Behind Closed Doors by Skye Warren

Skye Warren goes back to her Rochester series in Behind Closed Doors by focusing on Marjorie Dunn—a character we met in Beau and Jane's story. She was the kind innkeeper who took care of Paige and while I didn't think much of her before because she was a side character, I was pleasantly surprised and heartbroken to read about her past/backstory. Just like the synopsis states, Marjorie has been hiding in plain sight and keeping secrets of her own all this time. No one knows where Marjorie came from and there is a reason for that. I loved how the author made an unassuming character into so much more because Marjorie is my favorite type of heroine—sweet, passionate, loving, and forgiving. Marjorie's ordinary life is shaken when she meets Sam Brewer, another secretive person with a hidden agenda. After hiding for so long, Marjorie is afraid of people discovering her secrets and past.

"Every move she makes shifts the space around us. It pulls my heart towards her."

My favorite part about this book was the push and pull between Marjorie and Sam. At first, I wasn't sold on their relationship because he purposely sought her out and wanted to uncover her secrets. But then, he grew on me. I knew that Sam wasn't a bad person. He was starting to question everything, especially his handler and what he wanted in life. Despite his attempts at being distant and cold, Sam was similarly attracted to Marjorie. Sparks were definitely flying between these two and their chemistry burned up the pages. And when Marjorie finds out the truth behind Sam's true intentions at her inn, my heart broke for her because she was already in love with him.

"It feels like goodbye, and that hurts more than the cold or the fear. Goodbye always hurts the most."

In the end, Marjorie and Sam's story was action-packed, steamy, angsty at times, and truly expanded the world that Skye Warren has created. I'm really curious about "Ellen" and I wonder if she will have her own story down the road. Since I didn't read Emily and Mateo's story on Radish, I'm hoping that their book will be released at a later date because I remember them having a lot of chemistry and history. I'm glad to know that they're a couple now! I was also pleasantly surprised by the fact that that Marjorie and Emily Rochester were close friends. In any case, fans of Skye Warren and the Rochester series will really enjoy this short side story because it features some of the characters we previously met. I highly recommend this book to those who like the forced proximity and opposites attract romance tropes where the hero is considered the "enemy" but he ends up falling for the heroine and becoming her protector.

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

Rating: ★★★★☆

Gilded Cage by Dani Wyatt

Gilded Cage is Dani Wyatt's take on high fantasy and erotic romance and it was incredibly steamy, angsty, and romantic. Calliope and Rian met and fell in love with each other but outside forces wanted to keep them apart. As a result, a curse was placed on them—forcing them to forever be separate and apart. I really enjoyed this aspect of the book because it adds further tension and drama to their relationship as they pine for each other. Like most of Dani Wyatt's books, the sex and chemistry between Calliope and Rian simply burned up the pages. I don't typically read interspecies relationships but I thought this was done incredibly well because I didn't mind the fact that Rian was part orc most of the time because of the curse. It made for some incredibly sexy scenes, especially when they were finally reunited.

“You are greedy for me, dirty songbird. It only makes me love you more, the way you want me as I want you.”

In the end, I simply adored this book because it was short, sweet, and dirty. Rian absolutely loves Calliope and if you're into stories where the hero is completely obsessed with his heroine, I highly recommend this book and the author's other stories because you will not be disappointed. I loved how there was also a "Beauty and the Beast" vibe to this story because Rian is cursed and forced to assume the appearance of an orc. In addition, the threat of war between Calliope and Rian's kingdoms was always present. The curse simply exacerbated it. Nevertheless, I highly recommend this book to those who love the love at first sight and 'enemies' to lovers tropes with a hero and heroine who were simply fated to be with each other.

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

Rating: ★★★★☆

Cover Reveal: Power Play by Amelia Wilde

Amelia Wilde has revealed the cover for Power Play!

