I had high hopes for this one but just couldn't get into the audiobook and I really had no investment in the heroine. I am not sure if I will return to this book maybe after some time I will give it another shot but most likely in ebook format.

 

 

I had a great time with this one. This book is a bit shorter than what I am used to with this author. But its a solid contemporary office romance. It had a bit of angst and the third act conflict I wasn't a huge fan of as I felt like it was dragged out way too long for comfort and I would have liked to see this couple trust each other more. But the heroine did have to do a grovel, which she needed to. She is the one with the lack of faith. The hero is a gold star in the book. I love his work ethic, his devotion to family and never giving up. He has such a heart of gold. And he deserved so much better than the hand he was dealt, but loved seeing him finally get his deserving HEA. The ending was a bit rushed and ended way too quickly especially for a standalone story. There should have been a extended epilogue for these two here.

 

 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
Double Time is the fifth installment in the "Sinners on Tour" but I do know that when it was first released it was done out of order so just make sure you know when to read this one so that you don't get spoiled for other couples. I do think it makes sense to read this series in order. This is a menage a trois romance and Olivia Cunning really handled Trey's book just right. Seeing him find his HEA and find peace from his heart being broken by Brian was so satisfying. And the ending was so beautiful and I will be honest in that it lifted this book's rating from being a 4 star up to a 4.5 rating and I can only say that Olivia Cunning really knows how to pack her emotional punches. And its books like this in why I really have become endeared by erotic romances. The layers of emotion and intimacy in this book just digs so deep. I really loved the way in which this author adds different types of intimacy.

First Line
"Trey" The sound of Brian's deep voice tugged at Trey's heart.

Summary
Double Time is a story that features three characters although the main focus is really Trey and Reagan. So Reagan has been hired as a new female rock star and will be working with the Sinners on a tour. Her style of playing is very close to Brian's. Reagan and Trey instantly form an connection, and after a steamy night together, both of them feel a deeper connection and want to make a go of a serious relationship. Then enters Ethan Conner, who is best friend to Reagan but will also be functioning as her bodyguard. They were once in a relationship until Ethan was in bed with another man. There is also a connection between Ethan and Trey. Trey is bisexual but keeps it hidden. But Reagan demands honesty more than anything else and the three of them work on building a relationship together. They all have some issues to work through but also fire explodes between them all in the bedroom.

What I Loved
There are many aspects to this story that instantly worked for me. The first is being the close ties of the Sinners. I just love each and every character. They all have such close bonds to each other and I absolutely can't seem to get enough of seeing them all together. We also see what a great team they are in the various ways that they learn to support each other. We see Brian especially suffering being a new father and being apart from his family, and how its affecting the band and how they may lose the heart of the band. And then we have the romance that builds between Try, Reagan and Ethan. This is a unique dynamic that builds in some unsuspecting ways. I really didn't expect this menage to form in the way that it does. Its centered around Trey. Trey has hidden so much of himself and seeing him at a loss in this book was so heartbreaking as a reader especially as you invest yourself into the series. But seeing the way in which these all build it together and fight for each other and not just sexually. This is what I adore about erotic romance especially with Olivia Cunning writing it, is the emotional and intellectual layers that are blended in with the sexual scenes. Seeing their intimacy form in these scenes are so vital and I instantly wanted them to fight for each other and find a way towards their HEA.

What I Struggled With
There is only one aspect to this story I really couldn't like....the cheating from Ethan. I know its in the past and everything and even though there is some remorse, I do wish this element had been more explored to add more dimension to Ethan's character. He just seemed more on the surface and I wanted to see more with him as a character. Also get this book through your library or Hoopla, I do NOT understand the high price of the kindle book on this series.

Overall View
Double Time is a story that captivates from the beginning, pulls you into the close bonds, the essence and beauty of music and the sensuality that only Olivia Cunning writes so well!

Favorite Quote(s)
But she was a part of these two men she loved, just as they were a part of her. And a part of each other. None of them whole without the other two.

Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Contemporary Romance, Erotic Romance
Character Types: Rock Star, Bi Sexual, Bodyguard/Security
Themes: BDSM, Dirty Talkin, Family Bonds, Heart/Touching, Hot Smexy Times
Tropes: Forced Proximity, Friends to Lovers, Menage a Trois

Book Perspective
Multiple POV's

Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
Relationship Conflict

Song This Book Inspires
I Need You by Lynyrd Skyrd
Lips of Angel by Hinder

Recommendation For Reading Order
Yes Read in Order if you Can

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.
 

