Sempre: Redemption by J.M. Darhower

What an incredible story from start to finish. Sempre, Redemption, and Made left me speechless because everything came full circle—it was simply fated to be. These characters—Carmine, Haven, Vincent, Maura, Dominic, Corrado, and Celia will forever have a special place in my heart. This was a story about love, redemption, family, sacrifice, death, revenge, and betrayal. It had everything I wanted in a fictional novel about the mafia and/or organized crime. While it is considered a romance, there was so much more to this story than Carmine and Haven's young love. All of the characters made this story for me. It took the characters almost ten years to find out who the true mastermind behind Maura's death was, which led to Vincent's quest for revenge, as well as the truth behind Haven and her mother Miranda. My heart simply shattered to pieces when the charade finally came to an end—both from Carmine and Corrado's point of view.

“You turned me upside down and made me feel again. You saved my life, even though I didn’t realize it needed to be saved.”

 

In the end, this tale of redemption and sacrifice was everything I wanted and more. It was masterfully written by the talented J.M. Darhower and I highly recommend this series to anyone who is looking for an excellent mafia romance with fantastically written characters and a story that will grip your heart and never let go. Carmine has made some terrible decisions but I never faulted him for it. Just like his father, Carmine fell in love with a slave and did everything in his power to save her. The parallels broke my heart. I loved that in the end, Carmine and Haven were able to overcome their hardships and get their happy ending. The mastermind and individual behind everything got what they deserved. Redemption answered all of my questions and gave me even more in Made. I loved this series and will never forget it.

Rating: ★★★★★

When Lies Unfold by R.C. Boldt

From the moment Lola Arias met Santiago Hernández, fate seems to have always played a hand in their union. With When Lies Unfold, R.C. Boldt returns with a powerful and beautiful story of two souls who found love, family, peace, and freedom in each other. Lola and Santiago's relationship was unexpected because of how they met each other, but I also loved how it developed over time into something that was real and authentic. Despite my initial reservations about their relationship, Lola and Santiago had incredible chemistry with each other and their explosive banters made for some extraordinary and steamy moments. As the story progresses, it soon becomes clear that Lola has been keeping some major secrets from everyone—secrets that threatened to unravel everything she had built for herself as well as any chances of being with the man she was coming to love.

“If this is the end for me—for Lola Arias—it won’t be filled with regrets. It’ll be filled with memories of the two Hernándezes I love the most.”

 

In the end, Lola and Santiago's destined relationship will stay with me for a long time. At one point, I was on the edge of my seat because I desperately wanted them to have a happy ending with each other. The side characters were also great including Alma—Santiago's adorable daughter, Gordo, Luis, Diego, and Miguel—all of whom became found family for Lola. The antagonists were truly evil and I relished the fact that Lola was able to get her revenge and close that chapter in her life. The epilogue brought tears to my eyes because Lola got her happy ending with those she loved, especially after all the pain and suffering that she went through. We're also given a glimpse into the future through Alma's eyes, which left me feeling proud but also sad at the same time. I highly recommend this book for anyone who is looking for a heartbreaking and powerful love story between an infamous cartel leader and his strong and resilient heroine.

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

Rating: ★★★★★

Lord of Retribution by Piper Stone

Lord of Retribution by Piper Stone is the third book in the series and it features Daniel Thorn—Constantine Thorn's younger brother. I was surprised by this one because it was incredibly fast-paced and not much background information was provided on the characters, specifically Daniel and Margot. The story begins with Daniel and Margot's wedding day, which was a result of an arranged marriage between their families. There is a sense of foreboding between them and readers quickly come to realize that the heroine is keeping a major secret from her intended husband. However, there is no denying the sexual chemistry and tension between them—which certainly made for a steamy first night together. As Margot begins to navigate her new role as Daniel's wife, she must contend with the consequences of her secret and guilt that comes with betraying her husband once he finds out the truth.

“What she did to me was the greatest sin of all. The beautiful woman made me want to be a better man.”

