Juniper Hill by Devney Perry

Devney Perry continues to exceed my expectations with every book that I've read from her and Juniper Hill, the latest book in the Edens series, is no exception. I thought I loved Indigo Ridge, Griffin and Winslow's book, but Knox Eden and Memphis Ward's love story was so special. It was heartwarming, slow burn, emotional, angsty, and sexy—basically everything I love in a romance book. Their attraction to each other was immediate but because of past mistakes and broken hearts, neither wanted nor had the capacity to be in a relationship. Of course, Knox and Memphis' relationship starts to change and transform over the course of the story and it was a spectacular thing to watch. I loved how they slowly started to open up and rely on each other more and more until it became so natural for them to be together.

"Knox was a good man. He was reliable as the sunrise. As breathtaking as the Montana sunsets. He was the type of person I wanted Drake to become."

Despite her previous life of wealth and privilege in New York, the new Memphis Ward is a humble and sweet woman who simply wants to start a new life with her newborn. Memphis had so many heartbreaking secrets but she came out of them much stronger and better than before—all for her infant son, Drake. Their mother-and-son relationship brought tears to my eyes because in the face of so much disappointment and worst days, giving birth to Drake was one of Memphis' best days of her life. How can you not love such a strong and precious heroine? And don't get me started on the sexy, gruff, determined, and amazing Knox Eden who is similar but different from Griffin. Knox is the second oldest Eden brother as well as the main chef and owner of Knuckles, his restaurant at the Eloise Inn. He had his own secrets and heartbreak but one look at Memphis and he knew she was it for him.

"I'm going to take all of your bests. Every damn one until you can't keep track of the top five anymore because there are so many bests that you'll need a hundred to capture them all."

In the end, there were so many moments that I loved in this book. From Knox swaddling baby Drake to sleep to watching the developing romance between Memphis and Knox despite all of the secrets, I loved them all. Unlike the mystery and suspense of Indigo Ridge, Juniper Hill was a second chance romance between two individuals who would have never been compatible if they had met each other before Montana. Memphis was a different woman back then and Knox had his own demons to battle. Since this is the Edens series, Knox's brothers, sisters, and parents are also featured in this book. Loving Knox and his entire family was probably the easiest thing Memphis did because they treated her as one of them and I loved that for her. I highly recommend this series and book to those who love second chance romances and the small town vibe that Devney Perry always excels at. 

*This ARC was generously provided by the author and publisher for an honest review*

Rating: ★★★★★

Favorite Romance Books of 2021

I've narrowed down my favorite romance books that I've read and were released this year. These are in no particular order and I will provide a quick review for each book.

Homecoming King by Penny Reid:

Penny Reid's latest book will have you laughing and swooning your heart out. Since I'm a sucker for the arranged marriage and fake dating trope, Rex and Abby's romance was everything I wanted and more: charming, witty, romantic, slightly angsty, and surprisingly spicy. I was incredibly invested in their reunion and relationship because Abby had been in love with Rex since elementary school and he never noticed her. So many years have gone by since then and while Rex was playing matchmaker to his friends, he was getting left behind. This encounter with Abby will finally open his eyes and make him realize that what he always wanted was right in front of him all along.

Dark Reign by Amelia Wilde:

Amelia Wilde captivated me with her writing style, world building, steamy romance, and interesting characters in Dark Reign. I was completed invested in Emerson LeBlanc and Daphne Morelli's twisted relationship. The slow burn and unfolding romance between Emerson and Daphne had me on the edge of my seat because he was exhibiting some extremely obsessive, possessive, and stalker-like behavior. Strangely, most of Emerson's internal dialogue felt romantic because of how much power Daphne had over him. There is no denying that Daphne and Emerson's chemistry was dark, palpable, sensual, and erotic. The tension was thick with every encounter because Emerson was slowly unraveling and losing control over his feelings for Daphne at every turn.

Red Sin by Aleatha Romig: 

Aleatha Romig has outdone herself with the captivating and sensual romance between Donovan and Julia in Red Sin. I was enthralled by their all-consuming lust and intense chemistry and relationship from start to finish. This is Aleatha’s best work to date in my opinion—and she has had many. Both Julia and Van were fantastic characters in their own right and they complimented each other spectacularly. Since their very first meeting, it almost felt like fate was pushing these two together when they least expected it. This chance encounter, also known as red sin, would ultimately change their lives and bring buried secrets to the forefront.

