Tag Archives: Must Read Again

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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On Her Master’s Secret Service (Masters & Mercenaries #4)

By Lexi Blake

Synopsis

Her submission fulfilled her

When Eve St. James married Alex McKay, she had her whole life ahead of her. They were the FBI’s golden couple by day, but by night Eve gave herself over to her husband’s world of Dominance and submission filled with pleasures she came to crave.

His betrayal destroyed her

Worried for her safety, Alex left Eve behind to tackle a dangerous mission. But Alex never suspected that Eve was the real target and her security is destroyed by a madman. By the time he rescues her, his wife has been changed forever.

But when her life is in danger he is her only hope

Unable to heal the damage, Alex and Eve are still trapped together in a cycle of pleasure and misery that even their divorce cannot sever. But when a threat from Eve’s past resurfaces, Alex will stop at nothing to save her life and reclaim her heart.

Review

Alex and Eve’s story has blown this series out of the park, this is my favourite so far. So much action, emotion, passion, and secrets.

Firstly, about halfway through I had a feeling about a character, I was beside myself wanting to know if I was right, the ramifications!! What a fine tale the author wove and I can only imagine what Big Tag’s story is going to give us. The last few pages give us an insight and I am so excited.

Alex and Eve have been two characters who held my attention from the first book. Eve has played her part in helping Sean, Adam, Jake, and Liam to open their hearts to love. Can Eve open hers again? Her story is tragic and one I was not prepared for. This story flowed really well and I could not put this down.

I kept changing my thoughts and opinions on characters, who the bad guys were, who would be Eve’s saviors? She is a fighter and my heart wept with joy with her returning to Alex and his strength and dominance. These two characters are simply soul mates and I loved seeing them return to each other. I hope further miracles happen for these two.

On Her Master’s Secret Service (Masters & Mercenaries #4)

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Justice (Creed Brothers #1)

By K. C. Lynn

Synopsis

Fate made us brothers, loyalty made us family.

A bond that runs deeper than the Mississippi, my brothers and I might not have the same DNA but what we share is far more powerful. Our loyalty to one another and the man who made us a family is stronger than those bound by blood.

The most sought out sharp shooters in the country, our paths were certain, before one woman changed my life and altered the relationship I have with my brothers.

Ryanne Lockwood disappeared without a trace but her memory never faded, torturing me on the darkest nights. Until a twist of fate leads me back to her, sending our worlds to collide once more, and this time, there will be no escaping me.

***

Justice Creed’s bad boy appeal caught my attention from the moment he rolled into town. For years I watched from afar, swallowing up the rumors that surrounded him.

Until we shared a night of forbidden passion. One that destroyed my heart and reshaped my soul, and it sent me fleeing from the only town I’ve ever known.

Now, years later, he’s barged back into my life, uncovering a secret I’ve worked so hard to keep and it’s one that will change our lives forever.

Review

Justice had me hooked from the first chapter, I read in a day, could not put this emotional and beautiful story down. Hannah and Thatcher were standout supporting characters for me, they provided love, humour and poignant moments.

Knox and Braxten, Justice’s foster brothers I fell in love with and I have already added their stories to my Goodreads list. Knox is an enigma and there are still so many secrets to reveal in the next two stories and what amazing women we are yet to meet. It is going to take some incredible women for Braxton and Knox to fall upon the romantic sword.

Ryanne was such a beautiful, strong and resilient character. Her strength and love she showed for Hannah was simple perfection.

Justice and Ryanne have intense chemistry and the way the author built their relationship over the entire story was perfect. Each moment and change to deepen their relationship just made this whole romantic story such a pleasure to read. There is a highly erotic moment towards the end, it was pivotal and held such meaning.

Justice left me so satisfied and I cannot wait to return to this family, these three men are incredibly strong yet sensitive and their love and protection of Thatcher simply put is admirable.

Love the cover of Justice. The flow of the entire story held my attention and made my heart beat with love and anticipation.

Also on a side note love the thanks for Bloggers on her Acknowledgements!