Overall, I enjoyed this book but I did have a few issues with Daniel's relationship with Maria/Margot because of the secret she had kept from him for a majority of the book. As someone who typically does not care for the switching character deception trope, I had a hard time accepting Daniel and Margot's relationship and believing in their love at first. Despite being a ruthless and violent man, Daniel was very forgiving, romantic, and charming towards the woman he loved. He was simply a different man. At the same time, Margot was falling for Daniel. Although she was not his real wife, their relationship was turning into something unexpected for the both of them. Daniel and Margot's lives have become forever intertwined and although she lied to him, he will never let her go. Fans of the character switching trope, arranged marriage, and mafia romance will be sure to enjoy this fast-paced story between a man who never thought he would love anyone until he found it in a feisty and defiant woman.

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

Rating: ★★★★☆

Lord of Punishment by Piper Stone

Incredibly passionate, action-packed, and full of sensual moments between the MMC and FMC, Lord of Punishment by Piper Stone will have readers enthralled and captivated by the story and romance from start to finish. While I did feel that more time should have been spent developing Sabatino and Georgia's romance instead of the revenge/traitor plot, I was content with how their relationship turned out in the end. Their relationship could be summed up in a few words—complicated, intense, and all-consuming. In many ways, Sabatino had two sides to himself that he had to contend with because of his amnesia and the time he spent recovering with Georgia. The soulful man that fell in love with his little peach was much less ruthless than the man he had been initially. I liked that Sabatino and Georgia had difficulty trusting each other at first because of their complicated pasts but they both end up realizing that they could not live without each other. This was further exacerbated by the constant danger that they were both in.

“There were no perfect relationships, no fairytale endings, yet I knew with all my heart I was the luckiest woman in the world. I’d found my perfect hero. And the love of my life.”

In the end, this was a solid introduction to the Lords of Corruption series and I am looking forward to reading Diego's story as well as the rest of the Brotherhood in the future. Sabatino and Georgia's incredibly sexy and passionate relationship will certainly delight readers and have you swooning for more. I really enjoyed the secondary cast of characters as well—especially Miguel, Sabatino's younger brother, and his wife Alicia, Diego, and the rest of the Brotherhood members. This book kept me on my toes near the end because Georgia's past nightmare was catching up to her and the only person who stood in the way of the monster was Sabatino. If you are looking for a steamy and action-packed mafia romance, I highly recommend checking this book out. You won't be disappointed by the story and sexy romance between the ruthless Sabatino and his little peach.

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

Rating: ★★★★☆

A Cruel Arrangement by Tijan

Tijan makes a thrilling and fantastic comeback with her Kings of New York series in A Cruel Arrangement featuring Ashton Walden and Molly Easter—two characters we previously met in Trace West and Jess Montell's book, A Dirty Business. The story immediately picks up after the devastating and shocking events of the previous book so I would not consider this a standalone. While the author does shift the tone and point of view of the story to Ashton and Molly, Trace and Jess still play significant roles in the plot and mystery behind the deaths of Justin Worthing and Kelly as well as the brewing mafia war between the Walden-West families and the Worthing family. I appreciate how Tijan is able to craft a story that is not only interesting and unpredictable but the romance, while understated yet intense, shines through quite beautifully. Molly is the light to Ashton's darkness.

"Molly was mine. She was either my target, my mark, my woman, or my cross to bear. Any and all ways I split it, she was mine."

In the end, Ashton and Molly's story was one that I never expected but it had everything I loved most in a romance—an anti-hero who embraces his darkness but turns soft with his woman and a heroine whose happy-go-lucky and practical outlook on life exasperates her man but he still loves her anyway. I never expected their union but after learning their history and past relationship to each other, everything made perfect sense. While Ashton was not a good man by any means, his growing love and concern for Molly—the light of his life, was beautifully explored and written. Molly herself was a quirky and endearing character who tells it like it is. She lived a hard life but survived it nonetheless. This series has solidified my love for Tijan's beautiful prose and multi-dimensional characters. You absolutely won't regret giving this series a try if you love reading mafia romances.

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

Rating: ★★★★★

A Dirty Business by Tijan

A Dirty Business is the first book in the Kings of New York series by Tijan and I enjoyed every moment of Trace and Jess' whirlwind romance. I had never read a book by this author before and was pleasantly surprised by the slow burn romance and suspense that unfolded. The story was engaging due to the many unexpected twists and betrayals. Every character played an important role to the story, no matter how insignificant they were. In addition, the longing and angst between these two was beautifully written and refreshing, especially considering that Trace was the one chasing Jess while she resisted him. There were also many barriers to their relationship because of their profession—Jess was a parole officer while Trace was the heir to his mafia family. Despite their differences and internal conflicts they had with each other, I loved their stolen moments together because they simply existed as themselves instead of what others expected them to be.

