The stoic and starchy Sentorr has been exchanging texts and phone calls with a Mesakkah woman who also navigates a pirate ship. But what Sent2.5 stars
The stoic and starchy Sentorr has been exchanging texts and phone calls with a Mesakkah woman who also navigates a pirate ship. But what Sentorr doesn't know is that this woman is actually human.
Half of the relationship development unfortunately occurs off page because Sentorr and Zoey had been exchanging texts and phone calls for well over a year. We get a small glimpse of their banter through chat and telephone, but I wanted the author to explore that a bit further because we don't actually get to see these two fall in love on page. They are already in love in chapter 1.
By the time these two meet in person, it's the physical aspect of their relationship that takes the spotlight because they are already in love. This makes Sentorr and Zoey's story the steamiest in the series. But their book is also the weakest one in the series because of the weak emotional depth.
Furthermore, Sentorr is not as starchy in this book because like I said, by the time we begin his story, he is already in love with Zoey. Which means that he's already lost his starchiness at this point, thus defeating the purpose of a starchy hero lmao.
I also wasn't the biggest fan of Zoey's hatred for her human-ness. She was abducted by aliens when she was 10 years old and rescued by three Mesakkahs, who then adopted her as their sister. So she really hates being human and thinks she's ugly because she's not a Mesakkah. She even says things like her Mesakkah brothers treated her "better than any human girl deserves to be treated" and also believes that Sentorr loves her "despite the fact" that she's human. Of course, Sentorr constantly tells her that it doesn't matter that she's human, but she doesn't get it. Girl, bye.
Also, it is implied that the Mesakkah brothers rescued Zoey, but traded the other human abductees?! Which is messed up?! On top of that, I feel like Sentorr's background history was not as fleshed out as Zoey's background history. It's implied that Sentorr spent time in prison?! And that somehow Sentorr is loaded with money?! But he also spent time as a soldier?! I don't know man. I was ready to give this 3 stars because it wasn't horrible, but now I'm sitting here with a bunch of unanswered questions. So, 2.5 stars it is....more
After loving What If You & Me, I went straight to the first book in the series. Yes & I Love You is an opposites attract romance between an introverteAfter loving What If You & Me, I went straight to the first book in the series. Yes & I Love You is an opposites attract romance between an introverted entertainment reviewer and an extroverted improv actor. Hollyn reviews local entertainment under the name of Miz Poppy and her column is very popular among the locals. As for Jasper, he's struggling to look for his big break in the entertainment industry. We have a hilarious meet cute, a bad first impression, spicy improv lessons, and some dirty talk ...more
In the previous book, Morgan and her best friend were captured by elfish aliens AKA the Dravians. It turns out that their Prince Zaden might 2.5 stars
In the previous book, Morgan and her best friend were captured by elfish aliens AKA the Dravians. It turns out that their Prince Zaden might be Morgan's mate. But Zadan has a harem of women ...more
On Thin Ice is the final book in the Ice series. We finally find out what happened to Finn MacGowan. It turns out that he's been in captivity4.5 stars
On Thin Ice is the final book in the Ice series. We finally find out what happened to Finn MacGowan. It turns out that he's been in captivity in the war-torn South American country of Callivera for 3 years. Beth Pennington is a volunteer in Callivera who gets kidnapped and thrown into captivity with Finn. Finn and Beth make their escape and brave the South American jungles to make their way back to civilization, while making sure they stay ahead of their captors.
This was a great ending to the Ice series. I really enjoyed Beth and Finn as a couple. They annoyed me at times, but I ended up loving them by the time I finished the book. As expected from an Anne Stuart hero, Finn was quite the asshole in the beginning. But ugh, he fell so hard for Beth!!! ...more
Lia and other human women are kidnapped by elfish aliens and kept captive on the aliens' spaceship. These elfish aliens, AKA the Dravians, ar3.5 stars
Lia and other human women are kidnapped by elfish aliens and kept captive on the aliens' spaceship. These elfish aliens, AKA the Dravians, are on the brink of extinction because there aren't many women left in their world. So now they're looking to breed with human women. As for Lia, it turns out that she's the ship commander's mate.
