Beautiful, emotional, complicated, layered, tender, heartbreaking...and OH SO ROMANTIC. In Julianna, there is the heroine we all want to be: funny butBeautiful, emotional, complicated, layered, tender, heartbreaking...and OH SO ROMANTIC. In Julianna, there is the heroine we all want to be: funny but sincere, self-deprecating but formidable, brave and honest. And Henri? Well, just prepare to NEVER think of that name the same way again. Oh my freaking hell. Jesse Ward, only French. NOT KIDDING. Devastating book hangover, thy name is Henri Carre. I just cannot with how much I loved this story. Wow....more
This series is one of my absolute favorites from Shayla Black--and the beautiful conclusion to Zy and Tessa's arc is proof! What a ride! Loved the susThis series is one of my absolute favorites from Shayla Black--and the beautiful conclusion to Zy and Tessa's arc is proof! What a ride! Loved the suspense plot that was so tightly woven into the emotional conflicts, as well. Such a well-done story....more
I was psyched about this book, from one of my favorite authors, for so long. The read met all of my expectations and more. As is the case with every XI was psyched about this book, from one of my favorite authors, for so long. The read met all of my expectations and more. As is the case with every Xio Axelrod book, the main cast is woven from diverse and richly layered threads, with back stories that are poignant yet so beautifully relatable. They are led into a present-day narrative by Toni and Seb, childhood friends thrust into a situation that has them in a push-and-pull of so many emotions. GAH! ALL the emotions! This story is as big as rock 'n' roll itself--and tugged just as fully at every fangirl cell in my body and soul. Loved it so much--and now anxiously awaiting book 2!...more
Gang, I cannot EVEN with my fangirl love for Kimberly Kincaid and the Intelligence Unit books--especially THIS one. Just sit down and get ready to devGang, I cannot EVEN with my fangirl love for Kimberly Kincaid and the Intelligence Unit books--especially THIS one. Just sit down and get ready to devour one of the best romantic suspense books that your senses will ever enjoy. I. Am. So. Serious. I've made no secret of the fact that I'm in love with Kimberly Kincaid as a person--but let me tell you, all that amazing personality and joy for life finds its way into every magical word she puts on a page, as well. "The Guardian" actually had me sneaking in little reading breaks during my days so I could finish the story, especially after the plot turn into the last act. It was a daring move for the author to make, but had my jaw plummeting to the point that I literally could not put the book down after that. Don't get me wrong; every paragraph of the plot up to that point was mesmerizing too--especially because it's carried on the backs of two protagonists who thoroughly captured my mind and heart from the first act, and wouldn't let go. Delia is the ultimate heroine for me, because I'm just going to say it: math and I do NOT get along, and she's this freaking math/logic nerd STUD, and is completely comfortable with that! It's so refreshing to read a heroine who isn't insecure about everything, including her own shadow. This woman knows her strengths and isn't afraid to make sure the world knows about them. Like I said: STUD to the max. And Matteo Garza? Well, he's just the sole guy on the planet who gets her--ALL of her--and isn't afraid to step up to the plate and fall in love with all of her, as well. I just cannot even say what a complete, swoon-worthy experience it was to read this incredible book. My only "bummer" moment in the ride was when it was OVER! So many fangirl stars for this book!...more
Since I sensed something was totally up with Zy and Tessa in book 2 of this PHENOMENAL series, I was sincerely hoping that Ms. Black had some future pSince I sensed something was totally up with Zy and Tessa in book 2 of this PHENOMENAL series, I was sincerely hoping that Ms. Black had some future plans for this beyond-interesting couple. Well, the love story she has given us with these two is beyond what I ever hoped and dreamed for them. "Wow" barely describes it. I'm so serious, y'all. Zy and Tessa's romance starts as a sweet but magnetic attraction--but soon builds into so much more. Without spilling the tea, let me just say that Ms. Black doesn't miss a beat of their gorgeously emotional build-up, even after the major zinger of a spy time/suspense element is introduced. As a matter of fact, that mid-book development had me turning pages even faster--and, at the end, already screaming for the conclusion of this couple's roller coaster love affair, right the hell now! Wow. Wow. Wow. I literally cannot say it enough when it comes to this beautifully-written treasure from the inimitable Ms. Black. ...more
Oh, my freaking HEART for this book! EVERYTHING about this book! I seriously don't even know where to start about showering this story with all my gushOh, my freaking HEART for this book! EVERYTHING about this book! I seriously don't even know where to start about showering this story with all my gushes. First off, what a unique and SO very awesome premise. A road trip to a gaming con? Count me in. Now throw in an enemies-to-lovers twist? Ohhhh, yes please!