 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
Montana Lone Rider is a western standalone and this is my first book by this author. I admit that when seeing some neat reels on instagram for this book, that I gave into temptation and grabbed up this book here. I had high hopes for it and while it was a solid experience and delivered some fun times, I just wasn't able to fully connect with the story. I am not sure if its because I haven't read much this week or if it was the book itself. I did find it an easy read, I just wasn't able to connect with the romance and didn't quite feel the chemistry as I was expecting to. Also it has a weird third act conflict and the ending felt rushed. It would have been nice to have seen that drawn out a bit more. It gave the feeling of too much being unresolved.

First Line
The five-inch heel of my Valentino sandal got caught between a plank of wood and something metallic and I had to fight to free myself.

The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Jax Maverick
Rugges, Raw, Tortured, Playboy and afraid to love

The Heroine: Caroline Douglas
Independent, Socialite, Intelligent and Sassy. Looking to find connection but afraid to get hurt.

Summary
Caroline Douglas when her grandfather dies and passes to her his ranch out in the state of Montana, and she has to find out what to do with the land her grandfather left to her, she is out of her element. She is used to high society, figuring out financial statements and not learning how to ride a horse or dealing with snakebites or rides out under the stars with a sexy cowboy....but Jax will make her want to experience life in a way she has never opened herself up to before. Jax Maverick was rescued by Caroline's grandfather, given a purpose in life and a second chance to really make something of himself. He keeps himself closed out to women, never risking himself. But when he meets feisty Caroline, he is in for a world of new changes because she will alter his perspective. But can these two opposites attract find the common ground to make a go at their HEA?

What I Loved
There are many elements to the story that I really enjoyed. The first being the opposites attract angle. These two couldn't be more different from each other. But in the ways that truly matter, they have so much in common. The way that they both yearn for something real in their hearts makes them more than compatible. But they both have ego's and tend to let those get in the way which makes for some delightful interactions. The humor that comes off in this story is lively and will have you barking out loud in laughter. There are some solid friendships that we see implemented in this story. This is also a standalone, so you don't need to invest in a series to enjoy this book. There is also some spicy moments between these two. So if you need some steamier moments between a couple, then you will definitely be satisfied with the chemistry that this author handles in this story. There are also a great focus on animal loving in this one, so if you love seeing animals in romance then I highly recommend this one. There is also a grovel, if you need that in your romance. It definitely checks that box.

What I Struggled With
This book is far from perfect. So let me lay out the issues that I had with this story. The first is the writing. Its not the most polished, and could have used a more fleshed out style to it. The pacing was a bit off in parts. The spice felt too rushed for the chemistry level we feel from this couple. There just seemed to be a disconnect between the sexual chemistry and the relationship building aspects. Almost like they were two different couples at times. And then the third act could have been executed more smoothly. There was way too much rush feeling to it and little details and questions that go unanswered. The ending was also way too quick. Especially for a standalone, it honestly had more of a HFN feel to it over a HEA. I just had a feeling of disappointment with this one as I had high expectations and it felt like a bit of a let down overall.

Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Contemporary Romance
Character Types: Cowboy/Rancher, Socialitite, Business Owner
Themes: Small Town, Tear Jerker, Western
Tropes: Opposites Attract, Fling, Forced Proximity

Book Perspective
Duo POV

Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
Relationship Conflict

Song This Book Inspires
Loved by Lucy Hale

Steam/Spice Explanations

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

 Quickie Review:

I truly was so endeared by this story. However, this is a tough one to read. I had many mixed feelings about this story. First off our characters really change and in some super dark ways and not necessarily ways that I loved to see. They both sacrifice so much to for justice and to keep their family and loved ones safe from the mafia. The heroine was the hardest because she gets so hard. The only times we really see her soft, is around their little boy. But seeing her having to be so hard just to find justice and then how everything gets revealed just packs such a punch to the heart. There is so much danger and intrigue that are implemented and not everything gets answered in regards to the overall plot of the series. The romance however,mostly gets concluded here. We do receive a HFN here but I do wish that it had been more satisfying regarding the father son relationship. Crossing fingers that we get that in the next book hopefully! But very much in love with how Brittany Ann writes dark romance. Its different than most authors and I find it refreshing and so satisfying. 

