This review was originally posted on Addicted To RomanceI received this book for free from Avon in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

True To You is a wonderful book that just gave me all of the feels here folks...I swear Jennifer Ryan is so bad for my heart because I am always afraid I am going to have a stroke while reading one of her books. But alas....I am safe, for now until her next book comes out. True To You is one of those books that deals with some serious yet important issues that we tend not to think about in real life and I love that Jennifer Ryan implements these elements into her stories. These are NOT fluffy or lighthearted reads...so if that is what you are looking for, then don't read Jennifer Ryan because that isn't her style and I truly admire that about her.

True To You begins when our hero, Dawson King, is going undercover. He has just spent time in jail to make sure his cover is solid. He is a military sniper but he hasn't done undercover much and this mission is pretty important. His goal is to either capture or kill a dangerous criminal in the drug business. The DEA has been after him for quite a long while but he keeps slipping through their fingers. King's plan is to get close to his innocent daughter to get to him. Cara is nothing like her father. She is completely innocent and is a bit of a straight shooter. She still suffers nightmares of being caught in her father's world. She suffers both physical and emotional scars from a traumatic event in her past. Everyone she has ever loved has either died or betrayed her in some way. She has learned to deal with lost but she hasn't broken. She keeps trying to believe for the good of others. When King first meets her she is pretty blunt about her rules in her coffeehouse, but she offers so many advantages to working for her. The more King gets to know Cara, the more guilt he feels in lying and deceiving her even if he works for the good guys. But will King lose Cara once she learns the truth about him and who he really is....

True To You is one of those books that will keep you on edge, keep you up all night reading and is guaranteed to get to you on a very deep emotional level. I definitely always make sure I have plenty of tissues when I pick up this author because she puts me through the ringer and that definitely holds true with True To You. The whole secret undercover mission set up really works for this book. The connection that King and Cara have with each other is instant and at first, they try to resist the chemistry they have together but they soon realize what they have is unique and special and is worth fighting for. It's very interesting to see these two together because they are both fighting for the same thing but our heroine doesn't realize who King really is or what he will sacrifice for her.

He wanted to break down the walls that hid her smile, laughter, and everything else she kept to herself and from the world. He wanted to know her secrets and desires and not so he could put her father behind bars. He wanted to know everything she didn't want to share with anyone else. He wanted her to want to share it with him.

And we do have some characters that become redeemed, some characters that seem like the "good guy" but turn out to betray the good ones so there are some surprises and alterations to a story that becomes unpredictable and put the reader on edge at times.

I would have to say this is one of the most thrilling of books that this author has written. Granted, many of her books have that edgy and compelling feel, but True To You felt slightly different than anything I have read from her previously. The "undercover" element really adds more mystery and intrigue to the story, with secret identities, an unpredictable plot that keeps you guessing, and a love story that is epic and worth fighting for, you will find yourself falling head over in heels with King and his lady Cara....buckle your seatbelts because this story will take you on a wild ride of suspense, passion and a fight for love!!







 

This review was originally posted on Addicted To RomanceI received this book for free from Avon in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

 

I had been hearing about Alyssa Cole for quite some time, and I was really intrigued by her historical's however when I was offered the ARC, I knew I couldn't resist trying out this sexy royalty romance and what a cover right? I mean, how can you resist such a fun romantic cover. I love the bright colors and how happy they look together. So my first impression on this book was WOW!! I had so much fun with this story, I can't even express how much joy and happy feels this book gave me. And it didn't turn out the way that I expected it too either, which only leads the reader into a story that has some twists and turns for sure.

Our story starts off when Naledi Smith, is our heroine. Naledi is attempting to finish grad school and working multiple jobs. She has a pretty busy life, and has no time for distractions, let alone annoying emails claiming she is some african princess.....right??!!! Prince Thabiso has never forgotten the young girl that was his friend and disappear, the girl that he was supposed to marry and rule a kingdom with. Now its time for him to marry and they were betrothed and he means to find her. But from the moment that he meets her, he knows he wants to know more. But he also knows that she needs to know the truth about who he really is. Thus begins a game of flirting and chemistry between Thabisco and Naledi. But will our prince be able to find the right time to tell Naledi the truth and win her love or lose her forever...

