Inheritance Games Book 0.5: The Same Backward as Forward by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Inheritance Games Book 0.5

Read her side of the story, then flip the book over to experience their love anew through his eyes in this novel that you can read backward or forward.

Hannah Rooney knows how to be invisible. At twenty, she keeps her head down and her eyes open, and so far, she’s managed to avoid being pulled into the dealings of her notorious criminal family. Hannah lives her life in countdown mode, biding her time in nursing school as she waits for her beloved sister, Kaylie, to turn eighteen so Hannah can get them both far, far away from Rockaway Watch and start a new life. 

Tobias Hawthorne II acts every inch the entitled heir that he is. As the only son of one of the country's richest men, there isn't a door that isn't open to him. Yet behind his razor sharp cheekbones and devil-may-care attitude, Toby is guarding a nest of deadly secrets and a fiery anger fierce enough to burn everything in his path.

Their lives collide in one tragic, stormy night, where an act of arson and nature leave Kaylie and two others dead and Toby just barely alive--with no memory of who he is. The fisherman who pulls him from the ocean enlists Hannah to help save the very person who she knows took away her sister. Fueled by her hatred, Hannah is determined to deny Toby's death wish by keeping him alive. He is the last person that she should ever develop feelings for, and she is the first thing he ever remembers seeing.

*Hannah’s side of the story was previously published as a novella in Games Untold.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/228646235-the-same-backward-as-forward

********

My Review: 5/5 Stars

Toby and Hannah may not get a happily ever after with one another, but their love story is still worth telling. Read both sides of their love story in this latest addition to the Inheritance Games series! Hannah’s story we’ve already seen in Games Untold. We saw her pain and anger as she saved the boy who is part of the reason her sister is dead. She refuses to let him die and cares for him through the burns and the missing memories. All the while, they fall in love. And now we get Toby’s side. Toby who wakes to pain and agony and no memories. But he just sees her. The girl with eyes that hold everything he needs even though he doesn’t know it yet. And though he wants to give in to the pain and feel it no more, she won’t let him go. And in doing so, she makes him fall for her a little more each day. I loved reading his side of the story. We get a lot more about what was going on with him during that time and after and why some decisions to stay away were made. I will also say that I think this series should be read in publishing order. Toby’s story revealed some things that you will recognize after reading the later books, especially Glorious Rivals. Another great addition to this series that only makes it more interesting and puzzling. And I can’t wait to see where this series finally takes us as we come to the end.

Inheritance Games Book 6: Glorious Rivals by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Inheritance Games Book 6

Millions, hearts, and lives are on the line in this heart-stopping sequel to The Grandest Game by #1 bestselling author Jennifer Lynn Barnes.

Seven players arrived on Hawthorne Island, each with their own secrets and motivations to win the Grandest Game. Millions are at stake, but so are hearts—and lives. The players now must race to win the game, solve myriad mysteries, and survive the twists and turns of Glorious Rivals. 

The stakes get higher, the game gets twistier, and everything heats up in this newest installment in the TikTok sensation Inheritance Games Saga.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/216635092-glorious-rivals

********

My Review: 5/5 Stars

It’s amazing how with this series I pick up the latest book and then just don’t put it down. I have to read them in one sitting, no matter how long. We have returned to the Grandest Game and the stakes continue to get higher and higher. While we have a few player gone from the island, another, Gigi, has been kidnapped. Though no one seems to realize that just yet. The rest, Lyra, Grayson, Rohan, Savannah, and Brady continue to play. All have a reason to win and another reason to take someone out the running. The only one not looking to win is Grayson. And that’s because he is determined to keep Lyra safe. But turns out his family is still in danger and he needs some answers. Some from his brother who has been keeping quite a secret. In the story the game will finally end, but leave us with some big problems. As always, I love the puzzles in this series. It’s always fun to try to figure it out alongside the characters. Also, just when you get some answers to what is going on, a bunch of other things turn up that leave you with more questions. The series always keeps you on your toes, the characters are always interesting, and stakes just get higher. I can’t wait to see how everything finally ends! One more book to go and I think it’s going to be pretty insane. 

A Very Merry Anthology

 

My Review: 4/5 Stars

The Castle by Hannah McBride

This short holiday story was very cute! Kailah and Vane met when they were kids in foster care. Though they only got to know one another for a few months, they never forgot one another. Not even twenty years later when they are reunited. Stranded at Vane’s family hotel because of the snowstorm, they reconnect and realize that this connection between them could be so much more if they are brave enough to take it. A sweet holiday romance story! I ended up loving these two and wished it could have been a whole book! But their story was utterly very sweet and magical. A perfect way to celebrate the holidays!

