Whirlwind

By: Alison Rhymes

Release Date: August 28, 2024

Publisher: Alison Rhymes LLC

Author Website: https://alisonrhymes.com/

5 Star

Alison Rhymes shows that opposites can attract and may ultimately not be that dissimilar in Whirlwind for a moving story.

Hockey star Tyson Murphy came off as a player but in reality he was drowning in his sensitivity. Hurt and floundering from who he thought was the one who got away Tyson spiralled into a void of meaningless encounters. It was the little things like his devotion, consideration and perceptivity to his neurodivergent sister and Kit's anxiety that proved that there was much more to Tyson than his pretty face and skill on the ice.

Kit Ashcroft was that rare and unique character that stood out not because she was lacking but because of all that she offered. Literally a genius Kit knew her boundaries yet struggled with her social cues. The sadness and trauma that initiated her personal isolation were even more pronounced when readers were given insight into them. One of Kit's greatest strengths was moving past her fears and striving for more, displaying a grit and bravery that made Kit her own champion.

Alison Rhymes did a fantastic job of seeing past the superficial traits of Tyson and Kit and emphasizing all the things that would normally bond a couple. From their mutual interest in gaming and shared friend pool to their intense physical attraction Tyson and Kit were an ideal match in many ways. This couple's ability to accept each other's differences and encourage each other to be their authentic selves was touching to watch. The friendship Tyson and Kit formed was as important to them as their physical connection showing the depth of their relationship.

Alison Rhymes writes the kind of stories that show her characters flaws and strengths in equal measures. This author's ability to sort through redeemable and irredeemable actions is commendable and often will give reader's pause in her shifting through grey areas. The force of Alison Rhymes' Whirlwind will leave her audience catching their breaths and clutching their hearts with love of this story.

*I was given an advanced copy. All opinions expressed are my own.*
*While this story can be read as a standalone, reading the previous book in this series would enhance the overall reading experience of this work.*

My Favorite Lost Cause

By: Elizabeth O’Roark

Release Date: August 28, 2025

Publisher: Elizabeth O’Roark

Author Website: https://www.elizabethoroark.com/

5 Stars

Witty banter and simmering exchanges all on the verge of being a hair's breadth from mutual revelation kept the tension up to the very end in this irresistible love story.

Step siblings Charlie and Maren lived on the edge of "taboo" as their feelings for each other sat well guarded beneath the surface but some things cannot be hidden and their natural affinity and caring for each other was beyond obvious to everyone but each other. When this pair found themselves both experiencing major life events resulting in them both having to make life altering decisions their bond strengthened and their shared attraction became impossible to ignore.

This couple served as a catalyst for each other to reach out for more and not settle. Maren caused Charlie to see things he never knew he wanted but did and Charlie opened Maren up to seeing things that she thought she wanted were not what she wanted. This pair was each other's missing pieces and the miscommunication was rampant on their way to finding their purposes both together and individually. Intense yearning, denial and ultimately acceptance defined Charlie and Maren's relationship. Sweet and tender moments carried this story even as harsh realities caused some frustrating stumbles.

An intriguing paranormal subplot added a wonderful parallel layer to this work shaping Maren and Charlie's future by the actions of a long ago past and allowing them to find the happiness that until then had evaded them. A well-developed secondary cast and personal history gave this book depth.

Elizabeth O'Roark is never going to hide the truth of who her characters really are. Happiness is always the goal with this author but the road to her character's happiness is unique to each one for some introspective journeys. Don't pass by Elizabeth O'Roark's My Favorite Lost Cause or it will be the read that got away!

*I was given an advanced copy. All opinions expressed are my own.*
*While this story can be read as a standalone, reading the previous books in this series would enhance the overall reading experience of this work.*

Wicked Ends

By: Mila Kane

Release Date: August 20, 2025

Publisher: White Nights Publishing Ltd

Author Website: https://www.milakane.com/

5 Stars

The Ice Gods resident clown and goalie Marcus Bailey proves that there is more than meets the eye with him as his teacher Arianna Spencer schools him with her dark past busting at the seams in Wicked Ends!

Marcus Bailey was a loyal friend who always could be counted on with a tendency to be drawn to the opposite of what was best for him. Devoted to his close friends and family it was not often he let his guard down having been knocked down many times in life.