"I realized tonight that when you chose me, it made me want to choose you back."

Although Jess was portrayed as this stubborn, resilient, and strong female character, she was also incredibly vulnerable to the brokenness of her own family. The constant verbal abuse from her mother was difficult to read but made her relatable. Jess wasn't perfect but she had her own sense of moral justice and this often clashed with her feelings for Trace. I enjoyed their push and pull dynamic, especially since Jess was to the type to run away from her feelings while Trace would pursue her relentlessly. I enjoyed both characters and rooted for their happy ending. Trace had similar struggles with his own family who wanted him to take over the family business or dead. He was living between worlds—one that was legitimate and the other illegal, and would have to make a choice sooner or later. Meeting Jess changed everything because it made him question his identity and future as head of the West family.

"I'll never stop worrying about you. It's what you do when you love someone."

In the end, Trace and Jess' story was a fantastic introduction to the series and it ends with a cliffhanger that will leave readers questioning everything. I was completely surprised by the ending and I look forward to seeing whether or not Tijan will continue this story. In addition to our main couple, I was also interested in Ashton and Molly's potential story. Ashton is Trace's best friend and business partner who also happens to be the heir to his own mafia family. On the other hand, Molly is Jess' friend and owner of the bowling alley that she often goes to. These two have an interesting relationship and I can't wait to read their story in the future. Fans of the slow burn and mafia romance with suspenseful elements will absolutely enjoy this book because it features a devoted and obsessed hero who persistently chases his stubborn and independent heroine.

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

Rating: ★★★★☆

Scarred by Vanessa Vale & Helen Hardt

Scarred by Vanessa Vale and Helen Hardt is the first book in a brand new series called The Billion Heirs where secrets, lies, and inheritance dominates the story of the remaining Bridger family members as they are forced to reside in the small town of Bayfield, Montana. With the death of their father and other forces at play, half-brothers Austin, Miles, and Chance must reunite and come to terms with the secrets and consequences of their lineage. I thoroughly enjoyed Austin and Carly's story as they were both likeable characters and had their own problems to overcome. Although Austin is struggling to keep afloat with his sick mother and declining business, his perseverance, protective nature, and determination to see things through made him a worthy hero. Carly was a victim of a horrific kidnapping that scarred her physically and emotionally but her courage to move on and be normal made her an admirable heroine.

"But when Austin Bridger looks at me, I don't feel scarred. I don't feel like… less than whole. I don't feel damaged. I feel like the most beautiful woman in the world."

Austin Bridger and Carly Vance's story was romantic, refreshing, and shocking at times because of many secrets between both families. Prior to staying in Montana, Austin owned a sea piloting business and lived in Seattle with his mother. After finding out about his inheritance, he reluctantly left to the Bridger ranch in Montana and finds love unexpectedly with Carly who is trying to heal and resume the life she had before her abduction. I was actually quite surprised by the chemistry and sexual tension between Austin and Carly. I did not expect Austin to be such a dirty talker but he was exactly what Carly needed and I loved that for her. She did not want to think of herself as broken. While everyone in town was careful around her, Austin was the only one who made her feel normal, feminine, and desirable again.

"Maybe I didn't dodge it after all. It sure feels like a bullet is lodged right in the center of my heart—in the shape of Carly Vance."

In the end, this was a strong introduction to the Bridger family and I look forward to reading Miles and Chance's stories next. Austin never expected to find love with Carly nor a strong brotherly bond his with half-brothers but he did. Despite their differences, they all hated their father. Their mutual dislike for Jonathan Bridger and desire to make things right with Carly's father brought them together. I also loved the fact that Carly didn't need Austin to fix her because she wanted to do it herself. Despite her horrible past, Carly wanted to feel desired and loved—and she eventually found that with Austin. This was my first time reading Vanessa Vale and I was impressed with her writing. I already know and am a fan of Helen Hardt so the steamy love scenes was no surprise to me. Fans of the small town and billionaire romance will enjoy this book as a features a sweet and protective hero who adores his independent heroine as she overcomes her own trauma.

