Apollo was such a fun book and it had me laughing all over the place. I was looking for some fun times as I received in Hades, and while I enjoyed it just as much, it definitely had a more playful vibe to it. The hero is the demi god Apollo, so you just know its going to be different. I really was intrigued by his abilities and how he used them. I adored the heroine so dearly. She is a ballerina and not fazed by the hero's fame and I liked that she stood up to him and was refreshing for him. I had a blast with their bantering and I loved how well she accepted him being a demi god, as it felt realistic and not overly dramatic. I was charmed by the romance, but the heat level was strange. I would say this is "closed door" but there are mentions of sexual desire and built up of chemistry so I found it such a unique experience that the author has implemented in her stories. From the covers, you do expect more heat, but I do like the way that she has written these books so far and I am so intrigued by Apollo's family members and I can't seem to wait for their books.

This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance

This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.

You should always control the strengths you have available to you, never let them languish or, worse, allow others to control them for you.

First Impressions
Because You Are Mine is the first book in the “Because You Are Mine” series and I absolutely adored this book in every way. After reading “Since I Saw You” earlier this year, I just needed to read Ian and Francesca’s story and it was everything I could have expected and more, I am definitely becoming a Beth Kery fan and most especially how she handles her steam and her BDSM is on point. Its not strictly BDSM though, it’s more like play in the bedroom but our hero definitely likes to be in control, I really loved that the heroine was an artist. We just don’t see enough of those type of characters in my book. I also really liked seeing all the build up of the other characters as well. There is a classy feel to this story that just draws the reader in so completely.

At first, his surprise attack on her senses made her go rigid in shock. Then his scent penetrated her awareness, his taste. He tilted her head back and slid his tongue between her lips, clearly intent on consumption. He thrust, exploring her. Owning her.

Summary
So the story begins with Ian, who has built his own company, has British ties to the Aristocracy and likes to be in control. He purchases a artist work and finds himself captivated by Francesca. Ian is your typical alpha bad boy mogul, he doesn’t stick with any serious ties and keeps things casual in all of his relationships. There is an instant chemistry between himself and Francesca and he tries to control everything in their relationship, but Francesca is not one to be submissive all of the time. Francesca likes to make her own rules and she knows that there is something more deeper happening with Ian and why he likes control of all things and is determined to get to the deeper parts of Ian. As their relationship grows with each play in the bedroom, dominance and submissiveness will leave way to something more neither of them expected and will reveal a deep love worth fighting for…

It caused no greater shame than to express need, to make oneself vulnerable, and then to have that pure, honest emotion thrown back at you as if it were garbage.

What I Loved
Oh my goodness, this story was everything and I absolutely love this pairing dynamic. I just loved how normal Francesca has about her. She is the typical white fence, sweet and innocent and lives for her art. I love that she goes after what she wants and makes no apologies for it. She has a great friendship with her three male roommates. She is new to sex, as she is not experienced, but I really was behind how spontaneous she is in the bedroom. She puts so much trust in Ian and I loved seeing how that trust works so well for them both. The sex scenes are SMOKIn’, and if you like dominance play or BDSM then this will be for you. There is such mystery that is surrounding Ian and I felt like the story deepens with each layer that is peeled away (like an onion) with Ian’s character. We see his vulnerabilities and what Francesca evokes in him. He definitely knows how to get creative and there is sex in the plane —-give it a round of applause for some smexy moments Mile Hi delights. What I really love about Beth Kery is the intimate moments that she places within these smexy moments that really give the relationship such depth. Its this type of writing style, that makes the erotic romance genre so delectable and addicting. But we also get plenty of moments outside of the bedroom with these two and see the way that Ian goes outside the box to “court ” his lady was so endearing, I can say that I am becoming hooked on this author’s writing and I can’t wait for more!

If a woman recognizes her power, she can present herself in rags and people will recognize her as a queen.

What I Struggled With
Nothing really, I mean I would have liked a bit longer of an epilogue or more happy page time with the couple a bit.

Overall View
I found Because You Are Mine to be a breathtaking, sensually evoking read that delivers in the emotional intimacy and stunning romantic moments to deliver a satisfying read!

Everything about her . . . especially her impulsiveness, and an innocent wisdom that should be cherished, not scorned.

Star of the Morning was such an interesting beginning to a fantasy romance. There is a strong focus of world-building in this story and the romance is a more slow burn and a friends to lovers. We don't really see much of their relationship as they don't meet until the latter half of the story, but we do see a solid friendship that has been formed between them. I am glad that I listened to this as the start of it worked slowly but I am really fascinated to see where this series will go and what we are seeing in the Nine Kingdoms. I did enjoy both characters, I feel like they compliment each other so well and I love how they respond to each other. Very intrigued in seeing their story unfold in future books.

