Brooklyn Bruisers Book 10: Love Lessons by Sarina Bowen

Brooklyn Bruisers Book 10

He needs an image makeover, she needs a mojo upgrade. A new lessons-in-seduction hockey romance from Wall Street Journal bestselling author Sarina Bowen.

After I'm arrested for throwing a raucous party, my hockey team says I have an image problem. And I need to fix it, stat.

Charity work? Check. Haircut? Sure. But I draw the line at hiring my neighbor to style me. In the first place "style" shouldn't be a verb. And I'm tired of people who'd judge me on appearances.

Vera and I don't see eye to eye on anything. She wants me to try on clothes, while I just want to remove hers. She's distractingly pretty, with soulful eyes and a sinful mouth that likes to argue with me.

But when management threatens my summer vacation, I grudgingly agree to Vera's unusual proposal: she'll give me an image makeover. But in return, she wants lessons in the art of seduction.

It sounds a little nutty, but I know a good opening when I hear it. Besides, it's not like I'll ever fall for her... 

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60811919-love-lessons

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Gotta love the world of Brooklyn Bruisers. We have reached Ian and Vera's story! Ian we've seen a bit throughout the series and Vera we met last book and they couldn't be more different from one another. Yet in a lot of ways they are similar as well. Both try to act more confident and in some areas they are but they both hide a lot of insecurities. For Ian, right now he is going through a tough time. He has been having nightmares for months after a fight on the ice led to his opponent in a career ending injury. He feels guilty about it and doesn't know how to cope despite the fact that things happen on the ice. He is also worried after being arrested for a party at his home being too loud and now PR is on his back to clean up his act and be presentable. The last thing Ian cares about is what he wears. Then there is Vera. A stylist building her business but is filled with some insecurities. Her boyfriend dumped her a few years back and she has never really gotten over it. Believing that she wasn't perfect or someone worth dating. When these two find themselves on the same trip to Italy with their friends, it gives them an opportunity to get to know one another and realize that they have a lot of chemistry. Loved their story. Ian is hilarious and Vera is so sweet and relatable. It takes them both a bit of time to realize that they are chasing or worrying about the wrong things and that they could be really great together. Loved this new story in the Brooklyn Bruisers series. It almost felt like an ending and in ways it was but I'm hoping this isn't the last of it!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. 

Cover Reveal! Tease by Melanie Harlow

TEASE, an all new billionaire, fake engagement, small town romantic comedy from USA Today and #1 Amazon bestselling author Melanie Harlow is coming July 11th, and we have the delicious cover!

I didn’t mean to say I was engaged to a hot billionaire–it just slipped out.

In my defense, I’d had a really bad haircut, a really strong drink, and I was trying to save face in front of the Mean Girl at my high school reunion.

Lucky for me, I happen to know a hot billionaire. Hutton French and I have been friends forever, and even though big social gatherings are not his thing, I called him from the coat closet and begged him for a favor–show up and play my fake fiancé for the night.

Except that word of our engagement spreads like wildfire. Our families are ecstatic. We’re front page news. My little food blog is launched into the stratosphere.

Of course, I offer to set the record straight right away, but Hutton wants to give it a little time–the phony engagement will keep his matrimony-mad mother and every matchmaking granny in town off his back.

He even suggests I move in with him to make the ruse more real.

And we don’t stop there.

We practice kissing. Undressing each other. Saying things–and doing things–we’d never dare if we weren’t pretending. Because it’s all for show, right? We’re just role-playing. Hutton doesn’t want a real relationship, and I don’t want to get hurt. But the more time we spend faking it, the more I start to wonder.

Could Hutton French and I actually be right for each other, or is it all just one big tease?

Pre-order your copy, exclusively on Amazon!

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3xm3ELq

Amazon Worldwide: https://mybook.to/teaseMH

Add to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3Q40TWp

Cover designer: Hang Le @byhangle

Photographer: Michelle Lancaster @lanefotograf

About Melanie Harlow

USA Today bestselling author Melanie Harlow likes her martinis dry, her heels high, and her history with the naughty bits left in. When she's not writing or reading, she gets her kicks from TV series like Ted, Lasso, Schitt’s Creek, and Fleabag. She occasionally runs three miles, but only so she can have more gin and steak.

