Review: Laces - Tempi Lark

Laces by Tempi Lark
My rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ stars

Laces by Tempi Lark is book one in the ‘Boys of Hawthorne Asylum’. The book focuses on the characters Gambrielle and Laces (with some other characters; Reyes, Varla and Thorne thrown into the mix). The book focuses on Gambrielle and what happens to her when she tells the truth and isn’t believed as we follow her journey when she is taken to the Hawthorne Asylum. Upon her entry, she is thrust into Laces psychotic world, figuring out who he is, the power he wields at Hawthorne Asylum and whether ultimately he can be trusted.

Laces is definitely a bad boy. He is cocky, alpha and complex. It was interesting to see his character develop the more he got to know Gambrielle and what makes her tick, especially as she started to put cracks in his armour.

This is a complex novel as we delve into Gambrielle and Laces characters and find out more (not only about them), but the others that live at the asylum. We also see into Gambrielle’s backstory which is troubling and heart-breaking, and which ultimately shows her inner strength, especially due to where she ends up for telling the truth. We also find out things about Laces which are eye opening.

This first book is going to leave you with a lot of unanswered questions and a stunning cliff-hanger. If you like slow burn, bully romances, then this is going to be the one for you!

ARC received for a fair, honest and sometimes long review. All opinions are my own. 😊

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Review: Hectic - T.S. Snow

Hectic by T.S. Snow
My rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ stars

Hectic is book two in the ‘Arcane Mange’ series by T.S. Snow and after the cliff-hanger of book one, we are thrust back into Chastity’s atmosphere. Chastity’s story picks up where we left her and her life is a hot mess. With no home, no magic and people after her, her only job is to try and find the mole in the AMIA so that she can get her life back and do what she is good at…making MET’s, playing videogames and being her super self! But life has other plans for Chas, the Arcane Heirs keep popping up everywhere she’s going trying to claim her, which just adds to the hot mess of her life.

I really enjoyed the world building of this book, as we get to know more about Chastity and her role in the AMIA, as well as how she finds herself in trouble at every turn. She’s such a snarky character which is really refreshing and that her guys love her for being quirky and different.

We delve a lot more into Andres and Blaze in this book with only snippets of the other two heirs…. I’m sure there is more to come. And the introduction to Blair was great (she’s going to add some extra sass to the storyline, I can tell!)

Overall, this was a quick read book for me, with a lot of drama going on for Chas and lots of things behind the scenes going on (epilogue). I’ll definitely be giving the next book a read when it comes out!

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Review: Immoral Confessions - R. Holmes

Immoral Confessions by R. Holmes
My rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ stars

Immoral Confessions is the new bully romance by R. Holmes. The story looks at the characters Valentina and Rhys. Set at St. Augustine’s Catholic school. Quiet and shy Valentina overhears a conversation that she shouldn’t, which puts her in the crosshairs of Rhys, a bad boy with some dark secrets and an even darker heart. The only loyalty he has is to himself and his brothers and be damned anyone who goes up against them, even the shy little mouse Val.

Throughout the story it seems as though Rhys’s job is to destroy Val and he does some pretty heinous things to her. I enjoyed the duel POV’s that went with this story so that we could get into the psyche of both Rhys and Val, which actually helped to redeem Rhys and his treatment of Val. Val was an exceptionally strong character and we see her growth throughout the whole book and how her influence helps Rhys to grow. The side story between Val and her stepmother was also interesting and heart-breaking and gave a whole new level to Val’s maturity and vulnerability.  

The scenes between Val and Rhys are also scorching hot. He certainly does like to torture her (in the best way). There were some phenomenal scenes between the two which were spicy, sexy and well written. 

This book is just full of chemistry, steamy scenes and twist and turns which really added to the overall feel of the book and it looks like it is going to be a really great bully/dark read series. 

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Release Blitz: Dark Reign - Xavier Neal

 

DARK REIGN (The Bennett Duet #2) by Xavier Neal

Release Date: January 28th 

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56348154-dark-reign

NOW AVAILABLE!!

FREE in Kindle Unlimited!

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THE DUET IT NOW COMPLETE!!

Dark Ruler, Book #1

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Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/3jSlkoV

Blurb:

I am going to restore my reign over both worlds.

