Tag Archives: New Adult

The Devil Has a British Accent

By ZN Willett

Synopsis

This is no simple Hollywood story of famous boy meets ordinary girl, who then fall in love and live happily ever after.

This is about the town of dreamers and make believers; skilled at casting spells of deception and deceit. And what happens when the spell is lifted, and everything that you believe in is merely an illusion?

When the world of happily ever after is altered and obscured, and not only by one enticing man?

For Lauren Moreau, her journey is full of raw emotions that will tempt you with curiosity and intrigue, and squeeze out passion and angst until your heart bleeds.

This is Hollywood, after all…

Review

The Devil Has a British Accent is a coming of age romance with a paranormal twist. A girl who has to protect her heart and the men who want her.

Lauren has just returned from Minnesota after graduating. She doesn’t have any real plans for the future but has decided to help a family friend with her catering business while a film crew is in town. I liked Lauren, she has gone through a lot with her family and is figuring out what comes next and that makes her relatable. She is also trying to figure out her love life when a sexy actor enters her life. There is something about him that she is drawn to.

Jackson Cruz is an actor that finds himself completely infatuated with this small town girl. He has many secrets that could change her life forever. I didn’t like Jackson for Lauren. He wasn’t my favorite character. I wondered why he cut himself off emotionally to her a lot of the time and I think because of that I didn’t connect with him as much as I wanted to.

Cary is another actor/musician that is famous but has been a family friend to Lauren’s family since they were children. He is best friends with her brother Blake. I really liked his character. I knew he was keeping secrets from Lauren but there is something about the way he cares for her and her brother that stuck out to me.

I found The Devil Has a British Accent to be a good coming of age paranormal romance. The beginning was a little bit on the long side but the ending was fast-paced and Lauren’s world really changed forever. This is a to be continued story so I can’t wait until the next installment.

The Devil Has a British Accent

My Rating:

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Hello Forever (Hello Goodbye # 2)

By Sarina Bowen

Synopsis

A basketball game changed both their lives.

When they were only teenagers, Axel and Caxton were caught making out in the woods at church camp. And afterward, Cax had disappeared from all the youth group activities.

Six years later, Axel is astonished to spot his first love’s face in the crowd of a college basketball game he’s watching on TV—at a school which has just offered him a job. It’s a thousand miles away, in a tiny rural town. But suddenly, he can’t wait to get there.

Cax can’t believe his eyes when Axel appears in the same Massachusetts town where he now lives. And he’s still just as drawn to Axel as ever. But he can’t let himself go there again, because loving Axel will mean giving up everything else he holds dear.

Both men have so much to lose. But as far as their love is concerned, it’s Hello Forever.  

Review

My review for HELLO FOREVER is going to be short and sweet, because I’m in the middle of moving and I just don’t have the time to write my usual lengthy review.

I loved this story and I loved it’s two main characters, Cax and Axel. They are both so kind and sweet, and they really were perfect for each other. I also loved Axel’s co-worker, Boz, who was hilarious. He wasn’t really in the story much, but when he was, he was definitely memorable.

One thing I thought was interesting is that, from memory, there are only two female characters in this story: Axel’s mother; and Cax’s best friend, Amy. Every other character was male. I’m not saying that’s a bad thing, but it was certainly something that really stood out to me.

HELLO FOREVER is told in dual POVs and, while it’s part of a series, it can be read as a stand-alone. The previous couple, Josh and Caleb, make an appearance, and it was good to see them again. Will there be more books in this series? I’m not sure, but I really hope so.

Hello Forever (Hello Goodbye # 2)

My Rating:

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Hello Goodbye Series

Digital Velocity (McAllister Justice Series #1)

By Reily Garrett

Synopsis

The deadliest weapons are the ones we never see. Keyboard prodigy, Lexi Donovan has risen from teenage orphan of the streets to complete independence with little help along the way. When a friend is threatened, Lexi sends an anonymous message to police, leading to a firefight that leaves a cop wounded. Detective Ethan McAllister’s well-ordered life turned upside down the day an obscure text message led to a sexual predator’s identity and arrest. Since then, Callouston PD’s finest can’t trace the elusive hacker sending him tips. The latest text leads him to a brutal mutilation and a riddle indicating the identity of the next murder victim. The dark net houses a playground for the morally depleted and criminally insane. When Lexi discovers a killer’s digital betting arena, she finds herself centered in the cyber stalker’s crosshairs, a psychopath bearing equal talent. Street life strengthened her while toughening her protective shell, but nothing could shield her from the shrewd detective forging a path to her heart.

