Crimson Club Book 4: Left on Read by Willow Dixon

 

Crimson Club Book 4

Using a dating app to find someone willing to sell their tools for cheap might be unconventional, but it wasn't like I was having any luck finding my person on them. I'm about to give up on my search for love, and tools, when Hayden messages me.

Not only is my stolen-tool problem solved, but it turns out he’s a great guy, and we quickly become friends. But the more time we spend together, the more I notice something between us.

Something that doesn’t just feel like friendship.

Something that makes me want more. Makes me want him.

Watching Hayden lose control is everything. So is knowing he can’t stay away from me, either.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/201866642-left-on-read

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

I have been so excited to read River’s book and it is finally here! And it was so good! After River’s car is broken into and the tools him and his brother bought for their construction job are stolen, he is desperate to find a way to replace everything. So he gets a little creative in his attempt to find a way to cheaply replace everything. He signs up on a dating app and puts his plea out there, though of course, with a little help from Nick. What he doesn’t really expect is a guy to actually come back with an answer to his Hail Mary and actually spark a connection with him. Hayden isn’t sure what to believe when he finds River’s profile. Tired of the dating world himself, he tries one more app and winds up finding River. Once they actually meet, a bit of connection forms between them. Is it friendship? Is it more? Hayden isn’t really sure, but he takes a leap and eventually kisses River. River is surprised at first but is quick to realize that what he is feeling is a connection and an attraction to Hayden. 

He never really thought about giving himself the options of guys to date. No one has ever sparked that in him to try. Until Hayden. For River, dating apps and socializing can be hard. He likes to make connections first before anything more can happen with someone. He also runs into problems where no one can keep up with his mind well and he never truly knows where anyone stands. He wants to find a partner, he truly does, but it isn’t so easy. And though he misses his cues from Hayden at first, once he realizes this thing between them, he’s all in. Or as in as one can be when someone like Hayden is guarding his heart and is sure that it is only a matter of time before River leaves him behind. These two were just too cute and sweet and you just wanted to shake them both to communicate with one another! Both have been through so much and deserve to find their person. I really adored their story. All the characters in this series have been so great and I’m definitely excited for the next book!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

LSU Series Book 3: Ignited by Becca Steele

 

LSU Book 3

My life was perfect. A dream degree course, amazing friends, a different guy every weekend.

Until him. 

One night.

No names.

We thought we’d never see each other again.

But the man that blew my mind turns out to be Dr. Wilder, a lecturer at my university with a reputation of being cold and unapproachable.

Completely wrong for me. 

He’s a teacher. I’m a student. 

Did I mention my housemates loathe him?

It was only supposed to be a one-night stand…until it wasn’t.

Now, we can’t seem to stay away from each other.

He’s turning my world upside down.

We’re in too deep.

There’s only one way this can end, and neither of us are prepared to face the consequences…

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/75394324-ignited

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

JJ and Killian both believe their lives are fine just as they are. They have goals they want to accomplish and routines they know by heart. But the night they meet and hook up, everything changes. Though they don’t realize it at first. It was one night, shouldn’t mean anything, the end. But neither can quite forget about the other. And then their paths cross in the most unexpected of places. So when JJ volunteers to deliver his roommate’s paper to his professor because he just has to see what it is about Dr. Wilder that makes everyone curse his name, he never expects to see his very memorable one night stand staring back at him. And the feeling is mutual. After the initial shock, the two of them just seem to gravitate to one another. The chemistry between them is insane and undeniable. Even their age difference isn’t much. JJ is 20 to Killian’s 30. And the more they spend time together, the harder it is to remember why getting together is a bad idea or that a future between them impossible. I just adored these two! Killian has never had a family. He is used to being on his own and avoiding people in general. He hates socializing but is an excellent at his job and is one of the youngest professors in his field. Accomplishing so much at such a young age. And a promotion could be his if he opens up a bit more. But JJ just changes everything for Killian. He lights up is world in a way he never knew was possible and it makes him wonder if all these plans he makes of his future is what he truly wants. Meanwhile, JJ has never felt the need to be in a relationship, he was happy hooking up and moving on to the next person. But Killian connects with him in a way that is just once in a lifetime and the idea of letting him go? Impossible. Really enjoyed their story and being back in the LSU world with all these great characters! You definitely don’t want to miss this one.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Forgotten Kingdoms Book 6: Of Mischief & Mages by L.J. Andrews

 

Forgotten Kingdoms Book 6

A sorceress with lost power to claim the throne.