Melanie is the author of the BELLAMY CREEK series, the CLOVERLEIGH FARMS series, the ONE & ONLY series, AFTER WE FALL series, the HAPPY CRAZY LOVE series, and the FRENCHED series. She lifts her glass to romance readers and writers from her home near Detroit, MI, where she lives with her husband, two daughters, and pet rabbit.

Connect with Melanie

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Website: www.melanieharlow.com

Gifted Clans Book 2: The Last Fallen Moon by Graci Kim

Gifted Clans Book 2

For Riley Oh, life as the Godrealm’s last fallen star is not all it’s cracked up to be. Her new divine heritage doesn’t even come with cool magical powers; half of her friends and family (including her parents) can’t remember her; and to top it all off, the entire Gom clan is mad at her for killing the Cave Bear Goddess and stripping away their healing abilities.

But when their anger boils over and a group of witches curse Riley’s home, she knows it’s up to her to restore magic back to her clan – even if it means sneaking into the Spiritrealm.

Luckily, Riley has some backup. Along with her sister, Hattie, Riley meets Dahl, a heaven-born boy with shockingly white hair and a fondness for toilets who might not be telling the whole truth about who he is. Together they’ll fight vicious monsters, discover dark underwater worlds, and race to save the land of the dead from a fate that no one could have foreseen.

And this time, Riley won’t let anything get in her way. Because she can’t shake the feeling that something terrible is coming their way – and the gifted community is going to need all the powers they can get.

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

Though Riley's last adventure may have been a success and her sister returned, things aren't exactly the best. Her friends and family have no memory of who she is and the Gom clan blame her for the loss of their magic when she defeated the Cave Bear Goddess. And even though her sister Hattie is the only one who remembers her, she is still slipping into sleep comas that are getting longer and longer. And after a bunch of witches curse their home, Riley has had enough. She devises a plan to get her clan's magic back with the hope that it helps her family and heals Hattie. But to do that means going to the Spiritrealm and only the dead can go there. She'll come up with an impossible plan, meet unexpected friends and allies in the realm, and discover that there is no magical solution to her problems. And there is a war that is slowly brewing. A great follow up to The Last Fallen Star! We meet some new and interesting characters and get plenty of new mythology. I'm looking forward to the final book in this series!

 

Shadow City: Dark Angel Book 1: Fallen Mate by Jen L. Grey

Dark Angel Book 1

I never expected to fall ... especially for my enemy.

Stumbling upon a group of escaped demons changed everything, and the responsibility falls on me to protect Shadow City. As the battle rages on, a tug radiates from my soul, drawing me toward a sexy, mocha-eyed demon.

Though he voluntarily surrenders, I don't trust him.

I should've killed him then and there...

He's become the catalyst for even more demon attacks, but I can't give him up. Every moment we'd spent together strengthened the bond between us, and now, I'll do whatever it takes to keep him safe.

He's my enemy... my mate.

And he's either destined to be my future... or to destroy it. Either way it's too late.

I can only hope he's worth the cost.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61245243-fallen-mate

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My Rating: 5/5 Stars

We finally get Rosemary's story! And it was fantastic. A new character is introduced, Levi, and he is definitely a perfect fit for Rosemary. The story kicks off with a battle against demons and when it does Rosemary feels this yank. As she follows it she meets Levi. A demon. Who claims to want sanctuary because the Princes of Hell are after him and they have his father. No one wants to trust Levi and Rosemary is adamant that he is their enemy. But the yank in her chest and her feelings toward him are anything but evil. Yet, for the first time in her very long life she is starting to feel emotions. Angels are typically numb to emotions. They don't really get them. However, that changes for Rosemary the minute she meets Levi. But how can she trust a demon? Even one who claims to not be evil and that not all demons are bad? She knows he still hasn't told her everything and what if that hurts her friends? She wants to keep a strong wall between them but fate has other plans. Loved their story! Levi is funny and snarky and yet gets Rosemary in a way no one else does. So looking forward to the next one in this series after that cliffhanger!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Forging Silver Into Stars by Brigid Kemmerer

Forging Silver Into Stars Book 1

When ancient magic tests a newfound love, a dark fate beckons . . .

Magic has been banished in the land of Syhl Shallow for as long as best friends Jax and Callyn can remember. They once loved the stories of the powerful magesmiths and mythical scravers who could conjure fire or control ice, but now they’ve learned that magic only leads to danger: magic is what killed Callyn’s parents, leaving her alone to raise her younger sister. Magic never helped Jax, whose leg was crushed in an accident that his father has been punishing him for ever since. Magic won’t save either of them when the tax collector comes calling, threatening to take their homes if they can't pay what they owe.

