The Solitary Protector by Rebecca Hefner

A secluded cabin. An outgoing princess on a mission, seeking shelter from a storm. And one antisocial Vampyre who puts the “grunt” in surly grunting grumperson. So…much…grunting. What’s not to love? 

What’s it About? 

A woman determined to discover her past…

Adelyn, daughter of Lila and Latimus, has never felt quite whole. Although she loves her parents immensely, the origin of her lavender irises always remained a mystery. When she overhears rumors of a secret species of immortal who share the rare trait, she’s compelled to journey into treacherous territory to find them.

A man destined to protect her…

Leo, son of Kilani and Alrec, prefers solitude rather than the misery and exclusion he experienced in the immortal realm. When a gorgeous Slayer shows up at his remote cabin, he yearns to protect her, even if the stubborn woman drives him mad.

A perilous journey…

Incensed by the grumpy Vampyre, Adelyn vows to leave him behind. But the obstinate man insists on protecting her, and each day they forge ahead, she wonders if her heart might need the most protection of all…

First Impressions

Listen up! If you’re in the mood for a paranormal romance featuring a sunshine heroine juxtaposed against a grumpy hero, then you need to run, not walk, and add this read to your TBR list. What we have here is the absolute epitome of witty banter which acts as the most delicious kind of foreplay between our two lead characters. They can’t stand to be in the same room together at the start, which makes their isolated location of a remote cabin in the middle of a torrential rain storm all the more perfect. Adelyn may have stumbled across one of the most infuriatingly stubborn and brash Vampyres she’s ever met in her immortal life, but she’s also not afraid to give back as good as he’s dishing out. This aristocratic princess certainly isn’t what Leo was expecting to come home to in his solitary home far removed from the reaches of society, and her incessant need for conversation has him on the verge of throwing her out in the cold. Or maybe…he might just have to throw her into his bed instead, because he can’t deny that this little vixen has awakened a desire in him he thought long buried. 

With every snappy comeback we see these two polar opposites come closer together, and it’s clear we’re just a hidden smirk or two away from an explosion of heat. Something I truly loved about this read was that Leo wasn’t just a grump for grumpiness’ sake. Oftentimes in Romancelandia we can be presented with a surly hero who seems to have a few underlying anger or personality issues that we never really get to the bottom of. When it comes to this read though, we can see how centuries of isolation have shaped Leo into the man he is today. It’s not that he’s always in a bad mood, but rather his interactions with anyone aside from his parents has been so limited that it naturally takes him some time to remember how to open up to anyone new. Adelyn refuses to back down when confronted with his testy attitude, which in turn brings about his willingness to confide in her about those who have turned away from him in the past. On the surface it might seem as though these two have nothing in common, but we come to find that their differences are what complement each other so well to bring them closer. 

A Tame Addition

If I had to categorize this eighth installment in the Etherya’s Earth series when compared to the other novels so far, I would say it’s quite the palate cleanser. We’re seeing a brief moment of peace in the larger war against the evil Elf King Dakath, so the primary focus of any angst or drama is on our lead couple as they traverse the rocky landscape towards building a relationship. Aside from one night scene involving a run-in with some lone Deamons, which frankly I’m sure will haunt my nightmares at least once in the coming weeks, we don’t see any scenes of battle or bloodshed. Unless you want to call Leo bringing a snooty aristocrat to his knees after an attempt to fight for Adelyn’s affections a battle. The main area where we see a bit of movement forward in this great fight of good against evil is in Adelyn’s mission to locate the secret species of Nymphs living on the outskirts of society. 

Her ancestors descend from this ancient line of peaceful healers, and it’s from them she’s inherited her tell-tale lavender-colored irises. While Adelyn loves her adoptive parents, Latimus and Lila, she’s always yearned to find out more about where she comes from. This is impetus for why she sets off on her mission to not only make first contact with the Nymphs, but also hopefully meet her birth father for the first time. I will say this was the one aspect of the novel which left me wanting more. So much of this story involves Adelyn’s search for the Nymphs, and eventually how her and Leo’s newfound relationship will survive following her return to society. The time actually spent with this new species, learning from them, simply felt far too short. There is definitely the implication that this won’t be the last we see of the Nymphs, but considering that Adelyn is a half-nymph herself, I was really hoping we would see more of her interactions with them in her own novel rather than what might come to be a side-story in a future novel featuring someone else in the lead role.

Unforgettable

There are two remarkably poignant moments in this read which I know will be sticking with me for quite some time. They were crafted so surprisingly well by the author, that I can’t help but tip my hat at the sheer excellence of these scenes. The first I will simply refer to as: the shave. So, a bit of back story. There is little I hate more in this world than when a movie, TV show, or novel will depict a man shaving, or getting shaved, with a straight razor. Something about it just puts me on edge with the heebie jeebies. Maybe it’s because 9 times out of 10 these scenes will result in some kind of bloodshed, but nevertheless, my hair stands on edge every single time, without fail. So you can imagine my sheer horror when this novel presents us with just such a scene, but then also my outright stupefaction over the fact that this author succeeds in making it the sexiest scene of the entire book. There is a moment when Adelyn is helping Leo shave off his wild mass of a beard because she’s been poking fun at it ever since her arrival in his cabin. As if the physical closeness this activity presents wasn’t delicious enough, when Adelyn proceeds to climb in his lap to get a better angle under his chin…all bets are off. This is the exact moment where everything changes. They both become aware of their mutual desire for one another, Leo can literally smell it on her, and by Etherya if somebody doesn’t open a window in here I’m going to spontaneously combust! 

Mkay, sexy moment over. Now for something a bit more intense. From the moment Adelyn sets out on her mission to find the Nymphs, we know there is a deadline for her to return back to society. Her father Latimus is already seething at the fact she insists on going alone, and if she’s not back home by the date he’s set out for her, he’s fully prepared to send out the entire immortal army after her. Enter Leo. Their time together in the cabin definitely awakened a physical chemistry between them, but it’s their journey together through the wilderness which secures their emotional connection as well. They share their struggles and joys over their adopted childhoods, insights into Leo’s former failed relationship with an aristocrat that confirmed his decision to live a solitary life, and Adelyn’s feelings of being lost at not knowing her birth parents. Each step of their journey brings them closer together, while also bringing us closer to the moment when we know Addie must return home. 

Leo is so set in his need for seclusion, just as Addie needs to be close to her family and fulfill her duties to the realm. When they eventually return to the cabin after finding the Nymphs, they have just a few days to share with each other before they must part ways. They are days filled with pure ecstasy, but also a looming dread for the inevitable, a desperation that it won’t come to pass. What makes these moments in the cabin even more heartrending was to see how two immortals must face the harsh reality of something coming to an end. Their bittersweet goodbye brought tears to my eyes, especially when considering the transformation of Leo as this surly grump at the start of the novel, to a man who has to force himself not to fall on his knees and beg Addie not to leave him. Ugh, ok, getting emotional again. Just read the freakin’ book already! 

*A copy of this book was provided for an honest review*

Series: Etherya’s Earth, book 8. I never want this series to end! Even though I hope these immortals will soon find everlasting peace in their seemingly constant fight against evil, whenever that day comes I would just love to move around the different compounds seeing new couples find their happily ever after. And the way these original couples are popping out babies, I might just get my wish! I still think this series is best read in order, but of all the books in the series so far I would say this is the first full-length novel which could best be served as a stand-alone. 

Would I befriend the heroine? Maybe…in small doses. Like Leo, I often crave moments of quiet solitude, and let’s just say Addie might be too much of a chatterbox for my patience to handle. 

Would I date the hero? As long as I could watch him chop wood shirtless at least once a day, I’m here for it. 

Final Impressions: Although this read may have been short on violent battle scenes, it was full to bursting with emotional vulnerability, humor, witty banter and enough surly grunting to put Ted Lasso‘s Roy Kent to shame. Adelyn and Leo were the perfect pairing, especially as we see how the little things which drove them crazy about each other in the beginning eventually drove them crazy in love by the end. It was also great to see how Addie’s arguments for Leo rejoining society didn’t solely rely on the fact that she wanted him to choose the convenient option for her, but rather that coming back would allow him to be a better version of himself by living a more fulfilling life. While I would have liked to see more interactions with the Nymphs, I did love that we were able to spend some time with a few of couples from the previous books, especially Leo’s parents, Kilani and Alrec. If you love a grumpy/sunshine lead couple, then this is definitely the book for you! 