A royal thief fading to a cursed heart.

A forgotten love that will destroy their world.

When Adira’s crook of a boss sends her to a Las Vegas casino as one of his goons, her world turns upside down and she’s tossed through the gates of a strange, dangerous world of Mage courts and curses.

Disoriented and convinced she’s in a twisted afterlife, Adira is overtaken and robbed by a band of highwaymen whose seductive leader stirs something in her soul.

Soon, royal guards rescue her and believe her to be a powerful blood mage, prophesied to protect the kingdom. But while dining with the mage prince, his drunken stepbrother stumbles in, and Adira recognizes him as the thief who ambushed her in the forest.

As their forgotten pasts intertwine, Adira and a thieving prince may be the only ones who can unravel a spreading degeneration of the Mage kingdom, but enemies of old are rising and it will become a battle between spell casters where one wears the crown and the prize for the rest is death.

AUTHOR NOTE: This dark romance book contains a fierce female lead that will bring a villain to his knees.

You will get enemies to lovers, forced proximity, and the forbidden love that will destroy a kingdom. Content is for mature audiences and 18+ recommended.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/199041483-of-mischief-mages

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Another great addition to this series! And this one is a tad different from what we have seen in this series so far. Like many before her, Adira is dragged into this new world but this time, she is on her own. The ones who should have come for her didn’t. And she lands there (and eventually believes that she is in fact in a new world), she learns that the land is plague with magic that has made them forget what happened fifty years ago. Memories of the war, how it ended, and what happened after is blurry. But it doesn’t take long for them to realize that Adira was one of the girls who sacrificed herself to save their kingdom. She must regain her memories and her magic to save the land that is suffering. Plus she wants to learn why she feels so connected to Prince Kage. What I really loved about this book in particular is that we have more complications than what we have seen in the story so far. It isn’t just our main girl who has memory problems, it’s everyone here. Plus, there were several plot twists in this story that were just so, so good! I was genuinely surprised by some of them and I loved it. I also loved the characters in this one. We get a nice set of characters who are family by choice and not blood. This world has been a lot of fun to explore and this land in particular with mages was definitely interesting. We got a sneak peek of the next girl in this series with her cameo and I am definitely looking forward to it!

Powell Sanctuary Book 1: Abandoned by A.M. Wilson

 

Powell Sanctuary Book 1

A dog named Slipper almost ruined my life.

The uncatchable stray snuck on the patio where I was waitressing and knocked me straight into Lee Powell's lap.

My fist slammed into his junk.

Then I accidentally flipped his breakfast platter onto his pants.

I thought it couldn't get any worse, but when I bring my brother to baseball practice, I discover his new coach is none other than Lee, owner and founder of Powell Dog Sanctuary, and he's not happy to see me.

I try to keep my distance from the hottest grump I've ever seen and ignore what it felt like curled against his broad, muscled chest.

But a bad case of the flu changes everything.

He stumbles on to my biggest secret and reveals a few of his own. He can't seem to stay away from me. He says he's too old for me, but I couldn't care less when he makes me feel cherished.

But then his past raises its ugly head, and he breaks our connection in a moment of suspicion.

Lee's afraid of being hurt again, but I'm the one left abandoned.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/123024219-abandoned

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

Nothing has been okay since Juniper lost her mom a few years back. Since then, her father has gone down path of drinking and violence. Blaming Juniper for her mother’s death and pushing her around to the point where it leaves bruises on her skin. But she’ll endure it so that her younger brother won’t have to and until she has enough money to get them out of her dad’s house for good. She just needs a bit more time. What she doesn’t account for is meeting Lee. Her brother’s new baseball coach and the guy she accidentally punched in his junk and spilled his breakfast all over his lap. Though in her defense, it was a dog who pushed her first. Since then, the two of them have crossed paths more often than not and when one thing leads to another, things take an interesting turn for them. Lee has mostly kept to himself. He has a big family of foster siblings that are basically his own and he’ll never put himself in a positioned to be abandoned. Not again. But Juniper has a way of getting under his skin. And he finds it harder and harder to keep away from her. But Juniper is keeping some big secrets and it’s only a matter of time until things come to light. I really enjoyed this story! Juniper and Lee had great chemistry and I found myself speeding really quickly through the story. 