Review

Digital Velocity is a story of a socially awkward girl who can make a difference in the world. Lexi is extremely smart and talented. But she has been given a tough road through life. Ethan has been on a different path but is extremely ambitious and wants to do good for the world.

In this book we get to see where their relationship has evolved to since they first got started in Tender Echoes. Lexi has been feeding information to Ethan about a serial killer but she hasn’t realized the can of worms she has opened. She has worked hard to cover her tracks but when Ethan gets injured because of her she has to make sure he is okay.

Ethan is a great detective who has made it his mission to keep Lexi safe. After she reveals herself to him, he becomes aware that she will put herself in harms way if she thinks that she can find the person who is committing all of the murders. And the dominant side of his personality will not stand for it.

I really like where Reily Garrett is taking these characters. She has written a really good murder mystery that allows Lexi and Ethan’s relationship to take off. I love Ethan’s bothers and sister. And I also love how that allows Lexi to enter into a family. Reily really made Lexi’s introduction into his family believable for me. And Lexi allowed herself to have faith that Ethan would not let her down. I can’t wait to see where Reily takes this series!!!

Digital Velocity

My Rating:

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Phantom (Phoebe Reede: The Untold Story # 5)

By Michelle Irwin

Synopsis

When she came home she had nothing left, but now she wants it all.

After fighting her way back from tragedy, Phoebe Reede is ready to claim the life she deserves. With Beau at her side, she thinks it might be possible. Only, the things she wants are out of her reach.

Can Phoebe find joy in what she has, or will she destroy her own happiness chasing a phantom?

Review

Phoebe and Beau’s story is one that has captivated me since the very first page; it’s been a real page turner and has kept me on the edge of my seat. While I give PHANTOM 5❤️, I have to say that this was my least favourite book in the series. Phoebe had to fight several more battles, and I think I’ve just gotten to the point where I’m like, “She’s been through enough already. Leave her alone and let her have some happiness.” Because if anyone deserves peace and joy in her life, it’s Phoebe.

Phoebe has come a long way, but she still has a ways to go. A dream that once meant everything to her now means nothing, and without it, she’s not sure what to do with her life anymore. Because of that, I felt she made some huge life-changing decisions for the wrong reasons. These decisions were giant red flags for me; flags that Beau and her parents couldn’t⎯or didn’t want to⎯see.

Beau is still an absolute sweetheart, but in regards to one situation, maybe he was too much of a sweetheart. His willingness to sacrifice his happiness for Phoebe is admirable, but also a little dangerous. While I respect he wants to make her happy, he has to think about his own happiness⎯and sanity⎯as well. Honestly, I think both Phoebe and Beau would benefit greatly from going back into therapy.

In regards to other characters, I wasn’t a fan of the whole Angel situation, and that’s all I’ll say about that. Veronica was an interesting addition to the story, but sadly one that was not explored enough. Will we get more of her in the next story? Only time will tell. Finally, Declan. Well Declan is still awesome.

“What happened to my protective Daddy who was certain no one would ever be good enough for his little girl?”
“He met a guy that proved him wrong time and time again.”

PHANTOM is told only in Phoebe’s POV and, as with the previous story, it doesn’t end in a cliffhanger. In fact, it actually comes with a nice HFN ending. That being said, this is not the end for Phoebe and Beau, whose story will conclude in BEACON, which comes out in August.

Phantom (Phoebe Reede: The Untold Story # 5)

My Rating:

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Phoebe Reede: The Untold Story Series

Vegas Love (Love # 1)

By Jillian Dodd

Synopsis

Hollywood actress, Ashlyn Roberts, just had the worst week of her life. Her ex released a sex tape of them and just when she was convinced her current boyfriend was a keeper for standing by her side, he breaks up with her at a friend’s wedding. She’s planning to drown her sorrows in booze when she meets a sexy stranger as she’s leaving the wedding and they end up in Vegas, married.

Cash Crawford is offered a dream job working with his brother as a junior talent agent. He’ll put his shiny new law degree to good use and make a bunch of money in the process. His first task is simple: Keep Ashlyn Roberts out of trouble and don’t sleep with her.
Which might be kind of tough, since they definitely consummated their Vegas wedding.

Will this one night stand end in the quickie divorce they promised each other? Or will they realize they got lucky in love?

Review

VEGAS LOVE is a book I’d seen around Amazon for a while now, and when I saw it was available through Kindle Unlimited, I downloaded it right away. I wanted something light and fun, and I thought this would fit the bill.

