I jumped at the chance to read/listen to this book. Because, though I have only read one or two books by this author, I am an avid reader of survival I jumped at the chance to read/listen to this book. Because, though I have only read one or two books by this author, I am an avid reader of survival romance AND Mafia romance. So put them both together and I am in romance heaven!
Shae and Renzo are representing their families when they meet up to do some business. The Byrne & Giordano families currently have an alliance but they doesn't mean they trust each other. They have a grudging respect for each other but that's it.
Then they are betrayed and kidnapped and in a crashing plane. Quite the irritating turn of events. Luckily they find a remote hunting cabin, with a few supplies and a whole lot of alone time. That grudging respect quickly flares into more during the long, cold nights and the fight for survival.
Shae has fought for all the respect and status that she has in her family, so getting sucked in by an Alpha male like Renzo may be tempting but is nothing she could ever take seriously. He has his own family to run and she's not ready to be subservient to any one. She's a freaking badass and I completely understood how hard one her place is within a Mafia family.
Renzo has never been fascinated by someone the way he is with Shae, in fact, they wouldn't even be in this position if he hadn't been drawn to her and wanted another encounter. Now he has the perfect opportunity, albeit in a less than ideal situation, to melt her icy facade. He is up to the challenge.
I loved so many aspects to this book and everything in the wilderness was amazing. I liked the bi-rep with Shae and I thought it was a good twist to have her use her femininity as a weapon. She also a skilled fighter and quick as a whip. She is more than a match for Ren. They were on fire.
I did feel a bit of a weakness in the third act, once we get back to the real world. I was a bit fuzzy on some of the motivations and revenge of our villain. But this was a very solid book and I will add it to my recommendation repertoire.
Narrated by Kelsey Navarro Foster & Aiden Snow with great skill. They were both very compelling voices and I listened to this all in one sitting because they kept me moving through the story.
4 stars 3 on the spice scale
Sexy content: squirting, voyeurism, dominant male
*Thank you to Valentine PR and the author for an ALC of this title.* ...more
This was a new to me author and I feel like I jumped right into it with this one.
Kiara is just starting her joy as a bank teller when she sees somethThis was a new to me author and I feel like I jumped right into it with this one.
Kiara is just starting her joy as a bank teller when she sees something she shouldn't. This leads her to a choice between death or working for Milo Di Valo, a Mafia boss, as a translator. Her skills with languages is her only saving grace. She accompanies him on a trip to Europe while he gets some business done and does his bidding.
They fall in love through the forced proximity and even though this life is nothing she is prepared for. She decides she's willing to conform in order to stay by Milo's side. Eventually anyway.
I was really caught into this in the beginning. I like Kiara and her sassiness. She is fierce even when going toe to toe with this dangerous man. Their chemistry was amazing and I think many will love them together.
It was also a very sexy book, though the intimate scenes seemed pretty repetitive and the heroine used the exact same phase every time she came. It kinda got on my nerves, lols.
Milo was delicious thought and I can understand how he might stike her dumb in the moment. Haha!
I did feel like it drew out too long and I lost some interest from 60-90% of the book.
I would try another book from this author though.
4 stars 4 on the spice scale
CW: Violence, gore, and organizer crime
*Thank you to Hambright PR and the author for an ARC of this title.*...more
It was so great to get back to these characters and I devoured this story. I was aching after the cliffhanger we were left with and I needed to know hIt was so great to get back to these characters and I devoured this story. I was aching after the cliffhanger we were left with and I needed to know how Willow was going to win over more of the Six. I'm very invested in how things are going to work out.
We had a bit of help from a certain gifted artifact, however, I felt like the use of it was kinda anti-climactic in practice. I was hoping for more of a reaction and a plan to get ourselves out of this. I am also now worried about how many books are going to be in this series as I don't feel like we made as much progress as I was hoping for... We switched to a new member of the Six to get their POV, since Fox is currently occupied and I did enjoy getting that perspective and watching him warm up more to his mate.