Smut Level: We have a secluded cabin here people, there’s nobody around for miles to hear these two enjoying each other’s company. There are a few mentions of Adelyn being submissive to Leo’s dominant side, but this is solely actualized in some hair tugging and slight pressure on Addie’s neck. No full-on choking, spanking or safe words. At least…that we know of 😉

Get it on Amazon: Click Here. $3.99 Kindle Price. Reading Goddess Press, LLC. 303 Pages. 

The Stolen Throne by Abigail Owen

When shadow and glass come together, it might produce a power strong enough to take down the evil King Eidolon. Now Meren and Reven just need to figure out how to control it before darkness overtakes them all.

What’s it About? 

My twin sister is the true queen of Aryd. She survives, hiding and clinging to life in the desert, while I reign as the false queen alongside the monstrous King Eidolon. There’s only one escape from this gilded prison: Reven. My Shadowraith. My heart. Only the shadows that he struggles to control are growing more sinister, more powerful.

It’s just a matter of time before they turn on him…and on me.

Even escape doesn’t mean true freedom, though, when we’re still on the run from Eidolon’s unstoppable armies. And when we discover there’s a traitor among us, I have no choice…I must become the queen I was never meant to be.

Because as one evil hunts me, the other loves me more than himself.

And my fate lies with both.

First Impressions

Alright, first things first. When this series ultimately concludes I am going to need to have the cover image of each installment displayed as wall art somewhere in my home. The saying goes that you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, but let me tell you that each cover perfectly captures the majestic beauty and drama contained within its pages. It is a signal of the light surrounded by shadow, and the struggle of innocence against darkness that this entire series has come to represent. Abigail Owen proves once again in this second novel that she is a master world-builder, and you need to prepare yourself for how immersed you will become in this magical land she’s created, as it’s unlike any other which has come before.

The first book in this series blew me away with its introduction to the landscape of this world, and I relished how the sequel allows us a more up-close exploration of the idiosyncrasies of various dominions. We venture outside of the palace and village walls to see the rugged desert sands of Aryd and jagged ice sheets of Tyndra become characters in their own right. Beyond the diverse settings of the dominions, this second book also allows us to become fully entrenched in the history and mythology of this world. I once described book one as providing us with an info dump of fantastical details that were somewhat challenging to keep straight at times. The Stolen Throne fleshes out these details to the point where we are just as surprised as the characters to learn the truth behind what happened to the dominion goddesses of days gone by, and how their downfall interplays with the evil rising up to threaten our main characters. It’s a constant battle of good against evil, but somedays its hard to tell where the evil might be lurking.

The Diplomatic Queen

A standout feature of book one was seeing Meren come into her power over sand. Growing up in the shadows of her twin, Meren was only ever meant to serve as a stand-in for Tabra should anything tragic happen. Her ability to mold and control sand was never something that was deemed worthy of further study by her Omma. However, when Meren was pulled into the war against the shadow King Eidolon, Shadowraith Reven helped her realize that there was so much more to her power than transforming sand into colorful glass flowers. From glass weapon shards to portals which could transport them across dominions, Meren’s power was something she spent time practicing and manipulating, as it also gave her a strength and power to stand up and fight back.

Unfortunately, we see the focus on Meren’s power sort of take a back seat in this sequel. While Tabra suffers in the background from a ghostly poisoning of her soul for the majority of the book, Meren has to step into her shoes as the Queen of Aryd in an attempt to forge alliances with other rulers in their fight to take down Eidolon. It’s another side to Meren that she admittedly doesn’t feel comfortable in, as it forces her to take on an almost benevolent and submissive persona in the hopes of winning more allies to her side. I missed the spitfire that we met back in book one who was never afraid to speak her mind, even when kidnapped by her Shadowraith. We see hints that the curse which binds Meren to Eidolon might also provide her with some of his power over shadows, but again we never see Meren provided with the opportunity to train and explore this new skill with Reven. Hopefully it’s something we’ll see brought to the forefront in the next book!

A Romance in Disarray

The growing fight between Meren’s ragtag team of outsiders and King Eidolon continues to escalate in this book, and we’re constantly left wondering who will come out on top in the battle between good and evil. Shadows seem to lurk everywhere, even amongst friends. There is a need to come together as one unit, while also questioning who might be spying for the other side. This perpetual tug-of-war between trust and uncertainty finds its way into Reven and Meren’s relationship to result in one of the more frustrating aspects of this sequel. In book one there was an instant chemistry between Reven and Meren, even when considering that their relationship began from a case of mistaken kidnapping. The slow build of their connection was absolutely delicious to witness, and I was sorely disappointed that this aspect was fairly absent from this second installment.

Soon after rescuing Meren from the clutches of Eidolon, Reven & Co. escape away to the desert to gather forces while plotting out their next step. It’s during this time when Reven declares that even though he wants to be with Meren, he fears he won’t be able to control his shadows if they’re too close or spend too much time together. For a majority of the rest of the book we see Reven try to keep his distance from Meren, just as she spends her time pining after him with longing glances and declarations of the closeness she wishes they could share. Their bond was such a critical component of the first novel, so their physical and emotional distance from one another made the absence of this bond even more apparent with this read. The frustration continued to grow when we see Reven and Meren repeatedly ignore the instances when their physical proximity resulted in flashes of power for them both. While they eventually acknowledge that they’re stronger together than apart, it was too little too late when compared to their beautiful connection we saw in book one.

*A copy of this book was provided for an honest review*

Series: Dominions, book 2. I implore you to read this series in order. If you haven’t read book one you should seriously stop what you’re doing and get it for yourself. I mean…you can probably hold off for another 30 seconds to finish reading this review, but then seriously head on over to Amazon and add-to-cart already.

Would I befriend the heroine? It seems like Meren could use a friend right now. Especially one that isn’t plotting something nefarious behind her back, openly pining away for her affections, or looking to her to solve the problems of all the Dominions of this world. Maybe we could chill with some pizza and trash TV.

Would I date the hero? If you had asked me at the end of book one I might have said yes, but in this book Reven was a bit too moody and self-sacrificing for my taste. We’ll see how I feel by the end of book three!

Final Impressions: Even though I can’t say this sequel stood up to the expectations created by the first installment, this series has been an absolute wonder of world and character building. We get to further explore the dominions and different personalities of characters that we were introduced to in book one, and I can’t wait to see how everything will come together in book three. The romantic element was definitely lacking for me here, and it was kind of disappointing that we still didn’t have the chance to shine a light on Meren’s sister, Tabra, and the evil King Eidolon. They spend so much of their time in the background, and I was hoping for more of the deep-dive we witnessed for the other secondary characters. Consider yourself warned that you’ll struggle to put this book down once you pick it up. It’s quite a tome at 559 pages, but the end of each chapter immediately draws you into the next. This is the kind of book that makes you stay up hours after your bedtime!

Smut Level: Similar to book one, this read involves more intense glances than anything else. We are only privy to one love scene, which makes sense considering our characters are often engaged in battle or plotting how to destroy the epitome of evil. I could have used a bit more description in this scene to figure out how exactly Reven’s shadow powers entered the mix, but let’s just say I thiiiink they took on the shape of a tongue to…get involved.

Get it on Amazon: Click Here. $7.99 Kindle Price. Entangled: Teen. 559 Pages. 

Hooked by Emily McIntire

What happens when the villain gets the girl? When Hook sets his sights on Wendy, he won’t just steal her heart…he intends to break it.

What’s it About?

He wants revenge, but he wants her more…

James has always had one agenda: destroy his enemy, Peter Michaels. When Peter’s twenty-year-old daughter Wendy shows up in James’s bar, he sees his way in. Seduce the girl and use her for his revenge. It’s the perfect plan, until things in James’s organization begin to crumble. Suddenly, he has to find the traitor in his midst, and his plan for revenge gets murkier as James starts to see Wendy as more than just a pawn in his game.

Wendy has been cloistered away most of her life by her wealthy cold father, but a spontaneous night out with friends turns into an intense and addictive love affair with the dark and brooding James. As much as she knows James is dangerous, Wendy can’t seem to shake her desire for him. But as their relationship grows more heated and she learns more about the world he moves in, she finds herself unsure if she’s falling for the man known as James or the monster known as Hook.

