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
Baby for the Bosshole is the first book in the "Lasker Brothers" series and after having a fun time with Contractually Yours, I just had to jump back into this series and this was delicious sexy fun! I am always on the lookout for some fabulous rom com's to enjoy and this author is definitely going on the list for authors that I need to be reading so much more of. Her writing was so engaging and I couldn't stop laughing at this one, especially the dialogue, was so entertaining. If you are always on the lookout for a sexy opposites attract, than this is a story that needs to be on your radar because Nadia Lee really brings in the humor just write to balance in perfectly with a sexy romp of a read.

First Line
I'll Show Him

The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Emmett Lasker
Billionaire CEO of finance, one of the Lasker Brothers, smart and cunning in business and a bit of a workaholic.

The Heroine: Amy
Amy is driven, independent, and has a caring nature and devoted to her father.

Summary
Amy is a driven workaholic but her boss drives her crazy with all of his demands and long hours that he expects. He has a level of confidence that borders on conceit and even though at times she finds him charming, she also finds him insufferable and makes her want to explode at times. When she catches him masturbating to thinking of her, well one action leads to another and they have hot sex in his office. At first, Amy thinks its just a fling and very casual, but things starts to get more serious especially when she finds out that she is pregnant. But Amy has a plan, and now her plans are a hot mess because she is falling hard for Emmett and doesn't know if she can trust this man with her heart...

What I Loved
I had such a blast with this book, it was just fun to read. And sometimes you just want to immerse yourself in a fun sexy read that has little depth and just entertains for a while. And that is what I found with this one. It was completely different from "Contractually Yours". This was a true rom com feel so some readers might be thrown off by this one. But I found it lively and entertaining. Does that make it a perfect read? haha definitely not. However, I think I was in just the right frame of mind to really enjoy this one like I wanted to. I also found that this one really portrayed a story that just worked for me in many respects. I wasn't a fan of the heroine at times though and the way that the third act was executed could have been done better in my opinion. I actually fell so hard for the hero, he was a delight. But the way that the heroine was going to betray him just because of her sign on bonus was weird to me. And she didn't do ANY grovel. Like come on, while the hero isn't perfect, you also wronged him girl. But alas, what I wanted for this story didn't quite happen. However, I truly enjoyed this book and very eager for the next one.

What I Struggled With
I mostly struggled with the heroine in this book. From what I have seen so far, the heroes that this author writes are just delightful to read. But the heroine was a piece of work at times. The whole is basically about her planning to betray him and go to another company even after they get together. Like what girl? Seriously? And the reason behind it was strange. And the way she acts in the third act conflict didn't quite match up either to the way that the relationship was going. She blew a gasket over something that didn't make sense in the end. The poor hero, he was just as clueless as I felt haha

Overall View
Despite some issues, I found myself being entertained from beginning to end with this one and I can't wait to get to the other brothers!

Favorite Quote(s)
I love you too. Don't do anything I wouldn't do, and do all the things I would do, but better,"

Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Contemporary Romance. Romantic Comedy
Character Types: Billionaire, Jerk Hero,
Themes: Hot Smexy Times, Family Bonds, Class Difference, Laughs and Giggles, Witty Banter
Tropes: Boss and Employee, Accidental Pregnancy, Marriage of Convenience

Book Perspective
Duo POV

Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
Relationship conflicts are more present

Song This Book Inspires
Don't Go Breaking My Heart-Glee Cast

Recommendation For Reading Order
You can read as standalones if you want to

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. 

 

 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 Legend is the third installment in the "Sons of Texas" series and this is Wyatt's book. This has been such an action packed series that has thrilled me from head to toe and I have really been neglecting this series for sure. It was a blast being able to get back to this world here, and the way that this author was able to pull me in so quickly into this story. There is something so wonderful about this series and it had such strong thriller vibes, which is perfect with the recent release of the Jack Ryan season. This series also has some strong political intrigue thriller feels to the story. I loved seeing this family get together and reconnect and fighting against their enemy that is going to be hard to take down, but are fighting to do what is right to save the world.