Arianna Spenser was a gifted musician who put on a happy face for the world despite dealing with mental and physical abuse. Her self-sacrificing nature was both a blessing and a curse putting Arianna in situations that many would not be able to survive and showed her strength.

Both Marcus and Arianna came from dysfunctional families bringing to the forefront that dysfunction does not discriminate between whether you are rich or poor. Their natural pull toward each other showed not only their instinctual understanding of the other but created a unique bond as a result of it. Marcus and Arianna's love story was a sweet one despite the dark undertones that haunted them and caused them to have questionable behavior and communication in expressing their feelings toward the other. Arianna's kindness and genuine caring encouraged Marcus to be a better person allowing him to give her the benefit of a doubt when faced with trying circumstances.

The back and forth between this couple went from witty, to challenging to sweet, always keeping readers on their toes with these two. Marcus and Arianna's mutual caring though expressed awkwardly built a lasting connection that in the end proved that their love was stronger than the obstacles they faced. A blazing physical chemistry added to their connection.

Fun cameos from other Ice Gods and their partners as well as interesting secondary characters enhanced this story. Lots of tension and action kept the pages lively for a quick read.

Mila Kane has developed quite a name for herself in dark romance. Her dependably edgy portrayals and dangerous backstories are reliably entertaining and adrenaline producing. Mila Kane takes readers on a questionable courtship in Wicked Ends where the darker side of love is conquered and given a chance to shine!

*I was given an advanced copy. All opinions expressed are my own.*
*While this book can be read as a standalone reading the previous book in this series first would enhance the overall reading experience.*

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Stormvein

By: L. Ann

Release Date: August 15, 2025

Publisher: Raven Ink Publishing

Author FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/LAnnAuthor/

5 Stars

The Veinbound Trilogy continues in Stormvein focusing on the emergence and development of Ellie Bennett's latent powers as well as moving forward the overarching story that began in book one of this series, Shadowvein. Treachery figures highly in this work and will keep readers on their toes as danger, intrigue and the unexpected lurk on every page.

Ellie's transformation into her own power plays a prominent role in this book. Her strength shined through her hurdles and gave the people of Meridian new hope in their oppression. As this story continued the folklore and history of the world created by L. Ann fleshed out with ease and felt natural.

L. Ann is an author who does not do half measures. When she takes on a project it is filled with details and nuances that pull readers in and shows her dedication to her character's development. This author’s creativity is made for romantasy and flourishes in her Veinbound Trilogy. Stormvein followed through with all the promises Shadowvein implied for a story that will leave readers on the edge of their seats for the conclusion of the Veinbound Trilogy!

*I was given an advanced copy. All opinions expressed are my own.*
*It is necessary to read the previous work in this series. This work continues the story of book one in the Veinbound trilogy and ends on a cliffhanger.*

Dream On

By: Jennifer Hartmann

Release Date: August 12, 2025

Publisher: Jennifer Hartmann

Author Website: https://www.jenniferhartmannauthor.com/

5 Star

Jennifer Hartmann's Dream On told the story of two kids who should have been experiencing carefree and fun lives but instead carried the weight of the world on their shoulders as they navigated their feelings for each other and the effects of tragedies in their lives.'

Talented musician Stevie St. James came from a poor but caring family and the one thing she never lacked was love. Yet underneath her happy exterior she carried the wounds of a tragedy that lived on in her heart and mind shaping many of her decisions and actions.

Celebrated child actor Lexington Hall was constantly on the verge of breaking. Wounded and sensitive he created self-imposed walls to protect and isolate himself. Dealing with his parents' selfish agendas their dysfunction dictated Lex's life.

Both Stevie and Lex had an instant connection quickly seeing past each other's defenses and cherishing the real people behind their facades. If any couple deserved a happily ever after it was Lex and Stevie. This pair clawed from the depths of despair to reach for hope only to be knocked down again and again. If there is a lesson to be learned from their story it was love is not easy and does not come with a formula where you pass the hard parts and win a heart. What readers will come away from this story is that even if you are knocked down a thousand times if your love is meant to be you will find a way to be together and that was Lex and Stevie's truth.

Abuse, hurt and pain filled the pages of Dream On but they ran parallel to hope, joy and comfort. The key being when the two merged producing a perfectly messy love that readers will hold close and empathize with and know that yes love did conquer all in this story. In pure Jennifer Hartmann style it was the little details in this story that took it from captivating to meaningful.

