Rating-3.5 Stars

Received a ARC copy in exchange for a honest review

My Review:
First Impressions
Dark Memory is the 33rd installment in the Carpathian series (also known as the Dark Series), and in this one we get the story of Petru and Safia. I had been pretty excited for this one but honestly, I knew I wasn’t going into this one in the right mood to enjoy it fully. I did enjoy many aspects of this book though and it was intriguing to see that this book was set on an island and had some strong family aspects to it that I really enjoyed. There is something so endearing and compelling about the ways in which Feehan will create the atmosphere of her stories and it can immediately pull you into a story. The premise of this book was very intriguing and I was curious to see how it would be handled. And while it didn’t quite fully work for me in the ways that I would have liked, many readers of PNR and those that love kick ass heroines, will quite get a kick out of this one. Its also important to note that I recommend at least reading Dark Tarot and Dark Whisper before reading this one just due to some of the aspects of the world building that is implemented within this one here.

Summary
Safia Meziane was raised on an island with her family and her tribe. She has been trained almost since birth to be the fighter of her tribe. All she has really known is training and solitude. Even though she loves her family she has felt lonely. There has been some evil that has been spreading across their island, and she learns that her family has kept secrets from her and a destiny that she never knew existed. Safia is the “Chosen One” which means that she was born to be the lifemate to a Carpathian, which is unknown for any in their tribe. But she is learning she has been destined to marry a complete stranger and her family kept the truth of it from her. She has trained to fight demons and to be the cardholder. Then we have Petru Cioban, who is one of the older Carpathians and he lost his lifemate as a child but knew that she would come back to him and that rebirth has been done within Safia. Safia and Petru are complete strangers to each other. As they learn each other, they also have a growing evil of vampire and demons coming for them and Safia’s tribe. But there are secrets that will need to be revealed before Safia and Petru can find the destiny they are meant for…

What I Loved
There were so many aspects to this story that I truly loved. I really was curious to see where the author would take this story. The setting first off I was super impressed with. I am not sure I have read this author ever having such a setting and it felt so rich in culture and vibes of mystery and intrigue. This is also the perfect book to kick off my October month with. If you want some kick ass and spooky vibes, then look no further than Dark Memory. It was superb in delivering the right atmosphere that you can easily get behind on. I also adored the hero. He is so patient and understanding with Safia. For a man and immortal who has lived for centuries, he definitely delivered more grace than Safia deserved at times. And while he isn’t perfect, he is sincere and genuine with Safia. There were aspects of Safia’s character that I did like at times. She does have a caring heart and is devoted to her family even when they have kept secrets from her for years, she has a forgiving heart for them. She also is brave and willing to face whatever challenge that comes to her and I did admire her spirit in fighting evil.

What I Struggled With
There were some aspects to this story that I did struggle with. It wasn’t an easy read. And first off, I do recommend making sure you are in the mood for a kick ass type of heroine. Because if you aren’t, this might not be for you. I struggled with Safia’s character at times. I wanted to love her and I went into this story with an open mind but to be honest, she is one of my least favorite heroines that I have read from this author. She was a bit too modern for my liking. Some aspects of her character just didn’t quite fit and she was self-righteous at times which turned me off. She tended to be a bit naive when it came to the relationship with Petru and was not willing to take accountability for her own actions, but willing to place the blame on others.

Overall View
Dark Memory is a sensational tale that will keep you hooked. It’s a story of second chances, claiming your destiny, and moving forward with courage and zeal! AN ACTION-PACKED GEM THAT ONLY FEEHAN CAN DELIVER! 

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

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


First Impressions
Love Me Today is the first book in the newest series by A.L. Jackson and I absolutely adored this book. I highly recommend you do this one in audio if you can. It was recommended to do it this way and I am very glad that I took a chance on the audio and plus this narrator team is the BEST to listen to so you know you are in for a fabulous road of listening for sure. This is a more edgier contemporary with some danger elements, more dirty talkin' type of spice so keep that in mind as this is a western small town romance so you won't be expecting that. But I do think that this book is well worth the hype it is receiving for it. It delivered on so much heart and emotion when I least expected it and so bravo to this author.

First Line
Energy crackled through the dimly lit hall.