*Hooked is a dark contemporary romance and the first complete standalone in the Never After Series: A collection of fractured fairy tales where the villains get the happy ever after. It is not a literal retelling and not fantasy. Hooked features mature themes and content that may not be suitable for all audiences. Reader discretion is advised. For all content warnings, check the author’s website.*

First Impressions

Consider yourself warned, this is not your classic fairytale. This might be my first official foray into the “dark romance” genre, and while I didn’t really know what to expect, it is certainly an apt categorization. We’re all familiar with romances featuring surly, brooding heroes with a rough exterior who just need the love of their life to bring them into the light. Well, James is no hero, he’s a villain through and through. The details of his complicated and abusive childhood will garner some empathy as he pursues his revenge later on as an adult, and he does manage to show some moments of kindness to those who are less fortunate. That being said, it doesn’t change the fact that this man is a hardened criminal. He tortures, he kills, and he toys with the emotions of our heroine, Wendy. He’s the villain you love to hate. When Wendy starts to fall for him, you want to warn her away on the one hand, but on the other you inexplicably want them to end up together. If you’re looking for a happy-go-lucky romance, or one that is all kissing in the rain with a lovable hero, then this is not the book for you. This book will undoubtedly produce polarizing opinions with readers, and in skimming through some of the other reviews online that certainly seems to be the case.

Some think it’s far too dark, others declare that Hook didn’t take things far enough. The sex scenes were super spicy for this group, but far too vanilla for that group. Unexpected twists and turns over here, far too predictable over there. The multiple mentions of this read making the rounds on booktok appears to have lit a fire of dissension for many a reviewer, but seeing as I don’t have tik tok I really went into this one blind. A few common criticisms did appear on both sides of the dividing line which I too will explore later on, including an overly demure Wendy and a rushed ending. As for the book as a whole though, I think it really will be up to each reader to determine whether or not this is the kind of book for them. Personally, I enjoyed the fact that it was outside the box, at least when compared to my standard romance novel reads, but I understand if someone says it’s not their cup of tea. In a way, all of the juxtaposing viewpoints are true at various parts throughout the novel. Some plot twists I didn’t see coming, whereas others were easily identifiable. There are graphic descriptions of Hook torturing or killing various individuals without remorse, and yet he does ultimately fall for his Wendy darling. If you go into this book expecting a hero, you’re already off to a shaky start. Expect the villain, and you’ll be surprised at the moments of warmth.

Straight On ’til Morning

Confession time: I’ve never been a huge fan of Peter Pan. A boy getting into all kinds of trouble because he doesn’t want to grow up? Sorry kid, it happens to all of us, deal with it. However, my interest was piqued when I saw this wasn’t a retelling or modernization of the fantasy, but rather was inspired by the classic tale. Character names were the easiest to recognize, including Wendy, Hook, Peter, John, Smee, Moira, etc. though some of their dynamics were obviously tweaked. Peter is just as much a villain as Hook (although if you ask me he wasn’t all that great in the original), and Wendy is Peter’s daughter. It was so much fun coming across some of the other traditional Peter Pan features, and witnessing how the author chose to incorporate them into her version. Peter is the billionaire owner of Neverland Airlines, pixie dust is one of the hottest selling drugs on the street, Hook earned his moniker for always carrying his hallmark curved blade, he resides aboard his luxury yacht named The Tiger Lily, and he first sets his sights upon Wendy at his club, The Jolly Roger. The Lost Boys run this town with Hook at their helm, and he doesn’t take kindly to an outsider coming in and trying to push him out. And when we learn why it is that Hook loathes the ticking of a clock? Girl, please! All of these various elements were seamlessly incorporated into this dark story of revenge with a sprinkling of romance.

The Shadow

The classic Peter Pan tale mentions how boyhood wonder Peter is constantly chasing after his shadow. In Hooked, we see how Peter’s daughter Wendy was always described as his beloved shadow, traveling around and showing up with him at every event throughout her childhood. When her mother tragically dies in an accident, all that loving attention ceased, and she was Peter’s shadow no more. While this story does highlight the complicated, and rather unhealthy, relationship between Hook and Wendy, in my opinion it truly is Hook’s story. His conniving personality overtakes the page to the point where Wendy is just sort of…there. Wendy was pretty flat as a lead character, which was disappointing because the foundation was certainly there for an enticing heroine. She’s lost the love of her father, but doesn’t really understand why, and when she meets the dangerously intriguing James he awakens her from this depressed mood she’s lived in for years. And yet, aside from one climactic scene at the end of the book we never really see Wendy stand up or fight back when confronted with either of these controversial men in her life. She’s sort of always at their mercy, and I wanted to see her take more ownership over her own life. Even when it comes to her relationship with James, a major element of it is that he was relentless in his pursuit of her, rather than her actively choosing to be with him, or use him as a way to rebel against her father’s neglect.

There was one point in particular of the story where I feel like the author almost wrote herself into a corner. From the get-go we know that James was pursuing a relationship with Wendy as a way to get back at Peter for ruining his life years ago, and yet Wendy slowly starts to fall in love with this man she really knows nothing about. Just when James starts to think he might be feeling something for her, nefarious developments in his criminal enterprise make him think that perhaps Wendy has been in cahoots with her father all along. He proceeds to drug, kidnap, detain and threaten her. Soooooo, how exactly are these two going to kiss and make up? The progression of Hook’s actions were 10000% completely unforgivable. Wendy should have been sickened by his very presence, and she was for a small portion of the book. However, she eventually forgives him, and vocalizes her love for this man. Her reasoning? Basically, can’t explain it, shouldn’t love him, but I do. Then he falls in love with her, climactic face off with papa Pan and surprise mystery villain…the end. This novel had such a strong beginning and evolution of drama, but critical details were glossed over for a rushed finish at the end. While the events of the end were definitely entertaining and suspenseful, drawing out certain scenes and plot developments could have heightened the intensity even more for a standout conclusion.

Series: Never After, book 1. I’ll probably need a bit of a break to collect myself, but I can see myself continuing on with this series.

Would I befriend the heroine? Danger seems to follow her wherever she goes, so I’m gonna say no.

Would I date the hero? Heck no! Sexy accent? Sure. Dark and brooding? Elevates it to a science. But Hook is one you admire from afar. Like, very very very afar.

Final Impressions: I enjoyed this read. There, I said it! It’s dark, it’s disturbing at times, and to be frank I think that Wendy and Hook’s relationship is pretty unhealth. There is just something about this story though that hooks you in and won’t let go. It’s fun to see the elements of a childhood fairy story incorporated into a dark mafia romance with more villains than you can count. Hook is the star of this show, and unfortunately Wendy’s character couldn’t stand up to his magnetism. If we instead could have seen the events of the novel turn Wendy into a villain just as dastardly as Hook by the end as he pulled her further into his world, then maybe she would have been a more standout character in her own right.

Smut Level: Similar to the rest of the novel, you can expect some intense and darker moments to Hook and Wendy’s sexual dalliances, including the dirtiest of dirty talk, choking, and elements of a dominant/submissive relationship.

Get it on Amazon: Click Here. $4.99 Kindle Price. 312 Pages.

Instant Heat by A.K. MacBride

Raelyn thought a simple bet would finally get her friends to stop meddling with her love life. Lucky for her, Griffin was on the receiving end of that bet. Unlucky for her, Griffin is despised by her brother. Let the mayhem begin. 

What’s it About? 

It was nothing more than a silly bet between friends.

But somehow it managed to turn my world upside down.

Apparently, you’re not supposed to fall for the rebound guy.

Guess I didn’t get the memo, because the first man I leave the bar with happens to be the one who sparks a flame inside my heart.

With his rakish charm and Irish accent, he steals my sanity.

It’s not long before I’m dreaming of something more than a quick fling.

The problem?

Griffin Gallagher happens to be the one man my brother despises.

First Impressions

This is a novel where the title perfectly captures the nature of our story. When Raelyn and Griffin first meet at a bar, there is an inexplicable, instant heat that blooms between them. It’s not really at a level of insta-love, but more that neither can quite explain what it is that’s drawing them together. What they do know is that it is smoking hot, and they’re not willing to to back down from seeing where the evening will take them. And let’s just say it takes them right on home to Griffin’s bed. I think what I loved most about this relationship was that while they both took a chance that first evening, there is some questioning hesitancy on both their parts the next day when they have a chance to take a breath away from each other. For Griffin, he can’t stop thinking about the sultry lady who quite literally rocked his world, but he doesn’t want to seem too eager with his interest in her. What if he comes across too strong and scares her away?

At the same time, he craves the chance to see her again, and doesn’t want to seem too aloof. As for Raelyn, she’s just coming out of a relationship that ended poorly because she rushed in headfirst with a guy she really didn’t know. Is she just setting herself up for more hurt? Even though they keep telling themselves it doesn’t make sense to feel this strongly about someone after such little time together, they can also recognize that this feeling is unlike anything they’ve ever felt for another person before. It’s new, it’s different, and it’s special. When they both ultimately come to that same realization, they can admit it’s better to give whatever this “thing” is between them a chance instead of running away from the possibility of being hurt. Considering how each of them were coming away from such unfortunate experiences of grief, it was invigorating to see how their presence in each other’s lives brought about a shared mentality of living life to the fullest. 