I was hesitant to tell you about my wealth and my background because I wanted you to see me for me. I'm used to people judging me for everything I own and represent, and not me as a person.

What a fantastic romance and such a whirlwind of a love story that I fell in love with. Seeing two people who were separated as children only to find each other again. And add in the mix of a royalty romance, plus a bit of amnesia a bit. Our heroine was just a child when her parents fled the country but were killed and she ended up an orphan and forget her heritage and where she came from. Our hero has always had to deal with some difficult responsibilities, but for most of his life he has devoted his time and energy to his people. But when pressure is put on him to get married, he knows that he wants Naledi. Even though she doesn't know who he really is, she sees the real man, the man who no one else sees.

I know who you are. You're the guy who learned to cook for me. the guy who's made me laugh harder than I have maybe ever, who made me come so hard I thought I'd peed myself.

What I found most interesting and an aspect of the story that I truly loved was the "secret" wasn't dragged out through the whole story. I love the way it unravels and seeing these two overcome the challenge of mistrust and find unity in each other and in their dreams of the future. And boy learning more about Naledi's parents and the reason they left blew me away. Honestly I never expected the outcome that ends up being revealed. The romance that builds between the two here are simply wonderful. I have found that their story is not your average royalty set up. It has its dramatic elements of course, some mistrust and secrets, so we see them have to learn to overcome certain issues in their relationship, but we also see how strong their connection is to each other. I think that is what I loved the most. Was seeing the way that they learn to trust again and that is where the intimacy they have just grows deeper and as a reader you just fall for them even more completely. The humor that is introduced is witty and fun and leaves you with a smile.

Overall I found A Princess In Theory to be a sexy and lively romance that I won't ever forget....a true gem of diverse romance that is a full of mystery, hidden truths and a stunning whirlwind of emotion and passion!!

This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance

Wildest Dreams is a story that takes us to a parallel world....a universe that has dragons, witches, kings and warriors, assassination plots, poison, magic and a epic love story that will take your breath away with every page!! 

Wildest Dreams is one of my favorite reads of the year and I have had the opportunity to read some AMAZING Books and this book tops them all here. I have known about this series for a couple of years now, but honestly, I have no clue why I was such an idiot and didn't read these SOONER because this book "takes the cake" like honestly I have so much love for this book. I decided that I wanted to find more fantasy romance this year and I knew about these books, so when I saw it available on the Audible's romance package I snatched it up and listened to it in two days and its close to twenty hours LONG folks.

Our story begins when our heroine who has been grieving her parents on Earth for a few years now. She has never been the same since they were killed in a plane crash. So when she learns that there is a witch that can transport her to a parallel world where she has her own twin, she goes in search of her and comes with an agreement with her twin self. That they will switch places for a year and that Finnie will be able to spend time with the parents of this different world. Her parents taught her to have adventure and never look back, always looking forward.

But when she arrives to Winter Wonderland of Lunwyn, she learns that she is about to be married The Drakkar----king of dragons and elves. One of the most powerful men in this world and he doesn't like her nor are her parents what she imagined that they would be. After being married, The Drakkar takes her into the forest and drops her off alone into an isolated cabin for a month.

But when Frey Drakkar learns is that his Wife is not who he assumes her to be. He learns from his elves that she is his true ice queen, the woman he was fated to love and the one woman that will stand by his side and not the winter princess Seofin who prefers women over men. As Frey and Finnie start to build a life together, going on adventures and learning to love and share passion, there is a plot to kill Finnie, but will their love be strong enough or will they lose each other to their enemies???.........

Somehow, someway, I had to figure out how to talk my husband (and the king and queen) into accepting me as a replacement for good and communicate with Sjofn that her hopes for Lunwyn had come true. I was going to stay with the man I loved in this fabulous world that had elves and dragons (and people who wanted to kill me, but I decided not to think of that). And I was going to do it forever.

This book packed a powerful punch and I honestly couldn't get enough. First off, I have such a weakness for a great fantasy romance and this book delivered everything I was looking for and MORE. Second, this is a royalty romance and I just love this theme. Now I will say that at times Frey is an ass, he is prideful and stubborn and he tends to keep things from Finnie. I don't blame him too much, since the men of this world are raised to think this way, to protect their women and take care of the "details" on their own. But Finnie isn't one of their own, she is independent and willful and prefers to fight her own battles.

