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

Introduction
Liars Like Us is the first book in the "Morally Gray" series and its also loosely connected to her "Queens and Monsters" world as well so keep that in mind. You can read this one as a standalone if you choose, but some of the connections will make more sense if you have read the "Queens and Monsters" with the "Beautiful Cruel" duo series. This is a story that I think readers will either love or feel "meh" about. It worked really well for me. Not as much as some of her other books, but it's up there with how I felt about the Beautifully Cruel books. This is a edgier contemporary romance but I wouldn't call it dark romance necessarily either, but it depends on your spectrum as well. If you enjoy authors like: Lisa Renee Jones, Kristen Ashley (unfinished hero), or J. Kenner, than this one will work for you. This is also in 1st POV from the heroine, its not dual POV like some of her previous works so that may throw some readers off.

Summary
Emery Eastwood, is the owner of a small quaint bookshop where felines roam the premises and has a charm outlook to it. But financially she is barely making it and when a competitor corporate bookshop opens up in the neighborhood, she knows that she is in trouble and won't have a choice but to sell the shop that has been in her family. Then she is shocked when billionaire, Callum McCord makes her a tempting offer, ten million dollars to be his wife of convenience so he can maintain his inheritance. At first Emery fights the offers, but when she realizes its too tempting of an offer she reluctantly accepts with her own conditions. But being married to Callum won't be like anything that Emery expects, and there are secrets and motivations that will only test their relationship...

My Outlook
I found to really enjoy Liars Like Us. This was such a charming read, if I am being honest. But its different from what this author delivered in her previous works. So I do think this is a story that won't be for everyone. Throughout most of the story I was endeared by this story, the author of course has plenty of sass and laughs to entertain the reader and I guarantee that it will work for you. I really found that I just wanted more from this couple. We just see the side to Emery. And while it can work in other books, the way that this author writes, it does feel like a primary component is missing in this one which is seeing Callum's side of things.

We only see what happens in Emery's perspective. While I enjoyed her character for the most part, she dragged on the grovel from Callum way too long to be honest. Personally I am not sure why she was so shocked by his motivations, this is no timid gamma male you are dealing with. I did struggle a bit with the heroine. The hero I loved completely and was on board with him and when everything is revealed, yeah I adored it. I had no issues with what he does and found it quite fascinating. This story also has a bit of a "You've Got Mail" vibes to it, and I really enjoyed seeing a darker take on the story in some ways. The writing of course, is just as, easy to read as her previous books, so you will easily be drawn into this one. Definitely a captivating story that curled my toes and had me laughing up and down throughout. A true keeper of a read!

Rating Evaluation:
Plot: 4
World Building:4
Cover:4
Hero: 4
Heroine: 3.5
Steam: 5
Heart & Feels:4
Ending:3.5
Overall View: 4
 

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

Introduction
Twisted Hate is the 3rd installment in the "Twisted" series and I have to say I had such nerves about reading this one. I knew that this would be a very angsty enemies to lovers type of read. So I have had it on my shelf for literally an year haha but ironically I decided to pick up the audiobook for this one but I can safely say that this book was lively and entertaining and so wonderful. I never know what to expect about an enemies to lovers, but it delivered all the way for me. While its not a perfect story, it was a wonderful experience and is deserving of its high rating, at least for me. I do think this author is worth the hype, she writes such entertaining books that just feeds the heart.

Summary
Jule Ambrose and Josh Chen have been at odds with each other for years. And from their first moments they hated each other when Jules overheard Josh not approving of Jules as a friend for his sister. But when Jules and Josh are in a forced proximity situation, their hate for each other slowly starts to turn to respect for each other and the chemistry between them sizzles and when they mutually decide to use each other for sex, well neither complain on that matter. But their hate like fling, turns into something deeper, and sweet endearing affection forms slowly between them. But Jules has a life of secrets and when her past comes back, her decisions may keep her from the man she could see herself sharing her life with...and their love will be tested in ways that neither of them expect.

My Outlook
I absolutely adored Twisted Hate. It actually surprised me how much I loved it. I am not sure why I am so shocked, because this is a hyped author, that works for me, and no one is more shocked than I am haha because y'all know how hyped books actually work out for me and normally its not very well. Enemies to Lovers I know is probably a trope you all love, but as a reader that doesn't love it too much, this one ended up working out just right. And I do want to give much of the credit to the narrators, who were brilliant in this book and really made this book come alive for me. The bantering and jabs that these two make against each other was just right and the steam in this book is explosive. Be careful you don't get burned, because this might be the most spiciest book that I have read from this author.

