If The Boot Fits was the second book in the "Texas Ever After" and its been a book that I received ages ago from Netgalley but honestly I just never got around to it. I think I was intimidated due to the backlash that this author received some years ago, which after reading this book, I think was probably false rumors and making a mountain out of a mole hill because its inspirational romance lol

This book kept me on my toes and I honestly never wanted to put it down. I fell so hard for this one here, the audio was great but I really loved the Cinderella twist on this book. It was so unique. The hero was the "Cinderella" and the heroine was the prince of sorts in this story. It starts off with this ball, where the hero has come home to find his mother and brothers kicked off their land when his father died and looking for evidence the man in charge of the land is corrupt and did it for a evil reason. But fails to find evidence, and ends up in saving the life of Samantha's younger brother. Samantha is seeking to contribute to her community and help those in need. She is determined to make a life here. She connects with Asher in tutoring his younger brother in his school studies. But when her life is threatened, Asher is there to be her protector.

I fell so hard for this one and I think the only thing that kept this book from being a five star was I would have wanted a slight more focus on some swoons, but it was still there. It also reminded me that I want to read more inspirational romance for sure. I loved the soft spiritual focus mixed with the danger themed plot and the romance which builds between Asher and Samantha. I loved the western theme and I definitely want to read much more of this author because I fell hard for her writing and I can't wait to explore the rest of this series. I have such a soft heart for retellings and I can tell you this was beautifully done. 

 Montana Desire is a blend of unrequited love and a fling that turns into something lasting and powerful. There were many aspects to this story that I fell hard for. And some I wasn't a huge fan of. But I can say that this story was dramatic, emotional, spicy and so well pictured. The dynamic between these two was so poignant but yet had a sense of excitement and thrills.

Our story starts off with our hero, who is suffering from a back injury but has loved Cori from afar. When Cori has a painful breakup, he is drawn to her to bring comfort, but chemistry flares instantly between them and they literally jump into the sheets together. But they find something precious together, that neither expected. But there is a mystery surrounding horses being poisoned and a danger that neither of them will truly see coming.

I really enjoy their romance together, I loved how they connect as a couple and how they both seem so hurt in different ways but find solace together. The third act of the story was an element that wasn't my favorite to be honest. I do wish the heroine had made a different choice, to be fully honest. but of course, it couldn't happen that way because authors love drama.

Overall though I found Montana Desire to be endearing and captivated me from the beginning. 

 My Review:

Lost With Me is the fifth installment in the "Stark Trilogy" and while I know I am getting towards the end of the series, its also starting to feel bittersweet that I am also done with Damien and Nikki and I have been loving seeing theme with their kids but still being the spicy edgy couple we know and love. In Lost With Me we have a story about some conflict that will push Damien and Nikki to the edge, that will bring back old demons to the surface. We see a coming danger that is becoming a threat to them, we see how they try to solve the mystery surrounding it, and a threat that they won't see coming.

I really loved seeing what really challenges this couple. I loved their relationship and how strong they are together. We see their ways of coming together and how some conflict can drive a couple apart but also how important trust is in their relationship and how without it, it can push them to the edge. I really adored the third conflict and it kept me on edge. But I am curious to see what will be in the next installment, as things have been building towards something that Damien is hiding from Nikki.

Overall I had a blast with this book that had me in my emotions and feeling on a deep level that J. Kenner does fairly easily. 

 My Review:

Liam Takes Manahatten is a very short novella (shorter than many of the others) where Liam is in his teenager mode and is being restless and having to fight for dominance with his dragon and learning about control. He is also finding he is struggling working with his father's demands. We see the aspects of parents working with a teenager who also can shift into a big scary dragon lol And he is only a year old. Poor Dragos and Pia, and Pia is pregnant with another baby that will probably be a unicorn. lol

I found this one quite interesting, I really felt for all of them. Liam is really trying to learn who he is and Dragos and Pia are having to adapt to a teenager with hormones. I found it interesting to see Liam leave for a remote school in Ireland....I didn't see that one coming lol but I am curious to see what is going to happen next. This is a novella you need to read AFTER Shadow's End. 

