Icebreaker by AL Graziadei

 

A. L. Graziadei's Icebreaker is a YA debut about two hockey players fighting to be the best—and the romance that catches them by surprise along the way.

Seventeen-year-old Mickey James III is a college freshman, a brother to five sisters, and a hockey legacy. With a father and a grandfather who have gone down in NHL history, Mickey is almost guaranteed the league's top draft spot. 

The only person standing in his way is Jaysen Caulfield, a contender for the #1 spot and Mickey's infuriating (and infuriatingly attractive) teammate. When rivalry turns to something more, Mickey will have to decide what he really wants, and what he's willing to risk for it.

This is a story about falling in love, finding your team (on and off the ice), and choosing your own path.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56978042-icebreaker

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Mickey is just about to start his freshman year of college and he could not be under more pressure. The youngest to five older sisters all accomplished in their own ways. The son of an Olympic champ and an NHL legend. Grandson to another NHL legend. All eyes are on Mickey to be the top draft spot in the league. Except, he isn’t the only one who has high hopes for that draft spot. Jaysen Caulfield has always been his competition and his rival on the ice. Now they have to play on the same team together. While the outside world may see Mickey has hockey royalty and someone who doesn’t bother to get to know his teammates, it’s really just a mask. Mickey has anxiety and depression. It comes in waves and he is sure that no one sees it. He didn’t grow up with his family, instead he was left behind to get better in hockey. He gets his highs and lows and it’s just really tough for him to stay afloat and care about anything. Including hockey. But he loves his sisters and his best friend. And when him and Jaysen start to actually get to know one another off the ice, well, that complicates things too. How can he fall for his rival? This book was so good. I loved Mickey’s journey. It was rough and real and it was so much more satisfying as he started to slowly overcome things bit by bit. Realizing he needed help and letting himself have something he chose for once. A truly really great story all around!

Promises, Promises Book 4: Promised Chance by Rye Cox

 

Promises, Promises Book 4

Why start something when there’s an expiration date looming over our heads?

I knew from the start that our paths in life were just meant to be a brief connection with a set ending. Atlas was heartbroken by his bastard of an ex, and I was there to comfort him in his time of need.

He might think he’s in love now, but he’ll wake up one day and realize he’s too good for someone like me.

An ex-con.

Town outcast.

The person nobody really kept.

My ex-wife left, and it’s only a matter of time before he does too.

But Atlas is persistent. He asks for a chance. A chance to show me he’s serious about me and the life we could create together.

Even if it means I’m the one who ends up with a broken heart, I agree. I’m hopeless against him.

Being with him makes me feel alive, and for the first time in a really long time, I can say that I’m happy. The feeling is foreign to me, that it makes me even more scared of losing it.

Then Atlas tells me he has a stalker. Someone who’s been following him around for months, and now I’m terrified of losing him in more ways than one.

Promised Chance is book 4 of the Promises, Promises series set in a small town with meddling neighbors and a tight-knit community of friends and family. It can be read standalone, but is better read in a series. This book features age gap, grumpy/sunshine, hurt/comfort, and a skittish black cat.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/247895261-promised-chance

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

Atlas thought this move to Kither Springs was going to be great. Until he arrived and found out his boyfriend was a cheater and a liar. Fleeing the scene, he ends up at The Diner where he meets the keeps to himself owner, Hector. Hector lends a listening ear and even a place to stay. Now months later, Atlas is way happier and that has a lot to do with Hector. His crush has evolved into so much more and no matter how bold he is, Hector won’t make a move. But Atlas is patient and sees how Hector looks at him. He knows this man is meant for him and if given a chance he can show them just how good for one another they could be. But there is one problem, Atlas has a stalker. Hector finds himself as a bit of an outcast in his own home. Though it comes down to no one bothering to get any truths from him. So he does his best to keep to himself. Which becomes impossible with the ray of sunshine that is Hector coming into his life. He never imagined someone like Atlas caring for him. And his feelings only grow stronger. There are a lot of reasons why they shouldn’t be together, but Atlas has a way of making Hector forget and more importantly remind him that those aren’t real reasons. And just when he gives them a chance, Hector learns that someone is stalking Atlas. Hector will do whatever he can to make Atlas feel safe. Loved these two! They were utterly adorable together. Atlas truly is a ray of sunshine and Hector is just this big teddy bear. They complimented one another so well. I loved how Atlas never let anyone talk bad about Hector and was quick to set them straight. Even when Hector was hard on himself. And I loved that Hector was such a safe space for Atlas and had such a huge heart. These two were just so sweet! If this was the end of this series, it was a perfect way to go!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Boneyard Key Book 2: Ghost Business by Jen DeLuca

 

Boneyard Key Book 2

Clashing ghost tours lead to a sizzling romantic rivalry in the second romance in the new series from USA Today bestselling author Jen DeLuca.