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

Rating: ★★★★☆

Silver Lining by Aleatha Romig

Aleatha Romig returns with Lena Montgomery, Donovan Sherman's best friend from Red Sin, in Silver Lining as she is forced to deal with a stalker situation that ultimately leads her to the man of her dreams. Lena was such a multifaceted character—someone who was forced to become a strong and ruthless woman because of past events but she also had a side to her that was vulnerable and sweet as well. I also loved her chosen hero, Chandler John Thompson or CJ to close friends and family. He was devoted to Lena and completely perfect for her because he loved all of her sides. Their relationship was incredibly sexy, sweet, fun, and relaxing—something that Lena had been missing from her life for a very long time. Their one week in paradise left a deep and unforgettable impression for both of them.

"Everything I see in you. I wasn't looking, but now that you're here, you're too good to be true. You're everything I never knew I wanted."

Lena's story was suspenseful and completely romantic, something that I never expected from her. In Donovan and Julia's books, she was this formidable character who refused to let her past define her. Seeing Lena's vulnerability as she is forced to contend with her stalker, past, and self-worth was a beautiful and heartbreaking thing to witness. During her climb to the top, she made many enemies and unethical decisions but never lost sight of her ambition. Her chance meeting with the confident, handsome, and playful CJ changed the course of her life. In addition to the romance, Aleatha simply excels at the suspense and twist behind Lena's dangerous stalker who had been tormenting her for some time. As Lena begins to question everyone and especially those around her, she looks to CJ as a safe haven and he certainly delivers.

"I don't need you. I want you. The want is strong enough to become a need. For you. Your laugh, your smile, your everything."

In the end, I loved this standalone title because Lena Montgomery has always been a character I was intrigued by. She was powerful but there was a vulnerability to her that made her truly special. Furthermore, Lena needed a man who was willing to take the reins but give it back to her as well—CJ does that and more. Despite their age difference, CJ was wise beyond his years and became Lena's rock during her time of need. Their love scenes were steamy and swoon-worthy as CJ persistently pursues Lena and chooses her over everything. Fans of Aleatha Romig and the Sin series will absolutely want to read this book because we're given a deeper dive into Lena's character and her meeting with the one after Donovan and Julia Sherman's story.

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

Rating: ★★★★★

Force of Nature by Skye Warren & Amelia Wilde

Force of Nature by Skye Warren and Amelia Wilde was certainly an unexpected departure from The Crash with the introduction of a new stranger on the island. I had my own reservations about this character, especially when it came to how his role and dynamic will affect Carter Morelli and June Porter. Unfortunately, I wasn't completely sold on the ménage relationship considering that it was mostly founded on lust and instant attraction. I was more interested in the budding relationship between June and Carter instead as they initially sought to take cover from those seeking them harm. As they travel further into the jungle, Carter is forced to contend with his identity and feelings for June as well as the sudden appearance of the mysterious man.

"It's as if he's memorizing me—the feel of me. The taste. As if he's taking the last kiss he'll ever have."

I was slightly disappointed by this story because I expected more from Carter and June. Even after finishing the book, I still couldn't grasp who they we’re as characters. Carter Morelli is haunted by his family's legacy and is adamant about being a sinner. But why? Carter has lived a good life while distancing himself from his family and hiding his double life from them. As for June, she is a struggling photographer with a difficult childhood. The mysterious man is even more of an enigma because of his religious upbringing and contradictory nature. They had nothing in common with each other. The addition of Theo only further complicated Carter and June's relationship.

"This woman is like the actual sun—cheerful like a giant burning star. She's burning me."

If you like the forced proximity and grumpy/sunshine tropes with the added bonus of MMF, then you won't be disappointed by Carter, June, and Theo's complicated relationship. There is no denying that the sex scenes were extremely erotic, filthy, and almost dreamlike in a way—this fits perfectly with the mood of this book because everything felt like a dream or hallucination. While this story is part of the Midnight Dynasty universe, it can be read as a standalone. I do have to say that the story was fast-paced and made for an entertaining read. At first, it was a survival story between Carter and June but then it transformed into an entirely different one with the introduction of Theo. The book does end with a twist of a cliffhanger that will make readers question everything.

