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4.61k reviews by:
loverofromance
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Quickie Review-May Contain Spoilers
So I wanted to really love Grimstone, I really did. Even set this up to be a buddy read with a friend. But unfortunately I found this lacking. There were aspects that were redeemable and you can definitely feel the writing style of this author. But quite frankly, when she drifts to other sub genres she isn't used to writing, the stories just feel like there is something missing and doesn't quite have her pizazz. There were some superb factors to this book. The plot was very well mastered, the world building was perfect--it capitalized on the spooky factor and is really the perfect setting for this time of year and it had some unique dynamics of the small town that is displayed. What I struggled with---the romance. The romance really suffered. Sometimes when authors switch sub genres and try something new, this is what suffers. It had a really cool set up for our pair but it just didn't quite measure up to what I was hoping for. There just wasn't quite the connection that I wanted to feel but it didn't get there. It really lacked emotional depth in their relationship aspects that could have used a bit more work. But if you love a story that will give you some suprises in the end, then this one is most definitely for you. And it has a guaranteed HEA.
So I wanted to really love Grimstone, I really did. Even set this up to be a buddy read with a friend. But unfortunately I found this lacking. There were aspects that were redeemable and you can definitely feel the writing style of this author. But quite frankly, when she drifts to other sub genres she isn't used to writing, the stories just feel like there is something missing and doesn't quite have her pizazz. There were some superb factors to this book. The plot was very well mastered, the world building was perfect--it capitalized on the spooky factor and is really the perfect setting for this time of year and it had some unique dynamics of the small town that is displayed. What I struggled with---the romance. The romance really suffered. Sometimes when authors switch sub genres and try something new, this is what suffers. It had a really cool set up for our pair but it just didn't quite measure up to what I was hoping for. There just wasn't quite the connection that I wanted to feel but it didn't get there. It really lacked emotional depth in their relationship aspects that could have used a bit more work. But if you love a story that will give you some suprises in the end, then this one is most definitely for you. And it has a guaranteed HEA.
challenging
funny
hopeful
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.
Book Evaluation:
Plot: 🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️
World Building:🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎
Cover:📔📔📔📔
Hero: 🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻
Heroine:🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️
Intimacy Level: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Relationship Building: 💒💒💒💒.25
Heart & Feels:💞💞💞💞💞
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: 😂😂😂😂
Page Turner Level:📖📖📖📖📖
Narration:🎧🎧🎧🎧
Ending:🧧🧧🧧🧧.25
Overall View: ✨✨✨✨.5
First Impressions
Consider Me is the first book in the "Playing for Keeps" series. This is also my very first Becka Mack. I had seen her around plenty especially on instagram and I was very curious about this. I had also seen this in recommendations alongside with Liz Tomforde books so I was fascinated to see how this one would hold up and I will say that Consider Me was completely different from what I expected in many ways. If you want something more lighthearted that has strong levels of spice and is a hockey sports romance, then this is a book that you need to pick for sure. It also has ome endearing side characters that only have you encouraged to read the rest of the series for.
First Line
Rolling on to my back, I inhale sharply and throw a hand over my head.
The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Carter Beckett
Carter is a arrogant, cocky hockey player who loves women and never gets serious with any of them. He is a family man and devoted to his family and has the heart of a teddy bear underneath the self assured exterior
The Heroine: Olivia
Reserved teacher who is only looking for a long term relationship. She doesn't settle and doesn't aim for casual relationships. She is sassy and strong willed but has self image issues at times.
Summary
Carter Beckett is used to having everything at his feet, and that includes his pick of the most beautiful women to share his bed. He knows who he i and has a more jovial outlook on life. But when he meets Olivia, who is the best friend of one of his friends girl, he is falling hard for her. There is only one problem, she has no interest in him at all. Carter has never backed down from a challenge before and he knows that what he feels for Olivia is different than anything that he has ever felt before with another woman and wants to fight for her. But even if he can convince Olivia to take a chance on him, being his girl comes with all sorts of challenges and both Olivia and Carter will have to work hard together to build trust in their relationship that will stand the tide of challenges up ahead for them both..
What I Loved
Consider me was packed with so many aspects to it that you can immediately be drawn into. I had so much love for this one here and the way in which this story developed. I wasn't sure at first what I thought this would turn out for me because it was really snarky and I have become very picky on that lately is that seems to be in so many heroines lately and its way overdone. But I have to give credit to the author here, she really balanced out the heroine here. She was such a likeable character and I found her very relatable. Even though she has some insecurity, its aspects that I think as women we can all relate to.
Then we have our delectable hero....Carter Beckett. This hero is wild and fun. There is such charm to his character and the way in which is he with our heroine especially. I have never had issues with cocky playboys in romances especially when they are well written. And Carter Beckett has so much depths to him. I really appreciated the growth that we see in his character and the way he pines for our heroine and fights for her is beautiful. We also see how he has to face up to the consequences of the type of life that he has led. It showcases the lifestyle of being "sex focused" in your life and we see this in this story. We also see the hero going out to redeem himself to the heroine and build a relationship of trust with her.
Their relationship has its moments of being rocky at times but we also see great dimension that is capitalized on it. We do see some fun aspects to the sport of hockey which I appreciated. I also valued what we see for family bonds within the story. The spice in this story is just right on this one. So if you love higher levels of spice, then you will definitely receive that within this story.
What I Struggled With
So there were a couple of things that I really struggled with. The biggest drag on the story was how insecure the heroine is within the story. While I related with some aspects of it, the issue I had with her was her lack of trust in the hero. And its continual and I really wanted the heroine to have more faith in the hero especially towards the end at times. The third act wasn't executed as well as I would have liked. And the feels in this story is what really kept the rating of this one here so high.
Narration
The hero's narration was brilliant, I was always so excited when it was the hero's POV because the voice for his perspective was spot on. The voice for the heroine however, wasn't necessarily my favorite. But it wasn't horrible either, but it could have been done better in the long run.
Overall View
Consider Me was a brilliant romance that captivated my attention, my heart and entertained from beginning to end. A HOCKEY GEM
Favorite Quote(s)
“When you show me the type of love you need, I learn how to give it to you.”
“She’s like…waking up on Christmas morning when you’re three years old and you finally understand what it’s all about. She’s the moment the rain stops and the sun comes out, lighting up the sky with color, and everything smells new and fresh. She’s the first skate on a frozen lake, surrounded by snowy mountains and pine trees and the freshest breath of air. She’s rolling over in the middle of the night, pulling that warm body into yours and curling around it, and everything’s just right.”
“I love you through the perfect moments, and there are so many, but I will always love you through the imperfect ones too.”
Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Contemporary Romance, Romantic Comedy
Character Types: Athlete, Teacher
Themes: Sports-Hockey, Laughs, Pining Hero, Witty Banter
Tropes: Unrequited Love, Opposites Attract
Book Perspective
Duo POV
Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
Relationship Conflict
Song This Book Inspires
Consider Me-Allen Stone
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.