Boneyard Key, Florida, is the only home Sophie has ever known. Her love for its supernatural history has flourished into a career, as she guides the one and only ghost tour through the town’s can’t-miss haunted spots. And while her bank account isn’t full by any means, her heart is. Or at least, it was.

But there's a newcomer in town. The son of a Fortune 500 businessman, former theater kid Tristan has grown his tours from a fraternity fundraiser to a multicity ghost tour conglomerate. It’s doing well, but not well enough—if he can’t prove that he’s solidly in the black by the fall, Dad’s going to pull his funding, spelling the end of his career. Boneyard Key, with its haunted reputation, seems like the perfect place to boost his bottom line.

When the two ghost tours clash, Sophie’s expletive-filled rant goes viral, and the rivals strike up a deal. Whoever has the most successful business by summer’s end stays, while the loser must ghost. But the more Tristan comes to appreciate Boneyard Key, the more Sophie comes to appreciate Tristan, and what starts as begrudging respect becomes something spicier. Can they put their feuding businesses aside to make room for a chance at love, or is Boneyard Key too small for two ghost tours?

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/222419292-ghost-business

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

Sophie loves her home in Boneyard Key, Florida. It’s supernatural history makes the town unique and its community is like a family to Sophie. And one of her favorite things to do is give ghost tours. She gets to tell the history of the town, while also giving the stories of the local ghosts. But when Tristan arrives, her business is in a bit of danger. Not realizing what one another does, they hit it off at first. But then Tristan reveals that he is bringing his own ghost tours to Boneyard Key. And suddenly, it doesn’t feel like the town is big enough for two of them. So a deal is struck. They have until October to see who does the best. And the other tour must go. In Tristan’s defense, he didn’t realize Sophie had a tour. His research showed nothing and it wan’t until he arrived did he realize that Sophie’s tour existed. But he can’t back down. He made a business he’s been running in several places and his father’s timeline is coming to an end. He has to be successful. But he never expected to truly love the town and realize that while his ghost stories are fake, Sophie’s…may just be real. And there is Sophie. Who he can’t get out of his head. Ans same with her. Can there be anything really between them when they both have so much to lose? It was fun being back in this town! All the ghosts are so fun to see and I really loved getting to know Tristan and Sophie. They had plenty of fun banter and watching these two fall for one another was super sweet! Another fun ghost story and I hope for more!

Black Dagger Brotherhood Book 24: Lover Enthroned by JR Ward

 

Black Dagger Brotherhood Book 24

In #1 New York Times bestseller J.R. Ward’s newest Black Dagger Brotherhood installment, star-crossed lovers face the battles of their lives…in the midst of war with the Lessening Society.

A Hidden Past

Allhan, a computer genius who works for the Brotherhood, has a deadly secret. Torn between what he must do, and his increasing attachment to Vishous, he’s not looking for any more complications in his life. He’s not going to survive the one he has.

A Royal Future

Princess Dennesha, heir to the throne of the Shadows, is a live and let die kind of female. At least until she finds herself tangling in the destiny of a human—even though it goes against every instinct of hers and all common sense.

A Terrible Choice

When Allhan and Denne meet by chance, their passion is undeniable. But a rare astrological event triggers a crossroads for the Princess. Either mate a male she doesn’t love and assume the throne, or stay true to her heart and condemn the Territory to destruction. With Allhan fighting his conscience—and a lesser who’s after Wrath and the Brothers—can the two find a way out of their fates? Or are they doomed to grieve a love that could never be for eternity…