The Overbearing Brother

In glancing through a few other reviews of this novel I was surprised to see how many mentioned that it was a pretty low-angst read, and that they would have enjoyed to see a bit more drama. Maybe it’s because I went in with absolutely zero expectations of what this read might entail, but I for one was surprised at some of the emotional triggers this story explored, not to mention a climactic final fiery scene that will put the lives of all of our main characters at risk. The first introduction of drama involves Raelyn’s brother. He initially comes across as the overbearing big brother who can’t help but baby his younger sister. However, while we can’t forgive all of the crazy antics he gets up to in this book when it comes to Raelyn’s love life, we do see how his intentions came from an inherently good place. Rae and her brother tragically lost their parents in an accident, and he had to stand up to watch over her. It was a role he may not have been prepared for, but it’s one that he readily stepped into with all his heart. 

After seeing how hurt Rae was following the breakup with her crummy ex who she really didn’t know that well, he tries to ensure that she doesn’t make the same mistake twice by rushing into a heady relationship with Griffin after just one night. Granted, he eventually goes about voicing his concerns all wrong in a very quick-tempered way, but I still couldn’t help but feel for him a little bit. One area where I think the story could have benefited from some more exposition was in his downright hatred of Griffin. I can understand that there would be some initial animosity between them seeing as Griffin was an outsider who came into his firehouse and took the job he was hoping for. We never really got an explanation though for why this resentment continued to grow over time, or why, if he was so determined to gain more responsibility in the firehouse, he would react against authority figures in a way which would ensure he’d never be promoted. I guess I wanted more of the brother’s story! 

A Guilty Conscience 

Hands down the most emotional aspect of this entire novel was in learning about the tragedy which caused Griffin to move into town in the first place. We hear about his connection to his longtime best-friend, Adam, who was like a brother. They worked together in the same firehouse, Griffin was the best man at his wedding, and Adam’s family became his family. Life was good. Until it wasn’t. When a tragic accident results in the death of Adam’s wife, he becomes a shell of his former self and blames Griffin for not being able to save the life of his beloved. It’s a guilt that Griffin has carried around with him all this time, and one that he couldn’t help but run away from. He is unable to confront his past, but it also starts to impact his current happiness with Raelyn. How can he share the darkest side of himself with this woman he just met? But maybe she’s the answer to helping him recognize the inherent goodness within himself so that he can finally face the past, and those who once meant the world to him. This was such an unexpectedly saaaaaad story line that I did not see coming, and while certain things were left unfinished (presumably so they can be featured in the next installment), it was a compelling and intimate examination of the impacts from grief and guilt. 

Series: Breathing Hearts, book 1. I’ll be continuing on with this one!

Would I befriend the heroine? Mayyyybe. Rae seemed to have great camaraderie and fun times with her friends, but she could get a bit hot-headed when the situation didn’t really call for it. 

Would I date the hero? Two words: Irish…brogue. 

Final Impressions: This was an entertaining read. Good, not great. Things certainly start off fun and flirty, but there’s a deeper side to this story that I wasn’t expecting. You might need a tissue or two when Griffin starts thinking back on his past life, but rest assured that the sexy fun time scenes between him and Raelyn will come back to lighten the mood. Even though their relationship is new, and it may have started under the guise of a bet-induced one-night stand, they both do a good job of lifting each other up when the other is feeling down. That being said, there was one rather drastic moment of miscommunication between Griffin and Raelyn that I found pretty infuriating. The final climactic scene was quite over-the-top, but ultimately did a nice job of cementing the connection between Rae and Griffin, as well as between Rae and her brother. 

Smut Level: There was an interesting juxtaposition at work throughout this read where some scenes were more fade-to-black in nature, whereas others had much more explicit detail. Kind of fun not knowing which one you would be presented with next. 

Get it on Amazon: Click Here. $2.99 Kindle Price. 189 Pages. 

Until April by Aurora Rose Reynolds

They shared a simple kiss together years ago. Now, they’re about to share the BOOM. 

What’s it About? 

With happily ever after being something that happens to other people, April Mayson has decided to put all her energy into her career and living her best life, and things are better than ever.

Little does she know that her world is about to be turned upside down when she’s asked to help out a family friend, Maxim Kauwe.

Now, she’s dealing with a man unlike any she’s ever met before, her ex—a famous musician who’s decided he wants her back—and a possible serial killer.

With all the drama suddenly swirling around her, she will have to figure out if she is brave enough to trust Maxim with her heart and maybe even her life.

First Impressions

This series is all about the insta-love boom that brings our two lead characters together in a burst of sexual energy. If you’re not a huge fan of this Romancelandia trope, well…you’re gonna have to get used to it when it comes to the Mayson family. I’ll admit I oftentimes prefer a slow burn, but there’s something about this series that makes you appreciate the boom as a kind of inherited familial trait that is bound to appear when one’s true love is in the vicinity. Unfortunately, I have to say this might be the first novel in the entire series where the boom kind of fell flat for me. Things start off rather innocently enough with some flirtatious texting between these two old acquaintances who haven’t thought about each other in years. They meet for a dinner to discuss some properties that April has lined up for Maxim to view seeing as he’s moving to town. And here it is, the transformational moment when they’ll set their sights on each other! And it’s…sort of described as a slight tingle rather than the boom we’re used to. 

Things seem to be going along fine enough between them during what can best be described as an unconventional business dinner. Next thing ya know they’re going back to his hotel and ripping each other’s clothes off. Don’t get me wrong, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with some grinding on the sofa on the first “date”, but even I remember having to rewind my audiobook by a few seconds to see if I missed any kind of natural escalation which would have logically brought us to this point. It just wasn’t there. Next thing ya know Maxim has made a copy of April’s house key for his own personal use (unbeknownst to her), and they’re essentially living with each other by day two. Their subsequent sex scenes are definitely heated and passionate, but there was something about their connection that didn’t feel as authentic to me as many of the previous relationships we’ve come across in this series. Perhaps it’s because we never really got to see them “woo” each other, or maybe it can be attributed to the fact we only get a lackluster description of the boom from April’s point of view and avoid a parallel account from Maxim in the immediate aftermath. No matter what it was, I struggled to become fully invested in their love story. 

Annoying Ex and an Unknown Killer 

The boom wasn’t the only thing that felt off with this read. As with any installment in this series, our tale of romance is always interrupted by some kind of external drama. It might be intermingled throughout the entirety of the tale, or it might be reserved for an explosive final climactic moment at the end, but it’s always there. The drama in this novel…couldn’t really decide what it wanted to be. There are two distinct dramatic features to this story. One involves April’s ex-boyfriend who has become a top-of-the-charts rock star, releasing a hit song all about how much he still longs for and wishes he could win her back. As you can imagine, Maxim isn’t too pleased with this one. The second involves an unknown killer who is leaving beautiful real estate agents stripped naked and stabbed to death in homes that are for sale. Now, if you ask me, one of these is significantly more critical than the other, and let’s just say it’s not the one with the guy who can’t take a hint and move on already. However, the oblivious ex is the story line that gets most of our attention. We see it snowball when some psychotic fans insist on taking out their anger on April for refusing to take back the crooning dreamboat. 

Throughout it all though you can’t help but think, “hey, there’s something else going on here that you all should probably be paying attention to!!” Maxim ultimately goes super alpha on April’s ex to officially mark his territory, so when that problem goes away we’re just waiting for the inevitable big moment of discovery when we reveal not only who the killer is, but what could possibly be their motive. Is it another fan of April’s ex trying to take her out? Perhaps it’s the ex himself releasing some pent-up anger. Maybe an enemy of Maxim from his former Vegas life, or someone close to April that we thought was a friend? Turns out…not even close. The killer is someone we’ve never been introduced to before, and their motive has absolutely nothing to do with our main characters in any way, shape or form. It’s literally just a case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time, and we get some disturbingly dark details in regards to the final murder. All in all, it felt like a totally unnecessary story line, especially when we consider the fact that the drama with April’s ex escalated to a pretty intense moment which could have been a final climax all its own. 

Series: Until Him/Her, book 10. For the most part, every book in this series can be read as a stand-alone. That being said, apparently this installment includes a few characters in a cross-over series, Underground Kings. I had absolutely no idea about this little detail, so I found it odd when there was obviously information being unsaid when we’re introduced to Maxim’s parents. Here I thought there was some kind of nefarious subplot going on which would potentially relate back to the murder spree, but nope! Just supposed to be a fun inclusion of more characters.  