I'll also admit that there are too many damn characters in this story. I'm sorry, it's true. Not only do we have SEVEN entities in this RH but there was villains and friends and it was overwhelming. I think I need a cast of characters at the front or back. I don't know if that is in the final copy, since I read an ARC, but it should be.
Okay, well, what did I like? I still love Willow. I like watching her progress towards the badass she is meant to be. I like how she shows no fear when certain members of the Six try to push her around and intimidate her. I am looking forward to her facing off with certain characters in the future. I still love my sweet Varen, but I didn't get enough of him. I missed more of his bee-isms.
Anyway, the writing itself is very well done, as I expect of this author and when I am within the story, I couldn't wait to continue. I look forward to the next entry as soon as I can have it. I'm so curious about Styx's and Varen's POV particularly. I hope we get them soon.
Where can I find me a Jake Hayes? *sigh* Julia Wolf just writes me the best of the best.
I won't pretend to be anything other than a Stan for Julia WoWhere can I find me a Jake Hayes? *sigh* Julia Wolf just writes me the best of the best.
I won't pretend to be anything other than a Stan for Julia Wolf at this point. That being said, I have very high standards after PS You're Intolerable was my favorite read of 2023. So there are big shoes to fill.
I am happy to report that Jake and Clara live up to that standard for me. There's just something about their chemistry, their communication, their love for their children, and the hope of a new beginning that drew me to them so completely.
From the start, with their anonymous meet ups at a biker bar, I felt the passion simmering. That tingly, skin-tight feeling of awareness that makes goosebumps raise on my arm. Jake and Clara have that going on. The trouble hits when they come face to face outside of their hidden bubble. They have lives they normally ignore when they hit the blacktop and meet in hotel rooms and coming face to face with that... it forces them to decide if they want to try to keep it. But you can't fight a pull that intense.
They both have baggage and responsibilities. Clara feels like she's too old for him and too jaded. Jake thinks he doesn't have room for anything serious and he hasn't dated in years. Not to mention, they both are single parents to lovely daughters, which puts more hearts at risk than their own. Finding a way to mingle their lives in the midst of a possible business collaboration just might break them.
Something else I really want to touch on is the mutual respect that is so evident in their relationship. Which seems like it shouldn't need to be said, yet far too often I wonder if some characters in love really DO respect their partners. I find that to be evident in this quote from Jake:
"Clara Rossi was a revelation. No matter what happened between us, I promised myself I wouldn't become another reason for her to distrust men. I couldn't make any other promises, but she'd always have the truth from me. Always."
The amount of small gestures and loving care these two show for each other... it's hard to describe it. They spend time learning each other. They pay attention. Jake and Clara just *feel* like a real couple to me. I know people like this even if this is an exaggerated version of them.
Like when Clara says this:
"He made it impossible to hide any part of myself. Even the pieces I'd thought were shut off forever had been priced open. He had me. Fully. Completely. My trust, my heart, my thoughts--they were his."
or this from Jake:
"I love you, Clara. I'm not done with you. I'm pretty certain I never will be. If I haven't made it clear to you how completely in love with you I am, that's my fault. I love you down to the core of me. It came on slow and steady, like a summer rain shower, and before I knew it, I was drenched. My love for you goes so deep it's a part of me now. Even if I tried to carve myself hollow, I wouldn't be able to ride myself of it."
I could go on for days and days about these two, who am I kidding? I definitely will. This was a wonderful beginning to a new series. Do yourself a favor and don't miss out on this one.
6 Stars 3.5 on the spice scale
*Thank you to the author for an ARC of this title.*...more
This book was a jolt to the heart. I was drawn into the tale from the beginning, my heart breaking for the situation everyone was in. I wanted the besThis book was a jolt to the heart. I was drawn into the tale from the beginning, my heart breaking for the situation everyone was in. I wanted the best for these characters and watching them fumble through it for the sake of these children was gut-wrenching and beautiful.
My emotions are right at the surface the whole time and I felt the agony of loss and unanswered questions. I don't know what I would have done in that situation.