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/248337056-lover-enthroned

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Was so happy to get my hands on an ARC of this! Especially because it was the first time I even saw this title and realizing it was coming out this year. So naturally, I read it in a day. So good! It’s Allhan’s story, basically the adopted son of Vishous, and oh man there was a lot more than meets that eye with that guy’s story. Allhan’s past has been close to the chest and for some good reasons. But he knows he is running out of time. He just hopes he can do the right thing. And we meet Denne! The daughter of iAm and Catra. We haven’t gotten much with the Shadows lately, so it was fun to get back there and see what was going on with them. And apparently not much good at the moment. When Allhan and Denne meet, well the circumstances aren’t exactly the best, but for them? It was like a wake up call on who they were and their lives and the future they could have. But first, they need to fight for it. I really loved their story. As always, we are catching up with others in Caldwell, and things are getting pretty crazy there. For our members of the Black Dagger Brotherhood, we focus a lot of V due to his connection with Allhan and that is always amazing because V is always entertaining. I also just loved that we really get to see V accept his fate into fatherhood, despite some ups and downs. Overall, great story in this series. And I’m always looking forward to seeing who is up next.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Wicked Sea by Jordan Stephanie Gray

 

In this dark and sultry romantasy a mermaid battles hatred—and lust—for the wretched warlock who saved her life.

Mermaid Zephyra of the Syl dreams of freedom. On the run from a dangerous captor and years of abuse, she’s shed her tail, grown legs, and hidden herself on land in the merrow-loathing kingdom of Mortia, left to steal and barter on the dirty streets. But her freedom is short-lived when she’s caught and sentenced to death by the brutal warlock, Arion Stone.

Arion is as beautiful as he is cold and deadly, only interested in punishing the merrow he views as evil. He has grown as strong as any warlock might, but at great personal cost…which can only be remedied by the heart of the God of Death, lost to a fabled kingdom beneath the ocean’s treacherous depths.

So Arion offers Zephyra a deal she can’t refuse; help him find the mystical heart, and he’ll spare her life. With no other options, Zephyra agrees, entangling their souls and forbidden desires in a magical bargain until death do they part. But Zephyra's past is catching up to her, and the enemy she fled seeks vengeance. If Zephyra and Arion can't learn to fight together--and trust each other--there are worse things awaiting them than just death.

Of course, in the wicked sea, everyone has secrets, and no one should be trusted.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/239680445-the-wicked-sea

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

I had hoped that this story was going to be a good one, and I’m glad to see I wasn’t wrong! Finding mermaid stories is always fun, especially when they are good. And this seems to be a promising start to what I think is gonna be a pretty great series. Zephyra is a mermaid on the run. She has been trying her best to run as far as she can from something pretty awful. But being a mermaid is a death sentence on land. And the freedom she so desperately wants is taken from her when she is captured by king’s brutal winged warlock. Arion doesn’t have much time left. Every time he uses his magic, he knows it is bringing him closer to death. His only hope is to find the mystical heart of the God of Death. And when he realizes he needs the help of his enemy? Well, desperate times call for desperate measures. Saving Zephyra leads to a deal to help one another, though add in some life debt magic. Tied together, they really must call a truce in order to survive what comes next. And let’s just say, Zephyra’s enemies are way worse than Arion. A really get enemies to lovers story for sure! A favorite of mine and I really adored these two as they bantered and bit by bit definitely fell for one another hard. We have a world of different types of magic and gods. Twist and turns, and an ending that of course has me demanding when the next book is coming out! Really loved this story all around and I’m very excited to see where this world takes us. 

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

North Shore Titans Book 5: Ruthless Titan by EV Olsen

 

North Shore Titans Book 5

I never imagined the ruthless Titan would choose me as his rebellion, or that I’d become his shield.

Hockey was supposed to be my ticket to stability, earning me a scholarship for an education I could never have afforded on my own. Until Connor Walsh, the ruthless star of the Crestwood hockey team and my captain, corners me with an ultimatum that changes everything.

Marry him, or watch my scholarship—and my entire future—disappear.

It's blackmail, pure and simple. A calculated move in whatever twisted game he's playing with his equally ruthless father. And I'm just a pawn he's willing to sacrifice.

Now I'm trapped in their war, shielding the one person who should be my enemy and learning all over again that safety is just another thing people like me don’t get.

I keep telling myself to hold back, that getting close only leads to hurt. But every day I spend with Connor pulls me in a little more.

And falling for my husband is worse than anything the ruthless titan can threaten me with.

Because love—family—well, they never last.

