This is book 5 of 6 in the Galentine's Getaway. I am reading these books in the order that is set forth in both Goodreads and Amazon. It seems that each book can be read as a stand alone or in any order. Either way I'm beyond annoyed.

As mentioned in my review of book 2, this book contains word for word the exact same pages of the dinner scene with the bet that the 4 virgins of the group take on the task of losing their v-cards. I understand that these are all intertwined and that the need for the scene to be in each book is imperative. However, there is little to no change. It is like the author(s) simply cut and pasted. Each one could have written the scene providing more insight and prospective from their character and it appears only 2 of 5 have taken that task so far. *sigh*

Premise, 6 romance authors meet up at Lake Tahoe for a Galentine's Getaway/ writer's retreat. Each one finds experiences insta-love and gets an HEA.

This story was short, yet I struggled to finish it because of how annoyed I was. The storyline just doesn't do it for me. I feel like Emmy's prejudice is ridiculous. She is super aggressive as far as pursuing Griff; she refuses to let him talk yet has the nerve to make herself a victim.

I feel like despite the few spicy scenes there was a lot of fade to black. The connection was glossed over and we were just told that it existed versus getting to experience it.

Lastly, the epilogue pissed me off. Another author did the same thing where they list the other 5 girls, their spouses, occupations, and HEA. But this one even listed a damn baby that doesn't belong to the main characters. IF the sole purpose of this series is to be intertwined and encourage the readers to read all six books, why would you lay out the endings of all the other girls' stories??!!!

As stated above, I am reading this in the suggested order but thanks to this epilogue, I don't even see the point in reading the final book. Which is super unfair to that author.

With that said, I feel like the author did a good job setting up HER other stories. I am interested in learning about Griff's brother and sister-in-law. Hopefully the author's lack of commitment to this couple is an isolated thing as she did a fabulous job when it came to the spicy scenes which was the only saving grace.

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This is the 3rd book in this series. This series features six romance authors who are visiting Lake Tahoe for a Galentine's Getaway/writer's retreat. This working vacation is to allow them to socialize, gain clarity, and write their hearts out. In this series each author finds love in quick insta-love stories.

Mina is the first non-virgin in this series. This was a nice change of pace, don't get me wrong, Clover and Zoey definitely lost their V-cards with a bang but it's nice to not have a heroine who isn't stressed, insecure, or nervous about sexing the sexy hero.

Mina is feisty, stylish, and has a quick tongue. My first impression was that she was a bit self-absorbed. Obviously as the main character she is the complete opposite just wears a shield to hide her true self.

Palmer aka James is a pro quarterback who just won the super bowl and instead of going to Disneyland he finds himself hiding away in Lake Tahoe reflecting on what's next.

Their first meeting is clumsy and sets the tone for a slight enemy to lovers energy. Palmer's back story will tug at your heart strings. I liked his attraction and devotion to Mina. I love that her curves weren't a fascination or concern for him. He just liked what he saw and was open about it. (I hate it when author's over stress how much the hero loves curvy girls. Like okay I get it, he is all about the extra cushion for the pushin we don't need 3 paragraphs of him professing his love for her stretch marks and fupa)

Mina is my least favorite of the three books read so far. I only because of how long it took for us to see her vulnerable. I also think she over-reacted and was dramatic and put our boy through unnecessary heartache. JMO

Overall, it was a decent read.

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Book 4 of 6 in the Galentine's Getaway series. Six romance author's go to Lake Tahoe for a writer's retreat where each woman finds instalove and an HEA.

This is a grumpy/sunshine troupe between vibrant Paige and scowling Camden.

If you are reading this in order, then you know that Paige is an extrovert, she writes about dirty talking men and does a lot of research to make sure her subgenre is accurate. Therefore, in an effort to experience Mountain Men, she finds herself camping on Cam's property.

Cam is a scarred hero. A big hairy mountain man who believes in soul mates and thinks Paige is sexy af. While this entire series is instalove, these two have the quickest timeline. Their magnetic connection was undeniable and forceful.

I love Paige and all her quirks. Best part of this story is when she addresses Cam's body insecurities.

I am happy with this read. This series would make a cute Lifetime movie.

