Tag Archives: 4 Hearts

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:  

Buy Links:  Amazon

Visit Author:  Click Here

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:  

Buy Links:  Amazon

Visit Author:  Click Here

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:  

Buy Links:  Amazon

Visit Author:  Click Here


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:  

Buy Links:  Amazon

Visit Author:  Click Here

The Professor (Fox University – FU # 1)

By Luke Prescott

Synopsis

I’m Professor Drake Grayson. I’ve been teaching Psychology for the last few years at Fox University. It’s a great university, filled with a wide variety of students. Some eager to learn, some eager to get in my pants.

I’ve never crossed that line. I’ve never taken advantage of the power I have. I’ve never wanted to bend a student over my desk like I have with Emma Bower. She makes me want to forget I’m her professor and teach her things that she’ll remember forever. But is the risk worth it?

I’m Emma Bower. I’m in my last year of Fox University as a Psychology major. I can’t wait to get out into the real world and pick people apart. It’s been an amazing four years filled with memories that I’ll never forget.

Especially the penetrating stare of Professor Grayson. That man has been in every fantasy I’ve had since the day I walked in his class. I know he’s untouchable, forbidden, he’s my professor, my mentor. But what if his touches lasted longer and his eyes darkened with a wicked grin? What if the professor everyone wants, wanted me? Would the risk be worth it?

There’s only one way to find out.

Review

THE PROFESSOR is the first book that I’ve from Luke Prescott and it won’t be the last.

I really liked Drake. A professor sleeping with his student is scandalous, but you know that he has never done this before and that he fights his attraction to Emma pretty hard. He doesn’t treat her like he has power over her and he was not afraid of his growing feelings for her. I really liked Emma too, who was smart and very mature and not at all annoying like some college-aged characters can be. Though I did roll my eyes when she described being torn in half every time she and Drake had sex.

Speaking of sex, it was good. Some of the hottest I’ve read in a loooong time. Emma and Drake were damn hot together. DAMN HOT!

I really enjoyed this story, but there’s one big reason why I only gave this 4❤ instead of 5❤, and that reason is the ending. The epilogue is sweet but at the same time disappointing because the story felt unfinished. There’s no HEA or even a HFN, at least in my opinion, and the next book in the series will be about another couple. I’m really hoping that we’ll get updates on Drake and Emma’s relationship from the other books coming out in this series.

THE PROFESSOR is told in dual POVs and is the first book in the Fox University – FU series.

The Professor (Fox University – FU # 1)

My Rating:  

Buy Links:  Amazon

Visit Luke Prescott:  Click Here


Fox University – FU Series

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:  

Buy Links:  Amazon

Visit Author:  Click Here


The Chase (Briar U # 1)

By Elle Kennedy

Synopsis

Everyone says opposites attract. And they must be right, because there’s no logical reason why I’m so drawn to Colin Fitzgerald. I don’t usually go for tattoo-covered, video-gaming, hockey-playing nerd-jocks who think I’m flighty and superficial. His narrow view of me is the first strike against him. It doesn’t help that he’s buddy-buddy with my brother.

And that his best friend has a crush on me.

And that I just moved in with them.

Oh, did I not mention we’re roommates?

I suppose it doesn’t matter. Fitzy has made it clear he’s not interested in me, even though the sparks between us are liable to burn our house down. I’m not the kind of girl who chases after a man, though, and I’m not about to start. I’ve got my hands full dealing with a new school, a sleazy professor, and an uncertain future. So if my sexy brooding roomie wises up and realizes what he’s missing?

He knows where to find me.

Review

THE CHASE is the first book in the Briar U series (a spin-off of the Off-Campus series, which is one of my all-time favorite series) and I won’t lie, I have been waiting for this book for a very long time. Almost two years to be exact and I’m very glad the wait is finally over. As with any book from Elle Kennedy, THE CHASE was a very enjoyable binge read that left me wanting more.

It’s hard to believe that two weeks ago I was excited about seeing Fitz.
Now I’m dreading it. My unicorn is no longer a unicorn. He’s a judgmental donkey.

I liked Summer and Fitz, but Summer was definitely my favorite character. She was a breath of fresh air and was so open and honest. A special mention also has to go out to Brenna, Summer’s new best friend and the daughter of the school’s hockey coach, who was just as ballsy and unapologetic as Summer was. Fitz was a good guy, but he did try my patience with how negative he could be towards Summer simply because her personality was different to his.

I’ve made more of an effort to be social, but deep down I’m still the guy who wants to remain invisible.
Summer is the most visible person I’ve ever met.

THE CHASE is most definitely an angsty, slow burn romance, with Summer and Fitz pushing and pulling each other for more than two thirds of the book, which for me was a very long time to wait for them to get together. I was left with a lot of questions relating to both Summer and Fitz, and if those questions don’t get answered in the following books, it will annoy me greatly. I was a little disappointed with the ending because it felt abrupt, came without an epilogue and came almost immediately after a very big scene had been played out.

THE CHASE is told in dual POVs and comes with a nice enough ending for Summer and Fitz. I’m very much looking forward to Brenna’s book, THE RISK, which is scheduled to be released in February 2019, and I’m desperate to know who her love interest will be. Will it be Hollis, Summer and Fitz’s roommate? Or will it be Jake Connelly, a rival hockey player from Harvard? Time will tell, and I for one hope time flies.

* Please note: This book includes talk about—and includes a couple of scenes of—sexual assault, so take caution if this topic is a trigger for you.