 *Fair warning before reading this review, spoilers are ahead, but if you love some good spoilers and want to know what to expect, read this review*

Book Evaluation:
Plot: 🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️​
World Building:🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎​
Cover:📔📔📔📔📔​
Intimacy Level: 🔥🔥 🔥​
Relationship Building: 💒💒💒💒💒​
Heart & Feels:💞💞💞💞💞​
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: 😂😂😂😂😂​
Page Turner Level:📖📖📖📖📖​
Ending:🧧🧧🧧🧧🧧​
Overall View: ✨✨✨✨✨✨​

“Illium the bold. Illium the Courageous. Illium the brillaint,” Aodhan said, a slow smile lighting up his face. “Do you remember how we used to make up those titles for each other?”
“You forgot Illium the Favorite?” Illium grinned. “Aodhan the Bright, Aodhan the Loyal, Aodhan the Audacious,” They’d been so proud of thinking up the last word.
“Well, I have one more for you,” Aodhan cupped the side of his head, those artist’ fingers in Illium’s ahir. “Illium, the Determined, Archangel of his own destiny.”

First Impressions
Archangel’s Ascension is the newest installment in the Guild Hunter series and this book continues off, timing was from the latest installment, however, this is where we see the next phase into Illium and Aodhan’s story. I know that there was some readers that struggled with their first book together, because it wasn’t as spicy as many of her other books. Their relationship is not like any of her other couples and I really admire that she has handled their story so much differently. And even though we really see them come together fully as not just friends….but true mates, don’t expect a spicy book but you can expect to find a beautifully, deeply intimate story that will capture your heart. We also see a well developed mystery that comes into play which I actually get why this one was handled in the way that it was. We also have some flashbacks which we see two timelines which is the present from what we have known the series…..and then 700 years in the future (YEP ) and Nalini Singh developed it just so well.

“My Blue.” He brushed his fingers over Illium’s cheekbones. “I never thought you’d be shy.”
“Neither did I,” Illium muttered, because, despite his flaming cheeks, this, just lying here with Aodhan’s wing over his body while the other man touched his shoulders and chest as if discovering him for the first time, it felt good.
Felt right.
Felt like exactly where he was meant to be.

Summary
Aodhan and Illium…Sparkle and Bluebell have gone from centuries of being friends to something deeper. They are now reunited fully in New York, Bluebell has just returned from traveling to reunite with his sire and most important connect with his sparkle….his Aodhan. They are both members of Rafael’s Seven and have embraced their roles completely. But there is a mystery that has arisen when one of their own has been murdered, and they must find the culprit and it hits close to home as evidence has come out that it was a stalker situation that makes the past of Aodhan come to the surface in a very painful way. But as Adohan and Illium learn to come to the truth and embrace this new chapter in their relationship….there is also change happening in the future that will push the boundaries of their relationship and their lives ….forever.

“You are extraordinary,” Illium whispered, pressing a kiss to the diamond bright strands of Aodhan’s hair as heat stung his eyes.
I love you. More than air and sunlight, more than the sky or art.
Illium’s entire being felt as if it had shifted this night, undergoing a fundamental change from which there could never be any return.

What I Loved
Archangel’s Ascension is one of the most brilliant installments of the series and not only that is one of the best books that this author has ever crafted. I can’t express how wonderful this story was and how thrilled I was to finally get the conclusion for Aodhan and Illium. While I adored Archange’s Light ….Archangel’s Ascension is where we really see their story truly come together in such a epic finale that captures the soul. There are many elements that are brought to the surface within this story.

Pleasure came in many forms, and this night, they found the pleasure available only to two winged beings who knew each other’s most sensitive spots, two combat-ready fighters who understood their bodies inside and out, two lovers who were ready to touch and adore and learn, two aroused men who had no limits with each other, two friends who loved above all else.
It was love, and it was transcendent.

Illium has returned to New York after some traveling, he and Aodhan and learning to be together as more than just centuries long childhood friends. This is where they learn to let go and embrace their next chapter. The intimacy between them is beyond beautiful. You see their closeness, the sensuality and the affection that is so deeply entrenched in their hearts. And while our couple is learning what it means to be together in this new way, they are tasked to solve a riddle….a murder mystery that involved a newer vampire and his fiancée who were murdered by his stalker. We see how this pushes the recovery that Aodhan has worked so hard to rebuilt from his time as being stalked and kidnapped and abused in some of the worst ways. We see as they work slowly to solve the mystery, that we see their connection working through and being built into something just as deep but a different path than what they have walked in the past. There is such beauty and light that is brought into their relationship and I was so deeply touched in their quiet moments together and seeing their intimate bond grow into such a crescendo that was brilliantly penned that was transformative and stunning in its emotional detail.
The next phase is where we see the flashbacks into the future which I rarely see to be honest. But I found it refreshing. Although these flashbacks don’t truly start until the last 1/3 of the story. Where we see what we all have been anticipating for many books….to see our darling Bluebell….our Illium face his destiny and ascend into an archangel and become one of the most powerful beings on earth. We see how his destiny comes for him and the results of that. How his destiny and his life will change forever….how he will never be able to serve his sire again, and be with Elena, or to visit his mother, but will need to embrace who he was meant to be and change what is to be expected. And how his journey into this bright new chapter will deliver changes for him and might push some challenges between him and Aodhan but also between himself and everyone he has ever known. The moments between him and all of our favorite characters struck deep and was so heart-wrenching. But we also see how well he embraces his future, see how their relationship becomes so much more vibrant in the face of this new change. And it leaves off with a Happy For Now feeling and I hope we get another book with them together, to see how Bluebell will maneuver his way into his new position and his territory.

