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
Glimmers of You is the third installment in the "Lost & Found" series. This is a long-anticipated story as this features the baby sister and the one that is way overprotected by her brothers. And at this point, I trust Catherine Cowles to write a gem no matter what she decides to grab up. This has many multiple tropes that will intrigue many readers. This is a story that I guarantee will reach to your top favorites from this author. There is something about this series that is just so much more in its execution and delivering all the swoon moments that make reading romance worth all the struggle and pain. Catherine Cowles really tackles some tough issues while at the same time also connecting the reader so endearingly to these characters.

First Line
I twisted my necklace between my fingers as I tilted to the side from my perch on the boulder, straining to get a bettery view of the trailhead's parking lot.

The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Caden Shaw
Best friend to Grae's brother. Works for his father in a billion dollar company. Has wealth, prestige with a playboy reputation.

The Heroine: Grae
The youngest child and daughter of her family, with overprotective brothers. She works as a trail guide and loves the outdoors. She has been in love with Caden since she was a child.

Summary
Caden and Grae grew up with each other as Caden was friends with all of her brothers. But Caden and Grae always had a deep connection to each other. But when Grae almost dies when its discovered that she has Type 1 Diabetes, it shifts something very different in their relationship. Caden completely cuts himself off from Grae and Grae doesn't understand what she did to cause the shift and break between them. Caden lost his sister who was the heart of his family and it caused a type of hurt that put him in a tornado of loss and when he almost loses Grae and believes its his fault, he puts a distance between them. But now he has returned home, and working for his father, determined to show his worth to his father and mend fences with his brother. There is a tension between Caden and Grae and have treated each other like enemies. Even though Grae loves Caden, she refuses to let him hurt her again. But when she gets into a situation that makes her uncomfortable, she and Caden agree to a fake relationship as he needs to show his father he is respectable. But being so close together forces both of them to be honest with each other and reveal their true hearts with one another. And love blossoms in a manner in which neither of them expects but each embrace this intimacy found.

What I Loved
There is so much heart and soul in this story that just delivers all the way for this reader. I absolutely fell in love with Caden and Grae's book. There was something so more to their relationship than I expected. I do always get nervous with angst between a couple, however, I fell so hard for their dynamic. Catherine Cowles knows how to write angst that makes sense without it overpowering the story. There was such balance to the way that these two tangle with each other. It doesn't consume the reader, but entertains. And there is such sweet soft moments between them that portrays so much more dimension to their relationship. In Glimmers Of You we have so many fun aspects that deliver in this story.

The first that I really loved was the diabetes rep that is delivered here. My father has diabetes, so seeing how this was discovered and then how they handle the situation really made so much sense. We really see it so well portrayed without it seeming like it's the only focus of the story. It had such a natural ease in the way its implemented into the story.

Now for the romance...well this was gold. I truly had a blast seeing Caden and Grae come together in the way that they do. And even though there was a slight feel to forbidden to the relationship, it wasn't super focused on. And I felt like the dynamic between the brothers and Caden and Grae was so relatable and felt more realistic than how the brother's best friend trope is normally handled. It just had a more realistic approach to it that I greatly appreciated. And quite frankly, Caden knows how to handle her brothers just right. As much as I love a big explosive and fists flying, the way that Cowles worked this out felt so right for the story. The connection that Caden and Grae have together was beyond endearing. I just wanted them to find their HEA so badly and work through their issues. We see from the beginning what a wonderful bond that they had even as young adults and then to see what maturity does for them except when they fight. The way that they see the good in each other and are so protective of one another is gold. They each fight for the relationship in such a investive way and aren't afraid to stand up for the other. There was a perfect yin yang feel to the relationship that just worked for both of them. And was it just me or did it feel like there was more spice to the story than I expect?

As for the plot, Catherine Cowles really upped her game on this one here. She really will throw her readers off with how she develops the villain and the attacks that happen here. I was intrigued to see who the villains would be. I have come to expect some fabulous surprises and even though I was expecting a shock, I was NOT expecting the villain to be revealed as who it is. If you love suspense and have high expectations on being surprised, then I can't recommend this one enough for you all. And I really was so endeared to see how the drama in Caden's family would be resolved. It felt so right and satisfying but a bit sad at times too seeing how much this family has gone through but seeing it resolved in the way it was....perfection!

What I Struggled With
Nothing! It's a perfect small-town romance with angsty vibes.