“Where on earth did you come from,
baby?”
Frey's brows drew together and he asked softly back, "Pardon?"
My thumb stroked his jaw before I whispered, "My handsome husband is gentle, thoughtful and kind. He laughs and smiles easily and he makes me feel safe. I was with your folks for about five minutes and they were so far from any of that, it is not funny. So," I squeezed his neck, "where did you come from?”

The romance that builds between Frey and Finnie was very heartfelt even from the beginning when their relationship just begins, I just wanted to immerse myself in the "moment" because their relationship was so vibrantly penned. We see so much character growth, from both characters but mostly from Finnie. What I truly appreciated about her character was the way that she grows SO much. Because she adapts to this world, she wants to enjoy every moment of this world and of her husband and lover...Frey. I love how she works with Frey in many ways, and she doesn't resist the customs and their "ways" or laws like some modern women might. She takes into her role as princess and eventually Queen very well and you see how the people just fall in love with her. Because she is kind and courageous and she honestly doesn't have a mean bone in her body unless she is defending those she loves the most.

I love you, Frey. I’m in love with you. So in love, I’ll never stop loving you. Not ever. You, everything about you is beyond my wildest dreams.

I will say that the ending really worked me on an emotional level, there is such a great climax and boy I guarantee that it will work through your emotions so well. I honestly didn't think that this book would do that as much as it did...but why should I be surprised with the author being KA.

This wonderful worldbuilding is a true testament to the talent of Kristen Ashley and I was drawn into it so immensely and I honestly felt so much real and vibrant details that just made this book come alive!! If you are a sucker for fantasy romance and royal romance with action and intrigue....GRAB THIS ONE...I promise that you won't regret it.





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This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance

Revved is a thrilling, edge of your seat full of passion and drama and seeing that love is never easy but worth it in the end....

I had never read Revved and I hadn't heard much of the author but when I saw this book on sale I grabbed it up and especially since I adore racer romances, I just knew I wanted to read it. So while I was craving a racer romance, I decided to grab up this book and I am so relieved that I decided to read this one. I tend to get a bit nervous when reading new to me authors, but thankfully trying out a new author this go around was a wonderful experience and this was one of those books that just had me hooked so completely that I didn't want to put it down.

Revved is a story that begins quite painfully actually, but it really sets the tone for the story and it really gives you the background information that makes you understand the heroine and her actions. Andressa or "Andi" had a famous father who was one of the best race car drives in the world until his car blew up in front of her eyes when she was a young girl and she has been haunted by it ever since. Now she has an opportunity to work for the "latest" and best racer and when her father's best friend offers her a job as a mechanic, she takes it. But she has one rule that overrides any other rules"NO DATING DRIVERS". She always follows this rule until she meets the racer that will push her boundaries more than anyone else ever could.

Carrick Ryan is the world's infamous bad boy and also one of the best race car drivers ever. He has raw talent even if he gets a bit wild at times. No woman rarely says "no" to him until Andressa. Andressa knows that she can't risk saying "yes" to Carrick for many reasons. For one, she won't risk her job but she also knows that she could never be in a relationship with a driver. But when their friendship turns into something more, than Andressa is tested in the worst ways.

Take the good with the bad. Learn to live with your fears. Because being with him…having the good, it makes the bad a whole lot better.

I will say that that emotion in this book was pretty heart-wrenching at times, and it tore me into two at times. I will be honest though, there is some drama in this book that was pretty frustrating...its understanding of course, but it does get to the point where they hurt each other pretty horribly, and I struggled with certain parts of the story. However I kept reading because I wanted them to find an HEA and also the writing just was so addicting that I couldn't stop even if it was hard at times to see them get through their rough spots in their relationship to find a place where they are confident and work through their fears and issues as a team. And the ending was so very "sweet" and left me with a huge smile and I found all the drama so worth it to see them find their own "happiness" that they deserved.