First Line
Callie stood on the sidealk in the warm sun with a grocery bag in each hand, staring at the healine of the newspaper with her heart thumping in dread.

The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Wyatt
Oldest son, military hero, his expertise is in black ops and is withdrawn from his family.

The Heroine: Callie)
Friend of the family, working for Wyatt's father and is an expert computer specialist

Summary
Callie Reed has her own expertise and knows how to defend herself and can handle psycological stress thanks to the training that Wyatt's father gave her over the years. Callie and Wyatt fell in love in high school, but when he lost his mother and left for the special forces, he left everything behind and broke Callie's heart. But Callie has never hated Wyatt for the hurt he caused her, she always knew that he had demons that she could never fix for him. When Wyatt returns home, when his father is kidnapped and his uncle and aunt murdered, he and Callie are forced together in a situation of survival and hiding out from their enemies. But Callie's own familial connections with put them both in danger, and they will both have to determine how strong their love is and their fight for survival and the need to bring down this organization who seeks to destroy the world.

What I Loved
There was so much to love about this story. Donna Grant really stepped up her game with this one and I absolutely was on the edge in reading this book. There is something so fascinating in the way that this author is able to capture her readers and this series might be one of my favorite books from her. I just can't put them down and it pulls me in so quickly. I absolutely was all in for Wyatt and Callie. Seeing these two people who love each other so deeply but are such fools in love, well I am all for that setup. I just adore a well done second chance romance and this one really takes the cake. This is my favorite book of the series so far. There was something so raw and aching about their love story and I just wanted these two to find a way to fight to be together. They deserve it so so much. Both have such longing and damaged hearts. They are both capable in their own ways and adored what a power couple they end up being in this one. The drive they both have together in fighting for the ones they love and their country is palpable within each page.

What I Struggled With
Nothing much to be honest. It was just about perfect of a suspense romance!

Narration
This narrator is one of my favorites for a reason and I love how she handled the dialogue for both male and female characters. She also has such a likeable personality that comes through in the narration.

Overall View
I found The Legend to be a thrilling, keep you in suspense, on edge, constant chills and a sensual packed story to keep you in all the feels while also keeping your heart up to speed with the tension being packed in...

Favorite Quote(s)

All the while, she would wait for him. Because he would come back for her. She knew that now. She’d tasted it in his kiss, felt it in his touch. He was the only one for her. She was willing to fight to the death for him, to have him any way she could—because he was the other half of her heart.


“I never had the courage to tell you that I loved you before you left the first time, but I do now. I don’t know if you want me or not, and I understand that you have a life away from here. But I don’t want anyone else. I only want you.”


Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense
Character Types: Military, Black Ops, Computer Specialist
Themes: Small Town, Danger, Family Bonds, Pining Heroine
Tropes: Childhood Sweethearts, Second Chance

Book Perspective
3rd POV

Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
A blend of both

Song This Book Inspires
Money on You by Chad Brownies

Recommendation For Reading Order
MUST read in order or the serial plot won't make sense

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 --There aren't many sex scenes but they are higher in steam level.
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:📖📖📖📖
Narration:🎧🎧🎧
Ending:🧧🧧🧧🧧
Overall View: ✨✨✨.5


First Impressions
Bound By Vengeance was a story that I knew would be a rough road, considering what the heroine we know has gone through from the previous installment, so I also knew that there was a chance that this book would also contain aspects that I would struggle with. I admit that I really struggle with a certain element in the story (which I will go in further depth to so if you don't want that spoiled skip the review), but what made it work was that the author really fleshed it out in a way that for the most part made sense. It also has some fun pining elements, her family coming to support her and a road to vengeance against those that wronged her. I also loved getting back to the Ravage MC. Its such a fun MC series for sure.

First Line
Vengeance: punishment inflicted or retribution exacted for an injury or wrong.