First, with a pen.

Next, with a knife.

Remind them who sits on the throne of this concrete jungle.

Repair the structure that was shattered when my Mia Bella was stolen from me.

Revenge will be had.

Restitution received.

And for me to reestablish order, I will do whatever is necessary.

For there is no cost that is too great.

For there is no distance that is too vast.  

For there is no sacrifice that is too sizeable.

I am a different man because of the only woman I'll ever love.

And that man is more dangerous than anyone could've ever predicted.

About the Author:

Xavier Neal is a best-selling romance author who enjoys hopping from sub genre to sub genre like a game of Hopscotch she can't resist.

 

In between writing, she loves to read (everything from romance to self improvement books), watch movies (old and new), eat too much Tex-Mex (her Chuy's t-shirt collection is out of control), and watch AHL hockey games LIVE (preferably against the glass whenever possible).

 

She currently resides happily in Texas with her bearded husband "Lumberjack" and her rather lazy dog, Missy.

 

Connect w/Xavier:

Website: https://www.xavierneal.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/XavierNealAuthorPage

Twitter: http://twitter.com/xavierneal87

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorxavierneal

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4990135.Xavier_Neal

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2KAOA4z

Bookbub: http://bit.ly/2KA7tEW

NL Signup: https://www.xavierneal.com/newsletter

Review: For a Goode Time Call... - Jasinda Wilder

For a Goode Time Call... by Jasinda Wilder
My rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ stars

For a Goode Time Call is book 1 in the Goode Girls series by Jasinda Wilder. The story looks at the characters Ink and Cassie. Ink has a tough past. Even though he is a gentle giant, he has faced adversity because of his size and who he is. Hiding himself away from people, he gets pleasure from art, nature and tattooing, that is until Cassie comes onto the scene.

Cassie is fighting her own demons after her career as a ballet dancer takes a dramatic and drastic turn, making her question who she is and what she wants out of life. She was unprepared for Ink, but can she get her heart and her head in the right place for him to be her forever?

This was a really beautiful book about two characters who have had some hard things thrown at them. Ink was a really likeable character, he is confident, wise and knows what he wants, but he does let his past hinder who he could be and sometimes his lack of communication and overthinking can cause some issue for him. Cassie was a good match for him, even though there were at times you wanted to give her a shake because she was so stubborn and hurt (thank goodness for her mum and sisters).

There was a lot of depth to this book and you really felt for the characters and their strength to get through their challenges. There are also some great sexy scenes to keep you turning the pages and characters from other books who of course pop up to offer their advice! A good book to wile away a few hours.

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Review: About That Night - Laura Brown

About That Night by Laura Brown
My rating: ⭐⭐⭐ stars

About That Night is a heart-warming read by author Laura Brown. The book focuses on Izzy Fineburg and Nolan Holtzman. Izzy has faced some challenges in her life, but none as big as raising a child after an amazing one-night stand. After trying to find the father of her baby, she gives up, until one day she stumbles upon him at her new job and to make it more awkward, he remembers who she is!

Nolan never expected to see Izzy again, least of all find out that he is a father to a beautiful son. Surprised not only by meeting Izzy again but also by the revelation, Nolan doesn’t feel like he is the best person to be a father and doesn’t quite know what to do. Yes, he is still attracted to Izzy, but now he has a lot of responsibility, not only to Izzy and his son, but also to his new job.

This book was a slow burn romance about people who aren’t perfect and trying hard in a quite cruel world. I enjoyed seeing a diverse character (Nolan being deaf) and how the interaction between a deaf and hearing character was handled with compassion and care. There was a definite connection between Nolan and Izzy and how their relationship (as well as the relationship between Nolan and Archie) progressed throughout the book. A heart-warming and sweet read!

ARC received for a fair, honest and sometimes long review. All opinions are my own. 😊

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New Release: Puck's Property - Monique Moreau

It's time to get claimed!
Puck's Property by Monique Moreau is HERE!!!  

Universal --  https://books2read.com/u/38R0YB  
Amazon -- https://amzn.to/3pKVuWt
Apple -- http://apple.co/38S8uUL
B&N -- http://bit.ly/38Vbf6u
Google -- http://bit.ly/38S8CDJ
Kobo -- http://bit.ly/3nWcd7M

 BLURB:

A lonely social worker.
A biker behind bars.
Can their red-hot passion set them free?

