IOU Series Book 2: Studious by Leslie McAdam

IOU Book 2

After a disastrous high school game of spin the bottle, I gave up trying to get a boyfriend and spent my time studying instead. Now I’m twenty-four, and I’m not only a virgin, I haven’t even been kissed.

When I meet Danny, a handsome legal hotshot, he catches my eye. Right before I trip on flat ground. Ugh.

He’s got a massive … reputation. He’s the most popular guy in the club, a total playboy with a new conquest every night. There’s no way he’d be interested in me.

But one night after I imbibe too much, he winds up taking care of me. And when I ask for his help with my travesty of a social life, he agrees to teach me how to be less awkward with men … if I let him document my progress so he can win a bet with his best friend.

Even though he’s just my love tutor and I’m just his apprentice, this starts to feel like more.

Too bad it can’t be anything but a high-level seminar in how to seduce someone else.

Studious is a sweet and sexy contemporary opposites-attract m/m romance about a suave attorney who’s scared to love and the shy, nerdy bookkeeper he’s teaching how to be a player. Cue makeover montage and a smoldering first kiss. These heroes most definitely are not falling in love. (Okay, heartwarming HEA guaranteed.)

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/62832712-studious

********

My Review: 5/5 Stars 

What a fun story! Alden is such a little cinnamon roll and it's no wonder the well known player and afraid to give his heart to anyone, Danny, falls in love with him. How can he resist when you have awkward, shy, genuine, and sweet Alden? Alden hasn't had much luck in the relationship department. He is inexperienced and finds it hard to be himself when going on dates. He's super shy and awkward and lacks the self-confidence he needs. Lucky for him he meets Danny. After Danny saves him from their after work happy hour, Alden finds the courage to ask Danny for help. He may be new at the office, but it's no secret around the office that Danny is a player and has enough confidence to put himself out there. Meanwhile, when Danny experienced his first true heartbreak back in high school, he swore never to put himself out there again. Those you love tend to leave. So he's thrown himself into his job and only having one night stands. But then Alden joins the company and Danny finds himself catching feelings for the first time in a very long time. But he also told Alden he would help him with his confidence. He can't fall for Alden while playing teacher, right? Such a cute story! And I loved that there wasn't anything overly predictable about it. Yes, we know the happily ever after is coming but not the way I would have imagined! There were so many elements and chances for the story to take different directions, but I loved the way this one played out. You can't help but cheer for Alden and Danny. They both deserve to be loved and love in return while being themselves. There were so many cute and sweet moments, I couldn't put the story down! Looking forward to more from this series!

Playing for Keeps Book 1: Rookie Move by Riley Hart & Neve Wilder

Playing for Keeps Book 1

 Falling for a teammate who also happens to be your brother's best friend? Total rookie move. 

McRAE: I’ve had a crush on my brother’s best friend since the moment I laid eyes on him four years ago.

Warner Ramsey is 225 pounds of pure hotness, a media darling, and one of the best NFL quarterbacks in the league.

Hell, he’s the reason I figured out I’m solidly bi.

It was easy to keep my crush under control when I was in college. Now, we play for the same team, and every time he talks smack, I want to shut him up. With my mouth.

But I’ve got other things I should be focusing on, like dominating my rookie year with the Denver Rush and finally stepping out of my brother’s shadow.

Besides, Ramsey’s straight.

RAMSEY: I’ve never tapped into my bisexuality—never told anyone except my best friend that I’m bi. All I want is to play football and not draw media attention like my dad, who got ousted from the league.

Garrett McRae is my biggest temptation. He’s gotten under my skin for years.

I’m supposed to be looking out for him, not thinking about getting him naked.

And definitely not the kiss we shared.

That I somehow instigated.

It was stupid, and not like me, but God, it was hot.

We’re teammates, with million-dollar contracts on the line. And yet…is a little experimentation really so bad?

Rookie Move is a low-angst, high-heat sports romance in the Playing for Keeps series. 