Summary
In this story, we have our heroine, Augstyn, who lost her child and was sexually assaulted, and she is full of secrets and pain and her family is determined to get her free of the past so that she can move on. But Austyn is full of pain, regret and sorrow in a way that no one can fully understand. But now she is on the road to vengeance against the man that raped her and put her on this road of self hate. Austyn has been in love with Ryker for many years, but he has never seen the woman. But now she nows she is dirty and ruined for Ryker and could never be good enough. but Ryker is determined to show Austyn that she is worth loving no matter what it takes.

What I Loved
There are many elements to this story that I did enjoy. I really loved the unrequited love and the relationship building aspects to this story. There is something about a pining heroine I love. I know most romance readers prefer the hero pining, but honestly, that is way common, so I tend to go after the heroines that ache and yearn for their men in such a honest way. There is something about reading a MC romance that keeps the heart so raw and full of edge. What we see in the Bound By Vengeance novel is a story of redemption, healing and most of all raw pain and guilt. Its a story that isn't easy to read. What I really appreciated was the way that the author really fleshes out these feelings about what the heroine does. About her healing process and learning to accept the mistakes that she has made and learn to live with those mistakes. Its definitely not an easy road for her, and we see her work through the trauma but also her own sins and how Ryker assists her in cleaning out those wounds and learning to live with herself. And its not an easy road for Austyn, and we definitely see a side to abortion that is rarely focused on. How the psychological effects of such a decision has on the woman. Society may be all about pro abortion, but it never talks about how it affects the person that makes that decision. Ryan Michele really handled this aspect well. I am not a supporter of having abortion in romance, so I admit I struggled, but I do feel like this author really focused on it well and showcased the emotional and mental harm it can cause as well. Most authors that place this aspect in a romance never flesh it out in this way, and I appreciated this author in willing to handle it in this story.

What I Struggled With
Well its pretty obvious, but the biggest component of the story that I had a hard time with was the abortion. The heroine is raped, and has an abortion. To be honest its never even explained why she even really did it. I do wish that had been answered, as it would have answered some questions. That was my biggest issue and also I personally just don't think abortion should even be in a romance. But while I had issues with this, and I almost DNF this book because of it, I stuck with it, because I had a feeling that the author was writing it in for a reason and I appreciated what was delivered in this story.

Narration
This narration was awful!! Especially the narrator who did the male POV. I wish it had been done by Joe Arden, but it most definitely wasn't Joe Arden, which was disappointing. Its why I have been doing these books in audio haha What really rubbed me the wrong way, was the male narrator and how he handled the female dialogue, it just made me cringe so bad. The female narrator did a solid job though.

Overall View
Bound by Vengeance was a heart felt story that tackled some very difficult issues with delicacy, its a story of healing and working through the process of guilt and grief in such a relative way.

Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Contemporary Romance, Dark Romance
Character Types: Bikers
Themes: Small Town, Tear Jerker, Abortion, Family Saga, Motorcycle Clubs, Pining Heroine
Tropes: Revenge, Unrequited Love

Book Perspective
Duo POV's

Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
Both

Song This Book Inspires
Whiskey Bent and Hellbound by Hank Williams JR

Recommendation For Reading Order
Yes recommend doing these books in order if you can.

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. 

 

The Breed Next Door is a quick and fast read that really adds a bit more depth to the "Breeds" series. For those that aren't aware, there is a readalong being done for this series currently and its so fun. But I never have really had a chance to read the series in order and especially pick up the novella's as well throughout this either. I went into this one pretty blind and I had a blast with it. I have to say that Lora Leigh always knows how to pull her readers into her books so quickly, start out with plenty of intrigue and keep you fascinated with the plot until the end which always leaves one satisfied but also yearning for a bit more.

The Breed Next Door has some delightful tropes and themes in this one. You basically have a set up of a man, who has been prisoner and experimented on most of his life. He knows nothing about even the most basic things in life. Then we have our heroine, who is appalled when her next door neighbor, who is sexy as sin, but keeps butchering her yard and when he slaughters her rose bushes, its the last straw for her. haha These two have so much chemistry, but there is a bit of angst between them and once they work through their issues, and the heroine finds out who the hero really is, a breed, and coming from a family that helped rescue the breeds from the labs, she knows exactly who this man is and why he is struggling with the norms in daily life. They bond, have lots of dirty sex, mate for life and bring down some enemies. So a typical Lora Leigh novel to entertain and delight in all of the best of ways.