Overall View
Gimmers of You is a whirlwind of a romance. It delivers on beautifully portrayed vibes, an atmosphere to endear you, and a tale of devotion, healing, and self empowerment! A HEART OF GOLD ROMANCE!

Favorite Quote(s)
“I don’t think grief is linear. Some days are easier. Others will take you out at the knees.”

You’ve always been my guiding force. My internal compass showing me the way. And now, I have to give yours back to you.”

Because you’ve always been that glimmer of light for me. A beacon of hope. Even when I didn’t want you to be.

Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Contemporary Romance
Character Types: Billionaire, Pining Heroine
Themes: Disability Rep (Diabetes), Secrets, Best Friend Sister
Tropes: Friends to Lovers, Second Chance, Enemies to Lovers, Forced Proximity, Fake Relationship

Book Perspective
Duo POV

Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
A bit of both.

Song This Book Inspires
Don't You Wanna Stay-Jason Aldean

Recommendation For Reading Order
You can read in order or as a standalone. But I recommend reading in order if you can. 

 Princess in Disguise was a delightful book and totally captivated me so quickly. The story instantly grabs you and very quickly I was hooked into the story. Karen Hawkins had me laughing all over the place with this one here. I really had such a delightful time with this one here. I also was intrigued by the characters that come into play with this one. The story is basically of an heroine who is looking to marry a Scot. She comes to Scotland with that purpose. She meets the hero when they are stranded in the same inn when there is a winter storm. Instantly there is a powerful chemistry between them. But our hero, is not looking for marriage or anything serious of any kind. But when a disaster hits and Kintore has to face his fears and fight for the woman he has fallen hard for.

This is a story that will have you falling in love with this pair and very quickly. It's also a great way to realize how charming this author is to read and how well she entertains in her stories. Such a keeper and also a great way to kick off the historical romance readathon. 

 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
Beautifully Broken Control is about two characters that are new in some ways to the town of Sutter Lake but we have seen connections to them in previous books in the series. I was really curious to see how this one would be handled though. And I shouldn't have doubted Catherine Cowles because I had a blast with this book, even though its not a favorite of the series, it was a delightful take on moving the series moving forward and I really enjoyed seeing their type of dynamic together. And I really enjoyed seeing how they each connect to the characters in the previous books of the series.

First Line
A single bead of sweat rolled down my sternum, and my hand shook as I tried to wipe it away.

Summary
Kennedy was caught up in a conflict not of her own making. When its revealed that her father has cheated out many out of their savings and retirement for his own financial gain, she works with the FBI to get justice for those wronged but in the process of it, she is blamed by the rest of her family and the world. Everyone she knows turns her back on her and so she goes to Sutter Lake to escape the torment and abuse to have a fresh start but she still bears so much guilt for the past. Then she meets Cain, who comes to town who is best friends with Walker and Tuck. Cain, is escaping the city to find some peace in Sutter Lake and doesn't plan on falling hard for Kennedy, who is a woman of mystery and shadows in her eyes. But Cain has his own demons that could threaten everything he and Kennedy build together.

What I Loved
Catherine Cowles delivers such a wonderful story and I highly recommend this one if you are a fan of the series or even just this author. First, the story is super engaging and really draws you into it immediately and you just feel for the road that the heroine is on and what she was willing to do in order to do the right thing. I really respected the heroine for what she does here. Cain on the other end, is such a man of integrity and heart but he has his own pain and is such a tortured soul. I love how they come together in this one, but the heroine is a bit stubborn when it comes to going into anything with Cain and has so much pride. So much pride it did ruin the enjoyment of the story at times. But the hero is far from perfect, and is a bit stubborn when it comes to allowing the heroine fully into his heart when she opens up to him. They both make mistakes in different ways as they have such a hard time trusting. I really enjoyed the element in which this developed. And that whole end conflict with the danger that enters the story totally surprised me. I wasn't expecting to see how it evolved. I did NOT see the danger elements that enter the story happening haha The author completely shocked me. What really impresses me about this author is even when there are elements that I am not necessarily a big fan of, her writing is so compelling that you are willing to stay invested in the characters and its such a poignant experience overall.

Overall View
Beautifully Broken Control is a captivating read that will entrench your emotions all the way into the story. It delivers on stunningly capture characters and a setting that breathes life into the reader.

