Quickie Review-May Contain Spoilers So Fair Warning Before Reading This Review

So Fury of a Highland Dragon is the first in the Dragonfury Scotland series. It's been quite a while since I have read this author so it was nice returning to her work. These books are pretty short but it was pretty fun and a great palette cleanser to read. I really loved the way that this one built throughout with the romance. There is some insta love but I was fine with it. I enjoyed how well these two just click and work together so well. There is low relationship angst and even when you think that there will be, the heroine gives us some nice surprises, and love how she turns it out to the hero in such a delightful way. And I had so much fun with this group of dragon shifters, loved the Scottish twist to them. This romance was endearing and easygoing and fit my mood just right. I can't wait to dig further into this series. 

 Quickie Review---Keep in mind I sometimes include spoilers, so proceed at your own risk. Thank you.

An Amish Cinderella is the third book in the "Amish of Apple Creek" and the moment that I saw the title and read the blurb, I instantly bought it. I knew very quickly that I wanted to read this one here. I absolutely adored what this author delivered within this book. If you want a sweet poignant take on Cinderella with the Amish twist, then this one must be on your list. I had such a fun time with this one. From everyone with the heroine, her relationship with her father, and the romance that develops between herself and her father's apprentice "Clayton". And we have some fun times with all the little creatures she befriends. There is a focus of healing and dealing with grief and finding love along the way. There is also such a calm vibe to the story that you normally find in an Amish romance. And there is low relationship angst, so that is another plus for it. Definitely an easy romance to relax into. Highly recommend for any readers that don't mind closed door, a slight spiritual focus or a sweet romantic relationship being developed. 

 Quickie Review---Be mindful of spoilers that may be in this review. Proceed at your own risk.

Untamed Highlander is the fourth book in the Dark Sword. Now that I have finished throughout the authors contemporary books, I now want to get into her Dark Universe series. So I kinda jumped into the middle of the series not realizing some years ago I read the first three in this series. Once I got back into it, I started slowly to remember this world and its very fascinating. If you are looking for some historical PNR to read, then this definitely needs to be on your list. Its very fascinating how she developed the world building for this one here. And this one has an enemies to lovers feel as the heroine as been used as a weapon against the Druid warriors. I really was intrigued to see how the redemption would happen and Donna Grant handled this aspect very well. I will say that some parts of the romance elements were slower. Not sure if thats just this book or what, but I did love the world that we are brought into with this one here. So I do recommend this if you are looking for something different in your historical or PNR reading. 

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

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


First Impressions
The Duke Starts a Scandal is the fourth installment in the "Duke Hunt" series. This is a book that I had been highly anticipating and I will admit that I grabbed this one due to the cover. So I did have some expectations but I know this author has gone a bit modernist so I was more apprehensive and I will admit the first half of the book threw me a curveball because I didn't expect in what I got in the second half. There will be some readers where this book will really work for. And if that is the case, then I am really happy for you. However, I am really tired of all this modernism in historical's and what we get in this book turned me off in the end and really affected my overall enjoyment of the story. There are some positive aspects to the story other than some issues I had that kept me invested in the story.

First Line
It was her own fault, she supposed.

Summary
The Duke Starts A Scandal is about two people who couldn't be more opposite from each other. We first have our hero, Duke of Penning, who doesn't get off on the right foot with his housekeep, Susanna Lockhart. Both Susanna and Lucian tolerate each other at first, and even though there are most definitely sparks between them, there is also a huge class difference which only adds to the forbidden to any kind of relationship that they could ever have. But when Susanna is forced to take the duties as his valet, they are forced into a more intimate setting with each other and having to face up to their hearts....but will they end up fighting for each other or letting their love go due to the scandal that would ensue?

What I Loved
There were most definitely fabulous aspects of the story that I truly enjoyed here. The "Meet Cute" that happens between these two was just delightful. It honestly had P&P vibes to it. I really loved their bantering and how they help each other even when they aren't getting along. And then we have the whole mistaken identity aspect with Lucien which was a bit glossed over, but wasn't really needed to be further explained. It wasn't the focus of the story of any of the conflicts that build. However, I can see this aspect being an issue for some readers. Then we have the bickering between Lucien and Susanna and its highly entertaining. The way that they interact is just delightful. They are both so proud in their positions and have such strong spirits and it creates for some fun atmosphere. Then we also have the side story with Lucien's sister falling for his valet who gets injured. And yeah the fallout of that was so lively and had me laughing all over the place. The humor that is placed within this story is magnifique and you can definitely feel this author's witty style that has been there since she started writing.