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61032226-rookie-move

********

My Review: 4/5 Stars

Such a fun sports romance! Garrett and Ramsey are hilarious together and have such great chemistry. It was so fun seeing them eventually get together and navigate their friends with benefit relationship. Which we all know, including them, that it doesn’t really work without catching some feelings. Garrett has known Ramsey for a long time. He’s the best friend of his brother. Garrett even acknowledges that it was meeting Ramsey that made him realize he was bisexual. But despite his crush, he knew nothing would come from it. He knew Ramsey was straight. Or so he thought. Ramsey knew he was bisexual but never met a guy that tempted him to start a relationship. However, he can’t deny the attraction he feels for Garrett. But with their football careers on the line, he knows it is much easier and safer for the two of them to not start anything. The world may now Garrett is bi, but not Ramsey. However, their chemistry and attraction to another proves to much and it doesn’t take them long to break the rules. But keeping a secret relationship while also trying hard not to catch feelings doesn’t always work out as planned. This story was just so fun. Great banter and their romance was so sweet. I usually don’t do many sports romances besides hockey, but football was a fun one to explore! I’m gonna have to keep a look out for more in this series.

Kingmaker Chronicles Book 4: A Curse of Queens by Amanda Bouchet

Kingmaker Chronicles Book 4

Discover an all-new adventure in USA Today Bestselling author Amanda Bouchet’s thrilling, white-hot fantasy series, The Kingmaker Chronicles!

The queen has been cursed, and no one knows who’s behind the plot to threaten the realm’s fragile peace. Desperate to help, Jocasta hatches a plan to find Circe’s Garden, a fabled island where she hopes to discover an antidote. But she can’t do it alone. She needs the strong arm and unflinching bravery of the warrior she’s loved since childhood—her brother’s right-hand-man and captain of the guard, Flynn of Sinta.

Together they can do the impossible. Yet with treachery brewing on Mount Olympus, one thing is clear: Thalyria and its new royals are still pawns in an epic game of power—one that might end in a War of Gods.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59997859-a-curse-of-queens

********

My Review: 5/5 Stars 

Amazing! Probably my favorite of the series! I did a reread of all the books in this series so I could remember everything when I got to this new one and it was so worth it. I loved Jocasta and Flynn in the first three books and I was so happy to hear they were getting their own story. Those two deserved a happy ending and getting them together was slow and worth the wait. So this story picks up not too long after the third book. But though Cat and Griffin united Thalyria, trouble is still brewing. The gods aren't so united as everyone thought. And because of that, Cat is paying the price. Someone slipped her a curse and no one, including the gods who maintain a physical presence in their life, seems to know what to do. But Jocasta isn't going to give up. In her determination, she figures out a plan to get what Cat needs. That will take her to Circe's Garden. An island no one has ever made it to and back or even thought to exist. But Jocasta believes it will hold the answers they seek. And she won't be going alone. Flynn, Carver, Bellanca, and Prometheus will make the journey together to save their family. This will also give Flynn and Jocasta a chance to finally face their feelings and their fears. No more hiding. No more being afraid. I loved this story! Jocasta and Flynn's romance was so sweet and you just wanted shake Flynn and tell him to take a chance! Their adventures were pretty awesome too. So many different mythological references and parallels to some of the greatest stories.  And that ending!!! Plot twists galore and the opportunity for more books. There better be a few more stories featuring certain people after everything that went down. I really hope this isn't the end of this series and world. And worlds really. Great series! And this was just another fantastic story in the series. Can't wait for more!

A Shadow Bruja Novel Book 1: The Lords of Night by J.C. Cervantes

Shadow Bruja Book 1

Fourteen-year-old Renata Santiago is the most powerful godborn of them all, a bruja with the ability to manipulate shadows and a magical rope that controls time.

Ren is also a girl with ordinary hopes and dreams. She’s always been convinced that there’s a connection between aliens and the Maya civilization, and she wishes her blog about extraterrestrial activity would garner more respect.