I had a blast with this one and very eager to continue on with the series! We have some goodies I still need to get to this month.

 

 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 Life is a superb read and Catherine Cowles is always surprising me in how much I fall so hard for her books. And I knew that this one would be a emotional roller coaster and it definitely was and there was something so raw yet vibrant in this story. I fell so hard for our main characters who are just right for each other. They both have some challenging situations that have brought them to Sutter Lake and away from the big cities, but the way in which they are able to connect to each other, the two outsiders is so wonderful to see. This does deal with some difficult situations and may be triggering for some readers, so I recommend checking the author's TW before reading if you are more sensitive. Beautifully Broken Life is a story though that kept me up late reading and I feel no regret, definitely worth losing a bit of sleep.

First Line
My heart beat so fast, it felt as though it were rattling my ribs, straining to get free

The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Liam
Musician, Songwriter, and in a writers block and needing to escape the city.

The Heroine: Tessa
Suffered domestic abuse, on the run, and also dealing with PTSD from the abuse she was dealt and living in hiding.

Summary
Tessa, came to a breaking point and wanting freedom and self-determination and refusing to bow down to her abuser. It took time but she was able to find an escape from being abused and controlled. She finds haven in Sutter Lake and also finding friendships she never expected to find. And when Liam walks into her life, there is a connection between them. But Tessa is determined to keep him at arms length. Liam knows that there is something hurting in Tessa, and is wanting to be the man she needs and to protect her no matter the cost. As trust slowly builds between them, Tessa is able to explore a relationship with Liam she never expected she could have, but will their pasts come and haunt them and keep them from finding their HEA?

What I Loved
There was so much to love about this book. I absolutely adored this couple being together. They have such a beautiful connection, and seeing their struggles from within, really assists the reader in allowing them to connect to the reader. Beautifully Broken Life was a story that really resonates from within and its so easy to immerse yourself within this story. Catherine Cowles is such a gifted writer and the way that she is able to create such strong atmospheric vibes and relatable characters you can get behind 100% is so brilliantly conveyed. The romance is what really takes the cake in this book. There is some great friendships that we see of course, and you really fall so hard for the family that is in the series. However, what really will win your heart is the relationship that is built between Tessa and Liam. We know from the previous book that Tessa had so many secrets and Liam himself is running from a toxic situation. And seeing them being able to find what they need in this small town just clicks so quickly for the reader. And their relationship is so gradually built, its not rushed, and so the healing aspects just felt so relatable for me as the reader. To see the slow evolvement of trust and intimacy being built between them.

The plot of the story is quite intense from the mentally unstable stalker that Liam is getting to Tessa's abusive ex, and the drama with the entitled chick from book one who never seems to learn her lesson on how to treat people. It really keeps you on edge and I did seem to see any plot holes. I don't necessarily look for these though unless its super obvious. I really enjoyed the way that the character development is so intertwined in such a balanced way. The writing is so engaging, and Catherine Cowles delivers such strong emotion that has you connecting deeply with the ins and outs of the story. A true keeper.

What I Struggled With
Nothing really, It's not quite a five-star read, but it got very close to one. There isn't anything obvious in the story or any issues that I had.

Overall View
I found Beautifully Broken Life to be a tug at your heartstrings, portray the human condition in a raw and edgy way, but convey the sweet and tenderness which packs the emotional punch! A TREASURE OF A READ!

Favorite Quote(s)
The simple power of feeling seen. Heard. Understood. Believed.

Something told me that Liam was uniquely special. Masculine. Protective. But with the most tender heart at his core. One that cared deeply for others. A heart that yearned for authenticity and truth. Liam Fairchild was a potent mixture of hard lines and smooth edges. And I knew I was sunk.

“Never apologize for sharing yourself with me. Hard things you’ve been through, amazing things you’ve experienced…I want to know everything. I want it all. Every last piece of you.”

Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Contemporary Romance
Character Types: Singer/Songwriter, Abused Heroine
Themes: Small Town, Tear Jerker, MC on the run, PTSD, Pining Hero
Tropes: Friends to Lovers, Unrequited Love

Book Perspective
Duo POV

Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
A mix of both

Song This Book Inspires
I Want to Write You A Song by One Direction

Recommendation For Reading Order
You can do either. It will make more sense if you read these books in order for the character connections.

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. 

 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
Hot Ticket is the 3rd book in the series and this one, is Jace's book who is the lead Base player in the group. This also features a Dominatrix heroine, and honestly I wasn't sure what to expect going into this one, which is probably why I put it off for so long, but this book was everything and more. I couldn't put this beauty down and it delivered on all fronts for me. There is something so special about the way that this author writes her stories and this one was no different. I know I am really behind on reading this series, but quite frankly, the level of steam and some of the elements introduced to it, I would not have been on board with a decade ago. But thankfully, my reading tastes have delightfully changed and I had a blast with this and the various setups with the other characters involved.

First Line
Within seconds of meeting a man, Aggie could assign him to one of two lists.

The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Jace Seymour
Lead Base player in the Sinners, he is reserved, sweet, and a bit shy. He puts up emotional barriers, and suffered abuse growing up and needs pain especially during sex.

The Heroine: Mistress V aka Aggie
Aggie, is a professional stripper and dominatrix. She gets off on being the one in control and giving what some men need...pain. She is strong, sassy, and more alpha like in her tendancies and will fight for those that she loves.

Summary
Jace is a bass guitarist, and loves what he does and will do anything for the members of the band. He would die for them, but that devotion is something that he keeps hidden from them and doesn't believe they will want him around. He has demons in his past and he needs pain to get off during sexual encounters. When he finds Aggie, and receives what he needs in her dungeon, he doesn't expect to find love and understanding and a woman who will stand by him and give him what he needs no matter what. As Jace and Aggie grow together as a couple, and Aggie sees the man beneath and his talent with music, she falls hard for Jace. But they both have demons and will need to work together to exorcise them and find freedom together....

What I Loved
There was so much that I loved within this book and I just wanted more. There is something about Olivia Cunning and the style in which she writes that just instantly works for me. I am so thrilled that I took a chance on this author again, because this series is melting my heart and more than that haha Just be warned these books are super spicy! And it might include some scenarios that might make some readers uncomfortable, however, if you love a strong level of spice, than this is what you need to pick up.

From the beginning, you can sense that Jace and Aggie have a strong connection to each other. But it starts pretty intense with a brawl with the whole band, so it definitely pulls you in very quickly. And we get to see Jace and Aggie's first time, and Aggie starts to realize that Jace is more than capable to receive anything that she can dish out. The first couple of times that they are together is really pivotal for their relationship, because we see so much happen between them and it changes their relationship from something on the surface, to digging beneath that surface. As they explore more than just a BDSM relationship, we see them learning to let go of their shields, and share their vulnerabilities with each other. You can sense pretty quickly that even though this happens fast, that neither are afraid to be what they need for each other and its so much more than just sexual gratification for them.

There are some encounters with the other band members, mostly voyerism and a bit of touching so be mindful of that. But its completely consensual. This author really explores more than just a basic m/f relationship. So keep that in mind. However, I do think that if you can handle some side action, you will really enjoy this series and this author. I don't mind it as long as its consensual and all players involved are for it. What really delivers in this book is the heart of these band members. The way that they banter with each other and stand for each other when it really matters. Despite the spice level, the author is able to convey so much emotional intimacy and bonds of friendship that instantly tug at your heartstrings.

What I Struggled With
Nothing haha There was one plot hole with the heroine's mother that never really got taken care of. But that didn't both me to be honest.

Overall View
I found Hot Ticket to be a thrilling, edge of your seat, sensual romance that will go beyond what you normally find and delivers depths of emotion and spice!

Favorite Quote(s)
“Your beauty steals my breath,” he murmured. “Your kiss steals mine.”