Would I befriend the heroine? No idea. I feel like we don’t really get to know much about April, other than the fact she loves Maxim and is a real estate agent. She does adopt an adorable kitty though, so maybe I’d befriend her just so I could play with the cat. 

Would I date the hero? His uber alpha-ness would be way too intimidating in real-life, so no. 

Final Impressions: Normally I’m a sucker for this series, but I must say this tenth novel was kind of a miss for me. It’s not bad, it’s just kind of…there. I was never fully invested in the bond between Maxim and April, and I wanted more from their boom. As far as the drama, there were one too many story lines going on. The fact the killer plot point had no direct correlation to Maxim or April made it feel like it should have been the one to go. 

Smut Level: I may not have been thrilled by Maxim and April’s chemistry outside of the bedroom, but their ability to carry out a graphic sex scene was top notch. 

Get it on Amazon: Click Here. $4.99 Kindle Price. 245 Pages. 

Sebastian’s Fate by Rebecca Hefner

It’s time to celebrate Christmas at Etherya’s Earth, and Celine is determined to use the masked gala as a way to finally make a move on the love of her life. When the masks go on, the gloves…and maybe a few other items of clothing…come off. 

What’s it About? 

She was in love with a man who didn’t know she existed…

Vampyre aristocrat Celine has eyes for one man: a handsome council member who barely knows she’s alive. Determined to change her destiny, she secures a date with the enigmatic man, even if he won’t know her identity at the masked fete.

Council leader Sebastian considers relationships a waste of time—until a gorgeous stranger accompanies him to a ball. Suddenly, he can’t stop thinking about the woman behind the mask who sets his body aflame.

Consumed with uncovering the tempting stranger’s identity, Sebastian observes similarities between his phantom lover and the quiet aristocrat he’s barely noticed for centuries. Could his mystery woman actually be…Celine?

Fueled by passion and anger, he confronts the stunning aristocrat, never realizing their fiery encounter might cement Sebastian’s fate for eternity…

First Impressions

Rebecca Hefner is a master storyteller. She successfully manages to jam pack an entire novel’s worth of romance and character development into 167 pages of a novella without it feeling forced, rushed, or incomplete. Celine has had her heart set on workaholic Sebastian for centuries. We were first introduced to her infatuation for this vampyre in a previous novella within the Etherya’s Earth series, and while her attempts to attract his attention went unnoticed in that installment, Celine is determined to succeed this go around. She’ll just need a masked disguise, as well as a fake identity, to make it happen. What I appreciated most about this short read was that no detail was left out, from the impetus of Celine’s decision to go to such lengths, to Sebastian eventually opening his eyes to the beauty standing right in front of him for all these years. 

After all, we can’t help but question why, after literally centuries of pining after this man, Celine would finally choose to make a move. This is especially true when we discover that she’s been quite the quiet wallflower for most of her life. However, it’s revealed throughout the novella how she was always raised to be the compliant daughter of an aristocrat, to be seen and not heard, and to ultimately be a trophy for her future husband. It is only after the events of the previous novels, when some of the strongest female voices of the Vampyres, Slayers and Deamons come forward into the spotlight that Celine realizes there’s another way to life. This doesn’t mean she’s suddenly transformed to become the loudest or most opinionated woman in the room, but rather she’s no longer afraid to start taking the steps towards what she wants most out of her immortal life. And that just happens to be the broodingly gorgeous Sebastian. 

Blushing Wallflower or Sultry Vixen? 

I love a masked romance under false pretenses just as much as the next Romancelandia fan. The surprisingly compelling aspect of Celine’s ruse was that while she went to such great lengths to finally secure a date and kiss with the love of her life…she really doesn’t know what to do when Sebastian actually returns her advances. It would have been so easy to have Sebastian become entranced by this bold masked figure, share a few passionate kisses with her in the shadows, and upon discovering Celine’s true identity he could have fallen to his knees in declaring his undying love for her. But that simply would have been too easy. Instead we see that when a masked Celine finally has Sebastian in her arms, kissing her with such reverence and whispering dirty nothings into her ear, she can’t help but be hurt at the reminder that he’s ignored her all this time. Why couldn’t he love her for the blushing wallflower she truly was, rather than the foxy stranger she’s pretending to be? There’s a moment of shock for all of us, readers and Sebastian included, when rather than pull him closer into this intimate embrace, she chooses to push him away. And that’s when the fun truly begins. 

Sebastian can’t believe that this one evening’s encounter could throw his entire world off kilter. He’d love nothing more than to have another shot with the masked beauty from the fete, but she seems to have vanished into the night, never to be seen or heard from again. If there’s something I love more than a masked romance, it has to be the road to discovering the identity of our masked mystery guest, and Sebastian’s journey to realizing that Celine was behind the mask was an absolute treat. He starts to pick up on certain clues here and there, the most delightful of which was recognizing that Celine’s scent was quite similar to that of his aroused stranger. When he finally puts all the pieces together, an angry confrontation seems imminent, but let’s just say things quickly evolve into another kind of heated exchange.

Celine is still a virgin after all these centuries, and even though Sebastian awakens a fire within her, it was interesting to see how her sexual temperament mirrored her personality so closely. There’s an inherent shyness that surrounds her, but just as the changing circumstances of their society have inspired Celine to go after what she wants in life, the weight of Sebastian’s sexual attraction to her inspires her to voice what she wants during those moments of passion. Again, she doesn’t suddenly become a sultry vixen in the bedroom, but she does come to realize how the reaction she evokes in Sebastian is it’s own kind of power. For his part, Sebastian finally starts to see this new spark to Celine’s personality, both within and outside of the bedroom. She’s still Celine at heart, but there’s a more confident side to her that he can start to see himself falling in love with. 

*A copy of this book was provided for an honest review*

Series: Etherya’s Earth, book 7.5. This is the perfect kind of palate cleanser to enjoy in between the full-length novels of this series. There are no battles or forces of evil to contend with, which makes it a fun, low-drama read to enjoy before the next installment. You could probably get by with this read if you haven’t read the previous books, but you might as well start from the beginning to enjoy the mastery at work! 

Would I befriend the heroine? I think we’d be friendly acquaintances, but I’m not sure we have enough in common to be actual friends. For some reason I can’t see Celine lounging around on a weekend eating pizza and watching Seinfeld re-runs. 

Would I date the hero? Celine does slowly start to pull some of Sebastian’s attention away from work, but on the whole he still seems to be too much of a workaholic for my taste. 

Final Impressions: A fantastic read you won’t want to leave behind on your next beach vacation! There was a seamless flow to the events of the novel, and I appreciated how much content could be fit into these pages without feeling like too much was going on. Nothing was rushed when it came to Celine and Sebastian uncovering their true feelings for each other. When Sebastian expressed his desire for this masked stranger on that first night, Celine didn’t just fall into his bed for a quick romp. Similarly, when Sebastian discovers Celine was the one behind the mask, he doesn’t immediately declare his love for her. Their infatuation and genuine interest in each other naturally evolves into feelings of companionship, and ultimately love. That’s quite a journey for a novella! 

Smut Level: Goodness me is it getting hot underneath this mask! Sebastian is definitely vying for top billing as one of the dirtiest talkers of this whole series, and while Celine might not be a dirty talker herself, she’s more than happy to be on the receiving end of it. 

Get it on Amazon: Click Here. $2.99 Kindle Price. Reading Goddess Press, LLC. 167 Pages. 

Steele by Sawyer Bennett

James Steels is determined to win back the love of his life, and he’ll do anything to prove that his wife and daughter mean more to him than the game. 

What’s it About? 

A second chance may be just what James Steele needs…

I might be one of the older players on the Arizona Vengeance, but I like to think that also makes me one of the wisest. Or at least I used to.
Turns out, I’ve been a bit selfish. I’ve been married to hockey and my team for years, which hasn’t left much time for my actual wife, Ella. Now I’m juggling a separation I never wanted, the pressure of being a single dad to our teenage daughter, and the career I sacrificed it all for.

While my game on the ice might be on fire, the game in my personal life is clearly lacking, as evidenced by the fact I just saw my wife on a date with another man. If I have any hope of saving the family I love, I need to re-prioritize, and fast. So it’s time for me to get back to fundamentals, just like I did when I learned how to play hockey. I’ve never backed down from a challenge, and romancing my wife is a challenge I am very much looking forward to.

Time to put on my game face, because I’m in it to win it.