The Chase (Briar U # 1)

My Rating:  

Buy Links:  Amazon | iBooks

Visit Elle Kennedy:  Click Here


Briar U Series

Emilia: Part 2 (Trassato Crime Family #4)

By Lisa Cardiff

Synopsis

I’m the head of the Masciantonio family. I’m a dangerous, ruthless, unforgiving man, and I know how to fight dirty.

Fate put Emilia Trassato in my path. I saw a future with her—I saw hope. But she didn’t agree, and I let her walk away.

Now she’s back, but I’m no longer free to claim her. However, the minute our eyes meet, I know there’s nothing in this entire goddamn world strong enough to keep me from her.

She’s the only woman I’ve ever wanted, and I don’t care how many promises I have to break, or how many lives I have to destroy…I’m not letting her go. Not again.

Because this time…she’s mine. 

Review

Firstly you must read Emilia: Part 1 which was released in May 2017, this will set up the love triangle and where Emilia finds herself at the start of this book.  As it had been a year I re-read book 1 and still loved the drama and suspense around this mafia family.

Salvatore and Marcello provide again great tension, however, I was happy this was not dragged on.  The choice by Emilia is made swiftly in the beginning and I was very satisfied, she chose the right man for her. Their passion was perfect and I loved how we learned so much more about Emilia’s family history.  Her father finally stood up for her.  That was a favourite turn of events in this story for me, to learn more about her mother.

The mystery and suspense were tied up really well by the author, it was worth the wait and I did not pick the dangerous connections.  My only complaint was Part 2 does not have all the angst and drama that Part 1 had and it would have been great to have this whole story in one book to keep the momentum.

Emilia: Part 2 (Trassato Crime Family #4)

My Rating:  

Buy Links:  Amazon

Visit Author:  Click Here


 

Doppelbanger

By Heather M. Orgeron

Synopsis

Doppelbanger; A person who bangs someone solely because they look similar to another person they want to bang.

At thirty-five, Gina Bourque is still playing the field. If he’s single, in his early twenties with dark hair and brooding eyes, there’s a damn good chance you’ll find him in her little black book.

Jeffrey Ryan never imagined that at nearly forty he’d find himself widowed and a single dad. But here he is—stumbling through this thing called life with two impressionable daughters watching his every move.

When Gina and Jeffrey meet while cruising the Caribbean, sparks fly and not in a good way. He’s too old. Too blond. Too stiff. Yet she’s still drawn to him like a moth to a flame. She’s too vulgar. Too sassy. Too wild. But she ignites something inside of him he can’t ignore.

We all know what happens when you play with fire. . . someone’s bound to get burned.

Review

I quite enjoyed DOPPELBANGER, which is the second book from Heather M. Orgeron that I’ve read.

“You burst into our lives like a bomb, when our world needed nothing more than to be shaken up.”

I liked Gina, who has a heart of gold but a mouth that gets her in a lot of trouble. I loved, loved, loved all the kids. Gina’s nephews⏤Landon, Lake and Kyle⏤were a handful and hilarious. Jeffrey’s daughters⏤Evangeline and Willow⏤were feisty and adorable. I loved the scene were Gina and Jeffrey meet, which was awkward and hilarious at the same time.

Unfortunately, Jeffrey wasn’t as likable. Some of the things he said to Gina were so hurtful and some were downright unforgivable. It was so disappointing to see a man—who loves his daughters and loved his wife—treat women so badly. That being said, he was a wonderful father to his two girls, and he did redeem himself in the end, but I still spent most of the book wishing I could kick him in the balls.

DOPPELBANGER is told in dual POVs and, while it has a connection to BOOMERANGERS, you don’t need to read that book to enjoy this one. DOPPELBANGER was very funny, but as with the previous book, some of the humor did feel forced. DOPPELBANGER comes with not one, but two epilogues, both of which were lovely and sweet and perfect ways to end the book. But the extended epilogue—set twelve years in the future—was my favorite one for sure.

Doppelbanger

My Rating:  

Buy Links:  Amazon

Visit Heather M. Orgeron:  Click Here

Catching Callie

By Claire Woods

Synopsis

The Press labeled me campuses “DIRTY PLAYER.”

The scandal I’m caught in just made the national news, ESPN, & Sports Illustrated.

Forced to hide out in a small beach town until I can clear my name, the last thing I expected was to run into her.

Literally.

First she stole my breath, then my heart. But she wants nothing to do with me.

Even my killer smile, panty-melting grin, and cut abs aren’t reeling her in.

She ran.

Twice.

I have six weeks to find my mystery girl, get my reputation back, and prove to her I’m not a dirty player: I’m her prince. The football field is the domain I where I rule, but her heart is the next thing I’m going to capture.

Something tells me Catching Callie is going to be the biggest win of all.

GAME ON.

This is a standalone new adult romance. No cliffhanger, No cheating, HEA.

Review

Catching Callie is a sweet New Adult romance but with some extra heat thrown in to keep you wanting these two lovers to find their HEA.

Both Gabe and Callie have heartache and family dramas to deal with along with trying to give their new romance a true chance.  Many obstacles come their way and the author is true to their situation with the way this story winds up and the Epilogue, which I loved.

There are some great supporting characters, my favourite is Callie’s uncle who was simply such a great guy.

Surprising me was the emotion of both Gabe and Callie but considering what they are dealing with, the author gave them integrity and it felt so real.  The last quarter of this book will have you tearing up and struggling with emotions, especially for Callie.

This story is told randomly from their POV and it even has a couple thrown in from an evil character trying to manipulate their relationship.

Finally, I loved how the author allowed these two characters to follow their individual dreams to eventually find their happy ever after.

Quote:  “I don’t want to be that girl anymore – the one who gets left behind”

Catching Callie

My Rating:  

Buy Links:  Amazon

Visit Author:  Click Here