continuing escalation of problems. The premise of Spell Borne was intriguing but the book could have used a second round of editing for a more cohesive plot. Time jumps haphazardly between the chapters, which I found hard to follow, and characters are not as much introduced to readers but pop up to drive the storyline forward when it is most convenient. There is significant and detailed sexual assault inflicted on Loren, and I was a bit surprised it was spelled out as much as it was. The book reminded me of a clean romance, light on the romance, but there was nothing light about reading about rape for tens of pages. It felt out of place considering the subject matter of fairy tales and genre. The main characters were an eclectic bunch, if not over the top in their own ways. Loren was a hot mess from the get-go. Somehow, with the reveal of magic in the world, her father shunning her for a younger woman, and a curse that is wreaking so much havoc in her life that she might need to get married, all she cares about is completing her thesis. "Maybe I needed two lists. Things I could do something about, and things I couldn't yet do anything about." - Loren I had a lot of sympathy for everything Lorem went through but it was hard being stuck in her head as she flits between moaning about inconsequential things or being hazy from a never-ending list of injuries. I liked her character more towards the end of the book as she finally starts standing up for herself and getting her life back together. "Huh, being considered mentally unbalanced had its upsides too...My smile became a fraction more genuine." - Loren Loren's grandmother, who experienced the curse herself as a sleeping beauty, is taciturn at first but it slowly becomes clear that she only wants the best for her granddaughter. Secrets are revealed that don't show her in the best light, but overall I thought she was the only one truly on Loren's side. Connor, the resident brainiac who is studying the curse, acts like he is an awkward teenager in most of his interactions. He constantly lectures Loren while situating himself as the master manipulator for her new life living out a fairy tale. "'Wow Connor,' Paulo snapped. 'You sound more upset that you don't understand what is happening than you did about what happened to Loren and Henri.'" - Paulo Liam, Henri, and Paulo all play a part in either threatening Loren, trying to convince her to do something she doesn't want to do, and/or hiding behind the curse and not dealing with their own drama. Out of all of them, Paulo was the sweetest, but there wasn't much to his character outside of playing a part to appease the curse. "'So, our current plan is basically to hand out and hope we start to love each other because it will fix things?'" - Loren There was no love story, despite the fact that our main character does end up with someone in the end. With a host of male characters, the author kept readers guessing who would fulfill the requirements of the curse but the story ended with no tension or romantic build-up. There is a love scene but we are only privy to a kiss before it fades to black. "In the seconds our lips touched, we wrote volumes containing both tragedies and joyful endings." - Loren Fairy tale lore and the many different renditions of the story ended up being the most interesting part of the book for me. Connor's dialogue when he gets into explanations was very long-winded but the author certainly did a lot of research to write such detailed prose. With too many fantastical storyline subplots added, Spell Borne's main plot about a fairy tale curse got lost, which was a shame. It felt a bit like playing trope bingo, blackout mode. The ending left a lot of questions still on the table. Though I have mixed feelings about this book, I'd be tempted to read and review another ones set in Lointaine, if only to meet another one of the princesses and see the author grow into her writing style. *Thank you NetGalley and publisher for the opportunity to read this arc. All opinions are my own. Tropes and Themes: Fairy Tale, Magic, Small Town. Blurb Some curses start with “Once upon a time...” I thought this semester would be easy - just my thesis and attending some seminars in Lointaine. And who doesn’t love spending time in an enchanting, small town? But it turns out Lointaine is straight out of a fairy tale, quite literally, and the spell affecting the town is determined to turn me into a princess. You know, the kind that gets chased by murderous huntsmen, assaulted in their sleep, or cleans up after stepsisters… Not my idea of a great time. However, according to the resident expert, it’s dangerous to try to avoid my fairy tale. I can’t take that risk since I’m already in a bit of trouble with the police. I’m not sure I have it in me to fight my professors, the police, and magic spells, but if I don’t I’ll be letting go of my own dreams for my future. Is there any path through this grim tale that leads to a happily ever after?