He offered his sexiest, gentlest smile, and she had the inexplicable urge to flee. She forced herself to stay put—to face these alien feelings swirling through her heart. To come to terms with the idea that he was important to her. It didn’t matter if he reciprocated her feelings. She wanted him to be happy, to be with him in any capacity he allowed—devoted and dedicated so he could pursue his first love. Music.

You’re trapped by your past. I’m afraid of my future

Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Contemporary Romance, Erotic Romance
Character Types: Alpha Female, Cinnamon Roll Hero, Rock Star/Songwriter, Dominatrix
Themes: Hot Smexy Times, BDSM as Healing, Tatoos/Piercing Art

Book Perspective
3rd POV

Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
Light on the relationship conflict

Song This Book Inspires
I Need You by Lynyrd Skynyrd

Recommendation For Reading Order
Either way will work.

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. 

 

This will be another short but quickie review as this isn't a full length and doesn't have a full romance in it.

So this book basically continues on from "Pure Darkness" and we see more background behind "The Creature" (aka Erebu) and his connections to the "Pure/Dark Ones". This is the book that made Creature be fully redeemed for me. We understand what he has done, but we also see that the "mistress" is the true evil behind everything and has manipulated him in the worst of ways. But seeing him connect with his family members was so endearing. And we also got some Dragon lore enter into the story so I am very grateful some of you convinced me to pick this one up. I really want to read his book so bad, but *sigh* I gotta get to Sophie's book first. (I apologize maybe her books I will actually love her haha but she is just a character I haven't felt invested in). Don't worry I will read these in order.

The family connections that are built in this story is what really did it for me. Just seeing the way that they see the good in this poor soul that has been through hell and back and just accept him as he is and then what we see in the final battle scene at the end was really intense and poor Dalair. I really had a blast with this one. I really want Erebu to find a partner, he really deserves to find some happiness.

Overall I had a blast with this one here, and Aja James never ceases to impress me and very eager to continue on with the series and get to the final 2 books.

 

 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: 💒💒💒💒.5
Heart & Feels:💞💞💞💞💞
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: 😂😂😂😂
Page Turner Level:📖📖📖📖📖
Ending:🧧🧧🧧🧧🧧
Overall View: ✨✨✨✨.5


First Impressions
Cockpit is the finale in the "Everyday Heroes" series and I was really looking forward to this book the most because this is the brother that is the sweet one, the tame one, the one that resolves the fights between the other brothers, the peacemaker but is also the single dad and you just know he has some demons that you want to see worked through. I will admit in that Cockpit was a book that shocked me the most because its the most angsty of the three books. It definitely has a format of enemies to lovers with a mix of pining. I really wasn't expecting it to be honest, so it thew me off in the beginning, I did go into this book blind, but in typical K. Bromberg fashion, she had me falling in love with this book despite throwing my vibe off on what I was expecting. Lesson to read blurbs if you don't like surprises in the beginning. haha

First Line
"It isn't what you think. I promise."

The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Grayson
Rescue Helicopter Pilot, Baby of the family, peacemaker, Single Father

The Heroine: Sydney
Daddy's girl, works in marketing, dreams of owning her own fashion magazine. Bubbly and independent.

Summary
Sydney, has dreamed of owning her own publication and she loves fashion. She left the small town that she grew up in, but when she makes a mistake with her father's company to protect a friend, her father sends her as punishment to the small town she grew up in to repair a magazine and run a daddy beefcake contest and the man that she has to convince to work with the contest, is one stubborn man. Grayson Malone, is one sexy dad and helicopter pilot. But he is also as prickly as a porcupine when it comes to her. She rubbed him the wrong way and is determined to repair those bridges so that she can get him on board with this plan but as tensions rise between them so does their sexual chemistry. They both know that what they have is temporary, but as they learn each other, a sweet endearing love builds....but can their love last when its just temporary or will they learn to fight for what they have?

