Tag Archives: Alpha Men

Order of Protection (A Courting Justice Novel)

By Lexi Blake

Synopsis

To high-end defense attorney Henry Garrison, Win Hughes is a woman he met during one of the most trying times of his life. She’s soft and warm, and he finds solace in their brief relationship. But Win has a secret. She’s actually Taylor Winston-Hughes–born to one of the wealthiest families in the country, orphaned as a child by a tragic accident. Win moves in the wealthiest circles, but her lavish lifestyle hides her pain.

When her best friend is murdered in the midst of a glittering New York gala, Win’s charged with the crime, and the only person in the world she wants to see is Henry.

Henry is shocked at the true identity of his lover, but he can’t reject the case. This trial could take his new firm into the stratosphere. Still, he’s not getting burned by Win again. And yet every turn brings them closer together.

As the case takes a wild turn and Win’s entire life is upended, she must look to the people she’s closest to in order to find a killer. And Henry must decide between making his case and saving the woman he loves…

Review

Order of Protection takes us on an emotional journey. Two people who are very successful but are both missing pieces of their lives.

Henry meets Win and falls for her but doesn’t really know who she is. Win meets this incredible guy who she has great chemistry with but knows that there is an expiration date on their relationship. When she is charged with murder Henry is there to save her. Even if he can’t trust her again.

I loved this story. The characters are well developed. I definitely have a true sense of who Win and Henry are and why they rushed to judgement. I also love that this series has a connection to the Lawless series. Noah another sibling of the Lawless clan shows that he is just as brilliant as the rest of the family.

This story also had a definite theme that everyone’s vision of perfect is different. And I liked the fact that Win suffered with an eating disorder challenged her perception of what perfect is. This part of the story took more personal turn for me but didn’t dominate the rest of the story lines.

I really found this story to be fast paced and full of surprises. I can’t wait for the next book in this series.

Order of Protection

My Rating:

Buy Links: Amazon

Visit Author: Lexi Blake

Trouble (Made & Broken #3)

By Nora Ash

Synopsis

I share everything with my twin—every man I kill, every woman I fuck. But once my sight is set on her… she’s all mine.

Audrey

If there is one thing I don’t have time for, it’s men. Especially not men six years my junior, with a wicked smile and abs for days. No self-respecting woman with career goals and bills to pay would fall for a guy like Liam Steel—he’s everything I never wanted, with his easy laugh and complete disregard for rules.

He’s not the man for me, I know he isn’t. He’s got secrets, and if I get too close they’ll end up burning me alive.

So why can’t I stay away?

Liam

It was meant to be a harmless fling—she was supposed to be just another quick fuck before I was out the door. But Audrey Waits is so much more than I ever thought she’d be.

She’s the one.

I should be happy I’ve found the woman I want to marry. After all, isn’t that what everyone spends their entire life searching for? Their one true love.

Too bad I’ll never get my Happy Ever After.

How can I, when being with me means she’s marked for death?

Louis

It was always Liam and me. Through every hit we’ve done, every woman we’ve fucked and every loss we’ve suffered, we’ve been left standing because we had each other’s backs.

Then she showed up. The prissy little bird who’s wrapped my twin around her finger, making him careless. Making him vulnerable.

In our business, you have a weakness, you’re dead. And if there’s one thing I won’t survive, it’s losing Liam.

So I’ll protect him—even from himself, if I have to.

I’ll make her think I’m him.

And then I’ll break her.

She’ll regret they day she fell in love with a Steel.

Review

I admit I have loved the Made & Broken Series, the first two were five heart reads. This final installment had an action-packed second half with emotion and spine-tingling moments. I felt the emotional connection between Liam, Louis, and Audrey.

Liam and Audrey’s romantic journey felt slow for me. Louis played a sneaky game of the heart and it felt too quick within the storyline. Trouble in some parts just felt rushed. I could not feel the three characters connection as deeply as I did other couples in this series.

The author created tense and exciting final moments for the mob family drama and secrets were well played. Can I say I really loved the Russian when he dealt with Audrey, it provided humour at a dark moment. Also, my favourite brother being Marcus returns so I was very happy.