The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Caleb
Protective Uncle, Guardian over Evelyn, Alpha Male, Tortured Hero
The Heroine: Pasiley
Horse trainer, Not looking for any distractions, but connected to Caleb

Summary
Caleb is looking for someone to help train his niece with a horse. Caleb has a dark past that he is working on redeeming, but when his sister is murdered, he retains guardianship over his niece as her father is unknown. He will do anything to protect his niece, no matter what. Then he meets Paisley, who runs into his truck for their first meeting, and even though she looks like an angel, she has a temper of the devil and their wits clash instantly. And when they both discover that they will have to work together, will tensions rise between them. But there is a intense connection between them that both are wanting to deny, but the chemistry and bond between them grows, and as the danger deepens, it will take their fierce love and strength for each other that will give them the fortitude to survive the coming storm...

What I Loved
Love Me Today was a superb read and I had so much fun with it. I had heard some raving reviews of this book and was very curious. And this is an author I have never really give a open chance with so I definitely wanted to try her out and was instantly in love with this book. The minute that I started listening, I was immediately swept away by this book. I couldn't contain how much I was hooked into this story and the way I was drawn into the connection between Paisley and Caleb. Their chemistry is off the charts, and more than that, there is a deep emotional and almost spiritual connection between them. Even though they both have suffered in their lives, the way that they embrace their connection and take that leap of faith just encourages the reader even more for these two. And I was with Caleb and Paisley all of the way.

Now lets talk about this little girl ....Evelyn. She was charm in bucket loads. She was witty and cute and has such a zest for life even knowing that she has been deep rooted in so much heartache and loss recently. But we see her grow into herself and embrace the love that surrounds her. She has such a sweet bright spirit that beckons you instantly. And even though I adored the romance, there was something about Evelyn that made me want to know more of this child.

What I Struggled With
The only complaint I have is the clash of high spice with the setting. This is an edgier contemporary but newer readers might be put off by the type of spice that is delivered in this book as it doesn't quite mesh with the setting and vibe of it being a small town romance with western feels. It didn't both me that much but it did affect some of my enjoyment as it felt like they didn't quite fit together.

Narration
Andi and Joe are EPIC together! There is NOT a book I have listened to that they have done bad with. But in this one especially, might be one of the BEST books that they have ever narrated. There is a very lyrical quality to this story that they will expound on in just the right moments.

Overall View
Love Me Today was a fierce, intense and sexy romance that had me in my heart all the way through. Its a story of danger, redemption, healing and learning to love and accept being loved....

Favorite Quote(s)
“What do you make me feel? Everything I’m not supposed to.”
“Maybe feeling is exactly what you’re supposed to do.”

"God, there was something about Paisley Dae that lit the darkened places, a fucking light that speared through the shadows. Through the torment and grief."

"Today, tomorrow, and forever. Because in them, time beat again."

And I knew, if I had the ability to love today, it would be her."

Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Contemporary Romance
Character Types: Alpha Male, Brooding Hero, Tortured Hero, Single Parent
Themes: Small Town, Western, Kids, Danger, Heart/Touching, Dirty Talk
Tropes: Forced Proximity, Redemption

Book Perspective
Duo POV

Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
A Mix of Both

Song This Book Inspires
Proud by Lea Michele
A Thousand Years by Christina Perri

Recommendation For Reading Order
Either will work

Steam/Spice Explanations

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

Narrators:
Joe Arden, Andi Arndt
 

 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
Rome is the third installment in the "Marked Men" series and this series has been a delight but Rome is a character that we have seen as a constant since book one despite him always traveling and fighting in the middle east. This one we see a very different type of man in Rome, he is darker and more tortured and angry at the world. Then we have our heroine, who is the heart of the group. She is fun and bubbly and always the peacekeeper. She has a sweet vibe while being strong and standing on her own when its needed. This is a true story of opposites attract and finding solace amidst the pain of life.

First Line
It's my favorite thing ever to have all the people I love in one place at the same time.

The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Rome Archer
Rome is a natural protector, military man for the latest decade, his family is his heart but tortured over all the loss from fighting in the middle east.

The Heroine: Cora Lewis
Cora is a natural nurturer, nicknamed pixie because she is tiny formed but has an attitude when it comes to protecting her own. She has a natural bubbly kind personality.

Summary
Rome Archer has recently come home from the war and retired from the military and now a veteran and is biting everyone's head off and become very cynical. He has changed to the people he loves and he has lost his way and doesn't know how to find his way back again. Then he meets Cora who is more than able to put him in his place. She ends up being his guardian angel and fighter of his lost heart. He finds home in the most unlikely place but there is a danger on the horizon and he will do everything he can to protect Cora from an enemy.