What if your first love was your one true love? Eight years ago, Puck broke Ava's heart. She picked up the pieces, patched them together, and kept going. Yet she never forgot him. When Puck sauntered through her office door at work, she was shocked to find a brawny, tatted-up biker dressed in an orange jumpsuit with the word INMATE stamped on the back. 

What if you rediscovered the passion you carelessly threw away in your youth? For Puck, the only good thing about his trip to the jailhouse social worker's office was finding Ava again. All grown up, she looked luscious, and he bet she tasted even better. 

Breaking up seemed like the right thing to do at the time, but no other woman could replace Ava. Fate brought them together again and Puck wouldn’t make the same mistake twice. Ava was his property and he’d bring her to heel—no matter what it took. If that included blackmail, so be it. A biker never won by playing fair. 

But what happens in jail doesn't always stay in jail, and dark forces conspire to divert destiny and tear these lovers apart. Will their love survive a second trial?

Looking for a steamy ride with a splash of power exchange? Look no further and get it now with one click!

About Monique

Growing up in New York City, I used to walk the hot pavements in the melting heat of the long summers, and dream. Uptown to downtown, eastside to the westside, and underground to catch a subway racing out into the boroughs.

During my wanderings, my magic pencil spun out fantasies full of romance, with first meetings, heartbreaks, and reunions. Sometimes my boy crush (unrequited, of course) starred as the hero.

I grew up, and after a stint in art school, became a lawyer ‘cuz a woman’s got to make a living. I came from parents who fled to France as refugees, and as an attorney, I dedicated my work to helping survivors of trauma and persecution.

I believe in them. In their grit, in their determination to hold on, to pull through and, somehow, someway, to keep themselves intact, body and soul.
Perhaps that is why I am drawn to writing stories of men and women who live through heart-rending pain, desperate yearnings and, ultimately, reach a place of redemption.

For a long time, I fought the urge to veer off the expected, safe path until I couldn’t go on unless I took a chance and made a change. I began to write, stopped, and began again. Finally, I gave in and here I am.

Come join me on my journey…

Find Monique Online!
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2QKtJOb
BookBub: https://bit.ly/3gNvrsU
Facebook: https://bit.ly/3jYl3Br
Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3gmIxOa
Instagram: https://bit.ly/3gyidB3
Website: https://moniquemoreau.com

Review: The Virgin Hunt Games - Mel Teshco

The Virgin Hunt Games by Mel Teshco
My rating: ⭐⭐⭐ stars

The Virgin Hunt Games by Mel Teshco is a sexy, action packed book. The book focuses on Melody Simmons and Damon Banscott. Melody is human and desperately needs money to help her family. In order to get the money, she volunteers for the Virgin Hunt Games, which means she needs to entice as many hunters to bed her as possible to get more credits. The downside to this is that millions of viewers are going to watch her fall from grace.

Enter alien Damon Banscott. Even though he hates everything to do with the games, his nemesis is going to be there, and he is out for revenge. The only plus side is Melody, who he is instantly attracted to the moment he sees her and vows to help her get as many credits as he can…as long as she’s his!

There is a lot going on in this book, from us learning who Damon really is and why he is out for revenge, the many sexy scenes between him and Melody as well as the many obstacles that are in the way as they try to play the game and survive. Melody is a strong woman and knows what she wants, and I liked that she didn’t necessarily fawn over Damon but got his help when she needed it and used her own cunning when she didn’t. The interaction between Damon and Melody was great as was learning about other characters and where they were from. As this is an erotica, there are definitely a lot of sexy scenes with some elements of kink.

Overall, an enjoyable alien read!

ARC received for a fair, honest and sometimes long review. All opinions are my own. 😊

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Cover Reveal: The Sacrifice - Elena Monroe

 

                                                                                COVER REVEAL

Title: The Sacrifice

Series: The 4Horsemen #3

Author: Elena Monroe

Genre: Dark Forbidden Romance

Cover Design: Maria, Steamy Reads

Release Date: February 4, 2021

BLURB

KHAOS

I’m not living under any kind of false pretenses here. I know I’m basically a rapper’s attitude with R&B feelings and a pop star’s bank account. 

