Tag Archives: Stand Alone

Beast

By S C Daiko

Synopsis

I’ve been sold by my own father to a Beast.

Gleb Sokolov is the definition of a savage.
He’s an animal in bed and everywhere else.
A notorious Russian mobster, badass personified.

And my father just sold me to him, to pay off a debt.

But there’s something Gleb doesn’t know… we have a son,
and I’ll do anything to keep him from finding out.

Eva Petrenko
Sassy, secretive, trouble with a capital T.
She drives me damned insane.
Except, when her father offers her to me, I find I can’t resist.
She belongs with me, even if she refuses to believe it.
Eva hates me, but I’ll go to the ends of the earth to protect her.
Problem is, Eva’s father isn’t the only one with debts
and mine are the kind I’ll need to pay with my own blood.

Review

Beast is a fast-paced and highly enjoyable romantic suspense centered around the Russian mafia.

Gleb and Eva have great chemistry and once I began I could not put this down.  Their attraction to each other is instant and Gleb is very alpha. His protective instincts over Eva and her family is romantic. The age difference between Gleb and Eva made the speed of his need to secure Eva in his life believable to me.

The suspense story follows Gleb and Eva and provides many moments when Gleb is protective yet passionate.  I also enjoyed how Eva stands up to herself with Gleb.

This was a surprising read, enjoyable and ended way to fast for me.

Beast

My Rating:  

Buy Links:  Amazon

Visit Author:  Click Here

From Here to You (Crash and Burn #1)

By Jamie McGuire

Synopsis

As Darby Dixon sits in a tiny Texas church bathroom on her wedding day holding a positive pregnancy test, she realizes that of all the bad decisions she’s made in her life, marrying her abusive fiancé would be the worst. She’s never been able to stand up for herself, but she’ll sure as hell stand up for her baby. With just the cash she has on hand, she runs to get a bus ticket to the farthest place she can afford. Between her sheer grit and pageant-queen smile, she lands a job as a front desk clerk at the Colorado Springs Hotel. It’s not a glamorous life, but she and her baby are all that matters.

A former Marine, Scott “Trex” Trexler has worked in the most dangerous, corrupt, war-torn places on earth. Now he finally has a chance to return to the last place he’d felt at peace–Colorado Springs, Colorado, to take a new job with the Cheyenne Mountain Complex, a top-secret military installation buried deep within the granite.

The moment Trex walks into the inn, Darby knows he’s dangerous. There’s no way she wants to get involved with another man who seems to be keeping way too many secrets. As charming and devastatingly gorgeous as Trex is, he clearly isn’t telling her everything. But as wildfires rage on the mountain and Darby’s ex-fiancé shows he isn’t so willing to let her go, both she and Trex are soon to find out that what you don’t know absolutely can hurt you.

Review

Really lovely story and Darcy was strong yet so compassionate and loving.  From the first few pages, you will fall in love with her.  It was uplifting to watch her fight for good in her life and make such integral changes in her life for her own safety.

The connection between Darcy and Trex was so passionate but also filled with miscommunications. At times I felt slightly frustrated as they definitely were on a roller coaster with their relationship.

The length of time this story follows was perfect, it was believable considering Darcy’s history with the ex-fiancee. I did find myself constantly on edge waiting for him to make his presence felt.

There are many references to God and faith in this story.  Trex is a preachers son and now atheist and Darcy has a strong faith, this did not bother me much.

The ending was perfect, I felt satisfied, you get a beautiful happy every after for Darcy and she certainly deserved it.

From Here to You (Crash and Burn #1)

My Rating:  

Buy Links:  Amazon

Visit Author:  Click Here

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

My Rating:  

Buy Links:  Amazon

Visit Author:  Click Here

Dirty, Reckless Love (The Boys of Jackson Harbour #3)

By Lexi Ryan

Synopsis

I’m in love with a man who tried to kill me. At least that’s what they tell me . . .

Six weeks ago, paramedics found me unconscious in my apartment. Beaten. Bruised. Hardly breathing. When I woke up, I couldn’t remember the last three years or anything about my life in Jackson Harbor. They tell me my fiancé, Colton McKinley, is on the run for what he did to me. They tell me I’m safer if I stay away.

I don’t care if my memories ever come back. I want nothing to do with those missing years . . . until a sexy stranger with angry eyes shows up on my doorstep and demands I stop ignoring him.

Levi Jackson is my fiancé’s best friend, but seeing him sparks something inside me. As the truth unravels in my mind, I know they’re wrong about Colton. My own secrets are far more dangerous than the man I was engaged to.

I return to Jackson Harbor to search for answers and find myself running from a faceless boogeyman and seeking refuge in Levi’s arms. And in his bed.

I can’t deny my feelings for Levi. But as the pile of lies between us grows, I realize that sometimes the truth can’t set us free. Sometimes, it’s the very thing that can destroy us.

Review

Levi, Ellie, and Colton each brought their own vulnerabilities to this love story which makes you fall in love with all of them.