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"Strike that from the bucket list: picking up litter with the Antichrist, and it wasn't even court-ordered." - Joy

I'm not going to lie. I choose to read this book because I liked the cover and premise. A super serious unlucky Fallen meets a real-life Harley Quinn in a bar and BAM an instant friendship is formed. What is there not to love?!

This is C.J. Pierce's first novel, and I will say they did a damn good job. This story is action packed, hilarious, heartfelt, and filled with sarcasm. I liked that it was not predictable. At no point did I feel like I knew what was going to happen next or who the bad guy was.

I appreciated the synonyms used in place of Heaven, Hell, Angels, Demons, ectra...

This book totally has a Buffy and Angel vibe. Warning, the torture and death is pretty graphic, but I liked that! Also, despite being a HUGE fan of Dark Romance, there was NONE in this book, yet I was still here for the strong emotional bonds between the characters. Not just the main two. Lots of character development was made and family/friendship was formed.

My only complaint is the writing style. I prefer multiple POVS and first person when possible. This was written in third person. But it was done very well. So, while it's not my preferred style, it did not prevent me from enjoying the story and at times provided insight that I think I would have missed had it been in my preferred first person.

Trigger Warnings: Graphic torture and killing scenes and mentions of rape.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

“That’s how I want to be loved—big and crazy. Because that’s how I love.” - Winnie

This book was selected for the March 2022 read in my Facebook reader groups DRINK GOOD WINE, READ DIRTY BOOKS that's hosted by author Samantha Baca. The theme was romance with the subgenre grumpy/sunshine.

Ignite is listed as book #6 in the Cloverleigh Farms series. I am a serial series reader. My OCD forbids me from completing tasks out of order. So, you can imagine the panic attack that I experienced when I saw that this was book #6 less than 48 hours to the discussion. The idea of reading out of order was painful but despite being a fast reader, I knew there was no way I could finish all 6 books prior to the discussion date. Thankfully, after some digging it was discovered that while this is considered book 6 in that series, it's technically book #1 in the Next Generation series and can be read as a standalone. The author does a fantastic job giving brief summaries of the couples that we missed which are all the parents to this generation, so I personally did not feel like I missed anything which was a huge relief and kept my eye twitch to a minimum.

Okay, enough preface, I feel like I'm writing my life story before sharing a jello recipe. Sorry about that.

Ignite by Melanie Harlow was a spicy, funny, read. I gave it 4 stars which for me means, I really liked it. However, our grumpy sexy fireman was kind of an asshole and not in a sexy alpha way.

34-year-old, divorced dad, former Navy SEAL, and current firefighter Dex has anger and communication issues. I feel like he was a diva and when he lost his cool, he just let whatever come out of his mouth with little care as to who it hurt. This douche personality flaw hurt numerous feelings not just the female main character but his sister, ex-wife, and daughters. I get the appeal to this love story is that he's supposed to be a grump and Winne's sunshine happy personality is expected to bring him to the land of Love and Sunshine, but I really think he needed therapy to resolve his emotional baggage and would have liked that written in. I did however like how relatable his parenting style was. He is a good dad, and it was good to see.

Dex's daughter's Hallie age 8 and Luna age 5 were freaking GOLD. I hate it when you read about a single parent and the children are barely mentioned. Or the author writes their presence in but other than a few catch phrases they aren't really a focus in the love story. Luna and Hallie were very much a part of this story. They were cute, rebellious, pushy, sassy, and their love for that dad and friendship with Winnie was everything.

22-year-old Winnie is a rehabilitating love addict who has been to therapy UNLIKE Mr. Grump, recognizes her attachment issues and just living her life. She has her own emotional baggage but has learned to work through it and is a great support to both Dex and his girls. I really liked her. She has a kind heart, is very thoughtful, has a good head on her shoulders, hardworking, has a strong family/friend support system, and was very mature for her age.

I thought this was a solid read. Very funny, relatable, and believable. Not Lifetime movie worthy, definitely recommendable.

“I’m Rosalie Oscura of the Oscura Clan. I was raised by Bianca Oscura, mother of the Storm Dragon who I’ve ridden with in the clouds countless times.”