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

Rating: ★★★☆☆

The Crash by Skye Warren and Amelia Wilde

The Crash is the prequel to Force of Nature, which tells the story of Carter Morelli from the Midnight Dynasty world and his entanglement with June Porter. I have been looking forward to Carter's story ever since he was first mentioned and introduced in Tiernan Morelli's story in Dangerous Temptation. This secretive and mysterious Morelli is much more than meets the eye because he only shows the world and his family a part of himself—not who he truly is: A broken and morally gray individual who lives a secret life. I thought this was a fantastic introduction to his character and I absolutely can't wait to know more about him. June is an entirely new character but I loved how innocent and hopeful she is. Carter's attraction to June is immediate and visceral when they first meet. Although he finds her bubbly and hopeful nature irritating at first, Carter can't help but want to protect and claim her as his.

"I'm not good. I'm not safe, and I never have been. I've been poison since the day I was born."

In the end, this was a fantastic introduction to Carter Morelli and June Porter's upcoming story and I can't wait to see how everything will unfold in the main book. Both are stranded on a remote island and the only path to survival lies further in the jungle… but are they really alone? As they are being hunted by unknown forces, Carter is forced to protect June from danger—including himself. Fans of Amelia Wilde and Skye Warren will certainly not want to miss out on this new and upcoming story featuring Carter Morelli as he previously played a role in Tiernan's character development and Daphne's subsequent reunion with Emerson in her story. I am definitely intrigued by Carter's secret life and am looking forward to seeing how his relationship with June will develop even further. I recommend this book to those who like the forced proximity trope with a seemingly normal but possessive hero who lives a double life and a heroine who is the perfect match to his darkness—innocent, humble, and hopeful. Their attraction to each other is explosive with a potential to spark fires.

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

Rating: ★★★★☆

Black Knight by Aleatha Romig

Julia and Donovan finally seize their happily ever after and conclude their story in Black Knight. This has been an incredible journey from start to finish with so many twists, turns, and revelations along the way. In addition to referencing Lennox Demitri and Infidelity, Aleatha Romig has crafted a story that will leave readers breathless, on the edge of their seat, and wanting more. The book immediately picks up right after Gold Lust and we're left with an extremely difficult and tenuous situation. Madison and Phillip have infiltrated Julia and Van's lives and both are determined to ruin everything. I truly appreciated the buildup that these antagonists have had in previous books because it made for a dramatic turn of events as our main characters are caught unaware.

"I wasn't a knight on a white horse, but a black knight who clawed my way to the top, leaving carnage in my wake."

The romance and chemistry between Van and Julia continue to burn up the pages in this final book and their love is stronger than ever. Any lingering questions, doubts, and concerns about their relationship—especially Van's past, are finally revealed and I am content with the way they were handled. There were times that I thought Van's secrets and past would eventually break his relationship with Julia but that never happened. He was always consistent in the way he felt about Julia and he never lost sight of their future together. Julia has similarly experienced significant growth throughout the series and I am so proud of the way she handled everything that was thrown her way. She is no longer that naive and powerless young woman we met in Red Sin.

"I'd given Van my body before I even knew his last name, and in return, he'd given me a life I could never have imagined."

In the end, this series has been a whirlwind of emotions, intrigue, and suspense. Julia and Van first met under a dark and snowy night—one that would forever change their lives, and they leave us under a colorful summer sky with their happily ever after in the horizon. Fans of Aleatha Romig will not want to miss out on this satisfying ending to the Sin series as Julia and Van finally obtain the ending that they deserve. I thoroughly enjoyed how the author tied everything together and brought to light all the pieces that were missing from this puzzle. I highly recommend this series to those who love reading steamy and romantic suspense that will make you think and question everything with amazing chemistry between the hero and heroine.

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

Rating: ★★★★☆

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: ★★★★☆

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: ★★★★☆

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.

Geomancist by Charmaine Pauls

Even though Geomancist wasn't my favorite 7 Forbidden Arts book, I still enjoyed Asia and Sean's story very much. Their relationship was part enemies to lovers and mostly revolved around finding love in the midst of an extremely dangerous situation. As always, Charmaine Pauls excels at writing the tense atmosphere in her stories and chemistry of her characters. Asia and Sean had a difficult relationship at first because of their rivalry but it developed into something so much more than they could ever realize. They were both seeking the same thing and would go through any lengths to achieve it. I loved this aspect of the book. Past characters from the series also made an appearance and I can honestly say that Cain's manipulative nature was off-putting because he forced both Asia and Sean's hands. I hope that he will be able to redeem himself later in the series.

"If you let me have you, I'm never going to let you go. If you stay, it's forever."