Author: Jackie Walker Series: Stand Alone but in the Redleg Security world Category: Romantic Suspense Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ Goodreads Blurb "Leo was just...he was everything I never knew existed. Never knew I needed someone like that in my life. He was entirely perfect for me right up until the day he left." - Sue Heartbreak Hero has all the elements to create one addictive book. Devoted hero, sassy awkward heroine, mysterious stalker, ride-or-die family and friends, forced proximity, and a whole lot of sex - what more could you need? Sue and Leo were made for each other, completely and utterly perfect! Can you say adorably awkward meet-cute? "Here I am, in all my nipped-out glory, with the hair of a madwoman and a bag of dog shite dangling from my hand. Not exactly the best time to meet new people; not that there's ever a good time for...people-ing." - Sue It was fascinating getting time in Sue's mind. Did some things get a bit repetitive? Yes! Was that the point? Also yes! Regardless of her idiosyncrasies, Sue was remarkably easy to relate to. She is self-aware but not apologetic about her differences. And though she prefers things a certain way, Sue was always willing to try and push herself to bend her own rules. "Just another day in the life of Sue O'Malley - making things awkward since 1996." - Sue Leo is a giant teddy bear, and totally smitten the moment he met Sue. While there is instalove most definitely, the characters had chemistry and only fall harder for each other as they spend time together. Leo is so sweet towards Sue, and recognizes how precious and important she is to him, willing to do anything to keep her safe and happy. "The simple truth is some things are just meant to be. And judging by how my soul has felt more at peace in the last twenty minutes than it has at any time in the last six months, I'm beginning to believe I was made to be her man - not just her protector, although I'll do that gladly - but made to be her partner. Like soul mates, we're connected." - Leo The sex was 🔥. Nothing kinky but we are gifted with dirty talk, multiple positions, and a variety of encounters to suit anyone's taste. While all the sex may have stalled the storyline a tiny bit, (they did bone like 14 times in the space of two days), honestly I’m here for it. "Swoony-horny-faced emoji." - Sue This book was laugh-out-loud funny, seriously, half my book is highlighted with favorite quotes so I could remember them for this review. It was also full of sugar-sweet sentiments from our main couple. A few of my favorite quotes to share: "My parent didn't care much for birth control, I suppose. Irish Catholics do be breeding, as they say." - Sue "Virility is practically wafting off him." - Sue "Being brave isn't the absence of fear. It's pressing on even when you're scared. - Leo "You're everything, Everything I want and everything I need. You're mine, and I want to worship every last bit of you tonight. Don't hide from me, my love." - Leo "Leo Mason, not only do I want to date you, but I want to do all the things with you." - Sue "Patience, my sweet. I need to bury my face between your legs first. That little taste wasn't enough." - Leo Heartbreak Hero has a couple of plot twists that keep things moving and Jackie Walker knows how to keep us coming back for more. There are multiple side characters that are perfectly set up for their own books, and some are already out now! I've already ordered my copies, can't wait to see what my favorite Redleg Security bodyguards are up to next. Tropes and Themes: Second Chance, Mystery, Suspense Romance, Bodyguard, Military, Forced Proximity, Age Gap. Blurb My name is Sue O’Malley, and I’ve been keeping it awkward since 1996. Another thing about me? I think I’m in love with my bodyguard. Leo Mason is all I’ve been able to think about since he broke my heart and left me standing alone on my front porch six months ago. But now he’s back. He says someone is after us and insists we hide in his remote cabin until the threat is neutralized. It’ll be just the two of us with one bed, along with all his muscles, tats, and those fecking smoldering glances that burn up my skin. I trust him to keep me safe from danger, but can I trust him to protect my heart too? *** My name is Leo Mason. As a bodyguard with Redleg Security and a former Army Ranger, I’ve got lots of secrets and even more enemies. Six months ago, I did the unthinkable when I fell for a woman I was protecting. She’s too young for me — too innocent — and being with me comes at a cost. One I didn’t want her to be forced to pay. So I did the best thing I could do to save her — I left. But now there’s a new danger threatening her, and I’ll stop at nothing to protect Sue… my angel. I broke her heart before, but this time things will be different. This time, I’ll be her hero.