PAIN IS TEMPORARY. VICTORY IS FOREVER

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This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance

YNYR is a story that brings together a couple that have only spoken and never seen...a story that takes us to the stars, to a world of alpha males that are strong but tender and heroines that are spirited and strong-willed and bring about change and rise above their circumstances. 

After reading Book One, Grim, I knew that I need to continue the series. Now I know...this is book three, but book three takes place right after book one, all the main novels in the series take place closely around each other. So at the end of book one, Grim, we have a couple that was quite unexpected. Ynyr is the third son and has only expectations of serving his older brother in their house, he never thought that he would be gifted with a new challenge and his own house or that he would be blessed enough to have a woman that would want to bond with him. Ynyr was forbidden to touch or speak to any of the Earth women, but when he heard a young woman crying through some bushes, he talked to her and comforted her and both Ynyr and Abby started to talk about each other, their hopes and dreams and started to fall in love even though they don't know what each other looks like.

Abby knows that she will need to make a new life, her life on Earth is over and she knows that the Tornians need women desperately. But her heart desires Ynyr, but she wonders if she is good enough for this man that needs a strong woman by his side. Abby just sees herself as curvy and average, but when Ynyr's mother insists that her son would adore her, Abby decides to take a leap of faith and seek out Ynyr to bond with him. We see the emotional issues of lack of self-worth that both Ynyr and Abby feel about themselves, not feeling worthy of each other which makes them just right for one another in the end. Ynyr has a difficult task, to drive out the bad weeds in the corrupt house he is taking over and doesn't want to put Abby in danger, but Abby needs to be by his side and create a house with him.

Life is a risk, Abby. Choose how and with whom you want to share it because you may not get another chance

I have to say that I found this book to be so compelling and so much more than I ever expected. I will admit that there were certain aspects toYNYR that I found so intriguing and just pulled me into the story. I just adore the world building in this series and its simply fantastic to read.  This story takes off from the moment that Book one ends, so we get to see Abby and Ynyr start to build a life together and explore their relationship of new love. There was so much action and intrigue in this book and boy I fell so hard for these aspects because even though there is quite a focus on the romance, we also see the plot build in such a way that keeps you on the edge of your seat all the way through.

I felt such a kinship to Abby though, she is shy and reserved but wow she totally changed in this book. She may be shy at times, but when she believes in doing the right thing, she is kick ass. I loved seeing her strength of character and courage build up in this story. We see that the love she has for Ynyr gives her the motivation to be the strong woman that he needs to fight by his side. I love how passionate she is about her convictions and doing what is right no matter what.

The romance that builds between Abby and Ynyr is so heart melting and sweet. There is something that I love about these alpha males in this series. They are so different from what I normally read. They are warriors, and fighters and so they do have the normal alpha like tendencies, but are sweet and tender with their women. I just adored how respectful he is of Abby and seeing his feelings grow for her is so swoon-worthy.

Definitely a story I didn't want to see end and I can't wait to read the rest of the series and seeing more of this world that this author has created. BRILLIANTLY PENNED!!





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This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance

I will be honest that I honestly had no clue what to expect from this book, I had heard of these two authors but not much and when I saw this on Audible I just decided to grab it up and listen to it and I was really intrigued by this story. I just love a sexy office romance, but this book was off the charts. It had some really intriguing elements that definitely worked for me. Now this book is sexy and HOT, but it also has some fun dynamics that I just fell for. I really was intrigued by the set up of the story and even though our hero is badass in the bedroom and such a powerhouse of a CEO, there was something more to him that doesn't meet the eye. And when we find the truth about what he is hiding, my heart just ached for him. We deal with some real life issues in this story and I am so glad that it ended with a HEA.

I truly loved seeing this couple come together, and even though their relationship has its own struggles we also see how right they are for each other. I fell so hard for this book, it has some unique dynamics in the relationship that totally worked for me, Mr. Ceo is a sizzling and in depth romance that gives you a unique balance you don't expect but is compelling to the reader....SIMPLY FANTASTIC!!

This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance

Wray is the second book in the Tornian series and was the last book of the series that I read (which doesn't count the novellas) and I have to say that even though I adored this couple in so many ways especially in the ways that we see them in book one Wray. I will say that this is probably my least favorite book of the series. Not saying I didn't enjoy this book because I truly loved it, but it didn't have the thrill or chemistry that I felt in the other books but there are some unique dynamics in this story that the others books don't have.

