Tag Archives: Alpha Men

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

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More Than Crave You

By Shayla Black

Synopsis

I’m Evan Cook—billionaire tech entrepreneur and widower. Professionally, I’ve got it all. But since my wife died, my personal life has fallen apart. Remarrying seems like the obvious answer, so I place an ad. I’m not asking for much. The ideal woman only needs to be smart, organized, pretty, and helpful—both in and out of bed—without expecting romance. I never thought to look right in front of me…but it turns out that Nia Wright, my sexy, sassy assistant, just might be the perfect candidate.

After an unexpectedly hot night together, I’m ready to stop interviewing strangers and simply marry her. On paper, she ticks every box on my list. Best of all, she’s far too sensible to fall for me. I didn’t see the flaw in my logic until it was too late. I never thought I’d lose my heart for the first time. And I definitely never imagined Nia could consume me. But she’s harboring a secret that could tear us apart. Can I prove I more than crave her before it’s too late?

Review

Just like all of the books in the More Than Words series, More Than Crave You takes you on an emotional journey. I love the way Shayla Black captures the personalities of all these characters. They really do come to life.

I think More Than Crave You effectively shows that the people around us help shape how we relate to other people. When you are never shown what love really can be then it might be difficult to recognize it when it stares you in the face.

Evan is an interesting character. I had real compassion for him but I also thought he was kind of a jerk at first. But after really finding out how he grew up and then the kind of marriage he had before his wife and child were killed, my opinion quickly changed. He had to learn about real love and was getting a crash course.

Nia is an amazing character. I wish I was more like her. She is very strong and knows that she can’t marry someone like it was a business transaction. She had love in her life and wouldn’t settle unless it was reciprocated to her.

This book has so many levels to it. It explores the relationships that are formed between friends, new found siblings and lovers. The social dynamic is set up so skillfully and you really got an understanding why these characters react the way the do.

Plus there was an extra bonus to this book. There was a little crossover action with another series which now makes me want to read that series again.

More Than Crave You

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)

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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

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Memento Mori (Masters and Mercenaries: The Forgotten #1)

By Lexi Blake

Synopsis

Six men with no memories of the past
One leader with no hope for the future

A man without a past

Jax woke up in a lab, his memories erased, and his mind reprogrammed to serve a mad woman’s will. After being liberated from his prison, he pledged himself to the only thing he truly knows-his team. Six men who lost everything they were. They must make certain no one else gets their hands on the drugs that stole their lives, all while hiding from every intelligence organization on the planet. The trail has led him to an unforgiving mountainside and a beautiful wilderness expert who may be his only hope of finding the truth.

A woman with a bright future

River Lee knows her way around the Colorado wilderness. She’s finally found a home in a place called Bliss after years lost in darkness. The nature guide prefers to show her clients the beauty found in the land, but she also knows the secrets the mountains hold. When she meets Jax, something about the troubled man calls to her. She agrees to lead him to the site of an abandoned government facility hidden deep in the forest. She never dreamed she was stepping into the middle of a battlefield.

A love that could heal a broken soul

Spending time with River, Jax discovers a peace he’s never known. Their passion unlocks a side of himself he didn’t even know he was missing. When an old enemy makes his first move, Jax and River find themselves fighting for their lives. But when his past is revealed, will River be caught in the crosshairs of a global conspiracy?

Review

I hope that I can effectively express how Memento Mori blew me away. I fell for this book in the acknowledgments. Memento Mori was not a term I had not heard before but the meaning could be felt throughout this book.

Jax is the perfect character to start this lost boys spin-off series. He is instantly likable in his dealings with other people and his brothers. He has been through so much and is learning with each interaction with everyone how to be a complete man again. When he falls for River, his world became more complex. He now is torn between his brothers and the person he loves.

River is a woman who has lost a lot. Her first husband turned out to a horrible human being and then she lost her father. She definitely has trust issues. Jax coming into her life confuses her that much more.