Indigo Ridge by Devney Perry:

From the exceptional romance to the suspenseful and action-packed revelation behind the deaths in Quincy, Devney Perry has crafted a wonderful tale of new beginnings while letting go of the past and moving towards the future. Griffin Eden and Winslow Covington's attraction burned up the pages and their chemistry had me smiling the entire time. It was a slow burn romance that progressively became more over the course of the story. Even though Griffin and Winn's romance was the heart of this book, I was also completely immersed and invested in the murder mystery plot as well. It was interesting, had me on the edge of my seat, and heartbreaking. There were so many things I loved about this book: The small town vibe, close-knit families, gossiping, and especially the romance. However, Griffin and Winn's developing relationship was my most favorite part of all.

It Happened One Summer by Tessa Bailey:

Get ready to laugh and swoon because Piper and Brendan's romance will have you craving for more! These two were so incredibly adorable and sexy together. Brendan has a bit of dirty mouth on him but this is to be expected since it's Tessa Bailey after all. Fans of the opposite attract romance will absolutely love this book because Piper and Brendan come from two completely different worlds and yet they fit each other perfectly. I love how this flamboyant and confident woman gets nervous when she's with Brendan. From the amazing chemistry to the charming little town and residents that Piper and Hannah are forced to get to know, this book has it all—steamy, emotional, and heart.

These Thorn Kisses by Saffron A. Kent:

This book was my favorite because Conrad and Bronwyn were both brimming with tension and chemistry. Bronwyn was a bright spark of sunshine in Conrad's dark and broken world. I loved how their forbidden relationship was so passionate but precious and romantic at the same time. Bronwyn may be shy and a good girl but she was willing to do anything for Conrad… emotionally and intimately. I highly recommend this book to those who love the age-gap and forbidden romance trope with a dirty talking hero who is extremely possessive of his shy and sweet heroine.

Release Blitz: Hostile Takeover by Amelia Wilde

Hostile Takeover by Amelia Wilde is now live!

The stakes are higher than money. They're deeper than secrets. They're life or death when Mason Hill sets his sights on the Van Kempt family. Charlotte's hopes and dreams crash down around her. She questions everything, especially her own father. But she's always understood the value of loyalty. She'll defend her parents' lives--even if it means risking her own.

Hostile Takeover is book two in the Wealth trilogy by USA Today bestselling author Amelia Wilde. Net Worth must be read first.

Download today on Amazon, Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, Google Play, Kobo!

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3BDGI9m

Apple Books: https://apple.co/3bAxOPw

Nook: https://bit.ly/3w7awKF

Kobo: https://bit.ly/3bBKVQl

Google Play: https://bit.ly/3CEvgfb

Add to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3GJiZbA

Meet Amelia

Amelia Wilde is a USA TODAY bestselling author of dangerous contemporary romance and loves it a little too much. She lives in Michigan with her husband and daughters. She spends most of her time typing furiously on an iPad and appreciating the natural splendor of her home state from where she likes it best: inside.

Connect with Amelia

Website: https://awilderomance.com

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14671616.Amelia_Wilde

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Amelia-Wilde/e/B01C38CNJ2

Facebook: facebook.com/awilderomance

Instagram: https://instagram.com/awilderomance

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ameliawildeauthoress?

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/amelia-wilde

Hostile Takeover by Amelia Wilde

Amelia Wilde continues to impress with her latest book in the Wealth Trilogy, Hostile Takeover. Mason Hill and Charlotte Van Kempt's dirty and unconventional romance is still the main star of the show and I loved how much they have transformed since the last time I saw them. The story got even better—more emotional, angsty, and dirtier. The love scenes between Mason and Charlotte were scorching and burned up the pages. Mason is such a complex character and I loved how he felt more “human” in this installment. He is still cruel and continues to humiliates her in the bedroom but Charlotte actually needs and craves that from him—they both do, shockingly.

"Do you think you can save me? Maybe that's why you want me… You want me because I'll break your sweet little heart."