You may like this if you like: -Best Friend's Brother -Age Gap -Raising kids together -MMA Fighter -Bad Boy/Good Girl
Narrated by Vanessa Vasquez & Noah B Perez. They were both new to me narrators and they had me riveted. This audio book was definitely the way to consume this story.
4.5 stars 3 on the spice scale
*Thank you to Must Love Audio & the author for an ALC of this title.*
This entry to the Townsend Legacy series is so different from the others I've read.
Yes, we still have an absolute Alpha who will burn the world down fThis entry to the Townsend Legacy series is so different from the others I've read.
Yes, we still have an absolute Alpha who will burn the world down for his woman. Yes, she is a power, fierce business woman who can take care of herself. But this one had some special sauce. This one was a Friends to Lovers and even more than that, it starts off with Diego proposing an experiment of a very certain kind. Give him three months to make Monique love him.
Somehow Monique had been oblivious to what everyone else can see so clearly but Diego isn't waiting anymore. Now that she's back in their city and within his reach. Now that he is in the job he should be. Now that she is working on her dream art gallery.
He's taking what was always meant to be him. Because even though he says he's only asking for three months? Well, we all know it's for forever.
It was captivating to watch. Diego loves her so good. He is devoted and protective. Possessive and caring. There isn't an inch of him that isn't working towards their future happiness. I was swooning all the way through.
Monique also lives with Type 1 Diabetes and has been made to feel like a burden by previous partners. The way he systematically works to dismantle that believe was beautiful to watch. It truly brought tears to my eyes. I loved it.
I really found this story to be so powerful. Tiffany Patterson is making a life long fan out of me.
Narrated by J. Shani Michaels & Sean Crisden to absolute perfection. Both of their voices were so infused with emotion and realness. I loved their performances so much.
5 stars 3.5 on the spice scale
CW: Type 1 Diabetes, mention of SA (not main character), abusive family (past), PTSD, anxiety, bit of BDSM
*Thanks to Wordsmith Publicity & the author for an ALC of this title.*...more
This was one of the sweetest One Night Stand romances I've read in a while. The way Josie and Wes fell into one another had me kicking my feet. The coThis was one of the sweetest One Night Stand romances I've read in a while. The way Josie and Wes fell into one another had me kicking my feet. The compatibility of two strangers passing in the night but feeling so drawn to one another... it's a special kind of magic.
Unfortunately, when they find out Wes is her brother's teammate and subsequently becomes her benevolent roomy, well, things get complicated. But their chemistry is comes so easy and it's harder to fight it then to just roll with it. There were all these little moments of pining and it wasn't only for the physical things. They were vulnerable during that one night and it's not easy to reel all those feelings back in.
What really solidified this as a new favorite from Lauren Blakely for me was how supportive they are of each other. Even when it might hurt themselves. That kind of selflessness is so beautiful to see.
This book was the perfect mix of humor, heart, and sexiness. It was hard to put it down which is always a good feeling. It even had me tearing up at the end. These two were soul mates and it was so enjoyable to watch that unfold.
There was very low angst, even though there were real challenges for them. Which means none of the conflict felt overblown and was very grounded.
Narrated in the duet style by Erin Mallon & Connor Crais. They absolutely killed it. I always recommend you consume Lauren Blakely via audio as she chooses only the best.
5 stars 3.5 on the spice scale
CW: death of a loved one
*Thanks to the author for an ALC of this title.*...more
This was a new to me author and a unique take on a Mafia Romance. It actually gave me some New Adult vibes which is not too common in the Mafia sub-geThis was a new to me author and a unique take on a Mafia Romance. It actually gave me some New Adult vibes which is not too common in the Mafia sub-genre.
I found the premise to be interesting and I was excited to see how this couple was going to get together. It was a fast read and I think if you also want to try something different, it could be a worthwhile read for you.
For me, I found most of the characters to be unrealistic and almost.. too young. They may have been in a Mafia world but everyone felt very "soft" and I was missing the edge that I crave in my dark romance.