It takes great emotional fortitude and a strong heart to work through and present the experiences this author's characters live through. Jennifer Hartmann brings life's struggles to a personal place with her audience. Dream On will cause readers brutal tears and gentle smiles for a lingering story that will break and rebuild their faith in love.

*I was given an advanced copy. All opinions expressed are my own. *

Striking

By: Bella Matthews

Release Date: July 17, 2025

Publisher: Bella Matthews

Author Website: https://www.authorbellamatthews.com/

5 Stars

Bella Matthews shows true love reigns supreme in Striking!

Reasons to love Rhys Windsor beyond his obvious good looks were plenty but the one that stood out was how he set his priorities right and the only power he was blinded by was the power of love. Rhys was the kind of hero who kept showing up and was impossible not to fall for.

Bellamy Wilder was someone with a heart of gold and grounded in such a way that she offered comfort and kindness without thinking about it. Her hardships made her stronger and her strength seemed bottomless.

Rhys and Bellamy had chemistry from the get go. This couple knew what they were up against in trying to be together but there was no hesitancy in facing any hurdles thrown their way. Rhys and Bellamy's keen awareness of each other and special connection made theirs the kind of relationship that most only dreamed of. Ms. Matthews did a great job of showing the reassurance and confidence this pair had in the solid unconditional love of their friends and families.

Bella Matthews builds communities out of her romances that go beyond superficial connections but grow with her interconnected series. When you read a book by this author it is a commitment to the highs and lows of life and what it means to be part of a loyal and loving group of friends and family. Bella Matthews' Striking was the perfect finale to her Red Lips & White Lies series and will leave her readers with happy hearts.

*I was given an advanced copy. All opinions expressed are my own. *

*While this story can be read as a standalone, reading the previous books in this series and in the other series related to this series would enhance the overall reading experience of this work.*

Shadowvein

By: L. Ann

Release Date: June 12, 2025

Publisher: Raven Ink Publishing

Author FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/LAnnAuthor/

5 Stars

From the start Shadowvein was about unraveling the truth. Filled with mystery, treachery, duty, loyalty and true calling wrapped up in a cloak of magic and fantasy all was not as it would seem. 

Taken from a different world and thrust into one filled with intrigue and danger Ellie Bennett found herself at the mercy of questionable prisoner Sacha Torran with a seemingly dark agenda. Yet the immediate and undeniable bond this pair had, at first due to circumstances but later due to choice, defined their relationship and created a complicated web of emotions that were as enticing as they were cautious.

Ellie and Sacha's symbiotic dynamic kept this story interesting and anticipatory. The slow build up of the foundation of this world and its complexities in normal scenarios would have felt lagging but in this work it felt necessary and invigorating as a new world was built along with the new relationship between Ellie and Sacha. L. Ann did a wonderful job of fabricating a new world and providing an immersive reading experience. As this work moved forward the action and adventure increased creating a gradual escalation that was exciting to see play out and ultimately lead to a jaw dropping explosive ending for book one.

As a longtime reader of this author it has become clear there is really not any genre L. Ann cannot write! With a meticulous eye for details her stories leap off the pages captivating her audience with the scope of her imagination. L. Ann's venture into romantasy with Shadowvein will enchant old and new readers alike!

*I was given an advanced copy. All opinions expressed are my own.*

*This work is book one in the Veinbound trilogy and ends on a cliffhanger.*

Breathtaking

By: Bella Matthews

Release Date: May 22, 2025

Publisher: Bella Matthews

Author Website: https://www.authorbellamatthews.com/

5 Stars

Reader’s expectations will be exceeded in book six of the Red Lips & White Lies series, breathtaking, leaving them wanting more of the Kroydon Hill’s world that Bella Matthews does so well!

Maddox "Madman" Beneventi was everyone's favorite bad boy. Hot blooded and hot tempered this guy kept the Bella Matthews universe spicy and steamy with his rizz! When it came to love when Maddox fell he fell hard bringing out a protective and devoted side to him that everyone loves in a hero.

Lennon Windsor literally carried the weight of a kingdom on her shoulders. Forced into a life of duty over love Lennon was willing to sacrifice her happiness to do so. This was a character that had a strong sense of responsibility and proved to be stronger than anyone gave her recognition for.