Charlotte has experienced a lot of character growth, emotionally and sexually, since the last book and she now knows exactly what and who she wants. Although Charlotte still retains that naivety and innocence that Mason loves, there is also another side to her that craves the darkness Mason inflicts on her. Besides the spicy scenes, the developing romance between Charlotte and Mason has become one my favorite parts about this series so far. Amelia Wilde has this amazing ability to write some incredibly emotional and heartbreaking scenes as well as highly erotic ones. In addition to the romance, Charlotte's family continues to provide additional tension, frustration, and angst between the two due to their role in the death of Mason's parents. I absolutely despise Charlotte’s parents and hope they get what’s coming for them. At times, I couldn't help but feel hopeless because Mason and Charlotte had so many barriers and obstacles working against them.

"In this one moment, he's mine. For this little flash of time, he belongs to me."

In the end, I absolutely loved this book because of the heartbreaking romance and uncertain future between Mason and Charlotte. Their relationship is so complicated and messy but it works for them. Amelia Wilde has become one of my favorite and go-to authors because of her writing style, story, and characters, and sexy love scenes. The book does end with a cliffhanger that will have you gasping for more because I certainly did. I'm hoping that Amelia will write books for Mason's siblings (Gabriel, Jameson, and Remy) in the future because I adored their relationship with each other. I highly recommend this series to those who love the contract and revenge romance trope with a complex and sometimes cruel anti-hero who has come to need his sweet and kind heroine—even while he defiles her in the name of revenge.

*This ARC was generously provided by the author and publisher for an honest review*

Rating: ★★★★★

The Maddest Obsession by Danielle Lori

The Maddest Obsession by Danielle Lori is the second book in the Made series featuring Christian and Gianna. I thought their love story was so special, heartbreaking, and romantic. The longing, angst, and unrequited love that they had for each other was everything I wanted and more. From the very first moment Christian met Gianna all those years ago, he intrinsically knew that she was his little star but didn't come to realize how much she meant to him until later on. When we first met Gianna in Nico and Elena's book, I thought Gianna was flighty, self-absorbed, and broken. While she is certainly broken in a sense, Gianna was strong in the face of so much hardship and heartbreak. I loved her wit and sense of humor. She was always teasing Christian in the "games" that they liked to play with each other. As for Christian, he had such a cold exterior and kept so many secrets. Gianna was the only who could "soften" him. If I could describe Christian Allister in words it would be intense, obsessive, jealous, passionate, and ruthless.

"He'd never look at me this way, with such a soft, consuming desire in his eyes, like he'd never seen a woman before. Like I was everything."

Spanning a total of eight years, the book interweaves between the past and present with events that took place in The Sweetest Oblivion. I was amused by Gianna and Christian's thought process during Nico and Elena's courtship because let's face it, the man was obsessed with her from the get-go and they could both see it. At times, I was frustrated by Christian and Gianna because of their own stubbornness, pride, and miscommunication. They kept missing each other for years because Gianna was considered "unstable" if left unmarried and even though Christian had every intention of making her his… circumstances always came up between the two. That's why I was so incredibly happy when they both finally acted on their attraction for each other. There's no denying that Christian and Gianna have incredible chemistry with each other and the sexual tension was thick. I loved their romance and the fact that there was a sprinkle of angst and longing made it all the better.

"Because you're the only woman who's ever tempted me… because you love it… because every part of you is mine."

In the end, Christian and Gianna's tumultuous and angst-filled romance left me with tears and such a happy smile on my face. If anyone deserved a happy ending, it would be these two. I know it doesn't make sense, but they were complete opposites from each other yet they fit each other perfectly. The love and obsession that Christian had for Gianna was my favorite part of this book and he is my favorite hero that Danielle Lori has created so far. For someone so ruthless and cold, I never expected him to be so passionate. This is my second book by Danielle Lori and I have become such a big fan of her writing style and characters. I highly recommend this series and book to those who love the mafia romance trope with a multi-faceted hero who is extremely possessive and obsessive over his heroine.