ARC Review - Publish Date April 17, 2023 Author: Amy Andrews Series: Sydney Smoke Rugby Series Category: Sports Romance Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ Goodreads Blurb "It seemed Ronan Dempsey's ability to reduce a woman to mush with a single ma'am wasn't just confined to her. Turns out it was his damn super power." - Orla I was prepared to hate Ronan, I really despise the man-whores trope, regardless if it is all consensual sex. But I didn't give Amy Andrews enough credit! Ronan might be the most sweetest, genuine, and thoughtful ladies man ever written. Though his exploits are brought up multiple times, other than having sex on the brain 24/7, Ronan as a character was so much richer than at first glance. He was such a patient and dedicated friend and partner to Orla, even when she probably didn't deserve it, and was ultimately my favorite part of the couple. "I don't care about your scars - not the ones on the outside. I care about the ones on the inside. The ones that keep you separate from people. From me." - Ronan Orla was a complicated character. I immediately recognized her inner strength and deep-rooted pain due to her life circumstances. She was very clearly traumatized by her past and scared for her future, but some of her actions slid from being understandably defensive to being cruel. "Some might say that the threat of cancer had made Oral selfish. Or irrational, anyway. But she preferred single-minded and would make no apologies for that." - Orla It was hard to watch her string Ronan along when it was obvious he was catching feelings and she was lying to herself. Her hot and cold personality grated on my nerves. Orla is a character of extremes and that includes being extremely unlikable to me. "Him. She was terrified of him. His persistence. The way he kept showing up. He was driven and focused and he played to win. What would happen if he decided to put her on his must-have list?" - Orla For two characters with chastity pledges, there was plenty of spice to go around in this one. I loved their banter as they stretched the rules on the definition of sex, and the sexual tensions between them was 🔥 anytime they were together. Seriously, with the amount of eye-fucking they did, I'm surprised they were able to resist as long as they did. "Then he swooped down and kissed her because he wanted to lick his name right out of her mouth when she came." - Ronan "Well, that was the best not-sex I've ever had." - Ronan The book was relatively short compared to other sports romance books I've read. I usually like more time on the field or ice, but wasn't too disappointed considering the fast pace. While part of a series, this book could easily be read as a stand-alone. Playing It Tough is a quick, light, steamy read that will kindle your rugby player fantasies and make you want to read more. *I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Tropes and Themes: Sports Romance, Celibacy, Man Whore, Rugby. Blurb Cosmetic tattoo artist Orla Stewart doesn’t do anything in half measures. She went from being the ultimate party animal to living a life that’s ridiculously straight and narrow. Turns out, cancer can change a girl. A lot. Adios to delicious cheeses, boozy dance parties and easy men. Hel-lo to celibacy and a sweet house-sitting gig with a massive pool. Until one very hot, very unwelcome intruder turns things upside down. American rugby import Ronan Dempsey’s partying is trashing both his reputation and his game—and risking his chances for making the US Olympic team. He needs to clean up, and the pool house belonging to a family friend is the perfect place to hideaway. No. More. distractions. Which is exactly when a gorgeous, pink-haired hellion knocks Ronan on his ass… The chemistry is instantaneous, charged, and absolutely, completely, totally off-limits. Proximity makes temptation nearly impossible to resist. Now it’s a deliciously torturous game of pushing boundaries and holding out. It’s just a matter of time before someone breaks…

Author: Jackie Lau Series: Donut Fall in Love Series Category: Contemporary Romance Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ Goodreads Blurb "Who could have predicted that knocking over a tray of matcha tiramisu donuts would lead to love? Perhaps someone should put that in a movie..."- Ryan All the feels! I loved both Lindsay and Ryan, they were sweethearts with insecurities that tended to overwhelm them but ultimately made them closer as a couple. Donut Fall in Love was a quasi-slow burn, though there was plenty of sexual tension simmering in the air, we have to wait a bit for the characters to decide to act on it. The meet-cute and baking classes were important, but I was sorely tempted to fast-forward to the first kiss! Lindsay was lovely and engaging but was struggling to find herself after feeling like life was passing her by. It was easy to connect with a character who, after a traumatic loss, had a hard time getting out there and making new friends and new relationships. She met Ryan at the exact point in time when she was willing to step out of her box. "She felt like she was in a movie right now. This gorgeous famous guy was in her bake shop, his attention all on her." - Lindsay Although she didn’t come across as insecure, I can imagine anyone would eventually be prone to self-doubt due to the social media exposure that comes with celebrities. It was completely reasonable that this was part of her resistance to dating Ryan. "When Ryan Kwok woke up on Tuesday morning, he discovered his abs had become a social media sensation." Ryan was such a good guy all around. He had a lot on his plate and admittedly, was in over his head trying to hold his family together. I loved his ability to laugh at himself, his humility, and how down-to-earth he felt. It wasn't the best time in his life to start a new relationship, but he finally recognized he would be passing up something special if he didn't at least try to make it work. "'She makes me feel like I have more to give,' Ryan said, then realized that was the corniest line ever." - Ryan Familial relationships played a heavy role in the book, not only in grieving loss but also in what