. The author neatly tied up all the family with a great Epilgoue. This series had a great trio of strong female characters who all balanced these mafia brothers, I would have loved to have met Ellie.

Trouble (Made & Broken #3)

My Rating:

Buy Links: Amazon

Visit Author: Click Here

The Dom Who Loved Me (Masters & Mercenaries #1)

By Lexi Blake

Synopsis

A routine mission…

Sean Taggart is hunting a deadly terrorist, and his only lead is the lovely Grace Hawthorne. She’s the executive assistant for an employment agency Sean suspects is a front for illegal activities. To get the truth, he is going to have to get very close to Grace, a task he is all too eager to undertake when he discovers her deliciously submissive nature.

…turns into a dangerous seduction.

Soon, Grace Hawthorne is living a double life. By day, she is the widowed mother of two college-aged sons. By night, she submits to Sean’s every dark desire. She’s living out her wildest fantasies of pleasure—intimate acts of trust she’s only read about. As passion engulfs her, a murderer strikes, and Grace learns that Sean has a deeply hidden agenda. Will Sean choose his mission and break her heart or be the Master of her dreams?

Review

The Masters & Mercenaries series was recommended to me by a friend. I also wanted to know more about the McKay-Taggart group having read the Lawless Series by this author.

I could believe the attraction with the age difference between Sean & Grace. Sean Taggert has seen a lot in his 32 years. A favourite part for me was their connection and growing relationship. Sean is creative and nurturing yet dominating and highly intelligent and I loved him.

A pivotal moment for me was when Grace mentions that word “Elephant”. After this period her strength and determination shine through. She was such a strong and integral character in this story. She changed peoples perceptions including Ian Taggart whose dominance just beats below the surface of this story.

Following their romance story is the mystery intelligence operation. We get to meet the many characters who make up the McKay-Taggart group. The double-crossing within the story is by no means finished at the conclusion.

I look forward to seeing more of this couple in the coming books.

The Dom Who Loved Me (Masters & Mercenaries #1)

My Rating:

Buy Links: Amazon

Visit Author: Click Here

Series Link: Click Here

Unhinged (The Amado Brothers #3)

By Natasha Knight

Synopsis

Eve

Two years ago, I made a deal with the devil. That night, I lost everything. That night, I thought he died.

But he’s back. Risen, like Lazarus, from the dead. And he’s dark. Darker than he was before. More dangerous. Unhinged. A scarred, tattooed savage.

The way he looks at me should terrify me, but I’m drawn to him, to his intensity. Consumed by it. By him. Even though I know if I’m not careful, his obsession will destroy me.

Zach

I should have died that night two years ago. My mistake cost my men their lives. It should have cost me mine. But I survived. And the day I learned she did too, I made it my mission to find her.

I sought her out. Tracked her. Shadowed her every move. I’ve been inside her home. Eaten her food. Drank her liquor.

I’ve stood beside her bed and watched her sleep.

She has so many secrets, and I know one of them. It’s the one where our pasts collided. The one that destroyed me.

And it’s the reason I’ve come for her.

I never intended to touch her, but I did. And now that I’ve had a taste, I want more. I want her. But that won’t change why I’m here. It won’t change why I came for her.

Review

Unhinged had me hooked from the first few pages, upon finishing the Prequel I immediately wanted to know how Eve and Zach survived. Personally, the Prequel gives you the background to the deception that Zach believes and explains the isolation for Eve.

I love the cover of this book, it is easy to imagine Zach and believe the tension and his need for answers and revenge.

There were so many secrets in this story and questions that are all answered, I never guessed or saw the double-crossing. This is definitely standalone within the series, I could easily follow the entire story and have no questions at the conclusion. There are some dark and violent moments but they are relevant to the story, nothing is unnecessary.

Eve was strong and Zach was very conflicted. Their passionate scenes were well placed within the flow of the fast-paced story. Their moments were frantic at times in line with the story but also sensual and romantic and healing for them both.

Unhinged is another dark and dangerous read. This author knows how to give us a tortured alpha with whom we follow their path to finding that strongwilled woman to heal their heart.