What I Struggled With
Alright so this is the difficult part because this was a ARC copy so I really struggle with delivering the negative elements, but it needs to be said. So first off the first 60% of the book is AWESOME and will really engage the reader. So no worries there. However, the last 40% of the book is a huge flop and I am not sure where the author was going with this second half of the story. But the romance just fell apart when it didn't need to. There were other factors that come into play that I truly think affected the quality of the relationship being developed. This is also where some of the "modernists" aspects get placed and I don't think authors realize that when they get a bit preachy in these topics in their stories, how much it affects their stories and it completely turned me off. But lets be frank, the romance fizzled completely out and it was so disappointing. This couple had such promise and it faltered and it made me so sad because of how much I fell hard for the first half of the story and the two couples. Now also, I do think Lucien's sister and the valet could have had more focus in their parts. It felt a bit too vague and not enough focus. There could have been more attention brought to them without detracting from the primary couple of Lucian and Susanna. Now also there was no satisfying end to Lucian's sister. None at all. All we see is that they end up married. So we go from him wanting to kill his valet, to suddenly being happy. There was no evolement or storyline on the progression of that change. We also had a weird scene with Susanna's aunts who are in a f/f relationship. Now I don't have problems with this other than the fact that it didn't felt evolved with the story. It felt like it was placed there for diversity points and nothing else. There needs to be more connection with characters and a story and not just one scene and the focus of that scene being their sexual preference. It just felt so oddly placed and didn't fit with the rest of the story at all. I would have liked to see more connection of the aunts to the rest of the story so that it was a smoother transition but also would have delivered more dimension overall.

Overall View
The Duke Starts a Scandal was a story that although not perfect, delivered on the humor, fun situations and easy characters you can get behind and want to cheer for. A solid finale to the Duke Hunt series.

Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Historical Romance/ Time-Victorian England
Character Types: Dukes, Housekeeper(Servant)
Themes: Class Difference
Tropes: Rags to Riches, Opposites Attract, Forced Proximity

Book Perspective
3rd POV

Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
A Mix of both

Recommendation For Reading Order
You can read as a standalone

Steam/Spice Explanations

Steamin' up the room -the sexual content is more explicit in the language and tone, heavier amount of sexual scenes. 

 

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

Book Evaluation:
Plot: 🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️
World Building:🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎
Cover:📔📔📔📔📔
Hero: 🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻
Heroine:🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️
Intimacy Level: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Relationship Building: 💒💒💒💒💒
Heart & Feels:💞💞💞💞💞
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: 😂😂😂😂😂
Page Turner Level:📖📖📖📖📖
Ending:🧧🧧🧧🧧🧧
Overall View: ✨✨✨✨.75


First Impressions
Contempt is the newest release in the "Coastal Elite" series but its also a book that I have been eagerly anticipating since the beginning of the year ever since I read "Undertow". Now this book will not work for everyone and I definitely think you need to have low expectations because this book won't be what you actually expect it to be. This doesn't feature an actual psychopath in the hero unlike what we have seen in previous heroes. He is messed up and dark in some areas, but its more he is emotionally damaged and just a jerk about it. lol Its really that simple and you definitely see this difference which I appreciated in how this author handled their journey. Its going to be unlike anything you have read so far from this author but delivers just as much complexity as you would hope for.

First Line
The top box tilts as I make my way down the stairs as carefully as I'm able.

Summary
This story begins with our hero and heroine moving in together. Landon and Parker are about to become step siblings. They have known each other for years. When Landon lost his mother, Parker reached out to him with compassion, but Landon didn't react to her genuine heart as he should have and ever since has constantly bullied her over the years but yet is highlly possessive of her and won't let any other man touch her. Parker has such a giving heart and is feeling fragile having to be so close to Landon who terrifies her. But she also wants her mother to be happy and is willing to sacrifice so much for that to happen. But learning to live together with Landon won't be easy, and will put up challenges for both Landon and Parker. But will Landon and Parker be able to find a common ground and something more along the way when they least expect it?

What I Loved
This book y'all just captivated me. I knew Sam Mariano would write such a treasure and she really knocked this one out of the park. Contempt was such a highly anticipated release for me and I have to say that this won my heart and more and the laughs babes ...the LAUGHS. I honestly couldn't contain my humor with this one here. This one is so different from the previous two books and and had a voice to it that I wasn't expecting. I also enjoyed seeing the different type of hero than I was expecting. Now don't get me wrong, Landon is a very disturbed young man. However, he isn't as dangerous as some of the other heroes I have read by this author. Just the type of hero you would expect in a standard bully romance only with the Sam Mariano twist to it. After reading the first two books I was so intrigued to see where this author would take this one.