Overall View
Twisted Hate is a powerfully evoking romance that lifted my heart in the most unexpected times. Its a story of the thin line between love and hate and the endearing chemistry that can connect a couple in unexpected ways.

Rating Evaluation:
Plot: 5
World Building: 4
Cover: 4.5
Hero: 5
Heroine:4.5
Steam: 5
Heart & Feels:5
Ending:4
Overall View: 4.75 

 This was such a endearing book and while it was a very steamy read it also had some sweet emotional connection that was built throughout the story here. It was also quite interesting to see the heroine being the one that is the older age in the relationship as that is less common in age gaps. But it was very well done and I really liked how the author did make sure that they both have commonalities for them both to relate to. The only complaints that I had with this book was the ending, it just felt very rushed and had a more HFN than a HEA. While it still ends happily, I find HFN not quite as satisfying and would have preferred an ending that finalizes the book a bit better. 

 I am completely speechless about this book here. It was so wonderful, addictive and kept me up all night reading. Which I don't mind, that doesn't happen too often. I was so intrigued by this one especially after "Rebel" ended but boy did Sophie Lark really satisfy me and this book is definitely worth the hype and I can see why so many readers love this book so deeply. I normally don't agree with hype books, I will be honest, but in Bully, this book is brilliantly written and one of my favorite reads from this author and I do think its one of her best mafia books read. I am so curious to see if we learn what happens in their HEA in later books, I just loved the connection to Ivan and Snow in this book. And I am glad that I had read that series before reading this one for sure. It was so interesting to see how this story was developed.

In the Bully we get a blend of aspects that seemed to really work so well together. We have a connection where there is some blackmail and some bully romance. I actually think this is one of the better bully romances. The hero is blackmailing the heroine because he learns a deep secret that if it becomes known its her life. So seeing this game that they play together was so delectable and when their relationship becomes more serious and BDSM comes into play....HOLY SMOKES....does the sexual tension raise up a notch or ten. Really adored their chemistry and Sophie Lark really did a superb job in building up the BDSM elements while also building on their relationship in such a profound way. And the way that the hero grovels and what is willing to sacrifice for her in the third act just melted my heart. I do feel like the heroine was dragging out the grovel way too much. Like girl come on the dude made a mistake, just forgive him already. If a grovel is to be dragged out longer, it needs to be super bad. And while he hurts her, she knew he had inner pain and lashes out at people, did she just conveniently forget about that? But despite my issue with how the grovel was did, this still turned out to be a five star read for me just because I loved everything else about the book and it had so much heart that won me over in the end.

Overall I had a blast with these two and am curious to see the pieces of the "spy" to really come together in book 4. 

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

Introduction
The Rebel is the second installment in the "Kingmakers" series and I absolutely loved this book. Wow this one really blew me away. While I liked the first book, this one just went to a whole new level and I just found it so satisfying. I have no clue why I put this book off for so long, I have had it in my KU queue for weeks now. But I am so glad I decided to take a second chance on this series because I am really starting to see some pieces fall into place for this one here. And I just love a good forbidden romance and Sophie Lark really upped her game for this book and I am not sure if it was the book or just the narrators just were so good with these, I really want to listen to these in audio for the series at least. They really went with some solid narrators on these so I am really impressed with that. But Side Note: The only covers that are valid are the sexy guy on the cover. I could care less about these ugly illustrated ones. And is a main reason it took me so long to pick it up. Sorry if that offends you, but I really struggle when authors take a beautiful cover and change it to illustrated.

Summary
The gist of the story is that there are three POV's that are being done but one of them is for the heroine in book 3 so it does build up plot points for things that are very significant in book three so you definitely want to pay attention to it. But what we have are our three players in the story: Zoe, Miles and Cat. Zoe is engaged to Rocco Prince who is a psychopath but due to the financial obligations, her father is handing her over to him once she is finished with college. And when her father forces her sister to go to Kingmaker's, Zoe knows her father will mainpulate the situation to get her to obey Rocco's demands. But then Zoe attracts the attention of Miles who is one of the most famous students at Kingmakers and when he is determined to have Zoe, he knows that he will have to use every smart he has to get her out of this situation and save Zoe to be free to choose for herself...

