Category Archives: Read by Lulu

Beast

By S C Daiko

Synopsis

I’ve been sold by my own father to a Beast.

Gleb Sokolov is the definition of a savage.
He’s an animal in bed and everywhere else.
A notorious Russian mobster, badass personified.

And my father just sold me to him, to pay off a debt.

But there’s something Gleb doesn’t know… we have a son,
and I’ll do anything to keep him from finding out.

Eva Petrenko
Sassy, secretive, trouble with a capital T.
She drives me damned insane.
Except, when her father offers her to me, I find I can’t resist.
She belongs with me, even if she refuses to believe it.
Eva hates me, but I’ll go to the ends of the earth to protect her.
Problem is, Eva’s father isn’t the only one with debts
and mine are the kind I’ll need to pay with my own blood.

Review

Beast is a fast-paced and highly enjoyable romantic suspense centered around the Russian mafia.

Gleb and Eva have great chemistry and once I began I could not put this down.  Their attraction to each other is instant and Gleb is very alpha. His protective instincts over Eva and her family is romantic. The age difference between Gleb and Eva made the speed of his need to secure Eva in his life believable to me.

The suspense story follows Gleb and Eva and provides many moments when Gleb is protective yet passionate.  I also enjoyed how Eva stands up to herself with Gleb.

This was a surprising read, enjoyable and ended way to fast for me.

Beast

My Rating:  

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The Promise (The Burg Series #5)

By Kristen Ashley

Synopsis

Since his brother’s death, Benny Bianchi has been nursing his grudge against the woman he thinks led to his brother’s downfall. He does this to bury the feelings he has for Francesca Concetti, his brother’s girl. But when Frankie takes a bullet while on the run with Benny’s cousin’s woman, Benny has to face those feelings.

The problem is Frankie has decided she’s paid her penance. Penance she didn’t deserve to pay. She’s done with Benny and the Bianchi family. She’s starting a new life away from Chicago and her heartbreaking history. Benny has decided differently. But Frankie has more demons she’s battling. Demons Benny wants to help her face. But life has landed so many hard knocks on Frankie she’s terrified of believing in the promise of Benny Bianchi and the good life he’s offering.

Frankie’s new life leads her to The ‘Burg, where Benny has ties, and she finds she not only hasn’t succeeded in getting away, she’s doesn’t want to.

Review

I have read “At Peace” four times and finally, I thought I was ready to read Frankie and Benny’s story.  It was always on my mind but there have been such mixed reviews.

At Peace is one of my favourite stories so I was happy to be able to see so much of these Cal, Vi & the girls in this story.  It probably made me forgive the pace and how this story was just too long.

I would have loved for her recuperation and mending fences with Benny’s family to be more in-depth and less of her living away from Benny, it really felt dragged.

The endless drama with Frankie’s family drove me nuts and I admit by the end I skimmed over their conversations as I was like I am over this drama.  

Now I did enjoy this story however it did not rock my socks and I felt the ending was rushed.  Then we were shown the wonderful life of Frankie and Benny, I would have loved to have less of their time apart and more of their life after.

A favorite character for me was Sal and how he slowly breaks down the barriers and mends fences.  He really loved Frankie like and daughter and I loved that for her.

Benny did not disappoint in his alpha protectiveness.

Look I think because this series has two of my favourite books being At Peace and Games of the Heart that I had really high hopes for The Promise.  Happy I read but will not be in my KA books that I reread endlessly.

The Promise (The Burg Series #5)

My Rating:  

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From Here to You (Crash and Burn #1)

By Jamie McGuire

Synopsis

As Darby Dixon sits in a tiny Texas church bathroom on her wedding day holding a positive pregnancy test, she realizes that of all the bad decisions she’s made in her life, marrying her abusive fiancé would be the worst. She’s never been able to stand up for herself, but she’ll sure as hell stand up for her baby. With just the cash she has on hand, she runs to get a bus ticket to the farthest place she can afford. Between her sheer grit and pageant-queen smile, she lands a job as a front desk clerk at the Colorado Springs Hotel. It’s not a glamorous life, but she and her baby are all that matters.

A former Marine, Scott “Trex” Trexler has worked in the most dangerous, corrupt, war-torn places on earth. Now he finally has a chance to return to the last place he’d felt at peace–Colorado Springs, Colorado, to take a new job with the Cheyenne Mountain Complex, a top-secret military installation buried deep within the granite.

The moment Trex walks into the inn, Darby knows he’s dangerous. There’s no way she wants to get involved with another man who seems to be keeping way too many secrets. As charming and devastatingly gorgeous as Trex is, he clearly isn’t telling her everything. But as wildfires rage on the mountain and Darby’s ex-fiancé shows he isn’t so willing to let her go, both she and Trex are soon to find out that what you don’t know absolutely can hurt you.