Narrators:
Kasha Kensington, Alex Kydd
Book Evaluation:
Plot: 🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️
World Building:🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎
Cover:📔📔📔📔
Hero: 🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻
Heroine:🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️
Intimacy Level: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Relationship Building: 💒💒💒💒.25
Heart & Feels:💞💞💞💞💞
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: 😂😂😂😂
Page Turner Level:📖📖📖📖📖
Narration:🎧🎧🎧🎧
Ending:🧧🧧🧧🧧.25
Overall View: ✨✨✨✨.5
First Impressions
Consider Me is the first book in the "Playing for Keeps" series. This is also my very first Becka Mack. I had seen her around plenty especially on instagram and I was very curious about this. I had also seen this in recommendations alongside with Liz Tomforde books so I was fascinated to see how this one would hold up and I will say that Consider Me was completely different from what I expected in many ways. If you want something more lighthearted that has strong levels of spice and is a hockey sports romance, then this is a book that you need to pick for sure. It also has ome endearing side characters that only have you encouraged to read the rest of the series for.
First Line
Rolling on to my back, I inhale sharply and throw a hand over my head.
The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Carter Beckett
Carter is a arrogant, cocky hockey player who loves women and never gets serious with any of them. He is a family man and devoted to his family and has the heart of a teddy bear underneath the self assured exterior
The Heroine: Olivia
Reserved teacher who is only looking for a long term relationship. She doesn't settle and doesn't aim for casual relationships. She is sassy and strong willed but has self image issues at times.
Summary
Carter Beckett is used to having everything at his feet, and that includes his pick of the most beautiful women to share his bed. He knows who he i and has a more jovial outlook on life. But when he meets Olivia, who is the best friend of one of his friends girl, he is falling hard for her. There is only one problem, she has no interest in him at all. Carter has never backed down from a challenge before and he knows that what he feels for Olivia is different than anything that he has ever felt before with another woman and wants to fight for her. But even if he can convince Olivia to take a chance on him, being his girl comes with all sorts of challenges and both Olivia and Carter will have to work hard together to build trust in their relationship that will stand the tide of challenges up ahead for them both..
What I Loved
Consider me was packed with so many aspects to it that you can immediately be drawn into. I had so much love for this one here and the way in which this story developed. I wasn't sure at first what I thought this would turn out for me because it was really snarky and I have become very picky on that lately is that seems to be in so many heroines lately and its way overdone. But I have to give credit to the author here, she really balanced out the heroine here. She was such a likeable character and I found her very relatable. Even though she has some insecurity, its aspects that I think as women we can all relate to.
Then we have our delectable hero....Carter Beckett. This hero is wild and fun. There is such charm to his character and the way in which is he with our heroine especially. I have never had issues with cocky playboys in romances especially when they are well written. And Carter Beckett has so much depths to him. I really appreciated the growth that we see in his character and the way he pines for our heroine and fights for her is beautiful. We also see how he has to face up to the consequences of the type of life that he has led. It showcases the lifestyle of being "sex focused" in your life and we see this in this story. We also see the hero going out to redeem himself to the heroine and build a relationship of trust with her.
Their relationship has its moments of being rocky at times but we also see great dimension that is capitalized on it. We do see some fun aspects to the sport of hockey which I appreciated. I also valued what we see for family bonds within the story. The spice in this story is just right on this one. So if you love higher levels of spice, then you will definitely receive that within this story.
What I Struggled With
So there were a couple of things that I really struggled with. The biggest drag on the story was how insecure the heroine is within the story. While I related with some aspects of it, the issue I had with her was her lack of trust in the hero. And its continual and I really wanted the heroine to have more faith in the hero especially towards the end at times. The third act wasn't executed as well as I would have liked. And the feels in this story is what really kept the rating of this one here so high.
Narration
The hero's narration was brilliant, I was always so excited when it was the hero's POV because the voice for his perspective was spot on. The voice for the heroine however, wasn't necessarily my favorite. But it wasn't horrible either, but it could have been done better in the long run.
Overall View
Consider Me was a brilliant romance that captivated my attention, my heart and entertained from beginning to end. A HOCKEY GEM
Favorite Quote(s)
“When you show me the type of love you need, I learn how to give it to you.”
“She’s like…waking up on Christmas morning when you’re three years old and you finally understand what it’s all about. She’s the moment the rain stops and the sun comes out, lighting up the sky with color, and everything smells new and fresh. She’s the first skate on a frozen lake, surrounded by snowy mountains and pine trees and the freshest breath of air. She’s rolling over in the middle of the night, pulling that warm body into yours and curling around it, and everything’s just right.”
“I love you through the perfect moments, and there are so many, but I will always love you through the imperfect ones too.”
Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Contemporary Romance, Romantic Comedy
Character Types: Athlete, Teacher
Themes: Sports-Hockey, Laughs, Pining Hero, Witty Banter
Tropes: Unrequited Love, Opposites Attract
Book Perspective
Duo POV
Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
Relationship Conflict
Song This Book Inspires
Consider Me-Allen Stone
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.
Narrators:
Kasha Kensington, Alex Kydd
challenging
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.
Book Evaluation:
Plot: 🎞️🎞️🎞️
World Building:🌎🌎🌎🌎
Cover:📔📔📔📔
Intimacy Level: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Relationship Building: 💒💒💒💒
Heart & Feels:💞💞💞
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: 😂😂😂
Page Turner Level:📖📖📖📖
Ending:🧧🧧🧧🧧
Overall View: ✨✨✨.5
First Impressions
Madame is the finale in the "Salacious Players' Club" and I had a fun time with this one. It wasn't perfect and didn't quite meet up expectations for it being a menage romance, however, it still was a solid read and had some very captivating moments that really made this one redeemable. I enjoyed finally getting Eden's book as she has been a character that we have seen throughout the series and I just really enjoyed seeing her have a story and find her place among the other owners but we also get some fabulous backstory to who she is and her growth as an individual.
First Line
My straight black hair hangs over the porcelain bowl as I'm assaulted by another round of violent dry heaving.
Summary
Eve is a professional Domme but also is the queen of the BDSM world at the Salacious Players Club. She is well known for her professionalism and class. She fell hard for Clay who was her submissive for some time, but she pushed him away and he left and its been months since she has seen him. Clay is now with Jade and both Clay and Jade are wanting more in their relationship and take upon the talents of Eve to teach Jade what she needs to be a bit more commanding in the bedroom. But what develops between the three is a poly relationship neither of them expected. But will Eve push Jade and Clay away again or embrace the relationship she could have with them...
What I Loved
There were many things that I did enjoy about this story. I really loved the backstory that we get on Eve. Seeing her living her life and not just being the dominatrix that we have seen her to be throughout the series. We see quite a bit of more depth in her character that I truly was so endeared to. Love that she is a single mom and the way that she is with her seven year old son was so precious and really showcases her vulnerable soft side. Eve is one of those characters that is so tough and commanding when she needs to be, but you also see how much she needs love in her life but doesn't feel like she deserves it. Her character is really well fleshed out and I appreciated that.
What I Struggled With
I really struggled with quite a few things in the story. First off the flashbacks wasn't my favorite aspect and would have preferred a prologue or first few chapters of Clay and Even and then jump to the present, it was too distracting and too focused on their sex only relationship and not seeing much more else to it. Then we have Jade's character which wasn't very likeable. In fact, she was quite annoying most times. And I also didn't like the way she kept secrets from Clay like she did when they were the ones in the current relationship. I felt like it was too deceptive of her and Clay just readily accepted as okay. And the three way relationship should have been more fleshed out. We didn't really get much between Clay and Eve relationship wise. Yes they had a history but it didn't feel resolved and when you are writing any poly relationship all aspects of the relationship need to be well developed or it feels lacking.