Grab your copy of this steamy MM featuring an over the top possessive hockey player and his teammate. This is a forced marriage college hockey romance with a bi-awakening, two broken MCs, and first times.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/225803565-ruthless-titan

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

Connor’s relationship with his parents is not exactly good. They try to control and use him at every turn. And when their latest plans for him includes forcing him to marry for their business, he takes matters into his own hands. He’ll get married, just not to who they want. Instead, he grabs his teammate, Ryan. Blackmailing Ryan to marry Connor or lose his scholarship. Safe to say Ryan isn’t exactly happy but doesn’t exactly have a choice. But though Connor can be ruthless, Ryan starts to see a lot more to him. And protect him when he finds out just how awful his parents are and how far they are willing to go to hurt Connor. But Ryan hasn’t had it easy. He lost his family in a car accident and following that other bad things have happened to the point where he can’t stand anyone touching him or being near him. But instead of using it against him, Connor actually protects and takes care of Ryan in the ways that matter. Neither imagined that this fake marriage could lead to something real. But with Connor’s parents hanging over their heads, well they aren’t safe by any means. And it’s only a matter of time until they strike back. Great end to this series! Connor definitely lived up to his ruthless title in the beginning but I liked seeing him let his walls down with Ryan and actually start to care. And Ryan has been through so much and it was a delightful surprise that Connor was the one to actually get Ryan to opening up and heal bit by bit. A surprising duo, but a great one nonetheless. These last few books of these series really stepped up and I’m sad it’s over. But! It looks like another series is coming that will connect us. Can’t wait to see how that goes down!

North Shore Titans Hockey Book 4: Forbidden Titan by EV Olsen

 

North Shore Titans Book 4

"The devil wears many faces. Today, he wore the one I've been running from for five years."

Five years spent running, reinventing myself at every turn, until my stepbrother finally caught up to me.

Zach Knight is cold, dangerous, and determined to make me pay for almost destroying his hockey career. But beneath that icy exterior burns something far more intense than revenge.

Now I'm back home, trying to build a future while dealing with the fierce attraction between us. Every touch, every heated glance draws me deeper into dangerous territory.

My stepbrother may be broken in ways I'm only beginning to understand, but so am I. His darkness calls to mine, and when he claims me as his, I can't resist falling.

They say the opposite of hate is love, but with Zach Knight, the line between the two threatens to consume us both.

Falling for the forbidden titan was never part of the plan.

But neither was becoming his salvation.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/215358332-forbidden-titan

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

Zach and Merci have a…complicated history. One of pain and blood and brokenness. Five years ago, Merci ran. Ran from his mother and new stepdad. And his new stepbrother. After what had happened… he felt like it was better to just leave. Little did he know that Zach has been searching for him ever since. And now that he found him? Well things get complicated. Zach believes that he wanted to find Merci for revenge after what happened, but even though he may have had a few chances to act on it, he didn’t. And now he can’t, but truthfully, he doesn’t think he could have. He may have some issues he has been dealing with for a long time, but even he can sense that there is something about Merci that gets to him. One that turns into much more than hate. Merci never thought coming home would lead to him and Zach acting on the attraction between them. It’s fine they finally talked. Cleared the air. Because they both had secrets from one another and if they had opened up even just a little bit, things could have been different for them. But they won’t make that mistake this time. Great story with Zach and Merci. Both have been through so much and they deserved some happiness. Especially with each other after they finally shared some important things. It made their story so much better as they opened up and fought hard for one another. I’ve been speeding through this series and I have one more to go! Can’t wait to see what happens next.

North Shore Titans Hockey Book 3.5: A Merry Brutal Christmas by EV Olsen

 

North Shore Titans Hockey Book 3.5

Tis the season to be naughty...

College hockey rivals turned lovers Jackson Reed and Killian Blackwell are about to face their toughest match Christmas with both their families at the Reed mansion.

Between sexual tension to melt the estate's ice sculptures, and a shared future that's anything but certain, this holiday season is bound to be unforgettable.

The only question is whether the mansion-and their families-will survive their particular brand of Christmas spirit.

**This story features the couple from Brutal Titan and is an extension of their story. It is recommended to read Brutal Titan first.**

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/223000360-a-merry-brutal-christmas

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

A short Christmas story that follows Jackson and Killian. The two of them are spending their first Christmas together with their families. Both are pretty nervous about it but they are also nervous about their future with so many changes coming. But no matter what happens, they aren’t letting one another go. This was a fun and very on-brand way for these two to spend their holiday and with hints of the next book coming, sounds like something big is about to go down with the Titans. 