Justice (Creed Brothers #1)

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Captive Beauty

By Natasha Knight

Synopsis

Cilla

The Beast had Belle.
Killian Black has me.

How I got here doesn’t matter, even though he says it does. Says it was my choice. He doesn’t get it, though. It wasn’t ever a choice for me.

And now, he’s changing the rules.

The agreement was one month. For thirty days, I’d be his. He’s no longer satisfied with my body alone, though. He wants my soul, too. Wants every part of me. And even though I can pretend I’m safe when I lie beneath him, this man does something to me. Something wicked.

A thing that will break me.

Killian

People suck at consequences.

Cilla made the choice. She offered the deal. I just took her up on it. So what if I changed the rules half-way in? I’m not apologizing for it.

See, Cilla and me, we’re the same. She’s dark. As dark as me. Something happened to her. Something bad. It damaged her.

But it’s not a hero she seeks. It’s an avenging angel. A dark knight. That, I can do. I’ll slay her dragons, but it’ll cost her, because in return, I want everything. And I’ll take it.

She’s mine.

Author’s note: Captive Beauty is a standalone romance. Think Beauty and the Beast, but twisted and dark in the best, dirtiest ways.

Review

Loved this Dark and erotic romance with a highly emotional and thought-provoking sub-story.

Cilla and her brother’s story Is heartbreaking and when you think you know their secret, be prepared. I had a thought about them and was praying I was wrong, I was not, it brought tears to my eyes.

Kill’s history is no better with his own family and this will make you forgive him for his highly built emotional barriers. His ability to see past Cillas walls and his relentless need to slay her dragons made him my hero.

Kill and Cilla in their own way heal each other and it is beautiful and painful. Their love and passion are not enough to break their barriers. I was simply riveted by this story, the pace is perfect as is the suspenseful secrets.

The sexual scenes are frantic, sensual and loving, no two scenes are the same.

It was interesting to follow the change in the relationship dynamics between Cilla, Kill, and Jones. The characters grew and developed over the story which was impressive considering their mental, physical and emotional traumas.

The epilogue is heartwarming and has left me totally satisfied.

Captive Beauty

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Midnight Blue

By L J Shen

Synopsis

From bestselling author L.J. Shen, comes a new, standalone, contemporary romance.

It should have been easy.
I needed the money. He needed a babysitter to keep him from snorting himself to death.
I was cherry-picked especially for him. Responsible. Optimistic. Warm. Innocent.
The worst part is that I should have known better.
Alex Winslow. British rock star. Serial heartbreaker. Casanova with whiskey eyes.
“Don’t get near the devil in a leather jacket. He’ll chew you up and spit you out.”
Guess what? I didn’t listen.
I signed the contract.
World tour. Three months. Four Continents. One hundred shows.
My name is Indigo Bellamy, and I sold my soul to a tattooed god.
Problem was, my soul wasn’t enough for Alex Winslow. He ended up taking my body, too.
Then he took my heart.
Then he took my all.

Review

Indie from the first few chapters in MIdnight Blue melted my heart, made me feel helpless but also determined. She was strong and stubborn yet so fragile at moments that made me tear up particularly for her family situation.

Alex was a typical musician and his music family provided many complications in this story and drama.

Alex and Indie’s physical and emotional connection to each other was poetry on the pages.

Midnight Bue is told in dual point of view thereby assisting in connecting to both characters and their personal demons. Personally, the length of the story was wonderful and allowed us to fully engage with the characters and the build-up to the dramatic secrets being revealed.

I definitely enjoyed the second half of Midnight Blue more than the first but they both were important to the overall build up and sexual frustration to this story. The way the author takes us to different cities around the world was enjoyable.

Moving to the Paris chapter, I was expecting drama with the reunion but to experience, the devastation and betrayal in that chapter simply left me shattered.

Indie will stay with me for a long time, her individuality and the way the music family became her protectors was beautiful and gave me hope.

