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loverofromance
I am pretty sure that I read this book here. There is no review though for it that I did. I do remember actually getting this one in audio though. And as I read this a year ago, remember little but I do remember really enjoying this and thought it was a solid read.
Review Update: 04/15/2025
I physically read this book instead of the audio which I think the first time I read this one it was through narration because I LOVED doing a reread of this one. And I think I am going to be reading these on my kindle moving forward, I think the audio is affecting my enjoyment of these books haha And even though I still felt some things about the heroine, it wasn't very strong. While at the first she can be a bit off putting, you quickly see her doing a WHOLE grovel throughout the entire story and that is beyond sexy and refreshing to me. So rarely do we see a heroine groveling. And man I ADORED it.
Love and Let Dies is the fifth installment in the "Masters and Mercenaries" series and I immediately was drawn into this story, I am not sure why I jumped into this book without even looking at the blurb so I went into this one blind and oh boy this book was ROUGH. I had such a difficult time with the heroine. I really couldn't find much redeemable about her until the later half of the book and its a miracle I didn't DNF. I really wanted to, but this is why I try to give a book 50% if I can. Because eventually, this author worked her magic. And once I reached literally the 50% mark, I was completely hooked into the story. I was so on the hero's side throughout this story and gimme that heroine grovel because she really needed to atone for how she hurt the hero. There were some BDSM aspects that I didn't like in this one. It really rubbed me the wrong way that she kept calling him "Master" when they hadn't been together for five years, yes they are still married, however, in a true Dom/Sub relationship, you would not see this. And she would NOT call him Ian until later in the book and it just drove me crazy, because it just gave the impression that she was trying to manipulate him back into their bed when she hadn't earned his trust yet or forgiveness. There are other aspects to the story that I really enjoyed though and I was so happy that I was able to get hooked in the later half because this part of the story was such a roller coaster and I enjoyed it so much. And while overall I enjoyed this one, the heroine ruined much of the enjoyment of the story and the hero deserved a better wife.
I physically read this book instead of the audio which I think the first time I read this one it was through narration because I LOVED doing a reread of this one. And I think I am going to be reading these on my kindle moving forward, I think the audio is affecting my enjoyment of these books haha And even though I still felt some things about the heroine, it wasn't very strong. While at the first she can be a bit off putting, you quickly see her doing a WHOLE grovel throughout the entire story and that is beyond sexy and refreshing to me. So rarely do we see a heroine groveling. And man I ADORED it.
Love and Let Dies is the fifth installment in the "Masters and Mercenaries" series and I immediately was drawn into this story, I am not sure why I jumped into this book without even looking at the blurb so I went into this one blind and oh boy this book was ROUGH. I had such a difficult time with the heroine. I really couldn't find much redeemable about her until the later half of the book and its a miracle I didn't DNF. I really wanted to, but this is why I try to give a book 50% if I can. Because eventually, this author worked her magic. And once I reached literally the 50% mark, I was completely hooked into the story. I was so on the hero's side throughout this story and gimme that heroine grovel because she really needed to atone for how she hurt the hero. There were some BDSM aspects that I didn't like in this one. It really rubbed me the wrong way that she kept calling him "Master" when they hadn't been together for five years, yes they are still married, however, in a true Dom/Sub relationship, you would not see this. And she would NOT call him Ian until later in the book and it just drove me crazy, because it just gave the impression that she was trying to manipulate him back into their bed when she hadn't earned his trust yet or forgiveness. There are other aspects to the story that I really enjoyed though and I was so happy that I was able to get hooked in the later half because this part of the story was such a roller coaster and I enjoyed it so much. And while overall I enjoyed this one, the heroine ruined much of the enjoyment of the story and the hero deserved a better wife.
Reign of a King is the first in the "Kingdom Duet" and I have been wanting to return to this author but I will say that I wasn't too impressed with the books I have read by this author in the past so I took some time before reading more from this author. But lately on Instagram I have seen so many rave about this book duo, so I decided to try this author again and I was completely hooked into this book. And this is most definitely my type of story, in fact, the vibe of this story reminded me a bit of Meghan March in some ways. I was really hooked into the set up of the romance which features a badass alpha male pretty much blackmailing the heroine into sharing his bed haha I know this setup won't work for everyone. But as a fan of dark romance, this type of theme really worked for me. I also really liked some of the more taboo themes, the hero is the heroine's husband of her sister who has been killed. So there is a lot of mystery, level of "forbidden" and lots of sexy hot vibes that this author is really good about. I was pretty fascinated to see where the author took this story and it definitely has some solid steam in this one with the BDSM aspects. There is also a strong hint of psychological thriller themes that I am finding very interesting to the theme. It ended with a cliffhanger but I had book 2 ready to go. Definitely a strong story and it pulled me in so quickly and I couldn't put it down at all and I was completely feeling the depths of the romance and eager to see where the author takes the finale.