Review

Really lovely story and Darcy was strong yet so compassionate and loving.  From the first few pages, you will fall in love with her.  It was uplifting to watch her fight for good in her life and make such integral changes in her life for her own safety.

The connection between Darcy and Trex was so passionate but also filled with miscommunications. At times I felt slightly frustrated as they definitely were on a roller coaster with their relationship.

The length of time this story follows was perfect, it was believable considering Darcy’s history with the ex-fiancee. I did find myself constantly on edge waiting for him to make his presence felt.

There are many references to God and faith in this story.  Trex is a preachers son and now atheist and Darcy has a strong faith, this did not bother me much.

The ending was perfect, I felt satisfied, you get a beautiful happy every after for Darcy and she certainly deserved it.

From Here to You (Crash and Burn #1)

My Rating:  

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Rebel (Rebel Wheels #1)

By Elle Casey

Synopsis

Teagan Cross, college senior, rebel, and wiseass extraordinaire, goes from princess to pauper in a single phone call. Overnight, her life of privilege becomes one of survival, and no matter where she turns, it seems like the world is out to get her. She’s not going to fall apart, though. She’s a rebel and she’s strong … determined to live life on her own terms … and nothing’s going to stop her from getting things done and making things right. But when a twist of fate brings her to the doorstep of a different kind of Rebel, she’s forced to figure out when something’s worth fighting for and when something’s worth letting go.

Review

Rebel is a Romantic Comedy with a suspense story simmering in the background which kept me intrigued until the end where it takes center stage.

Quin and Teagan have great chemistry as friends and many times caused me to laugh out loud. Their one-liners are just so funny and light-hearted.

Teagan has some emotional moments where I felt true heartache for her, but I loved her determination.

Teagan and Rebel, well some moments are great and others I struggled with.  However, once I knew his story I forgave and understood his silent treatment.  The relationship with the brothers I enjoyed immensely and how they became attached and protective of Teagan.

Now I have to admit I am unhappy with her dad’s story not being resolved.  I did find myself smiling at the conclusion about how Rebel stood up and took charge.

This is not a college romance, it takes place over college break.  There are some great passionate moments.  The verbal Diahorrea between Quin and Teagan will make you laugh, cringe and fall in love with their friendship.

Overall, I enjoyed this story.

Quote:  I was asking for Trouble. Instead, I got something special

Rebel (Rebel Wheels #1)

My Rating:  

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Dirty Headlines

By L J Shen

Synopsis

Célian Laurent.
Manhattan royalty.
Notorious playboy.
Heir to a media empire.
…And my new boss.
I could have impressed him, if not for last month’s unforgettable one-night stand.
I left it with more than orgasms and a pleasant memory—namely, his wallet.
Now he’s staring me down like I’m the dirt under his Italian loafers, and I’m supposed to take it.
But the thing about being Judith “Jude” Humphry is I have nothing to lose.
Brooklyn girl.
Infamously quirky.
Heir to a stack of medical bills and a tattered couch.
When he looks at me from across the room, I see the glint in his eyes, and that makes us rivals.
He knows it.
So do I.
Every day in the newsroom is a battle.
Every night in his bed, war.
But it’s my heart at stake, and I fear I’ll be raising the white flag.

Review

Jude was a beautiful character, she was vulnerable yet fierce.  Her relationship with her dad and the ability to make friends was lovely.  Her journey in the newsroom simply made her shine, she was a good person fighting her way through hardship but making the most of life.

Celian goes through a multitude of changes as a man.  This was one of my favourite parts of this story and the way he follows Jude’s colourful chuck selections. You can be forgiven for hating him at the beginning but by the end, he becomes a warrior.  Celian becomes courageous and the man for Jude. He is unashamedly stubborn and arrogant but to his inner circle, he is alpha and protective.

Dirty Headlines has an epic chapter for me being chapter 20.  It had that moment when I had lumps in my throat and could not breathe.  When I turned those pages, my heart breaking for Celian and yet yelling “Go Jude”!, don’t settle for anything less than you deserve.

Dirty Headlines has a perfect closure and you are left with a heart full of hope and happiness.  I now have another standalone story by this author I will be reading again and again.

Dirty Headlines

My Rating:  

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Dirty, Reckless Love (The Boys of Jackson Harbour #3)

By Lexi Ryan

Synopsis

I’m in love with a man who tried to kill me. At least that’s what they tell me . . .

Six weeks ago, paramedics found me unconscious in my apartment. Beaten. Bruised. Hardly breathing. When I woke up, I couldn’t remember the last three years or anything about my life in Jackson Harbor. They tell me my fiancé, Colton McKinley, is on the run for what he did to me. They tell me I’m safer if I stay away.