Unhinged (The Amado Brothers #3)

My Rating:

Buy Links: Amazon

Visit Author: Click Here

Betrayed (The Amado Brothers #2.5)

By Natasha Knight

Synopsis

I didn’t think I had anything left to lose when I went to him. It was the only way to save what was left of my family. I knew I was taking a chance, knew there would be consequences, but I had no choice. Not if I wanted to save my brother.

He warned me to be careful. That my brother wasn’t who I thought he was. I didn’t believe him though. Not until it was too late.

And it cost us both everything.

Betrayed is the free 7500 word prequel to the intensely emotional dark standalone romance, UNHINGED.

Review

Betrayed will leave you hanging at the end, it is a great teaser to the Novel Unhinged which I have already bought.

We travel over a period of a few months and it gives us a build up to the history that is Zach and Eve and how they meet and the double-crossing involving her brother.

Upon finishing Betrayed I immediately went and began reading Unhinged which is already giving me a nervous energy. Betrayed is a delightful dark teaser that will ignite questions and also a slow burn with their chemistry. I am dying to know what happens to these two characters and how Eve is treated by her brother.

Betrayed (The Amado Brothers #2.5)

My Rating:

Buy Links: Amazon

Visit Author: Click Here

Monster (Made & Broken #2)

By Nora Ash

Synopsis

Marcus

They call me crazy. Sociopath. A monster without a conscience.

I always thought they were right. I don’t back down from anything, and the only thing that can quell the rage in my gut is killing.

Then she walked into my life. The woman who seduced me to steal my Family’s secrets.

I should kill her, but when I look into her eyes, all the monster in me wants is to protect her.

Eve

It was supposed to be an easy job: Seduce a ruthlessly handsome man and steal his pen drive while he’s sleeping. Not the worst thing I’ve had to do to while working on the streets, by far.

I didn’t know he was the son of London’s most dangerous crime family—and I didn’t know that looking at the pictures on that goddamn pen drive would make the entire country’s underworld hunt for me.

He’s the only one powerful enough to protect me now, but I’m not sure if that’s what he’s got in mind. I’ve seen what he does to the people who cross him.

He’s a monster.

And now, his sights are set on me.

Review

Monster was a surprising read, I knew it was going to be dark but I did not expect the emotion it would envoke in me. I did not expect the knots in my throat at the end when I found myself sad but also hopeful. When I first met Marcus in Dangerous (Made & Broken #1) he immediately drew me in, I wanted to know his story.

Monster reflects his true inner turmoil and some readers may find him hard to connect with. He is dark, dangerous yet draws you in, you want him to find peace. He is brutal when his inner demons come out, some parts of this story are quite violent but they reflect Marcus. What healed my turmoil over this was his brother’s actions and how they silently backed him up, they were always there for him.

Evelyn was a perfect female character for Marcus, the way she communicates to the Monster and draws him to the light was beautiful. She was strong and resilient and stood up for herself.

I was glad the author took their love on a different path to Blaine and Mira, even though it was still insta-love. The author explains the attraction for both Blaine and Marcus towards the end of this story with their mother. We learn more about the Steel family and all their secrets. This is a great Mob Romance that held me captive and I read in a day.

Again, upon finishing book 1, I bought book 2 and 3 as these brothers all drew me in and I need to know their stories. I am so excited to read the twins story about what type of women brings these two to their knees.

Monster ends at a sad but also happy moment in time for this couple. I do hope I find out more about Marcus and Evelyn in the third book being Trouble. I would love to see these Steel brothers unite their family together in this final installment especially with their other brother.

Monster (Made & Broken #2)

My Rating:

Buy Links: Amazon

Visit Author: Click Here

Dangerous (Made & Broken #1)

By Nora Ash

Synopsis

Killer. Heartbreaker. Husband…?

Blaine
I hurt, break and kill for a living. The Family point, I deliver.
But this time, they ask too much. This time, they want me to marry the one woman who knows my secret. She has reason to hate me, I know, but I’ll take her, I’ll break her, and I’ll make her mine.
That’s the only way I can keep my secret.

