…rounded up because I’m a sucker for alphaholes and marriages of convenience. There was also a fairly decent amount of groveling (I woul3.75ish Stars…
…rounded up because I’m a sucker for alphaholes and marriages of convenience. There was also a fairly decent amount of groveling (I would say 6/10, but enough to be satisfactory if you are a fellow grovel lover).
A few minor things here and there kept this from being a solid 4+ star, but based on what I said above and what I know about myself, I have a feeling I’ll re-read this again sometime....more
I just love the world here. Cole and Delaney's story had such a delicious beginning and SO much potential...and while I didn't think Kent max3.5 Stars
I just love the world here. Cole and Delaney's story had such a delicious beginning and SO much potential...and while I didn't think Kent maximized this potential, I still enjoyed this overall.
Long story, short: This one wasn't my favorite, but I enjoyed it nonetheless. ...more
I seem to always land in the in-between with LJ Shen books and I have no idea why. Her books usually all contain some of my most potent krypt3.5 Stars
I seem to always land in the in-between with LJ Shen books and I have no idea why. Her books usually all contain some of my most potent kryptonite tropes...she writes well...and her main love interests have had great chemistry in the ones I've read...but I always seem to be justhisshort of a four star with her. Regardless, a 3.5 rating is a solid "liked it" and I will take that any day.
I not so humbly consider myself a bit of a dark romance...connoisseur...these days.
I've been devouring it for many years now...To the point 4.5 Stars
I not so humbly consider myself a bit of a dark romance...connoisseur...these days.
I've been devouring it for many years now...To the point where my "tolerance," I guess you could call it, has gotten pretty high when it comes to a lot of elements of which dark romance is typically composed.
Many times, I have picked up a supposed dark romance, and...
[image]
Thought it was fairly frail.
But, thankfully, you can always count on Pam Godwin to bring the goods.
Her ability to take inherently evil characters, actions, and situations and make them fictionally redeemable is magical. Hell, half the time, the "villains" from previous come back as the heroes of future books.
Such was the case here with Tiago.
And I loved him.
His magnetism had me locked and loaded from the onset and the chemistry shared between him and Kate was page-scorching. I even liked Kate. It's hard to write the "strong" victim over and over again and have them not become interchangeable cardboard cutouts; but, as usual, Godwin manages to circumvent that pitfall like a champ.
I also really liked how she overlaid this story's narrative with that of the previous book in a way that didn't feel duplicative.
And, of course, I can't fucking WAIT for book nine. Because COLE.
If you don't like certain trigger content, i.e., captivity, rape, and physical and mental abuse, this probably isn't the book or series for you. Other than that, I can't recommend this book highly enough to dark romance fans, although I do recommend you read them in order.
Merged review:
4.5 Stars
I not so humbly consider myself a bit of a dark romance...connoisseur...these days.
I've been devouring it for many years now...To the point where my "tolerance," I guess you could call it, has gotten pretty high when it comes to a lot of elements of which dark romance is typically composed.
Many times, I have picked up a supposed dark romance, and...
[image]
Thought it was fairly frail.
But, thankfully, you can always count on Pam Godwin to bring the goods.
Her ability to take inherently evil characters, actions, and situations and make them fictionally redeemable is magical. Hell, half the time, the "villains" from previous come back as the heroes of future books.
Such was the case here with Tiago.
And I loved him.
His magnetism had me locked and loaded from the onset and the chemistry shared between him and Kate was page-scorching. I even liked Kate. It's hard to write the "strong" victim over and over again and have them not become interchangeable cardboard cutouts; but, as usual, Godwin manages to circumvent that pitfall like a champ.
I also really liked how she overlaid this story's narrative with that of the previous book in a way that didn't feel duplicative.
And, of course, I can't fucking WAIT for book nine. Because COLE.
If you don't like certain trigger content, i.e., captivity, rape, and physical and mental abuse, this probably isn't the book or series for you. Other than that, I can't recommend this book highly enough to dark romance fans, although I do recommend you read them in order....more
Yessssssssssssssss...I can't tell you how happy I am that I enjoyed this. I have a weird relationship with Cora Reilly books, which I won't re4+ Stars
Yessssssssssssssss...I can't tell you how happy I am that I enjoyed this. I have a weird relationship with Cora Reilly books, which I won't rehash here as I've talked about it before in multiple reviews (long story short, I usually like her books upon first read, but they are always thisclose to being just short of 4+ star reads...and then I end up re-reading a lot of them over and over again and loving them).
Anyway, after reading and really not loving book one in this series (like, for real though), I skipped book two entirely; however, I have been dying for Anna and Santino's story forEVER and once I saw this was on Kindle Unlimited, I decided to give it a go. And thankfully, this was everything I wanted it to be.