Unfortunately, the writing had me thinking about giving up several times by the 30% mark. The story moved at an incredibly fast pace. I’m talking warp speed. It moved so fast that I didn’t have time to get emotionally invested in the story or it’s characters. Most chapters were broken down into several smaller scenes, which I found not only odd and annoying, but also added to that rushed feeling. There were so many repetitive and abrupt changes in thoughts and topics that I thought I’d end up with whiplash trying to keep up with it all. Finally, if you’re after some sexy reading, you won’t find it here because all the sex either happened behind closed doors or was over with in less than a page.

VEGAS LOVE is told in dual POVs and comes with a HEA for Cash and Ashlyn. While I considered not finishing this story, I kept giving it a chance and made it to the end. But sadly, even the sweet ending wasn’t enough to save this book from a 1❤️ rating.

Vegas Love (Love # 1)

My Rating:

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Love Series

Physis (Phoebe Reede: The Untold Story # 4)

By Michelle Irwin

Synopsis

Finding a new normal is never as easy as it seems.

Phoebe Reede has suffered unimaginable tortures at the hands of her captors. Now home and safe, she can’t let go of the things that happened to her. No amount of therapy or coaxing by her parents can draw her from her shell.

How can she learn to live again, when everything she loved about herself is gone?

**Due to strong language and sexual content not intended for anyone under the age of 18. Some books in this series contain content, including sexual assault and violence, that may trigger emotional distress in some readers.**

Review

I’m going to start this review with a warning that PHYSIS is not for the faint of heart. What Phoebe endured during her three month captivity is not pretty, and you will read about most—if not all—of it in this book.

I’d gone to America broken-hearted and had come home broken everywhere.

The story takes place two months after BEASTLY, which ended with Phoebe being taken back to Australia by her father, Declan, and leaving Beau behind. At home with her family, she doesn’t feel safe and is haunted by nightmares, flashbacks and gentle touches. Most of this story is focused on Phoebe and how she’s trying to live with what happened to her, but it also showed how Phoebe’s ordeal is affecting those close to her.

I didn’t survive three months imprisonment. My body might have, but the girl I’d been was dead.

Without trying to give too much away, Beau does appear in this book and he’s still as sweet as ever. He makes his presence known to Phoebe but lets her know that any and all contact with him will be on her terms. That helped Phoebe heal more than anything else since she got home.

“I didn’t think I’d ever find anyone who I thought was worthy of my Pheebs, but he’s proven himself to be the best man for you.”

PHYSIS is told only in Phoebe’s POV and⎯I think for the first time ever⎯doesn’t end in a cliffhanger. There are still more books to come in Phoebe and Beau’s story, but for now we ended on a happy note. To be honest, I’m not sure how I feel about that. I’m so used to Michelle’s cliffhangers leaving me on the edge of my seat feeling shocked, scared or angry, that this turn of events has me nervous. Is this just the calm before the storm? I read PHYSIS in one day and I’m greatly looking forward to PHANTOM, which comes out in June.

Physis (Phoebe Reede: The Untold Story # 4)

My Rating:

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Phoebe Reede: The Untold Story Series

Royal Games (The Royals Of Monterra # 3)

By Sariah Wilson

Synopsis

Genesis Kelley didn’t just get her heart broken. The aspiring veterinarian had it crushed in front of millions of viewers on the dating reality show Marry Me. Now, just as she’s getting her life and dignity back together, her royal heartbreaker, Prince Rafael of Monterra, has landed in Frog Hollow, Iowa. And he’s renting out her aunt’s guest cottage.

Deceiving TV audiences for his brother’s sake cost Rafe the girl of his dreams. But he’s going to fix it, even if it means moving from his mountain-kingdom home to small-town Iowa. A prince doesn’t give up on his rightful princess—especially once he realizes Genesis is in deeper danger than she knows.

Between fixing her truck, whisking her off to Monterra for a whirlwind date, and charming the entire town, Rafe is thawing the ice around Genesis’s heart. Will it be enough to earn back her trust, protect her from her past—and sweep her into a real-life fairy tale?

Review

ROYAL GAMES is the third book in The Royals Of Monterra series and after meeting Genesis in the previous book, I was really looking forward to reading her story because she was so nice and sweet. Sadly, I did not enjoy her story and it was all because of her.