Promises, Promises Book 0.5: Promised Adventure by Rye Cox

Promises, Promises Book 0.5

Wren is off on his next adventure, but a vehicle malfunction leaves him stranded outside the property of someone who might take him on the adventure of a lifetime.

This is a Promises, Promises short story prequel that takes place before the start of the series. You can obtain this short at no cost by signing up to Rye’s newsletter on release date.

This was previously published as part of A Safe Space Charity Anthology.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/234813436-promised-adventure

********

My Review: 4/5 Stars

This was a fun short story prequel to the Promises, Promises series! We’ve seen Wren and Jordan in the series and knew they were together, but now we get to see how that happened! When Wren is on the way to his next adventure, his van breaks down leaving him stranded. Lucky for him, Jordan spots him on his way home and his house is very close. Jordan has been feeling like something is missing and just can’t put a name to what that is. Then he meets Wren and things are starting to make sense. Their connection is instant and they take a leap of faith to what will lead them to a happy ending. A short sweet story for you to enjoy before diving fully into this series!

The Jilted Exes’ Club Book 3: Boyfriend Without Benefits by Riley Hart

The Jilted Exes’ Club Book 3

Anthony

I’m the last single member of the Jilted Exes’ Club, and I have no plans to change that.

I’m fulfilled with my work at the club, dance classes, yoga, and the Exes. Plus, I’ve been extremely preoccupied with one Kason Maddox, the LA Rebels’ goalie. Let’s just say that since we’ve become friends, my eyes might drift in his general direction a little too much. But it’s only looking. And looking never harmed anyone…

Eventually, our texting sessions lead to dinners out and ending our nights watching our favorite shows. But when the paparazzi catch sight of us and the photos go viral, I suddenly find out I’ve had a boyfriend and didn’t know—a boyfriend without the benefits. And I’m thinking we should reconsider the benefits in this relationship if we are going to be in one.

Kason

So…I thought we were dating. Turns out, the guy I was dating had no idea that’s what we were doing. Friend-zoned without even knowing it. Cool. The equivalent of taking a puck to the face.

But due to an innocent little photo or two, now everyone thinks we’re together, so we have three 

1- Stop hanging out to silence the rumors.

2- Hang out as friends and ignore the gossip blogs.

3- Start dating—and both of us are aware of said dating this time.

I know which one I’m rooting for. And if I have to use a little dirty talk and some praise to shift things in my favor, I’m game.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/231388288-boyfriend-without-benefits

********

My Review: 5/5 Stars

Anthony’s story has arrived! The last member of the Jilted Exes’ Club finally gets his happy ending and he more than deserves it. Anthony didn’t have an easy childhood. He learned the lesson early that those who are supposed to love you, leave you. So he’s done his best to keep his distance. And when he tried to open up, he was burned. So he’s done. Though he has to admit if it wasn’t for the lying and cheating Malcolm, he wouldn’t have met Hayes and Donovan. And those two have become his best friends. But even them he won’t tell all his secrets to. And he’s been busy anyway with work and dancing and then this new developing friendship with Kason Maddox. Anthony will admit, the goalie is super attractive but if it is between keeping his friendship intact or ruining if they ever hook up, he’ll stay friends. At least, that’s what he thinks. Meanwhile, Mads is crazy about Anthony. The more time they talk or spend together, the harder he falls. He has been loving to get to know him and finally asks Anthony out. He thinks everything is going great. They are casually dating and getting to know one another and Mads is sure he won’t scare Anthony away considering what the guy has been through. But then when pictures pop up of them together and announcing to the world they are boyfriends, turns out they were telling Anthony too. It takes Anthony a moment to put together that Mads and him… are boyfriends just without benefits. So what happens if they actually get to the benefits part? Turns out it’s the gateway to their happy ending. If Anthony is brave enough to take the first step. I adored these two! It was especially cute to see that they were definitely acting like they were dating but Anthony was clueless. But once they cleared it up, they were absolutely adorable together. I really loved getting to know both of these characters and watch them fall in love. It was a great way to end this series! Mads is so crazy about Anthony and I loved that he was determined to prove to Anthony just how much he cared. Swoon! So cute and you definitely don’t want to miss this!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Fae & Alchemy Book 2: Brimstone by Callie Hart

Fae & Alchemy Book 2

The #1 New York Times bestselling romantasy series continues with more drama, higher stakes, and deadly consequences.

Duty. Blood. Honor. Power.