Dark Olympus Book 7: Dark Restraint by Katee Robert

 

Dark Olympus Book 7

Ariadne Vitalis is in trouble. She's betrayed her father―and his benefactor―and now she's left to rely on the questionable mercy of Olympus to keep her safe. As with everything in this city, mercy comes with a price. For Ariadne, that means a marriage to Dionysus. She has no choice but to agree, even if there's only one man she's ever wanted―a man she's feared just as much as she desires. The Minotaur never had any illusions about Minos's plans. He was willing to get his hands dirty as long as the old man kept his word―at the end of this, the Minotaur would be given Ariadne as a reward. Nowhere in that deal was her walking down the aisle to a different man. She's meant for him, and he means to have her. Ariadne knows better than to encourage the Minotaur. Her relationship with her new fiancé might be more friendship than burning passion, but she is all too aware of how much fiery passion can hurt. She and the Minotaur are no good for each other. She can never forgive him for what he's done, and he can never change. But when his hands are on her body and his wicked words are whispered in her ear, she might just be willing to let all of Olympus burn…

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/62171046-dark-restraint

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

This series only gets more and more interesting with every book. Just when you learn one thing, something new pops up that has you questioning everything. It’s Ariadne and the Minotaur aka Asterion’s turn, and it was a wild ride and ending. Ariadne has turned on her father and is at the mercy of Olympus. To keep her safe, she is engaged to Dionysus, who lucky for her doesn’t want anything from her anymore than she wants something from him. And even if he did, her heart belonged to Asterion for a long time now. And she knows sooner or later, he will come for after the way she left. Asterion has loved Ariadne for a long time. Everything he does is for her and he will protect her no matter what. They belong to one another. And though he is mad that she left, it doesn’t mean he will give up on them. He’ll find a way for them to finally escape Olympus and her father. It will just take some time and some luck. But timing is running out for Olympus and Circe’s army that is waiting patiently on the other side of the wall. Everyone at this point has take some sort of side amongst themselves. They are divided too much and it shows especially in this book. They all have different plans and sooner or later it is going to hurt them all. Ariadne and Asterion just have to do their best to play whatever side comes their way until it is safe for them to escape. I really enjoyed this story. We learned a lot more things in this story and things are about to change all over again. I also enjoyed Asterion and Ariadne’s dynamic. This series just keeps getting better and better and with that ending, I cannot wait for the next one! 

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Falling for Raine by Lane Hayes

 

The gentleman, the hot mess, and a little British adventure…

Raine

Moving to London is scary and daunting, but I desperately need this job–and a redo. Okay, so I may have oversold my qualifications. That shouldn’t be a big deal, though. I mean, being an assistant’s assistant seems easy enough, and I’m a fast learner. 

Hold up! 

I’m already in over my head with spreadsheets, new pronunciations, and temperamental appliances. And just as I’m mentally preparing to face going home early, the big boss offers me an opportunity I can’t refuse. And I definitely should because Graham Horsham is an infuriating, complicated grumpy bear with a razor-sharp tongue, a wickedly dry sense of humor, and…I like him far too much.

Graham

I’ve been bamboozled. I’m not quite sure how I ended up with an assistant who spills coffee daily, wears wrinkled shirts, and chatters nonstop. He can’t stay, but I don’t want him to go and that’s madness. The Horsham Group is closing one of our biggest deals ever and I won’t jeopardize it. This one is personal. 

Yet so is Raine. 

He’s a breath of fresh air—silly, impetuous, lighthearted, good-natured, and…quite lovely. I like him more than I want to admit. For some reason, I can let my guard down with him. It’s unnerving and probably unprofessional. 

But not to worry…I will not, under any circumstances, fall for Raine. 

Falling for Raine is an MM, age-gap romance featuring a British silver fox, a desperate but adorable American, and a UK adventure!