I do recommend for the highest quality of an reading experience, read the previous two books:
Even If It Hurts
Undertow

There is something so valuable in the relationship that is delivered here. We see so much more hidden depths to the characters and a bit of what makes their relationship so connecting to each other. They have been involved with each other for many years. This isn't a new development, only with their age, both learning to become more mature, that other feelings are entering into the sphere and they are both learning how to adapt to the changes. If you respect the complexity that this author writes within her stories, then look no further than with Contempt. I absolutely had such a good time with seeing Landon grow and face up to his grief and learn to accept the love that Parker was willing to give him. But man his character was so entertaining. He has such an easy confidence about him, and from beginning to end the core of what makes him Landon doesn't really end but his growth and maturity does. We also see some growth in the relationship with his father.

Now as for Parker, her character I fell hard for. I really do love Sam Mariano's heroines. I just relate to them so well. Parker was so personable and has such a kind heart but she does let herself be taken advantage of easily which happens with those with softer personalities. She is a fighter at times though, she has a will when it really matters and when it comes to those that she loves deeply. There are facets to her character that I wanted to dig deeper with and Mariano delivers that dimension to us.

What I Struggled With
I honestly didn't struggle with hardly anything on this. I just fell hard for everything and can't wait for the next couple and man I have a feeling its going to have Cinderella vibes and I am down for that.

Overall View
Contempt is a angst fest of a romance, its a story of discovery, maturity and facing up to your challenges no matter the cost. A YA/NA that delivers all the way for this reader!

Favorite Quote(s)
“In case I’ve left any doubts, I consider you mine, Parker. And there’s nothing you can do to change that.”

I think we’ve always loved each other, even when we hated each other. And I know we always will.

Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Contemporary Romance, New Adult, Young Adult
Character Types: Jerk Hero
Themes: Bully Romance, Step Family Love, Dubious/Non Consent
Tropes: Enemies to Lovers, Forced Proximity

Book Perspective
Duo POV

Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
Relationship Conflict

Song This Book Inspires
Find You by Ruelle

Recommendation For Reading Order
Yes, you need to read this series in order

Steam/Spice Explanations

Steamin' up the room -the sexual content is more explicit in the language and tone, heavier amount of sexual scenes. 

 

Jack O' Lion is a delightful Halloween treat. If you are looking for a short fun story to read for Halloween, then I highly recommend it. There isn't a ton of depth to this story, but it's very sexy and entertaining. I really loved the elements that bring this book together. We have shifter lions, grumpy heroes, curses, and witches. I found the Halloween connections to be really fantastic to delve into. It was also fun seeing these two trying to bring down the curse. Added some mystery and intrigue to the story that was most enjoyable.

 

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


First Impressions
This Heart of Mine is the fifth installment in the "Chicago Stars" series. And this one is Molly's book. Who is the sister of the heroine from the first book "If I Had You" and this is where we have a unique set up. I will be honest if I hadn't gone into this one blindly, I might have DNF'd it, but I am glad that I kept up with it even thought its my least favorite from this author so far. There were some toxic elements in the heroine in this book and while I get where the author was coming from writing this type of heroine, she wasn't easy to read but the narration really kept me in with this story and wanting to see it through.

First Line
The Day Kevin Tucker nearly killed her, Molly Somerville swore off unrequited love forever.

Summary
Molly Somerville has always had a thing for Kevin Tucker who is an infamous player for the Chicago Stars. But when they are forced in a situation to share a house together, chemistry flies between them. Molly gets it in her head, to get creative with Kevin when he is asleep and he wakes to find them having sex and is furious with Molly for taking advantage of him. What neither of them expected though was for Molly to be pregnant and she finds herself married to a man who hates her. But when disaster strikes, Kevin is there for Molly and takes her to his property that was left for him and as they work on repairing the camping grounds, a relationship forms between them.

What I Loved
There were aspects that I really loved about this story. The first being our hero. He is such a alpha male and it was delicious.. I love that he stands up for himself and how he should be treated. He doesn't just let Molly get away with what she does to him. I also loved how fierce he is, he has such a delectable personality. He can be a bit emotionally constipated but I found that to be a redeeming quality. I also enjoyed the setting of the camping grounds, it was very atmospheric in how the author wrote these. I really enjoyed their building chemistry and seeing their relationship form from enemies to lovers to something more endearing and likable. And the hero definitely knows how to win his girl.