I completed the Ruthless Boys of the Zodiac series less than two weeks ago. That's where I first met Rosa, Ethan, and Roary. I absolutely felt drawn to Rosa. She's fierce, brave, stubborn, and loyal. Roary and Ethan both have so much swagger and confidence to them. I was beyond thrilled to read their RH story, stupidly thinking it may be similar to the Ruthless Boys as I am unfamiliar with the author, however I know many follow a pattern and ASSumed this may be the case. I have NEVER read Zodiac Academy and found it was NOT needed to read this series that takes place 5 years AFTER that series/10 years after Ruthless Boys.

Yeah, NO this is NOTHING like Ruthless boys. It is sooo much darker and badass. But with a leading lady like muther fking Rosalie Oscura nothing less than big dick energy should be expected. She's a boss bitch and these "men" literally can't deal.

This story is Prison Break, Orange is the New Black, and True Blood thrown into a blender to create the perfect toxic dark blend of lust, power, and risk.

Rosa is my spirit animal. She makes me want to go howl at the moon and then throat punch anyone who looks at me funny.

"She was Mr Darcying me right now and I was Bridget Jones in my granny panties, bared for her to see and she liked it. She fucking liked it."

First of all, let me just say that this is NOT the series to become emotionally attached to anyone outside the main characters because the authors just don't give a fk about our feelings.

Rosa came to Darkmore to complete a job and save Roary. She caught feelings when she wasn't expecting to but the Moon had other plans. Honestly at this point none of these men seem worthy. JMO. They are all selfish and caught up in their own insecurities and emotional bullcrap to see how amazing our girl is. My heart cracked so many times for the emotional turmoil she had to deal with.

Wait back track, Sin Wilder is a unstable Joker that has no issues saying what's on his mind. Sadly it's mostly sex, jibberish, and violence but at least he's got our girl's back.

This second book was a Prison Break/Italian Job combo and it leaves you on the edge of your seat.

"She was mine and I was hers and that was all I needed in the whole wide fucking world."

I knew this was an incomplete series. I knew it and I told myself I was going to wait. I actually had a completed trilogy in my library read to rock but I just could not get Rosalie Oscura out of my damn head. I just HAD to know what was up with her. I told myself it won't hurt to get a peek. It's supporting the author and rather I have some insight into her story than none at all.

Ya'll, I screwed myself over with that reasoning. AGAIN my heart has been ripped out. I said it once I will say it again, these authors don't give a fk. They came for readers tears. They are coming for everyone. Doesn't matter if they are a main or secondary character. NO ONE IS SAFE.

I'm devastated. I want to scream for the injustice. Having read the Ruthless boys series, I saw these characters before they were "hardened". Before Darkmore took a piece of their soul and humanity. Every time the words "I just want to be free" were uttered I felt it deep.

Don't get me wrong, there was several laugh out loud moments, adrenaline filled bad ass moments, so sexy and hot af to the point where a bitch had to pounce her husband after reading that moments. But overall the cliffhanger got me sideways.

There are going to be 5 books in this series. I checked and it was 9 months between the release of books 2 and 3. It's been 8 months since the release book 3 and there is NO title or ETA on book 4. Which means, I am going to have to suffer knowing that our pride/pack/unit/crew is hearting. Knowing that some people continue to have everything good in their life taken.

Would I recommend starting an incomplete series?? Not usually. But this shit right here is so good you can't not read it. Especially when it's set in a "universe" with so much going on. There are 5 Ruthless Boys books (completed series) and 7 or 8 Zodiac Academy books (Yes a bitch is going to read them to hold me over until the next book in this series drops and they should technically have been read before this series if you follow the correct timeline which I did not because I was a greedy selfish brat who loved Rosa soo much I couldn't wait but now knowing she makes appearances in ZA I feel like I did myself a disservice by not reading in order, yet I have NO regrets)

I did not realize this is the LAST book in the Love at Stake series. I was not prepared for that ending in general, so there's that.

So up until this book, not once did I give either Russell or Jia a second thought. Never cared about their back stories or future.

I liked Russell being dark and mysterious. Jia was secondary to her cousin and that was that.

However I found their story exciting. I liked them individuals and partners.

The flight against evil gave me Marvel End Game vibes mixed with Little Nicky. I wanted more of it. I think this series deserves at least 3 more books. The ending for me was very Hallmark.

Not bad, I just want more.