My Outlook
This was such a wonderful read here. I surprisingly enjoyed this one. Sophie Lark can be such a hit or miss for me. So I never know if a story will work or not. But I ended up loving this one here. It had everything I love to see in a romance even in a new adult. I really enjoyed the forbidden feels to this book and seeing how Zoe and Miles come together. Seeing their relationship grow was just so endearing. Rocco is crazy and for a dark romance that is saying something. But I really enjoyed the way that this one was developed and how well Sophie Lark developed the villain's character, it really builds on the tension so well. We also have a side plotline with Cat's book who is Zoe's sister. And I really loved this plotline. It actually is needed to understand fully what happens in book 3. If you are a fan of forbidden feels, then this is a book for you. Highly recommend.

Rating Evaluation:
Plot: 5
World Building:4
Cover:5 (only the sexy cover, not the illustrated as that would be a 1)
Hero: 5
Heroine: 4
Steam: 4
Heart & Feels:4
Ending:5
Overall View: 4.5 

 

Consume Me was such a delightful installment in the "Ravage MC" series and I have to say that I am really loving these books here. I absolutely loved this one. While these aren't five star reads by any means, these are absolutely superb for MC romances. I absolutely adore the gritty vibes that this author is able to incorporate into these without them feeling too too dark.

In Consume Me is a story of a pining hero and unrequited love. There is a reason though that the hero is spurning the hero's interest in her and its not because she doesn't want exactly what he is looking for, but because she is on the run from her past and she has dangerous enemies and she won't put him at risk and the club. I also enjoyed the aspect that the hero is not yet fully in the club as he is a prospect and its wonderful to see this. Rarely in a MC romance do you see the beginning's of their entry into the club so I really appreciated that the author went all in on this one and the way that the club banded around him when he wasn't even fully in the club just shows the brotherhood for even the prospects.

Overall I had a blast with this one and really enjoying these in audio as well!!! Eager for the next one!

 

 This was a reread as of 5/30/2023.

This was part of a read along for the "Breeds Series" that I am hosting with Ann with Romancing the Readers and Ruby with Bookishly Ruby. Absolutely had a blast with this one for the second time. Just as good as reading it for the first time. A sexy hot paranormal romance that was superb and loving getting back to this world again. 

 

I read this because this one became highly recommended as a basketball romance. And I believe this is my first book from this author and it was a average read for me. I am not sure if I just wasn't in the mood or what for this one but I just couldn't seem to connect to this one. I loved how the hero was into basketball though and it showed some aspects of the sport but it didn't quite fulfill my expectations either. I wanted to really love it but it just didn't quite click for me. Or maybe I just expected more from this one considering how many people have enjoyed this author and hyped this book up. Or it could also be a combination of both factors. While this was a enjoyable relationship to delve into, it felt average and didn't quite wow me. I did enjoy the hero much more than the heroine. Nothing horrible and super focused on what I didn't care for, she just seemed very prickly. But still an likeable read that has some redeeming qualities that kept me with the story in the end.

 

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

Introduction
Illicit King is the first book in a new series by Maggie Cole but it is connected to her Mafia Wars series. I do recommend if you want the full experience to read these books in order. You can read them as standalones, but they will make much more sense if you read them in order and it will give you more family depth to the stories as a while. I have had this book in my KU queue for a few weeks, I knew that this would be so angst filled, so I really wanted to make sure that I was in the right mood for this. So be ready for some delicious sexual tension and enemies to lovers vibes (and yes this is a true enemies to lovers) alongside with a romeo/juliet retelling and forbidden love and both characters being kick ass. And it has really authentic feeling mafia vibes to it so be prepared for the gritty mafia feel that so many mafia these days tend to lack at times.