Okay, first of all, this book is hella problematic. It dances around serious topics like rape and Stockholm Syndrome. The female characters are very self aware, despite giving in to the aliens. What I'm trying to say is that you must suspend disbelief. The consent is dubious — yes, Lia willingly sleeps with Varek and she feels arousal and pleasure, etc. But at the end of the day, she was kidnapped and she's his captive. If you can't suspend disbelief and go along for the ride despite the problematic themes, then this book isn't for you.
I went with the flow and surprisingly enjoyed the story. Despite being a short book, The Commander's Captive packs a lot of action and emotion. I'm interested in continuing the series because Morgan is next! And I think we'll finally get to explore the Dravians' world, which should be fun....more
I received an ARC from Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
4.5 stars
Fox and Hannah became friends last summer (see: It Happened One Summer) andI received an ARC from Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
4.5 stars
Fox and Hannah became friends last summer (see: It Happened One Summer) and they've been exchanging texts ever since. When Hannah's job brings her to Westport, she crashes in Fox's guest room. Fox and Hannah insist that they are friends only, but the potential for something more sparks when they are forced into proximity as temporary roommates.
Hook, Line, and Sinker took me by surprise. I was expecting Fox and Hannah's romance to be a typical lighthearted rake and wallflower romance. Instead, I got an angsty romance with a tortured and emotionally insecure rake. Tessa Bailey went in a completely unexpected direction. She added her own twist to the rake and wallflower trope. And I am impressed with how she chose to approach this story.
Fox is portrayed as a player who never wants to settle down, but there is so much hidden depth to him. Fox's insecurities, his backstory, and his ultimate growth all rang true to me. There's an interesting discourse on toxic masculinity weaved into Fox's character arc that I appreciated. Hannah also has her own personal journey, but Fox's journey is what makes this book so different from the typical rake and wallflower romance novels.
The romance is a simmering slow burn and I ...more
I received an ARC from Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
Socialite party girl Piper's latest stunt leads to her arrest and her stepfather decI received an ARC from Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
Socialite party girl Piper's latest stunt leads to her arrest and her stepfather decides enough is enough. As punishment, Piper has to spend the summer in the small seaside town of Westport. And that's where Piper bumps into the burly and grumpy sea captain Brendan ...more
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Witches Get Stitches is the third book in the Stay a Spell series and it can easily I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Witches Get Stitches is the third book in the Stay a Spell series and it can easily be read as a standalone. Violet Savoie is a Seer who is opening a tattoo shop with the help of her friend and business partner, Nico Cruz, a werewolf. Violet has big plans for her tattooing career: she wants to design enchanted tattoos for supernaturals. Her current goal is to design enchanted tattoos for werewolves that will allow them to control their inner wolf. But tension rises when Nico's former pack comes into town and the pack members are very interested in Violet's enchanted tattoos.
I'm obsessed with this series and the cast of characters and I'm so happy we finally got Violet and Nico's HEA. We got to know Violet and Nico in Wolf Gone Wild, but we now actually get to experience the first time they met and what a first meeting!! ...more
Midnight Sun is paranormal romantic suspense novella about a prehistoric Iñupiat mask that is haunting museologist Sienna Aubrey. The mask leads her tMidnight Sun is paranormal romantic suspense novella about a prehistoric Iñupiat mask that is haunting museologist Sienna Aubrey. The mask leads her to a remote Alaskan village, where the mask originates. Sienna is supposed to meet the tribal representative to return the mask to him, but she ends up meeting his cousin Rhys Vaughan instead. Sienna and Rhys are thrown together by the mask and they end up *ahem* dream sharing lol. Sienna and Rhys are also forced to work together when they are attacked by someone who intends to steal the mask.
This was a short and fast-paced romantic suspense with a supernatural element. I really enjoyed the magical element that pushed the hero and heroine together. The romance happens fairly quickly as the story takes place in the space of less than a week, but given the difficult journey that Rhys and Sienna undertake, their HEA is satisfying and believable enough for me. The only thing that I didn't like was the execution of the climax, which was way too far-fetched and unbelievable to me.