Rise of a Queen is the second book in the duo series here and it pretty much kicks off right after the ending of the first book. I do recommend that you do need to read the first book. I was really intrigued by this book because there are elements of a psychological thriller and suspenseful elements because there are hints that the hero poisoned her sister, and her father is trying to come after her, and she is having to have these trust issues, and there are things happening where the heroine believes that she is going crazy (literally) because her sister had episodes and now there is this belief that she is seeing things that aren't there. So there is this level of intensity that really builds within this story. The relationship is pushed to the limits but at the same time there is so much heart that is developed in this one. I was so fascinated to see where the author was taking their relationship, and we see so many facets into the hero's character as well and seeing him as a redeemable character. There is a sense of family connection and rebuilding bridges that I truly enjoyed. I really am so glad that I picked up this duo series because I wasn't sure if this author would work for me, I do think moving forward her books are either going to be a hit or miss for me. But I am happy that I found a couple of books from this author that I just so quickly fell in love with. Now finally I want to say that this book left me in all of my feels and had such a satisfying ending to the twist in the end.
The Trouble with Whiskey is the first book in the newest series by this author. I went into this story completely blind and I am really happy that I did. There were so much unique qualities that were displayed within this story. I was so drawn into this story. This is basically a childhood sweethearts and friends to lovers. There is such an intense level of emotion that is layered so well within this story. Dare and Billie have been part of a trio since they were kids. But the third person in their friendship, who participated in their childish craziness and daredevil stunts, was killed and it tore Dare and Billie apart. But Dare has never given up on Billie. We see how withdrawn Billie has become, but how Dare NEVER gives up on Billie. He is always so steady and has her back always even when she doesn't like him, he takes care after her and protects her. We see how intense their connection becomes and I liked how we do get to see plenty of happy couple page time. But we do see them work to overcome some challenges that they have ahead. I found the aspects of the "Daredevil" type of stunts and characterizations to be so unique. I just loved seeing how daring and bold these characters are and how well they fit together. Seeing them reach their HEA was such fun and this author had my emotions all over the place.
Moon Awakening is the first book in a paranormal shifter romance series. I saw this book being recommended on Instagram, and I was immediately drawn to it. In fact, I one clicked this beauty as it wasn't available with my library. I was sucked into the story pretty quickly, and I was so fascinated by the world building that was used. The pacing down slow down a bit through most of the book until the very end. Its always strange when that happens especially when I got sucked into the story so quickly. I really loved how the shifter and paranormal aspects were written into this one. I also liked the forbidden theme that was used within the story. The hero is a shifter but the heroine is human, and the hero's parents were mixed but it didn't go so well and he doesn't want the same thing to happen and he is the clan's laird, he felt more responsibility. There is a kidnapping situation involved that comes into play, so know that going into it. I had no issues with this at all, and I was so curious to see how they would find their way to their HEA. I really loved the connection that these two have together, and how our heroine just accepts the hero for who and what he is which his mother never did to his father. I actually ADORED the heroine. She is feisty and strong but also isn't afraid to show her vulnerabilities. And the way that Emily accepts Lachlan especially his wolf was beyond beautiful and poignant. I was so impressed with how the story and romance was written, I can't wait to jump into book 2!
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.
First Impressions
The Mail Order Bride’s Secret is book three in the Mail Order Brides series by Linda Broday. I somehow have missed some books by this author and in general I truly do love her work. I have been meaning to get back to this series though, I ended up loving the first book, so I was really was looking forward to this one even though after reading the blurb of it I was a bit nervous on how the heroine would be handled. But I have to say that I became very impressed with how Linda Broday wrote this story and the way in which the romance was developed and the gritty feel of a western it was delivered in. Linda Broday always knows how to write a solid western. And I also was impressed with how she “handled” the secret that the heroine has, it was done better than I thought it would be.