When Ren receives an email about a possible alien sighting in Kansas, she thinks it could be her chance to prove her theory. It could also mean that the cinco—five renegade godborns—are up to no good. Soon Ren finds herself embroiled in a quest to prevent the troublemakers from awakening the nine Aztec Lords of Night and overthrowing the Maya gods. None of Ren’s usual friends are available to help, including her bestie Ah Puch, the god of death, so Ren has no choice but to team up with two strangers: Edison, a teen demon hybrid, and Montero, an eleven-year-old Aztec hunter. Will this oddball trio have what it takes to succeed? This isn’t just another challenge. It could well be an impossible one that leaves Ren questioning her very existence.

Anyone who enjoys fast-paced myth-based adventures will be swept up in this one featuring Maya and Aztec gods and their magical offspring.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54435522-the-lords-of-night

********

My Review: 5/5 Stars

It's so fun being back in this world! I loved the Storm Runner series and was so glad to hear that Ren was getting her own spin-off series. Not everything was resolved in the last series, so it's nice to find out if we will be getting some answers and see how things turn out. Ren was such a great character and now she is finally get some answers for herself when it comes to her shadow magic. This action packed story has Ren on her own quest along with two new characters, Edison and Monty. Together, they have to stop the awakening of the Lords of Night that the renegade godborns are set on doing. Along the way, they'll discover some shocking revelations, see some familiar faces, and learn to work together. This story was a lot of fun! I always enjoy learning more about different mythologies. And Aztec and Mayan ones are definitely intriguing. The story ended on quite the cliffhanger! So i can't wait to get my hands on the next one. 

 

Once Upon a Broken Heart Book 2: The Ballad of Never After by Stephanie Garber

Once Upon a Broken Heart Book 2

Not every love is meant to be.

After Jacks, the Prince of Hearts, betrays her, Evangeline Fox swears she'll never trust him again. Now that she’s discovered her own magic, Evangeline believes she can use it to restore the chance at happily ever after that Jacks stole away.

But when a new terrifying curse is revealed, Evangeline finds herself entering into a tenuous partnership with the Prince of Hearts again. Only this time, the rules have changed. Jacks isn’t the only force Evangeline needs to be wary of. In fact, he might be the only one she can trust, despite her desire to despise him.

Instead of a love spell wreaking havoc on Evangeline’s life, a murderous spell has been cast. To break it, Evangeline and Jacks will have to do battle with old friends, new foes, and a magic that plays with heads and hearts. Evangeline has always trusted her heart, but this time she’s not sure she can...

The fiercely-anticipated sequel to the #1 New York Times bestseller Once Upon a Broken Heart, starring Evangeline Fox and the Prince of Hearts on a new journey of magic, mystery, and heartbreak.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59808071-the-ballad-of-never-after

********

My Review: 5/5 Stars

Wow! I'll admit it took be a bit to get back into this world and in this story. However, once you hit a point, you can't put it down. And that ending! Ouch. Now that's a mean cliffhanger. I need the next book as soon as possible. So this book picks up shortly after the last one ended. Evangeline is searching for a way to wake up Apollo from his sleeping curse, but is unsuccessful and she refuses to do what Jacks wants and open the Valory Arch. But soon she won't have a choice. Not when two more curses present themselves on her and Apollo. Her only hope to break the curses is do what Jacks suggests. Find the stones, open the arch. And what an adventure this one is! I still adore Jacks. Despite never being able to truly trust him or know what he will do next, I can't help but root for him and Evangeline. Both deserve so happy endings and after that ending, they deserve it more than ever. Lots of secrets revealed in this one! And on top of that, many twists and turns that has your head spinning to catch. There is a never dull moment for Evangeline and Jacks. Such a great story! Looking forward to the next one!

Flesh and Fire Book 2: A Light in the Flame by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Flesh and Fire Book 2

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout comes book two in her Flesh and Fire series…

The only one who can save Sera now is the one she spent her life planning to kill.

The truth about Sera’s plan is out, shattering the fragile trust forged between her and Nyktos. Surrounded by those distrustful of her, all Sera has is her duty. She will do anything to end Kolis, the false King of Gods, and his tyrannical rule of Iliseeum, thus stopping the threat he poses to the mortal realm.