Rating: ★★★★★

These Thorn Kisses by Saffron A. Kent

These Thorn Kisses by Saffron A. Kent was one of my most anticipated reads and it did not disappoint. While this can be read as a standalone, I highly recommend reading the series in order for a more comprehensive and enjoyable experience. Compared to other installments in the St. Mary's Rebels series, this one was my favorite because Conrad and Bronwyn were both brimming with tension and chemistry. It was surprising how my initial opinion of Conrad has been drastically changed by this book—in a good way. I had no idea he was so broken inside even though he appeared strong on the outside. Not to mention, he was extremely possessive and had such a dirty mouth on him. The things he said and did to Bronwyn were both shocking and erotic. I did not expect him to be like this and I couldn't be more than happy to enjoy this ride.

"I'm the center of her gravity. I'm the blood in her veins and the beats of her heart. I'm the man for her and no one else."

If I were to describe Bronwyn and Conrad in one word, it would be fated because their unexpected meeting and reunion was simply kismet. Bronwyn was a bright spark of sunshine in Conrad's dark and broken world. I loved how their forbidden relationship was so tumultuous but precious and romantic at the same time. They had a lot blocks to overcome including their age gap, student-teacher relationship, Callie who is unaware of her brother and best friend's intimate connection, life style and class differences, and so much more. At times, I couldn't help but think how young and naive Bronwyn was because she lived her life in rose-colored glasses. In comparison, Conrad was more harden and wary because of his broken dreams and past decisions. My heart broke for him and I adored how determined Bronwyn was to make him realize that he could still obtain his dream… even after her.

"I would risk everything for him. Everything. I would choose him every single day and every single time. I would choose him over myself."

In the end, I absolutely devoured this book and I'm so excited to read Poe and Alaric's story next. Conrad and Bronwyn's romance was everything I wanted and more. It certainly lived up to all the hype and exceeded my expectations. Bronwyn may be shy and a good girl but she was willing to do anything for Conrad… emotionally and intimately. While I do admit that there were some similarities to Salem and Arrow's relationship in My Darling Arrow, Bronwyn and Conrad forged their own path and stood out from the rest. In my opinion, this is Saffron Kent's strongest St. Mary's Rebels book to date. The forbidden relationship had aspects from one of my favorite books from this author: Medicine Man. I highly recommend this series and book to those who love the age-gap and forbidden romance trope with a dirty talking hero who is extremely possessive of his shy and sweet heroine.

*This ARC was generously provided by the author and publisher for an honest review*

Rating: ★★★★★

Release Blitz: These Thorn Kisses by Saffron A. Kent

Release Date: December 7

Eighteen-year-old, Bronwyn Littleton is in love with a stranger she met on a summer night a year ago.

A stranger who was tall and broad in a way that made her feel safe. He had dark blue eyes that she can’t stop drawing in her sketch book. And he had a deep, soothing voice that she can’t stop hearing in her dreams.

That’s all she knows about him though.

Until she runs into him again. At St. Mary’s School for Troubled Teenagers – an all girls reform school – where she’s trapped because of a little crime she committed in the name of her art.

Now she knows that her dream man has a name: Conrad Thorne.

She knows that his eyes are way bluer and way more beautiful than she thought. And that his face is an artist’s wonderland.

But she also knows that Conrad is her best friend’s older brother. Which means he’s completely off-limits. Not to mention, he’s the new soccer coach, which makes him off-limits times two.

What makes him off-limits times three however, and this whole scenario an epic tragedy, is that, Conrad, Wyn’s dream man, has a dream girl of his own.

And he’s as much in love with his dream girl as Wyn is in love with him…

NOTE: This is a STANDALONE set in the world of St. Mary’s.

Grab Your Copy Here:

Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU | Apple 

 Kobo | Google Play | B&N

Meet Saffron A. Kent

Saffron A. Kent is a USA Today Bestselling Author of Contemporary and New Adult romance. 

She has an MFA in Creative Writing and she lives in New York City with her nerdy and supportive husband, along with a million and one books. 

She also blogs. Her musings related to life, writing, books and everything in between can be found in her JOURNAL on her website (www.thesaffronkent.com)

Connect with Saffron A. Kent

Facebook | Instagram  | Twitter | Amazon | Bookbub | Goodreads

Hosted By:

Release Blitz: Little Mate by Elena M. Reyes

Little Mate by Elena M. Reyes is now live!