North Shore Titans Hockey Book 3: Unhinged Titan by EV Olsen

 

North Shore Titans Hockey Book 3

Falling for the unhinged Titan was never in the playbook.

Taking the job as assistant coach for Crestwood’s hockey team is supposed to be my fresh start—until I meet Viktor Novotny.

The uncontrollable goalie is a chaotic force, pushing every boundary and testing the limits of my self-control. His ice-blue eyes follow me everywhere, making him impossible to ignore.

He’s not just trouble—he’s the exact kind I need to avoid.

When an explosive confrontation morphs into a pulse-pounding encounter, I cross the line between coach and player, torn between responsibility and forbidden desire.

But Viktor's the most exhilarating gamble I've ever taken, and the harder I fight my feelings, the clearer it becomes . . . He needs me just as fiercely as I crave him, and he'll stop at nothing to claim me as his own.

*Unhinged Titan is the third in a five book standalone MM college hockey romance series featuring an over the top alpha hockey player and the new assistant coach. This is a romance with stalking, an eight year age gap, and protective/possessive alpha main characters.*

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/211108905-unhinged-titan

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

Viktor is just pure chaos. Though that surprises no one considering he is a hockey goalie. One with promise to play in the NHL but before that he is finishing his degree in engineering because he is also a bit of a genius. Though when it comes to relationships, Viktor can’t seem to find anyone who can handle his chaos and though he tries his best to shake it off, deep down it bothers him. Then he locks eye on Beckett. And he knows that man is his. Even when he learns that Beckett is their new assistant coach. Beckett isn’t prepared for Viktor and though he tries hard to fight the pull between them, it’s only a matter of time until he gives in. Because deep down, he knows Viktor is as much his as he is Viktor’s. Get ready for some hockey, some violence, and a whole lot of chaos. I was definitely looking forward to seeing who could be Viktor’s match. And I was not disappointed !

North Shore Titans Hockey Book 2: Brutal Titan by EV Olsen

 

North Shore Titans Book 2

Jackson Reed has been a thorn in my side since the day we met–always running his mouth, always itching for a fight. Our rivalry on the ice has left us bruised and bloodied countless times.

When our teams end up at the same hotel for the Regional Championships, the brutal Titan gets under my skin in a whole new way. A fight turns into a chase through the woods, and when I’m caught, it ignites a forbidden fire within me that can’t be stifled.

Our secret encounters grow more intense, and I find myself craving his touch, his taste, his infuriating smirk that both turns me on and makes me want to punch him in his perfect face.

As captain of the South Shore Serpents, getting involved with the star of our rival team is reckless. A betrayal.

Forbidden.

But Jackson Reed doesn't stop until he gets what he wants, and this time–it's me.

Falling for the brutal Titan was never part of the plan.

Except he's the most addictive bad idea I've ever had, and I can't get enough.

*Brutal Titan is the second in a five book standalone MM college hockey romance series featuring an over the top alpha hockey player and his biggest rival on the ice. This is a romance with bullying behaviors, bi-awakening and two protective/possessive alpha main characters.*

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/209522047-brutal-titan

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

Jackson and Killian have been rivals since they were kids. Fighting on and off the ice, they just know how to push one another’s buttons. And they aren’t afraid to use their fists either. So when their two hockey teams end up in the same hotel for the Regional Championships, neither can really resist the temptation to mess with the other. Jackson kicks it off when he chases Killian through the woods. And when they corner one another, well things take an unexpected turn. A weekend of playing hockey also turns into a weekend of figuring out this thing between them when they end up hooking up. Turns out there really is a fine line between love and hate. And what these two feel for one another goes way beyond a rivalry. I am always down for a good enemies-to-lovers story and this one didn’t disappoint. Especially when their protective instincts kick in for one another. Another quick story, but I’m enjoying this series so far!

North Shore Titans Hockey Book 1: Savage Titan by EV Olsen

 

North Shore Titans Hockey Book 1

I caught the attention of a savage beast.

My fault–ish after I crashed into the North Shore Titan’s star defensemen on my way to class.

In typical Eli Holmes fashion, instead of walking away after he threw my books across the hall, I stood up to Alexei Petrov.

