Forgotten Kingdoms Book 7: Of Serpents & Ruins by Jessica M. Butler

 

Forgotten Kingdoms Book 7

A mischievous seer who can't remember.

A wrathful king who can't forget.

A cruel curse that binds them to a twisted fate.

My whole life felt wrong, until one drunken night in Vegas I rescue a koi and wind up dragged into a whole new world.

It has to be a dream, right? There's magic, shifters, dinosaurs, seers, curses, and the most gorgeous man I've ever seen. The powerful tattooed king of the water serpent shifters. He claims that he's my husband, my one true love, my fated mate.

Just one problem.

He's been cursed to kill me.

I'm the reincarnated queen of this mystical land. A land dying from a vicious curse placed upon us by the same monstrous creature that cursed him to kill me in cold blood.

We have less than twenty-nine days to end both curses. But my memories aren’t returning swiftly. I’m not who I used to be. Our magic is increasingly unstable, and there are enemies I can't even see. I don't know if I can be who I need to be.

And how do you kill an ancient entity who always escapes death and who hates you for what you did in your previous life?

We're running out of time, and I'm fighting to get to him. Even if he may literally be the death of me. Because I don't know how life is worth living if I can't live it with him.

I'd always thought that belonging and being with the one I love would be worth everything...but am I willing to die for it again?

This is a standalone fantasy romance with an HEA, part of the Forgotten Kingdoms, a series of standalone fantasy romances that can be read in ANY order.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/204906215-of-serpents-and-ruins?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=nWPPlJj195&rank=1

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

The seventh reincarnated queen has returned to her kingdom. And though her memories of her past live are gone, the more she she takes in her previous home the more she realizes that this is what she has been missing her entire life. Stella has never felt like she has belonged on Earth. There was always something missing. And when she is dragged through a portal, she realizes this is where she is meant to be. But things are complicated. As her memories and abilities slowly come back, the problems in her home are still around. The land is threatened by an evil force who is has cursed the land. And the other curse? Her husband is still cursed to kill her. And though Brandt fights the curse as hard as he can, it is only a matter of time until he finally breaks. They’ll have to find a way to break these curses before it is too late. One thing I loved about this book in particular was that the love interests weren’t enemies. There was no past conflict or misunderstanding that hurt them before Stella died. Though of course, it’s not exactly easy since Brandt is cursed. But I appreciated them remembering and finding one another again so early. They just had to fight that much harder to be together and defeat the villain together. Another great story with romance, adventure, and lots of magic! One book left and I can’t wait!

Stars and Smoke Book 2: Icon and Inferno by Marie Lu

 

Stars and Smoke Book 2

Spies meet romance meet popstars in this thrilling follow up to Stars and Smoke by bestselling author Marie Lu.

A year has passed since superstar Winter and secret agent Sydney Cossette went undercover - on a dangerous mission to bring down the baddest man in London.

Winter hasn't stopped thinking about Sydney since, and she's been trying not to think about him

Family secrets and nasty newspapers has Winter desperate to re-enter the secret world. And it's not long before he gets his chance.

Sydney is back, and this time the mission goes right to the heart of the United States of America. A rescue gone wrong, an assassination attempt - and the return of an old flame - puts Winter right back into the action . . . and into a country on the brink of chaos.

And when a murder accusation has Sydney on the run, suddenly it's not just a life at stake, but all-out war.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/127305686-icon-and-inferno

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

A year has passed since Winter and Sydney last saw one another. A year of thinking about the other constantly but knowing there was nothing they could do. They can’t be together. Winter is still a very famous pop star and Sydney is an undercover agent. But their paths are about to cross once more when Sydney lands a new mission that requires Winter’s help. A mission that perhaps is even more dangerous and the outcome catastrophic if they fail. The pull between them is still as strong as it was the last time they saw one another and with everything that happens on this latest mission… maybe just maybe they can find a way back to one another. I really enjoyed another story about Winter and Sydney! They have great chemistry and I love learning more about them. It was fun being back in this world and also seeing some cameos of those in the Warcross series. I will say some plot points were a little predictable but there were definitely still moments that took you by surprise. I definitely wouldn’t mind seeing more stories in this world and with Sydney’s agency. I’m sad to see Winter and Sydney’s story finished!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Hot Off the Ice Book 8: Fanboy by AE Wasp

 

Hot Off the Ice Book 8

Fashion, fake dates, and real stakes. Sometimes the only way to win is to break all the rules.