Meanwhile, Jax and Callyn are astonished to learn magic has returned to Syhl Shallow -- in the form of a magesmith who's now married to their queen. Now, the people of Syhl Shallow are expected to allow dangerous magic in their midst, and no one is happy about it.

When a stranger rides into town offering Jax and Callyn silver in exchange for holding secret messages for an anti-magic faction, the choice is obvious -- even if it means they may be aiding in a plot to destroy their new king. It’s a risk they’re both willing to take. That is, until another visitor arrives: handsome Lord Tycho, the King’s Courier, the man who’s been tasked with discovering who’s conspiring against the throne.

Suddenly, Jax and Callyn find themselves embroiled in a world of shifting alliances, dangerous flirtations, and ancient magic . . . where even the deepest loyalties will be tested.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58484077-forging-silver-into-stars?ref=bk_bet_out

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Book one of the sequel series to the Cursebreaker Trilogy and it was absolutely amazing! It has to be my favorite of that world and the story has only just begun. I will say, if you haven't read the Cursebreaker trilogy before, do it. Things will make a lot more sense. You could read this without it, but you'll get spoilers of the previous series and also you just get so much better of an understanding of the world and why things are the way they are. So it has been four years since the last book ended and a lot has changed. There is more peace between Emberfall and Syhl Shallow since Lia Mara and Grey married. However, there are still so many in Syhl Shallow who do not like that their queen married the magesmith Emberfall King. And rebellion is on the horizon. This story follows Tycho (who was in the previous series and who was 15 but is now 19), Jax, and Callyn. Tycho has been fulfilling his role as a messenger between Grey and Rhen and has enjoyed the freedom to travel. However, as many have pointed out to him, he may be using that freedom to distance himself from others he doesn't consider family. He has closed himself off for the most part but finds himself changing a bit when he mets Jax. Jax and Callyn are best friends who have been through a lot. Callyn has lost her parents to the war and rebellions and is trying to keep her bakery afloat to take care of her younger sister, Nora. And Jax is a blacksmith with an abusive and drunk father and has lost his foot in an accident when he was young. He is also struggling to keep the forge open when he realizes that all the money they have made, his father has taken to support his drinking. And unfortunately, desperate times call for desperate measures when they are asked to hold on to messages that may or may not be against the king and queen in exchange for silver. Callyn and Jax struggle to stay out of trouble and to determine who is in the right when it comes to their people. And when they cross paths with Tycho, they soon realize they may be in the middle of something bigger than anything they imagined.

I loved this story and couldn't put it down! I was so glad that Tycho was finally getting a book and a love interest! Him and Jax are adorable together and it is only just the beginning for them. The story as a whole was great. It keeps you on your toes and constantly guessing. You can see both sides of the rebellion, though if you loved the previous books you are constantly on the side of our beloved heroes. However, seeing Callyn and Jax not knowing what our other heroes know and what they have witnessed, it is no wonder the people are split on magic and no magic. Jax and Callyn were fantastic additions to the story as well. We see many old faces and so many new ones. I'm so glad to be back in this world and that there are more books to come! We had one plot resolved in this book, but there is still plenty of story left to tell. I can't wait to see where these characters and this world take us.

Dark Olympus Series Book 3: Wicked Beauty by Katee Robert

Dark Olympus Book 3

She was the face that launched a thousand ships, the fierce beauty at the heart of Olympus...and she was never ours to claim.

*A scorchingly hot modern retelling of Helen of Troy, Achilles, and Patroclus that's as sinful as it is sweet.*

In Olympus, you either have the power to rule...or you are ruled. Achilles Kallis may have been born with nothing, but as a child he vowed he would claw his way into the poisonous city's inner circle. Now that a coveted role has opened to anyone with the strength to claim it, he and his partner, Patroclus Fotos, plan to compete and double their odds of winning.

Neither expect infamous beauty Helen Kasios to be part of the prize...or for the complicated fire that burns the moment she looks their way.