Even sat right next to him in class, letting him know exactly what I thought of his brutish behavior.

Someone should’ve reminded me not to go around poking monsters.

But I’m not one to cower.

Until a heated encounter leads to a steamy kiss.

Now, I can’t seem to get away from him–at school or in my thoughts.

And his savagery draws out desires I didn’t know I had.

The worst part–even seeing how dark this hockey player is, I can’t stop myself from falling for him.

One way or another, Alexei Petrov is going to destroy me.

*Savage Titan is the first in a five book standalone MM college hockey romance series featuring a possessive hockey player, and the feisty art student who crashes into his world. This is a bully romance with dark behaviors, bi-awakening and opposites attract.*

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/206755042-savage-titan

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

Alexei’s focus has to be on hockey if he wants to be in the NHL. Him and his teammates are known for being untouchable and brutal on and off the ice. So no one is more surprised than him when mouthy art student decides to call him out for being a jerk. Every opportunity Alexei finds to try and put Eli back in his face only backfires. Especially when he realizes there is a spark of attraction between them. And once they act on it, there is no going back. Eli knows he should probably keep his head down. Alexei has been anything but kind, but Eli also can’t stand a bully. But getting close to Alexei makes Eli realize there is something between them and instead of backing off, Eli is all in. There is something more to Alexei and Eli wants all of him. Especially when Alexei says Eli is his. A quick read filled with hockey, romance, and some very possessive hockey players. 

Bulletproof by KM Moronova

 

From New York Times bestselling author K.M. Moronova comes a new biting, suspenseful dark romance set inside the elite special ops world of the Dark Forces.

He was built to be bulletproof. She's the one thing that can break him.

Briar Thornton has spent months outrunning her past, but when she's drawn to the small Montana town of Bane Falls with the death of her late uncle and his estate to handle, she runs straight into a new nightmare—and a man more dangerous than the one who tried to kill her.

Roman Syxx isn't a savior. He's a weapon—cold, precise, and programmed by the Dark Forces to destroy anything and anyone. As the lieutenant of the covert Icarus Squad, he's in Bane Falls on orders: infiltrate, eliminate, disappear. But the new girl that randomly shows up in the small town fractures his control in ways no enemy ever could.

Drawn together by their traumas, they burn through each other's defenses until love feels as lethal as war. And when Briar's hidden connection to Roman's mission is exposed, both will learn that freedom always comes with a body count.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/239829541-bulletproof

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

From the world of Dark Forces, we follow a new squad. Icarus. Led by Roman Syxx. Roman’s squad has been assigned to Bane Falls where they’ll live among civilians as they try to complete their mission. And when Roman receives intel that a package is coming that he must intercept, he never expects that package to be a woman. Briar has been running for months now from the man who tried to kill her. Her goal is to lay low and keep moving. Earn enough money then get out of the country. And when she hears that her uncle has passed and the estate is left to her, she can’t help but feel hopeful that this will be a safe place to lay low and get the cash she needs. But the moment she steps into town, she realizes this place may be more dangerous than where she was running from. Briar has stepped into something way bigger than her and yet somehow, she is connected. Roman tries to get her to leave but she stubbornly stays and now he has to keep her there. It’s push and pull between the two of them, discovering secrets about one another and trying to survive. But there are more secrets buried than either of them every imagined. I have to say this series does a really good job of throwing in some last minute twists and turns. It definitely keeps you on your toes. Expect the dark, military romance this world has been known for. And with the way this one ends, I’m really looking forward to see what could be coming next!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Dark Forces Book 2: My Blade, Your Back by KM Moronova

 

Dark Forces Book 2

Broken. Lost. Unforgiven.

One month after surviving the Under Trials, Emery Maves finds herself in a world she doesn't recognize―with a man whose cold eyes are haunted by secrets she can't remember. Stripped of her memories, Emery is tormented by dreams of danger, death, and deceit. The only constant is the lure of the experimental drug that shatters her mind but leaves her almost invincible―and the dangerous pull of the man called Mori.

Cameron Mortem is fighting a battle he thought he'd already lost. He knows letting Emery in could destroy them both, but her amnesia is a curse neither of them can outrun. Forced together on a high-stakes level black mission that goes disastrously wrong, they find themselves thrust deeply into the underworld of the black market with an unexpected foe.