Dirty, Reckless Love is full of twists, lies and lust and love that goes deep in your bones.  Ellie is passionate, confused, headstrong and determined for a better life full of love.

The story is past and present and we move between the two effortlessly as the author weaves her tale.  As the ending nears the gap in Ellie’s memory connects the two periods of time until they clash.  There are moments you think you know who the danger is and I did not pick this twist.

The dynamic between Ellie, Colton and Levi’s friendship provided moments of heartache and passion Whilst not a full on love triangle which I hate, this is told really well.  I put that down to Levihonoringg his friendship with Colton at the beginning but then like all romantic love stories the heart takes over.

What i loved about the ending was how the author gave Ellie her time at the conclusion to find herself before she found her true love.

Whilst this is a series, I have not read the others and this story is a standalone.

Quote:  “Yes, but if you’ve only ever seen sunshine, how do you know you can face the storm”

Dirty, Reckless Love (The Boys of Jackson Harbour #3)

My Rating:  

Buy Links:  Amazon

Visit Author:  Click Here

Unbreak This Heart

By Betty Shreffler

Synopsis

Ever since that horrific night, I’d shut men completely out of my life. I’d gone from the spunky, fun, Alex DeMarco to a broken woman terrified of intimacy. Easing me back into dating, my best friend sets me up with kickboxing lessons from my charming and perfectly sculpted instructor—Carter Maxwell.

Carter’s goal is to break through my emotional barrier and mold my heart just like he molds my body, but trusting men is a battle I’m not ready for. What’s worse is my ex fiancé, Todd Livingston—the man who tore my heart in two—wants me back, and as much as I’d like to deny it, the feelings are still there.

Both men want what I can’t give—my body and my love—and neither are willing to give up the fight. But only one of them can unbreak this heart of mine.

Review

Unbreak This Heart will take you on a rollercoaster of emotions.  Betty Shreffler has way of drawing emotion out of every scene.  From beginning to end this book will take on an emotional journey.

Alex has been to Hell and back and is a survivor.  After the person who was supposed to be there for her no matter what leaves her after her attack,  she somehow manages to pick up the pieces of her life.  But she is unsure of how to let someone into her heart again.

Carter is a patient caring man who wants to show Alex that he can be the person she needs.  He is a MMA fighter who also is giving Alex some self defense lessons.  He gets to know Alex and is completely taken with her.

This book has an amazing soul. Betty Shreffler takes you on a journey. After reading this book I realized that Carter may be the MMA fighter but Alex is every bit of a fighter as well.  I think that is what makes every character in this book so relatable.  Alex had to fight to live again and find love again.

Unbreak This Heart

My Rating: 

Buy Links:  Amazon

Visit Betty Shreffler:  Click Here

Anything for Love (Hunter Brothers #1)

By Lola St. Vil

Synopsis

Winter, I know your ex hurt you, but I’m not him. I can love you; let me…

Winter Bennett is on the worst date of her life, so she decides to bail and go home to her true loves: take out and Netflix. On her way out of the door, she spots her ex-boyfriend with his hot, new girl. Horrified at the thought of being seen, Winter does what any sane woman would do; she bolts into the bathroom and out the back window.

Falling smack-dab in the middle of a sting operation wasn’t part of the plan, but that’s exactly what happened. And now, bullets are flying overhead. Thankfully, a sexy NYPD homicide detective by the name of Wyatt Hunter saves her. He is furious with her for ruining his operation but he’s even more upset when he can’t get her off his mind. Soon he falls for her — hard. Unfortunately, Winter’s heart has been broken and she’s too afraid to let anyone in. Does Wyatt have what it takes to get Winter to give love one more try?

This steamy romance is a roller coaster ride that will make you hot, make you laugh, and even shed a few tears. It’s a full-length standalone novel. NO cheating, NO cliffhangers, and a guaranteed Happily-ever-after! This book has adult content for ages 18 and over.

Review

Loved this slow burn romance, both Wyatt and Winter are easy characters to fall in love with.

“When it’s over, we don’t let go. I think that’s why I love him: he never let’s go.”

The above sums up why I loved this story, Wyatt is such a good guy, he is alpha but oh so sensitive.  When he falls for Winter it is deep, loving, possessive and such a beautiful relationship to watch develop.

Two of my favourite shows are referenced in this story, it made me smile, Friends and Man v Food, I love when that happens, it’s like they are on my wavelength.

We meet their families and in particular Wyatt and his brother’s who will form this series. They are very likable men who will provide alpha romance.

One character I adored was Decker and there are some twists in his side story which made me so happy – he was the perfect soup guy – read this story and it will make your heart sing.

Wyatt was just such a strong alpha male and I loved his perseverance with winter. You will understand Winter’s reluctance at intimacy and her trust issues and once known I gave her the space to develop.  Their physical moments once the barrier was broken were very satisfying.

The flow of this story is easy to read, keeps you entertained and is light and will make you happy.  The epilogue tied up loose ends nicely and we get to go a few years ahead to witness special moments.