Zeus may have decided Helen is his to give to away, but she has her own plans. She enters into the competition as a middle finger to the meddling Thirteen rulers, effectively vying for her own hand in marriage. Unfortunately, there are those who would rather see her dead than lead the city. The only people she can trust are the ones she can't keep her hands off―Achilles and Patroclus. But can she really believe they have her best interests at heart when every stolen kiss is a battlefield

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58882280-wicked-beauty

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

When the old Ares dies it is time for someone to take up the mantle. And in true Ares fashion that can only mean one thing... a fierce competition that tests your strength. Helen is tired of living in a gilded cage made by her father the former Zeus. And when her brother takes the position, things don't change much for her. It is expected of her to listen and follow orders. But her brother pushes her too far when he goes behind her back and announces that whoever wins the competition for Ares will win Helen as their bride. Furious, she takes matters into her own hands. She goes full Merida from Brave and decides she will enter the competition and fight for her own hand. In doing so she faces some of the greatest heroes of Olympus. Including Achilles and Patroclus. Achilles has wanted a position like Ares his entire life. He knows he is perfect for the position and with his best friend and lover, Patroclus, at his side, he won't fail. What they never expect is for Helen to enter the competition and throw off their entire plan. They are still determined to win, but the connection they feel toward her and her for them, well it complicates things. Not only does starting something mess up the lines drawn they are still fighting their enemies like Paris, Helen's ex, who wants the title. Along with others like Hector, Atalanta, Ajax, and the two outsiders, Theseus and the Minotaur, who threaten to invade Olympus from the inside. Really loved this one! The dynamic between Helen, Achilles, and Patroclus was great. And the competition they faced as Ares were awesome because not only did we get so many names from Greek myth but we got hints of other myths in the competition. Katee Robert does such a great job of taking so many myths and planting them in the story. If you know the name, then you know something that happened to them in the myth may come to pass or something pretty close. Another great addition to this series and with so many more coming, I can't wait to see how it all plays out. Especially when there is an even bigger conflict stirring in Olympus. Such a great world.

 

Captive Prince Trilogy Book 3: Kings Rising by S.U. Pacat

Captive Prince Book 3

Damianos of Akielos has returned.

His identity now revealed, Damen must face his master Prince Laurent as Damianos of Akielos, the man Laurent has sworn to kill.

On the brink of a momentous battle, the future of both their countries hangs in the balance. In the south, Kastor's forces are massing. In the north, the Regent's armies are mobilising for war. Damen's only hope of reclaiming his throne is to fight together with Laurent against their usurpers.

Forced into an uneasy alliance the two princes journey deep into Akielos, where they face their most dangerous opposition yet. But even if the fragile trust they have built survives the revelation of Damen's identity – can it stand against the Regent's final, deadly play for the throne?

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17158532-kings-rising

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My Review: 5/5 Stars 

A great end to this trilogy! I'm glad I stuck with the story. The final book was definitely my favorite of the series. The truth is out about Damen's identity and now it is time to work with Laurent to end the Regent and Kastor's plans once and for all. But working together may prove more difficult now that the truth is out and their respecting soldiers aren't thrilled at the alliance. But after everything that has happened between Damen and Laurent you can't help but cheer for them to find a way to be together. Despite the hurts of the past. So many twists and turns in this book. Just when you think you have one thing figured out, something else happens. Great story and conclusion to this trilogy. Now to read the bonus stories I found that came out after!

Captive Prince Trilogy Book 2: Captive Prince Volume 2 by S.U. Pacat

Captive Prince Book 2

With their countries on the brink of war, Damen and his new master, Prince Laurent, must exchange the intrigues of the palace for the sweeping might of the battlefield as they travel to the border to avert a lethal plot.

Forced to hide his identity, Damen finds himself increasingly drawn to the dangerous, charismatic Laurent. But as the fledgling trust between the two men deepens, the truth of secrets from both their pasts is poised to deal them the crowning death blow . . . 

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17158513-captive-prince?ref=bk_bet_out

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My Review: 4/5 Stars 

Damen is still hiding who he is from Laurent. But before that happens, he will fulfill his promise. He'll set out to help out Laurent stop the Regent from starting a full out war. He'll do what he can to protect Laurent and ensure that peace between their two countries is possible. Then when all is said and done, he'll leave and reclaim his throne. Despite knowing that Laurent will only see him as an enemy after what he and his family have done to him in the past. But until then, Damen will stay and fight and even find himself seeing more behind Laurent's mask. Possibly even begin to fall for him despite the fact that it is a terrible idea and doomed before it could begin. I liked this one more than the first one. We are seeing more behind Laurent's mask and his clever planning. And that ending was pretty wild. I can only imagine what will happen next after everything that went down. This story itself had so many twists and turns. So many surprises I didn't see coming until it was too late. Looking forward to seeing how it all plays out!