I thought the book did a fantastic job introducing its main characters, Sean and Asia. With each chapter, we learn more and more about their secrets, motivations, struggles, and attraction for one another. One hides a secret that cost him everything while the other is struggling to support and keep her family together. With this setup in mind, Cain's manipulation further intensifies their situation by putting both Sean and Asia in front of one of Godfrey's acquaintances, a drug lord by the name of Juan Hernandez who is immediately attracted by Asia and wants her. Sean, who is already intensely attracted to Asia, gets incredibly jealous and tries to do everything in his power to prevent that from happening. If you like your male leads possessive and over the top jealous when it comes to his woman, Sean Rivers has got it.

"Loving him was like a law of nature, a law that could never be broken."

In the end, I highly recommend this book and series to those who like paranormal romance and erotic romance. This book was incredibly spicy, if you know what I mean, and the heat factor is high when it comes to Sean and Asia's romance. Fans of Charmaine Paul will of course enjoy this series because it features many of the attributes we know and love from her writing and style. Sean Rivers was highly driven, intense, and moody whereas Asia was a spark of sunshine in his life. I loved how she was equally driven to provide for her family and her attraction to Sean, despite her hesitation, was also all-consuming for her. This made for a somewhat angsty romance between the two. If you like the enemies-to-lovers trope, you will absolutely love this book because it was intense, action-packed, highly erotic, and entertaining.

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

Rating: ★★★★☆

Indigo Ridge by Devney Perry

You know that feeling you get when you're reading a good book and you know it's going to be incredible? Indigo Ridge by Devney Perry is all of that and more. It is part of The Edens series and I absolutely can't wait to read more about this precious and adorable family. Griffin Eden and Winslow Covington's attraction to each other was immediate and inevitable. These two burned up the pages since their first meeting and their chemistry and banter had me smiling the entire time. I loved these two so much. 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 was even an easter egg from Devney Perry's previous book, The Birthday List from the Maysen Jar series, that brought tears to my eyes.

"I was thinking of tangling her up so tight she'd never get free… She fit me. Perfectly."

There were so many things I loved about this book: The small town vibe, close-knit families, gossiping, and especially the romance. Griffin and Winn's developing relationship was my most favorite part of all. It crept up on them. They weren't looking for love but it smacked them both in the face when they least expected it. What they thought was a fling developed into something so much more and one neither could imagine living without. It was heartwarming, sexy, and incredibly sweet. Griffin encompassed all of the characteristics that I love in a hero: confident, masculine, gruff, possessive, and passionate. In comparison, Winslow is an amazing and compassionate heroine who is equally bad ass, confident, and kind. I loved how she was both hard and soft. As Quincy's newest Chief of Police, she had a lot stacked up against her including being labeled as an "outsider."

"I don't think I could quit you if I tried."

In the end, Griffin and Winslow's story will have you craving more of the Eden's and I absolutely can't wait for Knox Eden's book, Juniper Hill He is the second oldest Eden and if you read Christmas in Quincy, then you would know exactly who he is. 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. I adore this book and I can't recommend it enough because it was an experience. Fans of Devney Perry will love this book as well as those who like small-town romances with two exceptionally well-written characters and an engaging plot.

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

Rating: ★★★★★

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.

"One taste of you, ten tastes, one hundred tastes… It will never be enough. That's who I am. I always want more… I can never have enough of you."

It's safe to say that like Julia, I was completely enamored by Donovan Sherman and his contradictory nature. He was mysterious, alluring, and dominant but there was also a sweet, possessive, and caring side to him as well—much to his own surprise. I loved how he believed in Julia, especially when it came to her own strength and ability to want more out of life. In the end, they saved each other and I couldn't be more happy about it. On the other hand, Julia is completely relatable, sweet and innocent, but also incredibly courageous. Her chance meeting with Van opened her eyes to her own sexuality and previous life. However, Donovan is keeping some major secrets from Julia and I'm hoping that it won't break their relationship.

"Being with you gave me a glimpse into what's beyond the constraints I've allowed to be placed on my life."