I really loved the dynamic between Anna and Santino and, boy, was he just the most delicious asshole ever. Once again, in my opinion, Reilly missed the mark with the ending (which seems to be my main issue with all of her books and the reason I didn't rate this higher)...but also once again, I'm sure I am destined to re-read this thing later and upgrade it. Until then...book four.
Merged review:
4+ Stars
Yessssssssssssssss...I can't tell you how happy I am that I enjoyed this. I have a weird relationship with Cora Reilly books, which I won't rehash here as I've talked about it before in multiple reviews (long story short, I usually like her books upon first read, but they are always thisclose to being just short of 4+ star reads...and then I end up re-reading a lot of them over and over again and loving them).
Anyway, after reading and really not loving book one in this series (like, for real though), I skipped book two entirely; however, I have been dying for Anna and Santino's story forEVER and once I saw this was on Kindle Unlimited, I decided to give it a go. And thankfully, this was everything I wanted it to be.
I really loved the dynamic between Anna and Santino and, boy, was he just the most delicious asshole ever. Once again, in my opinion, Reilly missed the mark with the ending (which seems to be my main issue with all of her books and the reason I didn't rate this higher)...but also once again, I'm sure I am destined to re-read this thing later and upgrade it. Until then...book four....more
This is my second book by Elsie Silver and I've been looking forward to its release ever since finishing book one.
Cade is my favorite kind of h4 Stars
This is my second book by Elsie Silver and I've been looking forward to its release ever since finishing book one.
Cade is my favorite kind of hero: enigmatic and kind of a dick. Add in an age gap and a marriage of convenience-ish-type scenario (live-in nanny)? Pfffffffft. The stuff dreams are made of, friends.
This was super cute, and I really enjoyed it. I can definitely see Elsie Silver becoming a go-to for sweet romance....more
My sentiments on this are practically identical to those for book one. So, since I'm a lazy ass, I will simply copy/paste those sent4 Mafia Smut Stars
My sentiments on this are practically identical to those for book one. So, since I'm a lazy ass, I will simply copy/paste those sentiments here:
"I'll be honest, this was very surface level as far as character development and plot...and I say that because I felt in my gut the whole time that the author was capable of adding that extra level of oooomph needed to make it truly great...
Regardless, this was solidly written for what it is: A smutty arranged marriage mafia romance.
And it scratched that itch HARD for me. I will definitely revisit this in the future..."
You're welcome.
That said, I enjoyed this one a even a smidge more than book one. And since I'm an endless slave to mafia romance, I have already downloaded book three....more
I'll be honest, this was very surface level as far as character development and plot...and I say that because I felt in my gut the whole3.5 Smut Stars
I'll be honest, this was very surface level as far as character development and plot...and I say that because I felt in my gut the whole time that the author was capable of adding that extra level of oooomph needed to make it truly great...
Regardless, this was solidly written for what it is: A smutty arranged marriage mafia romance.
And it scratched that itch HARD for me. I will definitely revisit this in the future and have already finished book two....more
This dragged quite a bit and was also just...super messy.
The h and H had really weak chemistry (which is almost always a guarantee of a th2 Meh Stars
This dragged quite a bit and was also just...super messy.
The h and H had really weak chemistry (which is almost always a guarantee of a three star or less rating from me) and inconsistent characterizations to boot. I didn’t really connect or care for either of them. Or of this book, really....more
...rounded up because I feel bad, I guess lol. This was okay, but I think it was more of an "it's not you, it's me" situation...
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A l2.5 Stars...
...rounded up because I feel bad, I guess lol. This was okay, but I think it was more of an "it's not you, it's me" situation...
[image]
A lot of the qualities which lend themselves to the whole voyeur thing just don't jive all that well with my personal romance tastes. Meaning: partners watching their partners do things with other people and enjoying it. I'm just not really into that and it's super rare that I love books that have that as an element.
This is one of those books I can see myself re-reading over and over again and then upgrading. In fact, I should probably do it now…
I real4.25 5 Stars
This is one of those books I can see myself re-reading over and over again and then upgrading. In fact, I should probably do it now…
I really enjoyed Danny and Charlie’s story. They had amazing tension and chemistry and I just loved every second of it. If you love a forbidden style brother’s best friend romance with a twist and a delicious age gap, this one is for you....more
I only read this for the first time two days ago and I’ve already re-read it once since then. So obviously…Loved it. Exactly what I w4.5 Stars5 Stars
I only read this for the first time two days ago and I’ve already re-read it once since then. So obviously…Loved it. Exactly what I was in the mood for. Thanks to my friend Leigh for leading me to it.
Tristan was delicious and he and Elly had off the charts chemistry. I’ve already gone back and read book one and loved that one too.
I’m only bummed that this author only has these two books out right now. Can’t wait for more. ...more
It had a delicious age gap, some forced proximity, and a little ex-boyfriend’s dad in there, you know, for those who enjoy t3.75 Stars
I enjoyed this.
