Once a Myth by Pepper Winters

I've been wanting to read this series for the longest time but I wanted to wait until all of the books were released first. For some reason, I just can't stop thinking about Once a Myth. There is something very special and unique about this series but since I'm only in the beginning, I'll have to come back to this later. I have a hate and lust relationship with Sully Sinclair, just like Eleanor. He is so mysterious and contradicting, not to mention sexy as hell. I don't think he's necessarily evil, but what he's doing (buying girls and enslaving them in Euphoria) goes against all human logic and morals.

I absolutely love Eleanor Grace. She is a combination of all of Pepper Winter's heroines and I really like the way she thinks... almost as if she's waiting for the perfect chance to strike her victim. She is strong, courageous, quiet, and full of hope. I hate what Sully is doing to her but I am also intrigued by what's happening between them. Another character that intrigued me would have to be Jess, also known as Jealousy. I'm so curious about her that I want Pepper to write a book about her. Maybe she could end up with Sully's closest friend, Cal. Who knows!

Once a Myth starts off with Eleanor already kidnapped and speaking to Tess Snow, the heroine of the Monsters in the Dark series. It's a quick glimpse of the past when Eleanor first met Tess before she is transferred to Q. Eleanor eventually meets the mastermind behind her kidnapping but is quickly transferred to Sully's Goddess Isles where she becomes one of his unwilling goddesses. I have to say, Eleanor and Sully do have some scorching hot chemistry. There is constant tension between these two and Sully is almost always on the verge of snapping out of control. It's very interesting because according to him, this has never happened before. He never wanted to mix business with pleasure because these "goddesses" are merely considered "goods" to him. Yes, he is not a good man. At times, I wanted to strangle and slap him.

I wouldn't say this is the "darkest" book Pepper has ever written but since it deals with human trafficking, it's certainly in that category. This book ends in a rather horrifying cliffhanger but since the entire series has been released, I have already started Twice a Wish. I'm not exactly sure what happened because Sully has forced Eleanor, also known as Jinx, to participate in Euphoria. Did she really have sex with the other man or was it Sully himself? I still don't know the answer to this question but I can't wait to find out.

Rating: ★★★★☆

Caught Between Two Billionaires by Skye Warren

I had rather mixed feelings about this book. Skye Warren's Caught Between Two Billionaires is a re-release of her Trust Fund series featuring Harper, Christopher, and Sutton. I didn't exactly hate it but I didn't love it either. It was a mixed bag overall. It was a bit difficult to connect to the characters, especially Harper even though I empathized with her. She was young, naive, gullible when it came to her mother, and in love with her stepbrother who wasn't really her stepbrother at all. Add in Christopher's own feelings for Harper and his role as her ward makes it even worse. Oh and then of course we also have Sutton, Christopher's business partner, who coincidentally wants to have sex with Harper. Wait, what? It's so complicated and I didn't realize it would become a love triangle of sorts.

I think my favorite character from this book would have to be Christopher. He was consistent and even though he loved Harper, he acted as though he never did because of the role that was casted on to him by her father. He was complex and I mostly felt sorry for him and ultimately Harper because he broke his own heart as well as hers. As for Sutton, I thought he was an interesting character and very honest up to a point. He has his secrets and there is a mysterious air surrounding him but he was always upfront about what he wanted with Harper. There is a stark contrast between Christopher and Sutton, which is why I can see why Harper was so torn between these two. Of course the quote, "the heart wants what the heart wants" is very apt to describe their entire relationship.

In the end, I enjoyed this book even though it wasn't a favorite of mine from Skye Warren. I was glad to see characters from the Endgame series as well as Hugo and Bea from Escort . I felt like the characters from this book could have benefited from further character development and more angst. Overall, if you are a fan of love triangles and scorching hot love scenes (as per typical from Skye Warren), then I would suggest checking out this book!

*This ARC was generously provided by Valentine PR & Literary Management and Skye Warren for an honest review*

Rating: ★★★☆☆

Notice by K. Webster

This was my first book by K. Webster and it made me a fan of hers. Despite all the crazy and creepy shenanigans that went down with Gray, I couldn't help but find him endearing in many ways. He would absolutely go to jail for some of the things he did. For example, he broke into her house, slept under her bed, and touched her while she was asleep. Boy definitely needed some therapy. I thought the romance was done very well and I rooted for Violet and Gray despite the fact that he was a stalker. I liked the fact that we got both Gray and Violet's POV.