moving forward looks like. There was definite tension in the transition to when adult children started to look after their own parents. While their relationship was strained and stiff, the fact that Ryan's father trolled him on Twitter had me laughing out loud. "'This was what my son wanted to be when he grew up.' Underneath, there were two pictures. One of Cookie Monster wearing glasses, and one of Cookie Monster without glasses." - Ryan Jackie Lau dives right into the different stereotypes, assumptions, and hurdles that many Asian people deal with, both inside the entertainment industry and beyond. Culture and expectations were big story drivers and ultimately played a role in how the main characters thought and experienced life. The beginning of Donut Fall in Love did drag a tiny bit, I would have liked fewer pages on detailed baking scenes and old sitcoms. However, I loved that this book dove deeper into character development than the normal contemporary romance; particularly relationships with immediate family and navigating life's trials. Overall, Donut Fall in Love was a great book and I was more than happy to share this review. I was giggle happy at the sweet parts and teary-eyed at the sad ones. If you like Hallmark movies as much as I do, put this book on your list to read next. Tropes and Themes: Celebrity, Bakery, Slow Burn, Contemporary Romance, Romcom. Blurb Actor Ryan Kwok is back in Toronto after the promotional tour for his latest film, a rom-com that is getting less-than-stellar reviews. After the sudden death of his mother and years of constant work, Ryan is taking some much-needed time off. But as he tries to be supportive to his family, he struggles with his loss and doesn't know how to talk to his dad—who now trolls him on Twitter instead of meeting him for dim sum. Innovative baker Lindsay McLeod meets Ryan when he knocks over two dozen specialty donuts at her bakery. Their relationship is off to a messy start, but there’s no denying their immediate attraction. When Ryan signs up for a celebrity episode of Baking Fail, he asks Lindsay to teach him how to bake and she agrees. As Lindsay and Ryan spend time together, bonding over grief and bubble tea, it starts to feel like they’re cooking up something sweeter than cupcakes in the kitchen.

ARC Review - Publish Date April 18, 2023 Author: Angie Fox Series: Southern Ghost Hunter Mysteries Category: Paranormal Romance Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ Spice: 🌶️ Goodreads Blurb "Just because they call it Phantom Island, doesn't mean it's haunted." - Ellis Dread and Buried is the 12th book in the Southern Ghost Hunter Mysteries, a cozy mystery series. I’ve read three or four of the earlier books, so it didn't take long for me to jump right into this latest adventure. Verity, ghost hunter extraordinaire, was the same character I remembered her to be. She was full of spirit (pun intended), animated, and fully unable to resist sinking into a good mystery, even when things got dicey. Her boyfriend Ellis, as always, was right by her side and ready to guard her against anything she couldn't handle. "When I was tuned in to that world, it became as real as my own. Ghostly knives could slice me; bullets could kill me." - Verity I really loved the setting on the mysterious Phantom Island, you know something spooky was going on based just on its description. The pirate game was the icing on the cake, giving us twists and turns along with some shady characters who would do almost anything to find the treasure first. "Duranja halted in his pacing, 'It's a pirate game, Verity. It's supposed to be cutthroat.'" - Alec Frankie was up to his old tricks once again, going off on his own to stir up as much trouble as possible. He always came back to help Verity when it counted, but who can blame the gangster ghost for wanting a fun weekend to himself with some new friends? "'Of course, you'd be pro-pirate.' I observed. Frankie had dedicated his afterlife to breaking the law. He honestly enjoyed it." - Verity Verity's sister Melody dating Alec Duranja, Verity's nemesis, was an easy way to cause drama. Verity constantly butted heads with Alec, and got old as the story went on and I was more interested in the mystery. Considering how supportive and accepting Melody has always been of her sister's ability, it was hard to believe she would date someone who was closed-minded to the point of calling Verity crazy. "Now that my sister was romantically involved with my nemesis, she wanted us to get along - as if it wouldn't be easier for her to break up with him and date some other guy." - Verity Fabricated tension aside, this book was entertaining and the mystery kept me guessing until the very end. I encourage anyone new to the series to start with the first book, Southern Spirits, to start at the beginning of Verity’s journey into the world of ghosts. "There was something to be said for winging it. Especially in my line of work." - Verity *I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Tropes and Themes: Mystery, Ghosts, Pirates, Magic. Blurb Dead men tell no tales. Until they meet ghost hunter Verity Long. Verity Long is proud to say she gets along with just about anybody—dead or alive. But she’s put to the test when her well-meaning boyfriend and her sweet-as-pie sister con her into a remote island “double date” weekend with her sister’s new flame and Verity’s long-time nemesis, Alec Duranja. Her plans to avoid the uptight police officer go up in smoke when the four of them team up for a weekend treasure hunt competition based on the island’s legendary pirate past. And it doesn’t take long for Verity and her team to discover more than game clues. Someone is using the game to dig up real pirate gold...and they’re willing to kill to keep it. There’s no escaping the island or the game. And when the killer targets someone Verity loves, she realizes she’s the only one who can uncover the truth behind the legend. She must stay one step ahead of the dangers of the island and two steps ahead of Frankie’s new ghostly pirate buddies—all in a race against time to solve a centuries-old puzzle and take down a real live killer before he strikes again.