Overall View
Madame is a spicy, curl your toes romance that will leave you breathless in feels and tingles! A SOLID FINALE!
Favorite Quote(s)
Looking back, I realize that was the first time my guard was down between us. He had asked something no one else had. It was the first time someone truly cared. It’s like there was a weak spot in the armor I had built around myself, and Clay easily found it.
Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Erotic Romance, Contemporary Romance
Character Types: Dominatrix, Alpha Female
Themes: Hot Smexy Vibes, BDSM, Menage, Sex Club
Tropes: Second Chance
Book Perspective
Multiple POV's
Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
Relationship Conflict
Song This Book Inspires
I knew You Were Trouble by Taylor Swift
Recommendation For Reading Order
Read in order if you can to get the depth into Eve's character
Steam/Spice Explanations
Blazing fire to the building-The prime focus is the sex scenes, scorching hot, and could burn one. Less focus on the emotional intimacy to the relationship.
Book Evaluation:
Plot: 🎞️🎞️🎞️
World Building:🌎🌎🌎🌎
Cover:📔📔📔📔
Intimacy Level: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Relationship Building: 💒💒💒💒
Heart & Feels:💞💞💞
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: 😂😂😂
Page Turner Level:📖📖📖📖
Ending:🧧🧧🧧🧧
Overall View: ✨✨✨.5
First Impressions
Madame is the finale in the "Salacious Players' Club" and I had a fun time with this one. It wasn't perfect and didn't quite meet up expectations for it being a menage romance, however, it still was a solid read and had some very captivating moments that really made this one redeemable. I enjoyed finally getting Eden's book as she has been a character that we have seen throughout the series and I just really enjoyed seeing her have a story and find her place among the other owners but we also get some fabulous backstory to who she is and her growth as an individual.
First Line
My straight black hair hangs over the porcelain bowl as I'm assaulted by another round of violent dry heaving.
Summary
Eve is a professional Domme but also is the queen of the BDSM world at the Salacious Players Club. She is well known for her professionalism and class. She fell hard for Clay who was her submissive for some time, but she pushed him away and he left and its been months since she has seen him. Clay is now with Jade and both Clay and Jade are wanting more in their relationship and take upon the talents of Eve to teach Jade what she needs to be a bit more commanding in the bedroom. But what develops between the three is a poly relationship neither of them expected. But will Eve push Jade and Clay away again or embrace the relationship she could have with them...
What I Loved
There were many things that I did enjoy about this story. I really loved the backstory that we get on Eve. Seeing her living her life and not just being the dominatrix that we have seen her to be throughout the series. We see quite a bit of more depth in her character that I truly was so endeared to. Love that she is a single mom and the way that she is with her seven year old son was so precious and really showcases her vulnerable soft side. Eve is one of those characters that is so tough and commanding when she needs to be, but you also see how much she needs love in her life but doesn't feel like she deserves it. Her character is really well fleshed out and I appreciated that.
What I Struggled With
I really struggled with quite a few things in the story. First off the flashbacks wasn't my favorite aspect and would have preferred a prologue or first few chapters of Clay and Even and then jump to the present, it was too distracting and too focused on their sex only relationship and not seeing much more else to it. Then we have Jade's character which wasn't very likeable. In fact, she was quite annoying most times. And I also didn't like the way she kept secrets from Clay like she did when they were the ones in the current relationship. I felt like it was too deceptive of her and Clay just readily accepted as okay. And the three way relationship should have been more fleshed out. We didn't really get much between Clay and Eve relationship wise. Yes they had a history but it didn't feel resolved and when you are writing any poly relationship all aspects of the relationship need to be well developed or it feels lacking.
Overall View
Madame is a spicy, curl your toes romance that will leave you breathless in feels and tingles! A SOLID FINALE!
Favorite Quote(s)
Looking back, I realize that was the first time my guard was down between us. He had asked something no one else had. It was the first time someone truly cared. It’s like there was a weak spot in the armor I had built around myself, and Clay easily found it.
Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Erotic Romance, Contemporary Romance
Character Types: Dominatrix, Alpha Female
Themes: Hot Smexy Vibes, BDSM, Menage, Sex Club
Tropes: Second Chance
Book Perspective
Multiple POV's
Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
Relationship Conflict
Song This Book Inspires
I knew You Were Trouble by Taylor Swift
Recommendation For Reading Order
Read in order if you can to get the depth into Eve's character
Steam/Spice Explanations
Blazing fire to the building-The prime focus is the sex scenes, scorching hot, and could burn one. Less focus on the emotional intimacy to the relationship.
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
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
When A Dragon Falls is the seventh installment in the Embraced series. This is a book that features more than one couple but the primary couple that we see is Princess Lenushka and Bran. Lenushka is the daughter of Silas who is our dragon king from the previous books. So Lenushka is the heir to the throne and is the first female dragon in existence. This story is packed with plenty of world-building of this fantastical world that this author has created and we see how the plot lines work together and the justice in getting rid of an enemy who is seeking to destroy all the kingdoms that have been united. When A Dragon Falls was a bit of a forbidden romance, with some conflict between the couples and mistaken identity factors. Kerrelyn Sparks really delivers in this one and I had a action-packed time with this installment.
Summary
Princess Lenushka is a princess but has had to work hard to prove herself to her people. She is a warrior in training as she would need to be the next leader. She has never shirked in her duties and is devoted to her parents and her brother. She will marry because she knows that its expected and she always lives up to the expectations and knows its required and needed for the kingdom. Then we have Bran, who is on a journey for revenge. He is determined to protect his siblings no matter what it takes and will get rid of the Brotherhood monsters that have manipulated his family and he has had enough of that manipulation. He is drawn in the crossfire and ends up injured by a pink bellied dragon but doesn’t know that dragon is none other than the beautiful female warrior who has only built a connection with him and traveled with him on his journey to regain their loved ones. But when everything is revealed will they find a way past the secrets and past the forbidden relationship between them?
What I Loved
This book was a roller coaster ride and I couldn’t get enough of these two. Bran and Lan were so brilliant together and I really enjoyed how their relationship builds throughout the story. The romance is well balanced with the fantastical plot of redemption and revenge on this one. We actually have more than one love story here, but our primary couple that is features is Lenushka and Bran. I really enjoyed seeing the descendants of the original embraced find their way together and work together to bring down the Brotherhood and those that want to destroy their loved ones. It also had plenty of laughs which you can expect from this author. There were also some fun side characters that really intrigued me throughout the building of the story. The plot of this book was brilliantly built. I loved the thrills and intrigue that are built alongside with the fantastical world building that we see grown within this one. There is also a strong sense of family within it that gives you all the warm fuzzies. Then of course we have the romance being built between Lenushka and Bran. I adored these two together. They have such a strong attraction, but also a relatable emotional connection that builds throughout the story. Seeing our couple find their way together and past the forbidden was so satisfying. The way that these two come together and have such forgiving hearts for each other. There is a sweet steady understanding between them that even when there are secrets, they have this patience and acceptance of each other that is so gratifying. The romance was solid and steady and one you can easily stand behind on.
What I Struggled With
So the only real aspect to this story that I struggled with is the pacing. It goes kinda slow, especially in the first half, but once you get past that hurdle then the story really picks up and then you can’t put it down. So keep in mind this quality and just stick with it and it will deliver for you.