But what truly elevated this book for me were the characters. And I do mean ALL of them. The supporting cast are all just as fantastic as the main couple--though in this case, the main protagonists absolutely SHINE. Both Conrad and Alden come to this story as people battling to make a stamp on the world, and with high stakes in their ultimate goal of taking home the grand prize in a gaming championship. What I loved about all this was that Ms. Albert gave both of them such strong motivation, on top of deeply engaging back stories that made me seriously root for BOTH of them to win. Most unique of all was the twist of creating LGBTQ characters who aren't just going through the pain of coming out. It shows that sometimes, being out doesn't make life suddenly magical and perfect. These guys are dealing with issues beyond that factor. In short, they are very true to life, and captivating from a simple human experience standpoint.
The book's last act was by far my favorite part. It was so gloriously emotional and real, and gave up the perfect romantic bow I was seeking for these two.
This one is on my keeper shelf next to Simon and Baz now! A wonderful read! ...more
"Trust me, she's the princess in the tower, but she's got a sword and she'd slay any dragon who tried to keep her locked away." Oh, my fantasy metaphor"Trust me, she's the princess in the tower, but she's got a sword and she'd slay any dragon who tried to keep her locked away." Oh, my fantasy metaphor-loving soul. This passage, and many more like it, are a great insight to the essence of Ainsley Speire, a heroine worthy of us who love our female protagonists beyond strong on the outside but sentiently soft on the inside. Therein lies the essence of this poor woman's conflict. She's on the brink of accomplishing all of her hard-won goals and dreams, but the victory is hollow without anyone to share it with--and the one guy with whom she craves to do just that happens to be her womanizing douche of a boss. Ohhh, the freakin' angst--and the laugh-out-loud situations that come about because of it! And yet, as Ainsley and Chase overcome obstacles both inward and out to find their way to each other, we lucky readers get a sexy, romantic romp that's worthy of the best Netflix or Prime fare out there. Escapist romance at its very best! I loved every wonderful, wild, funny, and swoon-worthy moment of this read!...more
"It was just a smile. Even the devil had a pretty face." Ohhh, how we've all been in this place before! Hazel Noble is definitely there, and deliciousl"It was just a smile. Even the devil had a pretty face." Ohhh, how we've all been in this place before! Hazel Noble is definitely there, and deliciously so, fighting her attraction to Cross Brady, with whom she's come face-to-face with one of the coolest meet-cutes I've ever read in a romance. But this book, just like every Carrie Ann Ryan novel, is about more than the let's-smile-la-la-happy moments. It's about richly drawn characters in a world where one wants to be one of the heroines and go to bed with ALL the heroes; a smartly-erected construct of a brand-new world that ties back enough to previous books that you feel both comfortable and excited at the same time. The instant sparks between Hazel and Cross develop into a slow burn romance that was really awesome medicine for my soul. The feels were all there, especially once the characters' backstories were revealed, but the darker elements never underscored the gorgeously written hope of a budding and destined love. The only thing I'm kicking myself for now is not starting this series sooner! I'm super excited to dive into the rest....more
Oh, DARREN! I've been an enormous Jenna Jacob fan from the earliest days of her incredible career--but I swear by a thousand guitar picks, there's justOh, DARREN! I've been an enormous Jenna Jacob fan from the earliest days of her incredible career--but I swear by a thousand guitar picks, there's just SOMETHING about the Licks of Leather series that has captured my younger, rock fangirling heart and will not let go. This beautiful, original take on the hidden baby trope is blended with everything I most want and need from a rock god book. There's an unforgettable one-night stand, a press scandal gone wrong, plenty of horny groupies, and--ohhh yes--in true Jenna Jacob style, a toddler eye's view of a "chest autographing" gone completely t**ts up! Between all of the fast-paced mania, a love story unfolds between Darren and Tori that had me sighs-deep in their unforgettable passion and "forever" connection. What a wonderful read!! I cannot get enough of these lickable, luscious men and their bold, beautiful heroines!...more
Oh, Braden Black, I'll follow you anywhere! This book is a brand-new series launcher for Ms. Hardt, who proves that all dominant billionaires definitelOh, Braden Black, I'll follow you anywhere! This book is a brand-new series launcher for Ms. Hardt, who proves that all dominant billionaires definitely aren't the same. I am so smitten with this leading man, who comes from humble beginnings and actually hasn't forgotten about the fact. His power is the kind that turns this girl into a puddle: it comes from within, and it's communicated through an inner confidence that goes far beyond growls and glowers. I mean, the guy even has a soft spot for rescue puppies. Seriously, just...SIGH. For all of the lines that Braden is uniquely drawn by, my favorite aspect of the book was actually his heroine. Skye Manning is a fresh face in Boston, hoping to make a name for herself by working up the ranks in the photography world. While she succumbs to an instant and electric attraction to Braden, she's not a wide-eyed innocent needing all her self-validation from a man. She's ambitious, smart, and--on a few occasions--genuinely troubled by the things she feels when she's near this man. Still, she's not afraid to tell him what she needs from him, and is even stands up for their relationship when challenged by her headstrong boss. Ironically, Helen Hardt's gift for engaging storytelling and unforgettable characters is at its full shine in "Follow Me Darkly". I'm so thrilled there's more of the sexy shadows of this world to come!...more