What I Loved
Rome was such a poignant romance that held my heart so completely. I absolutely adored this book and quite frankly each book in the series so far have been so wonderful to read. I really had a blast with Rome and his broody heart. He has always been a favorite character of mine, the way he is with his family from what we see in book one was so delightful. But in this book we see a different side to him. We see the person behind the mask, the man always running to protect his country and his family and doesn't know his place anymore. We see a hero who is at a lost and has zero direction now that he isn't in the military anymore. We see Rome go on a personal journey of discovery and what he is made of without his military uniform. We also see what PTSD and the horrors of war can do to a person. Jay Crownover really capitalized on his struggles just right. Then we have our heroine who is a delight. She balances out Rome's broody dark side and gives him the light that he needs. She is so supportive of him and I respected how that when she ends up pregnant, she doesn't hide it from him or delay telling him about it. She is upfront and open about the circumstances and seeing Rome and Cora learn what it means to be going on this new chapter in their lives....together and working as a team was so relatable and had such a raw real element to their relationship that I was instantly drawn into.

What I Struggled With
There wasn't much I struggled with to be honest, it didn't quite make it to five star status but that might have been I was reading this through the hoopla app and not on my kindle or physically. But I will complain that the kindle book is $10 ----that is ridiculous. haha

Overall View
Rome is a story of pain and growth, of healing and redemption, and learning to embrace new paths in the future...

Favorite Quote(s)
And right now, being with you is the one thing that feels solid and real...You're so full of color, so vibrant you never get lost in all the grey in my hear. I don't want to lose that.

Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Contemporary Romance
Character Types: Military, Tortured Hero, Brooding Hero
Themes: Heart/Touching, Lots of Laughs, Tattoos/Body Art Displayed
Tropes: Opposites Attract, Grumpy Sunshine

Book Perspective
Duo POV

Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
A Mix of Both

Song This Book Inspires
Witchcraft by Frank Sinatra

Recommendation For Reading Order
I recommend reading in order if possible, but they can be read as standalone if you are inclined.

Steam/Spice Explanations

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

 Beast is the first book in her "Twisted Ever After" and after reading her Cinderella retelling, I was very curious to see her take on Beauty and the Beast. I definitely think I had too many high hopes for this one. I can see why this book appeals to some readers though because its a very compelling read. That is a pure talent from this author, she really pulls you into her stories. However, this book wasn't as good as I expected and was way more dark than I thought we would get here. Now I can handle many types of dark elements in a story, but a hero abusing the heroine in the way that he does...its bad. I mean he literally constantly tortures her at least until the very end. And that is what was disappointing. It just felt like so much darkness with not enough swoons and soft emotions to balance it out and really make the dark elements worth the investment. And while I was intrigued by the connections that we see to the Beauty and Beast retelling, in fact, it was these relations to the classic tale that kept me with this story. The hero was a real challenge to enjoy. I wanted to like him as a hero, but I just couldn't get past how violent he was against the heroine.

Overall while it had some factors that were a challenge, It had quite a few redeeming qualities that kept me going and the ending was beyond poignant and heartfelt! 

 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 Year We Fell Down is the first book in the "Ivy Years" and this has been a series I have been wanting to read for many years now. Its probably been on my TBR for the longest time. And its about time I buckled down and read this book and I definitely had a fun time with this one. Now is it a book that is worthy of being on the top book lists, and it's debatable to be honest. While I had a fun time with this book, it didn't exactly blow me out of the water as I expected it to.

First Line
"This Looks Promising," my mother said, eyeing the dormitory's ivy-covered facade.

Summary
Corey has come for her first year at college, she is handicapped from a hockey injury that damaged her spine. Her neighbor across the hall is the dreamboat hockey player who is injured with a broken leg. Corey and Hartley find common ground in their injuries and develop a quick deep friendship with each other. They both have a quick connection to each other. The issue....Hartley is already in a relationship with someone else. Corey feels torn being attracted to a man who is not available to her, but as their friendship draws closer together, Hartley will have to make a decision on what woman truly matters most and he can see being with long term...

