Friday, December 29, 2023

Own by Sienna Snow

Own (Violent Delights Book 3)Own by Sienna Snow is the conclusion to Sophia Morelli and Damon Pierce's story. Their book is part of a much larger world within the Midnight Dynasty universe and contains characters from different stories. Overall, I'd say that I enjoyed Sophia and Damon's passionate and turbulent relationship even though he had a lot to grovel for after the events in Defy. Not only did he break Sophia's heart but he almost destroyed their relationship because of his own inner demons. I much preferred his mysterious, confidant, and dominant personality in Claim instead of this conflicted man who made a lot of mistakes where Sophia was concerned. But in many ways, he was in love with her and wanted what he thought was best for her. Sophia was a lot more likeable in this book because she learned how to survive without Damon and became more assured of herself. I did think that she forgave Damon way too easily but I understood why because the man was certainly persistent.
"I wanted him, needed him, and he'd broken my heart, shattered it into pieces. I refused to live through it again."
In the end, I enjoyed this book and thought that Sophia and Damon's story was consistent to the stories of past characters from this world. I am interested in Lizzy's book and who she might end up with because we're given a brief glimpse of this supposed "man" during Sophia's fashion show. In many ways, also liked that Sophia and Damon had a chance to mature and learned how to let go of their past. While I admit that I was frustrated with these two in the previous book, Damon and Sophia were able to redeem themselves in this one and I was glad to see that they were able to obtain their own happiness in the end. Fans of the Midnight Dynasty universe and opposites attract romance with BDSM elements will be sure to enjoy this one because it features a dominant and possessive hero who is helplessly in love when it comes to his independent, defiant, and sassy heroine.

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

Rating: ★★★★☆

Monday, December 18, 2023

Sweet Captivity: Dual POV Edition by Julia Sykes

Sweet Captivity: Dual POV EditionSweet Captivity was my first book by Julia Sykes and I was pleasantly surprised by her writing and story. I liked that it made me uncomfortable because just like Samantha, the heroine of this story, I was wary of Andrés and disgusted by his actions. Not only was he was unpredictable and possessive, Andrés was a dangerous man who wanted to make Samantha his in every way. I commend the author for trying to redeem this anti-hero because there were times where I hated him. I appreciated the addition of his POV because without it, I would not have accepted his romance with Samantha so easily. Nevertheless, the book was still difficult to read because it focuses on the captive and captor trope with the hero trying to "tame" his heroine. I wasn't completely convinced of their relationship until the very end because Andrés spent most of the book trying to mold Samantha into his perfect pet. It wasn't until he made the decision to let her go because he couldn't protect her that he finally earned my respect.
"She might have driven me close to madness with her defiance, but her sweet contrition had threatened to shatter me."
In the end, the relationship between Samantha and Andrés has been a fascinating and riveting ride. I experienced a range of emotions while reading this book—shock, anger, sadness, and pity. While it wasn't my favorite, I still enjoyed it the nonetheless. I felt incredibly sorry for Samantha because her situation wasn't something a normal person would ever go through. I would even argue that she experienced Stockholm Syndrome while she was under captivity because she ended up falling in love with Andrés. I am also curious about the fate of Valentina, Andrés' younger sister, who had been sold by Cristian to another man. We were given a brief glimpse of her situation and relationship with Adrian, someone she fell in love with, in Stealing Beauty. Fans of dark/captive romance will be sure to enjoy this book because it features steamy scenes with BDSM elements and the opposites attract trope.

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

Rating: ★★★

Saturday, December 16, 2023

Cover Reveal: Dearly Beloved by Amelia Wilde

Amelia Wilde has revealed the cover for Dearly Beloved

Releasing: December 30, 2023

Jacob Chambers has two redeeming qualities: he’s breathtakingly sexy, and he’s sensationally rich.

Neither one makes up for the fact that he’s a monster.

As penance for his past, he’ll be the young, beautiful Catherine Bettencourt’s fake fiancé until she can access her trust fund and leave him behind.

She doesn’t need to know how he punishes himself for his shortcomings. He’ll never tell her how he suffers in silence.

Catherine Bettencourt doesn’t want a wedding, thank you very much. Becoming a rich man’s wife can be a deadly affair.

But when scandal threatens the only man who has ever protected her, the choice is clear.

She’ll walk down the aisle with him. She’ll take him as her husband, for richer or for poorer. In sickness and in health.