My flame is officially lit for J. Kenner's newest series. WOW doesn't come close to how good this book is! If you're already a fan of Ms. Kenner, and hMy flame is officially lit for J. Kenner's newest series. WOW doesn't come close to how good this book is! If you're already a fan of Ms. Kenner, and her incomparable skill in crafting romantic suspense, Devlin Saint and Ellie Holmes are EVERYTHING you want in a leading man and woman. When Ellie, now a grown journalist, returns home to the Southern California beach town where she grew up, it's only to cover a story about Devlin Saint and his famous foundation. She doesn't intend to stay long, since there are bittersweet memories around every corner--but that's before she discovers that those memories, as well as Saint himself, may be the keys to a much bigger story--as well as a multitude of unanswered questions from her youth. This read was absolutely my favorite from Ms. Kenner--and believe me, I'm as nuts about the Stark books as everyone else! This new world is effortless and exciting to dive into, and includes all of the layered emotions, glamorous settings, and heart-pulsing plot lines that have become hallmarks of this author's amazing talent. An awesome bonus is a cast of secondary characters that has me hoping this world will continue for many stories to come. ...more
So thrilled everyone's fallen in love with Grant and Rio! Victoria and I are nearly done with the next part of their story, and we guarantee it's evenSo thrilled everyone's fallen in love with Grant and Rio! Victoria and I are nearly done with the next part of their story, and we guarantee it's even more twisty and emotional! We cannot wait for you to read! Release date to be announced soon!...more
What a story! I read this as an unedited ARC, but despite the minor grammar and time tense slips, these characters enthralled me and wouldn't let go. What a story! I read this as an unedited ARC, but despite the minor grammar and time tense slips, these characters enthralled me and wouldn't let go. The premise of the story is both unique and moving. Jaidyn, wishing to fulfill her father's last wishes, consents to accompany him on a globe-trotting adventure filled with activities worthy of the X games. Right there alone, I was already in love with the book. Who doesn't want to travel to far-off countries and experience their wonder, minus the stress of being an "Amazing Race" competitor? Marlon is the self-made millionaire who heads the non-profit that's going to coordinate this around-the-world trip. And yes, he's stunning and athletic and suave--but most of all, he never gives up on being present for Jaidyn, in every way there is. This, in and of itself, is the reason he knocked my socks off. He's definitely in my Top Five Book Hunks for the year! The sexy locations give birth to some breathtaking passion between Marlon and Jaidyn, made all the sweeter by their awareness of her father's fate. Both situations are a beautiful but sweet reminder to treasure every day one has as the gift it is--a higher message that's seamlessly woven into the narrative. There was so much of everything that I love in this book--glamorous locales, daring adventures, and hotter than hot passion--all layered on top of a deeper meaning that elevates this work to something more than a decadent love story. A perfect book for this, and any other, time....more
Dove into this erotic romance gem after a friend recommended it over and over again--and oh my sighing word, am I grateful for her persistence. Wow. JDove into this erotic romance gem after a friend recommended it over and over again--and oh my sighing word, am I grateful for her persistence. Wow. Just...wow. Anyone who knows me well can vouch for the fact that Ms. McKenna already had my heart at the glorious and romantic Parisien setting--but she snared my soul with Didier, a hero I'll remember for the rest of my days. He's beautiful beyond words, alluringly honest and breath-robbingly seductive--but is hiding a secret that I've never before seen in any character, let alone the hero of a romance novel. This added element is what edges the story into something so different and unique, it haunted me when I didn't have my nose buried in it. I truly loved that the author gave Didier a worthy partner in Caroly: a self-described "average girl" who proves herself to be so much more by not just accepting Didier, secret weakness all, but taking the brave, bold steps to help him with it. In short, she's the "every woman" we all relate, but also aspire to be. For me, the heart of this love story wasn't in its "big moments" or iconic scenes, but in all the little details that strung those things together. The ins and outs of a relationship in the fabric of its day-to-day essence. Turning those "normal" elements--card games, rain storms, dinner conversation, even roosting doves on Parisien rooftops--into the stuff of real romance takes a writer beyond compare, and a craftswoman who knows her characters inside and out. Such an unforgettable read. I'm fully smitten, and truly hope there will be more of Didier and Caroly soon! ...more
I read this one a while ago. SO GOOD. I love all of Ms. Joyce's sexy and adventurous historicals!I read this one a while ago. SO GOOD. I love all of Ms. Joyce's sexy and adventurous historicals!...more
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