What I Loved
There are many elements to this book that I really loved. I was immediately drawn into this book so its definitely an easy quick read. Very quickly I became invested with Corey and Hartley. I really adored these two together. The story builds quickly with a solid friendship being the foundation to their relationship. We see their bond with hockey and both suffering injuries that have caused them being handicapped in different ways but they relate well with each other and how they are both limited in some ways to what they can do. We see how well they get along with each other. There is such a easy relationship that they have together and its quite charming to see. We also see how there is a building chemistry that is growing between them. This is definitely more of a slow burn. So keep that in mind, don't expect a super spicy read here as due to the circumstances of their relationship. There is plenty of humor, endearing characters and atmospheric college setting.

What I Struggled With
There is one aspect to this story I had an issue with and that is the cheating aspect. The hero does cheat on his girlfriend and I didn't understand why he took so long ending things with her. And we also don't see this scene, its only referred to so I would have liked to have seen the scene. So I was a bit disappointed as I wasn't expecting this author to go this route.

Overall View
The Year We Fell Down is a solid new adult romance that really delivers on many fronts. Its a story of strong friendship, connecting through adversity and finding love in the most vulnerable moments of life.

Favorite Quote(s)
"The thing is, we're all fragile. It's just that most of our friends are lucky enough not to know it yet."

Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Contemporary Romance, New Adult
Character Types: Athlete, Disability
Themes: Slow Burn, Hockey, Cheating
Tropes: Friends to Lovers, Forbidden Love, Love Triangle

Book Perspective
Duo POV

Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
Relationship Conflict

Song This Book Inspires
Young Hearts by Embody

Recommendation For Reading Order
Yes

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. 

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

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


First Impressions
Nobody's Baby But Mine was a book that I was originally nervous about. I mean you look at that title and you just know its going to be a bananas book but the author really made this work just right. And I really enjoyed everything about this book, its the type of rom com that had so much depth and heart to it and this is what I am coming to realize about this author and I am really loving it. I was so easily swept away by this book and I did it in audio, which if you enjoy audio, I highly recommend it and this series is in Hoopla. I will say that the setup of the romance is completely wild but trust this author to take you on a journey worth risking on. Because what we see in this book was brilliantly executed and I am at the point with this author where I would trust her with just about anything.

First Line
"Let me get this straight," Jodie Pulanski Said. "You want to give Cal Bonner a Woman for a birthday present."

The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Cal Bonner
Professional football quarterback, broody, Strict and serious-minded.

The Heroine: Jane Darlington
STEM heroine, lonely, wants children more than anything, very career minded and more reserved.

Summary
Jane has always wanted a baby. She has never been able to find a relationship that she connected with another man. She has always felt that she has been more undesirable. She is as smart as a tack, and career minded, but any man that appealed to her, had been disgusted with her brains and considered her too wacky. Then she comes up with a plan to find a dumb masculine man to get pregnant with. She hatches a plan to pose as a hooker, and get into Cal Bonner's bed. What she doesn't plan on though, is that he would learn the truth very quickly, and make her deal with the fallout. They end up getting into a marriage of convenience that will end up in divorce while Cal forces his revenge out on her. But can Cal and Jane find love despite how opposite they are from each other and the tension to dislike each other grows?

What I Loved
There is so much to love about this book. I absolutely adored what SEP delivers in this book. I was nervous about it, but it turns out she can make just about anything work for this reader because this book turned out brilliant and even though I really should have rated this book lower....I loved so much about it than I couldn't lower it than a 4.5, and it definitely is a true gem that I think for this situation was well thought out as far as the plot and the way the relationship develops.

This book isn't going to be easy for some readers, but give it till chapter 7 and you will be hooked and won't be able to put this one down. I truly enjoyed the ways in which we see this relationship grow. It starts out with some heavy angsty, but there is superb banter and the humor is on point so it really balances out the level of angst. Cal is completely in his right to be furious. And honestly, I didn't feel bad for the heroine at all. She has to prove herself in this one and she does. The slow built chemistry was right on for the development of their relationship. Its definitely more slow burn, so keep that in mind. And there is a strong level of angst. I am not sure I would strictly call this enemies to lovers though, but there is strong tension between these two. Cal is not going to be an easy hero for some readers. He treats Jane pretty badly in here, but remember how he feels betrayed and its not like he is a pansy. He is a true alpha male, and lashes out. Now do I feel like he should have toned it down just a bit? Sure but at the same time the way that the tension and bantering is written between them, the author made it really work for me.