It should be noted that Rhys served two tours in Iraq as an explosive ordnance disposal specialist. All of the mentions of Rhys's time in Iraq and of the "assholes who wanted him dead" made me incredibly uncomfortable. Maybe the US shouldn't have invaded Iraq in the first place?!?! Not once did Rhys condemn the invasion of Iraq. This is the main reason why I don't gravitate toward romances where the MC served in the military, especially if they participated in the invasion of other countries.
I also cannot determine the veracity of the indigenous cultural practices and history highlighted in this book, but it's definitely worth reading the Author's Note....more
Caleb Moore is a mechanic who inherits a fortune from the family who shunned his mother. Caleb decides that he wants revenge and his plan involves a mCaleb Moore is a mechanic who inherits a fortune from the family who shunned his mother. Caleb decides that he wants revenge and his plan involves a marriage of convenience with Audrey Clarke, an ice queen businesswoman who can help him navigate the legal battle against his family. In exchange, he'll sell the mansion he inherits to Audrey.
We have a starchy ice queen heroine who has trouble touching other people and an alpha mechanic hero who's secretly an ooey gooey marshmallow on the inside. Caleb and Audrey are complete opposites, but they complement each other so well.
The characterization and relationship development are both well done. I really enjoyed Caleb and Audrey as individual characters and as a couple. Despite the short length of this book, Caleb and Audrey's romance had a lot of depth and substance. And the epilogue was the cherry on top....more
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Neon Gods is a contemporary romance retelling of Hades and Persephone. Olympus is a I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Neon Gods is a contemporary romance retelling of Hades and Persephone. Olympus is a modern city that is ruled by the Thirteen and Zeus is the most powerful member of the Thirteen. When Demeter forces Persephone's betrothal to Zeus, Persephone escapes from the upper city of Olympus and crosses the River Styx to the lower city, where Hades rules.
I finished this book with a thousand questions about the world building and character motivations.
World Building It sounds as if some members of the Thirteen are elected, whereas others are born into their role. The political structure of Olympus makes zero sense. It seems that Olympus is a city located in the United States of America. The reason I make this assumption is because Persephone mentioned she had plans to escape from Olympus to California. At the same time, Olympus seems to exist as a city outside of America. The world building is so vague. Where exactly does the City of Olympus fit in modern day America? What does the political structure look like? How does this city operate democratically when leaders are born into their roles? Is there a criminal justice system in place? Does the rule of law apply? It is hinted that Ares operates the military and police side of things, but once again, it is an assumption I am making.
Characters Neon Gods is marketed as a sunshine and grump romance, but I honestly did not see it that way. We are told that Hades is a grump, but he does not come across as a grump at all. Broody? Yes. Grumpy? No. Hades is a misunderstood hero who has built a fearsome reputation for himself. We are told Hades is intimidating and that he has a presence, but I didn't feel any of that. There is no danger or intrigue, which, in my opinion, kind of defeats the purpose of Hades. We are also told that Persephone has a sunshine disposition, which is a fake mask she wears in society. But we only get to see Persephone out in society for like 2 chapters, so we rarely see her as this "sunshiny" person. In my opinion, this version of Hades and Persephone just didn't fit their original mythological roles. Take out the one-dimensional mythology and you are left with a light mafiaeseque romance.
The characters, especially the villains, have little to no depth. Why does Zeus hate Hades's parents so much? We never actually get an answer from Zeus, beyond his statement that Hades's father deserved to suffer. I was expecting a solid backstory to provide an explanation/motivation for Zeus's hatred toward Hades's parents. We are also told that Zeus is the most powerful member of the Thirteen. What exactly distinguishes him from the other members of the Thirteen? How did Zeus get powerful enough to get away with murder? How did Zeus get powerful enough to banish Hades from the rest of Olympus? Is there no rule of law in a city that is presumably located in America?