She’ll never fall in love with Jacob Chambers. Til death do them part.


Dearly Beloved (Wedded Bliss Duet #1) by USA Today bestselling author Amelia Wilde is a spicy, heartbreaking, age-gap love story, coming December 30th!

Pre-order your copy today!

𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐫 → awilderomance.com/dearlybeloved

𝐀𝐝𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐆𝐨𝐨𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐬 → rebrand.ly/DearlyBelovedTBR

~𝐓𝐑𝐎𝐏𝐄𝐒~
💔broken hero
🍒virgin heroine
💲billionaire romance
💍marriage of convenience
🤔plot to fake 💀
🥰family saga
😱romantic suspense
🥹mutual pining
🤜👉🍑anaI play...could be him OR her...might be both....😏

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

Thursday, December 14, 2023

Cover Reveal: Own by Sienna Snow

Sienna Snow has revealed the gorgeous cover for Own!

Releasing: January 4, 2024


Damon Pierce is a man haunted by his own darkness and knows he's dangerous to the woman he loves. This is why he must stay away. He needs to focus on his buildings. On success. On things he can control.

Sophia Morelli is never going to be a sweet little submissive. Her rebellious nature runs too strong and deep. Which means she'll never back down without a fight.

She'll confront his demons, even if it means finally facing her own.

OWN is the breathtaking, scorching conclusion to the Violent Delights Trilogy. Find out what happens when desire burns hotter than fire.


Pre-order your copy today!

Amazon: https://bit.ly/41f1LgR

Apple Books: https://bit.ly/41qWjHZ

Nook: https://bit.ly/483Or12

Kobo: https://bit.ly/489M2SF

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


Add to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3uR3rBl



Start Claim today!

Amazon: https://bit.ly/42DmL1a

Amazon Worldwide: https://mybook.to/ClaimSS

Apple Books: https://apple.co/3JEgo4X

Nook: http://bit.ly/3nXcz3W

Kobo: https://bit.ly/43hQEEM

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


Meet Sienna



Inspired by her years working in corporate America, Sienna loves to serve up stories woven around confident and successful women who know what they want and how to get it, both in—and out—of the bedroom.

Her heroines are fresh, well-educated, and often find love and romance through atypical circumstances.  Sienna treats her readers to enticing slices of hot romance infused with empowerment and indulgent satisfaction.

Sienna loves the life of travel and adventure.  She plans to visit even the farthest corners of the world and delight in experiencing the variety of cultures along the way. When she isn't writing or traveling, Sienna is working on her "happily ever after" with her husband and children.

 

Connect with Sienna


Website: https://siennasnow.com/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15076071.Sienna_Snow

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Sienna-Snow/author/B01M1DHVMD/

 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorsiennasnow/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bysiennasnow/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/sienna_snow

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@authorsiennasnow

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/sienna-snow


 


Release Blitz: Sweet Captivity (Dual POV Edition) by Julia Sykes

Sweet Captivity (Dual POV Edition) by Julia Sykes is now live! 


No man has ever touched me, but when I'm captured by scarred criminal kingpin Andrés Moreno, everything changes.


I'm a hacker with the FBI, a shy geek. When I'm hiding behind my screen, I'm a safe distance from everyone; isolated, powerful.


Until Andrés captures me and changes everything.


His scars go deeper than the wicked furrows carved into his flesh, his pain reflected in the dark demands he imposes upon me.


His obsession is twisted and wrong, but maybe I'm twisted, too.


Do I want to be rescued from him? Or is he the one who truly needs saving?


One-click this dark romance for a possessive antihero, a nerdy hacker FBI agent, kidnapping, enemies-to-lovers vibes, and deliciously deviant steamy scenes!


Note: This dual POV edition of Sweet Captivity contains brand new bonus material!


Download today or read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited


Amazon: https://bit.ly/3T4jENG

Amazon Worldwide: https://mybook.to/SweetCaptivityJS


Goodreads: https://bit.ly/487f3OO



Meet Julia



Julia Sykes is a USA Today bestselling author of edgy, emotional romance. When she's not writing, she's usually reading.

Other than reading, her obsessions include iced coffee, unicorns, charcuterie, aged Manchego cheese (or any cheese, really), fancy dresses, and Roman empresses.

An American expat, Julia now lives in her adopted, beloved home of York, England. Most days, you can find her wandering the cobbled streets and daydreaming about her next novel.