Wray begins with our heroine, Kim, while searching for her missing sister and her brother in law is kidnapped by Ganglians, where she is raped and beaten and when Wray comes across the Ganglian ship and rescue the slaves on the ship, he finds Kim barely alive. He heals most of her injuries until they are attacked and their shuttle is forced to set down on a planet. This is where the relationship between Wray and Kim really develops and some real intense feelings form between them. Once Wray's men find him and Kim, this is where Wray tells Kim the truth about who he really is....an emperor and that he wants Kim as his empress. And we see that Kim doesn't take Wray not telling her the truth very well. But I did like the way that this hero grovels when he is in the wrong. Wray and Kim work through the delicate politics and treachery of enemies.

This story takes place right before Grim (the first book in the series) so we get some great background information on a couple that makes an impression on the reader through the books. I did enjoy seeing this story develop in many ways, and seeing Kim (normal human being) work through her new life and responsibilities and showing the Tornian's that there is another and better way to live. We see some more in-depth knowledge of the Tornian culture and history and why they were cursed by the "goddess". Another aspect I enjoyed seeing was Tora. Tora is Wray's son, who is full grown and I just love the way that Kim wins him over, which isn't easy. Kim is so different from the females they know and I had a blast seeing her strength come through and stand on her own and strive for a different and better way for them to live.

Overall I found Wray to be an enjoyable read that takes us deeper into this Tornian world and story of immense character growth and a love story you can delve into!!





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This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance

Savage is a thrilling remake of the telling of Beauty and the Beast, of a story between a dark and mysterious stranger and a sweet and passionate young woman who has come to Scotland looking to connect with her past.

What a whopper of a romance and I have to say that this is one of the books I have read so far this year that made the bigeest impression on me. I LOVE Beauty and the Beast retellings and this is one of the best contemporary ones ever written and the narrator's for this story were in true form for this one. I just loved the dual POV that we have in this story.

We begin with scenes from both the past of our hero and heroine. When Brochan McIntyre was born, his mother died giving birth to him and his father blamed him for it and treated him horribly when he was a child with only the house servants that truly showed him love and raised him but he ended up becoming an hardened man.

There’s a beast inside me. It’s part of who I am…the savage part of my nature that allows me to do all the things I’ve done. Being with you has calmed those impulses, but it will come out from time to time. It’s inevitable.

Then we have Elizabeth Danton, Lizzie. Lizzie's mother was cruel, and only gave birth to her to keep herself with money and married to one of the richest men in the states. When he learned her true motives he divorced her and Lizzie was forced to attend a boarding school with cruel punishments but Lizzie didn't allow the uglynest of her childhood to dictate who she becomes. Lizzie ends up becoming one of the most talented artists and is infamous. But when she learns that she had a relative that left her an estate, she heads over to Scotland, a land she falls in love with and a stranger she is intrigued by.

Now Brochan and Lizzie couldn't be more different from each other. Brochan is rumored to be  a shifter wolf....dangerous but intriguing who works as an assasin. But Lizzie is drawn to Brochan, he makes her laugh and shows her a beautiful world in the wilds of Scotland. We see that there is much more to Brochan, and seeing the way that Lizzie changes his outlook on life, where he starts to know what its like to truly love someone and to be loved, and seeing how he fights for Lizzie in the best ways.

I truly had a blast seeing these two come together here, and both are kindred spirits. Having horrible childhoods, but unlike Brochan, Lizzie had NO one that loved her growing up. Everyone she knew was cruel until she met her agent who became her best friend. So we see how much, learning about her history and the woman who left her the estate means to her. I truly ADORED Lizzie so much, because she has so much inner strength you admire instantly. She doesn't let anything bad change who she is and what she wants to become and I love artist heroines.

This is a true tale of love and healing and forgiveness and becoming who you are meant to become and learning to live in the 'moment" and not taking anything good in your life for granted. Definitely a beautifully written tale that speaks to the heart!! A REMARKABLE STORY FOR THE WIN