What I Struggled With
The heroine is so toxic especially in the beginning and I just didn't feel like her character was redeemed enough. She basically assaults the hero and then tries to hide his baby from him. Her reasons for it I get but at the same time was very manipulative too. I really wanted to love her but she proved to be difficult and she never even really apologized even so I wish that there had been some groveling on her end.

Narration
Anna Fields just does a perfect job with these books. She really brings out the humor just right and in this one especially, she kept me fascinated with the story even though I had some issues with the heroine and her actions.

Overall View
This Heart of Mine while not a perfect read, was a redeeming romance that delivered the humor and feels.

Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense
Character Types: Writer, Athlete
Themes: Groveling hero, Football, Property Renovation, Slow Burn
Tropes: Marriage of Convenience, Enemies to Lovers, Secret Baby

Book Perspective
3rd Pov

Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
Relationship Conflict

Recommendation For Reading Order
You can read as standalones if needed

Steam/Spice Explanations

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.

Narrators:
Anna Fields 

 This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the 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: ✨✨✨✨.5


First Impressions
Huckleberry Hearts is the sixth installment in the "Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill" and this book I would say might just be my favorite of the series. The way that the story is built and the manner of spiritual healing that is showcased was beautiful and poignant. This book had my feelings all over the place and I never knew what emotion the author would be having me feeling here but it was epic and beautiful and seeing these two grow spiritually as individuals and grow together as a couple was sincere and relatable. I honestly found Huckleberry Hearts to be a story of such deep love and acceptance.

First Line
Anna Helmuth glanced up from her knitting long enough to study the top of Dr. Reynold's head.

Summary
Huckleberry Hearts begins with our delightful Anna and Felty Helmuth, who are determined to match their granddaughter who left the Amish faith and community and is returning for a few months. They want to see her matched with someone who will understand her struggles and be the partner she needs. So when Anna needs foot surgery, the young aspiring surgeon doctor is perfect but when they learn he struggles with God as a whole, they wonder how it will work. But as Cassie and Zach learn to get each other, they realize that this isn't the first time that they have met. They both struggle in different ways spiritually. Cassie knows that the Amish life isn't for her but does have a strong belief in God. Then we have Zach, who has struggled with his spiritual beliefs, is having to face up to his issues and learn to rely on his faith once again in ways that will push him and challenge him and the love that he bears for Cassie and the future he dreams of having with her...

What I Loved
This book held my heart so deeply. There was something about this one that captivated me. I just love a redemption story, but seeing our couple really build each other up both emotionally and spiritually was so poignant and its stories like this in why I love a sweet inspirational romance. And its so relatable as someone that is spiritually driven as a reader. I absolutely adored Cassie and Zach being together. Seeing them overcome their challenges and working together was epic. And the ways in which that they have to learn to grow and the challenges in which they need to overcome really captures your attention. I think what impressed me most was how emotionally connected I became to the story itself. I really fell so hard for this one here. It was interesting in the ways that the Amish themes were implemented and how these two lived in the community but were apart from it as well and would find their our journey and strength.

What I Struggled With
The only change I would really have is the heroine. I do wish that she would stand up to her mother and brother who constantly demean her and her choices. She really needed to stand up more firmly to them and if she wasn't going to not be attacking the hero who goes about to defend her.

Narration
CSE Cooney does just a wonderful job with these Amish romances and really brings it out in such a cozy endearing way. Loved how she narrated the story of Cassie and Zach.

Overall View
Huckleberry Hearts is a in depth story of capturing love, finding redemption for one self, and embracing the best parts of your faith to overcome challenges and give one strength in the disheartening of times. TRULY A SPIRITUAL GEM TO HOLD DEAR TO THE HEART!

Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Contemporary Romance, Inspirational Romance
Character Types: Amish, Doctor
Themes: Heart/Emotional Touching, Page Turner
Tropes: Second Chance

Book Perspective
3rd POV

Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
A mix of both

Song This Book Inspires
When it Rains it Pours by Luke Combs

Recommendation For Reading Order
You can read as a standalone

Steam/Spice Explanations

Simmering cup of tea---soft warm touches and light intimacy


Narrators:
C.S.E. Cooney 

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

Book Evaluation:
Plot: 🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️
World Building:🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎
Cover:📔📔📔📔📔
Hero: 🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻
Heroine:🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️
Intimacy Level: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Relationship Building: 💒💒💒💒
Heart & Feels:💞💞💞💞💞
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: 😂😂😂😂😂
Page Turner Level:📖📖📖📖
Ending:🧧🧧🧧🧧🧧
Overall View: ✨✨✨✨.5


First Impressions
Silent Lies is the eight installment in the "Perfectly Imperfect" series. I really had a fun time with this series and I was thrilled when this one was released this past week. I also love how majority of these books the author places in some style of disability and that you never see in mafia romance and I have found the way that she handles it to be intriguing. In this book, our hero has partial deafness and there are certain sounds that make his ears hurt. I also found his match to be quite colorful. Her personality was quite fun although I did struggle a bit with her as I would have liked to see more background dimension to her character. The story itself was superb and if you are a fan of arranged marriages, then this book is for you. It has one of my favorites that I have read for mafia romance.

First Line
"Its the blond one, you idiot," I mumble and reach for the bottle of beer on the coffee table.

The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Drago
Drago is the leader of his family and will do anything to protect them. He lost his sister in a explosion including his parents.

The Heroine: Sienna
Sienna knows the value of what it means to be a twin. She hides her pain from her past with colorful colors and glitter.

Summary
Drago is highly feared and has made a reputation. But he once had a friendship with the Castro Nostra and the Don wants an alliance but also wants to know what is actually happening with Drago's field of vision. So he arranges an alliance with his top men's sister....Sienna. Sienna is brilliant with languages and after two months he sets up a marriage between Drago and Sienna. Sienna's job is to spy on her husband and his activities and communicate it to the Don. But what Sienna never counted on was to fall hard for her husband. He is her opposite in every way but there is something more to him that she is fascinated by and wants to know deeper on. But she is keeping secrets from him. Drago isn't one of the most smartest men in the mafia world for nothing. He knows his wife is a spy and learns it very quickly....the question is what does he do with her and can he ever trust her with himself?

What I Loved
AWW! this book just melted my heart and I do think this is one of the stronger in the arranged marriage setups for this series. I had so much fun with this dynamic and seeing these two learn each other was wonderful. Of course, they are complete strangers but they are both highly intelligent and hide their pain in different ways. I really got a kick out of seeing how different these two are but them building a connection to each other just makes it work just right. I also wasn't sure what to expect with the heroine spying on the hero but it was well played out. I also thought that the hero's reaction was perfect and it also showcases his level of intelligence and I appreciated seeing that factor. We also see the way that the hero shows his devotion to his wife and its going to melt your heart, I guarantee it. And some of it is just in the little things that he does for her. The heroine is quirky and a bit strange but has a very colorful personality and not the type of character that you normally see in a mafia romance so it added some fresh air to this series. We also have some close family bonds within this story that just adds more dimension ot the story.

What I Struggled With
So the one thing I struggled with is the lack of character depth we could have seen from the heroine. There were these moments that made you feel we would understand why she is so colorful but to be honest it wasn't fully transparent in this one. Its hinted at but not really revealed or explored and if that had happene then this story would have had more depths to it. And the heroine is a bit crazy and I don't want to say she is stupid or anything but the next part is a spoiler. So basically there is a attack on their home, hero is gone, and she is told to stay in the bathroom where she is safe. She knows how to shoot but doesn't know if she can kill anyone and doesn't really have training in this sort of scenario. So what does she do? She just goes storming downstairs ready to take on all the bad guys *cringes and covers eyes* yes she is a bit dumb here. Just saying.

Overall View
Silent Lies is a wonderful romance that digs deep into relable issues of pain and healing, its a story of connection among strangers and finding yourselves and embracing all parts of your partner and accepting them as they are...

Favorite Quote(s)
“Because the most sparkling one is already in my possession, and her glow can’t compare to any rock.”

“Your coat doesn’t serve its purpose,” he whispers in Serbian, his voice is husky and glides over me like liquid honey, “because you’re fucking perfect, Sienna. More beautiful than anyone I’ve ever known.”

Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Dark Romance, Romantic Suspense
Character Types: Mafia, Tortured Hero, Disability
Themes: Danger/Suspense, Espionage, Laughs and Giggles
Tropes: Arranged Marriage, Opposites Attract, Grumpy/Sunshine

Book Perspective
Duo POV

Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
A mix of both

Song This Book Inspires
Love Power by Idina Menzel

Recommendation For Reading Order
You can read as standlones if needed

Steam/Spice Explanations

Steamin' up the room -the sexual content is more explicit in the language and tone, heavier amount of sexual scenes. 