Honestly, this book feels like a first draft. The world building is weak and has zero depth. The characters also leave a lot to be desired. The romance developed too quickly and the chemistry was lackluster. Neon Gods was very disappointing. I'm hoping the next book is better....more
Age gap mafia romance and insta love. Juvenile writing style. Repetitive inner monologues. Misogynist hero. Doormat heroine. Uninteresting mafia storyAge gap mafia romance and insta love. Juvenile writing style. Repetitive inner monologues. Misogynist hero. Doormat heroine. Uninteresting mafia storyline. Uninteresting family drama.
I might have liked the romance if the main characters were likable. Both hero and heroine stank of misogyny. At one point, hero has an entire inner monologue about women belonging in the kitchen. Heroine is also a hypocrite. On the outside, she acts like she loves her best friend. But on the inside, she keeps referring to her best friend as a jealous and petty bitch.
Unbondable tells the story of Kara, the daughter of Sylvan and Sophia from Hunted. Kara is the only female Blood Kindred who has fangs. Kara has had aUnbondable tells the story of Kara, the daughter of Sylvan and Sophia from Hunted. Kara is the only female Blood Kindred who has fangs. Kara has had a hard time finding a mate because society perceives her fangs as a flaw. Raak is a smuggler who's half demon and half Kindred. Raak doesn't have a soul because of his demon lineage, which means he's considered to be Unbondable.
I really enjoyed this steamy and fast paced SciFi romance. Kara and Raak had great chemistry together. Raak was such a great romantic hero. He was loving, protective, and supportive. Kara needed someone like him in her life. Their scenes together were ...more
A Substitute Wife for the Prizefighter is the second book in the Victorian Prizefighter series, but it can definitely be read as a standalone. Lizzie A Substitute Wife for the Prizefighter is the second book in the Victorian Prizefighter series, but it can definitely be read as a standalone. Lizzie Anderson has always disapproved of her cousin's fiance, prizefighter and former convict Benedict Toomes. Scandal happens and Benedict breaks things off with Lizzie's cousin and Lizzie finds herself thrown to the streets. Due to the circumstances, Benedict and Lizzie enter a marriage of convenience. Their story takes place on the road and at the different fairs where Benedict's family sets up their boxing booth.
Alice Coldbreath's brand of historical romance is honestly SUCH a breath of fresh air. With a focus on a prizefighter hero and an orphan heroine who's always had to rely on her uncle, we have ourselves an unconventional marriage of convenience. Lizzie and Benedict's entire story takes place in their traveling wagon and at the various fairs Benedict and his family are touring. There's also a great cast of supporting characters who have their own tents set up at the fairs. I was not the biggest fan of Benedict's family drama, but I liked seeing Benedict defending Lizzie to his family and Lizzie taking control of things.
I really enjoyed Benedict and Lizzie's romance: a perfect blend of sweetness and steaminess. Great relationship and character growth. Great chemistry. Benedict is such a caring and protective husband, in ways that even took me by surprise. Lizzie is very forthright and while she may be starchy, she has no problem voicing her opinions. I loved them so much as a couple.
“I can tell you now, Lizzie, your hair is not your only beauty. Not to me. This firm little chin, these dainty lips. These intelligent eyes, this determined nose...I find beauty in all of it. I could look at your face all day long and find no fault with it...”
A Bride for the Prizefighter is a Victorian romance about a middle class schoolmistress who is forced to marry a publican/prizefighter. Mina 4.5 stars
A Bride for the Prizefighter is a Victorian romance about a middle class schoolmistress who is forced to marry a publican/prizefighter. Mina is quickly thrust into unfamiliar surroundings when her half brother arranges her marriage to William Nye. The marriage is unwanted on both sides, but neither Will nor Mina had a choice in the matter. Mina is a starchy, prim, and proper schoolmistress who now has to reside in a pub named The Merry Harlot. Will is a big, grumpy, and foul-mouthed publican and prizefighter ...more
Not bad...but I expected more. This is more of a mix of insta love with Stockholm Syndrome. The author does a good job with the world buildin2.5 stars
Not bad...but I expected more. This is more of a mix of insta love with Stockholm Syndrome. The author does a good job with the world building of the prison planet, but the relationship development is severely lacking.
If you're looking for a solid SciFi romance set on a prison planet, I recommend Hold by Claire Kent....more
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