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/203470085-falling-for-raine

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

Raine needs a fresh start and a new adventure. So he finds himself accepting a job all the way in England as an assistant’s assistant. But there are some complications. Like, the job has slightly changed and a friend may have given him a little bit too much of a glowing recommendation. So he finds himself way out of his depth and decides honesty is the best policy there. Lucky for him, he isn’t fired right away but can at least stick around to help out until they can find a replacement. But if that wasn’t enough there is one more twist to this crazy story… the owner of the company? The man he hooked up before he flew to London. Raine is shocked to discover that Graham is technically his boss. But maybe not as shocked as Graham. Graham doesn’t do relationships. Hook ups and don’t repeat. But he finds himself breaking his rules day by day when it comes to Raine. Especially because he hasn’t been able to stop thinking about him since their night together. And though Raine doesn’t stick around for the job he was originally hired for, Graham actually asks him for help on something that is more Raine’s expertise. Leading them to pick up where they left off in Vegas. The connection to one another is undeniable. They are opposites in a lot of way but they also balance one another out so well. Graham is this grumpy and serious guy who has forgotten what it is like to relax and have fun while Raine is a ball of sunshine who is endlessly optimistic and determined to make Graham smile. A really fun and cute story with these two! You definitely don’t want to miss this one.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

New York Gods Book 1: On Guard by JR Gray & Andi Jaxon

 

New York Gods Book 1

Selling my virginity wasn’t how I saw my first week of college going.

But after my parents cut me off, an offer from a gorgeous rich stranger doesn’t sound so bad.

It’s only twenty-four hours and I’ll never have to see him again.

Wrong.

Much to my horror, the stranger is Oliver Godfrey, the captain of my fencing team.

And as if that isn’t bad enough, his parents own half the city.

There is no escape from him or the way he makes me feel.

He’s everything I don’t want.

And everything I need.

A playboy like him shouldn’t look at me twice, so why is he ruining my life?

But what Oliver wants, Oliver gets, and he wants me.

He’s arrogant, possessive, and infuriatingly obsessed with me.

This can’t work.

His parents want him to marry an heiress so I can’t keep him.

All I can have is stolen moments hidden in the dark.

He's going to break my heart and I'm going to let him.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/205895444-on-guard

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Being raised in a very religious house meant that Isaac has never had a chance to be himself. And the day he is caught kissing a guy and thrown under the bus by said guy (jerk), well things take a nasty turn. He is beaten and disowned and not too long later finds himself at college with a scholarship that isn’t quite covering everything. Especially after losing a job. He is really down on his luck. That is until a stranger offers a very interesting solution. And when it is all over he thinks he’ll never see this guy he will never be able to truly forget again. That is until he walks into fencing practice and he is the captain. The moment Oliver saw Isaac, he became obsessed. And while he has avoided relationships and knows what is expected of him and his rich family, Isaac stirs something inside of him that he has never felt before. Their connection is undeniable, they are this strong push and pull, and even though it can only end in heartbreak they can’t stay away. Isaac is this sweet innocent guy who you just want to bundle up in bubble wrap and protect him. Something Oliver is all about. And though Isaac knows Oliver can break him, he can’t help but hope things could be different. Oliver has just simply met the person for him. And though he might not admit it at first, once he does, he fights for it with everything he has. You can’t help but love these two! I really enjoyed this story and the cast of characters! I am super excited for book two and what is to come. 

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Charleston Condors Book 4: The Play by Beth Bolden

 

Charleston Condors Book 4

Last year, defensive end Deacon Harris witnessed the very worst of the Charleston Condors. After everything he and the team went through, he promised himself he’d walk away from football. But before he can retire, the team is sold to the last person he ever expected to see again.

Deacon stays because the Condors are going into major rebuilding mode. New owner. New coach. New players. New rules.

But one rule hasn’t don’t fall in love with the owner of your football team.

Grant might be brilliant and a billionaire, but Deacon only remembers Grant as his tutor in college—and as the one who got away.

In all his dreams about reconnecting, he never imagined that Grant would end up as his boss. Both his downfall, and also his salvation.