I understand that she was embarrassed at being tricked by Rafe on Marry Me, but I felt she was too fixated on how Rafe “deceived” and “lied” to her during the filming, especially when she knows he was under contract to keep his real identity a secret. She flat out refused to hear his apology and spent almost the entire book treating him like crap. I also felt, and I hate to say this, that she was just too stupid to live. Her life was being threatened, but she refused Rafe’s protection and security because she had pepper spray and had taken self-defence classes. But then she had a panic attack when a stranger sat down for a meal at her diner, which kind of threw her whole “I can protect myself” claim out the window. When she was kidnapped and learnt that Rafe was only able to save her life because of a secret tracking device he had planted on her, she got angry. When he left after she got in a fit and told him to leave, she got angry. When she found out that he paid for her hospital bills, she got angry. Seriously, there was absolutely no pleasing this woman. I was frustrated with her by the 30% mark, and her constant whining, complaining and stupid choices did nothing to win me over.

I liked Rafe, who did so many things trying to earn Genesis’ forgiveness and win her heart, but to be honest, I lost a little respect for him because of how much crap he was willing to put up with. Her behaviour showed that she didn’t deserve him and I wouldn’t have shed a tear if he had just said “screw it” and walked away.

ROYAL GAMES is told only in Genesis’ POV and while it’s part of a series, it can be read as a stand-alone. As with the previous two books in this series, there is no sex, not even the behind-the-closed-door stuff. It includes the occasional flashback to their alone time on Marry Me⎯which was sweet⎯and it comes with a HEA.

Royal Games (The Royals Of Monterra # 3)

My Rating:

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The Royals Of Monterra Series

Royal Chase (The Royals Of Monterra # 2)

By Sariah Wilson

Synopsis

Booking her client, Prince Dante of Monterra, on reality show Marry Me is a royal coup for PR agent Lemon Beauchamp. But thanks to a last-minute glitch, Lemon must pretend to be one of the contestants vying to win the playboy prince’s love and then live happily ever after—at least until the publicity tour ends.

Prince Dante agreed to go on the show to find a wife, even though he already has the perfect candidate in mind. She’s smart, funny, sexy, and completely uninterested in wealth and fame. She’s also absolutely determined to keep him at arm’s length.

Even if Lemon weren’t already engaged, she can’t trust a notorious flirt like Dante. So she ignores the lingering looks. Those subtle, thrilling touches. That pulse-quickening kiss. Until suddenly, Lemon isn’t playing for the cameras. She’s lovestruck for real, and just maybe, the man behind the title is the one who’s always been in her heart…

Review

ROYAL CHASE is the second book in The Royals Of Monterra series and follows HRH Dante’s appearance on the reality show, Marry Me, to find a wife. However, he’s already found the woman he wants to spend the rest of his life with, but unfortunately for him, Lemon is too stubborn to give him a chance.

“I know it’s scary for you, but if you do me the honour of giving me all of your trust and all of your love, I promise you will never regret that choice.”

I liked both Dante and Lemon, but Dante was my favourite. Lemon spends most of the book trying to deny her feelings for Dante because she thinks he’s a womaniser. She’s been cheated on by every boyfriend she’s had and has no desire to fall for that kind of man again. She also denies her feelings for Dante because she’s engaged to a man she knows she does not love but thinks she will be safe with. I really liked Dante who, despite being surrounded by beautiful women, only had eyes for Lemon. He knew he wanted her and did not give up trying to get her. He’s funny and charming and a total sweetheart.

“Any man who denies you dessert should be horsewhipped.”

ROYAL CHASE is told only in Lemon’s POV and while it’s part of a series, it can be read as a stand-alone. I liked the plot twist in regards to the reality show reveal, which I did not see coming. The story includes flashbacks to when Lemon and Dante first met in Monterra, and also includes texts from Dante at the beginning of every chapter, which I really liked. As with the first book, there is no sex throughout the entire story, so if you’re after a sexy read, you won’t find it here. What you will find is a nice, easy read and a HEA.

Royal Chase (The Royals Of Monterra # 2)

My Rating:

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The Royals Of Monterra Series

Goodbye Paradise (Hello Goodbye # 1)

By Sarina Bowen

Synopsis

Most people called it a cult. But for twenty years, Josh and Caleb called it home.

In Paradise, there is no television. No fast food. Just long hours of farm work and prayer on a dusty Wyoming ranch, and nights in a crowded bunkhouse. The boys of the Compound are kept far from the sinners’ world.

But Joshua doesn’t need temptation to sin. His whole life, he’s wanted his best friend, Caleb. By day they work side by side. Only when Josh closes his eyes at night can they be together the way he craves.

It can never be. And his survival depends on keeping his terrible desires secret.

Caleb has always protected Josh against the worst of the bullying at the Compound. But he has secrets of his own, and a plan to get away — until it all backfires.