There were a lot of ways to describe my unconventional lifestyle of part time cult member and full time showman. 

Risk taker. 

Exuberant.

And my personal favorite adjective: undomesticated.

I surrounded myself with people who liked a good time but left after they served their purpose of making sure I felt nothing but top shelf feelings.

I wasn’t about to be like my brothers who let the darkness eat away at their vindication. The only crime I had ever committed was waving the glory of being invited, of saying I came and conquered around like a badge of honor. 

Spoiler alert: None of that earned me respect.

There’s only one girl who managed to rob me of my fake smile...and my watch. 

GRACE

I was a throw away, street trash, a child abandoned and scooped up by the bad people you only hear about after they get caught. 

I was hard in a way people found uncomfortable and determined too much work to rehabilitate into society again. I was found guilty over and over enough to let the bad things become who I am, blurring the lines between freedom and a jail sentence. 

Fraud. 

Thief. 

And my least favorite: fake girlfriend to a scary ass kingpin. 

Forced out of a childhood I was surrounded by darkness, evil, and the kind of cutthroat loyalty that landed your body so mutilated they wouldn’t be able to tell who you were if you fell out of obedience. 

They accepted me like family and there’s no quitting your family.

I had the respect to match my rap sheet.

There’s only one guy who managed to exonerate me… and my invisible wings.

GOODREADS LINK: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53469508-the-sacrifice 

EXCERPT

I was too consumed to keep my hand going when I exhaled right along with her while I watched her features melt into a kind of bliss I chase daily. 

Wasting no time Birdy got up from the bed, holding all of my attention, crawling on her hands and knees straight for me. That same burning sensation from not breathing took up the space in my chest when she kneeled down between my legs. 

The same stare wasn’t breaking between us, it was like she was willing me to now come on demand. My hand moved painfully slowly, still too determined to split my focus between her and getting off. 

I would choose her every time. 

Her still labored voice whispered, “I wanna taste you so I know if you taste like sin or secrets.”

Swallowing the lump in my throat I held up my hand and snapped my fingers before I decided to completely fuck the rules. She was sitting there staring up at me in her post-orgasm bliss asking to taste my sins and secrets - and I’m supposed to obey my own rules? Nah, please tell me how I could have that much strength to resist. 

Fuck.

Fuck.

Fuck.

Fuck.

Fuckkk me.

ALSO AVAILABLE

#1 The Initiation

US: https://amzn.to/30MjApA
UK: https://amzn.to/36N8Tab
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AU: https://amzn.to/2SEwdid

Free in Kindle Unlimited

#2 The Test

US: https://amzn.to/3oEWOKj
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Free in Kindle Unlimited

AUTHOR BIO

Elena Monroe grew up in Florida scribbling down stories from a very young age. These stories were really just wavy lines filling the paper, but she knew each word, each emotion, each character's name, and there was no tricking her into forgetting what each line signified. Just like her unconventional way of writing as a toddler Elena is setting her own rules and just telling stories. 

Much like her debut novel, The Best Years, life certainly imitated art. Transplanting from the South to the East Coast, Elena currently lives in Connecticut with husband, reformed bad boy. 

Find her on her social media through Twitter at @elenamonroe, Instagram at @elenamonroewrites, Facebook at @elenamonroewrites, and more

AUTHOR LINKS

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenamonroewrites 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elenamonroewrites 

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2307075255991016 

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Elena-Monroe/e/B07Q41NHSK 

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19007689.Elena_Monroe 

Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/9f9e97ec87f3/elenamonroewrites 

Merchandise: https://mailchi.mp/44987f1e4f95/shopelenamonroe

New Release: Blood and Bone - Paula Dombrowiak

Blood and Bone

by Paula Dombrowiak
(The Blood and Bone Series, #1)
Publication date: October 30th 2020
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Synopsis:

Love is complicated, messy, and sometimes painful but oh so worth it. A heartbreaking journey through love, friendship, family, and fame. 

Music brought them together, addiction tore them apart, loyalty saved them. It was always Jack and Mia, everyone else was just collateral damage.