First Impressions

Steele and Ella are unlike any couple we’ve come across in the Arizona Vengeance series to date, as they’ve already found their happily ever after with each other. After years of what seemed to be a blissfully happy marriage, Steele feels blindsided when his loving wife suddenly asks for a separation. After all, they get along, rarely fight, and regularly have sexy fun times together. What could possibly be the problem? We were initially introduced to James Steele in the previous book as he was just going through the motions like a zombie following the separation from Ella. It is only after she starts seeing someone else that Steele gets the kick in the pants he needs to officially make things right. He’s honored her wishes to stay away this long, and now it’s time to face the music by facing his own previous behavior in their marriage. 

The bulk of this novel is spent looking back at where things went wrong, and with that realization trying to figure out how he might win back the love of his life. It was interesting to see that a decent majority of this book is told from Steele’s point of view. While every installment in this series provides alternating points of view between the hero and heroine (and this ninth book is no exception), we’re either typically presented with a fairly even split between the two, or the female voice will often take the lead as the primary focus of the narration. With this book it was imperative that we see things mainly from Steele’s viewpoint to demonstrate that he’s not just in this to gain the upper-hand due to a bout of jealousy at seeing his wife with another man, but rather that he’s genuinely dedicated to making things right with Ella. We see him learn and grow throughout the entirety of the novel to the point where we can truly believe he’s changed for the better. 

Meeting Her Needs

Something I particularly enjoyed about this retrospective look at their marriage was the fact that neither Steele nor Ella ever acted in a way that was irredeemable, outlandish, or even truly offensive. There was no cheating here, no childish name calling or physical violence. It was just the reality of life interfering with love. We can completely sympathize with Ella’s decision to take a step back from a relationship where her emotional needs weren’t being met, just as we can understand how easy it would have been for Steele’s professional hockey career to take over every aspect of his life to the detriment of his wife and daughter’s happiness. Steele was blindsided by her request for a separation because he was blind to the fact that he wasn’t giving her the attention she deserved when he was off the ice. She understood that the very nature of his career would result in days and nights on the road, as well as missed experiences and celebrations.

The problem was during those times when he could have been home with them all as a family, but instead he chose to spend even more time with the game or his teammates. The defining feature of their separation was his inability to meet her emotional needs, not physical. Sexual chemistry was never an issue for these two. In fact, they’d enjoyed a good romp in bed in the lead-up to their separation. It would have been such an easy fallback for Steele to remind Ella of their physical connection as a way to win her over, but they can both appreciate the fact that there’s a deeper issue at play that must be rectified if their relationship is going to survive in the long-term. We essentially have to wait until the half-way point in the novel before Steele decides there’s no harm in bringing the physical element back into play as a subset of his case for why she should give him a second chance. And let’s just say she is more than happy to consider the evidence he brings forth. 

Series: Arizona Vengeance, book 9. Most of the books in the series can be read as stand-alones, though they do typically reference some of the couples and events from previous novels. In this case though, I would say it’s pretty important that you read book 8 in the series, as that is when we first see Steele decide to take action towards getting his wife back. 

Would I befriend the heroine? In looking back on this read, I can’t say we learn enough about Ella for me to make an informed decision here. I don’t really have a clear sense of her likes, dislikes, or how she enjoys spending her free time, so I’m kind of at a loss over whether or not we’d have any shared interests. 

Would I date the hero? If I were in Ella’s shoes I would definitely take him back. That being said, I’m not sure I would have fallen for this guy from the get-go. After all, he primarily eats…dare I say it? Healthy food. 

Final Impressions: As with most of the books in this series, we’re dealing with a fairly low-angst read, which makes it a great carry-on for your next beach vacation. It happens almost every time in this series where just when I start to question the fact that everything is almost going along too swimmingly for our lead characters, a wrench will be thrown into the mix to knock the socks off our couple. It’s not too hard to guess what the issue would be with this read, as Steele is ultimately faced with a choice between spending time with Ella or further elevating his hockey career. His thought process and ultimate decision, as well as Ella’s reaction, was quite interesting to see play out. Overall it’s a fine read, though a noticeable absence from the book as a whole was the sense of team camaraderie that has permeated this entire series. The members of this hockey team are like brothers, and it was kind of disappointing that we didn’t get to see them interact with and support each other more. That being said, considering the time Steele spent with the team was one of the key issues leading up to Ella’s request for a separation, it’s not too surprising that he would put them on the back-burner for the bulk of the novel. 

Smut Level: These two weren’t kidding, sex was never an issue between them. The chemistry is still there after years of marriage, as well as a short-term separation. We get a few hints at some of the more sultry sexcapades they used to get up to back in the day, and they certainly engage in some steamy fun times at this point in their lives as well. 

Get it on Amazon: Click Here. $6.99 Kindle Price. Big Dog Books, LLC. 268 Pages.

Fate of the Moon by Sara Dobie Bauer

Alfie is convinced that rich-boy Shay had something to do with the death of his parents, and he’s determined to expose the truth. As it turns out, upon first meeting the only truth to come to light is the fact that these two are fated mates.

What’s it About? 

You’re a beautiful monster, and fate has bound us together for life.

After the murder of his parents, the rules of high society dictate that omega werewolf Shay find an alpha mate—and fast. While struggling with his overwhelming grief and being forced into a marriage he’s never wanted, his courting celebration yields yet another nightmare when fate makes an unfortunate appearance.

Alfie is a gossip reporter and alpha werewolf who latches onto the same theory as everyone else; that Shay is responsible for the deaths of his parents. When Alfie sneaks into a courting party to get a look at the guilty young man for his column, he expects to see a murderer, but finds his fated mate instead.

Despite mutual disdain, Shay and Alfie are now inescapably entangled—all while a double homicide remains unsolved.

As their affections grow, so does the danger to their lives. Shay and Alfie might be fated, but can love conquer suspicion, grief, and the threat of death?

First Impressions

Sara Dobie Bauer is an absolute queen when it comes to creating paranormal worlds filled to bursting with a slew of characters we love to love. I’ve read several books from this author, and with each new read I’m surprised at the fact that no two are alike in terms of their fantastical elements. Sure, there’s usually always at least one character featured who seems like a clone of Timothee Chalamet (expect plenty of pics and gifs below), but I’ll take that any day of the week. If the title didn’t give you enough of a hint, we’re diving deep into the world of werewolves in Fate of the Moon. It’s a world that, on the surface, seems fairly standard. Alphas, omegas, fated mates, claws, fangs, full moon, we’ve all seen it before. However, the author inserts a few unique details that successfully set this apart from your typical werewolf paranormal romance. Firstly, the fated mate connection is one that can be tested scientifically, and results show that Shay and Alfie’s blood connection is off the charts. As if their sultry glances and shivering tingles of electricity weren’t enough to know for sure, the test proves these two are meant to be.

This is also a world wherein the omegas are essentially characterized as trophy housewives to be seen, not heard, by their alphas and the rest of society. As a wealthy omega, the expectation is for Shay to carry and birth a multitude of pups after marrying his fated mate. But where’s the fun in doing what society deems “proper”? Shay is still reeling from the recent grisly murders of his parents, and is just a shell of his former self. However, his fated connection with Alfie slowly starts to bring him out of this morose shell to be the unexpectedly outspoken and opinionated omega he’s always been. Alfie is certainly a possessive alpha who wants to claim Shay as his own, but that doesn’t mean he’ll keep him restrained to the household to carry his pups. He supports his feisty little omega to do whatever he wants, especially if it brings a spark of life back into him. Alfie is an outsider to this society of wealth, so he has no reason to scoff at what others would declare to be unacceptable behavior by his omega. The author presents us with a few twists to traditional paranormal werewolf romance traits, and as a couple we see how Shay and Alfie pose a twist to the traditional outdated rules that this world represents.

The Fate of Our Mates

All of us romance novel lovers out here have undoubtedly come across a fated mate novel before, and we’re probably pretty familiar with the intense connection which can draw paranormal mates together. It might be a tingly feeling that something is up in the universe, or a massive shockwave of realization. What I particularly enjoyed about this read was that while the call between Shay and Alfie was strong enough to bring them together from separate rooms of an immense mansion, and they even had to take medication to lessen the electricity pulling them together, they didn’t immediately fall into love with each other. It’s not as though they resist the call of their bond, and indeed both can acknowledge that it’s a foregone conclusion they’ll be tied together forever. It would have been easy for the author to have these two jump into bed fairly soon after meeting to quell the intense desire simmering between them, or to have them both fully on board and appreciative over the fact they’ve found their one true mate.