 

Connect with Julia


Website: https://www.julia-sykes.com/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6469571.Julia_Sykes

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Julia-Sykes/e/B008WUCGO8

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorjuliasykes/

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1075257102499994

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorjuliasykes/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JuliaSykes193

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/julia-sykes


 

Wednesday, December 13, 2023

Midnight Sin by Alina Sullivan

Midnight Sin : A Christmas Cinderella Romance Midnight Sin by Alina Sullivan takes inspiration from the fairy tale classic, Cinderella, and was my first book by the author. I was intrigued by the story and thought that Alina Sullivan had a lot of potential and was impressed with her writing, especially since this was her debut release. While I enjoyed the smut, I felt that Rina and Damien could have benefited from further character development and tension between the two. I wasn't completely convinced of their chemistry and relationship because everything was happening too fast. I would have been more invested in their romance if I had further context or background knowledge about who they were as individuals such as their dreams, motivations, aspirations, and etc. The characters also made questionable decisions that frustrated me. I did not understand why Rina accepted her fate so easily and allowed her stepmother and stepsisters to torment her when she was old enough to leave. Damien similarly allowed his father to dictate his life and engagement when he was in his 30s. It would have been more believable if Rina and Damien were younger.
"In this forbidden love, we had found solace and comfort, and now, it seemed, we were destined to build a future together."
In the end, I enjoyed this book and thought that Rina and Damien were really cute together. Although I wanted more from these two, I was content with what we got. The intimate scenes were sexy and there was a slight hint of the ddlg kink as well, which surprised me. I wish we got more of that because I can see the author excelling in this particular sub-genre. I also felt as though the antagonists got off easy and many moments were left "off the book"—meaning we didn't get to know what really happened, which left me disappointed. Rina and Damien's story does end in a happy note but we're also left with questions as to what happened to Tatiana, Rina's best friend. It looks like Alina Sullivan will be writing a book for her in the future called Year of Sin. Fans of Cinderella retellings and instalove romance will most certainly enjoy this one.

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

Rating: ★★★

Wednesday, December 6, 2023

Blog Tour: Kisses Like Rain by Charmaine Pauls

I gave him my innocence and my virtue. 

I gave him my love and my hate.

 Is there anything left to give?

Kisses Like Rain, an arranged marriage, enemies to lovers romance, and the highly anticipated fourth book in the dark mafia Corsican Crime Lord Series from USA Today Charmaine Pauls, is available now!

Angelo Russo came like a storm into my life and left destruction in his trail. The man who hates me beyond measure is the man who put a ring on my finger and gave me his name. My husband is my worst enemy.

There’s nothing left to salvage from the wreckage of our lives. He married me to destroy me, and he did an outstanding job. He took my innocence and my virtue. I gave him my love and my hate. And just when I think there’s nothing else to give, I realize how wrong I am. What Angelo wants most is the promise of life I carry inside my body. When he’s taken that last piece of me, he’ll crush me with a smile on his beautiful face and wipe my existence from his memory forever.

Note: Kisses Like Rain is the 4th and final book in the Corsican Crime Lord series and concludes Sabella and Angelo’s story. You must read Love Like Poison (Book 1), Hate Like Honey (Book 2), and Tears Like Acid (Book 3) first. The story contains scenes not recommended for sensitive readers. Reader discretion is advised.

Start reading today!

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3QAlEtX   

Amazon Worldwide: https://mybook.to/kisseslikerain   

Apple Books: https://apple.co/49xaajH 

Google Play: https://bit.ly/3ued5O6 

Kobo: https://bit.ly/46bVMuq 

Nook: https://bit.ly/46c9ywU 

Audiobook: https://bit.ly/45BmSv3 

Discreet Cover Paperback: https://mybook.to/KissesLikeRainDP

Discreet Cover Hardcover: https://mybook.to/KissesLikeRainDH

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

*Please note that Kisses Like Rain will be available wide for ONE WEEK ONLY after the release date before going into Kindle Unlimited.

Start the series now with Love Like Poison Book 1, Available in KU →

https://mybook.to/LLPKU

Hate Like Honey Book 2 (Available in KU) → 

https://mybook.to/HateLikeHoneyKU

Tears Like Acid, Book 3 (Available in KU) → 

https://mybook.to/tearslikeacid

Read an excerpt from Kisses Like Rain →

https://bit.ly/45BmSv3

For more information about Charmaine Pauls and her books, visit her website:

https://charmainepauls.com

Tuesday, December 5, 2023

Release Blitz: Kisses Like Rain by Charmaine Pauls

I gave him my innocence and my virtue.