Maddox and Lennon's attraction started out as all encompassing and doomed. This pair was kept apart due to outside circumstances but found it impossible to resist each other ultimately putting them in a situation where they could no longer escape their unspoken love. When Maddox and Lennon were together the world faded and their heat was scorching, leaving everyone thinking how did they resist each other as long as they did!

There is a special and unique quality to how Bella Matthews handles friendship and family bonds! This writer's keen sense of what it means to be there for your inner circle through good times and bad times resonates in and elevates her works. Who needs fairytales when you have Bella Matthews’s books like Breathtaking to keep you reaching for the perfect love!

*I was given an advanced copy. All opinions expressed are my own. *

*While this story can be read as a standalone, reading the previous books in this series and in the other series related to this series would enhance the overall reading experience of this work.*

My Favorite Bad Decision

By: Elizabeth O’Roark

Release Date: May 15, 2025

Publisher: Elizabeth O’Roark

Author Website: https://www.elizabethoroark.com/

5 Stars

Elizabeth O'Roark makes ordinary interactions extraordinary and uniquely her own with her storytelling in My Favorite Bad Decision!

Outwardly Kit Fischer was a dutiful daughter and loyal sister resorting to unfiltered snark when the occasion called for it and often when it did not. Kit was a handful and yet underneath her bravado was a vulnerable person afraid to lose the approval of her friends and family but most importantly afraid of being hurt by opening her heart to love.

Miller West was the guy everyone crushed on for good reason he was even better than his initial impression. Handsome, smart and with a conscience he was the guy who all the women wanted but with his elusive tendencies wore the title of the one who got away.

When a seemingly happenstance encounter brought long time adversaries, Kit and Miler, together dormant sparks started to fly and feelings disguised as intense dislike became exposed for the mutual attraction they truly were, this story took off. The banter and outlandish moments surrounding this couple were wonderfully contrasted with deep hurt, unresolved issues and tumultuous emotions. The energy between this pair was kinetic, pushing them toward their inevitable meant to be status. 

Elizabeth O'Roark has become a fan favorite with her highly approachable characters even when her portrayals are frequently in positions that her audience may never encounter in their real lives. With this author wit and angst go hand in hand driving her stories and captivating her readers. Everyone needs a mountain worth climbing for love and Elizabeth O'Roark found one in My Favorite Bad Decision quite possibly making this a favorite story of hers for old and new readers alike!

*I was given an advanced copy. All opinions expressed are my own.*

Protecting What’s Mine

By: Siobhan Davis

Release Date: May 5, 2025

Publisher: Siobhan Davis

Author Website: http://siobhandavis.co.uk/

5 Stars

Siobhan Davis has never been one to hold back the punches but in Protecting What's Mine she lets them fly with no restraint for a story full of angst, tears and glimmers of hope!

Don Cristian DiPietro was a respected and feared member of the Cosa Nostra who wore two hats, that of a cold and deadly mafia leader and that of a loving and caring father, family member and friend. Cristian lived in a gray area where he could both be both a hero and an antihero making him intriguing and questionable.

College student Sloane Barton's life took a turn from carefree and full of dreams to one of horror and fear when she and her mother were kidnapped by a drug cartel with a dark agenda while on vacation in Mexico. Sloane’s determination and inner strength focused on surviving were mind blowing.  This character fought for her and her mother's lives, never giving up despite the seemingly insurmountable hurdles thrown at her. Her love and loyalty were exemplary especially considering the circumstances she was in.

Dark and brutal, the road to love for Cristian and Sloane was not for the faint hearted. Their physical attraction was instantaneous but more so it developed into a multifaceted relationship that had depth and a genuine emotional attachment. The caring and trust that built despite a life threatening secret made this story tense with all that could be lost and an undercurrent of danger. The combination of suspense and subterfuge that tainted this couple's love kept this story continuously on edge. It was hard to not be drawn into Cristian and Sloane's unpredictable dynamic. Ms. Davis did an excellent job of keeping the status of this pair's relationship cryptic as new developments constantly strained it. What was clear from the start is that both Cristian and Sloane loved deep and hard.

Siobhan Davis has built a writing career on stories that push limits. Her plot twists are exceptional and her readers know that nothing is off the table in her stories. This author has created a detailed and compelling Mafia world that is addicting in her Mazzone Mafia Universe. Siobhan Davis' Protecting What's Mine boldly takes on the darkest of nightmares and brings it into the light for a story that proves that love can defeat almost anything for an edgy and captivating read!