But as old scars are torn open and hidden plots unravel, Emery discovers she's more tangled in this world than she ever imagined. And Cameron will have to face the one person he fears most: himself.

Loyalties will be tested. Secrets will be weaponized. Their bond―once forged in blood―may be the only thing that can save them. If they don't lose themselves first.

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

Picking up shortly after the previous book, Emery has no memories. Zip. Zero. Nothing. Has no idea who she is or anything of her past. And no one will tell her. Not even Mori. Her apparent partner on Fury Squad. Who she feels a connection to but can’t figure out why that is. All she can do is try to figure out her memories while also preparing for a mission her squad is assigned to depart very soon. But this mission is closer to Emery than she realizes. As for Mori aka Cameron, things are pretty awful for him. After nearly killing Emery thanks to the experimental drugs and being the reason she lost her memories, he can’t help but want to keep his distance. At this point he feels it is the best way to keep her safe. But that can only last long. Not when Emery is who she is. And letting go and walking away is not her style. Not when it comes to Cam. So much going on in this book! I will say I am not a big fan of a memory loss trope, but this one was definitely interesting and gratefully not an entire book problem for those who aren’t fans either. This story also had a lot of twists and turns to it. Just when you figure one thing out, something else happens. Like Emery, you just don’t know who to trust with anything. All together, I really loved Emery and Cameron’s story. Their journey was beyond rough but at least we get a satisfying ending for them. But I have to say that last page of the book absolutely killed me! Now I understand why you should read Leave Me Behind first despite the fact that Dark Forces takes place ten years before hand. We get quite a twist at the end of this story and a whole lot of things piece together. It actually makes me want to reread Leave Me Behind now that I have that information. Things make so much more sense. But if you haven’t read it yet, then definitely check it out!

Dark Forces Book 1: Your Knife, My Heart by KM Moronova

Dark Forces Book 1

From NY Times and USA Today Bestselling author KM Moronova comes a brand-new compelling and addictive dark romance in her Dark Forces world.

Dark. Deadly. Irresistible.

Cameron Mortem has a problem―he can't stop killing his partners. Officially labeled clinically insane, he's also one of the most lethal assets in the Dark Forces, a brutal underground military operation built on obedience, survival, and silence. But an experimental drug has fractured his control, making him a liability whenever someone else is on the field. As punishment, he's thrown back into the Under Trials―a merciless boot camp designed to break the weak and sharpen the ruthless.

His one directive? Don't kill the new girl.

Emery Maves narrowly escapes a death sentence after her own brutal crimes, only to find herself forced into the same violent world. Assigned to Cameron, she's expected to survive the Trials and her partner's unstable nature. But Emery quickly realizes there's more to Cameron than bloodlust and body counts. Beneath the madness lies a terrifying allure―and a strange, dangerous tenderness.

As the Trials push them to their limits, Emery must navigate the brutal demands of the Dark Forces while resisting the pull of a man who could just as easily kill her as protect her. And Cameron must fight the one urge he's never been able to overcome.

Their bond is intoxicating, chaotic, and born of violence. And if it doesn't destroy them both, it might just save them.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/230895928-your-knife-my-heart

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

Cameron is a deadly asset to Dark Forces. There is just one problem. He keeps killing his partners. Though truthfully, it’s not his fault. He takes experimental drugs DF gives him in order for them to create the perfect soldier and clearly it has some kinks to work out. For Cameron, he tends to lose his mind a bit and the results aren’t what DF wants. They can’t afford to have their own soldiers dead by their hands. So they are giving Cameron another chance hoping that the incentive and the continued new drugs will finally be resolved. Cameron is thrown basically back to bootcamp and his objective is to keep his new partner alive. Emery never wanted the role the family business gave her. But she has never had a choice. And when they throw her under the bus to save themselves, she is facing a death sentence. Until Dark Forces picks her up. Time to use the skills in a new environment and survive her psycho partner, Cameron. But Emery sees something more in Cameron than others. And the fact that he seems to care for her too makes her think that maybe he can overcome this. But when the trials begin, she’ll have to put her trust in him to survive. Great start to their duology because this was not the end of their story! And what an end that was! For those who have read Leave Me Behind, fun fact, this takes place a decade before which I found super interesting. More so, we get to look at what happens when someone is recruited and the trials they ender before they end up on one of the deadly squads. I really enjoyed getting to know Emery and Cameron and I can’t wait to see how their story ends.