Now as far as the third act. Listen....both Jane and Cal make mistakes on both sides. This is not a situation of he does everything bad. Quite frankly, I am not sure why Jane was so surprised here or why she intitated the breakup because he apologized sincerely and explained the situation with her. I get why she felt so hurt and exhausted from the tension between them, but I feel like she should have realized his sincerity and not drag out the groveling. I absolutely adored Cal's family though especially in the third act. And seeing the side story with his parents reconnecting as a couple was so endearing.

What I Struggled With
So there is only one aspect to the story I truly struggled with ....the heroine. She takes some actions in the beginning of the book that are awful. I mean she purposely tricks the hero to get pregnant and had zero plans to tell him the truth. Yes eventually she realizes what she does is wrong, but Cal had to force her to take accountability for the wrongs she committed. But the story is so well written and the way the author writes this book....it just worked for me eventually.

Narration
I am having a blast with this narrator. She is doing just a superb job with these characters and the accents is just the right touch and the way that she brings out the humor just right is *chef's kiss* perfection

Overall View
Nobody's Baby But Mine is a sensual, laugh out loud, tension filled romance that will knock your socks off with layers of emotion and heart!

Favorite Quote(s)
“Just because you’re rivals doesn’t mean you have to be enemies.”

“You’re the most important thing in the world to me. I know you don’t believe it, but I’m going to prove it to you.”

Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Contemporary Romance, Romantic Comoedy
Character Types: Alpha Male, Jerk Hero, Athlete, STEM
Themes: Angst, Lots of heart, Laughs/Giggles, Slow Burn, Football
Tropes: Forced Proximity, Marriage of Convenience, Secret Baby, Opposites Attract, Revenge

Book Perspective
3rd POV

Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
Relationship Conflict

Song This Book Inspires
No Running From Me by Toulouse

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:📖📖📖📖
Ending:🧧🧧🧧🧧
Overall View: ✨✨✨✨


First Impressions
Falling For Owen is the second book in the "McBrides" series and I am slowly making my way throughout this author's backlist and truly loving it. While this series isn't perfect, its full of home and family and thrilling suspense tension that only this author delivers so well. There is such a wonderful feeling when I pick up a Jennifer Ryan, its almost like a warm hug. There is such a great family bond that this family has and I loved seeing a hero who was once a bad boy become so model in society and has such a good heart. Seeing him working as a lawyer and rancher was unique and I just adored Owen to my heart and soul. He is the type of hero you want in real life. Just solid and true and loyal to a fault. This book is a romantic suspense mixed in with small town feels with a fabulous plot that keeps you on your toes.

First Line
Dale hid between two buildings, watching his wife and her cocky lawyer walk down the steps from his office.

The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Owen McBride
Reformed Bad Boy, Lawyer, Rancher, Honest and Loyal

The Heroine: Claire Walsh
Claire, business owner and runs a bakery and coffee shop. Mistrustful of men. Strong and independent with a bit of willful tossed in.

Summary
When Claire is attacked one night, being caught in the crossfire between Dale and Owen McBride, Owen and his family come to her rescue and become her champions. Claire is used to being independent and has never had anyone to truly trust in male form, and she doesn't know how to trust Owen. But when he becomes her protector with honest intentions, she can't help but want to fall under his umbrella of protection and wanting to give into the chemistry that is exploding between them. But her past has taught her not to trust others. Owen has worked hard to redeem himself from his dark past and find his place in the only home he has ever known. He is naturally protective and wants to shielf Claire from the danger she is in as she has now become the target of a stalker. But is it Owen or Claire the target and is there enemy the obvious choice or will the culprit be someone they won't expect?

What I Loved
What I truly adore about Jennifer Ryan is the way that she writes a good mystery. Most times you can't guess the true villain. And even though I had a feeling on who the true villain would be, it was also very grey wondering if this individual was the true villain or not and until it happens you just are on the fence about it. And how the third act evolves...well it packs such a punch. It kept me on the edge of my seat seeing the events unravel as it does. I truly adored the plot side of the story. Its the strongest level of the story.

Now as for the romance, this was a bit more of a struggle for me. It felt a bit too rushed for me. And its possible it was just my mood or I just wasn't quite connecting with the relationship as I would have liked to, but it felt way too quick and I felt like this couple should have had more page time than they had to make their relationship more believable. Not to say its badly done, because it really isn't. I just feel like we should have seen them together just a bit more to really see that connection more strongly.