Notice was one of those office romances, which happens to be a trope that I really like. At the beginning of the book, it's clear that Violet was getting tired of her job and wanted to quit. Her boss, Gray, treated her like nothing and she was determined to give him a piece of her mind. Well, turns out, she unleashed a whole new obsession in Gray and now he was determined to keep and have her. Their relationship was strange at times but also incredibly sexy and hot. The things that Gray does... well, I already mentioned that he was obsessed with her right?

Overall, this book was hilarious and the relationship between Violet and Gray was so sexy and even romantic at times (if you ignore all the crazy things he did). I really enjoyed it and now I'm thinking about reading it again... for the third time.

Rating: ★★★★☆

Cover Reveal: MY DARLING ARROW by Saffron A. Kent

IT FEELS LIKE I'VE WAITED FOREVER FOR THIS BOOK AND IT'S ALMOST HERE.

Salem, you are so lucky because Arrow looks fine. ♡

Release Date: September 17 

Darling Arrow,

I shouldn’t be writing this. 

It’s not as if I’m ever going to send you this letter, and there are a million reasons why.

First of all, I was sent to this reform school as a punishment for a petty, totally inconsequential crime. Not to ogle the principal’s hot son around the campus.

Second of all, you’re a giant jerk. You’re arrogant and moody and so cold. Sometimes I think I shouldn’t even like you.

But strangely your coldness sets me on fire. 

The way your athletic body moves on the soccer field, and the way your powerful thighs sprawl across that motorcycle of yours, make me go inappropriately breathless. 

But that’s not the worst part.

The worst part is that you, Arrow Carlisle, are not only the principal’s hot son. 

You also happen to be the love of my sister’s life. 

And I really shouldn’t be thinking about my sister’s boyfriend, or rather fiancé (I overheard a conversation about the ring that I shouldn’t have).

Now if I can only stop writing you these meaningless letters that I’ll never send and you’ll never read…

Never yours,

Salem

NOTE: This book is a standalone and DOES NOT contain cheating

Add to your Goodreads TBR list! 

Check out the Chapter 1 Preview! 

Meet Saffron A. Kent

Saffron A. Kent is a Top 100 Amazon Bestselling author of Contemporary and New Adult romance. More often than not, her love stories are edgy, forbidden and passionate. Her work has been featured in Huffington Post, New York Daily News and USA Today’s Happy Ever After.

She lives in New York City with her nerdy and supportive husband, and a million and one books. 

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Release Blitz: Undeniable by Aleatha Romig

Release Date: August 18

Forbidden love...is undeniable.

When she was younger, like all little girls, Sophie Hawkins believed in fantasies. She believed in happily-ever-after and that one day her prince would come. What made Sophie’s dreams a bit different was that the man of her dreams wasn’t a fictional prince but her best friend’s dad. 

Matt was handsome and nice, the kind of man every woman would want. 

Time passes, and through the years, Sophie’s reality changes, yet her attraction and memories of Matt Hamilton never fade. Where boys and men are concerned, Matt remains her gold standard.

When his daughter was young, Matt Hamilton had it all: a family and success. 

With the ticking of the clock and changing of the calendar, seasons pass and situations adjust. Business success remains, but personally, his world changes…until the day fate sets the undeniable in motion. 

Sophie was a sweet little girl, his daughter’s best friend, and a ray of undeniable sunshine. That was before. Now she’s more. She is a grown woman. 

Who can deny the undeniable?

Undeniable, part of the Indulgence series of stand-alone steamy stories, will heat your ereader and make you hot and bothered. Undeniable is a fun forbidden-love story that will whisk the reader away to a time when fantasies could come true. 

Have you been Aleatha'd?

Grab Your Copy Here!
Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU | Apple Nook | Kobo

 

 

Meet Aleatha Romig

Aleatha Romig is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author who lives in Indiana, USA. She grew up in Mishawaka, graduated from Indiana University, and is currently living south of Indianapolis. Aleatha has raised three children with her high school sweetheart and husband of over thirty years. Before she became a full-time author, she worked days as a dental hygienist and spent her nights writing. Now, when she's not imagining mind-blowing twists and turns, she likes to spend her time a with her family and friends. Her other pastimes include reading and creating heroes/anti-heroes who haunt your dreams and bring your imagination to life!

Aleatha released her first novel, CONSEQUENCES, in August of 2011. CONSEQUENCES became a bestselling series with five novels and two companions released from 2011 through 2015. The compelling and epic story of Anthony and Claire Rawlings has graced more than half a million e-readers. Aleatha released the first of her series TALES FROM THE DARK SIDE, INSIDIOUS, in the fall of 2014. These stand alone thrillers continue Aleatha's twisted style with an increase in heat.