 Quickie Review:

This is a book I had such high hopes for and as you can tell from my rating, this book was NOT for me. It was one of the most toxic relationships I have ever read and I honestly can't believe this book came from Linda Kage. Its just nothing like anything I have ever seen her write. Also if you struggle with secret baby aspects that can turn toxic, then avoid this one here. My biggest issue was the heroine in this one and her reasons for keeping the secret. And to be honest I was not invested in their relationship at all. The child is the one that found the father, the mother wouldn't have ever told him and yeah she didn't have good enough reasons for it. I think the only aspect of the story that was redeemable was the father daughter relationship that is built within this book. I really adored that aspect and I could have cared less about these two being together. They weren't good for each other and there is a ton of mistrust especially on the side from the heroine. Basically she doesn't trust him at all, makes her own judgments, ends their relationship, tells him she had a miscarriage that was no miscarriage, and raises their daughter without him knowing. She knowingly deceives him from the truth and then is shocked that he wants time with his daughter. I think I would have DNF'd this one if it hadn't been Linda Kage at the helm of it. So just be aware before moving forward into this story. 

 Quickie Review:

This is a book I had such high hopes for and as you can tell from my rating, this book was NOT for me. It was one of the most toxic relationships I have ever read and I honestly can't believe this book came from Linda Kage. Its just nothing like anything I have ever seen her write. Also if you struggle with secret baby aspects that can turn toxic, then avoid this one here. My biggest issue was the heroine in this one and her reasons for keeping the secret. And to be honest I was not invested in their relationship at all. The child is the one that found the father, the mother wouldn't have ever told him and yeah she didn't have good enough reasons for it. I think the only aspect of the story that was redeemable was the father daughter relationship that is built within this book. I really adored that aspect and I could have cared less about these two being together. They weren't good for each other and there is a ton of mistrust especially on the side from the heroine. Basically she doesn't trust him at all, makes her own judgments, ends their relationship, tells him she had a miscarriage that was no miscarriage, and raises their daughter without him knowing. She knowingly deceives him from the truth and then is shocked that he wants time with his daughter. I think I would have DNF'd this one if it hadn't been Linda Kage at the helm of it. So just be aware before moving forward into this story. 

Sealed in Strength is the finale for Crow and Rylynn and I had such a blast seeing them get their finale but its packed with plenty of drama and danger. I really had a blast with this one and it adds something so much more to the story that I didn't expect. The hero makes a mistake here, one that doesn't get fully investigated, but maybe it will be revealed in the finale book of the series where there is a suspicion of Crow being drugged. But we also see him learning to fight for his girl and having to come clean with not just his woman but also her family and loved his redemption. We also see the finale of the plot that has been building over the last two books. I really enjoyed seeing how this one developed and the way in which they both get tested in the third act was brilliantly played out. This one was fully satisfying and I had a blast seeing Crow and Rylynn get their perfect ending here!

Quickie Review

Fueled in Fire is the continuation of the first book. Crow has learned of a bad secret and Rylynn leaves her family when Crow learns he is the long lost hidden child of Cruz. Rylynn acts on her instincts knowing she is leaving her family in shock, them not realizing she has been in a relationship with Crow. But Crow is lost emotionally and needs her. I adored how supportive Rylynn is here. She sees her man in needs and gives him what he needs, that emotional rock of support. As Rylynn and Crow learn to work through the emotional drama that has entered their lives, there is also a danger and threat against Ravage MC and trying to get to the bottom of it. I adored how our hero and heroine really connect to each other and the ways in which they are able to focus on their relationship in non sexual aspects and learning to build a trust with each other. Its definitely so wonderful to see being developed.

 Connected in Pain is the first of three books that feature one couple which is Crow and Rylynn's story. This is a set of books that bring together one of the most beautiful couples that this author has ever written. I absolutely adored everything about this couple. Both the hero and heroine understand the biker world and the heroine grew up in it as she is Reece's daughter. So she and Crow in this book have a secret fling. They don't really tell hardly anyone, especially her family. In this book is just the beginning of what they are about. I really adored these two together. Rylynn is strong and feisty but respectful and understanding of what is expected of her.I really enjoyed how she is with Crow and understands the MC life but also doesn't push the hero. She waits for him to make the right move. We also see her family bonds with her own family. And the family complications that are with Crow.

Definitely a story that I couldn't put down and had to jump into the next one.