Or that they’d be forced into confronting the Condors’ most difficult challenge yet—but that they’d face it together, hand in hand, tackling their critics and proving once and for all that love doesn’t take sides.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/199387775-the-play

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

We finally get Deacon and Grant’s book, and it has been a long time coming! We’ve watched these two tiptoe around one another and how every teammate of Deacon’s kept poking him asking him why him and Mr. G aren’t together. Sure, he is the owner of the Condors, but does that truly matter when it is just so obvious how much they care for one another? Well it did. For a while. But times are changing. Deacon is heading close to retirement and holding himself back from being with the one he has always had feelings for is getting harder and harder. Deacon and Grant met many years ago in college. Grant became Deacon’s tutor and for a short while these two developed a huge crush on the other. Though neither knew it at the time. And then life put them on different paths, but neither of them forgot about the other and the chance they missed to try and be something more. And then that time came when Grant bought the Condors. To fix the team that had been treated poorly and so broken, all for the man he once knew and still thought about. Together, they did what they could to make the Condors great again. And they got to spend time with one another after so many years. Falling for each other for real even if they couldn’t cross that line. And it is so satisfying when they finally do! These two are clearly crazy about one another and deserve to be happy. I really loved their story and getting to know these two characters a lot better. A great end to the Condors series!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

For Puck’s Sake Book 4: The Crease by Crea Reitan

 

For Puck’s Sake Book 4

Always protect the heart of the ice.

Max

This wasn’t supposed to happen to me. I’m supposed to be at the top of my career. Untouchable. Worshiped. Finally proving to all the jerks in my life that I made it. I’m at the top.

Then a video that shouldn't exist leaks and everything comes crashing down. I’m about to lose it all and I can’t seem to get out of my own way. My agent banishes me to a place that technology can’t touch while he tries to salvage my career.

I’m caught between rage and deep depression, lashing out at everyone and everything around me. I have myself to blame but right now, all I want is to drown in my misery. Even when something unexpected and good comes along, all I can do is push and push until I’m once more drowning all alone.

Deryke

I don’t know what’s come over me. Why does this disaster of a hockey player suddenly call to my heart and everything inside my body and mind? I mean, the world knows what’s in his pants and I’ve never been even slightly turned on by that! Why now? Why him?

Even when he’s bratting so hard I want to break him, I can see that he acts the way he does because he’s hurting somewhere deep inside. He won’t let me in, but for some unknown reason, I can’t let Maximus Latham go.

He needs me. He needs someone to believe in him and not disappear the minute he messes up. He needs someone to love him for him, not for being the hockey god he is. Except I’m not sure I can reach him in time before he self-destructs.

But damned if I’m not going to try.

***

This is a LGBT+ story with content not intended for those under 18 years of age due to graphic scenes and situations.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/203510380-the-crease

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My Review 4/5 Stars

Last book, we found out that something had happened with Max and he has been MIA ever since. Now, we finally learn exactly what happens to him! Max’s need for attention stems all the way to childhood when his parents and siblings basically ignored him to a point that they don’t even acknowledge his existence. He finds himself on destructive paths and this time it has finally blown up his life as a professional hockey player. When a video that should never have existed leaks, his agent sends him back to the island of Kala, a gay resort free from all technology, with the instructions to stay low and don’t leave until his agent can save his career. But sending someone like Max alone after something so bad wasn’t the best idea. Everything comes crashing down on him. His depression, his fears, his loneliness, his anger. And nothing can pull him out. That is until Deryke. Deryke is also a NHL player and he loves to come to Kala every summer to unwind despite not identifying as gay. He enjoys the atmosphere and the friends he has made there and is happy to shut out the world for a bit. What he never expects is to find Max at the resort looking like a shell of himself. Sure, he may not really know Max well, but even Deryke can tell something is off and the idea of leaving Max all alone doesn’t sit right with him. So what turns into one check up turns into many. Deryke sees Max for who he is underneath all the pain, brattiness, and heartache. And he finds his protective and nurturing nature taking over. He won’t leave Max like this. So he’ll be there for him. And in doing so starts a really sweet love story for the two of them. It’s not an easy journey for Max. There is so much in his head but having someone in his corner makes a big difference. Nothing is perfect and that is okay. I really loved the slow build up between these two and how when they spent time together in any shape or form, their feelings grow. And for Deryke who never thought he would be interested in a man is surprised but also not that he falls for Max. He’s just simply found the person he is meant to be with and take care of. The story is just as much about love as it is healing and the author did a great job showing that!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A Dark Omegaverse Novel Book 1: Pack Dutton Part 1 by Megan Cain