Finally, the Epilogue was brilliant and left me totally satisfied with all the characters and their final moments of where Midnight Blue concludes.

Quote: “You look at me with dynamite in your eyes, waiting for me to light up the match and finally set you on fire”

Midnight Blue

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Until November (Until #1)

By Aurora Rose Reynolds

Synopsis

November is looking forward to getting to know her father and the safety of a small town. After leaving the big apple and her bad memories for Tennessee, November starts working for her dad at his strip club doing the books. The one time she’s allowed there during club hours she runs into Asher Mayson. He’s perfect until he opens his mouth and makes assumptions. November wants nothing to do with Asher but too bad for November fate has other plans. Asher Mayson has never had a problem getting a woman that is until November. Now all he can think about is making November his and keeping her safe.

THIS IS NOT A CLIFF HANGER.
Newly Edited and Updated Version
*Recommended for mature audiences 17+ due to strong language and sexual content.*

Review

Until November is a wonderfully romantic story that I could not put down. It had all the elements for me of an easy romantic read, family, friends and great passion.

November is a beautiful character and to follow her making a new life with her dad gives you all the good feelings. She is such a generous and lovely character and I immediately connected with her. She is not overly dramatic, she is honest and stands up for herself.

Asher is all alpha goodness and the way he makes November believe she is beautiful gives you all the good feelings. Asher and his brother’s relationship provide great humorous moments. The brothers are so protective of November and it is great to follow their friendships develop. Another two great characters were Asher’s mum and dad who give November more family that she missed out on. I was surprised that November’s dad did drop out of the story but then we were centered around November and Asher.

The way Asher accepts Beast into his life and moves November into his house makes you love this big tough guy.

There is a suspense story in the background for November that will keep you guessing.

I cannot wait to read all he brothers romance stories. The Until series is going to provide some great Alpha romance.

Until November (Until #1)

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Savage

By L.A. Fiore

Synopsis

They call him a monster.
Pale blue eyes as cold as ice that see right through you.
He’s hard.
He’s damaged.
He’s dangerous.
He lives in a castle fit for a fairy tale, but he’s no prince.
He’s savage.
He’s brutal.
He’s a killer.
By an act of fate, our worlds collide.
They call him a monster, but he is my salvation.

Due to strong language and sexual content, this book is not intended for readers under the age of 18.

Review

Firstly, I loved Savage, it was a fantastic story of romance, darkness, traumatic events and redemption. It was imperative to know both characters history as their connection made total sense.

Savage has a strong and solid mystery element to it’s story which I loved along with all the connections that are revealed at the end. Consequently, I could not stop turning the pages of this story, the pacing for me was good.

Lizzie was simply an amazing character. The storyline around her painting and how it provided her source of strength and beauty in her life was soothing. She had an ability to break down barriers and she did that with Brogan. As a result, she gave him love and he became the wolf at her door.

A favourite supporting character who became a warrior was Lizzie’s father. Further, when her father and Brogan joined forces to stand strong for her, he redeemed himself in my eyes.

Brogan was perfection in my eyes, alpha protective and so smart. While Brogan was dominant, his interactions with supporting characters showed he had empathy and love to give.

Finally, this story has it all, romance, mystery, suspense and passionate scenes. I was not ready to leave these characters and the author’s epilogue allows us to see their happy ever after.

Quote: “You’re scary, intimidating too, but I know a kindred spirit when I see one. Life hasn’t been very kind to either of us.”

Savage

My Rating:

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Ripples

By Aleatha Romig

Synopsis

Ripples: A Consequences Stand-alone Novel

You don’t have to read the Consequences series to enjoy this stand-alone novel, but if you know Tony Rawlings, you know that disappointing him isn’t an option. Imagine being his youngest daughter…imagine telling him the unimaginable…

“Those who don’t know history are doomed to repeat it.”

Sometimes ideas find you, and dreams begin as nightmares. Sometimes the truth that has been kept hidden is the key to opening a door you never knew existed.