In the end, I absolutely loved this book and I'm so excited to read Green Envy when it releases. Fans of Aleatha Romig will be completely satisfied with this book because Donovan and Julia had amazing chemistry and scorching hot love scenes. There are still so many secrets and mysteries to uncover and I can't wait for them to be revealed later on. The book does end with a cliffhanger that left me wanting more but it was also manageable as well because the way Aleatha built it up left me quite satisfied and curious about what will happen next. If you are looking for a passionate and sensual romance between two dynamic characters, then I highly recommend this series because you won't be disappointed! There is bit of suspense to the story but the world is well-established and the main focus is on the blossoming love between Van and Julia.

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

Rating: ★★★★★

Claimed by J.R. Ward

After taking a break from J.R. Ward and the BDB series since The Shadows, I was curious enough about her new series featuring shifters/wolves. However, it still takes place in the same world as the BDB. In this latest series, we're introduced to two new characters: Lydia Susi and Daniel Joseph. I found them relatable and different from Ward's past characters. Lydia was passionate but frustrated about her work as a researcher at Wolf Study Project due to various problems including an incompetent director, the building of a luxury spa resort next to the wildlife preserve, poisoned wolves, and a murder case that might lead directly to the wolves. In contrast, Daniel had his own secrets and was portrayed as someone who moved around a lot and never planned on sticking to one place for long. Lydia was attracted to him since the beginning but kept her distance because they were worked together.

At times, I felt like the romance between Lydia and Daniel took a backseat to the mystery behind what was happening to the wolves. There were intimate glances and certainly chemistry between the two but it took some time before they finally got together. It was definitely a slow burn that kept getting stronger and stronger towards the end. I did find it interesting that both characters had secrets since Daniel was keeping a major one from Lydia. As always, Ward has a tendency to focus on the world-building and this took the center stage as she provides us background and context through multiple points of view. It was also nice to see character cameos from the BDB series including Xhex and John, Qhuinn and Blaylock, as well as Rhevenge and more. It made me want to catch up to Ward's original series and see what was happening to its characters.

In the end, Claimed had plenty of twists and shocking revelations that will have you excited for more to come from this series. This book also had plenty of twists and shocking revelations that will most likely contribute to the overall world of the Black Dagger Brotherhood. Although the romance took awhile for me to be invested, I still appreciated that slow burn between Lydia and Daniel. They were strangers that eventually turned into friends and lovers. I did thoroughly enjoy their love story and thought their scenes together were very sexy. I'm a fan of those intimate glances and moments when characters catch each other's eyes and then look away. I look forward to seeing what J.R. Ward has in store for this series next!

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

Rating: ★★★★☆

Devil's Deal by Aleatha Romig

Devil's Deal by Aleatha Romig is the first book in the Devil's Duet and it was enthralling, mysterious, and left me burning with curiosity until the very end. I highly recommend reading the prequel, Fate's Demand, to fully understand what is happening between Emma North and Everett Ramses. Their relationship is quite complicated and I am uncertain where it is headed. I can't say there is love between these two yet but there is lust and a blossoming affection. Rett is obsessed with Emma and believes that she was born to be his. I am quite fascinated by his mind and way of thinking. Alternatively, Emma was initially hesitant about Rett but believes she is slowly changing because of him. It's true that Emma is not the same person she was by the end of this book.

"It's because we belong together. It was fate and neither of us can fight it. You were born to be mine."

The story immediately picks up right after the events in Fate's Demand. Emma has agreed to marry Rett after some choice words between the two. There is uncertainty but also an electric attraction between Emma and Rett. Over the course of the book, Rett keeps many secrets from Emma but ironically asks her to trust him. Emma's frustrations with Rett eventually leads her to make a huge mistake. While I did enjoy the mysterious quality and mood of the book, I was more interested in the romance. Aleatha Romig excelled at portraying the sexual chemistry as well as the dominance and submission between Emma and Rett. I definitely want more of that.

"If I could love… I would try with you, for you."

In the end, I enjoyed Devil's Deal and will be looking forward to seeing how it will all play out in Angel's Promise. This book ends in a frustrating cliffhanger that will leave readers with more questions than answers. However, this is an Aleatha Romig book and I know that she will provide us with a satisfying conclusion in the end. Although I did find Rett strange at times with his talk about fate and destiny, I still thought he was incredibly sexy and dominant. Emma is a likeable heroine who is simultaneously learning more about herself and who she is meant to be while being with Rett. If you love the forced marriage trope with a complex and mysterious anti-hero and a romance that has potential for more, then I recommend giving this book a try! Fans of Aleatha Romig will not be disappointed.

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

Rating: ★★★★☆