 I gave him my love and my hate. 

Is there anything left to give?

Kisses Like Rain, an arranged marriage, enemies to lovers romance, and the highly anticipated fourth book in the dark mafia Corsican Crime Lord Series from USA Today Charmaine Pauls, is available now!

Angelo Russo came like a storm into my life and left destruction in his trail. The man who hates me beyond measure is the man who put a ring on my finger and gave me his name. My husband is my worst enemy.

There’s nothing left to salvage from the wreckage of our lives. He married me to destroy me, and he did an outstanding job. He took my innocence and my virtue. I gave him my love and my hate. And just when I think there’s nothing else to give, I realize how wrong I am. What Angelo wants most is the promise of life I carry inside my body. When he’s taken that last piece of me, he’ll crush me with a smile on his beautiful face and wipe my existence from his memory forever.

Note: Kisses Like Rain is the 4th and final book in the Corsican Crime Lord series and concludes Sabella and Angelo’s story. You must read Love Like Poison (Book 1), Hate Like Honey (Book 2), and Tears Like Acid (Book 3) first. The story contains scenes not recommended for sensitive readers. Reader discretion is advised.

Start reading today!

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3QAlEtX   

Amazon Worldwide: https://mybook.to/kisseslikerain   

Apple Books: https://apple.co/49xaajH 

Google Play: https://bit.ly/3ued5O6 

Kobo: https://bit.ly/46bVMuq 

Nook: https://bit.ly/46c9ywU 

Audiobook: https://bit.ly/45BmSv3 

Discreet Cover Paperback: https://mybook.to/KissesLikeRainDP

Discreet Cover Hardcover: https://mybook.to/KissesLikeRainDH

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

*Please note that Kisses Like Rain will be available wide for ONE WEEK ONLY after the release date before going into Kindle Unlimited.

Start the series now with Love Like Poison Book 1, Available in KU →

https://mybook.to/LLPKU

Hate Like Honey Book 2 (Available in KU) → 

https://mybook.to/HateLikeHoneyKU

Tears Like Acid, Book 3 (Available in KU) → 

https://mybook.to/tearslikeacid


Meet Charmaine

Charmaine Pauls was born in Bloemfontein, South Africa. She obtained a degree in Communication at the University of Potchestroom, and followed a diverse career path in journalism, public relations, advertising, communications, photography, graphic design, and brand marketing. Her writing has always been an integral part of her professions.

After relocating to Chile with her French husband, she fulfilled her passion to write creatively full-time. Charmaine has published over twenty novels since 2011, as well as several short stories and articles. Two of her shorts have been selected by the International Literary Society for an anthology from across the African continent.

When she is not writing, she likes to travel, read, and rescue cats. Charmaine currently lives in France with her husband and children. Their household is a linguistic mélange of Afrikaans, English, French and Spanish.

Connect with Charmaine

Monday, December 4, 2023

Sealed With A Kiss by Willow Winters & Amelia Wilde

Sealed With A KissSealed With A Kiss by Willow Winters and Amelia Wilde packs an emotional punch and will leave readers satisfied with the angsty romance between Graham Maxwell and Madelyn Cunnigham. I never saw this writing duo coming and I completely devoured this book. Graham and Madelyn's story was a unique and refreshing take on the landlord/tenant with benefits and damsel in distress tropes. Graham was Madelyn's hero and knight in shining armor—even if it did take him a while to realize that. Their relationship was incredibly sexy, heartbreaking at times, but also forbidden because it wasn't considered normal by any standards. While I would have preferred more character development for Graham and Madelyn, I was still invested in them and their relationship. I also found Madelyn to be a relatable and endearing character because despite her bad situation, she was a hopeless romantic and had an optimistic outlook on life. Graham was intriguing, handsome, and mysterious, a combination that was deadly for Madelyn. Their first encounter with each other was electric—you could feel the tension and chemistry between them.
“I think I've loved you since the first moment I saw you, my little temptress.”
In the end, I enjoyed this steamy billionaire romance between two people who were always destined to be with each other. While their relationship started out unconventional, it didn't take long for it become more. There was also the taboo/forbidden aspect, which had the potential to be yikes but it just somehow worked for Maddie and Graham because they both wanted it and had been attracted to each other since the beginning. No cheating whatsoever, unless you count Maddie's ex-fiancé being the scumbag who cheated. Thankfully with him out of the way, Graham was more than happy to take his place. I really love their relationship, especially how angsty it got. This book also takes place in the world of Tell Me You Want Me, Suzette and Adrian's story, which really surprised me. Fans of Willow Winters and Amelia Wilde will love this book and I highly recommend Graham and Maddie's story to anyone who is looking for an angsty and sexy unique take on the strangers with benefits trope between a heroine who wears her heart on her sleeve and a workaholic hero who comes to the realization that he cannot live without her.