Jack O'Donnell's life was teetering on the edge. Forced, as a teenager, to make a decision that would change his life forever, he left his hometown to pursue a music career with collaborator Mia Stone. Living in a van by the beach was not the glamorous Los Angeles lifestyle they had envisioned but sparked the most creative time of their lives. Making it big was all they ever wanted but when it happened, friendships were tested, hearts were broken, and lives were changed forever. 

Erin Langford is a seasoned journalist tasked with writing a feature on Jack O'Donnell. Being at the right place at the right moment puts Erin in a unique position to get the story, but at what cost? Having preconceived notions about Jack's rock star image, she learns there is more to a story than just the headlines. The two embark on a journey through Jack's past where he recounts the rise and fall of his band Mogo and the irreplaceable bond between himself and collaborator Mia Stone. The feature she thought she was going to write, turns into so much more. 

Blood and Bone is an evocative story told in alternating time periods, from the early '90s to the present day about deep bonds between flawed people whose only outlet of self-expression is through their music.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54950697-blood-and-bone

Purchase:

Smashwords: https://bit.ly/BloodandBoneSW
Apple: https://bit.ly/BloodAndBoneApple
Kobo: https://bit.ly/BloodAndBoneKobo
Amazon: https://bit.ly/BloodAndBoneAmz
B&N: https://bit.ly/BloodAndBoneBN

AUTHOR BIO:

Paula Dombrowiak grew up in the suburbs of Chicago, Illinois but currently lives in Arizona. She is the author of Blood and Bone, her first adult romance novel which combines her love of music and imperfect relationships. Paula is a lifelong music junkie, whose wardrobe consists of band T-shirts and leggings which are perpetually covered in pet hair. Music is what inspires her storytelling.

Paula is currently working on a sequel to Blood and Bone which focuses on Hayley O'Donnell's music career while living in her fathers shadow.

Author links:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/PDombrowiak
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Paula-Dombrowiak-113055590484167
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paula_dombrowiak/
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/Dombrowiak
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20529493.Paula_Dombrowiak
Website: https://www.pauladombrowiak.com
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/paula-dombrowiak

Review: Blood and Bone - Paula Dombrowiak

Blood and Bone by Paula Dombrowiak
My rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ stars

Blood and Bone by Paula Dombrowiak tells the story of Jack O’ Donnell, an aging Rockstar whose led a turbulent life. When he is approached by reporter Erin Langford for an interview about his old band, he finds himself on a journey of his life both past and present. The book takes us on a rollercoaster ride into the dark side of music as well as exploring when the spotlight ceases to be on you.

The book delves into different parts of Jack’s life weaving the past and the present together whilst showing the development of the relationship between Jack and Erin as the story progresses, highlighting vulnerabilities and difficulties as Erin learns more about Jack and being a reporter and Jack taps into his vulnerabilities, mistakes and often selfish moments that he has had throughout his career and life.

This was a wonderfully written book with some complex characters and illustrating the harshness and darkness that often comes with fame. Jack is a complicated character who has complicated relationships, but he definitely wins you over. This is a deeply emotional book and deals with quite a lot of things which could be triggers for some readers. If you like emotionally charged Rockstar books with complex characters, then this is the read for you!

ARC received for a fair, honest and sometimes long review. All opinions are my own. 😊

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Review: Sweet Pea - Jack Davenport

Sweet Pea by Jack Davenport
My rating: ⭐⭐⭐ stars

Sweet Pea is book four in the Burning Saints MC by Jack Davenport. The story focuses on newly appointed ‘Road Captain’ Sweet Pea Kimble. A lot if going on in Sweet Pea’s life, not only with his promotion but with his club in general  as issues with a rival club come to a violent head and his instant attraction to Assistant District Attorney Callie Aimes whose passion for justice might just cost her, her career.

Both Sweet Pea and Callie burn white hot as they try to balance their lives, hearts and secrets whilst trying to stay safe. There is a lot of two and froing with Sweet Pea as he deals with his past and present, it is only through unforeseen circumstances that he admits his feelings for Callie. I also liked that Callie was so smart and quirky whilst trying to fight for justice of the downtrodden.

There is certainly a lot going on between these two characters with some exceptionally hot scenes. Characters from previous books make an appearance and we learn a little bit more about others. This is a fast paced MC read that anyone who likes this genre should give it a try.

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