Captive Prince Trilogy Book 1: Captive Prince Volume One by S.U. Pacat

Captive Prince Book 1

From global phenomenon C. S. Pacat comes the first in her critically acclaimed trilogy—with a bonus story.

Damen is a warrior hero to his people, and the rightful heir to the throne of Akielos. But when his half brother seizes power, Damen is captured, stripped of his identity, and sent to serve the prince of an enemy nation as a pleasure slave.

Beautiful, manipulative, and deadly, his new master, Prince Laurent, epitomizes the worst of the court at Vere. But in the lethal political web of the Veretian court, nothing is as it seems, and when Damen finds himself caught up in a play for the throne, he must work together with Laurent to survive and save his country.

For Damen, there is just one rule: never, ever reveal his true identity. Because the one man Damen needs is the one man who has more reason to hate him than anyone else…

Includes an exclusive extra story!

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9305362-captive-prince?ref=bk_bet_out 

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My Review: 3/5 Stars

This series has popped up on my radar for a while so I finally thought I would check it out. Not sure how I feel about it just yet, but I'm intrigued enough to continue the series. So the book follows Damen. He is a price and the rightful heir of Akielos. But when his father dies and his half brother doesn't hesitate to seize the throne. He is able to capture Damen and send him to their enemy nation as a slave, gifted to Prince Laurent. Damen's identity isn't known by the prince or anyone in Vere. And Damen is smart enough not to say a thing. But being a slave isn't exactly easy for Damen to accept. He has to be smart if he wants to stay alive. Especially when he finds himself in the middle of an internal struggle between the prince and his uncle who is the Regent. Damen will have to be careful if he doesn't end up in the crossfire. Though I'm not crazy about the story so far, I'm intrigued enough to keep going. Damen and Laurent are interesting characters. And I know there is more to Laurent than the mask he displays and I know Damen is starting to realize that too. They have roles to play if they want to prevent war and it'll be interesting to see how their dynamic changes in the second book. 

Hades & Persephone Book 2.5: A Game of Retribution by Scarlett St. Clair

Hades & Persephone Book 2.5

Hades, God of the Dead, does not take sides or bend the rules. He makes no exceptions to these values—not for god or mortal, even his lover, Persephone, Goddess of Spring.

Usually, fear prevents retaliation.

But not this time.

When Hera, Goddess of Women, approaches Hades with a plan to overthrow Zeus, he declines to offer help. As punishment, Hera sentences Hades to perform a series of labors. Each feat seems more impossible than the last and draws his attention away from Persephone—whose own tragedy has left her questioning whether she can be Queen of the Underworld.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59351388-a-game-of-retribution?ref=bk_bet_out

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My Review: 5/5 Stars 

I have to say, when it comes to this series, I think I like Hades point of view more. I really like this series in general. It's another take on Greek mythology with lots of twists and turns and hints of so many of the myths I know and I love. It constantly keeps you on your toes. This is the second book of the series though now we gets Hades point of view. And we get to see exactly what was going on with him and his mindset. While Persephone may not understand or even know what Hades is doing and what could be so important, we get to see that it actually kind of is. First off, he has to deal with an angry Hera. And if you know your Greek mythology, an angry Hera is a vengeful Hera. When she approaches Hades to ask him to join her and the plans she is setting to overthrow Zeus, she is displeased to hear him decline. Hades knows the break of war is coming. He may not be on Zeus's side exactly, but he certainly isn't on Hera's. In retaliation, she threatens Hades plans for marriage with Persephone. He can gain her blessing or be cursed. Hating that he is threatened and even more angry the threat will harm Persephone, he is tasked to fill her labors. And when we say labors, yep, think of Hercules and some of his. These inspired labors are part of a bigger plan, but Hades will obey until he finds a way to secure his future with the love of his life. And if that wasn't enough, he is realizing that powerful artifacts are being passed around and sought out by dangerous people. Each step takes him closer to war and soon the other gods will need to take sides. Then finally, there is Persephone. His relationship with her in this book is filled with struggle as they try to find trust and balance with one another. There are so many obstacles in their way and it will take a lot for them to find their way back to one another. Overall, I really enjoyed getting Hades's side of the story. So much behind the scenes of what was brewing beyond his relationship with Persephone. And I'm eager not only for the next and fourth book in the series, but his take on the third book that was already released.