ARC Review - Publish Date August 1, 2023 Author: Heather Webber Series: Stand Alone Category: Women's Fiction Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Spice: 🌶️ Goodreads Blurb "Without a doubt, the timing of that letter felt all kinds of unexplainable. Was it simply coincidence that the letter had fallen from the stack of mail the day before the job interview, giving me just enough time to get to Alabama?" - Ava I struggled to fully immerse myself in this book in the beginning. For the first thirty pages, there are flourishing descriptions of everything from the cozy beach town of Driftwood, Magpie's coffee shop, and the town's residents with their kooky backgrounds and habits. However, once the two main characters Ava and Maggie officially meet, things pick up and I was riveted to the story. There are a host of unexplained events unfolding and with each new surprise revealed, I had more and more questions about Driftwood and just how magical the place may be. "This couldn't possibly be real. Any of it. The mysterious letter. The out-of-character road trip. This delightful town, which looked postcard perfect despite the gloomy skies." - Ava Ava is at a turning point in her life. Having been sheltered during most of her childhood, she is ready to embrace change, whatever that may look like. The growth of her character from scared and unsure to finding her way is wonderful to witness. No matter the mysterious circumstances of how she found her way to town, Ava whole-heartily plunged herself into Driftwood, creating a new life for herself that was much more rewarding and fulfilling than being comfortable was. "Hard times could be overcome, given time. Given heart. Given determination. Life could be rebuilt. Fresh starts were possible." - Ava While Ava is at the point in her life of throwing caution to the wind, Maggie is hiding away from the world. She was so caught up in grief that she failed to realize she was hurting everyone she loved with her steadfast determination to hold on to the past. Everyone in her life placated her as a child, and the continued enablement that allowed Maggie to avoid change hindered almost every aspect of her adult life. "Holding on is all well and good, as long as you're holding on for the right reasons. But Maggie, you're only holding on because you're too scared to let go.'" - Maggie's father, Dez. Ava's arrival acted like a catalyst for Maggie's delicate balance of avoidance. These two women came together under mysterious circumstances but instantly clicked despite their age gap and place in life. I loved their friendship and how solid it became in such a short time. Magpie's coffee shop was truly the heart of Driftwood. All of the secondary characters seemed to revolve around this center, butting into each other's lives with good intentions and genuine affection for one another. My favorite character was neither Ava nor Maggie, but the mysteriously glamourous Estrelle. I can only hope to be as sophistically fascinating as her when I grow older. I want nothing more than to blow into a small town and deliver truths to those that need to hear them, all in the name of throwing some sass around and helping people be happy. Though everyone living in Driftwood has an interesting backstory, Estrelle's character practically begs for a book of her own. "'You're spooky.' She started to smile, then quickly pursed her lips, as if not wanting to get caught enjoying herself. 'I prefer surprising.'" - Ave and Estrelle At the Coffee Shop of Curiosities was a delightful book full of transformation, character development, and a hint of magic. I loved not only the setting of Driftwood but the community aspect of the small town, and how interconnected everyone in the book was with each other, for the good and bad. *I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Tropes and Themes: Magic, Small Town, Found Family, Mystery. Blurb A mysterious letter. An offer taken. And the chance to move forward. When Ava Harrison receives a letter containing an unusual job listing one month after the sudden death of her ex-boyfriend, she thinks she’s being haunted. The listing—a job as a live-in caretaker for a peculiar old man and his cranky cat in Driftwood, Alabama—is the perfect chance to start a new life. A normal life. Ava has always been too fearful to even travel, so no one’s more surprised than she is when she throws caution to the wind and drives to the distant beachside town. On the surface, Maggie Mae Brightwell is a bundle of energy as she runs Magpie’s, Driftwood’s coffee and curiosity shop, where there’s magic to be found in pairing the old with the new. But lurking under her cheerful exterior is a painful truth—keeping busy is the best way to distract herself from the lingering loss of her mama and her worries about her aging father. No one knows better than she does that you can’t pour from an empty cup, but holding on to the past is the only thing keeping the hope alive that her mama will return home one day. Ava and Maggie soon find they’re kindred spirits, as they’re both haunted—not by spirits, but by regret. Both must learn to let go of the past to move on—because sometimes the waves of change bring you to the place where you most belong.