In the fall of 2015, Aleatha moved head first into the world of dark romantic suspense with the release of BETRAYAL, the first of her five novel INFIDELITY series that has taken the reading world by storm. She also began her traditional publishing career with Thomas and Mercer. Her books INTO THE LIGHT and AWAY FROM THE DARK were published through this mystery/thriller publisher in 2016.

In the spring of 2017, Aleatha released her first stand-alone, fun, and sexy romantic comedy with PLUS ONE, followed by the sweet stand-alone, ONE NIGHT.

Aleatha is a "Published Author's Network" member of the Romance Writers of America and PEN America. She is represented by Kevan Lyon of Marsal Lyon Literary Agency.

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Undeniable by Aleatha Romig

This was a quick and sexy story about two characters who were always meant to be together. In Undeniable, Aleatha Romig briefly introduces Sophie Hawkins—a young woman who dreams of making her fantasies real and prince charming. She is infatuated with her best friend’s father but eventually lets that feeling go. Years later, Sophie is much older and meets him again at an event she is working at. We find out that his name is Matt Hamilton and that he was the one who hired Sophie. It quickly becomes clear that Sophie's feelings for her best friend's dad was reciprocated.

The Indulgences series is Aleatha Romig's take the taboo and on erotica romance and I've enjoyed her releases over the years. This follows the same theme of the previous books by focusing on the romance and sexual encounters of the characters. Sophie has light domination fantasies but so does Matt. I enjoyed this book but it left me wanting more. I was interested in the characters and I would have liked more character development and buildup between them. The love scenes were scorching and I did like the forbidden aspect of the story (older man, younger woman). Matt is a dirty talker and Sophie is willing to let go of her control.

Undeniable can be read as a standalone and if you are a fan of Aleatha Romig's books, this will be a quick and enjoyable read for you!

*This ARC was generously provided by Aleatha Romig & Wildfire Marketing Solutions for an honest review*

Rating: ★★★★☆

Release Blitz: Dark Fairy Tales by Skye Warren and Various Authors

Dark Fairy, a Midnight Dynasty Anthology, is now live!

In a castle adorned with gems, coated in gold, and dusted with luxury, the youngest of the Constantine Family will be introduced to the elite of New York. But the party isn't all glamor. Villains lurk in dark corners, evil deals are struck, and starcrossed loves are born.

FAIRY TALES INCLUDED:

The Ugly Duckling by CJ Roberts

Beauty and the Beast by Willow Winters

Cinderella by Aleatha Romig

Little Red Riding Hood by Karina Halle

Jack & the Beanstalk by Marley Valentine

Snow White by T.M. Frazier

Rumplestiltskin by Celia Aaron

King Midas by Skye Warren

King Thrushbeard by Cora Reilly

Princess and the Pea by Sierra Simone

Swan Princess by Natasha Knight

Attend the ball, wear a red cloak, lose your shoe, spin straw to gold, or fall prey to a witch. In these fairytale retellings from bestselling authors, you will find a prince, but you might choose your happily ever after with the beast.

DARK FAIRY TALES is a limited-time anthology of modern fairy tales containing all NEW novellas. Download your copy and tell a book-loving friend, because it won't last long.

Download today!

Amazon: https://amzn.to/32evqJl

Apple: https://apple.co/3apzrOr

Nook: https://bit.ly/2E2LAge

Kobo: https://bit.ly/2Y0rE4C

Google Play: https://bit.ly/2E0fbav

Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3i84TUd

Dark Fairy Tales by Skye Warren and Various Authors

If you're in the mood for a collection of fairy tale inspired love stories by your favorite dark romance authors, then this book is for you. I really enjoyed reading these short novellas and it had me itching to read some of the authors' own books. I especially loved Skye Warren's rendition of King Midas, Celia Aaron's Rumplestiltskin, Sierra Simone's version of The Princess and the Pea, and Willow Winters' Beauty and the Beast. They were incredibly sexy and scorching hot.

“I couldn’t have cared less what you called yourself, as long as you called yourself mine.”
- Sierra Simone, The Princess and the Pea

All of these stories have several things in common and it's that they're all set in the same universe, taking place in the same mansion and ball, and happening in the same night. It's really interesting and it potentially sets the stage for Jade West' upcoming book, Heartless in what the authors allude to as the world of Midnight Dynasty for one of the central characters in the family that is throwing the ball. At the center of all of this, there is a Romeo and Juliet plot going on between Morellis and the Constantines family.

