ARC received via Netgalley for an honest review

I haven't read the first Bow Street Bachelors book, but this did not affect my reading of To Catch An Earl.

I am on a bit of a historical kick at the moment so Kate Bateman had me at Earl.

Alex and Emmy's tale took me probably 25% to really get into - I was tempted to DNF this one, but it did seem to take off from there.

At times, I felt Emmy was just a bit dumb - why wear something very distinct to commit a crime? Dudette? Why?

I just wanted Alex to do what he had to do. Dragging out what would happen just went on too long.

I did feel the attraction between our lovelies, but they didn't really have that "pow" factor. It was like yeah they are in the same circles and just ended up together a lot of the time.

I can see the appeal for lovers of the genre, this one was just flat for me.

I don't know how I missed this book when I originally read the EE series.

I didn't know I wanted this book until I started reading.

As always, Ms Van Dyken gives us an unlikable hero, a strong female and a lot of mafia action.

This one also had a plot twist and wTF moment that blindsided me. Well played Ms Van Dyken, well played.

Nikolai is not a character I would say I liked at first, however I knew that I would be brought around and end up loving him.

I liked Maya, how she didn't fall in a big ol heap, she stayed strong right through.

Now on to the next book in my reread.

Read Enrapture onmy during my Eagle Elite reread.

That little novella packed a hell of a pun h.

Full of so much emotion

**You will have to have at least read Elude before reading Empire, but I would read the whole series for full effect**

Rachel Van Dyken has completely wrecked me with Empire.

I don't know how she does it, but each and every book in the Eagle Elite series gets better and better.

I didn't think it would be possible for her to better Elude, but right from the first words of Empire, I knew that it was going to be just as good.

But I was wrong.

It wasbetter.

I fell in love with Sergio in Elude, and I thought my heart was broken at the end of that book.

Nope.

Not. Even. Close.

The continuation of Sergio's story annihilated me. I was an ugly crying mess. After the events of Elude, I wasn't sure what was going to happen with him.

And along came Valentina.

Sweet, naive to what her family really is. The complete opposite to Andi. But maybe, just maybe what the doctor ordered.

With each chapter, I was drawn more and more into this story. My heart hurt, my heart soared. My heart was filled with hope for Sergio.

And then there was one almighty clanger of a surprise that I really did not expect!

Empire was the perfect conclusion to Sergio's story, and now I can't wait for the next book in the series, Enrage.

ARC received for an honest review

Blood In. No Out

What can I say about Enrage other than wow.

I have been a fan of this series since I first stumbled across the first book, Elite, a few years back.

Each and every story just gets better and better, and the Eagle Elite family gets bigger and bigger.

There is just something about these mafioso that keeps me coming back for more. Ms Van Dyken has created a wonderful group of people that you love or hate, depending on their actions at the time (but for me mostly love).

As a reader, you just know that you are going to have your heart ripped out at some stage whilst reading an EE book, you just never know how, when or why. And she has not disappointed with Enrage.

I adore Dante and El - the push and pull, the love/hate between them kept me captivated the whole read. I laughed, I cried, I loved and hated - sometimes all on the same page.

It is days since i finished Enrage - and I am still unsure if I have forgiven Ms Van Dyken for events in this book!

I don't know how she keeps doing it, ever single time.

Can't wait for more

ARC received from author for an honest review

Woot! Another Sawyer Bennett hockey hottie to add to my collection!

I am truly, deeply missing hockey during the time of COVID-19, so I have to get all my thrills through hockey books.

I have been intrigued by Aaron Wylde since he turned up in he earlier books in the series, and he did not disappoint.

And I want to be Clarke when I grow up - she owns a book shop, and catches they eye of a sexy hockey player lol.

If you are a fan of weddings, you are going to love this installment - not telling who though!

This installment felt just a little bit too easy though, if that makes sense? Not that that is a bad thing, it was just that nothing really happened. There were a few sad moments, but nothing to grip you like a vice and make you worry for our lovelies - this is probably just a me thing though. I love it when there is no stupid mis/non communications and things, but I still want something to make me growl at my Kindle.

I loved seeing more of the Vengeance boys, and there is something that I hope will be more information in the next installment, something that felt unfinished at the time.

Give me more, Ms Bennett, give me more!

ARC received via Netgalley for an honest review

Summer On Honeysuckle Ridge was the perfect book for me to hunker down under a blanket and devour.

Hunter and Abby's story is flirty yet frustrating, as they snap and bite at each other (in a non kinky way!)

Our girl Abby has had a crappy year, but she is the epitome of "when life throws you lemons, make lemonade." She doesn't let anyone or anything get her down, and when you learn her history, you can't help but love her more.

I love a gruff, grumpy hero, and Hunter is all that and more Even when you should hate him, I just couldn't do it.

I completely get the small town vibe of this book, their wariness of outsiders and how hard it can be to fit in there - been there, done that! However I also get the great friendships you can make with those that reach out to you.

There are some completely horrible secondary characters in this book, and I wanted to cheer from the rooftops when they got what was coming.

I adored the people of this town and I can't wait to see what happens next.

A new to me author and narrator.

I love a historical story, and James and Violet's is a fun one.

Even when i wanted to reach into the story and shake some sense into them both, but particularly Violet.

I love the banter between our lovelies, however I got so completely and utterly frustrated at the games she plays, and the lac of communication between them both.

It does make for a lot of spark when they do get their stuff sorted out. You know there is plenty of love between them, but when outside influences come into play things go awry.

I am a Joel junkie, so I knew I would enjoy his narration. Ms Chase is a new to me narrator, and she is delightful. She brings Violet to life.

An enjoyable tale to listen to during isolation.