Favorite Quote(s)
“We all lose sight sometimes. Of what’s truly important. Of all the people around us who are suffering. That doesn’t mean we can’t recalibrate. Reset our compass so we’re facing the right direction again."

“It’s not about executing the perfect steps. It’s about enjoying the journey.”

Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Contemporary Romance
Character Types: Billionaire, Self Made Hero, MC on the Run
Themes: Small Town, Danger
Tropes: Protector

Book Perspective
Duo POV

Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
A bit of both

Song This Book Inspires
Love Me Back by Bebe Stockwell

Recommendation For Reading Order
Yes I would say read this 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. 

 

I went into this with high expectations of this one and to be honest, it fell far flat for me. I am not sure what it is about this author, but there is a certain way in how she writes books sometimes that just turns me off. I wanted to really love this one but it had some strange moments between the couple that was just kinda off putting and just made me want to skim through the book. While there were some entertaining moments in the story, it was far from memorable if I am being honest. And the third act was a struggle to get through. Neither the hero or the heroine handled it well. But I will finish off the series just because I am intrigued by the other brothers and their matches. Hopefully it will be a better experience though.

 

 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
Wicked Beat is the fourth installment in the "Sinners on Tours" series and this is where we got Eric's book. Our heroine is the sister of the music tech who got injured on the previous installment and is taking his place while he recovers from his injuries. And this one was a bit different from the previous books and it did have some aspects in the story that was a bit of a struggle to get through so while this is my least favorite of the series so far in the series, it still had some great aspects to it that kept me wanting to dig deeper into this story here. It definitely had the erotic flair that you can expect from this author and the solid friendships that we have seen in the series so far and such great music focus that had me nodding to some rock n roll tunes haha

First Line
Rebekah adjusted the pillow beneath her older Brothers head.

Summary
Rebekah Blake has just finished her degree in music and technology and has always loved the Sinners and her biggest dream is to work with them. And when her brother gets injured, she knows that this is her chance to show her talents to them. They agree to her offer for a trade and at first the man that she is drawn to is Trace, but thats not the man her heart yearns for which is the cinnamon roll Eric. Eric has always been the last to be chosen, but he wants to fight for Rebekah even though he isn't her first choice. But as he strives to show Rebekah what he can give her and that his whole heart can beat for her, there are other conflicts happening and Rebekah will have to be the one to make the decision to fight for their relationship when it really matters.

What I Loved
There were quite a few aspects to the story that I really enjoyed actually. I am very excited that Rebekah's brother makes a complete recovery. The sex aside, I did really enjoy the relationship building aspects to Eric. And Eric was definitely my favorite of the couple. He just has such a heart of gold and I adored how devoted he is to Rebekah. The heroine totally didn't deserve it though. haha There is so much creativity in the bedroom between them, they definitely explore some fun roleplay that was interesting. I also really enjoyed some other plot dynamics that come into play with the story such as the drama with her mother and her ex and discovering that Trey is actually bi sexual. I believe his book is next so it should be interesting to see how that develops for him.

What I Struggled With
The heroine, there was just something about her character and how she treats Eric that rubbed me the wrong way to be honest. Even towards the end, she doesn't treat him very good, but he is so an good man, he just takes what he can have with her. So this story didn't fill me with happy moments to be honest. And also some of the sex scenes were interesting. I get that Trey was just trying to get them together but man it might be a struggle for some to read. You definitely need to be more open minded.

Overall View
Wicked Beat is a interesting read that brings together some unique dynamics, a taste of unrequite and a fun love triangle you don't expect to find but delivers on the spice and the heart!

Favorite Quote(s)
“You and me alone. That’s my ultimate fantasy.”

Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Contemporary Romance, Erotic Romance
Character Types: Rock Stars
Themes: Music, Roleplay, Tattoo's, Hot Smexy Times, Voyeurism
Tropes: Love Triangle, Instant Love Connection

Book Perspective
Duo POV

Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
A Mix of Both

Song This Book Inspires
So Far Away by Avenged Sevenfold

Recommendation For Reading Order
I do think its good to 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:📖📖📖📖📖
Narration:🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧
Ending:🧧🧧🧧🧧🧧
Overall View: ✨✨✨✨


First Impressions
King of Pride is the second book in the "Kings of Sin" series and this is where we get Kai's book. Ever since King of Wrath, I have been wanting this story because I fell so hard for Kai's character. He is such a fun one and love how he banters with Dante. But we also received some teasers between Kai and his girl in the first book so I was very curious to see how this one would be handled. This had some unique fun dynamics that we see between Kai and Isabella. This is much more of a forbidden theme and forbidden romance is my catnip. There is something about this trope that I am just immediately drawn to. And Ana Huang definitely delivered on this one here.