This was such an interesting story. I am seeing why its popular, as the writing is very quick and easy to read and I loved the way that this author really developed the story. I was intrigued by the level of interaction by the romance. I will be honest, that I struggled with the writing style. It was very almost demeaning of certain groups and races of people and I didn't care for that at all. I did enjoy it being an interracial romance though, as the heroine is half native American in her heritage but the heroine was a hard pill to swallow. She is a very prickly heroine and very hardened and I just couldn't find much about her character to relate to in any way. I adored the hero, he is such a man of honor and you see how tormented he is. Seeing his journey made this book worth it and is what kept me really interested. This type of paranormal world building was so fascinating. I am sure that I will continue with the series.

Hold onto her, onto the spark of joy inside your heart

Storm Echo is the most recent release into the Psy Changeling Trinity series and in this story we have something a bit different than what we have seen in the previous books in the series. We, of course, get introduced to some new characters within this story, but also get taken back to the DarkRiver pack which was a delightful surprise. I pretty much went into this book blind, I just have faith in Nalini Singh and her writing. Her writing style just connects to me. As many of you know my health and attention have been off in my reading but this book has really brought me back into it. Storm Echo was such a beautiful story, and I became so endeared to these characters from their “meet cute” all the way to them working through their relationship and discovering what they were capable of together. It was quite interesting to see certain plot points that are layered within the story. It was an experience being able to experience this journey alongside our delightful characters from our main protagonists to the supporting cast that is built within the story.

When I’m around you, you’re all I see. You’re like a star, you shine so bright. If I had my way, I’d keep you forever.

Storm Echo sets off with our hero and heroine, Ivan and Soleil, meeting in the forest where Ivan is bowled over by Soleil in her grace and beauty, and femininity. He only wants to learn more about her and is intrigued. Ivan and Soleil discover a sweet love in such a short time but then a horrific attack to Soleil’s pack, brings her severely injured and Ivan saving her life but then they are separated for a space of time. Now when Ivan finds Soleil again, her memories and body have not fully recovered and even though her memory of him is scattered, her wolf recognizes him as theirs and will do anything to keep him by her side. Soleil trusts in the instincts that her wolf has, but she is on a dangerous mission and the last thing that she needs is the distraction of him. But even though Ivan knows that Soleil is out for revenge against the man she believes to be behind the devastation to her pack, he is willing to risk his life to stand by her side and be her protector. But not everything is as it seems, and Soleil finds family and connection within the pack she believes to have destroyed her pack. She finds home and peace and with Ivan by her side, she is willing to do whatever it takes.

The only person who gets to decide my future is me. And I’ve decided that I’m going to be yours.

I was stunned by the power of this story and I just wanted to stay within this story and I never wanted to let go of Ivan and Soleil. Their story was such a beautiful one and seeing the various facets of their relationship was such beauty and Nalini Singh takes us on a journey here that is epic and endearing and poignant in the small quiet moments. There are heartbreaking aspects to this story (so check the triggers on this one here before reading) but I adored the tension that is built within this story. This book takes place after the silence has fallen for the Psy but the Psy are learning who they are. Ivan is part of a family that has always had some emotion and connection to each other. But his mind is about to fall and he refuses to take down those that he loves because his mind could be a weapon if he isn’t careful. The last thing he ever expected was to fall in love with Soleil or find such a connection to her. And now the DarkRiver pack is involved and he doesn’t want to put others in danger. Soleil is determined to keep Ivan no matter what it takes. There is a fierceness in this heroine (as we have seen in this series) in how the women just fight for their mates just as equally or more so as we seek from the heroes. Soleil may be a healer, but she is changeling and fierce in her love for him. Soleil is one of those heroines that has so much depth to her. The way she is willing to fight for the relationship was such a beautiful experience and you just want to cheer her on throughout all of this one here. I was amazed at how she really tested those boundaries and discovered her own strength. We also see some great discoveries for Ivan’s side of the relationship. He doesn’t want to put Soleil in danger, but he won’t drive her away either. You see how torn he is in how he doesn’t want to risk her but also can’t let her go. We of course get some fun times with the changelings here and I adored seeing so many old favorites within this book and seeing a healer and alpha connection form was so beautiful. I loved how Soleil and Lucas connect to each other. The way that Singh writes pack dynamics never ceases to amaze me. There is something so poignant about these connections, the intimacy, and strong familial bonds is enthralling at times and the reader aches for it to be real. Its written in such a manner that astounds the reader every time you immerse yourself into this world.