“You might not know me. I’m the baby of the Rawlings family, the princess, the daughter who came along later. I’m not like my older siblings, successful at everything they touch. My mother and father have provided me with every luxury as well as their unyielding love and support, but I’m not spoiled. I’m also not content. By example, my parents have shown me how love should be. I don’t know their past, and that doesn’t matter. I know what I’ve seen—two people devoted to one another.

I don’t believe that I’ll ever find that kind of love, the kind that forgives and accepts all. And as my life falls to pieces and I travel to visit my family to face their disappointment, I’m not even looking for it.

I’m looking for an escape…from my life as a Rawlings…from the pressure to achieve and not let others down. I dream of the time I can live for my own desires without the expectations that come with my name.

I don’t find what I’m seeking…it finds me. Or should I say…he finds me.

This time is different. I have a family who will search for me and find the answers. Little do we know—any of us—that my father set my journey into motion long before I was born.”

“Just as ripples spread out when a single pebble is dropped into water, the actions of individuals can have far-reaching effects.” ~Dalai Lama

Ripples (Unabridged Version) is Natalie’s story, the youngest of Tony and Claire’s children—their baby. This story first appeared in shorter form in Glamour: Contemporary Fairytale Retellings. Due to the length restriction of each novella in that anthology, many scenes in Ripples were shortened or omitted for that anthology. This unabridged edition is the entire story—double in length and—a full-length novel.

Please enjoy this Consequences novel along with special appearances from your favorite Consequences characters.

Review

Ripples left me wanting so much more for Nat and Dexter. The author notes at the end, let’s hope these characters keep talking so we can continue on the journey. I loved this story of Claire and Tony’s younger daughter. She is so like Claire in personality, it gave me the shivers. I had not read the shorter version so this was a totally new romance for me!

The pace was perfect and the jumping of time in the hidden room was spot on. Natalie’s experience was so much more intense than her mother’s so it was great to have a totally different feel, this was dark. The way Dexter manipulates and conditions Natalie is frightening and yet left me aching for so much more. There are many clues woven from the Rawlings history into this story and it had me shaking my head wondering where we were going to be taken.

Unfortunately, I found myself hating Nichol in this story due to her lack of compassion for her sister. Underestimated as the younger child, I loved Natalie immediately. It is going to be interesting if we are going to get behind the façade of Nichol and her hardness, what are her issues?

What I wanted more of was the conversations between Tony and Dexter, what happened in the study when they first meet. The moments that Claire and Natalie have made my heart hurt for a mother’s love, that Claire knew in herself that things were not as they seem for her youngest.

I do hope we get more stories around the children of Tony & Claire, I want to see where Natalie and Dexter are going to be taken, how is Tony going to make Dexter see the Consequences of his actions?

Finally, again Phil is my hero as he always was when we first meet him in “Truth”, he has an undying love for all things Claire in such a protective way, including now her babies.

The ending of Ripples leaves me with more questions than answers.

Ripples

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Ruckus (Sinners of Saint #2)

By L.J. Shen

Synopsis

Rosie

They say that life is a beautiful lie and death a painful truth. They’re right.
No one has ever made me feel more alive than the guy who serves as a constant reminder that my clock is ticking.
He is my forbidden, shiny apple.
The striking fallacy to my blunt, raw, truth.
He is also my sister’s ex-boyfriend.
One thing you should know before you judge me;
I saw him first. I craved him first. I loved him first.
Eleven years later, he waltzed into my life, demanding a second chance.
Dean Cole wants to be my bronze horseman. My white knight has finally arrived. Hopefully, he isn’t too late.

Dean

They say the brightest stars burn out the fastest. They’re right.
She sets my mind on fire.
All smart mouth, snarky attitude and a huge heart.
In a world where everything is dull, she shines like fucking Sirius.
Eleven years ago, fate tore us apart.
This time, I dare it to try.
Getting to her is a battlefield, but man, that’s why they call me Ruckus.
Rosie LeBlanc is about to find out how hard I can fight.
And conquering her will be the sweetest victory.