Overall View
When A Dragon Falls is a beautiful story that captures the heart and poignant emotion in the small moments. Its a story packed with adventure, fantastical world-building and love worth fighting for!
Favorite Quote(s)
Now that I think about it, you certainly know how to kiss." "That was no expertise you were feeling, it was all the passion I've been keeping for you in my heart" He stepped closer "I felt your passion, too."
" A Raven only falls once," She smiled. "And when a dragon falls, it's forever."
Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Fantasy Romance, Epic/High Fantasy
Character Types: Shape Shifter, Dragons, Royalty
Themes: Secrets, Family Bonds, World Building a Focus
Tropes: Forbidden Love, Revenge, Secret Identity
Book Perspective
3rd POV
Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
Plot Conflict
Song This Book Inspires
Broken Things by Matthew West
Recommendation For Reading Order
Yes I recommend reading these books in order
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.
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
When A Dragon Falls is the seventh installment in the Embraced series. This is a book that features more than one couple but the primary couple that we see is Princess Lenushka and Bran. Lenushka is the daughter of Silas who is our dragon king from the previous books. So Lenushka is the heir to the throne and is the first female dragon in existence. This story is packed with plenty of world-building of this fantastical world that this author has created and we see how the plot lines work together and the justice in getting rid of an enemy who is seeking to destroy all the kingdoms that have been united. When A Dragon Falls was a bit of a forbidden romance, with some conflict between the couples and mistaken identity factors. Kerrelyn Sparks really delivers in this one and I had a action-packed time with this installment.
Summary
Princess Lenushka is a princess but has had to work hard to prove herself to her people. She is a warrior in training as she would need to be the next leader. She has never shirked in her duties and is devoted to her parents and her brother. She will marry because she knows that its expected and she always lives up to the expectations and knows its required and needed for the kingdom. Then we have Bran, who is on a journey for revenge. He is determined to protect his siblings no matter what it takes and will get rid of the Brotherhood monsters that have manipulated his family and he has had enough of that manipulation. He is drawn in the crossfire and ends up injured by a pink bellied dragon but doesn’t know that dragon is none other than the beautiful female warrior who has only built a connection with him and traveled with him on his journey to regain their loved ones. But when everything is revealed will they find a way past the secrets and past the forbidden relationship between them?
What I Loved
This book was a roller coaster ride and I couldn’t get enough of these two. Bran and Lan were so brilliant together and I really enjoyed how their relationship builds throughout the story. The romance is well balanced with the fantastical plot of redemption and revenge on this one. We actually have more than one love story here, but our primary couple that is features is Lenushka and Bran. I really enjoyed seeing the descendants of the original embraced find their way together and work together to bring down the Brotherhood and those that want to destroy their loved ones. It also had plenty of laughs which you can expect from this author. There were also some fun side characters that really intrigued me throughout the building of the story. The plot of this book was brilliantly built. I loved the thrills and intrigue that are built alongside with the fantastical world building that we see grown within this one. There is also a strong sense of family within it that gives you all the warm fuzzies. Then of course we have the romance being built between Lenushka and Bran. I adored these two together. They have such a strong attraction, but also a relatable emotional connection that builds throughout the story. Seeing our couple find their way together and past the forbidden was so satisfying. The way that these two come together and have such forgiving hearts for each other. There is a sweet steady understanding between them that even when there are secrets, they have this patience and acceptance of each other that is so gratifying. The romance was solid and steady and one you can easily stand behind on.
What I Struggled With
So the only real aspect to this story that I struggled with is the pacing. It goes kinda slow, especially in the first half, but once you get past that hurdle then the story really picks up and then you can’t put it down. So keep in mind this quality and just stick with it and it will deliver for you.
Overall View
When A Dragon Falls is a beautiful story that captures the heart and poignant emotion in the small moments. Its a story packed with adventure, fantastical world-building and love worth fighting for!
Favorite Quote(s)
Now that I think about it, you certainly know how to kiss." "That was no expertise you were feeling, it was all the passion I've been keeping for you in my heart" He stepped closer "I felt your passion, too."
" A Raven only falls once," She smiled. "And when a dragon falls, it's forever."
Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Fantasy Romance, Epic/High Fantasy
Character Types: Shape Shifter, Dragons, Royalty
Themes: Secrets, Family Bonds, World Building a Focus
Tropes: Forbidden Love, Revenge, Secret Identity
Book Perspective
3rd POV
Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
Plot Conflict
Song This Book Inspires
Broken Things by Matthew West
Recommendation For Reading Order
Yes I recommend reading these books in order
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.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
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
Redemption is for fans of the Mount Trilogy books. So if you loved our couple there, then I highly recommend this one here. Its basically an extended epilogue with some fabulous romantic suspense feels to the story. I had high hopes for this one and was one of my anticipated reads of the year because I have always been a fan of Meghan March and I admire her as a person so much. I haven't been a fan of her covers changes, but was really intrigued to see what she would deliver with Redemption and she KNOCKED it out of the park. If you want a compelling satisfying read, then this one needs to be on your list. I also was so endeared being back to this couple that have become one of my favorites that this author has ever written! And seeing their relationship some years later and them being together, as a one true pair was EPIC.
First Line
Six Feet, Three feet. Almost There, Dorrknob.
Summary
Redemption takes us back to Lachlan Mount. Lachlan and Keira are in their lives together, and have a beautiful little girl that they both love fiercely. But they are attacked, their daughter taken, and Lachlan loses his best friend V who died for his daughter. The world that Lachlan has always known is falling apart around him and he doesn't know how to protect his family. Then at his lowest moment, a suprise comes to him and that is in the form of family...family he never knew he had and family he had always yearned for. But can his connections and his family be enough to give him the redemption for past sins and cultivate a future with his lady Kiera and his daughter in peace and in love?
What I Loved
This book was BEAUTIFUL! I can't even express the words that I want to in how much I adored this one. It wasn't easy reading this one, it was so hard to see Lachlan lose so much of what he builds from the Mount books that we read him in. But I trusted Meghan March to see this story through and it was everything I could have hoped for and more. I do wish the story was a bit longer with how much the ebook is but that is okay.
This is a story that is heart stopping good. I couldn't get enough of our couple here and seeing them work together in crafting a fresh start for themselves. There is such a level of intensity in this one here and seeing the growth within the character from Lachlan was just right. Seeing him find a family and build a beautiful relationship with them was epic. And the reunions in this book were so heartfelt. I had so many feels within this book and my emotions were all over the place. How does this author do this to me, I will never know. And the BROTHER.....I need his book so badly. Please let his story be next haha
What I Struggled With
There was only one thing I would change, a prologue of V being killed and the kidnapping. I would have liked to have received that instead of the mentions of it happening.
Overall View
Redemption is a compelling read that delivers feels, plenty of heart and packs that emotional punch that you have come to see from Meghan March. A TRULY DELECTABLE READ!
Favorite Quote(s)
I’m Keira Mount now, and I am a force with which you do not fuck—especially when it comes to my husband and child. There’s nothing I won’t do to protect them from harm. Nothing.
Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense, Dark Romance
Character Types: Alpha Male, Protector
Themes: All the Feels, Heart/Touching, Tear Jerker, Extended Epilogue, Married Couple Pairing, One True Pairing.