First Line
"So you didn't use the glow-in-the-dark condoms I gave you?"

The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Kai Young
Aspiring CEO, British, Formal personality and all about propriety

The Heroine: Isabella Valencia
Colorful and bright, aspiring to be a author and pianists and enjoys life to the fullest. But hides secrets of her true parentage.

Summary
Isabella and Kai have been playing around each other for over a year. They have been playing this flirting game with each other where Kai always enters when there is a embarrassing moment for Isabella. But there is a connection between them, a type of bond that neither Kai nor Isabella are ready to fully admit to. But after one meeting near a piano and a sizzling kiss, there is something more between them. Despite the forbidden and that everyone wants something different for Kai and Isabella, there is something real that is building between Kai and Isabella that they are willing to fight for no matter what it takes. But will they be able to find a way past the obstacles to discover a happy ending?

What I Loved
There was something so engaging and just pure fun about Kai and Isabella being together. This is a type of pairing that just works so well together. They are such a great example of why opposites attract just fit so well. I love how they balance each other. Kai needs to learn to let loose and enjoy life, and Isabella needs some structure in her life and they really bring balance to each other in such a perfect Yin Yang way. Seeing them work through their obstacles was so interesting. I really loved the forbidden theme that is within this one here. There are forces on both sides trying to force them apart. But seeing how they come together and just stand as a team when it really matters for their relationship is what strikes gold for the story.

Kai and Isabella have such a heartwarming connection, especially when music comes into play. I really enjoyed the way that they rely on each other in certain scenarios and love their mutual friends standing by them when its pivotal for them to succeed. We definitely are seeing pieces fall into place for future books that are really coming together in this one here. And I also loved how rich this author's writing feels. She is so delectable to read and even though this one wasn't quite as good as King of Wrath, it was quite entertaining and delivered such a solid story for me. And I can't wait for book 3!!!

What I Struggled With
There could have been more relationship building aspects done on this one here, and there were some aspects in the story that just fell a bit flat for me at times.

Narration
If you can get the audiobook, than I highly recommend this one here. Its superb in every way! Ana Huang always does such a great job with the narrations.

Overall View
King of Pride is a stimulating romance that will delivers spice and sweetness in such a delightful mix to endear the reader!

Favorite Quote(s)
"You should've never let me take you, Isabella. Because now that I have, I won't be able to let you go."

I never really lived beofre you...And I don't want you to imagine living after you."

Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Contemporary Romance
Character Types: Billionaire, Alpha Male, Writer, Pianist
Themes: Delicious Kisses, Hot Smexy Times, Laughs, Music
Tropes: Opposites Attract, Forbidden Love

Book Perspective
Duet

Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict

Song This Book Inspires
You Put a Spell on Me by Austin Giorgio

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

Steam/Spice Explanations

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

Narrators:
David Lee Huynh, Emery Erickson 

 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
How To Tame a Wild Rogue is the sixth installment in the "Palace of Rogues" series and I would say that the average rating on this one is completely justified. This is also my favorite of the series and I would even say that its my favorite of the author. Its definitely worthy of all the hype that is for sure. Now there are some slow moments at times, which is why its not a complete five star but it definitely came close to a five star despite some slower scenes at times. There is also so much deep emotion that is layered throughout the story that will really captivate the reader so dearly and oh my all the humor that is portrayed is *chefs kiss* perfection.

First Line
He'd been born on a night like this: the sky choked with black clouds, the wind banshee

The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Lorcan St. Leger
Privateer, Grew up in the rookery, leader of the underground, Orphan and has a rogueish personality

The Heroine: Daphne Worth
Working Class heroine, Spinster, keeps her family afload financially

Summary
In this installment, we have a set up where our heroine, Daphne, is escaping a bad situation by climbing out of a window with tied bedsheets like a rope. And when her life is threatened by a thief, then comes in her dashing rescuer, who is full of mystery and power.....Lorcan St. Leger. Lorcan is regarded as the King of the Thames. He takes her to the Palace of Rogues which is her destination, but when she finds herself facing a woman she once knew her her childhood home, she and Lorcan are forced to pose as a married couple or her reputation could risk. As they forced to live in the same area of rooms, they also are forced to pose as a loving couple outside of their rooms and are complete strangers inside their rooms. But bit by bit, they slowly start to learn and understand each other. But soon as they fake relationship starts to become more and more real, will they find their place and in their love?