Saeris Fane doesn’t want power. The very last thing she needs is her name whispered on an entire court’s lips, but now that she’s been crowned queen of the Blood Court, she’s discovering that a queen’s life is not her own. A heavy weight rests upon her shoulders. Her ward—and her brother—need her back in her homeland…but the changes that have strengthened Saeris have also made her weak. Born under blazing suns, Saeris will surely die if she makes her way home through the Quicksilver. Which means that, once again, she must send someone else in her stead...

“Keep your mouth shut. Stick to the shadows. And for the love of all seven Gods, do NOT crack any jokes.”

Kingfisher of the Ajun Gate has defeated armies and survived all manner of horrors, but traveling back to Zilvaren with Carrion Swift might just be the death of him. The male just will not shut up. Hidden dangers await them down the narrow alleyways of the Silver City. Unfolding secrets pose impossible threats. Fisher must wrangle the smuggler and accomplish his goals quickly if he wants to see his mate again.

A darkness falls across Yvelia. The realm and their friends are in danger. Together, Saeris and Fisher will pass through fire and brimstone to save them.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/222348870-brimstone

********

My Review: 5/5 Stars

Back with Saeris and Kingfisher and this sequel did not disappoint! The series is only getting more interesting and after the end of that book? I can’t wait to see what happens next! So this story takes place shortly after the end of the previous book. Saeris is days away from being officially crowned queen of the Blood Court and it’s the last thing she wants or needs right now. But with her on the throne she can at least put an end to this part of the war. But while the Blood Court could have some answers they seek, it doesn’t mean it is safe. There is also the matter of returning to her homeland to retrieve her brother. But that task is not hers. It will be up to Fisher and Carrion. And we all know how a Fisher and Carrion team up will go. Expect way too much chaos and Fisher moments away from strangling Carrion to keep his mouth shut for once. And if that isn’t enough drama going on, there is also something covering the lands of Yvelia and they have no idea how to stop it. So much is going down in this book! For every answer we get, another question pops up. But I absolutely loved this story. And for once in this high stakes romantasy series, I did not want to throw my book across the room at a mean cliffhanger. Do I have many questions after that last page? Absolutely. But I’m only excited to find out what happens next! This story was great all around. Great action, romance, and a world that just keeps getting more interesting. Plenty of twists and turns and I loved getting to know Saeris and Fisher more as well as their friends. I can’t wait to see where this series takes us and I’m looking forward to book three!

Snowed in With You by Rye Cox

Eli

There was a time when I thought my new stepbrother, Nathan Bailey, and I could be friends. Best friends, even. But then I walked past his room and hear his friends make fun of me. Instead of defending me, he laughs with them. And his clueless act when I give him the cold shoulder? That just seals the deal. I hate Nathan Bailey.

The only thing that can be worse than being forced to drive to our family’s annual Christmas retreat with him is being caught in a snowstorm and trapped in a different cabin. Alone.

Nathan

When my dad married Eli Madison’s mom, I was excited about the possibility of having a brother. We seemed to be on our way to a great friendship when Eli suddenly stopped speaking to me. He’s been a cute, angry kitten for years now, and I don’t know why. It would help if he talked to me, but when he isn’t ignoring me, his words drip with disdain. What I do know is that Eli Madison hates me.

The only good thing about being trapped in this cabin with him is that he can finally tell me what I did wrong all those years ago… and maybe I can figure out why cute is the first word that comes to mind when I think of him. My stepbrother.

Snowed in With You is a standalone MM Christmas story featuring grumpy-only-to-you/sunshine stepbrothers, a bi-awakening, only one fireplace, and a couple of Corio Heights cameos.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/243159218-snowed-in-with-you

********

My Review: 5/5 Stars

When Eli’s mom had remarried, he thought it would be great to have a brother. They were getting along great and he thought he would have a new best friend. Until he overheard Nathan’s friends talking about him and Nathan just laughing alongside them. It’s been years since then but Eli still holds a grudge. Because while Nathan appears like this really sweet and nice guy, Eli can’t help but feel like it’s some sort of lie. But then when they get snowed in together on their way to meet their family for Christmas, well, it may be time to clear the air. Nathan has never understood why Eli hates him. He thought they were getting along great until one day they weren’t. He has tried many times of the years to be nice and connect but Eli wasn’t having it. Who would have thought that being trapped together may finally clue him in to what was a misunderstanding. And being trapped and honest, well turns out there is more feelings both had their either let themselves think about. This was a cute, fun romantic Christmas story! A grumpy and sunshine tale that gave us some pretty great banter. I loved getting to know Eli and Nathan and for them to finally realize that they were always supposed to be way more than just stepsiblings and friends. They were actually quite cute! This is definitely a fun story you don’t want to miss!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.