Mira
When I ran away eight years ago, I thought I’d escaped the underworld I’d always known.
I made a life for myself. I thought I was free. Then my past came knocking at my door.
Now I’m marrying the son of London’s biggest crime family. A man who hates me as much as I hate him. He’s ruthless, brutal, and dangerous—everything I’ve always feared.
He’s taken away the life I built, he’s taken my freedom. And now, I fear he’s taken my sanity, too.
How else could I have ended up pregnant with his baby?

**Dangerous is a full-length romance novel with a guaranteed HEA, no cheating, and no cliffhanger!**

Review

Dangerous was such a surprising read, it was fast paced, flowed well for me and the two main characters had a great personal connection. Whilst reading Dangerous I could feel the emotional pull between these two headstrong people.

Mira was beautiful and very easy to love, her life has been so dramatic and dangerous. The way Blaine wanted to protect her in his own stubborn way was amusing at times and frustrating at others. The Mob story held my interest and was intense and sad at times in particular for Mira in what she endured at the hands of her father and brothers. There are not many sex scenes between the two but when they do it is passionate. The emotional build up is wonderful and relative to the story and helps build their relationship.

Blaine’s brothers provided such interest that upon finishing this book I immediately went and purchased the other two books in this series. Marco is just so dark and intriguing, I cannot wait to meet the woman that breaks down his barriers. The two twins are funny and relentless in their support of their family.

My only complaint was the way this ended, it was too quick and I wanted the conclusion with the story. Thank god you can sign up with the author and you get a bonus chapter which gives you answers. I hope we get to see more of Mira and Blaine in the coming books.

Dangerous (Made & Broken #1)

My Rating:

Buy Links: Amazon

Visit Author: Click Here

My Champion (Bewitched and Bewildered # 7)

By Alanea Alder

Synopsis

Declan Lionhart has been running interference between the Founding Families and the citizens of Noctem Falls since the day he arrived in the city. His hopes of being a simple unit warrior crumbles in the face of their troubles and it looks like he will always be bound by his family’s political legacy. But with current tensions skyrocketing to unimaginable levels, Declan’s laid back persona and easy smile are needed now more than ever.

Kari Delaney has finally achieved everything she’s ever wanted. The business she created from scratch is booming and she has her dream custom built condo in the heart of the small town where she was raised. But all that changes the day she gets her evacuation notice.

Despite being a vampire, Kari hates Noctem Falls and the politics that permeates every aspect of life within the city. Under protest she and her younger brother leave for the City of the Night.

Declan is smitten with his little general and the strength she exudes. But when it’s just the two of them he begins to break down her carefully constructed walls and shows her that even though he’s easy going, he is still an Alpha, and his lion is demanding her heart.

When the entire city erupts into chaos with matings being dissolved and Founding Families making alliances, Declan realizes it will take every trick he learned at his father’s knee to maneuver through the murky political waters swirling around them. Both he and his mate race against time to keep the people of the city safe, despite homesick children, disastrous dinners, Meryn’s wacky revenge plans and an unexpected pairing.

Review

MY CHAMPION is the seventh book in the Bewitched and Bewildered series and was another enjoyable read. The story continues on from MY GUARDIAN and follows the mating of Declan (lion shifter) and Kari (vampire), and we’re still in Noctem Falls. With twenty books planned for this series, I assume that each of the four pillar cities will get five books apiece, and that only the highest ranking Unit Warriors for each city will have stories written about them.

I’ll be honest, I don’t remember much about Declan at all. Kari was a bit more memorable with her take-charge-and-get-things-done personality, but I can’t say much else about her either. Why? Because unlike the first five books in this series, the couple and their relationship hasn’t been the main focus of the story for books six and seven. Instead, the focus has shifted to Meryn and trying to figure out what’s going on in the paranormal world. While I’m very interested in the conspiracies that have been going on for centuries, I’m disappointed that it’s at the expense of the romance side of things.

On top of the lack of romance, there are a few other minor issues. I agree with what others have said about Meryn becoming more childish as the series progresses. I’m hoping we’ll see the old Meryn again in future books, especially when she seems to be connected to everything that’s going on. Quite a few conversations felt disjointed and hard to follow, with topics changing at random before turning back around to a previous topic. Finally, with so many new characters being introduced, they’re all starting to blur together. I found myself having to stop quite a few times and saying to myself “Who is this person again?”.