Review

First of all, I did not think I could love a couple more than Vicious and Emilia. Dean and Rosie have matched them in their own unique way and their sex was insanely hot. Their love story is full of time lost and a desire to rewrite their expected future.

Rosie had my heart in Vicious and again I had immediate compassion for her and her condition. The author portrays her health in an honest and thought-provoking manner. This certainly kept me guessing whilst reading the last few chapters of this book. Which way was she going to take the love affair of Rosie & Ruckus?

Throughout Ruckus, we do return to when they were all teenagers and I found this especially relevant in understanding Rosie and Deans underlying love for each other.

The humour and banter between Dean and Rosie is perfect and gave lightness to some dark moments in both their stories.

The girls parents were awful and the smothering of Rosie, it drove me insane. Emilia also was not being entirely honest with her sister and then also judging Dean.

It was great to see more of all the HotHoles and how their lives were changing with new influences. I am very intrigued to read Trent’s story which is next and called Scandalous.

Vicious stood up for his friend in the end and the role he played showed he has a soft centre under all that fierce and ruthless businessman facade.

Vicious and Emilia were an integral part of this love story and it was beautiful to see them moving forward together. The ending was just perfect for me and gave me tingles and tears. Dean stood up and became such a strong man for Rosie. The author gave these two characters a possible dream and it shone like the stars in the sky.

Quote: “I don’t want to make you forget. I want to make you remember”

Ruckus (Sinners of Saint #2)

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From Dust (Portland ME #1)

By Freya Barker

Synopsis

Pain punished her.

The bottle numbed her.

Guilt kept her trapped.

In the dark alley of a pub, the words “Please don’t” take hold of her heart and break the silence she seeks. Thinking herself beyond redemption, she tentatively grabs on to the slim thread of hope that unfolds inside of her.

Holding her secrets close, she can’t resist the comforting draw coming from The Skipper. The unconditional friendships it offers, the protective roof it provides, and the spark that its owner ignites in her—melting the frost off her heart, and slowly stripping away her resistance.

His life flows from one crisis to the next. Under the pressure of competition crowding him out of his family’s pub and the need to protect his children from the ruins of a bad marriage, he barely breathes. That is until a mane of strawberry-blonde hair and a set of big, pale blue eyes, shake him up.

He never expected the shadow of a woman he finds on the floor of his washroom to bring him the air―the balance and the light he’s been missing.

**Due to some content of a sexually explicit nature, this book is recommended for a mature audience only.**

Review

From Dust, I thoroughly enjoyed this amazing and very emotional read. You are taken into a place of utter desperation, loneliness and heartache but then you are given amazing moments of love, family and putting darkness into perspective. The growth and change in Syd from the first chapter to the last chapter was full of inspiration and just pure joy. When she reconnects with her old life in a particularly emotional section, it was done in such a highly respectful way by the author.

From Dust is just a beautifully written story of a woman finding her second chance at love, family and friendship. Syd is strong however at the start you may not think so but again the author has me immediately connecting with her on a level that a woman does, you want to see her find her light again.

Now onto the main man being Gunna, well if you have read “Sweet Dreams” by Kristen Ashley and love Tate then you are in for a real treat. As soon as I read the first few chapters with Gunna well all I could think about was how can I be so lucky to find another story with a god dam hot headed bar owner who is a most amazing man when he falls in love, both in bed and out and is a fierce protector of the people he loves.

Viv and Dino were great supporting characters for Syd and then Gunna’s children, well they just brought tears to my eyes and provided moments of light relief from the main story line.

As I drew to the end of Syd’s journey I simply did not want to leave this amazing woman and the new family she had created. When you get to that last chapter and Gunna gives Syd the recognition of her past as she begins to move forward well as I write this I have tears forming again.

From Dust is my second book by this author and upon finishing I immediately went and purchased Cruel Water (Portland ME Book 2) which is Viv’s story and I cannot wait to lose myself again.

All books in this series are available.

Quote: Locking yourself away will only turn you to dust. This I know for a fact because I came from dust