ARC Review - Publish Date August 1, 2023 Author: Dylan Newton Series: Stand Alone Category: Contemporary Romance Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ Spice: 🌶️🌶️ Goodreads Blurb "If they had to bring the Jaws of Life to get her out, I'm screwed from ever getting guardianship of my nieces." - Bryce Change of Plans was cheesy from beginning to end but it was still an enjoyable read overall. Ryker, a military hero suffering from PTSD and lingering pain due to an amputation, had hidden away from everyone, including his well-meaning family and friends. He was tired of feeling pity and couldn't imagine a life outside of working at his garage and sticking to himself. "Because I avoid the café, my family, and all civilians as much as possible. That may make me a rotten son, but my presence lately is far worse." - Ryker Before meeting our heroine Bryce and her wild brood, Ryker was uninspired with life, but soon after realizing that they needed him, the sense of purpose propelled him to forge ahead in finally tackling his demons. His interactions with the kids brought out a softer, more playful side of him that would have any woman swooning. "He opted for more pirate. More pirate was always safe. 'Arrgh! Yer aunt be a wise lass.'" - Ryker My heart hurt for Bryce, doing her best to raise three girls, while slowly drowning in the responsibility and endless struggles of parenthood. Time and time again life threw curveballs at her but she still had such a warm, winning personality even when her back was against the wall. "But then again, these past months in Wellsville had felt similar to stepping on dry land after a day spend Jet-Skiing in the choppy waters of the Tampa Bay - she was in a constant state of dizzying vertigo as she struggled to keep her feet pointed in the right direction." - Bryce I loved how outgoing Bryce was as her relationship developed with Ryker, willing to say what she wanted. She was frank, honest, generous and the perfect person to grab Ryker and push him out of his comfort zone. Bryce and Ryker's chemistry could have been stronger. Half of the time, Bryce just talked at Ryker while he was having the rest of the conversation in his head before giving one-word answers back. I'd have liked a little more connection between the two, with sexual tension shown more than told. Despite the descriptive language and graphic details, there was very limited spice to our two main character's interactions. The three girls were all delightful characters, if a bit exaggerated. There is a trend in romance books to use kids and their outlandish behavior to drive the story forward and I am not a huge fan. A few scenes were just over the top, the first chapter specifically, but I have to admit I had a smile on my face when Addie, Cecily, and June were up to their latest hijinks. "This was serious. Her niece had nailed a guy in the prunes. He might really be hurt." - Bryce I'd recommend Change of Plans to anyone who enjoys romance books with military heroes. This book is a stand-alone but features several characters from previous Dylan Newton books "How Sweet It Is" and "All Fired Up". I would suggest reading those two books first to get a better understanding of Ryker's family. *I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Tropes and Themes: Scarred Hero, Military, PTSD, Single Parent, Grumpy x Sunshine, Small Town. Blurb A hometown hero comes to the rescue of a struggling chef unexpectedly caring for three little girls who may end up saving him too, in this romantic comedy that perfectly balances depth, charm, and all the feels. When disaster strikes and chef Bryce Weatherford is given guardianship of her three young nieces, her life goes from cooking with fire…to controlling a dumpster fire. Five‑year‑old Addison refuses to remove her fairy wings, eight‑year‑old Cecily won't bathe, and tween June is majoring in belligerence. With all this chaos, Bryce jettisons hope for a life outside of managing her family and her new job. It's been years since Ryker Matthews had his below‑the‑knee amputation, yet the phantom pain for his lost limb and Marine career haunts him. To cope, he focuses on his vehicle restoration business. He knows he's lucky to be alive. Yet, “lucky” feels more like “cursed” to his lonely heart. When Ryker literally sweeps Bryce off her feet in the grocery store's baby aisle, they both feel sparks. But falling in love would be one more curveball neither is ready to deal with… or is it exactly the change of plans they need?