Saturday, December 11, 2021

The Maddest Obsession by Danielle Lori

The Maddest Obsession (Made #2)The Maddest Obsession by Danielle Lori is the second book in the Made series featuring Christian and Gianna. I thought their love story was so special, heartbreaking, and romantic. The longing, angst, and unrequited love that they had for each other was everything I wanted and more. From the very first moment Christian met Gianna all those years ago, he intrinsically knew that she was his little star but didn't come to realize how much she meant to him until later on. When we first met Gianna in Nico and Elena's book, I thought Gianna was flighty, self-absorbed, and broken. While she is certainly broken in a sense, Gianna was strong in the face of so much hardship and heartbreak. I loved her wit and sense of humor. She was always teasing Christian in the "games" that they liked to play with each other. As for Christian, he had such a cold exterior and kept so many secrets. Gianna was the only who could "soften" him. If I could describe Christian Allister in words it would be intense, obsessive, jealous, passionate, and ruthless.
"He'd never look at me this way, with such a soft, consuming desire in his eyes, like he'd never seen a woman before. Like I was everything."
Spanning a total of eight years, the book interweaves between the past and present with events that took place in The Sweetest Oblivion. I was amused by Gianna and Christian's thought process during Nico and Elena's courtship because let's face it, the man was obsessed with her from the get-go and they could both see it. At times, I was frustrated by Christian and Gianna because of their own stubbornness, pride, and miscommunication. They kept missing each other for years because Gianna was considered "unstable" if left unmarried and even though Christian had every intention of making her his… circumstances always came up between the two. That's why I was so incredibly happy when they both finally acted on their attraction for each other. There's no denying that Christian and Gianna have incredible chemistry with each other and the sexual tension was thick. I loved their romance and the fact that there was a sprinkle of angst and longing made it all the better.
"Because you're the only woman who's ever tempted me… because you love it… because every part of you is mine."
In the end, Christian and Gianna's tumultuous and angst-filled romance left me with tears and such a happy smile on my face. If anyone deserved a happy ending, it would be these two. I know it doesn't make sense, but they were complete opposites from each other yet they fit each other perfectly. The love and obsession that Christian had for Gianna was my favorite part of this book and he is my favorite hero that Danielle Lori has created so far. For someone so ruthless and cold, I never expected him to be so passionate. This is my second book by Danielle Lori and I have become such a big fan of her writing style and characters. I highly recommend this series and book to those who love the mafia romance trope with a multi-faceted hero who is extremely possessive and obsessive over his heroine.

Rating: ★★★★★

Tuesday, December 7, 2021

These Thorn Kisses by Saffron A. Kent

These Thorn Kisses (St. Mary's Rebels #3)These Thorn Kisses by Saffron A. Kent was one of my most anticipated reads and it did not disappoint. While this can be read as a standalone, I highly recommend reading the series in order for a more comprehensive and enjoyable experience. Compared to other installments in the St. Mary's Rebels series, this one was my favorite because Conrad and Bronwyn were both brimming with tension and chemistry. It was surprising how my initial opinion of Conrad has been drastically changed by this book—in a good way. I had no idea he was so broken inside even though he appeared strong on the outside. Not to mention, he was extremely possessive and had such a dirty mouth on him. The things he said and did to Bronwyn were both shocking and erotic. I did not expect him to be like this and I couldn't be more than happy to enjoy this ride.
"I'm the center of her gravity. I'm the blood in her veins and the beats of her heart. I'm the man for her and no one else."
If I were to describe Bronwyn and Conrad in one word, it would be fated because their unexpected meeting and reunion was simply kismet. Bronwyn was a bright spark of sunshine in Conrad's dark and broken world. I loved how their forbidden relationship was so tumultuous but precious and romantic at the same time. They had a lot blocks to overcome including their age gap, student-teacher relationship, Callie who is unaware of her brother and best friend's intimate connection, life style and class differences, and so much more. At times, I couldn't help but think how young and naive Bronwyn was because she lived her life in rose-colored glasses. In comparison, Conrad was more harden and wary because of his broken dreams and past decisions. My heart broke for him and I adored how determined Bronwyn was to make him realize that he could still obtain his dream… even after her.
"I would risk everything for him. Everything. I would choose him every single day and every single time. I would choose him over myself."
In the end, I absolutely devoured this book and I'm so excited to read Poe and Alaric's story next. Conrad and Bronwyn's romance was everything I wanted and more. It certainly lived up to all the hype and exceeded my expectations. Bronwyn may be shy and a good girl but she was willing to do anything for Conrad… emotionally and intimately. While I do admit that there were some similarities to Salem and Arrow's relationship in My Darling Arrow, Bronwyn and Conrad forged their own path and stood out from the rest. In my opinion, this is Saffron Kent's strongest St. Mary's Rebels book to date. The forbidden relationship had aspects from one of my favorite books from this author: Medicine Man. I highly recommend this series and book to those who love the age-gap and forbidden romance trope with a dirty talking hero who is extremely possessive of his shy and sweet heroine.