Then we have the family connections that we get to see within this one. I just loved seeing Owen with his cousin and brother. They just make such a great team and loved their friendship and family bonds. The way they just instantly support each other instantly endears the reader and you just want to see them together more often. It delivers on all the warm fuzzies.

Overall View
Falling For Owen was a brilliant story that melted my heart with poignant chemistry, a suspense plot to keep the reader on edge and all the heart you could ask for and more!

Favorite Quote(s)
“You barely know me, how do you know I’m not some shrew of a wife?”
“Your shop and the way you are with the kids who come in there. You love what you do. You put your whole heart into it. I have no doubt you did the same with your marriage. Any man who’d give that up doesn’t deserve to live.”

Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense
Character Types: Business Owner, Baker, Rancher, Bad Boy, Lawyer
Themes: Small Town, Western, Danger Plot, Family Bonds
Tropes: Forced Proximity, Instant Love, Protector, Redemption

Book Perspective
3rd POV

Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
A Mix of both but more focus on conflict in the plot and has more minimal relationship angst

Song This Book Inspires
I Knew I Loved You by Savage Garden

Recommendation For Reading Order
Yes Read in Order if Possible

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. 

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

Book Evaluation:
Plot: 🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️
World Building:🌎🌎🌎🌎
Cover:📔📔📔📔
Hero: 🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻.5
Heroine:🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️.5
Intimacy Level: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Relationship Building: 💒💒💒💒
Heart & Feels:💞💞💞💞
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: 😂😂😂
Page Turner Level:📖📖📖📖
Ending:🧧🧧🧧🧧🧧
Overall View: ✨✨✨✨.25


First Impressions
Burned Dreams is the most recent release in the "Perfectly Imperfect" series. Its the seventh installment in the series and this is where we get Alessandro's book. This has a great mix of tropes with revenge and forced proximity. And this is also where we see some tortured characters who find some solace and redemption together. There is something about how this author writes that I am immediately drawn to. I just adore how she writes these stories. And what really appeals the most for me is how her characters are so easy to invest in.

Summary
Alessandro has been on a long road of revenge for those that killed his wife and never had to suffer the consequences and he is determined to make sure that they do suffer the consequences. So he starts to work undercover as a bodyguard for the Nostra's wife. Ravenna, was forced into becoming a wife and is practically a prisoner in her own home. But she is slowly working her way through to get her freedom and free her family and trying to keep up appearances with her abusive husband. What she doesn't expect, is to find a protector with her new bodyguard. But his goal is to kill her as part of his revenge but when he falls hard for the woman, he will have to choose the best way to keep her forever...

What I Loved
This story really packed a punch, especially on a deep human level and this is one of the talents from this author, she just makes these characters come alive for you and you just connect instantly with them no matter what they do. This is definitely a bit different from what we normally see from this author, but I enjoyed seeing her go this route with this book and seeing how it develops between our characters. There are so many ways that this one is forbidden, and forbidden love is one of my favorite tropes to read in romance. And seeing the small moments that these two pack just a strong connection and build between them was so superb. Neva AltaJ really developed their relationship just right that fit within the machinations of the plot. It definitely kept me on the edge of my seat all the way through. And if you love mafia romance, then this author most definitely needs to be on your list there.

What I Struggled With
There was a bit of anti climatic the conflict ended up in, it ended up being resolved in ways I least expected. And while a surprise is fun, I definitely thought it would be more intense than it turned out to be. But the epilogue was good to see our couple in their HEA but also prepping us for what we need to be ready for in book 8!

Overall View
Burned Dreams is a story that builds perfect tension, chemistry gradually built up to perfection, and a plot to keep you on your toes! A THRILLING MAFIA GEM!

Favorite Quote(s)
y feelings for Ravenna Pisano don't resemble a forest stream. They're a f*cking waterfall. Unexpected. Ferocious. Passion, desire, and beautiful madness. I crave her more than a condemned man wanting her next breath.

Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Dark Romance
Character Types: Mafia, Assassin, Law Enforcement, Abused Heroine
Themes: Crime, Secret Ops
Tropes: Forbidden Love, Forced Proximity, Revenge

Book Perspective
Duo POV

Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
A blend of both

Song This Book Inspires
One Woman Man by John Legend

Recommendation For Reading Order
You can read as standalone if needed, but for the connections within the world, I recommend reading these 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.
 