Instead, there’s effort at work here. The author takes the time to establish a foundation for these men to get to know each other, support one another, and naturally let a bond beyond that of fate to take hold. That’s not to say they are without temptation, and indeed we even get a bit of dream-induced grinding going on at one point, but on the whole we have to wait until the very end of the novel before they fully consummate their relationship. When that moment does ultimately come (pun absolutely intended), I remember initially feeling a sense of whiplash over the fact that we are constantly switching back and forth between Shay and Alfie’s points of view throughout the entirety of the scene. As it progressed though, I realized it was really the only way to do the scene justice by showing how these men are a cohesive unit rather than one taking the lead over the other as the primary character. Fate might have brought them together, but it is only through friendship and respect that they truly fall for one another.

Romance Aside

The formation of a bond between Alfie and Shay certainly takes center stage with this read, but there was another element beyond their establishing romance which was dealt with in a rather remarkable fashion. This would be the “black sludge” which was a characterization of Shay’s grief and depression over the loss of his parents. It’s a constant presence in Shay’s new world, and essentially an intangible villain in its own right. This “sludge” might never take on a corporeal form, but the threat it poses to Shay is just as a real as a killer trying to choke the very life out of him. It calls on him to give up, to let the sludge take over his body so that he can feel a release into nothingness. It’s seemingly better to feel nothing than the unbearable pain upon reliving the discovery of his dead parents in the safe space of their home. When Alfie comes into the picture we see how their mating bond connects the sludge to him as well, demonstrating how this depression can seep into every corner of Shay’s life to impact those he cares about the most. And yet, it is because of Alfie that Shay learns to control the sludge, to allow his happy thoughts of Alfie to keep the sludge at bay, but also how to draw upon it as a tool to elevate his own strength and overcome any potential external obstacle. The black sludge was an incredible window which allowed us to explore the emotional turmoil of Shay’s anguish.

Beyond the romantic development between Shay and Alfie, as well as the sludge threatening to destroy them, we still have this outstanding matter of an unknown killer who brutally massacred Shay’s parents. Unfortunately, this rather crucial part of the story is kind of pushed to the background to focus on some of these other elements we’ve already discussed. I remember at one point in the story the biggest stress facing both Shay and Alfie was the fact that they would be attending a fancy gala together for the first time since the story broke about them being fated mates. I couldn’t help but think, “umm…guys? Shay’s parents were killed about 2 weeks ago and the killer is still out there. Maybe skip this one? Go to a pet store or something?” Of course, immediately after having that thought the mystery killer decides to make a reappearance in a big way, but it still felt as though the murder element of the plot was placed on the back-burner longer than was necessary. It also would have been nice to see Alfie’s journalistic side come to the forefront to brainstorm potential suspects and scenarios with Shay, and see them work together as a team to bring the killer to justice.

*A copy of this book was provided for an honest review*

Series: I would just like to put out in the universe the desire that all of us readers have for this to be turned into a series so that Shay’s best friend, Tanner, can get his very own love story with his alpha. We need it!

Would I befriend the heroes? Shay and I would definitely be buddies. He likes to bake cookies, he makes ravioli…I just know we’d have a ton of fun in the kitchen. Alfie can watch 🙂

Would I date the heroes? If this novel has taught me anything, it’s that you don’t become between two fated mates, so I’m gonna let these two enjoy their happily ever after together. Not gonna lie though, I wouldn’t say no to Shay’s butler.

Final Impressions: The true success of this novel lay in exploring the emotional impacts of grief and depression. The angst and intensity surrounding the murder mystery aspect of the plot either needed to be dialed up a few more notches, or it should have been removed entirely by having Shay lose his parents from something like a car crash. As it stands, the various plot points of their romance, shirking societal expectations, wealth, the murder and the sludge were all kind of fighting for prominence, and it resulted in some elements being unfairly removed from the spotlight. That being said, I absolutely adored how everything came together in the end, especially as we see Shay fully break free from the standard trappings and labels of what it means to be an omega. Even Alfie couldn’t be characterized as a stereotypical alpha, and their joint dismissal of society’s expectations is what made them stronger as a couple that could step out and face the world together. I believed in them as a couple, and if this should ever turn into a series I hope we see them again down the road.

Smut Level: We may only get one sex scene between our heroes, but we do get a wee bit of phone sex thrown into the mix. Sure, I would have liked to see Alfie get a bit more alpha with the dirty talk, but I’ll take what I can get.

Get it on Amazon: Click Here. $4.99 Kindle Price. Carnation Books. 377 Pages.

Kane by Sawyer Bennett

When Mollie has nowhere else to go, she knows there’s one man who will always welcome her with open arms. Little does she know he will also be welcoming her into his bed. 

What’s it About? 

I have a problem. Potential problem? I’m not really sure. Here’s the deal.

There’s this girl—isn’t that how it always starts?—and her name is Mollie. I like her. I mean really like her. I hope that doesn’t make me seem less manly than my professional hockey player persona implies. But here’s the issue—she’s my best friend. The one person I can count on for everything, who’s been there with me for all the moments, big and small.

When Mollie shows up at my door, travel weary and scared following an incident with an ex, my instinct to protect her goes into overdrive. It’s then that I know she’s more than just my best friend and the skates are swept out from under me when I find out she feels the same way.

Our transition from friends to lovers to potentially something more is seamless, the Arizona Vengeance is back on the ice looking for a repeat championship, and my life has never been better. Just when I think I’ve got it all figured out, the realities of us both having careers which keep us on the road put our blossoming relationship on ice.

It feels like the game just went into overtime and I’m on the verge of either the biggest win or most disappointing loss of my life. And losing is never an option.

First Impressions

Friends-to-lovers. One of the most classic tropes to ever exist. It’s never a question of will they or won’t they, bur rather when? What will be the tipping point that pushes their relationship into the next stratosphere, and how might the root of their friendship be impacted by such a drastic change? When it comes to Kane and Mollie, this transition is as smooth as a decadent lemon meringue pie. In fact…it might even be too smooth. These two have been best friends for over ten years, and when they finally make the leap into a romantic, not to mention physical relationship, there is nary a moment of tension or hesitation between them. No awkward first kisses or figuring out what the other person likes in bed, sex is like second nature. They both vow that they won’t let it impact their friendship, which it doesn’t, and they promise things won’t get awkward, which they don’t. Easy peasy. The ease with which Kane and Mollie go from friends to something more definitely makes you question how it could have taken this long for their relationship to escalate. After all, Kane admits that from the moment he first set his sights upon Mollie he’s wanted to be with her in the romantic sense. 

They even had sex together during one drunken night in college, and while both thought it was incredible, neither wanted to risk their friendship. So they both put the experience to the back of their minds, and there was never an awkward moment, sultry glance or intimate physical touch between them again for another ten years. Which, frankly, is quite surprising considering Kane is a go-getter who has wanted Mollie from the beginning. It’s hard to believe he would have given up so easily. Only when Mollie shows up on Kane’s doorstep years later asking for help in fleeing an abusive ex does he start to consider if it’s worth trying to win her heart for good. The last straw is when one of Kane’s hockey teammates asks Mollie out on a date, and he goes all alpha caveman insisting that he’s the one for her. And she basically agrees with very little need for persuasion. Other factors might eventually threaten the foundation of this newfound relationship, but the fact they were friends first is never really a point of tension or discussion. In a way, I almost wish that things had faltered between them after that drunken night in college. They could have spent years apart, perhaps even pining over what could have been, and only when Mollie was most in need of that feeling of safety would she have realized that Kane was always the one. It definitely would have been a different start to the book, but it would have provided a bit more depth of reasoning as to why they held off on reconnecting in the physical sense for so long. 

Exes and Careers

The physical attack on Mollie by her ex is undoubtedly the impetus which pushes our two lead characters closer together. He’s always representative of a constant threat lurking in the background of their happiness, and we know it’s only a matter of time before he pops up again to make a reappearance. While Mollie’s ex certainly provides the most cloak-and-dagger element to the plot, it shockingly was not the most emotionally profound aspect of this story. That instead was borne of the fact that Mollie and Kane have chosen career pursuits which constantly have them out on the road, traveling through different time zones with varying levels of cell service. Following the attack, Mollie is happy to spend some time in one place to let her mind and body heal, and Kane is more than happy to see to her body’s needs, that’s for sure. 

However, eventually the road comes calling, and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity on the other side of the world threatens to tear them apart beyond just a consideration of physical distance. It was fascinating to see how Mollie and Kane were both so confident in their love for each other that it blinded them to consider their needs as a couple rather than as individuals. Mollie assumed that Kane’s love for her knew no bounds, and that surely he would support her pursuit of a job that would take her away from him for at least a year. On the flip side, Kane thought that she would choose their love over any job that might come along if it meant they couldn’t be together. Perhaps what they both need is a little time apart to consider what is truly more important in life, and how a little compromise can go a long way.  