It had a delicious age gap, some forced proximity, and a little ex-boyfriend’s dad in there, you know, for those who enjoy that. It also had the perfect amount of bdsm flavor and I’ve already looked more into this author’s backlist....more
This wasn't the best thing I've ever read...but it was exactly what I was in the mood for. If you have followed my reviews for a decent length 4 Stars
This wasn't the best thing I've ever read...but it was exactly what I was in the mood for. If you have followed my reviews for a decent length of time, you know I am a dyed-in-the-wool mafia romance fan and constantly on the lookout for more.
This was focused on Nikolas, the head of the Greek mafia...and while I thought that sounded weird...I mean is there REALLY a Greek mafia...? Who knows.
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Because at the end of the day, this is smut for smut's sake and I'm not here to nitpick. Also, I love Greek billionaire romances too, so the more the merrier, I say. Plus, regardless of the...dubiousness of a potential Greek mafia, Nikolas acted very mafia-like and Heard wasn't afraid to make him hurt people.
But I digress.
Nikolas was deliciously possessive and super annoyed by it. Enter some really awesome alphahole moments. I even really liked Tess.
Later in the book, certain elements started to sound...familiar, and I soon realized this is the same author who wrote THIS book - which I didn't love. Luckily this one had a very different...vibe than that one.
Anyway, like I said, I was just really in the mood for this. The plot wasn't the greatest and some of the side plots weren't all that...believable. But still, the chemistry between Nikolas and Tess sizzled, which always offsets a lot for me. Plus...age gap.
I have already downloaded book two from Kindle Unlimited and am hopeful it's got the same vibe as this one.
It pains me to rate an AJL book this low. I'm trying to remember if I ever have before. But anyway...
As I said in my review for book one 3 - 3.5 Stars
It pains me to rate an AJL book this low. I'm trying to remember if I ever have before. But anyway...
As I said in my review for book one of Grinder's story (book 19 of the series), I am a huge, longtime fan of AJL and I will always (eventually) read everything she writes. Especially books from this series. I just love the characters, the world, and the brotherhood/sisterhood she has created here.
That said, it is those aspects of this book that get all the stars here for me...cause I have to admit...Grinder and Serena were kind of boring, people. Even their sex scenes. ***insert a mind photo of me throwing my hands up in confusion***
I just don't understand it. He's an ex-con silver fox...she's a former club girl...they have a delicious age gap...AJL is the author. I don't get why this wasn't magical.
As I mentioned in my review for book 19, their beginning felt very insta-love and I was unable to buy in...so maybe that carried over into this book. I just didn't care. And I should have.
Oh well. Three stars is still a super decent rating and I loved being with all of my characters here. Their banter and interactions were a delight....more
I have been a fan of Autumn Jones Lake and this series since I first read book one in 2014. Since then, I have read and re-read my fav3.5 - 3.75 Stars
I have been a fan of Autumn Jones Lake and this series since I first read book one in 2014. Since then, I have read and re-read my favorites in the series numerous times and impatiently waited for almost every single new release. I just love this world and these characters.
Tangent: I will say that, for some reason, I have no interest in Rooster and Shelby's story at this point in time...which means I have yet to read books 16-18; however, I have no doubt I will read them eventually. (I did the same thing with Miles and Heidi's story arc...I had no interest for a year or so and then came back and read them).
But I digress.
As a longtime reader and re-reader of the series, I was excited when I saw that Grinder was getting his own story. And I enjoyed this installment. I loved just being back in this world with characters that feel like they are "my people."
I will say, however, that Grinder and Serena's relationship felt vert insta-love (which is very out of character for AJL in my opinion). As such, I has a hard time buying into their feelings and story.
I also feel like not much really happened in this book in general. If you are a fan of the series (like me), this probably won't bother you as you will simply be giddy as hell to be with your favorites, but I feel like it's definitely worth mentioning as it might be an issue for some.
And, honestly, a 3+ AJL star is like gold in my book. And I always love a good age gap....more
I have been looking forward to this book so much that I was checking amazon on the daily the last few weeks to seeMan, I'm not sure how to rate this.
I have been looking forward to this book so much that I was checking amazon on the daily the last few weeks to see if it dropped yet, despite the fact that I'd already per-ordered it. So, I'm not sure if this is a case of too high expectations or what...but this was a super disappointing reading experience for me.
Outside of some solid smut scenes, this book lacked almost everything I loved about the first book.
Fausto completely lost his edge and instead seemed content to let Francesca lead him around by his dick. I mean, he let her dictate almost everything - even the way he handled sensitive mafia business, and it just didn't jive in my opinion. He felt less like a mafia king badass and more like a lost puppy begging for a sniff of a specific dog's butt.
Not even some decent groveling was enough to save this one for me.
I would go into more detail, but alas, the bummer is just too fresh.
Maybe I will feel differently after some time and a second read. But until then...Oh well. Next!...more
Val ⚓️ Shameless Handmaiden ⚓️
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