Summary
The gist of the story is that our hero and heroine, Trait Trinity and Melanie Dunbar, have been exchanging letters in hopes of getting married. They were matched by a ex outlaw who wanted to bring couples together that had skirted the law but had hearts of gold. Trait is a outlaw, and has been known to steal money on trains. Then we have Melanie who with her sister and father work gambling tables. Trait hates his past and what he had to do, but the money he gained from his theft he has tried for good and to help others. Then Trait’s sister and brother in law are murdered with three children he is now in charge of. Then we have Melanie, who has been captured along with her sister for the crime of her father who abandoned them. A corrupt judge, has given her a deal, if she can get the money from Trait and bring Trait to him, her sister and herself will be cleared of all charges. Her sister is sick and she knows she won’t last in prison. But when Melanie and Trait get married, a instant chemistry builds and they also discover a sweet strong love, but is it going to be enough to survive the secret that Malanie is keeping from Trait?
What I Loved
I was so hooked into the way that the romance actually developed between these two. I also was thrilled to see the way that the family really comes together. From the beginning you really feel for the heroine and what she feels she has to do. I did have some issues with what led up to that, but I did like that she does come clean with Trait. Most times its the truth coming out before they tell the big secret, so I was impressed that the author didn’t drag it out until the end AND that the heroine came clean on her own. I really enjoyed the “family” aspect of the story. We have these three orphans, who are just babies and so scared and in need of love. They have had this trauma of losing their parents in such a horrific way, There are some fun times that happened including the kids putting a “circus” together for the town. We also see some old favorites from the Legend family that come into play with this story. There is quite a big climax and I was really impressed with how gritty the end of the story was built into. Linda Broday really worked her talent there. But we do have some pretty dark villains that come into play, and it really slides into home how dangerous the “wild west” can be.
What I Struggled With
The only aspect that I really struggled with was the heroine and it’s what keeps this book from being a higher rating, everything else I fell in love with. I just didn’t like how long the heroine kept the secret from Trait, it went on way too long. I just wasn’t a fan with how the heroine was a bit manipulative and especially when see that Trait had 3 kids that needed him, I just didn’t understand her motivations in not telling him the truth earlier. And it just rubbed me the wrong way the way in which the heroine went about certain actions.
The Narration
I really enjoyed the narration, I think that this heroine does a solid job with Linda Broday’s work, she isn’t too good sped up too quickly and the most you can comfortably listen to at is between 1.4-1.5 but I normally listen at that speed, but those that like faster might struggle. I did enjoy the way that she brought in the various levels of emotion into the story. She has such a lovely voice and quickly draws you into it.
Overall View
I found The Mail Order Bride’s Secret to be a powderkeg of a western romance and really brings together the feelings of hope and family. There is a sense of thrill and adventure mixed in with intrigue and some well-brushed villains that compound into a solid win of a read!
This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.
First Impressions
The Mail Order Bride’s Secret is book three in the Mail Order Brides series by Linda Broday. I somehow have missed some books by this author and in general I truly do love her work. I have been meaning to get back to this series though, I ended up loving the first book, so I was really was looking forward to this one even though after reading the blurb of it I was a bit nervous on how the heroine would be handled. But I have to say that I became very impressed with how Linda Broday wrote this story and the way in which the romance was developed and the gritty feel of a western it was delivered in. Linda Broday always knows how to write a solid western. And I also was impressed with how she “handled” the secret that the heroine has, it was done better than I thought it would be.
Summary
The gist of the story is that our hero and heroine, Trait Trinity and Melanie Dunbar, have been exchanging letters in hopes of getting married. They were matched by a ex outlaw who wanted to bring couples together that had skirted the law but had hearts of gold. Trait is a outlaw, and has been known to steal money on trains. Then we have Melanie who with her sister and father work gambling tables. Trait hates his past and what he had to do, but the money he gained from his theft he has tried for good and to help others. Then Trait’s sister and brother in law are murdered with three children he is now in charge of. Then we have Melanie, who has been captured along with her sister for the crime of her father who abandoned them. A corrupt judge, has given her a deal, if she can get the money from Trait and bring Trait to him, her sister and herself will be cleared of all charges. Her sister is sick and she knows she won’t last in prison. But when Melanie and Trait get married, a instant chemistry builds and they also discover a sweet strong love, but is it going to be enough to survive the secret that Malanie is keeping from Trait?