 

A Dark Omegaverse Book 1

Biology’s a bitch, and I’m the punchline.I spent the first seventeen years of my life thinking I was a beta. But when my omega designation hit, my uncle had already sold me to a cult of alpha worshiping psychos. When their leader decides to claim me as his fifth wife, I realize I’m never getting out.Until my saviors appear in the form of an FBI pack that raids the compound and saves me.Crew, Rhett, Kellan, and Jude aren’t what I expected, but they might be exactly what I need to survive the new world I’m thrown into. Omega rights are being decimated by new laws at every turn, and when you’re a trophy for the highest bidder, there’s no such thing as playing fair.But the one thing I am sure of? Pack Dutton is playing for keeps, and I’m the prize.

Pack Part 1 is a dark, why choose omegaverse novel, meaning the FMC ends up with multiple loves. It contains dark themes (including abuse, violence, and language) that may be upsetting to some readers, so please read responsibly. There are spicy scenes containing MMFMM with both MF and MM relationships.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/205789297-pack-dutton

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

So this is my first omegaverse ever and I figured if I was going to try to read this type of trope then Megan Cain (aka Hannah McBride) is my best choice to do so! I’ll start off by saying that it was a great help to have an explanation of Omegaverse in the beginning as an intro and the specifics that the author was going to use. Also, trigger warnings for this book because there are definitely some darker themes. So the story follows Hazel, Jude, Crew, Rhett, and Kellan. Hazel was taken at 17 after losing her parents to live with her uncle who basically sold her to a cult. She has spent the last four years being abused and learning that she is not a beta like she thought but an omega. And omegas there are treated like property and basically sex slaves. Hazel’s days of numbered when she finally goes into heat and will be claimed by the sadistic leader. But enter, Jude, Crew, Rhett, and Kellan. Jude is a beta sent undercover to the cult to look for terrorists weapons but finds Hazel and another omega (a male) instead. And when things take a horrible turn, he knows he needs to call in his team to get them all out. Crew, Rhett, and Kellan are alphas and with Jude are one pack. They go in together to rescue Hazel and get Jude out of there. Resulting in a lot of chaos and discovering that Hazel is essentially their mate. They all belong together. But convincing Hazel that after so much abuse will be a challenge. And omega rights has changed drastically over the years. Plus there are some other things going on that makes everything a bit more sketchy. They’ll have to fight for one another to remain a family. Overall, I found the concept intriguing and I’m curious to learn more in the next book. I also did love all our main characters and their dynamics. They all balanced one another so well and really do belong together. Of course with this book being a part 1, we get a pretty big cliffhanger but I’m definitely looking forward to book 2 and more from this world!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Cherry Tree Harbor Book 4: Small Town Swoon by Melanie Harlow

 

Cherry Tree Harbor Book 4

Only in the movies does the Hollywood heartthrob fall for the small town diner waitress.

So when Dashiel Buckley returns to Cherry Tree Harbor for a wedding, I’m determined not to let my massive crush on my best friend’s older brother hijack my good sense.

(It happened once before. Do not recommend.)

But when my hand is injured, it’s Dash who steps in at the diner. The moment he realizes I can’t afford to fix my car, he takes care of it. And when he hears about the way my toxic ex treated me, he refuses to let it go.

Now it’s not just his blue eyes and sexy smile that have me swooning, it’s the way he wants to help me. Encourage me. Protect me.

I can’t resist.

Our text messages heat up. Our phone calls melt all my defenses. “Just friends” turns into “just once,” and “just once” becomes a distant memory. Night after night, he warms my bed, my body, and my heart.

But it can’t last.

Our dreams have us on two different paths–Dash wants the lights, camera, action of Hollywood, and I’ll always be a small town girl.