*Our task now,* he added, *is to be friends as we have never before been.* Raphael lifted his hands, his palms and fingers coated with Illium golden rain, his skin a gloaming of mystery. *You know we will lose them both?* They were a pair, had always been a pair.

Illium and Aodhan.

Sparkle and Bluebell.

Archangel and Second.

What I Struggled With
Nothing ….this book was pure perfection in every way!!!

Overall View
Archangel’s Ascension is a book that will carry its reader to new heights of light filled connection, embracing new chapters of beginnings and the brilliance of love that fills the soul in every facet with such shining intricate vibrancy…..A GEM OF DAZZLING LOVE THAT HITS DEEP ON THE SOUL!

“You’re dazzling,” he whispered.
“And you’re mine. I’ll fight for you even against the power of ascension.”

Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Urban Fantasy Romance
Character Types: Alpha Hero, Angels, Tortured Hero, Warrior/Soldier
Themes: Tear Jerker, Heart/Emotionally Touching, Holy Grail Mystery
Tropes: Epic Love

Book Perspective
3rd POV

Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
Plot Conflict

If you like these authors, I recommend This Book
Christine Feehan
Patricia Briggs
Gena Showalter

Recommendation For Reading Order
Yes 

 DNF Review

I am marking this as a DNF at 55%. As I did receive this originally from Harper Collins (Avon) in exchange for a honest review, I did try to give this book a good chance. However, this heroine is a TSTL type of heroine and she was driving me bonkers. It also felt very modernistic so I think I won't be reading any more of this author moving forward for newer releases, I might read A Touch of Steele as I was also gifted an ARC of that one and the blurb doesn't sound too bad on it. I know from this book and other viewpoints from the family that this heroine was the more "feminist" one so I am hoping the other book will be good.

So what did I struggle with on this one? I actually at first really loved the premise, the banter between these two were fun and I really liked the tropes that were involved. However, the heroine was very annoying. Some of her dialogue started to really grate on my nerves, and it became quickly obvious that this book was becoming modernistic. I didn't care for how she treated the hero, like because he was a man he was beneath her and that she didn't need to be respectful as he was really to her most of the time. At first I liked the hero, but he kept apologizing for saying common sense things of the time. The heroine also takes actions in this book that honestly are so stupid lol like I am a woman, I am independent and no harm will happen to me because I say so type of heroine. Like girl....come on use your head. I also wasn't a fan for how she was so impatient and it had to be her way all the time or the highway type of mentality. I was thinking about trying to force myself to read this longer, but honestly I can't keep it with this heroine, its that or just throw my kindle against the wall in frustration. Its sad that I had to DNF a book from a favorite author however, I think this is an author that like many others, has probably been forced by the publisher to change their writing style to fit a modernistic narrative. I will be reading her backlogged books though. 

 My Review (May contain spoilers, Fair warning upon reading this review)

Taken by the Horde King is the fifth installment in the "Horde Kings of Dakkar" and I am not sure why I took so long to continue the series as I have really enjoyed it. Probably not quite to the level as many other readers have, but I love the epic fantasy world feel to these stories. This is definitely one of my favorites of the series. I think its one of the better books to read in my opinion. I do think you will probably enjoy it a bit more if you read book 4 "Broken by the Horde King" though.

Taken by the Horde King is a twist of the heroine is involved in a plot where she is being forced to capture Rowin who is one of the Horde Kings. Mina has been abused most of her life since her father died, and she has a stutter so she is treated as less then and just as a cheap commodity and not someone with power and magical abilities. When she and her people capture Rowin to be sacrificed by the witches, she is drawn to him and feels remorse over what she has contributed to. From the first moment they met, both felt an instant connection. And when she helps him esscape, he takes her captive, wanting to take out revenge on her.