Nyktos has a plan, though, and as they work together, the last thing they need is the undeniable, scorching passion that continues to ignite between them. Sera cannot afford to fall for the tortured Primal, not when a life no longer bound to a destiny she never wanted is more attainable than ever. But memories of their shared pleasure and unrivaled desire are a siren’s call impossible to resist.

And as Sera begins to realize that she wants to be more than a Consort in name only, the danger surrounding them intensifies. The attacks on the Shadowlands are increasing, and when Kolis summons them to Court, a whole new risk becomes apparent. The Primal power of Life is growing inside her, pushing her closer to the end of her Culling. And without Nyktos’s love—an emotion he’s incapable of feeling—she won’t survive her Ascension. That is if she even makes it to her Ascension and Kolis doesn’t get to her first. Because time is running out. For both her and the realms.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60150115-a-light-in-the-flame

********

My Review: 5/5 Stars

Wow! What a book! What an ending! Yet another painful cliffhanger ending but wow was getting there an adventure. I promise no spoilers because trust me, you do not want that! I love this world and this series and this is just another great installment. You do not want to miss this. So this picks up right where the last book left off. Sera and Nyktos have learned some pretty crucial information that will impact their futures forever. That is, if they can change it. Sera holds the embers of life and she will not survive by her 21st birthday which is just five months away. What can they do? Their options are limited but Nyktos refuses to let Sera die, even when she herself is willing to pay the price. As they search for answers, they must also deal with the attacks on the Shadowlands as well as preparing for the Sera's coronation to take her place as Nyktos's Consort. And like most things, that's not exactly easy either. Challenges arise at every turn whether that is from outside their people or not. Then there is Sera's own feelings. So much has changed when Nyktos learned the truth about her purpose, and though that has changed, Sera has realized just how much has changed about herself. Specifically in what she feels for Nyktos. It's a long, rough journey for the two of them. But we get to see them grow as characters and witness the love they have for one another (whether they know it or not) building bit by bit. 

A lot of revelations in this one! One of my favorite things about this series is that we kind of know what happens to Sera and Nyktos thanks to Poppy's books, but at the same time we know nothing at all. Nothing about how Sera and Nyktos make it to the future where Poppy is born. Nothing about just how they survive. And from these stories, we know the path is not even close to easy. I keep guessing as I'm reading to figure out what happens and how and I'm yet to be right or proven right at the moment. Then there are the bits we know that come to fit Poppy's story later. And of course the prophecies. One day, every line of those will make complete sense. Until then, we'll just have to take some pieces. 

I can't wait to see how it all unfolds I loved this book so much. Couldn't put it down. The action and romance were fantastic. I adore Nyktos and Sera. If you are following this series, this is not a book to miss!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

 

Shadow City: Dark Angel Book 4: Fatal Secrets by Jen L. Grey

Dark Angel Book 4

The truth shattered everything.

After having our worlds ripped apart by everything we'd uncovered, my mate and I thought the surprises were behind us. Unfortunately, Fate has other plans.

As a trained warrior, I'd always been confident that I would win, especially with my love by my side. But this war is something different, and I'm not quite sure Justice will be served.

Battle is imminent, and the residents of Shadow City are greatly outnumbered. My mate, friends, and family stand together to protect our home as well as the rest world... even if the fight brings our death.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/62212731-fatal-secrets

********

My Review: 5/5 Stars

What a great conclusion to Rosemary and Levi's story! Action packed, the story never slows down. The demons and Princes of Hell have arrived topside and are ready to take down the angels in Shadow City. It will take everyone--angels, shifters, vampires, witches, and even some good demons--working together to defeat them once and for all. Everyone has come so far in this series. Rosemary and Levi's relationship has come along way since the two of them met in Fallen Mate. They've become a stronger couple and that is very clear in this story. They work together and know that they are stronger together. And working together is the only thing that is going to defeat the Princes of Hell for good. Lots of twists and turns in this story. Secrets revealed in all sorts of ways. And an ending that changes the future of those in Shadow City forever. You don't want to miss this epic conclusion to Rosemary and Levi's arc! I can't wait for the next Shadow City world book!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.