Overall I found Storm Echo to be a romance that astounds and delves deeply; its a story that will gravitate the reader to the story in a unique way that you won’t want to let go of. Its a story of healing, deep layered emotion, the strength of one’s self, and the value of family connection and fierce love that is compounded into an essence of beauty and lively delights!

I’m with you. No matter what. Always and forever and back again.

This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance

This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.

First Impressions
Wicked Beauty is such a delightful read. and I am loving what this author has been doing with this series. It’s such a delight to see with these books and this unique worldbuilding. This world can be really complex but I think of it like a combination of contemporary with a mythological fantasy type of twist. I also was highly intrigued with this one as it was a a menage which I knew that this author could implement, And I also can’t wait for book four (as its a qruple —which is two couples that come into one relationship which I have never read before and I don’t think I know of anyone that has written that) Katee Robert has become very creative with this series and I really love what she has done here, because it shows that she is capable of writing whatever type of story she wants that will satisfy her base and bring in more readers outside of it as well. Wicked Beauty was a kick-ass romance, and I truly was endeared by the menage build-up of the relationship. The steam is similar to her previous two books, so not like what she gave us in her erotic series, but closer to the mainstream level. You also could read these as standalone if you needed to,.

Summary
Achilles Kallis is determined to win the role of Aros, as it has been his dream to be the rule as he has worked his way up to the top with grit and determination. His partner, Patroclus will match with him to plan in the competition and increase their chances of winning. Then enters Helen Kasios. She is determined to be more than just a prize for the winner. She is beautiful and fearless and well-revered among the political circles. Her brother is furious when Helen puts herself into the chance of becoming the ruler over the thirteen. As Helen enters the competition there is powerful chemistry that is built with Achilles and Patroclus. She admires both differently but never expected that they would be drawn into a relationship together. But as tensions rise, and they go through the competition, will they be able to find a way to be together or will their love be enough over their dreams to win…

What I Loved
I absolutely adored this book in many ways. I was intrigued to see how the menage would be handled in the story. All three characters are fighters and highly capable. I loved what a powerhouse they are together and separately but their personalities are so different from each other. Achilles is the dominant and alpha of the group, he is a natural leader. Patroclus is the brain, he also is a solider but prefers to think through to solutions. Then we have Helen who is a politician and strategical thinker. I loved seeing how they work and fit together both in the bedroom and out of it. It was also a delight to see them compete against one another and fight to win to the top. In the first half, there is quite a bit of angst though. There are divided emotions that happen and you really see loyalties that become split between them as they decide where they fit but once they decide to become a triad, then it becomes so much more solidified and concrete and their relationship will begin to blossom. They are all such strong personalities though so it was interesting to see how that balances out in the end. I was actually not expecting the ending but I felt like it really worked out well in the end. Helen has been treated so badly by her family, that she deserved to have two men treat her and put her value above their own. I really respected the way that this author developed their relationship and I was cheering them on all the way through.

What I Struggled With
There wasn’t too much, I think I just didn’t completely connect with the situations in the first half of the story, there is a ton of angst and I wasn’t feeling it too much. So I did struggle with this aspect that is built within it.

Overall View
I found Wicked Beauty to be a majestic and tantalizing addition to this epic series that has won my heart so quickly. it’s a story of personal growth, sacrifice, and devotion to those you love.

This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance

This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.


First Impressions
I received a gift box from the author who reached out to me and sent me the physical copy of Ruth Cardello. I was so pleased to be sent this, and it made me so happy and it was full of goodies. I was more than excited to grab this one up, this is one of my favorite contemporary authors, and I am a bit biased as her books got me back into contemporary romance. Her books will always deliver for me and I absolutely adored Strictly Business. It was such a delight to read and it just had everything that I love in a small town romance. It was a bit different, and it definitely have Ruth Cardello’s flair for writing that is always so delightful to read and she had me laughing all over the place and with just the right touch of heat to deliver a strong solid romance. While its not a perfect book, it was such a beautiful distraction.