Josh finds himself homeless in a world that doesn’t want him. Can Caleb find him in time? And will they find a place of safety, where he can admit to Josh how he really feels?

Warning: Contains a hot male/male romance, copious instances of taking the Lord’s name in vain, and love against the kitchen counter. This book was previously released under the title: In Front of God & Everyone.

Review

GOODBYE PARADISE is an amazing read with plenty of heartwarming scenes and beautiful characters.

Josh is an absolute sweetheart; one with a very kind and gentle soul. Having been treated badly at the farm, he feels worthless and like nothing he does is ever good enough and, because of their religious upbringing, he also feels ashamed of his feelings towards Caleb. But over time, and with reassurances from Caleb and their new friends, he slowly begins to let go of everything that was drilled into his head his whole life to find peace and happiness within himself.

“They think God doesn’t like it when you curse? But god is just fine with throwing you out by the side of the road? Do you hear how messed up that is?”

Caleb is the more confident, skilled and dominant of the two; he wasn’t bullied like Josh was because he held some rank at the farm. He’s also a natural protector and spent most of his days at the farm shielding Josh. I would go so far as to say he has a slight hero complex, because his need to protect sometimes went too far and he often felt responsible for things he had no control over.

“A real man does what needs doing. He takes care of the people he loves. You know this instinctively, even though every man in your own life treated you like shit.”

I not only loved Josh and Caleb, but almost everyone else in this story too. Washington was their saviour when they needed one and seemed to become a father figure of sorts. Maggie (a farm runaway from years before) was a lovely young woman who helped them adjust to life outside the farm. Maggie’s husband, Daniel, was a cool guy who had no problem opening up his home to strangers in need.

GOODBYE PARADISE has loose ties to the True North series, but you don’t have to read those books to understand and enjoy this one. GOODBYE PARADISE is told in dual POVs and comes with a lovely HEA for Josh and Caleb. I truly hope we’ll be seeing more of them in the future, and I’d also like to see a book about Maggie’s sister, Miriam, because that young woman needs some happiness in her life after what she endured at the farm.

Goodbye Paradise (Hello Goodbye # 1)

My Rating:

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Hello Goodbye Series

Beastly (Phoebe Reede: The Untold Story # 3)

By Michelle Irwin

Synopsis

Not all things are exactly as they appear.

Beau Miller thought his happily ever after had returned in the form of the girl with the seafoam eyes. He never expected a second heartbreak at her hand.

When her father, Declan Reede, turns up with murder in his eyes, Beau discovers that the break-up might not have been what it seemed. He must solve the mystery if he’s to find his girl.

How can he and Declan rescue their princess when she’s been taken by someone with beastly intentions? And will they make it in time?

Review

After the scary cliffhanger in PHOBIC, I knew I was going to be in for a rough ride in BEASTLY, but I had my fingers crossed hoping that it wouldn’t be as bad as I feared. Sadly, it was. But WOW…what a read! My heart was pounding for four and a half hours straight as I read this non-stop from beginning to end, and this is definitely a book that you’ll be thinking about days later.

“No one cares that Phoebe’s missin’. It’s like my heart’s been torn from my chest, and no one else realises the world stopped spinnin’ the moment she disappeared.”

I love Beau and he’s totally a keeper, but I will say that I wanted to strangle him for being so dumb. Obviously we all know who has taken Phoebe, but he had his suspicions and never voiced them. WTF??? I realise the story would have been super short if he had, but GRRRRRRR! I felt bad for him when everyone suspected that he had something to do with Phoebe’s disappearance, because he wouldn’t hurt a fly. I liked the bond he ended up having with Declan and I really look forward to seeing those two build on their relationship. I think Declan knows that there is no better man for his little girl than Beau. Although, I was getting an iffy feeling in the scenes involving Beau and Angel, and if Michelle is reading this, I hope she doesn’t go down “that” road. I mean, I don’t want to tell an author what to do, but please don’t do “that”.

BEASTLY is told only in Beau’s POV and ends in a really sad cliffhanger, so have some tissues handy. It cannot be read as a stand-alone, so you do need to read the first two books in the series before starting this one. It’s usually nice to see Declan again, but it wasn’t this time and my heart broke for him when he realised who had his little girl and what had been done to her. When it comes to Phoebe, we’ve only scratched the surface of what she suffered, and I think we’ll learn more about it all in PHYSIS, which comes out in April this year and will be told in her POV.

Please Note: This story contains scenes/topics that may be triggers for some people.