If only I could be his.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/202042383-small-town-swoon

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

It’s finally Ari and Dash’s story and it was great! Been waiting patiently to hear about these two and it was worth the wait. Ari has had feelings for Dash for a very long time. And a naive teen version of herself tried to do something about her crush but it didn’t go very well. Back then, a tragedy, eight years later, she knows Dash was being a good guy. Doesn’t mean she can’t hold a little grudge. But any negative feelings she had for him is dashed away when he returns home. Dash has been struggling to get his acting career moving in a different direction. And when he is told he needs to stop burying all his emotions and let himself feel vulnerable, he ends up back home. He’s always thought Ari was beautiful and threw the years, it’s only proven more true every day. But he doesn’t do relationships. He just can’t. And what starts as them trying to reconnect as friends and staying, slowly shifts to more. He can’t stay away from her and they help one another in just the everyday little things. And it is just adorable! You can’t help but love these two and how they support one another in everything they do. And it’s only a matter of time before the two of them realize that what they have is worth everything.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Elemental Desires Book 1: Oleander by Charli Meadows

 

Elemental Desires Book 1

Oleander

Even though I am a Fae prince and the heir to the Aurorian throne, I’ve locked myself away for the past five years, refusing to use my magic. I’m a toxic disaster waiting to be unleashed. My power is dangerous. Lethal. The kingdom is better off without me.But my mother is the queen, and by her royal decree, I must attend Elemental Academy alongside my twin brother, Flame. I’ll be king one day, and the clock is ticking to prove that I can control my power. My poison.I don’t have to search very far before I find someone willing to help me practice my magic. However, as our connection deepens, I start to second guess using my new friend to learn how to control the toxins festering inside of me. I’ve been hiding in the dark for years, but Skyler’s aura is too bright to ignore, which terrifies me because one kiss could extinguish it forever.

Skyler

I’ve been an Air Fae for all of one week before I’m kidnapped, taken to another world, and forced to enroll in some kind of supernatural academy. Although, I have no one to blame but myself after I accidentally created a devastating tornado and sent it tearing through my hometown.It turns out I’m half-human, half-Fae, and I need to learn control. So, I’m biding my time, following the rules, but I don’t belong here. I’m determined to leave, and my only way home just might be an intriguing fairy prince who shows up late and keeps to himself. He’s an outsider like me, and if the rumors are true, then rightfully so.His kiss is poison, but I’m reckless, headstrong, and ready to tempt fate.

Oleander is book one in the Elemental Desires series. It is a standalone MM fantasy romance set in a college-aged supernatural academy for the Fae. You can expect a new world full of adventure, elemental-based magic, and evil supernatural creatures. This novel is intended for 18+ readers and contains explicit scenes, violence, and fighting. See Author’s Note for a full list of Content Warnings.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/205393420-oleander

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Skyler never knew he was anything but human until the day his magic released and caused a tornado in his neighbor. He then learns the truth when two Fae arrive to whisk him away. He is half-human, half-Fae, and it’s time to learn about who he is and his magic at Elemental Academy. And though he wants to learn more about this new power and where he comes from, he can’t forget about his mom back home. And he’ll do what he can to get back to her. Prince Oleander has shut himself away from everyone for the last five years. A first kiss leads to him nearly killing one of his best friends when his magic awakens, poisoning his friend. Luckily, his mother’s magic was able to save his friend but Oleander was shaken. He pulled away from friends and his own twin brother can’t seem to forgive him for had almost happened. But his mother will no longer let him hide. He will attend Elemental Academy and face his fears. What he never expects is Skyler. Skyler who shows no fear and his own magic protects him so well that he can actually touch Oleander. Together these two outsiders will find a place of belonging with one another and fall in love. Skyler and Oleander were so sweet together. A perfect match and balance to one another. And I loved this new world! This was such an interesting take on the Fae. They all have elemental magic, while there are traces of other supernaturals around, and a whole lot of Underworld beings as well. I really enjoyed getting to know this world and all the characters. And I seriously cannot wait for book two!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Zodiac Academy: Live and Let Lionel by Caroline Peckham & Susanne Valenti

 