Summary
Our story starts our with our hero, Jesse who is a twin. He runs a profitable business and is working with NASA, but then his twin comes to him and asks him to do a trading place in their lives for a short time. Jesse loves his brother and family is everything to him, and agrees. But working on a farm is not his dream and he is out of his element. Then he meets the gorgeous oil representative who is trying to get the farm to sell….Crystal. Crystal is a professional taste tester and works at a company where they attempt to refine flavors to be more palatable but then her uncle approaches her to work a side job for him and try to convince a farmer to sell to him. Her side job isn’t as simple as her uncle made it sound. Because when she meets the farmer Jesse, she is shocked by the level of attraction that she feels toward him. Jesse and Crystal are working for opposing parties in this venture, and they know a romance entanglement is a dangerous because if they get involved they risk betraying their families and those they care about the most. But as Jesse and Crystal explore their relationship, they know what they have is real and is worth fighting for…

What I Loved
Strictly Business was a superb read that I fell head over heels in love with. First off, we have this wonderful setting of a coastal farm with all the awkward farm animals that need some extra love and attention. Then we have a bit of a enemies to lovers/Grumpy-Sunshine trope that add some unique twists to the mix. And to top that off, we have twins switching places and not being the most honest to their ladies. This is definitely packed with characters that are completely out of their element, and learning to adapt to changed environments while finding love along the way. This book was amusing from beginning to end. I have always been endeared by the wit that Ruth Cardello places in her stories, and its no different for Strictly Business and I adored seeing the way that the growth of their relationship form. There is a bit of back and forth, but it didn’t bother me too much like it normally would. I believe the style of the way its written, is what kept me engaged and wanted to see what would be the catalyst of Jessie and Crystal coming together. It was intriguing to see their chemistry and their attempts at dating. Their chemistry is off the charts and I really was charmed by the mix of blindfolds and food that are blended into the romance. I was smiling the whole way through these moments that added a country like charm to the story. There is a level of human feeling in this story and It was so easy to become invested in the story and what it conveys. The ending of the story was perfection and I can’t wait for the twin’s book because he is in for a fight for his girl.

What I Struggled With
Not many aspects I had a hard time, the pacing felt a bit off for me. I might have had too high of an expectation on this maybe? I am not sure because I never struggle with this author, or it definitely could have been my mood as well as I have become such a mood reader of late. But once I got to the second half of the story, it really pulled me into the story.

Overall View
I found Strictly Business to be a delightful mix of sexy and wit, its a story guaranteed to knock your socks off. The romance will endear you into laughs, swoons and small smexy moments to win your heart! A WHIRLWIND OF A ROMANCE

Tempt Me is the first book in the series and most of the series (except for the last book) is focused on this one couple. I am fairly new to this author but I absolutely loved this book and what it delivered with this one. It was so different from what I have read so far and I was completely addicted. This is a spicy intense romance with lots of hot scenes and some forbidden love. This does feature a boss and employee set up (so fair warning if that isn't your cup of tea) but I absolutely love this set up and Tucker really handled it so well. I really liked their "meet cute" and the atmospheric descriptions of Alaska (makes me want to move there haha) and there is something so edgy and thrilling type of feeling to this story. I really enjoyed the dynamic. The hero is so badass alpha, competent and a man of power and money but also one that has integrity and honor in many ways. The heroine is sweet, sheltered and a virgin. She does have a religious background so her innocence and naivete makes sense and she is recovering from dealing with her friend and boyfriend of years cheating on her. Their dynamic is intense from the very beginning as they are learning each other but their growth in this book as we get the very beginning of their relationship is what will carry them through the whole series. The writing is addictive and this one is a very quick read and you will be immediately swept through the story.

Break Me is the second book in this series and we get the continuation of Henry and Abbi's story I will be honest in that this one is my least favorite of the series. There are some themes to this story that was so "out there" and just didn't fit with what we see in the heroine in book one. There are orgies and cheating and its like how does a innocent virgin so incensed with her ex doing the same thing that she commits it and doesn't look at the damage that she causes and how much she hurts Henry and damages their relationship. I didn't understand her issues with not trusting him more to be honest. I will try not to criticize this book too much, but I just struggle with some unbelievable aspects of this book that just didn't fit with Abbi and how hypocritical she becomes. I am glad I kept with the story though, but its a drama filled mess. (although books 3 & 4 make up for it) so I recommend keeping with it and pushing through it all haha

Teach Me is where we get to see our couple have their fresh start, they leave Alaska, and begin to try out a relationship. Abbi no longer works for Henry. She is going back to her home when her father has a accident and helping out with the farm while he recovers. Abbi and Henry are working through a long distance relationship finding every moment that they can to be together despite the ways that her mother tries to keep them apart, I really loved how these two work past the past hurts of the betrayals and have a clean slate. They do some sensual exploring and I found some of the scenes really intriguing. I was really hooked into their character growth and seeing the intimacy between them build throughout the story. The angst is kept to a minimum in regards to the limits of the relationship which I found refreshing especially after the "hot mess" of book two. You definitely will find it intriguing and seeing them explore these unique elements to their relationship was quite fascinating.