*I was given an advanced copy. All opinions expressed are my own.*

*While this story can be read as a stand alone it is connected to the Mazzone Mafia Universe. Readers overall reading experience would be enhanced by reading the Mazzone Mafia series prior to reading Protecting What's Mine.*

Walk the Line

By: Paula Dombrowiak, Natalie Parker

Release Date: April 22, 2025

Publisher: Dark Angel Publishing LLC

Author Website / Author Facebook Page:

https://www.pauladombrowiak.com/

https://www.facebook.com/p/Author-Natalie-Parker-100063718428634/

5 Stars

Paula Dombrowiak and Natalie Parker take on a labor of love in the launch of the Blood & Bone Legacy series in Walk the Line for a book that will reel their audience in for more of this world!

Every Romance reader needs a Felix Krasinski in their library! Sincere and unjaded when Felix fell in love it was the real deal. Self-effacing charm wrapped up in a gorgeous rocker package the only question to be asked is how readers wouldn't fall in love with this guy.

Maggie Morgan came out of the pages like a sledgehammer smashing the world with her talent and likability. Outwardly full of life and mischief there was an underlying fragile vulnerability to her that was touching. Maggie had all the makings of a strong woman but still had the remnants of an unsure and untried young girl.

This couple were both in a place of transitioning into their dreams, becoming adults and making life-defining choices. In a nice twist Ms. Dombrowiak and Ms. Parker did a great job making Maggie prone to recklessness and making Felix the grounded sensible one in a scenario where traditionally and stereotypically the rock star character is the one to push boundaries. The physical and emotional connection between Felix and Maggie was off the charts from first contact building as this story progressed with wonderful witty dialog and meaningful moments between this couple!

Paula Dombrowiak and Natalie Parker complimented each other's writing styles for a smooth blend of their worlds. Angst was abundant yet there was a lighthearted feel of people embarking on the beginning of their lives with a fearlessness that transitioned into one of questioning and weighing when things started to matter. Wonderful cameos of beloved past characters from both authors’ book catalogs fleshed out this work. Every secondary character contributed to this work from Dusty to the Velvet Drift band members to a bunch of legacy offspring for a story layered in depth and legacy.

Walk the Line set the stage for upcoming books in the Blood and Bones Legacy series by providing the proving grounds for the next generation to make their marks as their parents legacy provided the common driving force to do so. Walk the Line pulls out the substance, sass and a whole lot of rock and roll for a great series debut!

*I was given an advanced copy. All opinions expressed are my own. *

Knight

By: L. Ann

Release Date: April 18, 2025

Publisher: Raven Ink Publishing

Author FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/LAnnAuthor/

5 Stars

L. Ann's Knight was high-octane entertainment with a plot twist on every page!

Knight Chambers was a bit of a mysterious recluse in the first two books of the Chambers Brothers Trilogy building up curiosity about him. Knight, like his brothers, had a dark quality but he came off as a bit more of a wildcard in the direction of how his character would go. Ruthless and intelligent Knight was a fierce opponent. Evangeline Porter was a character whose unassuming and quiet demeanor held a wealth of courage and strength. Her loyalty and compassion were a wonderful contrast to the detached and gruff Knight.

Both Knight and Eva served as a catalyst to bring each other out of their self imposed shells. The development of their intuitive understanding of each other was well done by this author and allowed this couple the ability to find someone who they could be vulnerable with. Their interactions were full of sarcasm and bold comebacks keeping their relationship feisty! The desperate pull Knight and Eva had toward each other mimicked the danger of their situation to perfection!

With dizzying intent L. Ann's strategic precision in Knight was a fantastic feat. The details and intricacy of this story were consuming. There was an impressive amount of research on this author's part to give her work an authentic feel and credibility. A well-devised suspense element powerfully drove Knight.

L. Ann is an author full of surprises in her vast repertoire of works. The intensity and angst of her characters is one of her signature traits as a writer. L. Ann's addictive and innovative imagination shines in Knight for a brilliant finale to the Chamber Brothers Trilogy!