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

Book Evaluation:
Plot: 🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️
World Building:🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎
Cover:📔📔📔📔
Hero: 🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻.5
Heroine:🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️
Intimacy Level: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Relationship Building: 💒💒💒💒💒
Heart & Feels:💞💞💞💞💞
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: 😂😂😂😂
Page Turner Level:📖📖📖📖📖
Ending:🧧🧧🧧🧧.5
Overall View: ✨✨✨✨.25


First Impressions
The Unwanted Marriage is the third installment in the Windsors and is the most recent release of the series. This has your very classic style of arranged marriage with a few twists to the story. I wanted to love this one as I did the previous two but it had some aspects to the plot that just didn't quite work for me. I really wanted to love it more though. Its just the way the conflict with the heroine and her father was resolved that felt a bit off, how its implemented in the plot was a bit weird for me. But other than that, the story itself was solid in the green and I had so much fun with this one and the one brother that definitely is a bit darker in his own way. I love his element of being the protective older brother.

First Line
When my grandmother asked my siblings and me to gather in our formal drawing room, I'd known.

The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Dion Windsor
The oldest of his siblings, the leader of the group, has a darker past and runs many financial business matters for his family.

The Heroine: Faye
A profession pianist, been groomed to be the bride of the oldest Windsor, been abused by her family and manipulated

Summary
Dion and Faye have been betrothed to marry since they were young children. Both of their mothers were best friends. And both have known majority of their lives that they were destined to marry. Faye was forced to become a professional pianist by her father, and its a huge part of her own identity now. Her father constantly abuses and manipulates her to be the perfect bride for Dion. Dion has lived his own life away from his fiancee, sowing his oats you could say. But when his grandmother makes the announcement, he knows that he will have to face the woman he has neglected for many years. There is a huge age gap between them, so it makes sense why he has kept his distance from her. Faye starts to understand what real freedom is like with Dion and how he only encourages her own independence and will but Faye will have to choose whether to stay with him for good...

What I Loved
There are so many parts to this book that was so fun to read. There is something about this author and how she writes romance that just instantly appeals to me. I honestly love how she writes arranged marriages and how each book has a different form of an arranged marriage. This is honestly my favorite trope and I just never see it in romance so it's really refreshing to see. What I really liked to this one was Dion. I adored the hero so dearly and well eventually the heroine I did eventually fall hard for. What really makes this book work so well is the way that Dion sees Faye and fights for her in his own way. We see what a strong protector he is for those he loves, how tortured he is over the death of his parents but most especially his mother. He bears so much guilt over it, and seeing him work through his issues and find peace was so satisfying to read. Then we have Faye who lives in such a difficult home situation, but has so much strength in her spirit. And when she marries Dion, we see her inner spirit just blossom in the best of ways. The connection that she and Dion have is very bold and intense but be prepared to get swept away by fierce moments of emotion that only this author is capable of.

What I Struggled With
Some aspects to the plot and some actions of the heroine I wasn't a complete fan of. First off the abuse aspect to the story wasn't executed very well. I struggled with how it plays out and the hero learning of it. I think it was dragged out secretly too long, and he should have learned about it a bit earlier in the book. Then we have the relationship that Faye has on the side with her "boy toy" and I didn't like her for these actions. She knew she had an arranged marriage, but wasn't honest in her relationship and I honestly felt so bad for this other guy because he was in love with her and she pretty much knew there was no future for them and led him on and even risked him being in danger. I understand why she did it, she wanted to choose her experiences and I get that, but the way about it was wrong.

Overall View
The Unwanted Marriage is a poignant, packed with deep emotion, with layered spice and a story that packs a punch!

Favorite Quote(s)
think this is what I’m developing an addiction to — real moments with her. No pretense, no expectations, nothing standing between us. I want more of this, of her.

He is my ultimate dream, my greatest wish. It just took me a while to realize that.

“What if I don’t know which version of me is real?” I smile at her, knowing all too well how she feels. “Then give me all of you, every last jagged fractured piece. Give me all of it, Faye, because those pieces you think are broken? They complete me.”

Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Contemporary Romance
Character Types: Billionaire, Pianist, Tortured Hero, Abused Heroine
Themes: Family Bonds, Heart/Touching, Dirty Talk, Music
Tropes: Arranged Marriage, Love Triangle, May To December (Age Gap)

Book Perspective
Duo POV

Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
Relationship Conflict

Song This Book Inspires
Tightrope by Michelle Williams

Recommendation For Reading Order
You can do either.

Steam/Spice Explanations

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