What I Loved
There were so many elements of this story that instantly draw the reader into the story. For me, it was most definitely how this story starts. The author pulls you in with their first meeting and its such a swoony moment and I guarantee that you will get just as hooked as I did. We see how they banter and get along together and for the most part the angst in their relationship is minimal. I really enjoyed seeing them learn each other. It has its stumbling blocks at times, but seeing them work through their misunderstandings and find common ground was so delightful. And we get a focus a bit of some love languages as well. I really enjoyed the way that this is implemented here.

The way that this couple works together and build their chemistry was so adorable. And I absolutely loved the "orange" scene. Seeing the way that Lorcan and Daphne connect over the small simple pleasure is endearing. And their sexual chemistry, is off the charts. There are some of the most delicious kissing scenes that I have ever read. Julie Anne Long really wrote some magic when she was portraying their chemistry and it just feels so real off of the pages here. And there is bantering not only between our main couple but also between the other supporting cast of characters that really adds such charm and humor in all the right moments.

What I Struggled With
The only aspect to the story that I struggled with was that some of the pacing was a bit off in some moments. It's not super obvious, but it felt a bit slow at times.

Overall View
How to Tame a Wild Rogue is a poignant, soft emotion filled, with strong smexy vibes to it that only builds on the intimacy and beautiful touches that only this author conveys in such a beautiful way!

Favorite Quote(s)
Put those stars to use for something other than wishes. For showing them you can harness them to steer to a location. and master your destiny. You can do all sorts of calculations if the mood takes you. After a fashion, the whole universe is right there in your palm, Daphne.

This man is the heart of my heart, she wanted to tell him. An outrageously demanding, skilled lover who took my virginity and made me scream with pleasure, then cradled me in his arms as though I was a treasure. My rescuer. A peeker into my soul. This man is possessive and vulnerable and brutal and brilliant and funny and he's mine. He's mine...
To belong forever to the person who had introduced her to herself. Who loved her for herself. Who was oranges, black coffee, whiskey and sex personified. To be given this fierce, precious man to tend for the rest of her days. She'd endure all of it again--the broken heart and window escape, all of it---if it led to him. he gathered her gently in his arms, which was where she belonged, after all. They had felt like her true home from the moment she'd leaped into them. He kissed her like a man who knew he'd won the wager of a lifetime.

Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Historical Romance
Time Era and Setting: England, Victorian Era
Character Types: Rake/Rogue, Pirate, Workplace Heroine
Themes: Delicious Kisses, Laughs, London Underground, Love Language, Slow Burn
Tropes: Forced Proximity, Opposites Attract, Protector, Fake Relationship

Book Perspective
3rd POV

Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
A bit of both

Song This Book Inspires
Rewrite the Stars by Zac Efron, Zendaya

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. 

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

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


First Impressions
The Defender is the fourth installment in the "Sons of Texas" series and this is where we get Lev Ivanski's book. Now while he isn't one of the "sons" of the family, he is a friend to them and an ally in the fight against the Saints corporation and determined to bring them down just as much as his adopted father "Sergei.". But what we have is a thrilling installment and I can't believe how much this book kept me on the edge of my seat here. I absolutely adored everything about it. This one is very different as some of the previous books as most of it is set in other countries than the States but we are also seeing a progression of the series in such a exciting way and I can't believe that we only have one book left.

First Line
The click of the hammer on the pistol behind him was piercing in the silence of the corridor.

Summary
The Defender begins when Lev Ivanski is on a mission when he is betrayed and he is left for dead with an assassin with one who works with the Saints. But what he doesn't realize at the time is that she is just as determined to bring down the Saints as he is. Reyna Harrias, an Ex CIA operative, has been working undercover with the Saints for years, but she gives it all up when sees something more in the eyes of Lev, something that indicates to her that he is worth saving even at the risk of her cover being blow. So Lev and Reyna work together as a team to try to get out of Europe and back to the States. But their lives are on the line, and when the worst happens to someone close to Lev, it might put everything at risk even their own lives.