After being dumped by his fiance, Thunder forward Alex Huberdau finds himself questioning the game of love entirely. Clueless about dating, disinterested in flings, and unable to have a normal conversation with women, Alex is convinced something's broken inside him.

Enter Sunny Gonzales—a nonbinary, proudly polyamorous, fashion designer desperately searching for a big break. While their creativity blooms, love seems a luxury that's eluded them, shaded by their fears of a world quick to shun people who color outside the lines.

When Alex learns that Sunny needs a partner for a game show that could be the answer to their prayers, he leaps at the chance to help. In return, Sunny will teach him all they know about love and romance.

With only three weeks to learn all they can about each other, Sunny and Alex embark on a crash course that blurs the lines between friendship and romance. As feelings grow and the game show's climax looms, Alex and Sunny must decide if they're playing to win or playing for keeps.

Fanboy is a story about breaking binaries and subverting expectations. It contains questionable coffee drinks, zoot suits, a talking car, and unauthorized use of a hot tub.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/209782260-fanboy?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=x5zGJswHfQ&rank=1#CommunityReviews

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

After his fiancé dumped him, Alex starts to question what he knows about love. He is definitely figuring out he is clueless about dating and bit by bit starts to realize some things about himself. Making connections with someone is something he needs in order to feel close to them. He can’t find it in himself to do the hook up thing without getting to know them. That becomes more true when he gets a chance to help out his friend, Sunny. Sunny is in need of a partner for a game show that could help make their dreams a reality. So for the next few weeks, Alex and Sunny will get a chance to learn more and more about the other and in doing so maybe even fall in love. Sunny knows exactly who they are. And they are so proud of it. And being around Alex makes them happier than anything. Especially when they learn more and more about who Alex is. These two fit so well. Their chemistry is great and there is no doubt the connection between the two of them is real. I really enjoyed getting to them and seeing familiar faces of others in this series! Another great addition to this series. 

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

All For the Game Book 4: The Sunshine Court by Nora Sakavic

 

All For the Game Book 4

My name is Jean Moreau. My place is at Evermore. I belong to the Moriyamas.

It is a truth Jean has built his life around, a reminder this is the best he can hope for and all he deserves. But when he is stolen from Edgar Allan University and sold to a more dangerous master, Jean is forced to contend with a life outside of the Nest for the first time in five years. The Foxes call his transfer to California a fresh start; Jean knows it is little more than a golden cage.

Captain Jeremy Knox is facing his final year with the USC Trojans and fifth straight year falling short of the championships trophy he desperately craves. Taking in the nation’s best defenseman is a no-brainer, even if that man is a Raven. But Jean is no monster, just a man with no hope or desire for a future, and when Evermore's collapse starts dragging Jean's hideous secrets to light, Jeremy is forced to contend with the cost of victory.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/201914164-the-sunshine-court

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

What I love about this series is that it is a series that took me my surprise on how much I loved it. A series I discovered only a few years ago or so, but had ended ten years ago. But the author surprised everyone a few months ago by mentioning that she wanted to go back and write Jean’s story. And did she deliver. Honestly? It wasn’t enough. I could go for another book about Jean. And even more books about other characters including my favorites from the Foxhole Court. But this book about Jean? Oof. He needs a break. I also loved that we got Jeremy’s point of view as well in this book! The two of them telling this tale was just too good and not enough at the same time. The story starts with Jean waking up after Renee rescues him from the Nest. From there we could see the ups and downs, the truths, and the sufferings of exactly what Jean endured in the Nest. How these horrible experiences shaped him and how hard it is for him to move on if that is even possible for him. The story continues hitting a lot of spots we recognize just in Jean or Jeremy’s point of view until we are past that championship game and into the summer before the new season begins. Get ready for tears and laughs and everything in between as Jeremy and his fellow Trojans fight for Jean and show him a better place and life he could have away from Edgar Allen. We get some familiar faces of course too. It was definitely a satisfying insight to Jean but like I said, I wished it kept going. I could keep reading about this world for quite a while. So glad the author decided to pick it back up for at least this book! Gonna put it out there in the universe with the hopes that maybe just maybe this isn’t the finale. I mean, we all thought that bout the last book right? Great job, Nora!