Anything for Love was simply a lovely romantic read with all the feel-good moments to make you smile and swoon.

Quote:  “No you weren’t ready baby, but it’s okay. You’re my girl and I’ll wait for you…”

Anything for Love (Hunter Brothers #1)

My Rating:  

Buy Links:  Amazon

Visit Author:  Click Here

Mixed Up Love

By Natasha Madison

Synopsis

Hunter
When my business partner asked me to do him a favor, I had no idea he was sending me on the blind date his mother had arranged for him.
I walked in the bar, saw the woman drinking her third martini, and knew I was in for an eventful night.
After the unexpected second date, she didn’t know my real name or who I really was. By that time, the lie was too far gone, and I wanted her too much to admit the truth.

Laney
It’s not every day you find out your ex-boyfriend is engaged.
I shouldn’t have agreed to the blind date, but I wasn’t in any position to turn down a night out when my mother insisted.
I will admit, I definitely shouldn’t have ordered that fourth martini before said blind date even arrived.
The man turned out to be swoon worthy, handsome, condescending— a perfect distraction.

Then I found out he was a liar.

I’ve never been in over my head to this degree.

Then again, I’ve never been mixed up in love. 

Review

Mixed Up Love has plenty of humour, tenderness and male alpha moments that simply cement Hunter and Laney’s romantic journey.  It is fast and full of stubbornness and passion.  Throw in their two friends Anthony and Sandy and I simply devoured this in a day and could not put it down.  I began reading and the next minute I looked down and realised I was at 60% and could not leave these characters.

The Blind Date was perfect, after that first night, I knew this was going to be a great romance read.

When Laney finds out her blind date is not who she thinks it was perfect and showed her sensitivity.  Anthony and Candy provide humour at this point especially when Hunter is trying to rectify his mistake with Laney.  The endless mentions of Tinder will make you laugh out loud, my favourite quote is by Hunter.

“These two …… I don’t even think Tinder knew what to do with them”, I say, looking over at them, “except to match them”

The story flows well and does take place over a few weeks, then we jump ahead 6 months and three years in Epilogue One & Two which I loved as we get to see not only Hunter & Laney but also where Anthony & Candy end up.  Lots of beautiful moments which also include their family and I was left totally satisfied.

Quote:  “Seriously?” Her voice fills the car. “You put yourself under serial killer”. She laughs.

Mixed Up Love

My Rating:  

Buy Links:  Amazon

Visit Author:  Click Here

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:  

Buy Links:  Amazon

Visit Author:  Click Here

The Real Deal

By Lauren Blakely

Synopsis

April Hamilton wants you to know she hasn’t been on Craigslist since that time she sold her futon after college. She doesn’t even spend that much time online. And even if she did, she would not be looking up personal ads. But going home alone for her family’s summer reunion is an invitation for every single relative to butt into her personal life. She simply can’t handle another blind date with the butcher, the baker or the candlestick maker from her hometown. So when she finds the Craigslist ad for a boyfriend-for-hire, she’s ready to pay to play.

Heading Home and Need a Buffer? I’m the REAL DEAL.

Theo Banks has been running from the past for years. He’s this close to finally settling all his debts, and one more job as a boyfriend-for-hire will do the trick. He’s no gigolo. Please. He’s something of an actor, and he knows how to slip into any role, including pretending to be April’s new beau — the bad boy with the heart of gold.

Even if it means sleeping in close quarters in that tiny little bed in her parents’ inn. Even if it means spinning tales of a romance that starts to feel all too true. What neither one of them counts on is that amid the egg toss, the arm wrestling, and a fierce game of Lawn Twister that has them tangled up together, they might be feeling the real deal.

But can a masterful game of pretend result in true love?

Review

I’ll be blunt, I debated for quite a while about whether to read THE REAL DEAL or not. I’ve read a few books from Lauren Blakely before and my most recent reads did not win me over. But THE REAL DEAL sounded different from those books—it sounded light and fun—so I decided to give it a go. Boy, am I sooooo glad I did.

I really liked Theo and April. Despite the crappy hand life had dealt him, Theo was a nice guy. He was very down-to-earth and he had a wonderful sense of humor. April came from a more blessed background, but she never acted like a spoiled princess. She never judged Theo for his past and she worked hard to carve out her own life and successful career path. I really liked April’s family as well, especially her mother and father.

As the bulk of this story takes place over five days, THE REAL DEAL is most definitely an insta-love romance. But what I found interesting is that it didn’t feel like one. The chemistry between Theo and April was exciting from the moment they met, and watching that chemistry build as the story progressed made their time together feel a lot longer than just five days.

THE REAL DEAL is told in dual POVs and is currently listed as a stand-alone. If you’re looking for a read that flows well and includes a fake boyfriend, meddling but well meaning family members, competitive games, and some laughs, then THE REAL DEAL is for you.

The Real Deal

My Rating:  

Buy Links:  Amazon | iBooks

Visit Lauren Blakely:  Click Here

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:  

Buy Links:  Amazon

Visit Author:  Click Here