What I Loved
There were so many aspects to this story that were so engaging and fun to read. Donna Grant is a true delight to read and this is one of my favorite series that I have ever read from her. I just can't seem to get enough of these boys who are fighting against something so large but never wanting to give up no matter the cost to themselves. Lev has always been such a fascination to me, for a while, I wasn't sure exactly where his loyalties lie, only that he was determined to fight against the Saints. I do love this Russian man that and he definitely is a survivor. Reyna is a tough cookie. I really had a blast with her character though. She is tough as all get out, but we also see her vulnerabilities in the few quiet moments that she and Lev have. In this story we basically see them on the run together, trying to survive with their enemies closing in around them. And we definitely see the extent of the Saints reach which is just about everywhere. But their determination and drive to survive in something so powerful as fighting for life and liberty was brilliant and really drives home some inspirational moments. And in the finale of the third act, is where the story really brings together multiple parties: Reyna/Lev, Lev's men on the docs and the Loughman family and what a EPIC battle. It totally gave me Mission Impossible vibes haha

What I Struggled With
There wasn't too much I struggled with, I would have liked to see more relationship building moments between Reyna and Lev. I know its a suspense, but sometimes you still need those quiet moments to build that intimate connection.

Narration
Carly Robins always does such a superb job with her stories and she knocks this one out of the park! I can't believe how well she has narrated these books. Some of my favorite that she has ever worked on. She really captures the intense moments and instills the intimacy between the couple when it really matters

Overall View
The Defender is such a spirited and thrilling in its action packed moments and is guaranteed to deliver a story of spice, of danger and fighting for love!

Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense
Character Types: Russian Hero, Law Enforcement
Themes: Crime, Danger, Family Bonds, MC on the Run, Secret Identity
Tropes: Forced Proximity

Book Perspective
3rd POV

Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
Plot Conflict and minimal relationship conflict

Song This Book Inspires
Die Another Day by Madonna

Recommendation For Reading Order
Yes, you must read these books in order.

Steam/Spice Explanations

Simmering cup of tea---soft warm touches and light intimacy
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.
Steamin' up the room -the sexual content is more explicit in the language and tone, heavier amount of sexual scenes.
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.

Narrators:
Carly Robins 

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
Beautifully Broken Spirit is the third book in the "Sutter Lake" series and its a book where we see the romance finally happen between these two which has been slowly building in the previous books and I just knew that their story would be such a journey. Catherine Cowles really worked their story so well in this one. I just had a blast with these two and seeing their romance really shine so well. And you all know how much I adore a forbidden love tale and in this one we really see how well they work together and work through their issues and find a love in a way neither expected but both were willing to fight for.

First Line
The wind lifted my hair off my neck, swirling it around my face.

What I Loved
This is a story where we see two people really struggling in different ways. For the heroine, she is dealing with a massive amount of guilt of being used and betrayed and that her loved ones were hurt because of her decisions with men. She starts to lose trust in herself and her own decisions and how its starting to affect her in such a negative way. Than we have the hero who is a bit of a playboy, but really, he loves sex and women and isn't ashamed about it but part of it comes from how his father has treated his mother and his own lack of self worth. But as these two come together, they both help each other in their issues. There was a great explosion with the brother. But man was he clueless, the rest of the family saw them being together except for him so when the truth happens, its brilliant. I just love the explosions with this trope, its always so entertaining to read for sure. And I really loved seeing the balance of the heroine being a mother, the way that its written, is done in such a way that is so endearing.

What I Struggled With
I had a hard time with these two in the beginning, I am not sure what was happening, but I wasn't quite on board with them until later in the story to be honest.

Overall View
Beautifully Broken Spirit is a endearing poignant romance of healing and building your self worth in such a relative way!

Favorite Quote(s)
“My Wilder.” He brushed his lips against mine. “I like you just as you were meant to be. Wild and free.”

Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense
Character Types: Law Enforcement, Chef/Baker
Themes: Small Town, Tear Jerker, Kids/Teens, Danger/Suspense, Tear Jerker, Pining Heroine
Tropes: Unrequited Lovers, Friends to Lovers, Forbidden Love, Best Friend's Sister

Book Perspective
Duo POV

Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
A bit of both

Song This Book Inspires
Stop This Train by John Mayer

Recommendation For Reading Order
Yes I do recommend reading this series in order if you can.

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.