If you’re still reading this review, you might be wondering why I’ve given MY CHAMPION 5❤ when it sounds like I didn’t enjoy the book. Well, it’s because despite what I’ve said above, I did enjoy it. There were scenes that had me laughing out loud and the story arc has me chomping at the bit for the next book.

MY CHAMPION is told in dual POVs, with the epilogue being told in Grant’s POV as he’ll get the next book. While each book is about a different couple, the books in this series cannot be read as a stand-alone and must be read in order.

My Champion (Bewitched and Bewildered # 7)

My Rating:

Buy Links: Amazon | iBooks

Visit Alanea Alder: Click Here

Bewitched & Bewildered Series

Stronger Than This

By Abby McCarthy

Synopsis

Marie:
I married a monster — a member of a motorcycle club. I was okay with him blurring the lines until the lines he crossed turned against me. He wasn’t always a monster, or he hid it well. I wouldn’t have married him if I’d known. By the time his true colors showed, I was pregnant with no way out. Until one day, years of planning paid off, and I was able to run away with my daughter.
I found my footing in the foothills of Pennsylvania, thinking I would be far from any MC. I was wrong.

Mickey:
As a member of The Devil’s Crusaders, not much escapes me in Wakeman. Especially not the tiny, fiery redhead who strolled into town, so obviously hiding from something. She made my blood boil in the best way possible. I’d avoided taking an old lady, instead, choosing to spend my years raising my daughter. Not anymore. Not since Marie. I was ready, and she was it for me. I just had to find out what she was hiding from before it finally catches up to her

Review

Stronger Than This started perfectly and drew me in from the first few chapters. After knowing where we are headed you have a continual feeling of waiting for Marie’s future and past to collide.

Mickey was just a perfect male character and once I got used to his accent it flowed well. I had not read any other books by this author and could easily follow the supporting characters. The sense of family amongst these characters provide light and laughter to an at times dark and sad story.

There was no unnecessary drama in this story and considering some of the topics covered it was welcomed as a reader to just follow Marie’s journey. The beautiful way other women were woven into becoming Marie’s tribe was refreshing.

Talon was a realistic character in her honest expression of changing her life. It was lovely to follow this mother and daughter rebuild their connection to each other after living in lies and deceit. Drake was a frightening character and towards the end, I was beside myself with fear.

The last few chapters of this story are at times hard to read as I had forged such a strong connection to Marie and Talon. The journey is worth it as we are given a wonderful happy ever after.

Stronger Than This

My Rating:

Buy Links: Amazon

Visit Author: Click Here

Sweet Redemption (Sweet Duet #2)

By Ellie Jean

Synopsis

Powerfully romantic, sexually charged and full of emotional angst, the sequel to Sweet Deception will enrapture your heart.

Dreaming of a future with Alex Raven was foolish and dangerous… For us both.

My past defined who I was until Alex Raven found me that fateful night. The hot chemistry, passion and protective love he showed me made me want things I could never have. Risking everything, purging my sins, determined to free myself from the clutches of Dimitri Sokolov, I had to accept the ultimate consequence: my life without Alex.

But no one saw what was coming.

How could I have known?

Will I be able to save myself from my past errors? Will redemption ever happen for me with the one man who made me want to risk everything?

Review

Sweet Redemption was a frantic and soul-destroying yet also stunning completion of this riveting mob suspense romance duet. My heart was shattered for Isla but I also held such hope that Alex would be her savior and we are given a wonderful ending, it was so worth the journey.

Their story picks up right where Sweep Deception ended and I found it very easy to immerse myself back into this sinister world. Isla is so fragile yet incredibly strong and in the first few chapters has to find her inner strength again as she battles for freedom.

Alex and his friends again provided so many favourite moments for me. The story flows well, family secrets are revealed and plot twists change that will leave you relieved and also distraught at points in time.

Alex and Isla’s connection is beautiful and passionate however I would have loved more tender moments especially as we reached the end of this story. There is one moment where I personally believe a more soft and sensual interaction would have healed both their hearts and injuries.

All in all, I love this mafia romance, it had drama, deceit, secrets and ultimately unsuspecting hero’s who returns to save the day.