What I Loved
Cockpit shocked me in so much in how much I LOVED this one and I do think that this one ended up being my favorite of the trilogy. I wasn't sure how Cockpit could beat the previous two books, but somehow it did because all the feels was so intense and put me in a twirl of adventure and sexy vibes. There is so much tension between these two especially in the beginning. The hero is such a tortured soul. He has been betrayed in one of the worst ways, but he is completely devoted to his son and I loved seeing what a great dad he turned out to be. He is one of my favorites that I have ever read. I loved his heart and his tender personality at times. He has such a trusting heart once he lets you in. He is also so protective of his son. And this little boy totally stole my heart and has throughout the series. But seeing this little boy just yearn for a mother just broke my heart.

The way that the romance was developed was so well done. K. Bromberg is queen in getting the reader to be so invested in her couples, and Grayson and Sydney being together, well I became invested very very quickly and I am not complaining haha There is such delicious sexual tension in the first half. But when they both let go of their own perceptions of each other is where they blossom together. We do have the whole trying to not let themselves get hurt as its a temporary arrangement and also having to keep it a secret. But seeing them learning to love each other delivered in so many precious moment that delivered all the way for me. And the moments in which we see them learn to "fight" for their love. Yeah that takes the cake! I really adored what we see happen in the third act. Sometimes I struggle with the third act breakup, but the author here writes them so so well! And the way that this author was able to have my emotions so involved in this pairing was beyond clever. She definitely is a favorite author for a reason and I am definitely wanting to get back to her stories more.

What I Struggled With
The angst in the beginning, it just threw me off for a loop a bit. The hero is a bit prickly towards the heroine. I felt for Sydney, because she is not the girl she was in High School, and has to work to redeem herself. I just felt the hero was a bit too harsh.

Overall View
I found Cockpit to be a poignant, packed with heart and sexy vibes, while packing quite a humorous punch along the way. A DELIGTHFUL GEM TO SOAR WITH!

Favorite Quote(s)
“Well, you know what they say about heroes. A real hero doesn’t save to get attention; they save because it’s the right thing to do. It seems Grayson makes a habit of taking risks, though.”

never go in search of love, go in search of life, and life will find the love you seek

She tastes like heaven and hell. Like want and need. Like deception and desire.

“I love you, damn it, and I don’t have a fucking clue what to do about it other than to ask you to choose me. To tell me I’m worth the risk."

Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Contemporary Romance
Character Types: Pilot, Single Dad, Tortured Hero, Pining heroine
Themes: Small Town, Tear Jerker, Kids/Teens, Angst, All the Feels
Tropes: Opposites Attract, Unrequited Love, Enemies to Lovers, Return to Hometown, Protector

Book Perspective
Duo POV

Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
Relationship Conflict is more present

Song This Book Inspires
Wherever You Are by 5 Seconds of Summer

Recommendation For Reading Order
Yes but can be read as standalones too. Its up to your preference.

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. 

 This is going to be a short and quickie review. I won't be going in depth in this story, there are plenty of other wonderful reviews on this book that do a full depth review that I can't even begin to compete with. If you want those I recommend Princess Under the Covers, Natalie-The Biblioholic, and Starr Rivers. I just want to share my thoughts on this real fast. haha

So first, this is a very short read. You can breeze through this one very quickly. I will be honest I have had a hard time wanting to finish this series (even though I really really WANT her dragon books haha) is that I don't have much investment in these books whether its "The Creature" or Sophia books. Not that they are bad characters to have books in but both of them have a ton of books in the later half of the series that I have to push through haha Now this book is quite interesting. Its not a romance, so don't go into this one expecting one. Its more about the beginning of the Creature's journey to redemption and connecting with his family. I really enjoyed many of these scenes. I still am not invested fully, I do want to get this series completed though so I can get to the books I really want to read haha I understand why so many love these books though and I get it. I am just not strictly invested in some of these characters and more intrigued by the overall plot building for these installments.

Overall, I had a fun time with this one here and had some important elements to the story that contributed to the overall serial plot. I adore little Benjamin though. He has always been my favorite side character in the series. He just delivers charm and leaves you with a smile on your face. Highly recommend you picking this series up if you haven't picked them up yet. 