The beginning of Memento Mori instantly transported me back to Bliss before I knew Sophie Oak and Lexi Blake were one in the same. I love all the characters new and old. Getting to know Nell again was so much fun. She and Henry are perfect together. Also we were revisited by other residents of Bliss. I also really enjoy Ian Taggart. He has a way of adding his special brand of advice and commentary that makes everyone think.

I can’t go into too much more without giving away major spoilers but I loved the Masters and Mercenaries series and this spin off series has captured the same magic for me. I can’t wait to read about all the lost boys.

Memento Mori

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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The Forbidden Brother (The McNeill Magnates #7)

By Joanne Rock

Synopsis

One night of passion, mistaken identity… and unmistakable consequences! Jillian Ross craves adventure. And she gets it when her new career as a film scout leads her to the ranch owned by the wealthy Wyoming McNeills. Giving in to temptation with the playboy McNeill causes havoc–since it’s actually his reclusive twin, Cody, she’s fallen for! Now she’s pregnant–and still can’t get enough of her reluctant rancher. Is this adventure just beginning?

Review

The Forbidden Brother has the main storyline and then another two running around the center. This annoyed me as I found myself getting into the romance between Cody and Jillian and then we were taken to another character and their issues, especially Scarlet.

It was unresolved at the end with Cody and Jillian and considering her miracle I really wanted to see an ending for them. I have not read any of the other books in the series and do not feel like I was missing anything. There are great characters in this family and I am intrigued by the girl’s mother’s secrets.

Jillian held such interest to me, I immediately connected to her and so when she and Cody began talking about their future I was disappointed I found myself at the end of the story. I could read so much more of this couple.

An easy and light read with Cody and Jillian having lovely emotion and passion with each other.

The Forbidden Brother (The McNeill Magnates #7)

My Rating:

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Giovanni

By Natasha Knight

Synopsis

I’m the right-hand man of the mafia king.
She’s a girl with a past she’s desperate to hide.

But I need something from her.
And I know she won’t help me. Not willingly.
She’ll need some persuading.

Lucky for her, I can do that.

Something about this girl makes me curious, though, and it’s more than the scars that line her back. She’s on the edge of something. Something bad. She’s like a perfect, beautiful doll coming apart at the seams. And the last string is about to snap.

She thinks I’ll hurt her. Break her.
But thing is, she’s already broken. And she and I, we’re two peas in a pod. She’s my match, the perfect opponent. She’ll fight me to the finish, but I’ll win. I always do.

Because I’m a man used to getting what I want. And what I want is her.

Author’s Note: Giovanni is a STANDALONE dark mafia romance set in the Benedetti Brothers Mafia World. It’s an emotionally gripping enemies-to-lovers romance with a hard-earned HEA.

Review

Firstly, I got to chapter 22 and literally put the book down, I took some deep breaths and thought to myself you need to see this story through. Be like Emilia, this strong and courageous woman, I was beside myself with fear and what a reward for the ending. When Emilia faces her past to try and move forward, amazed at her bravery.

I loved, loved, loved this story, Giovanni captured me from those first few pages and Emilia takes you on a roller coaster of emotions.

You know Emilia’s story is harrowing but I had no idea the depths of deception she endured. Giovanni is her saviour, her warrior, and her lover and he balances those throughout this story perfectly.

Their passionate scenes are off the charts however the depth of emotion these two encounter is what surprised me. This is more than just a mafia romance, so many layers for both main characters that just make this story simply perfect in my eyes. Again this author has given us a wonderful Mafia story to be addicted to and devour in a day.

Quote: “To answer your question, no, I don’t think I can break you, Emilia. I think you’re already broken”

Giovanni

My Rating:

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A Change of Pace (Northern Lights #3)

By Freya Barker

Synopsis

Once a man who lived by the letter of the law.

Newt Tobias will do anything for his little girl. Even take early retirement, sell his city home, and move to cottage country, hoping that the simpler life will provide a better balance for his troubled teenage daughter.