What I Loved
I was so hooked into the way that the romance actually developed between these two. I also was thrilled to see the way that the family really comes together. From the beginning you really feel for the heroine and what she feels she has to do. I did have some issues with what led up to that, but I did like that she does come clean with Trait. Most times its the truth coming out before they tell the big secret, so I was impressed that the author didn’t drag it out until the end AND that the heroine came clean on her own. I really enjoyed the “family” aspect of the story. We have these three orphans, who are just babies and so scared and in need of love. They have had this trauma of losing their parents in such a horrific way, There are some fun times that happened including the kids putting a “circus” together for the town. We also see some old favorites from the Legend family that come into play with this story. There is quite a big climax and I was really impressed with how gritty the end of the story was built into. Linda Broday really worked her talent there. But we do have some pretty dark villains that come into play, and it really slides into home how dangerous the “wild west” can be.
What I Struggled With
The only aspect that I really struggled with was the heroine and it’s what keeps this book from being a higher rating, everything else I fell in love with. I just didn’t like how long the heroine kept the secret from Trait, it went on way too long. I just wasn’t a fan with how the heroine was a bit manipulative and especially when see that Trait had 3 kids that needed him, I just didn’t understand her motivations in not telling him the truth earlier. And it just rubbed me the wrong way the way in which the heroine went about certain actions.
The Narration
I really enjoyed the narration, I think that this heroine does a solid job with Linda Broday’s work, she isn’t too good sped up too quickly and the most you can comfortably listen to at is between 1.4-1.5 but I normally listen at that speed, but those that like faster might struggle. I did enjoy the way that she brought in the various levels of emotion into the story. She has such a lovely voice and quickly draws you into it.
Overall View
I found The Mail Order Bride’s Secret to be a powderkeg of a western romance and really brings together the feelings of hope and family. There is a sense of thrill and adventure mixed in with intrigue and some well-brushed villains that compound into a solid win of a read!
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.
First Impressions
Ruby Fever is the most recent release from the Hidden Legacy series and I had such a fun time with this book. I was gifted the ARC in exchange for an honest review and I am so happy that I could get a copy of this one. I do feel bad though because I just was never in the mood for this one (darn my mood reading) but this week I was able to read it just in time for the release week of it. I have to say that I stayed up pretty late reading this one. I just love how this series can easily so sweep you away into the story. I also adored the way in which this story was developed and to be able to get back to Alessandro and Catalina. I have to say that they are my favorite couple from this couple. And yes I know I know, how can they beat the infamous Curran and Kate, well honestly, this heroine I like way more than Kate. There is something so relatable and open and honest with Catalina. From their first book “Sapphire Flames” I was stunned by their instant chemistry and what a perfect pair they make together.
Summary
The gist of this story is that Catalina mentor and friend, has been incapacitated and her friend was murdered, her family is being attacked, and we have a Russian prince getting involved where his intentions are blurry, and this all happens in one day. And it’s up to Catalina to protect her family and her fiancee and get to the bottom of who is after her family and bring them to justice. She is also having the burden of fully coming into her abilities, there are some secrets that Alessandro is being burdened with and they have an enemy that is out for her family and there are some political and government connections that are coming into play. But Catalina and Alessandro are determined to get to the bottom of the mystery and bring justice to those who have harmed those that they love.
What I Loved
There is so much that I loved about this one here, I was stunned by what happens so quickly within the story. It was such a delight to get back to the Baylor family again, and most especially Alessandro and Catalina. This is the finale to their story, and it was also bittersweet because I believe this might be the last book that this couple writing team will be with a traditional publisher, as I believe they are planning on going self-published. In typical fashion, Ilona Andrews is so talentally able to capitalize on the magical abilities, intrigue, and mystery but also deliver on a powerful romantic intimacy that is so deeply entrenched upon its pages. I just love how well-balanced they are able to write a story that can deliver a UF with a strong focus on the romance (I NEED more of this haha). It’s actually rare to see a book in a UF world with such romance being focused, and they do this so brilliantly. I honestly think part of it is, is that we get the male and female writing styles that are blended together so harmoniously. I just adore Alessandro and Catalina together. Alessandro has SO much mystery behind him, but what I adore about him is his faith in Catalina and always standing by her no matter his relationship with his family and how it torments him. He knows exactly what needs to be done and what she needs and they have this almost psychic bond that has such a natural way about it. Then we have Catalina, who has her weaknesses and vulnerabilities, but she doesn’t deny them. She is open and honest about her capabilities. She is willing to express her fears and reservations while also not being afraid of embracing her talents that almost terrify her of what she is becoming. But another quality I became most endeared to is her FAITH in Alessandro. Even when it becomes evident that Alessandro is keeping something from her, she knows how deeply he loves her and she trusts in him so completely that it will leave you breathless. They are the perfect pair because of how intertwined they are, and how well they have a trust in each other and can work so well together no matter the danger.