The romance between these two was just beyond beautiful. I couldn't get enough of what these two become together. And man their bond was so thrilling, toe curling goodness. I felt so drawn to these two, probably more than any other couple. I am not sure exactly why. I think I just resonated with the heroine so well. She is damaged, and abused and she is fairly softer and I really admired that from her. She has her own strength of course, but I loved how genuine she felt. She is the best heroine this author has written in my opinion. I literally had no issue with her. She has such a gentle sweet spirit but with a spine of steel that has taken abuse for years and still has a heart of courage and will protect those she loves with such fierceness.

Overall I found Taken by the Horde King to be such a special story and if you love epic fantasy with a historical barbarian type culture I highly recommend these. I can't wait to read the finale next week!!!! 

 My Review:

The Hermit was delightful and had its flaws in some ways. I was very curious to see what the author would deliver on this one and most of the time she really brings together some impactful mafia romances and The Hermit was definitely impactful. Don't let my rating fool you, I still enjoyed this book quite a bit when I read it.

I first want to go over the things that I loved. The HERO is what made this book so amazing and I am not even being humble about that lol On the surface Dominik seems to be like your a typical mafia hero but even from the beginning you sense something different about him. He is an introvert. And I resonated so much with him. When you see him talking about not wanting to be married because he would have to be around a human lol I totally understood that. Now there is some angst between Dominik and the heroine Grace. Grace is overprotective and she is damaged emotionally as she suffered a domestic abusive relationship with her first husband who was killed. And her sister is sensitive and more vulnerable. But there is chemistry between Grace and Dominik and when Grace's sister runs away from the situation, Grace does the honorable thing and marries Dominik but he isn't what she expected. He is patient and understanding and isn't pushing her boundaries until she is ready. But he is the first man she is learning to trust. Dominik was PERFECTION!!! In their moments as husband and wife, he is so romantic and patient and once he learns she suffered an abusive relationship he treats her just right. And literally gives her all the HEARTS AND FLOWERS and I just about swooned!! So perfect for Valentines Day weekend.

My issues were first the heroine Grace. She was a bit crazy lol And honestly her character just didn't really make that much sense to me until the later half. But I also didn't understand why she wasn't more concerned over her sister but maybe those answers will come in the series as I am hoping the sister will have a book. I kinda would love her with Santiago. And my other issue (and BIG SPOILER ALERT) Is that when there is a big battle to fight against the Bratva, Dominik takes Grace with him and she is SO not a fighter lol she honestly would have been safe at his hideout which hardly no one knows about. It just didn't make sense to me at all.

Overall I had a blast with The Hermit and I can't wait to see what this author delivers for the series in the near future. 

 My Review:

I did this one as a read and then watch the adaptation and I was so happy that Passionflix finally finished up this series. I was worried that they wouldn't continue but glad that they decided to finish everything off here. I loved the plot line for this one. I was worried that the enemies to lovers would be dragged out a bit too much, but thankfully it wasn't. And you can quickly see how well their chemistry is despite the angst between them. I really respect them resolving their issues a bit earlier in the book so that the suspense mystery plot would have the focus and seeing it all resolved. I found that their relationship really resonated so deeply and it definitely handled the emotional human element just right.

Overall I found this one to be a true keeper and my favorite of the series actually!!!! I definitely need to read more of this author, so if you have read her, give me all of your recommendations!!! 

 This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review. Also my tags may have spoilers in them so be forewarned before checking out full review.

Book Evaluation:
Plot: 🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️
World Building:🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎
Cover:📔📔📔📔
Hero: 🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻
Heroine:🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️
Intimacy Level: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Relationship Building: 💒💒💒💒💒
Heart & Feels:💞💞💞💞💞
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: 😂😂😂😂
Page Turner Level:📖📖📖📖
Narration:🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧
Ending:🧧🧧🧧🧧🧧
Overall View: ✨✨✨✨✨

Eternity might be captured in a single kiss.

First Impressions
What on earth did I read and I am not sure if I am okay and breathing? haha oh what a wild ride. I am still feeling breathless over this read and what Thea Harrison has delivered here. I can't believe what a book this one was. I did put it off for a bit because I knew it would have some elements to it that I might not care for too much and yeah it was completely wild and you definitely need to go into this one with a open mind though. Its not going to be a story that will work for everyone. But I was eager to see how our pairing would fair and lets be real ....I have been wanting Graydon's book since the first book hahaha

First Line
With one blunt forefinger, Graydon tapped out a text on his smartphone.