3.5 stars 2.5 on the spice scale
*Thank you to the author for an ARC of this title.*...more
This was a lovely small town, grumpy sunshine, fake dating, Billionare romance! Haha! I think I fit everything in there. I devoured this in one sittinThis was a lovely small town, grumpy sunshine, fake dating, Billionare romance! Haha! I think I fit everything in there. I devoured this in one sitting and I am very curious about the rest of the series now. Yes, this was another series where I jumped in with both feet when I got a shot at the audio book. I've been doing that a lot this year and it has been great for or introducing me to authors I've never heard of.
Vaughn and Jolie have a few rough run-ins at the beginning of their acquaintance. One of which ends with an awkward confrontation with Jolie's ex-fiance and Vaughn's spoiled younger half-sister. This encounter somehow leads to the whole town thinking they are dating. Which they end up continuing to perpetuate which leads to them spending more time together.
They both are a bit gun shy about relationships. Though Jolie definitely isn't giving up completely. Weddings are her business, after all. But Vaughn doesn't believe in marriage after the disaster that was his parents.
However, the more time they spend together, the more their chemistry grows. The more they learn about the other, the deeper they fall. There are a few missteps and a miscommunication or two, but overall, these two were very sweet. I also loved the supporting cast and if the book didn't end so abruptly, it would have been a perfect book for me!
Performed to perfection by Andi Arndt & Christian Fox. They made the story just fly by and I highly recommend you listen to this book if you are so inclined. I will absolutely read or listen to another one from Jessica Prince.
4 stars 3 on the spice scale
CW: cancer
*Thank you to Must Love Audio and the author for an ALC of this title.*...more
Back to Cherry Peak we go and this time it's to help Johnny and Aurora find true love!
Aurora is guarded and only in town for a very specific goal. To Back to Cherry Peak we go and this time it's to help Johnny and Aurora find true love!
Aurora is guarded and only in town for a very specific goal. To find out more about her father who abandoned her mother before Rory was born. She doesn't want connections and she's very on edge with everyone.
Then there's Johnny. A cowboy and hired hand at the ranch. He sweeps her off her feet in a small town bar and she just can't get him out of her head. He's eight years her junior and full of idealistic dreams. He's completely smitten with her and irresistible to this black can heroine. His golden retriever ways are almost too much for her. Yet, he brings a joy and comfort to her she's been missing.
I loved how enamored with Aurora Johnny was. He was sweet, sexy, and a tease. He just wants to get to know her and maybe get another dance or two. But the more time he spends pursuing her the more he may want to keep her forever. All the things he does to woo her just made me sigh. He was so dreamy.
I also felt for Aurora as she tries to unwind her family tree. There are some hard truths she must face and while she resists Johnny for quite a while, she can't help but be charmed by him. I loved watching her fall for him and Cherry Peak in general. He has always had a dream about the perfect partner for his future and when he sees Aurora as that possibility, he really goes for it. He was also very... erm.. eager in all things. ;)
This was another great entry to the series, with some surprisingly emotional moments. I loved the found family aspects and close community. I really felt at home with this romance.
5 stars 3.5 on the spice scale
*Thank you to Must Love Audio and the author for an ALC of this title.*...more
I am a bit shell shocked by this one, but damn, it was powerful.
It was honestly hard to read at some points (for content) yet I couldn't look away. ItI am a bit shell shocked by this one, but damn, it was powerful.
It was honestly hard to read at some points (for content) yet I couldn't look away. It's the kind of raw pain that makes your skin itch and feel dirty while reading it. The hits just kept coming and there were parts in this story where I didn't know how we could make it out in one piece. That is the type of tension and anxiety that makes me love Dark Romance.
Honestly, the only way I can read stories like this, watching characters be abused and brutalized, is that I know the HEA is on the horizon. No matter how dark the night, hope comes with the morning.
Kinleigh is in the middle of one such night. She has no one on her side and is suffering under her evil father. She was forced to break up with her childhood sweetheart almost ten years ago and nothing has been right since. She lives only to find a way to take her father down.
Colton left his home when Kinleigh broke his heart. He couldn't bear to keep living next door to her and not have her. So he is very reluctant to come back to town but his father has died and his sister begs him for help. It doesn't take long for him to end up on Kinleigh's doorstep. Though not for the reason you might think and ending up a prisoner in the cellar wasn't on his bingo card either.