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

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


First Impressions
Beautifully Broken Pieces is the first book in the first series by Catherine Cowles. I have been making my way through this authors backlist and now this is the last series before I am fully caught up. In this one, we are brought to a setting that features a small town with a lake and mountain setting in Oregon. I really love these type of settings, (as I live in Utah and I can easily relate to this type of setting) and I really had so much fun with this book. It was so endearing and delivered on such raw emotion that I easily related with. We have a strong sense of family, of loss and grief and of learning to reconnect with living life again. And with typical Catherine Cowles fashion, there is also well plot building with impactful suspense themes to it.

First Line
Did you know that when you choose to take someone off life support, they mute the heart monitor?

The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Walker
Law Enforcement officer, Alphamellow, Protective, Loves to laugh

The Heroine: Taylor
Originally from LA, recovering from her mother passing away from cancer and dealing with anxiety from the loss.

Summary
Taylor loses the only family that she has left to cancer, her mother who was her rock. And even though she has some good friends, she isn't handling the loss very well and she needs some time from the city and from the life that she has known to recover from the loss. When she and her friends arrive to Sutter Lake, she instantly falls in love with the town and when she spies a man with a laugh that warms her from inside out, and his family offers for her a place to live on their ranch, she feels the inclination to say yes. As she starts to live her life in Sutter Lake, and trying to work through her grief, she feels a deep connection to Walker. And when some mysterious deaths happen in the area, Walker is determined to find the cause and when dangers begin to threaten the woman he loves, the culprit will be someone that they will least expect...

What I Loved
Beautifully Broken Pieces was such a heartfelt story that strikes deep. I truly was instantly endeared to this one, and if you as a reader, has had any loss, you will easily be able to relate to this heroine especially. Seeing her go through the journey and all the steps of what happens when you lose someone like she does, it makes your heart just break for her. You especially see the anxiety and some form of depression that begins to affect her and the relationships around her. I really adored seeing this element being portrayed and what we find with our heroine and her growth.

Walker is such a wonderful hero because of the way he is standing by her and being the strength that she needs to get through it. I loved his character because he is so attentive, protective and stands up to her when she needs that. She tends to push people around her away, and sometimes needs that firm hand of someone that loves her no matter how much she hurts them. We see the fear that she feels of being hurt, but seeing her take a risk on Walker was beyond poignant and the author really wrote this in such a way that you are so endeared by these characters.

The side characters that we see within this story were such a blast. I absolutely adored Walker's family, and most especially his nephew and grandmother, they were a hoot and brought some laughter to the story to really balance out the more serious toned portions of the story.

What I Struggled With
There wasn't too much that I struggled with in this one. I would say the third act with the heroine and the way in which she keeps pushing the hero away, I wasn't a fan of. I mean you understand the grief, but the way that she treats the hero at times, I wasn't encouraged by. He is such a honorable hero and she never even did a grovel for how she treats him.

Overall View
Beautifully Broken Pieces is a installment that pulls the reader into a story of heartfelt emotion, strong family bonds, and a thrilling plot bound to curl your toes and keep you on edge that will keep you wanting more...

Favorite Quote(s)
Walker Cole had me wrapped up in a spell so strong, so intricate, that I knew it would take me years to unravel it.

"I want you. You're mine remember."
"I'm broken Walker."
"Well, then all your beautifully broken pieces are mine."

You are here for me. You made me smile on a day when I thought that would be impossible. And when I feel your body next to mine, my sould settles somehow. I feel at peace. So, you are here for me in every way I need.

Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Contemporary Romance,, Romantic Suspense
Character Types: Law Enforcement, Alphamellow/Cinnamon Roll, Protector, Book Boyfriend
Themes: Small Town, Pining Hero, Danger, Family Bonds, Heart/Touching, Laughs, Tear Jerker
Tropes: Unrequited Love

Book Perspective
Duo POV

Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
A mix of both

Song This Book Inspires
Love Me Back by Bebe Stockwell

Recommendation For Reading Order
You can read Catherine Cowles as standalones or in order, its your preference but you can do either.

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.