What I Struggled With
There wasn’t much I struggled with, as this was a finale, I wanted a little bit more in the epilogue that we were given though.
Overall View
Ruby Fever is a breathless finale that delivers on every front of a powerfully enhanced Urban Fantasy. It’s a book that will tug at your heartstring, keep you on the edge of your seat and stun you in its simple perfection. UTTERLY BRILLIANT!
This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.
First Impressions
Ruby Fever is the most recent release from the Hidden Legacy series and I had such a fun time with this book. I was gifted the ARC in exchange for an honest review and I am so happy that I could get a copy of this one. I do feel bad though because I just was never in the mood for this one (darn my mood reading) but this week I was able to read it just in time for the release week of it. I have to say that I stayed up pretty late reading this one. I just love how this series can easily so sweep you away into the story. I also adored the way in which this story was developed and to be able to get back to Alessandro and Catalina. I have to say that they are my favorite couple from this couple. And yes I know I know, how can they beat the infamous Curran and Kate, well honestly, this heroine I like way more than Kate. There is something so relatable and open and honest with Catalina. From their first book “Sapphire Flames” I was stunned by their instant chemistry and what a perfect pair they make together.
Summary
The gist of this story is that Catalina mentor and friend, has been incapacitated and her friend was murdered, her family is being attacked, and we have a Russian prince getting involved where his intentions are blurry, and this all happens in one day. And it’s up to Catalina to protect her family and her fiancee and get to the bottom of who is after her family and bring them to justice. She is also having the burden of fully coming into her abilities, there are some secrets that Alessandro is being burdened with and they have an enemy that is out for her family and there are some political and government connections that are coming into play. But Catalina and Alessandro are determined to get to the bottom of the mystery and bring justice to those who have harmed those that they love.
What I Loved
There is so much that I loved about this one here, I was stunned by what happens so quickly within the story. It was such a delight to get back to the Baylor family again, and most especially Alessandro and Catalina. This is the finale to their story, and it was also bittersweet because I believe this might be the last book that this couple writing team will be with a traditional publisher, as I believe they are planning on going self-published. In typical fashion, Ilona Andrews is so talentally able to capitalize on the magical abilities, intrigue, and mystery but also deliver on a powerful romantic intimacy that is so deeply entrenched upon its pages. I just love how well-balanced they are able to write a story that can deliver a UF with a strong focus on the romance (I NEED more of this haha). It’s actually rare to see a book in a UF world with such romance being focused, and they do this so brilliantly. I honestly think part of it is, is that we get the male and female writing styles that are blended together so harmoniously. I just adore Alessandro and Catalina together. Alessandro has SO much mystery behind him, but what I adore about him is his faith in Catalina and always standing by her no matter his relationship with his family and how it torments him. He knows exactly what needs to be done and what she needs and they have this almost psychic bond that has such a natural way about it. Then we have Catalina, who has her weaknesses and vulnerabilities, but she doesn’t deny them. She is open and honest about her capabilities. She is willing to express her fears and reservations while also not being afraid of embracing her talents that almost terrify her of what she is becoming. But another quality I became most endeared to is her FAITH in Alessandro. Even when it becomes evident that Alessandro is keeping something from her, she knows how deeply he loves her and she trusts in him so completely that it will leave you breathless. They are the perfect pair because of how intertwined they are, and how well they have a trust in each other and can work so well together no matter the danger.
What I Struggled With
There wasn’t much I struggled with, as this was a finale, I wanted a little bit more in the epilogue that we were given though.
Overall View
Ruby Fever is a breathless finale that delivers on every front of a powerfully enhanced Urban Fantasy. It’s a book that will tug at your heartstring, keep you on the edge of your seat and stun you in its simple perfection. UTTERLY BRILLIANT!