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

Rating: ★★★★★

Friday, November 24, 2023

Kisses Like Rain by Charmaine Pauls

Kisses Like Rain (Corsican Crime Lord, #4)Charmaine Pauls concludes one of her most intense and heartbreaking stories to an outstanding finish and brings the story full circle with themes of redemption, forgiveness, survival, betrayal, and most importantly—love. There is a fine line between love and hate and Sabella's relationship with Angelo has always captured this to perfection. Sabella and Angelo's intense love and story will forever be etched on my heart, which is truly a testament to the author's ability to create characters and write stories that leave such a lasting impression on her readers. Angelo's obsessive love for his wife has often blinded him to many things and left so much destruction in his path because of it but he is finally able to realize the one person he cannot live without—Sabella. I didn't think he would be able to redeem himself but certain events made them realize that there was more to life than hatred, pride, and revenge. Despite everything that happened, Sabella's love for Angelo never faded. In many ways, she was able to tame her monster and seize her happiness once and for all.
“Because I can’t live without you. Because everything has always been about you. Everything I think, dream, breathe, and feel are you. If you leave me, I’ll have nothing.”
In the end, I loved this series and I can't highly recommend it enough. Even though their story was incredibly devastating and brutal to read at times, especially when you think about how much time Sabella and Angelo had lost because they were too stubborn to realize their love for each other, it was all worth it. Sabella and Angelo have gone through tremendous character growth but there has always been one thing that will never change—his deeply, madly and obsessive love for her. The epilogue brought tears to my eyes and I love that Angelo and Sabella were able to move on from their past together. Two characters that I am keeping my eyes on and hope Charmaine Pauls will write stories for them in the future are Johan and Sophie, Angelo's young and impressionable nephew and niece. I highly recommend this series to anyone who is looking for a heartbreaking and powerful love story between a tortured and broken anti-hero who desperately loves his resilient and formidable heroine.

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

Rating: ★★★★

Sunday, November 19, 2023

STEP-SAVAGE by Dani Wyatt

STEP-SAVAGE: A Hockey Hunk Insta-Love Secret Baby Romance (Wanting What's Wrong)STEP-SAVAGE might be my favorite book in the Wanting What's Wrong series by Dani Wyatt, which can all be read as a standalone. James and Nancy's relationship was incredibly sexy and forbidden—they captivated my attention from start to finish. I found Nancy to be a relatable character and I liked that she was sensible and independent if a little naive. She was placed in a situation not of her own making and came out of it still in tact. I was confused in the beginning but it didn't take long for me to realize that Nancy was a victim of her best friend's machinations. I don't think Mason ever meant to let things get that far but he did keep her in the dark—which ultimately led to his arrest. We also learn that Nancy became pregnant because she had been surrogating for Mason. It was an interesting twist to an otherwise "normal" story because she ends up meeting her new step-brother the same day. James might be the author's most charming and unhinged hero yet because of the steps he took to possess Nancy. It was entertaining to watch him spiral even further and become obsessed the more time he spent with her
“All I can think about is her. I want to see her. I need to see her.”
In the end, I enjoyed this book so much because it was a forbidden romance that had all the tropes I loved. James and Nancy were likable characters and I found myself invested in their story. Even though James made some rather questionable decisions—basically stalking Nancy by keeping a tracker on her and installing cameras in their parents' home to watch her, he did it for her safety and his own state of mind instead of a desire to control her. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a quick and spicy palate cleanser. Of course, the smut scenes between James and Nancy were my favorite. The love scenes and dirty talk were on point as always. If you are looking for a taboo/forbidden romance with a possessive and unhinged hero who will do anything for his sweet and curvy heroine, you won't be disappointed by this one.

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

Rating: ★★★★☆