Book Perspective
Multiple POV's
Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
Plot Conflict
Song This Book Inspires
Love You Like a Love Song by Selena Gomez
Recommendation For Reading Order
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.
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
Redemption is for fans of the Mount Trilogy books. So if you loved our couple there, then I highly recommend this one here. Its basically an extended epilogue with some fabulous romantic suspense feels to the story. I had high hopes for this one and was one of my anticipated reads of the year because I have always been a fan of Meghan March and I admire her as a person so much. I haven't been a fan of her covers changes, but was really intrigued to see what she would deliver with Redemption and she KNOCKED it out of the park. If you want a compelling satisfying read, then this one needs to be on your list. I also was so endeared being back to this couple that have become one of my favorites that this author has ever written! And seeing their relationship some years later and them being together, as a one true pair was EPIC.
First Line
Six Feet, Three feet. Almost There, Dorrknob.
Summary
Redemption takes us back to Lachlan Mount. Lachlan and Keira are in their lives together, and have a beautiful little girl that they both love fiercely. But they are attacked, their daughter taken, and Lachlan loses his best friend V who died for his daughter. The world that Lachlan has always known is falling apart around him and he doesn't know how to protect his family. Then at his lowest moment, a suprise comes to him and that is in the form of family...family he never knew he had and family he had always yearned for. But can his connections and his family be enough to give him the redemption for past sins and cultivate a future with his lady Kiera and his daughter in peace and in love?
What I Loved
This book was BEAUTIFUL! I can't even express the words that I want to in how much I adored this one. It wasn't easy reading this one, it was so hard to see Lachlan lose so much of what he builds from the Mount books that we read him in. But I trusted Meghan March to see this story through and it was everything I could have hoped for and more. I do wish the story was a bit longer with how much the ebook is but that is okay.
This is a story that is heart stopping good. I couldn't get enough of our couple here and seeing them work together in crafting a fresh start for themselves. There is such a level of intensity in this one here and seeing the growth within the character from Lachlan was just right. Seeing him find a family and build a beautiful relationship with them was epic. And the reunions in this book were so heartfelt. I had so many feels within this book and my emotions were all over the place. How does this author do this to me, I will never know. And the BROTHER.....I need his book so badly. Please let his story be next haha
What I Struggled With
There was only one thing I would change, a prologue of V being killed and the kidnapping. I would have liked to have received that instead of the mentions of it happening.
Overall View
Redemption is a compelling read that delivers feels, plenty of heart and packs that emotional punch that you have come to see from Meghan March. A TRULY DELECTABLE READ!
Favorite Quote(s)
I’m Keira Mount now, and I am a force with which you do not fuck—especially when it comes to my husband and child. There’s nothing I won’t do to protect them from harm. Nothing.
Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense, Dark Romance
Character Types: Alpha Male, Protector
Themes: All the Feels, Heart/Touching, Tear Jerker, Extended Epilogue, Married Couple Pairing, One True Pairing.
Book Perspective
Multiple POV's
Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
Plot Conflict
Song This Book Inspires
Love You Like a Love Song by Selena Gomez
Recommendation For Reading Order
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.
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
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
Hopeless is a book that I had such high hopes for and I really had some high expectations on this one especially coming off of Reckless which was only released a couple of months ago. I wish that I could say that I loved this book unfortunately it didn't quite meet up with my expectations. It was a bit disappointing. It did feel very rushed and not enough flow with the story and the tropes. And was really hard to stay invested. However, it had its moments that kept me reading it. And for those that want Beau's book, then I highly recommend it.
First Line
I thought pissing my brother off and storming away would make me feel something.
The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Beau Eaton
A tortured military Vet, injuries both inside and outside, and a bit of a surly grump caught up in the terrors of his past
The Heroine: Bailey Jenson
High spirited outcast of the town. Despirate for a fresh start.
Summary
Beau Eaton is the town hero, he is much revered by the whole town and everyone wants to befriend him. The problem is...Beau couldn't care less. He is suffering wounds from serving in the military and is haunted by those demons that no one seems to understand including his own family. Then we have Bailey, who is a Jensen. Her family is consider the outcasts of the town, and unfortunately her family has earned their bad name and Bailey is a innocent bystander from it and the town does blame her and won't give her a solid chance to prove that she is different from them. Beau and Bailey have a very quick connection and Beau proposes that they have a fake engagement so that his name can bring her what she needs...that clean slate and it will help get his family off of his back. But both Beau and Bailey have a fierce attraction to each other and a connection that they both want to explore ....will they be able to make a true engagement work or will it fail...
What I Loved
Despite my issues with the story itself, there are many factors in the story that I really did enjoy. The first is that I had a blast with the connection at times that we see from Beau and Bailey. Especially in the first half of the story, I was really behind these two being together. They have such a easy way of being together and seeing the way in which they get along was almost infectious. Their in the middle of the night meet ups in the river were so delicious and the chemistry between them was done just right. Their dialogue with each other was easy going and they stand up to each other and know when to back down and when not to. The family bantering was just delightful and enjoyed how welcoming they were of Bailey. Beau is so tortured and his journey was beautiful and the way in which we see how protective he is of Bailey, melted my heart completely.
What I Struggled With
The pacing in this book is really off and most especially in the second half it just didn't quite deliver. It got to the point where I just wanted to get to the end, I just became bored with the couple and there seemed to be such a rush for the ending. It really felt like the author was writing to just finish this off and not really dig into the issues and explore it as she has done in the previou books. And some of the snark comments from the heroine was a bit off putting and didn't quite mesh right. Not sure why authors seem to want a snarky heroine in every book these days, but Bailey's dialogue could have been handled much more delicately to bring out her character to be more likeable.
Overall View
Hopeless had a easy romance that is fun to get behind....some fantastic tropes and has a small town setting that will endear the reader to this world...
Favorite Quote(s)
“I know you’re scared of losing control around me.” Her chin tips up as though she’s told me something that will make me back down. Run me off. It doesn’t. “No, I’m scared of you becoming something I can’t live without.”
Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Contemporary Romance
Character Types: Military, Abused, Tortured
Themes: Small Town, Family Saga, Lots of Laughs, PTSD
Tropes: Fake Relationship, Grumpy Sunshine, May to December, Opposites Attract
Book Perspective
DUO Pov
Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
Relationship Conflict
Song This Book Inspires
Hold My Girl by George Ezra
Recommendation For Reading Order
You can read as standalones
Steam/Spice Explanations
Steamin' up the room -the sexual content is more explicit in the language and tone, heavier amount of sexual scenes.
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
Hopeless is a book that I had such high hopes for and I really had some high expectations on this one especially coming off of Reckless which was only released a couple of months ago. I wish that I could say that I loved this book unfortunately it didn't quite meet up with my expectations. It was a bit disappointing. It did feel very rushed and not enough flow with the story and the tropes. And was really hard to stay invested. However, it had its moments that kept me reading it. And for those that want Beau's book, then I highly recommend it.
First Line
I thought pissing my brother off and storming away would make me feel something.
The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Beau Eaton
A tortured military Vet, injuries both inside and outside, and a bit of a surly grump caught up in the terrors of his past
The Heroine: Bailey Jenson
High spirited outcast of the town. Despirate for a fresh start.