*I was given an advanced copy. All opinions expressed are my own. *
*While this book can be read as a standalone reading the previous book in this series first would enhance the overall reading experience.*

Brutal Legacy

By: Mila Kane

Release Date: April 2, 2025

Publisher: White Nights Publishing Ltd

Author Website: https://www.milakane.com/

5 Stars

Once again Mila Kane proves it is impossible not to be caught up in her stories in Brutal Legacy book two in her Original Sin series.

Elio Santori learned that life could be cruel from an early age but the nail on his coffin was the consequences of loving Georgia Bellisario. Elio's descent into darkness covered up the scars of his broken heart. This was a hero who teetered on the edge of irreparably broken yet glimmers of his humanity could not be contained.

Georgia Bellisario on the surface appeared to be the spoiled daughter of wealthy many but seeing past her facade was a strong woman willing to sacrifice everything for those she loved. Georgia was resilient and a woman that life could not batter down.

The merciless spicy angst between Elio and Georgia took on a life of its own in this story. Grudges and devotion were contrasted exceptionally by this author, as this couple just could not erase their attachment. The mutual profound hurt and tortured existences resulting from this couple's separation was heartbreaking. The road to their reunion was full of hurdles that kept this work full of twists and guaranteed that this author's audience was caught up in this story. Lots of action kept this story moving quickly.

Mila Kane knows how to pack a punch and keep them coming. This author wears black well and her stories reflect that. Brutal Legacy shows the power of love for an intense and satisfying read!

*I was given an advanced copy. All opinions expressed are my own.*
*While this book is part of a series it can be read as a stand alone.*

Game Face

By: Ginger Scott

Release Date: March 27, 2025

Publisher: Little Miss Write, LLC

Author Website: http://www.littlemisswrite.com/

5 Stars

As the love story of Wyatt Stone and Peyton Johnson continued life threw challenges at them that would crush a lesser love but allowed them to conquer all with theirs.

While this couple took their inevitable next steps in their relationship there was no shortage of hurdles for them to take on. Wyatt, a once in a generation quarterback, was faced with decisions that were heartbreaking. His ability to prioritize Peyton to the expense of all else showed his true colors and the depth of their love. Peyton's strength and determination to not only overcome her personal trials but to put Wyatt first was inspiring. This couple showed a maturity and selflessness that was rare and believable thanks to this author's ability to convey their story.

Ms. Scott did a wonderful job of evolving all her portrayals showing their growth without reinventing them. A solid cast of secondary characters added wonderful layers to this story giving it a real sense of family, friendship and community 

Ginger Scott continues to take on real life with strength and understanding. This author does not walk away from the difficulties of her portrayals but shows their capabilities to take them on. Ginger Scott's Game Face took her The Waiting series to the next level and allowed her audience to fall even harder in love with its amazing characters!

*I was given an advanced copy. All opinions expressed are my own.*
*For an enhanced reading experience reading the previous book in this series is recommended.*

Rydeville Elite Epilogue

By: Siobhan Davis

Release Date: February 28, 2025

Publisher: Siobhan Davis

Author Website: http://siobhandavis.co.uk/

5 Stars

When a well-loved series such as the Rydeville Elite series comes out with an epilogue it feels like catching up with old friends. Lives that are far from perfect but filled with love and support are showcased in this epilogue touching base with the hard earned love of each of its characters. Through thick and thin this tightly knit group of friends and family navigated the good and bad in life and seeing that they are all still standing and conquering whatever life throws at them is the best reader high you could ask for!

Well done Siobhan Davis and thanks for a glimpse into the lives of a cast of characters that has left its mark on the hearts of your readers. The Rydeville Elite Epilogue is not a maybe but a must for fans of this series!

*I was given an advanced copy. All opinions expressed are my own.*
*This book is part of a series and it is necessary that the previous books in the series be read first.*

Captivating

By: Bella Matthews

Release Date: February 13, 2025

Publisher: Bella Matthews

Author Website: https://www.authorbellamatthews.com/

4.5 Stars

Childhood sweethearts separated for over a decade bring their simmering hurt to a head in Bella Matthews Captivating for an angsty show of heartache!

Killian St. James' gruff exterior hid a heart yearning for the one woman who held his heart yet he could not have. Killian was a still waters run deep kind of guy, holding in his pain and loyal to an extreme. Lilah Ryan was everyone's sweetheart from her family to her fans few people were immune to her beauty, charm and kindness.