Releasing: June 7, 2022

Cover Design: Book Beautiful

It is a truth universally acknowledged that a playboy wants a one-night stand... No strings attached.

Gabriel Hill dates someone new every night. Glamorous parties and smoke-filled clubs. He has no interest in the prim little baker. Until he finds out she's connected to his family's downfall.

He wants information. Revenge. And worst of all, he wants Elise Bettencourt in his bed. Again and again and again.

There's no future between them.

A woman who's fought to build a new life for herself.

And the man who will bring it all down.

Pre-order your copy today!

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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

Gold Lust by Aleatha Romig

Gold Lust is the continuation of Van and Julia's story as outside forces who seek to destroy their "snow globe" and relationship start to close in. Aleatha Romig has crafted a story that is suspenseful, romantic, dramatic, shocking, and full of secrets. To say that I was speechless would be an understatement, especially with that nail-biting cliffhanger. I'm shocked, frustrated, and dying to read the next book. While I did feel like the romance suffered a bit because of the antagonists' machinations, Julia and Van's passion and understanding for each other continues to shine through. This has always been my favorite part about their love story and I hope that Aleatha will give us more of that and what we got in Red Sin. I wanted to see more of Donovan's possessive and dominant side because Julia clearly finds it irresistible.

"Julia encompossed the pinnacle of everything I desired. She was the sun, and I was the snow."

The book immediately picks up where Green Envy last left off and Julia has been "kidnapped" by none other than Van's estranged brother, Phillip. What followed was a tense situation for Van as he races to save Julia from those who seek to harm her and in extension—him. I actually really enjoyed this part of the story because there were so many twists and turns as Julia and Van struggled to find their happily ever after while circumstances prevented them from being truly oblivious and happy. Throughout the book, I couldn't help but feel a sense of dread. It wasn't until the end that we're hit with a shocking revelation. While Van and Julia were blissfully unaware of their situation, a second "antagonist" was working behind the scenes to interrupt their happily ever after.

"I love him the way I found him, or he found me."

In the end, I really enjoyed Gold Lust even though I did feel like it was "filler" in preparation for Black Knight—the final book in the series. Everything has been building up to this point and it's time for the antagonists to finally take off their masks. One thing I have always liked about this series was that the story often moves back and forth between the past and present as we get snippets of Van's previous life. There's no denying that he was more selfish, callous, and cruel in those scenes. His obsession with Madison ruined his family's relationships but the blame can't be placed solely on him. I hated Madison for manipulating Van and how passive she was when it came to her relationships. She clearly didn't deserve him and I'm so glad that Julia came into his life and made it better. Fans of Aleatha Romig will adore this series because it has all of the tropes we've all come to know and love about this author. Julia and Van were always meant to be together and despite several malevolent forces at play, I doubt that it will be strong enough to break their "snow globe."

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

Rating: ★★★★☆

Last Resort by Amelia Wilde

Amelia Wilde concludes Daphne Morelli and Emerson LeBlanc's story in Last Resort and it has been an incredible, heartbreaking, and exhilarating journey from start to finish. Although many may find Emerson to be her most "controversial" hero, I thought he was Amelia’s most fascinating, unique, and broken. The love and obsession he had for Daphne was all-encompassing, dark, poetic, and even romantic. There is no denying that Daphne and Emerson are two sides of the same coin and that there is simply no Emerson without Daphne—they are each other's soulmates. Just like how Daphne is Emerson's most precious piece of art, he is her most beloved canvas. I also loved how the ocean was this omniscient character that symbolized and played a part in their relationship throughout the entire book. It was especially poignant considering that Daphne loved drawing the ocean and Emerson loved the ocean because it freed him from his past and anxiety.

"The ocean is how I found him… My work is the ocean. It will always be wrapped up in the ocean, just like my heart will always be wrapped up in him. Forever."