Summary
Beau Eaton is the town hero, he is much revered by the whole town and everyone wants to befriend him. The problem is...Beau couldn't care less. He is suffering wounds from serving in the military and is haunted by those demons that no one seems to understand including his own family. Then we have Bailey, who is a Jensen. Her family is consider the outcasts of the town, and unfortunately her family has earned their bad name and Bailey is a innocent bystander from it and the town does blame her and won't give her a solid chance to prove that she is different from them. Beau and Bailey have a very quick connection and Beau proposes that they have a fake engagement so that his name can bring her what she needs...that clean slate and it will help get his family off of his back. But both Beau and Bailey have a fierce attraction to each other and a connection that they both want to explore ....will they be able to make a true engagement work or will it fail...
What I Loved
Despite my issues with the story itself, there are many factors in the story that I really did enjoy. The first is that I had a blast with the connection at times that we see from Beau and Bailey. Especially in the first half of the story, I was really behind these two being together. They have such a easy way of being together and seeing the way in which they get along was almost infectious. Their in the middle of the night meet ups in the river were so delicious and the chemistry between them was done just right. Their dialogue with each other was easy going and they stand up to each other and know when to back down and when not to. The family bantering was just delightful and enjoyed how welcoming they were of Bailey. Beau is so tortured and his journey was beautiful and the way in which we see how protective he is of Bailey, melted my heart completely.
What I Struggled With
The pacing in this book is really off and most especially in the second half it just didn't quite deliver. It got to the point where I just wanted to get to the end, I just became bored with the couple and there seemed to be such a rush for the ending. It really felt like the author was writing to just finish this off and not really dig into the issues and explore it as she has done in the previou books. And some of the snark comments from the heroine was a bit off putting and didn't quite mesh right. Not sure why authors seem to want a snarky heroine in every book these days, but Bailey's dialogue could have been handled much more delicately to bring out her character to be more likeable.
Overall View
Hopeless had a easy romance that is fun to get behind....some fantastic tropes and has a small town setting that will endear the reader to this world...
Favorite Quote(s)
“I know you’re scared of losing control around me.” Her chin tips up as though she’s told me something that will make me back down. Run me off. It doesn’t. “No, I’m scared of you becoming something I can’t live without.”
Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Contemporary Romance
Character Types: Military, Abused, Tortured
Themes: Small Town, Family Saga, Lots of Laughs, PTSD
Tropes: Fake Relationship, Grumpy Sunshine, May to December, Opposites Attract
Book Perspective
DUO Pov
Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
Relationship Conflict
Song This Book Inspires
Hold My Girl by George Ezra
Recommendation For Reading Order
You can read as standalones
Steam/Spice Explanations
Steamin' up the room -the sexual content is more explicit in the language and tone, heavier amount of sexual scenes.
challenging
dark
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
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
Pride is the first book in the "Once Upon a Villain" series and I honestly can't remember if I saw this author on bookstagram or booktube, but I was intrigued enough to add this to my weekly TBR. I had heard that this one was a Pride and Prejudice retelling but with a mafia twist and I absolutely DIED with this book. It gave me so many Austenesque vibes, it was unreal. The author really went strong on the retelling for this one. So if want a solid retelling of the full tale of Pride and Prejudice here, then this is one that you definitely need to read. I absolutely had a blast with this book, and while it wasn't perfect, if you love lots of angst in a romance, then this book will really work for you! I guarantee it.
First Line
The wind howls around ma and my gloves feel like shards of glass as I clench the shovel, thrusting it into the forzen ground with every ounce of strength.
The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Isiah Darcy
Out for revenge for the loss of his twin's murder, one of the strongest leaders of the mafia in the western world.
The Heroine: Bella Benedetto
Bella is the second oldest daughter, out to be bartered for marriage and very strong willed in her own way
Summary
Pride is a story about Isiah who as a teen lost his twin brother when he was murdered. And Isiah is determined to get revenge against the family that were behind the murder. He has changed his name, cultivated power within the mafia world and is one of the most feared in their world. He has a plan to gain the trust of Gio Benedetta, by marrying his daughter, and killing him and his family. But what he doesn't plan on is the attraction or bond that he would form with the lovely Bella. Bella is being marketed like a cow to be married off. She has always known that living in the mafia world, this would be her life, but she still has a strong sassy spirit and will fight for herself. There is a sizzling attraction between Bella and Isiah but she knows that there is more to him than meets the eye and is determined to find his secrets...
What I Loved
This book was everything I could have hoped for as far as a retelling is factored in. It had all the major aspects that we see within the original of Pride and Prejudice but with a darker mafia twist to it. And I really couldn't put this book down either. And if you need strong spice in your romance, then this author needs to be on your list because she ups the game as far as spicy romance is concerned. But Pride was just delightful in the connections that we see to the original while still being its own story of mafia revenge and arranged marriage. Both the characters are so strong-willed willed so they definitely clash with each other and that is just delightful. The plot of the story is really packed and I loved the revenge aspects of this one. The pedophile ring was interesting, it probably would have been fine without it, but we also see that our hero has some values and won't stand by when children are being harmed so I actually really found that relatable to all the child trafficking we have had in the modern world and trying to fight. And there is a twist at the end that you won't really see coming so I enjoyed having a new to me author deliver such a plot as to have some unique twists in the end there.
What I Struggled With
I think the only issue I had with this story was the amount of angst and how the enemies-to-lovers aspects were handled. There could have been a bit more evolvement from enemies to lovers aspects. I would have enjoyed seeing the angst less stretched out and some more vulnerable moments between these two.
Overall View
Pride was a fantastic P&P retelling that delivered spicy mafia vibes. The romance had some feels that melted my heart and the writing delivered in such a strong compelling way that leaves me wanting for more...
Favorite Quote(s)
As I spin her around and kiss her deeply, I know that Bella is my salvation. The only good thing in my life and the only thing in this world worth living for.
Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Dark Romance
Character Types: Mafia, Alpha Male
Themes: Angst, Retelling
Tropes: Forced Marriage, Arranged Marriage, Forced Proximity, Enemies to Lovers
Book Perspective
Duo POV
Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
A mix of both
Song This Book Inspires
Body Electric by Lana Del Rey
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.
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
Pride is the first book in the "Once Upon a Villain" series and I honestly can't remember if I saw this author on bookstagram or booktube, but I was intrigued enough to add this to my weekly TBR. I had heard that this one was a Pride and Prejudice retelling but with a mafia twist and I absolutely DIED with this book. It gave me so many Austenesque vibes, it was unreal. The author really went strong on the retelling for this one. So if want a solid retelling of the full tale of Pride and Prejudice here, then this is one that you definitely need to read. I absolutely had a blast with this book, and while it wasn't perfect, if you love lots of angst in a romance, then this book will really work for you! I guarantee it.
First Line
The wind howls around ma and my gloves feel like shards of glass as I clench the shovel, thrusting it into the forzen ground with every ounce of strength.
The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Isiah Darcy
Out for revenge for the loss of his twin's murder, one of the strongest leaders of the mafia in the western world.