Yet, not long after they’ve settled, he finds himself toe-to-toe with a stubborn, fiery-tempered woman with pretty brown eyes.

Once a recluse preferring to live alone.

Working with troubled adolescents, Frederique Marchand doesn’t suffer fools and won’t put up with bullies. Especially handsome strangers like Newt who think they can run roughshod over her. She loves her work, but on her own time, she much prefers the company of her menagerie of animals.

But with the welfare of a teenager at stake, she must put aside rocky first impressions and work with a man who needs her as much as she’ll come to need him.

Review

A Change of Pace is now my favourite of this series, I did not think anything could top Book 1 but this Author has told such an incredibly heartfelt story with too many wonderful characters.

I simply loved the dedication at the beginning to motherhood – it sets the tone of the entire story. A woman can be a mother to a child without giving birth, love knows no boundaries.

The journey that Freddy and Millie take together was just inspiring and to see Millie grown as a young woman will melt your heart.

With sensitive subjects covered we are given moments of small-town humour and adolescent struggles. The story continues with so many rich layers of new families forming and solid friendships.

The menagerie of animals and children and the concept of different families strengthened the message in A Change of Pace of motherhood in all different forms.

These characters, in particular, the trio of Freddy, Newt, and Millie all had battle scars of loss. They all fought in their own way to want to live fulfilling lives and believe in love and second chances.

Newt’s love of his daughter knew no bounds and his desire for her to find herself again by trusting others. Jim and Jordan’s storyline is another I loved as father and son and what a surprise with Phyllis – loved that curveball.

Finally, the Epilogue gives hope and also wonderful closure for Millie, Newt and Freddy.

Quote: “Sometimes you need time to slow down so you can appreciate the wealth around you. Most days we just run past it”

A Change of Pace (Northern Lights #3)

My Rating:

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The Beast of Aubyn Hall (Bookworms & Alphas #2)

By Alex L Michaels

Synopsis

Meet Bookworms & Alphas!
Where men like to give orders, but women don’t like to listen.

The man they call the beast, sworn off love, meets the bookish beauty who thinks that love exists only in books.

When Bronte Beltran finds out that her next assignment is cataloging the famous Aubyn Hall library, she’s ecstatic. But when she finds out they call the owner the Beast of Aubyn Hall, not so much. A week in a dusty library should be right up her alley. But a wrong word at the wrong time and she might just find out what exactly is beastly about the Beast of Aubyn Hall.

Note from the author:
The Beast of Aubyn Hall is the second book in the series Bookworms & Alphas!
Each book is a standalone and can be read separately, although it’s recommended that the books are read in a suggested reading order.

Review

The Beast to Aubyn Hall is a slow burn with plenty of angst, drama and also surprisingly humour. The story concept drew me in as I love a book nerd girl finding her true love with an alpha male.

Bronte is a great character whom I immediately connected with and followed her journey through the two weeks she spends at Aubyn Hall. This is a slow build up and I admit by the end I was as sexually frustrated as both Bronte and Cain.

Cain was hard to connect for me, I found him so gruff and abrupt and also his actions gave me whiplash. One minute all alpha and the next he was like a sulking child which put me off a little.

Now a character I really loved was Magnussen his best friend, he actually softened Cain’s edges and allowed me to forgive his actions. He actually made Cain accountable and gave him the emotional support and enabled me to learn more and become attached to Cain.

Bronte’s work friends were strange, I actually thought they were not overly nice to her and I second guessed if they would have her back or not. They did provide humour again at moments to offset the burning sexual tension.

Now the ending, I loved how we finally find out how and why Bronte was chosen to work on his library. That moment actually brought tears to my eyes. I actually would have loved more emotion like that between Cain and Bronte but then in hindsight, they were both very careful with their emotional feelings.

Quote: I have set my mind on you … and I’m keeping you

The Beast of Aubyn Hall (Bookworms & Alphas #2)

My Rating:

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