I don’t care if my memories ever come back. I want nothing to do with those missing years . . . until a sexy stranger with angry eyes shows up on my doorstep and demands I stop ignoring him.

Levi Jackson is my fiancé’s best friend, but seeing him sparks something inside me. As the truth unravels in my mind, I know they’re wrong about Colton. My own secrets are far more dangerous than the man I was engaged to.

I return to Jackson Harbor to search for answers and find myself running from a faceless boogeyman and seeking refuge in Levi’s arms. And in his bed.

I can’t deny my feelings for Levi. But as the pile of lies between us grows, I realize that sometimes the truth can’t set us free. Sometimes, it’s the very thing that can destroy us.

Review

Levi, Ellie, and Colton each brought their own vulnerabilities to this love story which makes you fall in love with all of them.

Dirty, Reckless Love is full of twists, lies and lust and love that goes deep in your bones.  Ellie is passionate, confused, headstrong and determined for a better life full of love.

The story is past and present and we move between the two effortlessly as the author weaves her tale.  As the ending nears the gap in Ellie’s memory connects the two periods of time until they clash.  There are moments you think you know who the danger is and I did not pick this twist.

The dynamic between Ellie, Colton and Levi’s friendship provided moments of heartache and passion Whilst not a full on love triangle which I hate, this is told really well.  I put that down to Levihonoringg his friendship with Colton at the beginning but then like all romantic love stories the heart takes over.

What i loved about the ending was how the author gave Ellie her time at the conclusion to find herself before she found her true love.

Whilst this is a series, I have not read the others and this story is a standalone.

Quote:  “Yes, but if you’ve only ever seen sunshine, how do you know you can face the storm”

Dirty, Reckless Love (The Boys of Jackson Harbour #3)

My Rating:  

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Keeping 6 (Rock Point #1)

By Freya Barker

Synopsis

Bookstore owner Kerry Emerson finally seems to be back in control of her life. Her failure of a marriage firmly in her rearview mirror and her recent business expansion a success, she is in charge of her own future. One that is looking better than ever.
The sight of the tall man, with the familiar salt and pepper goatee pushing open the door of her store, sets her hair on end. He doesn’t exactly bring good memories.

FBI Special Agent in Charge, Damian Gomez, is just looking for a decent cup of coffee when he walks into the small store offering books and brew. The pretty, feisty woman behind the counter is an unexpected surprise. Not at all unpleasant, especially since her finger that used to hold a wedding ring is now bare.
Her wild hair, boho style and silvery grey eyes suddenly hold a lot of promise. But when his office is pulled into an international investigation into the trafficking of rare books and manuscripts, the straight-laced SAC realizes he has to keep his distance from the woman who might well be involved.

Easier said than done, since fate seems determined to throw them together. 

Review

Keeping 6 is a wonderful mystery romance with great pace and a variety of characters to keep the story interesting.

The romance between Damien and Kerry builds really well, it is realistic for their age.  Kerry and Damien are mature characters so both have life experience and issues to overcome. Damien was a typical alpha but learned quickly about being with a strong independent woman.  Their love built up with moments in life that make you adjust your expectations.

Damien’s family were funny and frustrating and their parts in the book helped tie these two people together. Kerry needed to see what family was all about and this made her yearn for different.

The law enforcement story was a slow simmer throughout the story and built to a good climax.  I did not pick the double cross.

Would love to see if Myra gets a story after her traumatic involvement. I kind of felt a connection with Keith.

Keeping 6 was an enjoyable story that kept me entertained with a wonderful mix of characters.

Quote:  This is trust. The need to share every flaw, every thought, every honest moment. This is love.

Keeping 6 (Rock Point #1)

My Rating:  

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Anything for Love (Hunter Brothers #1)

By Lola St. Vil

Synopsis

Winter, I know your ex hurt you, but I’m not him. I can love you; let me…

Winter Bennett is on the worst date of her life, so she decides to bail and go home to her true loves: take out and Netflix. On her way out of the door, she spots her ex-boyfriend with his hot, new girl. Horrified at the thought of being seen, Winter does what any sane woman would do; she bolts into the bathroom and out the back window.

Falling smack-dab in the middle of a sting operation wasn’t part of the plan, but that’s exactly what happened. And now, bullets are flying overhead. Thankfully, a sexy NYPD homicide detective by the name of Wyatt Hunter saves her. He is furious with her for ruining his operation but he’s even more upset when he can’t get her off his mind. Soon he falls for her — hard. Unfortunately, Winter’s heart has been broken and she’s too afraid to let anyone in. Does Wyatt have what it takes to get Winter to give love one more try?