It was the woman in gold. The woman owning the room without even trying. She was wearing a Venetian mask that covered so much of her face I could barely make out her features, but that didn't matter. I didn't need to see her face. The visible parts of her were enough to drive me wild.
- Jade West, Heartless

Each of the stories were unique and can be considered complete standalone to the authors' own books. I guess you could say this anthology would be a collection of short stories that is meant to draw and hook you into reading more from them. It certainly worked for me! They were romantic, heartbreaking at times, really sexy, and they're inspired by our favorite fairy tales. In the end, I am really happy that I read this because it reminded me why I loved some of these authors so much and that I should probably go back and read some of their books that I haven't already started yet.

*This ARC was generously provided by Valentine PR & Literary Management and Skye Warren for an honest review*

Rating: ★★★★☆

Follow Me Darkly by Helen Hardt

This was my first book by Helen Hardt and it made me an instant fan of hers because of how well-written it was. I have always been curious about her books, especially the Steel Brothers saga. Well, now I will be interested in reading more from her! Follow Me Darkly was an incredibly sexy, sometimes mysterious, and erotic story about a young woman who finds freedom in relinquishing control. It's a little dark and the characters do dabble in some bondage, but I don't consider it BDSM. Braden and Skye are both really interesting characters and I want to see how their relationship will play out in the end. I was surprised that the book was entirely in Skye's POV. Braden was such a mysterious character and his refusal to tell Skye what happened to him in the past has both Skye and readers wanting more.

“Do you know what that means to me? It means you’re mine, Skye. In this bedroom—in the dark, you’re mine.”

Although the romance does play a second role in Skye and Braden's relationship, it is obvious that they are incredibly attracted to each other and Braden's non-commitment to relationships was a rather big flag to me. I wonder why... The sexual encounters between the two, in my opinion, was the star and main focal point of the story. Braden is obsessed with Skye and I feel like there is more to him than meets the eye. I was completely fine with the romance not being front and center because I feel like Hardt will eventually dive deeper into that aspect in the next book. The book does not end with a cliffhanger but we do get "promises" being made by Skye and Braden. There are still a lot of questions that need to be answered and it certainly left me wanting more, but for now, I am content with the ending.

“I have more in store for you, now that I control you in the dark. Will you follow me, Skye? Trust me to give you all kinds of pleasure?”

In the end, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I can't wait to read more about Braden and Skye in Follow Me Under . Their relationship was all-consuming and passionate. Braden was such a mysterious character and there is definitely darkness to him that we haven't begun to even scratch the surface to. Skye is equally obsessed with him as well and I liked that about her. For those of you who love to read dark romance and books like Fifty Shades of Grey, I highly recommend this book.

*This ARC was generously provided by Entangled Publishing and Helen Hardt for an honest review*

Rating: ★★★★☆

Hello Stranger by Jade West

This book was a special one and I'm not sure if I should recommend it because it's heartbreaking, soul-crushing, and terribly sad. From the very first page, you can almost feel how melancholy it is. Hello Stranger, in my opinion, is Jade West's best book to date. It was romantic, angsty, sensual, and sexy. I will never forget this book and its beloved characters, Logan, Chloe... and Jackie. This book deals with death so it's best to be prepared. If you want a good cry, this is the book for you. I had no idea and went into it blind... it crushed my heart. I loved and hated it but I don't regret reading this beautiful love story between two strangers who were essentially soulmates.

"She was a lifeline in my pain, a beautiful radiance in my stormy world, filled with grey."

Hello Stranger starts out with two strangers on a train. They don't notice each other at first but fate decides to intervene by dropping Chloe's bookmark, which Logan picks up. Logan doesn't think much of it but part of him hopes to see her again. They do meet up in the same train ride and he gives it back to her. The two eventually find mutual interest in books and realize their similar tastes in authors. It was really sweet to watch how shy Chloe was and how much she wanted to talk to Logan but he was so serious and solemn. And there is a reason why. At first, they don't talk much but their meetings on the train have become so much more. It turns out that they work at the same hospital and will be working together.

"All hellos ultimately have their goodbyes. And all goodbyes hurt so much harder if the love they are founded on is so damn strong. Still, all hellos with people you love are worth it. They are all worth their weight in gold."

Logan considers himself a pessimist while Chloe is an optimist. Both are complete opposites but they complete each other. Reading this book was really hard because I cared so much for Logan and Chloe. At the same time, we find out that Logan is taking care of his dying mother and is trying to complete her bucket list. Logan's life has been full of constant pain and sadness but he also has a secret. That secret will compel him to drive Chloe away. In the end, Hello Stranger is an unforgettable book about making the most of the time left with your loved ones before it's too late. It's about taking life one day at a time and looking at the world half full. This was a true gem and I highly recommend it to those of you who want a deeply moving love story.

Rating: ★★★★★