Series: Arizona Vengeance, book 8. A very fine addition to the series. Looking forward to continuing on with the next one based on some of the characters we see featured in this eighth installment. 

Would I befriend the heroine? I’m not gonna lie, I’m very bad at staying in touch with friends who don’t live within my zip code. I could see us grabbing coffee or drinky drinks any time she was in town, but her constant travel schedule means we’d probably be friendly acquaintances. 

Would I date the hero? Kane was perfectly lovely, but he’s got some stiff (pun absolutely intended) competition when it comes to a few of his other teammates we’ve come to know in this series. 

Final Impressions: Overall a pleasant read. There’s a little bit of drama to whet your appetite, but nothing too over-the-top as has been the case for some previous books in the series. I do think the transition from friends to lovers was almost too quick and easy, and that there could have been some higher stakes over the fact that Mollie and Kane were potentially putting their ten-year friendship at risk. That being said, if you’re looking for a steamy and entertaining beach read with just a hint of conflict between our lead characters, then this just might be the book for you. 

Smut Level: Perhaps the only slightly awkward thing that Mollie and Kane need to learn to navigate is the fact that Mollie’s small dog doesn’t initially understand that it’s poor form to stay in the room when his mama and her man want to get down and dirty. Don’t worry though, he figures it out pretty quickly. 

Get it on Amazon: Click Here. $6.99 Kindle Price. Big Dog Books, LLC. 316 Pages. 

The Billionaire’s Cinderella by Ava Ryan

As is often the case with any modern Cinderella tale, when the clock strikes midnight at the ball, the lives of our lead characters will change forever. 

What’s it About? 

She’s just a girl next door and a pastry chef. Why would a sexy billionaire ever want more than one steamy night with her?

Ryker: Marriage and relationships aren’t for me. I have no desire to revisit my failures. Now I work hard and play hard–period.

Until suddenly there she is. Sexy. Unexpected. Sweet. Unforgettable. One unprecedented night with her only whets my appetite for more.

She’s been burned before, which makes her suspicious of me. Doesn’t think she’s good enough, that I’d prefer someone more…society.

If only she knew how uninterested I am in other women since I first laid eyes on her. And I hope she never knows the things I think about when I look at her now.

Fairy tales endings are meant for children’s books. I know that. But I write my own stories…

First Impressions

This is the final installment of the Fairy Tale Billionaires series, and author Ava Ryan certainly saved the best for last! Of all the brothers we’ve come across so far, Ryker is undoubtedly the most charming and down-to-earth of the bunch. Where his two older brothers often had a surly, or in one case even a “beastly”, nature about them, Ryker has a boy-next-door quality about him that would make the heart of any reader go aflutter. He might be a billionaire, but he’s one that would feel more comfortable lounging around the house with a beer on the weekend to catch a ball game. Sure, that house is a multi-million dollar penthouse in one of the most expensive cities on the planet, but still. Charismatic and approachable is the name of the game here. That’s also the case when it comes to our leading lady, Ella. Where Ryker is the boy next door, Ella is his girl next door counterpart. She’s likable, independent, and hardworking. Unlike the previous installments which presented us with a real-life princess from a royal family, and a billionaire’s assistant turned lawyer, Ella is pastry chef who is still paying off school loans. 

I think many of us could envision grabbing a drink at happy hour with this supportive friend who is now the leading lady of her own story. And what a story it is! The fun thing about this series is that each novel is loosely inspired by a classic fairy tale, this one obviously infusing a few elements from the Cinderella story with which we’re all familiar. However, rather than being glaringly obvious in the features being “borrowed” from the original, this series succeeds in bringing a sense of subtlety to those shared moments. For example, while there’s mention of the churlish wife of her late father, this woman was never Ella’s stepmother. And of course, there has to be a fancy ball at some point in the story. While Ella might have a fascination for designer shoes, she never proceeds to lose a glass slipper which her Prince Charming must return to her. All of these brief moments of fairy tale inspiration will bring a smile to your face when you manage to recognize them, but they’ll also make you appreciate the fact that the author could bring some originality to these stories in their own right. 

More Money…More Problems

As was the case with every book in this series, we’re dealing with a case of lust at first sight. Ryker is left to his own devices after his brothers wander off in pursuit of their own lady loves for the evening, and just as he’s about to walk out the door of a bougie bar and restaurant he catches sight of a fair beauty who stops him dead in his tracks. Let the flirtations begin! What starts off as a one-time thing quickly progresses into a meaningful relationship. Ryker and Ella always seem to be at ease with each other, where comfortable silences are not unheard of, and you get the sense that these two are meant to be. And yet, throughout their fairy tale romance we see a few rumblings of confrontation which eventually escalate into an argument that threatens the future of their relationship.

This brings us to the other primary reason this final book was my favorite in the trilogy, aside from our lovable lead characters of course, which was that the surface-level concerns Ella had regarding Ryker’s billionaire status actually spoke to a deep-rooted issue from her past. As soon as Ella discovered the extent of Ryker’s wealth, her hackles immediately rose. Ella was always firm with Ryker that she refused to take any handouts or charity from him. Sure, they can go out to a fancy dinner, but she won’t let him buy her an expensive dress from Nordstrom’s on the way. He can be supportive of her ambitions to pay off her student loans and eventually expand her aunt’s pastry shop, but heaven help him if he tries to give her the money to accomplish either goal. For the most part Ryker respects her need for independence and reigns in his desire to spoil her, but every once in a while we see things get tense when his simple offer to help might be blown out of proportion. 

Daddy Issues?

We see how all of this tension stems from Ella’s complicated past with her father, who was also extremely wealthy, and provided everything for her and her mother. Even though the love between them all was strong, he was already married to another woman. Her mother had come to rely on him for everything, so when he unexpectedly passed away without leaving them anything in his will, his bitter wife was quick to throw them all out on the street. Ella vowed that she would never rely on a man for financial security ever again, so it’s understandable that she would pull away any time there was a flash of Ryker’s attempts to share his wealth with her. As the depth of their relationship grew, so too did Ella grow ever more fearful of that wealth looming in the background, to a point where their future as a couple is in jeopardy. However, what we eventually come to realize in a moment of pure vulnerability is that Ella’s fear stems from something so much deeper than mere material wealth.

It’s not that she’s afraid to become too reliant on his generosity in case he should eventually leave her…but rather that he might actually leave her. Just like her father left her and her mother. The fact her dad never thought to provide for them should anything happen, the fact he stayed married to his wife, it all demonstrated to Ella that she wasn’t deemed worthy of his love. If her own father could leave her in the dark, why would someone as perfect as Ryker ever stick around to be with her for the long haul? This moment was such a heartbreaking realization for Ella to admit to herself why she’s been holding back from fully opening her heart to Ryker all this time. If she holds herself away by just a few steps, then surely when he inevitably leaves her soul won’t be as crushed as it could have been. But also in that moment, she realizes that that’s no way to go through life, living in fear of what might happen. Better to go in with both arms opened wide rather than hold him off at arm’s length. Now she’ll just have to make a big gesture at an upcoming ball to prove she’s willing to make that leap with him.  

Series: Fairy Tale Billionaires, book 3. Every book in this series was better than the last. Personally I think you can skip book one, whose story line was a bit too over-the-top in my opinion, but be sure to pick up books 2 and 3. At the end of this final book we even get a glimpse of a spin-off series involving Ella’s half-brother that I think might just need to be added to my TBR list. 

Would I befriend the heroine? She’s a freakin’ pastry chef!! Ella and I will be the best of besties for the rest of time. 

Would I date the hero? He’s a billionaire whose idea of the perfect first date is staying at home to watch Jaws, but will happily watch Jurassic Park instead if it’s what his lady desires. Sooo…yeah, I think we’re already soul mates. 

Final Impressions: I thought this read was a blast! Ella and Ryker are so fun and flirty together, and you get the sense that their relationship is built to last. They’re also two characters that would be fun to hang out with in real life, whether it was to chill with pizza and a movie, or pop around to Ella’s pastry shop for a culinary delight. They certainly engage in a slew of sexy fun times together, but this is counterbalanced with an unexpectedly emotional deep-dive of how Ella’s complicated familial past is not only impacting her relationship with Ryker, but also how she’s choosing to live her life in general. We’re ultimately presented with the perfect blend of fun, sex and drama that any good romance should have. All in all, a great beach read!  

Smut Level: You just know what’s in store when we have a pastry chef in the house. A little ganache here, a little ganache there, a little ganache everyyyyyywhere. 

Get it on Amazon: Click Here. $3.99 Kindle Price. 236 Pages.