The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Graydon, First Sentinel of the Wyr
The Heroine: Beluviel, consort to the Elven High Lord

Summary
Graydon and Beluviel, on the surface have to appear as if they are just two in the realm of knowing each other but can't reveal their true desires for each other as its completely forbidden. Two hundred years ago Gray and Beluviel fell in love in the search for Beluviel's son who had gotten caught up in gambling and on their journey in their search, they form a bond and a deep love. But when they discover some evil against innocents they do what they feel is right but that moments will entrench them in a bind that they won't know how to get out of. They fall into debt with a evil Djinn, Malphas which forbids them from touching one another or it will the life of Beluviel's son. But Graydon has never given up on the love he has always held for Beluviel and been working for two centuries to bring down their enemy, he just needs Beluviel to trust in him to bring them freedom along with their crew of friends to help them escape....but what will be the price of their freedom?

What I Loved
Shadow's End was beyond brilliant in every way I could have imagined. The moment that these two fell hard for each other, I was in 100% into this story and I couldn't put it down. I just wanted so much to see how these two would find their HEA especially when it starts off with seeing Graydon having so much yearning for the woman he loves. And I really appreciated how Thea Harrison wrote the flashback. Normally authors make you go back and forth. But I loved how she wrote the complete flashback early in the book and then you get to the present and I really wish more authors would handle more flashbacks like that. I hate the yo yo style of flashbacks.

Shadows End is a story that despite its facts of some cheating in it which isn't normally for me, the way that its told definitely worked for me. You can see how Beluviel is in a miserable arrangement of a marriage and has never known love and affection from her husband. But she wishes that Graydon could be the man she could be with. You see their mutual pining and aren't able to engage with each other and have had to stay away from each other for over two hundred years...I can't even imagine but you just feel the tension that builds throughout the story and within their relationship. And then you just feel that they need to be together. Their strength to continue fighting for their love and for freedom was so breathtaking and just breathes life and energy into the reader.

Thea Harrison wrote a true treasure of a read and I am still feeling overwhelmed by what I just read. Can this book write a bad book? Cause I don't think so lol And the more I read into this series the more I am sad that its coming to an end soon but also excited to see what the author truly delivers within this world. And I am so curious to see what she will be doing with Liam here. I hope we get to see some good things for him.

What I Struggled With
The flashback to the time when they first fall in love is super slow paced. I am not sure if it was the narration or not but it definitely affected my enjoyment slightly or it would have been a six star read. That is how good this book was especially the second half. I also wasn't a fan of who the author kills off in the end. I won't reveal who it is (its not the main characters) but it is a character I was hoping to get a story for actually.

Narration
Really well done. I am not sure if the issues I had in the first half of the book is due to the narrator or if it was just the pacing .....I am leaning towards the pacing....normally flashbacks can feel slower at times but I felt it was important to read it or I probably would feel so so lost.

Overall View
Shadow's End was sizzling and spell binding in every way....its a tale that stretches into the forbidden, that lays waste to expectations and boundaries and digs deep into the strength and courage of the heart!

You didn't walk away from those you loved. You fought for them, always, with everything you had, even if it meant fighting the long fight, and staying on the hardest, quietest, most difficult course

Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Paranormal Romance
Character Types: Shape Shifter, Dragon, Fae
Themes: Cheating, Heart/Emotion, Tear Jerker
Tropes: Road Trip, Star Crossed Lovers, Forbidden Love

Book Perspective
3rd POV

Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
A blend

If you like these authors, I recommend This Book
Nalini Singh
Shelly Laurenston
Kresley Cole

Song This Book Inspires
Love Me Like You Do by Ellie Goulding

Recommendation For Reading Order
Yes

Steam/Spice Explanations

Simmering cup of tea---soft warm touches and light intimacy
Warmin' by the fire- a medium level of sexual tension, a balance of sexual and emotional intimacy, lighter on the details in the sexual moments.
Steamin' up the room -the sexual content is more explicit in the language and tone, heavier amount of sexual scenes.
Blazing fire to the building-The prime focus is the sex scenes, scorching hot, and could burn one. Less focus on the emotional intimacy to the relationship.

Narrators:
Sophie Eastlake