For Puck’s Sake Book 5: Wingman Score by Crea Reitan

 

For Puck’s Sake Book 5

It’s time to score.

Zak

When you fight for so long, sometimes it’s just easier to give in. I want to give in to the god before me. Sent to me from the heavens, Owen is the very definition of divine perfection. But he doesn’t know my truth. If he did, he’d know that I don’t belong in his world. 

The shame of seeing the disgust on his face when he figures it out keeps me running from him. Even though fate or destiny or something cruel keeps throwing us together. Maybe he’s the motivation I need to get my shit in order. 

But can I do it before he figures out I’m nothing but a street rat?

Owen

The person who was made for me turns up at the New Year’s Eve party I didn’t want to go to. We’ve been serendipitously thrown together a handful of times since and though I know Zak wants me, he keeps walking out my door and refusing to call. 

I can’t figure out why and it’s driving me insane. When I can’t take it anymore, I chance him thinking that I’m a stalker and show up at the address I dropped him off at last. Zak doesn’t live there but I finally learn his secret. 

Now all I have to do is figure out how to convince Zak that I’ll give him the world if he’ll let me. Should be as easy as winning that elusive Stanley Cup.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/205791343-wingman-score

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Owen and Zak’s story definitely became one of my favorites of this series! These two are just too cute. When Zak and his friends sneak into a very exclusive New Year’s Eve party, he never expects to meet someone like Owen. Their attraction to one another is instant. Neither able to take their eyes off the other all night and they spend one amazing night together where Owen asks Zak to call him after Zak explains he doesn’t have a cell phone at the moment. But Zak can’t bring himself to do that. He’ll take his one night and mourn the fact that he will never see Owen again. Because Zak can’t bring himself to tell the truth. He’s currently homeless and wanders from his friends’ homes to keep from fully living on the streets. Abandoned as a kid and struggling to trust anyone, even those closest to him, he tries to stay afloat. But with no high school diploma or an ID to get a job, things are rough. And he strongly believes Owen is so far out of his league. But fate has other things in mind. For Owen, it hurts when Zak won’t reach out and he can’t stop thinking bout him. Hockey keeps him almost distracted but he knows that there is something between him and Zak. Something worth exploring and fighting for. And lucky for him, fate is there to help. Their paths cross again and again. Serendipity. And eventually Owen isn’t going to let Zak go. Not without a fight. He’ll prove to Zak that where he belongs is right beside Owen. Because Owen knows that Zak is it for him. And if Zak can move past his fears and let himself have something good for once, then maybe they have a chance. I adored these two. They were just so sweet together. Zak has been through so much and he deserves some happiness. And despite everything going on with Zak, they find a way to find some balance in their relationship. Just such a sweet story! I couldn’t get enough of these two. 

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Swallow Cove Book 1: Dock Tease by DJ Jamison

 

Swallow Cove Book 1

I’ve been in love with Hudson Nash my whole life, but he’s too stubborn to admit he wants me too. For a whole bunch of stupid reasons. Like the fact I’m too young. (What’s a twenty-year gap? Age is just a number, am I right?)

And a virgin. (Which he could easily fix!)

And maybe not the best choice, given he and my dad hate each other. (It’s not that ba— Okay, it is that bad, but our love could totally rise above, right? It would be epic!)