The Heroine: Bella Benedetto
Bella is the second oldest daughter, out to be bartered for marriage and very strong willed in her own way
Summary
Pride is a story about Isiah who as a teen lost his twin brother when he was murdered. And Isiah is determined to get revenge against the family that were behind the murder. He has changed his name, cultivated power within the mafia world and is one of the most feared in their world. He has a plan to gain the trust of Gio Benedetta, by marrying his daughter, and killing him and his family. But what he doesn't plan on is the attraction or bond that he would form with the lovely Bella. Bella is being marketed like a cow to be married off. She has always known that living in the mafia world, this would be her life, but she still has a strong sassy spirit and will fight for herself. There is a sizzling attraction between Bella and Isiah but she knows that there is more to him than meets the eye and is determined to find his secrets...
What I Loved
This book was everything I could have hoped for as far as a retelling is factored in. It had all the major aspects that we see within the original of Pride and Prejudice but with a darker mafia twist to it. And I really couldn't put this book down either. And if you need strong spice in your romance, then this author needs to be on your list because she ups the game as far as spicy romance is concerned. But Pride was just delightful in the connections that we see to the original while still being its own story of mafia revenge and arranged marriage. Both the characters are so strong-willed willed so they definitely clash with each other and that is just delightful. The plot of the story is really packed and I loved the revenge aspects of this one. The pedophile ring was interesting, it probably would have been fine without it, but we also see that our hero has some values and won't stand by when children are being harmed so I actually really found that relatable to all the child trafficking we have had in the modern world and trying to fight. And there is a twist at the end that you won't really see coming so I enjoyed having a new to me author deliver such a plot as to have some unique twists in the end there.
What I Struggled With
I think the only issue I had with this story was the amount of angst and how the enemies-to-lovers aspects were handled. There could have been a bit more evolvement from enemies to lovers aspects. I would have enjoyed seeing the angst less stretched out and some more vulnerable moments between these two.
Overall View
Pride was a fantastic P&P retelling that delivered spicy mafia vibes. The romance had some feels that melted my heart and the writing delivered in such a strong compelling way that leaves me wanting for more...
Favorite Quote(s)
As I spin her around and kiss her deeply, I know that Bella is my salvation. The only good thing in my life and the only thing in this world worth living for.
Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Dark Romance
Character Types: Mafia, Alpha Male
Themes: Angst, Retelling
Tropes: Forced Marriage, Arranged Marriage, Forced Proximity, Enemies to Lovers
Book Perspective
Duo POV
Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
A mix of both
Song This Book Inspires
Body Electric by Lana Del Rey
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.
challenging
emotional
funny
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
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
Dream a Little Dream is the fourth installment in the "Chicago Stars" series and I absolutely had a blast with this one. My previous read had been such a hardship, so to jump into this one and be immediately entertained was the best feeling ever. I absolutely fell hard for this one and thi narrator really pulled me into the story right way. The first impressions into this story is that we have a small town setting, a character that is the pariah and some fabulous sexual tension due to the build up of our main characters being so opposite in personality from each other. There is also a side romance featuring the third brother Ethan so that was a plus because I was hoping we would see him get a HEA as well.
First Line
The last of Rachel Stone's luck ran out in front of the Pride of Carolina Drive-In.
The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Gabe Bonner
Widowed Gabe and tortured over the loss of his late wife and son in a car accident. A bit of a lone wolf, enjoys his suffering and doesn't feel he needs anyone but to be left alone.
The Heroine: Rachel Stone
Single mother, treated like a pariah due to the man she was married to. Determined to get a solid life for her son, no matter what it takes.
Summary
Rachel has come back to town with her five year old son. She was once married to a preacher who was a con man who is now dead. But she is to be blamed for his sins, sins that he kept from her most of their marriage. And now her son is a quiet boy who is still recovering from a bout of pneumonia and she has come back to find the hidden fortune her husband left here so she can get a life set up for herself and her son most especially. But they are living in her car and she needs to find a protector until she can locate what she needs. She then runs into Gabe Bonner, who is grumpy and doesn't want her or her son near, but he grudginly allows her to work for him and slowly sparks fly between them and something more builds. But Rachel doesn't plan on staying, but when she and her son find themselves finding a home in this little town, she is having to make a decision on the home they have built here and if her love for Gabe is worth fighting for...
What I Loved
This book....sigh...this one just delivered completely for me and gave me exactly what I needed. I was coming off a disappointed read and this book completely delivered all the way in what I needed. There is something about thi author's writing that is just catnip for me. I am not sure what it is, but I swear this is like romance drug to me that delivers such a high. The banter and chemistry that is mixed in together with the reads that this author writes packs quite a punch. I adored all the characters here. I loved the inner strength that we see from Rachel Stone. She has such courage to come to a place where she is so hated. But she still has some friends and this is where we see what makes a true Christian at heart. Phillips really handled the religious self righteousness just perfectly. I really enjoyed seeing that being implemented. I also couldn't get enough of her charming son. He is a bit quiet, but so devoted to his mother. You can see he has some growing to do and the author really showcases his growth and becoming such a bright child. Then we have our delectable grump of a hero. Now Gabe I had a blast with. He is a bit hard to like at the first of the story, but slowly, you fall in love with his character and how he is fighting for Rachel in the small monumental ways that matter the most. I love how even though he catches her in the worst of situations he believes in her more than anyone ever has. He is such a steady rock. The connection between Gabe and Rachel's son takes work and we see that "work" happen. This isn't a instant connection that we normally see in single parent small town books. We see that both Gabe and Edward have to work to build their relationship into what it needs to be and it takes faith and courage to do so.
Then we have the side romance between Kristy and Ethan and I had a blast with their sweet story. Its unrequited love a bit and so much pining from the heroine and seeing her fight for the love she has for Ethan and for Ethan to realize what has been under his nose all this time, was brilliant!
What I Struggled With
Some of the actions by Gabe in the beginning in how he treats Edward at times, but other than that I had zero issues with this story.
Narration
The narrator on this one is just right for this author. She really brings out the humor and tension just right and really brings out the personalities of characters just right.
Overall View
Dream a Little Dream is a charming, laugh your heart out, classic rom com that delivers heart and feels and has you never wanting to leave it is a priceless gem that I adored in every way!
Favorite Quote(s)
Who needs food? Your smile alone is enough to nourish me for weeks.”
Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Contemporary Romance, Romantic Comedy
Character Types: Billionaire, Widow/Widower, Single Parent, Tortured Hero
Themes: Small Town, Kids, Angst
Tropes: Grumpy Sunshine, Opposites Attract, Rags to Riches
Book Perspective
3rd POV
Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
A mix of both
Song This Book Inspires
Just The Way You Are by Bruno Mars
Recommendation For Reading Order
You can read as standlones 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
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
Dream a Little Dream is the fourth installment in the "Chicago Stars" series and I absolutely had a blast with this one. My previous read had been such a hardship, so to jump into this one and be immediately entertained was the best feeling ever. I absolutely fell hard for this one and thi narrator really pulled me into the story right way. The first impressions into this story is that we have a small town setting, a character that is the pariah and some fabulous sexual tension due to the build up of our main characters being so opposite in personality from each other. There is also a side romance featuring the third brother Ethan so that was a plus because I was hoping we would see him get a HEA as well.
First Line
The last of Rachel Stone's luck ran out in front of the Pride of Carolina Drive-In.
The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Gabe Bonner
Widowed Gabe and tortured over the loss of his late wife and son in a car accident. A bit of a lone wolf, enjoys his suffering and doesn't feel he needs anyone but to be left alone.
The Heroine: Rachel Stone
Single mother, treated like a pariah due to the man she was married to. Determined to get a solid life for her son, no matter what it takes.