Killian and Lilah were always meant to be but a lack of maturity, miscommunication and stubbornness took hold before circumstances put them back together. In many ways this author showed that while this couple suffered in the end it afforded them time to achieve their individual goals and evolve enough to handle the magnitude of their love for each other. Both Killian and Lilah came from extremely supportive families, each affording them a place where they could be accepted for who they were and supported for what they wanted to be. This author did a great job of conveying all their pent up hurt and in contrast all their pent up love for each other, this couple had an exceptional connection.

The second part of this book really took off and the grudging attraction that had been at bay burst forth for some hot, angsty and reluctant capitulation. Unexpected twists set this book off from a sedate pace to an on the edge of your seat one. True love showed the difference from misunderstanding and the real meaning of what's important in life. Sacrificing yourself for love was a prominent thread in this story. What would you do for love?

In Bella Matthews' world everyone is in everyone's business. Nothing stays a secret for long in this closely-knit community of friends and family. The exceptional witty banter of her characters continues to drive this author's stories and keep her plots moving at a lightening speed. Captivating brings another Bella Matthews couple to happiness for love at its best.

*I was given an advanced copy. All opinions expressed are my own. *
*While this story can be read as a standalone, reading the previous books in this series and in the other series related to this series would enhance the overall reading experience of this work.*

The Accardi Twins

By: Siobhan Davis

Release Date: January 31, 2025

Publisher: Siobhan Davis

Author Website: http://siobhandavis.co.uk/

5 Stars

Set in Siobhan Davis' Mazzone Mafia universe, the Cold King of New York, book one in the Accardi Twins duet, showcases Don Joshua Accardi, the oldest Accardi twin, for a danger-filled and suspenseful story!

When red flags started popping up in the well organized world that Joshua Accardi operated in it was clear that forces that he was unaware of were at play and needed to be eliminated setting off a series of events no one could have imagined or prepared for. Calling in highly skilled, tough as nails Gia Bianchi to perform reconnaissance in enemy territory seemed like the logical solution until hearts got involved and things turned deadly.

Reserved and calculating, Joshua found himself flustered, baffled and intrigued by his attraction to clever, capable and ballsy Gia. This couple's chemistry was a surprise to both of them with lots of edgy moments of circling their desire. From tense confrontations to the emotional capitulation to their feelings for each other Joshua and Gia were a couple that readers will buy into and love.

Cold King of New York was full of surprises and all the dark scheming you would expect from a Siobhan Davis book. Great characters expanded this work adding depth and interesting interactions. This author's anticipation build up is always top notch and she did so with exceptional flair in this story!

One of the things that is often a feature of Siobhan Davis books is her empowerment of women in traditionally male dominated roles and environments. Her female portrayals are as formidable as they are memorable. You can always expect smart plotting and unexpected twists from this author and she does them exceedingly well. Siobhan Davis' Cold King of New York gives readers an intensely satisfying read with a whole lot of intrigue and spice!

Book Two

Don Caleb Accardi was rash and reckless and some might say heartless if they did not see his devotion to Elisa Salerno and his family. His darkness was impossible to contain and led him to a self destructive path. Elisa was sweetness personified a direct contrast to Caleb's brutality. Sensitive and caring, her love of Caleb from an early age directed her life course and proved to be one of her greatest strengths.

Caleb and Elisa's relationship was fraught with emotional trials and self imposed obstacles. The evolution of this pair's intense friendship over the years was a strong foundation for their inevitable capitulation to their feelings and mutual acceptance of their love. This couple had tons of chemistry but it was their emotional attachment that was the driving force of their love story.

From the start this work had a strong suspense subplot that played a big part in Caleb and Elisa's story. This author's ability to surprise her audience with unexpected twists was present and the supporting cast added to this work with their rich character presences.

Siobhan Davis continues to show her writing's durability and long lasting appeal. Stories that jump off the pages and hold her audience captive are to be expected from this author. Cruel King of New York was the well deserved HEA and perfect conclusion to the Accardi Twin's duet!

*I was given an advanced copy. All opinions expressed are my own.*
*It is necessary to read both books in this duet.*

Malicious Vows

By: Shauna Mairéad

Release Date: January 29, 2025

Publisher: Shauna Mairéad

Goodreads Page: https://www.goodreads.com/shaunamairad

5 Stars

Shauna Mairéad dives in where she left off in Malevolent Hearts for an emotional and complicated love story in Malicious Vows!