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

Rating: ★★★★★

Release Blitz: These Thorn Kisses by Saffron A. Kent

Release Date: December 7

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

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

That’s all she knows about him though.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Grab Your Copy Here:

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

 Kobo | Google Play | B&N

Meet Saffron A. Kent

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

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

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


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Monday, December 6, 2021

Release Blitz: Little Mate by Elena M. Reyes

Little Mate by Elena M. Reyes is now live!

There's no one above a KING...
And yet, I'm restless.

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

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

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

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

Download today!

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

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


Meet Elena M. Reyes



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

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

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

Want to keep up to date with Elena's crazy book life?

 
Connect with Elena M. Reyes
Website | https://www.elenamreyes.com/
Goodreads | https://bit.ly/3cH6kJl
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Facebook | https://bit.ly/3doytEh
Facebook Group | https://bit.ly/3drX36Z
Instagram | https://bit.ly/3cM7xPP
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Bookbub | https://bit.ly/2OdKZOl
Newsletter | https://bit.ly/39Iemj6

Sunday, December 5, 2021

Little Mate by Elena M. Reyes

Little MateLittle Mate by Elena M. Reyes is the prequel to Little Lies and I would not recommend reading it as a standalone. It should be read after in order to appreciate the sequence of events from the main book. The author has crafted an interesting story of fated love, second chance romance, loss and betrayal, as well as revenge that spans over a century. This book provides further context to Gabriella and Theodore's story, specifically on how their romance initially began. I remember reading bits and pieces of it in the main story when Gabriella had flashbacks or dreams of her past life. I was completely captivated by Theodore's everlasting love for Gabriella and how devoted he was to bring her back. It was love at first sight for the both of them.
"Just like I'll devour you, I'll never leave your side. You'll own me as irrecoverably as I'll own you."
Theodore himself was mysterious, ruthless, and foreboding but when it comes to his fated mate, he is passionate, gentle, and loving. The Gabriella in Little Mate is quite different from her counterpart in the sequel because in addition to being a powerful witch with a close connection to death, she is confident, knows exactly what she wants, and righteous. After the murder of her parents, Gabriella and her siblings are on the run but fate has other plans for her. At the same time, Theo was leaving a bloody path of destruction in search for her. I was highly anticipating for the moment they finally meet each other and it certainly did not disappoint.
"To the world, I'm a monster, but for her, I'll be gentle. Be the man she needs."
In the end, I enjoyed Little Mate and thought it was an excellent prequel to Gabriella and Theo's love story because it provided some much needed context and background to their incredibly sexy and dark romance. Nonetheless, I would have liked if it was interspersed or part of my initial experience when I was reading Little Lies. Since Gabriella was an unreliable narrator because of her reincarnation and memory loss, we had no idea what was going to happen next. However, this was also what made the first book so interesting because the entire plot was a bit of a mystery and we are given part of the puzzle to unravel. Fans of Elena M. Reyes won't be disappointed in her paranormal twist in the dark romance genre and those who love the fated mates trope will also enjoy this book.

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

Rating: ★★★★☆