Summary
Rachel has come back to town with her five year old son. She was once married to a preacher who was a con man who is now dead. But she is to be blamed for his sins, sins that he kept from her most of their marriage. And now her son is a quiet boy who is still recovering from a bout of pneumonia and she has come back to find the hidden fortune her husband left here so she can get a life set up for herself and her son most especially. But they are living in her car and she needs to find a protector until she can locate what she needs. She then runs into Gabe Bonner, who is grumpy and doesn't want her or her son near, but he grudginly allows her to work for him and slowly sparks fly between them and something more builds. But Rachel doesn't plan on staying, but when she and her son find themselves finding a home in this little town, she is having to make a decision on the home they have built here and if her love for Gabe is worth fighting for...
What I Loved
This book....sigh...this one just delivered completely for me and gave me exactly what I needed. I was coming off a disappointed read and this book completely delivered all the way in what I needed. There is something about thi author's writing that is just catnip for me. I am not sure what it is, but I swear this is like romance drug to me that delivers such a high. The banter and chemistry that is mixed in together with the reads that this author writes packs quite a punch. I adored all the characters here. I loved the inner strength that we see from Rachel Stone. She has such courage to come to a place where she is so hated. But she still has some friends and this is where we see what makes a true Christian at heart. Phillips really handled the religious self righteousness just perfectly. I really enjoyed seeing that being implemented. I also couldn't get enough of her charming son. He is a bit quiet, but so devoted to his mother. You can see he has some growing to do and the author really showcases his growth and becoming such a bright child. Then we have our delectable grump of a hero. Now Gabe I had a blast with. He is a bit hard to like at the first of the story, but slowly, you fall in love with his character and how he is fighting for Rachel in the small monumental ways that matter the most. I love how even though he catches her in the worst of situations he believes in her more than anyone ever has. He is such a steady rock. The connection between Gabe and Rachel's son takes work and we see that "work" happen. This isn't a instant connection that we normally see in single parent small town books. We see that both Gabe and Edward have to work to build their relationship into what it needs to be and it takes faith and courage to do so.
Then we have the side romance between Kristy and Ethan and I had a blast with their sweet story. Its unrequited love a bit and so much pining from the heroine and seeing her fight for the love she has for Ethan and for Ethan to realize what has been under his nose all this time, was brilliant!
What I Struggled With
Some of the actions by Gabe in the beginning in how he treats Edward at times, but other than that I had zero issues with this story.
Narration
The narrator on this one is just right for this author. She really brings out the humor and tension just right and really brings out the personalities of characters just right.
Overall View
Dream a Little Dream is a charming, laugh your heart out, classic rom com that delivers heart and feels and has you never wanting to leave it is a priceless gem that I adored in every way!
Favorite Quote(s)
Who needs food? Your smile alone is enough to nourish me for weeks.”
Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Contemporary Romance, Romantic Comedy
Character Types: Billionaire, Widow/Widower, Single Parent, Tortured Hero
Themes: Small Town, Kids, Angst
Tropes: Grumpy Sunshine, Opposites Attract, Rags to Riches
Book Perspective
3rd POV
Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
A mix of both
Song This Book Inspires
Just The Way You Are by Bruno Mars
Recommendation For Reading Order
You can read as standlones 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
adventurous
challenging
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Caught Up is the third installment in the "Windy City" series and this is Kai and Miller's book. This was a book that I had the most excitement for this year. The premise of this story had me so excited and I loved the first two books, they were some of the most perfect romances I have ever had the pleasure to read. And after seeing all the positive ratings, I had high expectations that this would be such a hit for me.
I am very sad to say that this is one of the worst books that I have read this year. And honestly, if it hadn't been Liz Tomforde writing this book, I would have DNF'd this book. I really tried to stay open minded with this one here but this one was very hard to enjoy. My struggle came with the heroine here. She was so challenging and I couldn't get to the point where I could remotely enjoy this one. I practically forced myself to read this book, hoping that it would improve and I would see some fraction of character growth but I never really saw it. I did not like Miller at all. She was difficult and quite frankly a bit of a harpy at times. She was continually pushing Kai away and almost putting him down emotionally because he wasn't as carefree as she thought he should be. She was always trying to change him. The personality of the heroine was so aggravating. She just had a very annoying personality and seemed to be mocking Kai over everything he seemed to say. Kai was an okay hero but the overpowering character of Miller overpowered any kind of personality we could have seen from Kai. The only redeeming qualities in this story were the moments when Max was involved.This story has completely lost any excitement I could have on future books from this author and I will be waiting on reviews for future books before picking them up.
Caught up had a beautiful premise but the execution wasn't done very well. Unfortunately this book didn't work for me and am a bit baffled by all the five star ratings if I am being honest. But hopefully the next book will be more like the first two books will strong character growth, likeable characters and a better execution.
I am very sad to say that this is one of the worst books that I have read this year. And honestly, if it hadn't been Liz Tomforde writing this book, I would have DNF'd this book. I really tried to stay open minded with this one here but this one was very hard to enjoy. My struggle came with the heroine here. She was so challenging and I couldn't get to the point where I could remotely enjoy this one. I practically forced myself to read this book, hoping that it would improve and I would see some fraction of character growth but I never really saw it. I did not like Miller at all. She was difficult and quite frankly a bit of a harpy at times. She was continually pushing Kai away and almost putting him down emotionally because he wasn't as carefree as she thought he should be. She was always trying to change him. The personality of the heroine was so aggravating. She just had a very annoying personality and seemed to be mocking Kai over everything he seemed to say. Kai was an okay hero but the overpowering character of Miller overpowered any kind of personality we could have seen from Kai. The only redeeming qualities in this story were the moments when Max was involved.This story has completely lost any excitement I could have on future books from this author and I will be waiting on reviews for future books before picking them up.
Caught up had a beautiful premise but the execution wasn't done very well. Unfortunately this book didn't work for me and am a bit baffled by all the five star ratings if I am being honest. But hopefully the next book will be more like the first two books will strong character growth, likeable characters and a better execution.
adventurous
challenging
emotional
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
A Cowboy Kind of Love was a very interesting romance. While its not my favorite of the series, it was delightful and really enjoyed finally getting to Jace's book. The set up was so different than I expected it to be but really was endeared by such a conflicting set up for the heroine. She is really in the tough spot and liked seeing a morally grey heroine, those just aren't that common in this type of romance. There is plenty of suspense elemented within the plot and with Donna Grant, you know that the plot will have some unique twists and it most definitely did. I did NOT expect the reveal in the third act, that completely turned my world upside down. It was the last thing I would have expected Donna Grant to write but definitely appreciate what she was doing here. It really added much more complexity to the plot than you would even expect. We get plenty of friendship vibes between all the characters involved although I totally think Grant could have done a couple more books to this series. And the romance was really interesting, the heroine really had to work with Jace to redeem herself as she wronged him and its definitely deserved. While she was in a bad spot, she wronged him in the procecss and respected that Donna Grant had her go through the motions of redeeming herself and that Jace didn't just jump up and immediately believe her or forgive her so easily, she really had to work at it to yearn that forgiveness.
Overall I had a fun time with this one and now need to decide where to go with this author's massive backlist.
Overall I had a fun time with this one and now need to decide where to go with this author's massive backlist.