True love always finds a way and Shauna Mairéad proved that despite the seemingly insurmountable hurdles her leads Cadden and Beibhinn faced in achieving their happily ever after. Sensitively and realistically examining coming to terms with actions that most would find unforgivable, this author made a strong case for this couple to be together.

Cadden Connelly heir to a rival mafia family wore the title of villain in spite of his contrary heroic inclinations. His love of Beibhinn Devereux took precedence showing time and time again that his love for her would always come first even at the cost of his own happiness. Beibhinn stood on her own in a man's world insisting on being an equal and never tolerating less than those she interacted with. This was a heroine who had the ability to be vulnerable but the power and confidence to show it and not allow it to be a weakness.

The dynamic between Cadden and Beibhinn was intense with a history of shared sorrow, betrayal and tragedy that kept them on the edge of doom and ultimate happiness. The back and forth between following their hearts and letting go of the past that held them back moved this story quickly. The pages vibrated with their physical and emotional intensity. There was a depth to this relationship that made readers think as this pair struggled with their consciences and morals.

Shauna Mairéad writes with a passion and sense of adventure that translates to her readers. Her exceptional sense of plotting and twists keeps her audience anticipating the endless possibilities of her stories' outcomes. Malicious Vows takes readers to the heart-racing conclusion of Shauna Mairéad's dark and tempting Heirs of the Emerald Isles duet for a story that will leave them eagerly awaiting the next book she has in store for them!

*I was given an advanced copy. All opinions expressed are my own.*
*Reading the previous book in this duet is necessary.*

In Shadows We Dance

By: Lee Ann

Release Date: January 10, 2025

Publisher: Raven Ink Publishing

Author FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/LAnnAuthor/

5 Stars

Full of dark nuances Lee Ann's In Shadows We Dance firmly places her as a go to author of edgy romance!

Wren Carlisle was not your run of the mill hero with his alpha darkness permeating every corner of this story. Controlling and calculating he oozed sinister yet Lee Ann adeptly added depth to this character giving him ambiguity and ultimately a heart, just not a conventional heart. 

Ileana Moreno lived in the shadows that others avoided, always keeping to herself and fearing exposure. Appearing like a mouse, a lion lived deep inside her. This author little by little allowed Ileana's fierceness to unfold not only surprising Ileana but everyone who saw her transformation. 

Throughout this work there was an abundance of anticipation with well-plotted twists and turns that did not let up. A complex storyline took this from a typical dark romance to a book that stood out with its clever revelations and uncertainty. Lee Ann did a remarkable job of building the relationship between Wren and Ileana without diminishing the darker aspects of its foundation or dismissing questionable behaviors. Wren and Ileana's bond was earned with confrontations and yearnings.   

Lee Ann has an aptitude for characters that live on the fringe. With a large collection of antiheros under her belt this author always manages to walk the fine line between acceptable and unacceptable for some intriguing portrayals and no shortage of angst. Two things you can expect from Lee Ann is stepping out of her box and pushing her readers out of their comfort zones and In Shadows We Dance she does just that for a great read!

*I was given an advanced copy. All opinions expressed are my own.*

Dillon

By: Siobhan Davis

Release Date: December 26, 2024

Publisher: Siobhan Davis

Author Website: http://siobhandavis.co.uk/

5 Stars

Siobhan Davis continues to flesh out her All of Me series with insightful personal perspectives adding to the depth of her key characters and their motivations for a truly rewarding and immersive reading experience.

Ms. Davis brilliantly captured all the conflicting emotions that plagued Dillon creating a portrayal that wore his angst and anger on his sleeve yet still could not hide his admirable inclinations and traits. In the end the person that ended up being hurt most by Dillon's actions was Dillon as he fought the burden of being unable to see his worth. Surrounded by a loving family the core of who Dillon was obviously was shaped by this love ultimately shining through but not without a fair amount of drama and heartache. This author filled this work with an abundance of small details adding to an already robust story. 

In Dillon, Siobhan Davis gave readers a chance to see the potential that lived within this character and his hard road to achieving it for an emotional and gripping story

*I was given an advanced copy. All opinions expressed are my own.*

*This book should not be read as a stand alone. The previous books in the All of Me series should be read prior to reading this book.*