Now Kin and Colt are in a dangerous dance with the devil breathing down their neck. There is still love and passion but it's tainted and damaged by time and evil. The things they had to endure to get to their HEA were BRUTAL. Please, please, please heed the TWs. If it's listed, assume it BAD ya'll.
This book felt like a cross between Pam Godwin's Deliver series AND her Trails of Sin. I was horrified and moved at the same time.
Really my only detraction is that the last act felt a bit... unbalanced to me. After what Colton and Kinleigh go through... I needed a bit more of time with them together. We see a peek at them using intimacy and sex to work through their trauma but it was too rushed for me. If we're going to explore the types of situations that they survived and have sex be the outlet to work through it, I needed to see more of the messy bits as they work through it. They used sex to communicate while in captivity and I wanted to see them unpack that once they were free.
Anyway, I went deeper into this review than I normally would but that's because I was so impressed and there is SO much potential for what this pen name of Daisy Jane's can do. I am a deep believer that kink and BDSM can help heal. I love seeing that portrayed in romance but especially in Dark Romance.
Final note: Yes this is a duet. But Kinleigh and Colton to have an HEA in this book. Book 2 will be about a different couple from what I can tell. So no need to wait until that one releases before diving in.
4 stars 4 on the spice scale
CW: forced sterilization, infertility, kidnapping, sex trafficking, inter family rape, torture, and dub con.
*Thank you to The Author Agency and the author for an ARC of this title.*...more
I dove right into this book after finishing Fragile Sanctuary, so I was really hyped for Shep and Thea's romance. I wanted to know Thea's secrets and I dove right into this book after finishing Fragile Sanctuary, so I was really hyped for Shep and Thea's romance. I wanted to know Thea's secrets and I wanted to see Shep fall in love. They both have their damage and do better at times than others.
Thea is on her own and tries to distance herself from most people. Her work in Sparrow Falls all needs to be off the books and she keeps to herself and her small cottage whenever she can. She is almost devastated when she has a plumbing issue that she can't solve herself and needs a professional to step in.
Shep is quietly fascinated by Thea and he only wants to help. He has the skills to do so but that doesn't mean Thea is ready to trust him in her small safe space of a home. He is so respectful in how he slowly gets to know her. It was so sweet to see how he and his family just wanted to welcome her in.
I have struggled with Small Town romances with suspense in the past, but as with Sparrow Falls, I really have been trying to be open to the fact that we are in that setting to begin with. That really has helped my perspective. With that knowledge, I have been more willing to accept those aspects and dive into the mystery. I think the author did a great job of balancing both the romance and the suspense element.
Plus, this is a Woman on the Run story anyway, and those usually have that suspense element anyway. I love when a hero like Shep can make a heroine feel safe and show her the better sides of a protective man. It's what I live for.
Overall, I really enjoyed this one and I can't wait to see what happens next in Sparrow Falls.
Narrated by Erin Mallon & Teddy Hamilton, this book is meant to be listened too. I flew through this one and I wish I had been able to keep binging this series.
4.5 Stars 3 on the spice scale
CW: stalking, domestic abuse
*Thank you to the author for an ALC & ARC of this title.*...more
She had great tension and spice between Tanner and Victoria. They start as rivals when he wants to buy her aThis was my first read from Samantha Skye!
She had great tension and spice between Tanner and Victoria. They start as rivals when he wants to buy her aunt's land for his whiskey company. But they very quickly succumb to their attraction and realize they are much better together than as enemies.
Tanner is a good 2 decades older than Victoria and his son might even be older than her, I believe. But they really just gel well together and when their chemistry explodes, they never look back.
There was a bit of a suspense element as someone seems to be stalking Victoria. Pretty standard small town suspense things, if you know what I mean.
But this was steamy with good characters and it was a very pleasant read if a little too long.
4 stars 4 on the spice scale
*Thank you to The Author Agency and the author for an eARC of this title.*...more
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