Following the events in Sweet Mercy, Daphne and Emerson are separated. Leo Morelli, Daphne's older brother, has brought her back to his home only for both of them to realize that Daphne has changed. Without Emerson in her life, Daphne feels lost and incomplete. The same can be said about Emerson who completely breaks down without her in his life. Thankfully, this separation did not lost long but the inevitable confrontation between Emerson and Leo was intense, heartbreaking, and dramatic. Nevertheless, it also provided a sense of finality as well. There were consequences to Emerson's actions and he was ready to say goodbye to Daphne. This act of selflessness, one where he was willing to let his hummingbird go and free herself from him, redeemed Emerson in my eyes despite the fact that I never faulted him for taking Daphne in the first place. It may have been difficult between them at first, but he was completely enamored with her and wanted to obtain her no matter what. However, this doesn't mean that all could be forgiven considering Emerson still has to face Daphne's family.

"My little painter. She is not art. Or—she is more than art. More than an obsession. She's everything. Breathing, living love."

In the end, I truly enjoyed Daphne and Emerson's story because it was so poetically beautiful and romantic in my eyes. While their story may be unconventional, the love, lust, and understanding that they had for each other was always prevalent throughout the trilogy. As for that controversial scene that everybody seems to fault Amelia Wilde for in Sweet Mercy, I do want to say that there was a reason behind it and the author does a spectacular job explaining it in this book. Besides trying to prove a point, Emerson was trying distance himself from Daphne only for it to backfire on him because he was already in love with her. Daphne and Emerson's romance was so much more than I thought it would be. I never expected it to turn out the way it did and I couldn't be more than happier about it. This trilogy has solidified my love for her writing because it had everything I wanted and more—angst, heartbreak, drama, and an obsessive love. Fans of Amelia Wilde's writing will absolutely love this trilogy as well as those who love reading about the broken and tortured hero who simply cannot live without his sweet and lovely heroine.

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

Rating: ★★★★★

Release Blitz: Last Resort by Amelia Wilde

 Last Resort by Amelia Wilde is now live!

 Emerson LeBlanc lost more than an acquisition. He lost the woman he loves.

There's no redemption for a man with his past. No future for a relationship built on stalking and kidnapping. At least that's what he believes. When he meets Daphne again, she's not a piece of art. She's a woman determined to paint a new path. For herself. For him. Except the ocean holds more than shadows. It holds danger that could ruin them both.

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

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3FFp5YR

Apple Books: https://apple.co/3GIX4RB

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Kobo: https://bit.ly/3tI0d0o

Google Play: https://bit.ly/3fWbPF3

 Add to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3qGLAZ3

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

Her Prison Pen Pal by Dani Wyatt

Dani Wyatt continues to impress with her sexy and smoking hot stories between two unlikely characters who were never supposed to meet each other. I really enjoyed this book because Daphne and Dutch were initially strangers but became pen pans and so much more over time. The chemistry between Daphne and Dutch was immediate, intense, and electric since the beginning. As with most of Dani's book, the hero is completely obsessed with his heroine—emotionally and physically. I loved how Dutch fell in love with Daphne through her letters. We do get a glimpse of some of those letters and it warmed my heart to read how her letters got him through time in prison. And when he finally got out and met Daphne? Dutch was ready to fully commit and claim Daphne as his. I thought their story was completely romantic and erotic. Dutch had a dirty mouth on him and he used it often with Daphne. I loved how Daphne was sassy and a spitfire in her own right because she knew exactly what she wanted as well. Even though she was innocent, the lust and love Daphne had for Dutch mirrored his own.

"I'm taking what's mine, my sweet little doll. Midnight. I'll be waiting."