There's no one above a KING...

And yet, I'm restless.

I'm an uncontrollable beast that throbs in time with the heartbeat lulling me closer while a sweet, feminine scent overtakes my senses. I've never felt this before—a hunger so frenzied that I'm lost to its call. This siren's song is solely meant for me, and I give in without pause or question.

Because I know and accept.
A single drop of blood running through her veins is worth more than every soul walking this earth. She is now what tethers me to this world.
And the second I see her face, I'm done for. Nothing fucking matters.

I AM DARKNESS.
I AM SIN.
I AM YOURS.

I'll live and breathe for my Queen. My pretty girl.

Download today!

Amazon: http://mybook.to/littlemateemr
Apple Books: https://apple.co/3mhza6w
Nook: https://bit.ly/3mljuiV
Kobo: https://bit.ly/3oxWobi

Little Mate is the prequel to Little Lies!
Read Little Lies today!
https://books2read.com/little-lies

Meet Elena M. Reyes

Elena M. Reyes is the epitome of a Floridian and if she could live in her beloved flip-flops, she would.

As a small child, she was always intrigued by all forms of art: whether it was dancing to island rhythms, or painting with any medium she could get her hands on. Her passion for reading over the years has amassed her with hours of pleasure, but it wasn't until she stumbled upon fanfiction that her thirst to write overtook her world.

She's a short and sassy Latina with an adorable pup, a kiddo that keeps her on her toes, and a husband who claims she'll cause him to go bald prematurely. Lol

Want to keep up to date with Elena's crazy book life?
 
Connect with Elena M. Reyes
Website | https://www.elenamreyes.com/
Goodreads | https://bit.ly/3cH6kJl
Amazon | https://amzn.to/3drX2Qt
Facebook | https://bit.ly/3doytEh
Facebook Group | https://bit.ly/3drX36Z
Instagram | https://bit.ly/3cM7xPP
Twitter | https://bit.ly/3mcVGNN
Bookbub | https://bit.ly/2OdKZOl
Newsletter | https://bit.ly/39Iemj6

Little Mate by Elena M. Reyes

Little Mate by Elena M. Reyes is the prequel to Little Lies and I would not recommend reading it as a standalone. It should be read after in order to appreciate the sequence of events from the main book. The author has crafted an interesting story of fated love, second chance romance, loss and betrayal, as well as revenge that spans over a century. This book provides further context to Gabriella and Theodore's story, specifically on how their romance initially began. I remember reading bits and pieces of it in the main story when Gabriella had flashbacks or dreams of her past life. I was completely captivated by Theodore's everlasting love for Gabriella and how devoted he was to bring her back. It was love at first sight for the both of them.

"Just like I'll devour you, I'll never leave your side. You'll own me as irrecoverably as I'll own you."

Theodore himself was mysterious, ruthless, and foreboding but when it comes to his fated mate, he is passionate, gentle, and loving. The Gabriella in Little Mate is quite different from her counterpart in the sequel because in addition to being a powerful witch with a close connection to death, she is confident, knows exactly what she wants, and righteous. After the murder of her parents, Gabriella and her siblings are on the run but fate has other plans for her. At the same time, Theo was leaving a bloody path of destruction in search for her. I was highly anticipating for the moment they finally meet each other and it certainly did not disappoint.

"To the world, I'm a monster, but for her, I'll be gentle. Be the man she needs."

In the end, I enjoyed Little Mate and thought it was an excellent prequel to Gabriella and Theo's love story because it provided some much needed context and background to their incredibly sexy and dark romance. Nonetheless, I would have liked if it was interspersed or part of my initial experience when I was reading Little Lies. Since Gabriella was an unreliable narrator because of her reincarnation and memory loss, we had no idea what was going to happen next. However, this was also what made the first book so interesting because the entire plot was a bit of a mystery and we are given part of the puzzle to unravel. Fans of Elena M. Reyes won't be disappointed in her paranormal twist in the dark romance genre and those who love the fated mates trope will also enjoy this book.

*This ARC was generously provided by the author and publisher for an honest review*

Rating: ★★★★☆