I see the way he watches me like a starving man. The heat in his eyes when I flirt with him. The longing that he feels too.

If Hudson won’t stop pushing me away, I’m just going to have to show him what he’s missing.

I’ll flirt with the pretty boy tourists who come my way. Or maybe the gruff but sexy boat tour operators. Heck, I’ll flirt with the dang fish if that’s what it takes for Hudson to make a move.

I’ll be a total dock tease—until Hudson makes me his.

Because I’m not a tease at all. Not for the right man.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/200078045-dock-tease

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

We get our first look at Fisher in the Rules We Break series and we followed him all the way to Swallow Cove to find his happily ever after. For Fisher, there has always been one man he has wanted: Hudson. Hudson may be older than him and the guy his dad hates, but the feelings Fisher has for Hudson is very real. And very one sided. At least that is what he thinks. But the truth is, Hudson has had feelings for Fisher as well. He is just better at hiding it and telling himself that he can’t cross that line for a lot of reasons, age, Fisher’s dad, and the fact that his marriage fell apart and he was to blame. But things are about to change. When the opportunity arrives where Fisher and Hudson must work together to help the future of Swallow Cove flourish, well, keeping their attraction to one another comes to light. And once they give in, once isn’t enough. Not even close. But it will take a lot for Hudson to believe he deserves a future with Fisher. I really loved this new town we arrived in! Just as hilarious and wonderful as Granville, you’ll be drawn in but so many funny moments and a very charming cast of characters. I spied several possible future book couples and characters who I hope will get their own book as well. I definitely cannot wait to see where this series goes after reading Hudson and Fisher’s story!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Arctic Titans of Northwood U Book 6: On Thin Ice by Hayden Hall

 

Arctic Titans of Northwood U Book 6

I’ve been in love with Jordan Mitchell since the moment I saw him.

He’s smart, handsome, and even funny when he feels like it. He excels at everything; whatever he touches turns to gold. He can’t do anything wrong.

When our parents got married and merged our broken families, I suddenly had a rival I could never compete with. And a heart-throb I could never be with. And I hate him for it. He doesn’t even see me.

Until one summer break… We’re alone in our parents’ mountain house. All we do is swim, sunbathe, and fight. And I’d rather be kissing him. Soon enough, the line between hate and attraction is too blurry to see.

It turns out that he’s just as messed up as me. And his sculpted body attracts me more than ever. With each day we spend holed up in the mountains, it gets harder to resist him. If I don’t do something, I might burst.

But the looming threat of destroying our family for a cheap thrill holds me back. There couldn’t be a happy ending to our story.

And all my choices are wrong.

For once, I’m going to need him to be in charge of what happens next.

On Thin Ice is the sixth novel in the Arctic Titans of Northwood U series and it can be read as a standalone. This novel is the most separated one from the rest of the series, taking place away from campus and hockey rinks. It’s a forbidden romance with a merged family theme, close proximity, endless pining, and Kindle-melting fire.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/209299573-on-thin-ice

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Asher and Jordan have had feelings for one another since the moment they met. And that moment? When their parents decided to ambush them and tell them they are dating. So for the next seven years, the two of them spend not being stepbrothers and not even close to being friends. Coexisting and doing everything they can to avoid one another all in the hopes of fighting feelings that are so much greater than sibling love. And for every missed look, interpreting the wrong actions and words, the two are clueless when it comes to seeing what the other has been hiding. But everything is about to change. While Jordan usually avoids spending time at the family lake house, this time he has no choice when his plans fall through. And while it takes their parents a bit longer to make it to them, it is just Asher and Jordan alone. Both fighting their feelings while also trying to come up with some sort of truce. But it’s only a matter of time until everything comes crashing down on them. Truths will be revealed and these two can stop fighting. Because it is so clear just how much they care for one another and their chemistry is undeniable. Really loved their story! Been patiently waiting for these two to finally snap. Seeing bits of them in the previous books, you know there is something going on. And those two deserve to be happy! Another great story in this series! And as usual I am looking forward to the next one.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.