This steamy romance is a roller coaster ride that will make you hot, make you laugh, and even shed a few tears. It’s a full-length standalone novel. NO cheating, NO cliffhangers, and a guaranteed Happily-ever-after! This book has adult content for ages 18 and over.

Review

Loved this slow burn romance, both Wyatt and Winter are easy characters to fall in love with.

“When it’s over, we don’t let go. I think that’s why I love him: he never let’s go.”

The above sums up why I loved this story, Wyatt is such a good guy, he is alpha but oh so sensitive.  When he falls for Winter it is deep, loving, possessive and such a beautiful relationship to watch develop.

Two of my favourite shows are referenced in this story, it made me smile, Friends and Man v Food, I love when that happens, it’s like they are on my wavelength.

We meet their families and in particular Wyatt and his brother’s who will form this series. They are very likable men who will provide alpha romance.

One character I adored was Decker and there are some twists in his side story which made me so happy – he was the perfect soup guy – read this story and it will make your heart sing.

Wyatt was just such a strong alpha male and I loved his perseverance with winter. You will understand Winter’s reluctance at intimacy and her trust issues and once known I gave her the space to develop.  Their physical moments once the barrier was broken were very satisfying.

The flow of this story is easy to read, keeps you entertained and is light and will make you happy.  The epilogue tied up loose ends nicely and we get to go a few years ahead to witness special moments.

Anything for Love was simply a lovely romantic read with all the feel-good moments to make you smile and swoon.

Quote:  “No you weren’t ready baby, but it’s okay. You’re my girl and I’ll wait for you…”

Anything for Love (Hunter Brothers #1)

My Rating:  

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Destiny Mine (Tormentor Mine #3)

By Anna Zaires

Synopsis

Fate made us enemies. I made us lovers.

In a different world, we were meant for each other.

This is not that world.

Note: For optimal enjoyment, it’s recommended you read the Twist Me trilogy prior to starting this book.

Review

Not my favourite of this series, however, it is a must read to understand where the final book of the series will go.  Just the Epilogue leaves your aghast as to how the final book will play out.

I felt such loneliness for Sara as she waited for Peter.  The frustration that Peter felt and the build-up to the event that allows him to return to her left me a little deflated.  It really did seem to happen so easily after all that build up of being an impossible and dangerous exercise.  

My main problem with this story upon reflection is that Peter and Sara are separated for so much.  I love their chemistry and emotion when they are together in the story.  So I am putting that down to why this was not my favourite, I still enjoyed it but it did not set the sky alight.

Destiny Mine (Tormentor Mine #3)

My Rating:  

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Mixed Up Love

By Natasha Madison

Synopsis

Hunter
When my business partner asked me to do him a favor, I had no idea he was sending me on the blind date his mother had arranged for him.
I walked in the bar, saw the woman drinking her third martini, and knew I was in for an eventful night.
After the unexpected second date, she didn’t know my real name or who I really was. By that time, the lie was too far gone, and I wanted her too much to admit the truth.

Laney
It’s not every day you find out your ex-boyfriend is engaged.
I shouldn’t have agreed to the blind date, but I wasn’t in any position to turn down a night out when my mother insisted.
I will admit, I definitely shouldn’t have ordered that fourth martini before said blind date even arrived.
The man turned out to be swoon worthy, handsome, condescending— a perfect distraction.

Then I found out he was a liar.

I’ve never been in over my head to this degree.

Then again, I’ve never been mixed up in love. 

Review

Mixed Up Love has plenty of humour, tenderness and male alpha moments that simply cement Hunter and Laney’s romantic journey.  It is fast and full of stubbornness and passion.  Throw in their two friends Anthony and Sandy and I simply devoured this in a day and could not put it down.  I began reading and the next minute I looked down and realised I was at 60% and could not leave these characters.

The Blind Date was perfect, after that first night, I knew this was going to be a great romance read.

When Laney finds out her blind date is not who she thinks it was perfect and showed her sensitivity.  Anthony and Candy provide humour at this point especially when Hunter is trying to rectify his mistake with Laney.  The endless mentions of Tinder will make you laugh out loud, my favourite quote is by Hunter.

“These two …… I don’t even think Tinder knew what to do with them”, I say, looking over at them, “except to match them”

The story flows well and does take place over a few weeks, then we jump ahead 6 months and three years in Epilogue One & Two which I loved as we get to see not only Hunter & Laney but also where Anthony & Candy end up.  Lots of beautiful moments which also include their family and I was left totally satisfied.

Quote:  “Seriously?” Her voice fills the car. “You put yourself under serial killer”. She laughs.

Mixed Up Love

My Rating:  

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