In the end, I really loved reading Her Prison Pen Pal because it was incredibly sweet and romantic at times but also dirty and erotic. Both Daphne and Dutch were likeable characters and I even enjoyed the side characters as well including Daphne's parents and brother. I laughed at how Daphne's father was always staring at Dutch because he knew something was up between those two. It was becoming glaringly obvious to the family that Daphne was sneaking out to Dutch. Some of my favorite R18 scenes include Daphne walking into Dutch's room and watching him read her letters as well as the unexpected closet scene in the bar. Again, I highly recommend Dani Wyatt's steamy stories to fans of Alexa Riley and Jessa Kane—especially if you like your heroes possessive, dirty, and rough around the edges with a heroine who is innocent but knows exactly what she wants.

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

Rating: ★★★★☆

Cover Reveal: Hey, Mister Marshall by Saffron A. Kent

Release Date: June 14

At eighteen, Poe Blyton’s life is in shambles and the reason is Alaric Marshall.

After her mom’s death, he appeared out of nowhere and became Poe’s controlling guardian. When she protested his tyranny, he had the audacity to send her away to an all-girls reform school. A school full of iron clad rules and regulations.

But at least she’s graduating soon.

Until Alaric himself arrives at the school as the new principal and takes that away from her as well.

That devil.

He’s really asking for it, isn’t he?

And Poe is going to give it to him.

It doesn’t matter that her sworn enemy has the prettiest dark eyes she’s ever seen. Or that he looks really, really good in his boring tweed jackets. So much so that she wants to rip them off his body and see what’s underneath.

Because scorching hot or not, her new principal or not, Poe is going to ruin Alaric’s life.

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

Pre-Order Your Copy Here!

Add to your Goodreads TBR List! 

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

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Beauty in Deception by Charmaine Pauls

Charmaine Pauls goes back to her Diamond Magnate world with Beauty in Deception and she once again excels at the push/pull between the violent and gentle nature of her heroes and heroines. This is the "prequel" to Beauty in the Broken because it takes place before Damian Hart initiated his revenge against Harold Dalton. It can also be read as a standalone since Roman Malan and Christina have never appeared in previous books. I found this story quite fascinating because it tells the story of how a doppelgänger fell in love with her captor. Both Christina and Roman are complex characters with many layers to them. Their story was heartbreaking, intense, sexy, and emotional. It had all the characteristics that I loved most about this author's writing—multi-faceted hero and heroine, angst, betrayal, revenge, redemption, and obsession.

"In this moment, isolated in our brokenness, we're perfectly aligned."

Sold into becoming Evie Warren's shadow at a young age, Christina has led a harsh and cruel life despite the glamorous dresses. She was merely "a pawn in the ugly games cruel men play." I loved this analogy in the book and it fit her character perfectly and how some actions have consequences. However, Christina loved her younger sister dearly and never gave up despite her misfortune. Meeting Roman freed Christina but his obsession and love also imprisoned her. As for Roman, he was both gentle and cruel. To Christina, he wielded his power and cruelty like a blade but treated her as if she was his most precious princess in the world. I found him quite fascinating and Charmaine's most grayest hero yet because he thought she was his enemy the entire time when in reality, Christina was simply a victim. Bell Warren destroyed Roman's family and stole what wasn't his. Revenge was the end goal but love had other plans.

"With him, I can't be someone else. I can't be anyone other than me. I don't want to be."

In the end, I thoroughly enjoyed this book because Christina's journey touched my heart and I wanted her to find her own happiness in the end—whether it be with Roman or not. I loved how independent, courageous, and loving she was despite her circumstances. Roman was hard to like at first but he grew on me. He won't ever be an Ian Hart but he did remind me of a mix between Damian and Maxime. Cruel, prone to anger and irrationality, and obsessed with his heroine. I'm curious to know if Charmaine Pauls will be writing individual books for Mateo, Roman's younger brother, and Eden, Christina's younger sister. Future books to look forward to! Fans of Charmaine Pauls and the Diamond Magnate world will absolutely love this book and devour it in one sitting because I certainly did. I highly recommend this book to those who love the revenge and captive romance trope with a hero and heroine who were simply destined to meet each other.

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

Rating: ★★★★★