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

Book Evaluation:
Plot: 🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️
World Building:🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎
Cover:📔📔📔📔📔
Hero: 🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻
Heroine:🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️
Intimacy Level: 🔥🔥🔥
Relationship Building: 💒💒💒💒
Heart & Feels:💞💞💞💞💞
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: 😂😂😂😂
Page Turner Level:📖📖📖📖
Ending:🧧🧧🧧🧧🧧
Overall View: ✨✨✨✨.5


First Impressions
Shadows of You is the fourth installment in the "Lost & Found" series. This is a series that I have enjoyed so deeply and this family especially just holds such a special place in my heart. I also think that this series is the strongest that this author has written and if you love a good supsense plot that balances out the romance, then this series needs to be for you. The setup of this book really intrigued me as I just adore a heroine in hiding and mix that in with our grumpy hero, you just know that you are in for a delectable ride. This also has some sweet poignant moments that really carry the story through so well. I just admired the way that this author developed this story especially with our grump of the family "Roan".

First Line
Rain pounded against the windshield in a steady drum that only seemed to accentuate the thumping rhythm in my chest.

The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Roan Hartley
Tortured by an event in his past, he hides himself away in the mountains and near the wildlife and works in a manner of law enforcement. He is a bit broody and likes his space.

The Heroine: Aspen Barlow
Aspen took in her sister's daughter, when she was murdered and they went on the run and are hiding away in the state of Washington. Aspen is protective, caring and has a light fun nature.

Summary
When her sister is murdered, Aspen and her sweet daughter make a fresh start in the state of Washington. And for five years they have lived here in peace, building a home of an animal sanctuary of misfits of sorts and have developed some friendships with the Hartley family. When she goes about to rescue an injured deer, she runs into Roan Hartley who has a chip on his shoulder but somehow becomes charmed by her sweet inquisitive daughter who is like a ray of sunshine. When Aspen's past comes back to haunt her, Roan is her rock of protection and loyalty. He is steady and realiable and thus begins a relationship neither of them expected but just as fierce and intense as those of the Hartley siblings. But can Roan let go of his past including his fears; and embrace the future with Aspen?

What I Loved
There was so much to adore about this one and Catherine Cowles knocked this one out of the park. I had no doubt, I have yet to pick up a book by this author that I didn't love and adore. I also found so many elements to this story endearing and the fierce emotion that is packed within this story was so heartfelt. I found the chemistry between Roan and Aspen to be a bit slow in building but once it gets to the climax its sweet perfection. The way that these two come together just has a feeling of right to it. And the little girl....my heart melted with her sweet bubbly nature with such a big heart. Especially the relationship that she builds with Roan was adorable in so many respects. We also get to see some fantastic family bantering that leaves you with a smile. I also felt like the spice in this book was a bit stronger than what I have seen from this author, but it felt just right for the story.

The plot of the story was really superb. Catherine Cowles has really stepped up to the plate in how she writes suspense. And seeing the reveals that occur within the story and the unique twists that you don't see coming was just right. There is such talent that this author has in how she combines suspense with the romance. Its so well balanced and neither aspect overtake the story but have such a harmonious vibe to it.

What I Struggled With
There wasn't really much I struggled with, some small parts of the story had some pacing issues, but other than that, everything was just right for this one here.

Overall View
Shadows of You is like a breath of fresh air, it delivers on the witty banter, a sultry spice connection and a fierce poignant gem of a read that I will hold dearly to my heart!

Favorite Quote(s)
“Everyone needs a place to belong. Somewhere they feel safe. I like being that for them.”

“Tender Heart.” The nickname was a gruff utterance. “I don’t give a damn what they say. I give a damn what you say. And it seems like you’d go down into the fiery pits for me.” I tipped my head back. “I’d follow you anywhere.”

“You were the light in the shadows. A glimmer of hope when I felt like all mine had been burned out.

Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense
Character Types: Law Enforcement, Single Parent, Mountain Man, Tortured Hero
Themes: Small Town, Kids, MC on the Run, Winter Theme
Tropes: Opposites Attract, Grumpy Sunshine, Secret Identity

Book Perspective
DUO POV
Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
A mix of both

Song This Book Inspires
What Keeps You Up at Night by Dan+Shay

Recommendation For Reading Order
Yes I recommend reading these in order if you can

Steam/Spice Explanations

Steamin' up the room -the sexual content is more explicit in the language and tone, heavier amount of sexual scenes.