My Outlook
I absolutely had a blast with Illicit King and it was so delightful to read this story and get back to Maggie Cole. I just love the way in which she writes mafia romance and the fact that she is starting a new series set in Ireland, just has me so hopeful for these books. Now this book is far from perfect, the heroine is very ignorant in her family. I am not sure why, she grows up with these men, like I wonder, why is she so so shocked? They also turn against her at every single turn. And the hero understands how the men in her family work way better than she comprehends. While I get some of it, its dragged out in a way that just doesn't appeal. It got to a point, where she was acting a bit "tstl" type of heroine. She is such a badass, and crafty, and you would think she would understand especially after what they do to her sister. But she just never ever learns. And I wonder how she survives as long as she does. It was hard though seeing so many people she trusts turn against her and I was also a bit disappointed that nothing happened to them. I mean she is a mafia badass, and she just lets it all go? Maybe I am complaining about nothing? I am not sure. While I enjoyed some aspects to the character, I think my primary issue was how long it gets dragged out through the story. The hero however, is fabulous; I love how much he is willing to sacrifice for her. He is definitely a hero that you can get behind and want to fight for. The romance was fiery hot and multi dimensional in some respects but there are some plot holes that may bother some readers. It didn't bother me too much, but I didn't exactly love it. Does that mean I didn't love this book? Hell no, I had so much fun with this book and I NEED the next book so badly. I can already feel the tension that book is going to bring.

Overall View
Illicit King is such a action packed mafia romance that will fuel your heart in such tension filled ways. Be ready for action, drama, and thrills to curl your toes from beginning to end!

Rating Evaluation:
Plot: 4
World Building: 5
Cover:5
Hero: 5
Heroine: 3
Steam: 4
Heart & Feels:4
Ending:4
Overall View: 4 

  Introduction
Resonance is the 7th installment in the Trinity series but is the 22nd installment in the Psy Changeling world. There is something about this series that is so much more than you could ever expect and honestly I think its some of Singh's best writing. And there were some delightful suprises in this book that I honestly didn't expect to see from this author. There are two romance plot lines, although Yakov's storyline is much more stronger than Pavel. Considering this is the first time I have seen this author introduce a gay couple on page, I am not shocked by it. I am curious to see if we will start to see these type of themes in future books from her, she definitely has me intrigued. The romance that builds between these couples are unique and different from each other but so poignant. Its packed with plenty of laughs, the endearing qualities of pack dynamics among the bear clans and family close ties to tug at your heartstrings. Definitely an installment to gush over.

Summary
Stone Water Bear twins, Pavel and Yakov Stepyrev, have always been attached at the hip but now when they meet their potential mates, both Pavel and Yakov find themselves going into different directions. Pavel funs into Arwen Mercan, who is a Psy Empath and they begin starting a relationship and developing their mated bond. ARwen is shy and reserved and has never been used to the type of attention that he receives from Pavel but he can't resist what he feels and the love that just bursts from Pavel. Then we have Yakov who is the primary storyline of "Resonance Surge" Theodora is also a twin with Pax, but growing up they were seperated because she was viewed by her family as weak and much less than. She was forced to go through certain measures and now she is determined to atone for those mistakes she made but as she and Yakov discover the secrets of the past they also discover a tight endearing bond that only strengthens the more that they are together. But there is a foul plan happening and neither of them or those they consider family will see what is ahead, will they be able to rise above it and be able to embrace a brighter future ....together?

My Outlook
So Resonance Surge is a story that utterly captured my heart and so quickly too. We are first brought into the heroine's world and man my heart just poured for this young woman who has been alone for so long and is just now reconnecting with her twin. As we see what she suffered, your heart will bleed for her especially in how badly her family turned on her. And then bring in the BEARS!!! Now I have to say I have read many bear shifter romances, but Nalini Singh so easily captures their lifestyle in such authentic ways. I love their bright energy and eagerness for life and all the pranks that they play just cracks me up. But they have so much love for each other and I am in love with seeing how this author brought her readers back to the bear changeling packs and seeing so much more depth to the clan and the Russian culture. The romance was slow building but also introduces the reader to captivating emotion and relationship growth that I found to be so relatable. The way that our couple ends up being so vulnerable with each other and connect in these small and big ways was monumental for the story. I enjoyed the little touches that Nalini Singh delivers with her books and we definitely see such the intimacy being so well developed and my heart just went out so quickly to these two. If you are a fan of the way that Singh writes these pairing, I guarantee that you won't be disappointed with how this story is developed while alos building a plot that keeps you on the edge of your seat and in suspense from beginning to end.

Overall View
Overall I found Resonance Surge to be a poignant romance that feeds the heart with such slow building tension, a plot that has a breath of mystery and inspires the reader to delve deeper, and delivers a group of stories to fee the romantic heart and packs a punch straight to the heart!

Rating Evaluation:
Plot: 5
World Building: 5
Cover:5
Hero: 5
Heroine: 4.5
Steam: 4
Heart & Feels:4.5
Ending:5
Overall View: 4.5