This is a bonus content novella to celebrate the series coming to a close and contains 100k words of bonus content from the Zodiac Academy Series.Savage - a short story about Hail and Merissa Vega's love story. The Shimmering Springs - that night Caleb and Seth did or didn't kiss...The moment Geraldine first saw the twins. Seth on the Moon - one Werewolf's wanderings on the moon. Night - that time the twins met the Ruthless Boys - with a never before published chapter! Orion ‘blue’ alternate POV - BRAND NEW Orion ‘Fairy Fair’ alternate POV. Darius 'throne room' alternate POV. Darius ‘Stars’ alternate POV - BRAND NEW Featuring the never before seen map of Solaria! Each chapter is introduced by Lionel Acrux, looking back on how his enemies have thwarted him and how he overcame their insufferable rebellion - BRAND NEW

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/207603149-zodiac-academy

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

I love when authors actually get to pull all their bonus materials together and put it in one place! Though this one doesn’t have every single one of those, we get a lot of favorite ones we’ve seen before. Plus some brand new ones! Which were great. Especially if they were scenes we loved but also were curious to see the other person’s pov in that particular moment. But not only do we get a bonus scenes book, it actually has a bit of a twist to it that makes it a lot more enjoyable. Each chapter is introduced by our villain of the series, Lionel’s, thoughts. Definitely makes it more entertaining and gives us a little bit of insight to what he was thinking during these times. This was just also the perfect hold me over until we get the final book of the series in a few months!

Peach State Stepbros Book 1: The Step Bet by Riley Hart & Devon McCormack

 

Peach State Stepbros Book 1

TROY

Sometimes I want to punch that smirk off Atlas McCallister’s pretty face.

He’s cocky. A troublemaker. A pain.

And, unfortunately, my stepbrother.

We’ve been fire and kerosene since our parents got together, and to keep from exploding into fistfights, we’ve used challenges, dares, and bets to battle out our differences.

Our past bets have been a little inappropriate—scandalous, even—but Atlas’s latest bet has gone too far.

Do I really believe if he loses, my straight stepbrother is gonna mess around with a guy? And not just any guy: me, his rival and nemesis.

Not a chance.

But if he’s so confident he’s gonna win…well, my big stepbro must not know me as well as he thinks…

ATLAS

I love getting under Troy’s skin.

Mr. Former Prom King. Mr. Heartthrob. Mr. Infuriatingly Perfect. Messing with him is too easy. Too fun. Maybe that’s why I’m a little obsessed with him.

Our latest bet is the perfect way for me to test the bisexual waters, and once I dive headfirst into the deep end, I don’t want to stop.

With Troy. My stepbro.

It was supposed to be just a little fun, yet with each touch, I like him more than I should. It wasn’t supposed to go this far. Now I want Troy to be all mine.

But what we’re doing has bigger consequences than our little step bet, and when the stakes are this high, is it worth gambling our hearts when we know this is a game we both could lose?

This is the first book in the Peach State Stepbros Series. It can be read as a standalone.

Trigger Warning: The Step Bet is a steamy romance, but one of the secondary characters struggles with addiction. This may act as a trigger for some readers.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/202990155-the-step-bet

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Troy and Atlas have mastered the art of getting on one another’s nerves. Throw in outrageous bets throughout the years and these two are bombs just waiting to detonate. And that day has finally arrived. Troy’s mom marrying Atlas’s dad was never a simple thing. Atlas’s dad is the worst and Atlas hates him. From the day he cheated on his mother, who then died shortly after, to the way his dad constantly treats him like trash every day since. It wounds that is constantly festering each time he has to spend time with his dad, stepmom and stepbro. But at the same time, Atlas knows that Troy has always seen him and understands him. Even when he hides behind is asshole behavior. And that becomes more apparent when the two of them take on their latest between one another that changes everything. Troy knows what a pain Atlas is but there was always a part of him that could see past it and lately, he is starting to realize just how much Atlas puts that mask on. And when they let that tension slip into something way more than friends or stepsiblings, well it’s everything the two of them didn’t realize they wanted or needed or maybe even thought they would have. You gotta love these two. No matter how much they get under one another’s skin, good and bad, they actually truly understand the other. And find themselves being in that person’s corner no matter what. When they finally let themselves see what their connection has always been, it’s unstoppable. Really enjoyed this story and the cast of characters! Definitely looking forward to book two!